Captured the 11:11
Countdown to #JohnMayer new album Born and Raised streaming for free. I already
bought the album and look forward to May 22nd release, but early first listen
is cool. An unexpected gift. Like the time I went to LA for an author's conference
and found out via twitter that John was doing an impromptu secret show at the
Troubadour a block away from where I was staying.
True story…My friend since sixth grade, Michelle's husband had passed away a week before and her kids were going to stay with family for the weekend. She didn't want to be alone in the house, so I bought her a plane ticket at the last minute so she could come with me to California to relax and enjoy the sunshine while I was at the SCBWI Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference. We had planned to go to dinner that night after the session. I checked Twitter and got the message late about the concert. I was also scheduled to pitch a show idea from my children's book to Disney and Nickelodeon that next day and John was on Twitter talking about pitching a show somewhere. At the time it all seemed like some sort of fickle finger of fate that I was there and he was there. I am also a singer songwriter, and I wish I had pursued that earlier in life before I had kids and became a single Mom that needs to work. In that same breath, I have no regrets. I love my kids and enjoy my music that is not based on making money.
We got there and found out that the show was sold out for us ordinary folk. So we went to eat and grumble at an Italian restaurant next door. Some of John's friends were right next to us at the bar saying John was on his way. When we were walking out I saw a body guard and then this guy came out and met these skinny California girls and started to lead them into the back room. I say that because I was feeling self conscious after gaining weight in the midst of some health challenges. In Ohio I look normal but California is full of skinny people it seems like. Anyway, all of a sudden I just found myself walking in behind these girls like I belonged there and was with them. John was at a long table eating with his friends and crew. They watched the two girls sit down and then all looked at me standing there like, "Who are you?" I felt stupid and walked on through because I didn't want to interrupt or for him to think I'm a strange stalker. I had thought that I would say, "Hi John. I'm Shawna Ray. Could you please open up more tickets so we can get into the show?"
Instead I walked right past him and back to the bathroom, laughing at myself. I still can't believe I had the guts to walk in that room and then wimped out!?! I was seriously looking in the bathroom mirror and laughing at myself like WTF??? People are people, no matter what their title or celebrity status is in my opinion. But maybe I do crush a bit on this one and it freaked me out that he would look at me as a crazed fan. Maybe I am a crazy fan? All artists have those who inspire us- right? I am a music lover. Say what you will...John Mayer is still my favorite guitar player and songwriter. I dream of collaborating on a song with him one day. It could happen- right!?! Dream a little dream...
So we went back and waited in line because they said there was a chance we could get in if seats became available from "no shows" on the important people list. I was so pissed that I almost left, but Michelle would not let me. Truth is, it was one of those defining moments because I was mad at myself for living vicariously. I wish I was playing at the Troubadour with MY band, or at least doing more with my life so I could have my name on the list and get in to see a show if I want to. What is that about anyway? My work in the inner city helps to empower people to move beyond poverty. Why is that not on the A list? The human list? I want to do more, but I have two kids who need me. I think my songs are okay for something I produced myself on a limited budget with no experience or guidance from professionals. I know I could do more. But I haven't. And now I am babbling about it. I work in Public Relations and have coordinated large events. I understand crowd control. So it is what it is. The good news is we did get into the show after the first song and it was worth the wait. Small crowd, cool venue and we were close to the stage on the steps stage left. Felt like old times, when I first discovered John's music in college and had the time to take it all in. It was a great night. So much has happened since then...
OK, so why is this thing not streaming yet? Ahhh the time space continuum is gonna kill me. I was up till 3 am last night working on the dreaded annual report for work. Sleep might just make me wait a few more days for new music. Yay! A Tumblr friend just told me to change the time on my computer. Brilliant! Thanks Tumblr friend. Streaming myself to sleep with Born and Raised. All good.
True story…My friend since sixth grade, Michelle's husband had passed away a week before and her kids were going to stay with family for the weekend. She didn't want to be alone in the house, so I bought her a plane ticket at the last minute so she could come with me to California to relax and enjoy the sunshine while I was at the SCBWI Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference. We had planned to go to dinner that night after the session. I checked Twitter and got the message late about the concert. I was also scheduled to pitch a show idea from my children's book to Disney and Nickelodeon that next day and John was on Twitter talking about pitching a show somewhere. At the time it all seemed like some sort of fickle finger of fate that I was there and he was there. I am also a singer songwriter, and I wish I had pursued that earlier in life before I had kids and became a single Mom that needs to work. In that same breath, I have no regrets. I love my kids and enjoy my music that is not based on making money.
We got there and found out that the show was sold out for us ordinary folk. So we went to eat and grumble at an Italian restaurant next door. Some of John's friends were right next to us at the bar saying John was on his way. When we were walking out I saw a body guard and then this guy came out and met these skinny California girls and started to lead them into the back room. I say that because I was feeling self conscious after gaining weight in the midst of some health challenges. In Ohio I look normal but California is full of skinny people it seems like. Anyway, all of a sudden I just found myself walking in behind these girls like I belonged there and was with them. John was at a long table eating with his friends and crew. They watched the two girls sit down and then all looked at me standing there like, "Who are you?" I felt stupid and walked on through because I didn't want to interrupt or for him to think I'm a strange stalker. I had thought that I would say, "Hi John. I'm Shawna Ray. Could you please open up more tickets so we can get into the show?"
Instead I walked right past him and back to the bathroom, laughing at myself. I still can't believe I had the guts to walk in that room and then wimped out!?! I was seriously looking in the bathroom mirror and laughing at myself like WTF??? People are people, no matter what their title or celebrity status is in my opinion. But maybe I do crush a bit on this one and it freaked me out that he would look at me as a crazed fan. Maybe I am a crazy fan? All artists have those who inspire us- right? I am a music lover. Say what you will...John Mayer is still my favorite guitar player and songwriter. I dream of collaborating on a song with him one day. It could happen- right!?! Dream a little dream...
So we went back and waited in line because they said there was a chance we could get in if seats became available from "no shows" on the important people list. I was so pissed that I almost left, but Michelle would not let me. Truth is, it was one of those defining moments because I was mad at myself for living vicariously. I wish I was playing at the Troubadour with MY band, or at least doing more with my life so I could have my name on the list and get in to see a show if I want to. What is that about anyway? My work in the inner city helps to empower people to move beyond poverty. Why is that not on the A list? The human list? I want to do more, but I have two kids who need me. I think my songs are okay for something I produced myself on a limited budget with no experience or guidance from professionals. I know I could do more. But I haven't. And now I am babbling about it. I work in Public Relations and have coordinated large events. I understand crowd control. So it is what it is. The good news is we did get into the show after the first song and it was worth the wait. Small crowd, cool venue and we were close to the stage on the steps stage left. Felt like old times, when I first discovered John's music in college and had the time to take it all in. It was a great night. So much has happened since then...
OK, so why is this thing not streaming yet? Ahhh the time space continuum is gonna kill me. I was up till 3 am last night working on the dreaded annual report for work. Sleep might just make me wait a few more days for new music. Yay! A Tumblr friend just told me to change the time on my computer. Brilliant! Thanks Tumblr friend. Streaming myself to sleep with Born and Raised. All good.
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