Every now and then I get notes from people just saying thanks for inspiration and for songs and what not. Obviously they mean a ton to me. When I get a note from a fan, especially something specific, it makes what I do worth everything. This is a note from a fan over on myspace that I shall keep anonymous, per our agreement. But this was a great note. From time to time I'll share these kind of notes. This one is very special to me.
"Hey Chris...
I am sitting here at my computer, trying very hard to muster up some words that sound half intelligent. There are so many things I need to say, but for you to understand, I suppose I will have to start at the beginning. So, if you will, please bare with me. Hopefully it will be worth it in the end.
I will start of by saying that, ever since your Seal song in the AI auditions, I found something incredibly appealing about you. Your voice was unique, your sense of humor was a light in the sometimes serious mood of the contest, and I loved how God seemed to shine through you. I am 16, a sophomore in high school, and currently working towards confirmation. I am so excited to be thought of as an adult in the Church. I have become much more spiritual throughout this process, which also excites me. And yes - this all relates to you. I read your blogs often, Chris, but I tend to just sit back and read, rather than comment. But, I did see your blog about songs a few weeks ago, and decided to come by and check them out! Just let me tell you, that I have had many songs that touched me for one reason or another, but I have never, and I mean NEVER, had any song touch me as much as "Empty Me Of Me" has. The message is so powerful to me, especially since I am going through a "spiritual reinvention", if you will. I don't want to waste your time, but I just wanted to let you know that I love what you are doing, and I will back you up 100% of the way. I honestly think that your music was a gift from God, meant to help me through this journey of mine. So thank you, and please keep it up. And keep letting God shine through you as he does.
Love and Happiness
XXXXX"
I wrote this person back and let her know that this kind of note makes a song like Empty Me mean even more to me than it already does.
So, thank you all for your support and love.
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56 comments:
Awww that was really nice. :)
That was really nice of you to write her back because so many celebrities/pseudo-celebs/whatever you want to call them don't really always take the time to return fan mail.
It's messages like those that make dealing with all of the negative ones worth it. :)
How cool! What a joy it must be to be able to touch people, strangers, in such a way through the power of music.
Thanks for sharing the note w/us and so many other things as well.
clarissaNaz
My wife worked through confirmation before we married in the church. It helped her get rid of much baggage of her earlier life and examine it in a new look of love and forgiveness. "Empty me of me" would be a good song to relate too during such a process. Now for me as I age, Potential means a lot. Except for me it should be, "We're almost fifty....getting old but never growing up...where I can finally be the hero my grand daughter sees.
Thanks for sharing. That is really awesome that you can touch someones life like that.
Wow! I got goosebumps! It is so nice to know when God is working through us and we have somehow managed to touch someone's life is a very real way. Very cool.
And I agree. God is definately working through you and your music. You have a real gift and a voice like an angel!
See? You touch people - just like the Beatles did! Well, maybe it's not exactly the same thing, but the point is, you've made an impression in someone's life.
Hey - remember I mentioned months ago that Kevin Covais was getting local gigs near me on Long Island and that he was going to be in a movie? Well, here's an article that mentions him and the movie (that is coming out in January):
http://www.mediablvd.com/magazine/Magazine-Home/mbnews7224549549.html
One more thing - Long Island does not get the Gospel Music Channel, so I hope that someone will record Chris's performance and put it up on Youtube.... (The Kitchen Sink - 8 PM Nov. 17th.)
Chris,
Her note was beautifully written and you should know that she is not alone in being touched by your music. I can assure you I wouldn't be here if you and your music hadn't touched me on some level, and I would guess that is true for everyone who comes here.
I don't know what you consider successful, but to me if you are able to touch people with your music, you have been successful.
Here's to your continued success!
Love from DJ in AL!
Very sweet. In her simple sentiment and feeling, she stated quite beautifully what some of us feel corners of, but never really own.
It was good of you to respond in kind to her. I bet it really meant alot.
Badcatholic--I had a Confirmation, but honestly, I don't recall it as being that big a step in life. It would have been nice, had it was.
and rosalee!--I loved that little Kevin Covais! I just wanted to squish him...so adoreable. I'm glad he's still out there.
thanks for the welcome I have been trying to comment for the long time I been reading your blogs and I followed you all through Idol and voted a ton sorry you didn't make it further, thanks I'll check it out i have you as one my friends , I use to go to college with you we met a few times I went to pcc the same first year you did and funny we both transfered the next year to Bju we met a few times in passing with friends at the time and we have a mutual friend Scott Pitts so I met you one time with him. We meaning Scott and I dated in college my last year, but went on to marry other people. Any how Sounds like your doing well and congrats on it all, Maybe some day we will pass by again, My husband does music to and we have a home studio in our home, he writes plays music and produce some cds, He use to love in Nashville and wrote music a few years back and is trying get back in the industry and says every year we are moving to Nashville,lol So who knows its small world if not we meet again in Heaven one day,lol Keep it real and I Hope you go real far. Sorry for the book,lol
To Jocee & Dan,
From GDA,
Which rates more demerits, assuming the letter writer is imaginery, or contrary to Chris' request, mention the site which we dare not speak thy name or refer to, or both?
Post citing or mentioning said site have been eradicated.
Worlds are not to be stargated.
I love supporting someone who is a good role model for the teens out there. So many celebs you read about are doing things you don't want your kids emulating. Here's a great example of a teen who has his head on straight and is finding inspiration in Chris's music. Now that's what I'd like to be reading in People!
Okay this is getting ridiculous. It's one thing to post anon and stalk Chris and make fun of him all. day. long, but to register to do it? People need LIVES.
GDA-- I personally liked your stargate metaphor. And your rebuttal was well-said. Carry on.
Thanks for the defense, guys.
I love that I have people who are crazy obsessed with me enough to actually register and account to talk smack. It's great! I feel like I'm moving up in the world!
So, thanks, Jocee & Dan...you guys seriously made my day.
Chris
To BullysE & All
From GDA,
Thee's already enough carrying on with the carrion of issues that started to smell several threads ago.
I do think it is time to take this garbage out and bury it then open the windows let in some fresh air and sunshine.
Also tell some guests that it's past time to leave. Unsubtle hints are obivously being ignored.
Dan have checked the archive of oblivion to find any of your missing history, but don't spend to much time looking you may be locked in, and this crowd would be delighted if not love to play keep away with the key.
Ciao baby
GDA,
I just find it funny that people seem to think what they want to about things without looking over the facts. It's called rationality. I could go back and forth all day with that kid and come up with a valid answer for every "issue", but I'm not going to. He just doesn't understand that some guys, with obvious different music tastes may be a bit embarassed to admit they like McPhee or the like. Not everything said over the internet is an insult and not everyone is out TO insult. Ah well, let them think what they must.
To
Carrie,
From GDA,
I think the reality is some of our visitors fancy themsleves provocateurs with the only objective is to rattle the cage. Truth and the facts are manipulated to pursue this objective not clarity or understanding.
We keep playing ball. We really need to stop returning his serves but we keep letting outrage supersede the need to drop the ice curtain of silence.
If by some quirk of fate that he is truly a Blake fan then I guess Blake would be disappointed, possibly alarmed, by this crap being done in his name.
Poor Blake!
To Carrie,
From GDA,
Try these instead and enjoy
The Beatles Hello Goodbye : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82PrV1f7GMQ
Rolling Stones - We Love You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad--0kjblfw
The Move - Fire Brigade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX6JB7Teu9o
Phil Seymour - Precious to Me: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Uhcp5r9Nl8A
Dwight Twilley Looking for the magic
Dwight Twilley Band with Phil Seymour & tom Petty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l24DFbedbJ0
Mari Wilson - Just What I Always Wanted: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWFPqGLbVa0
Roxy Music - Do The Strand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzc2GX0nNXo
The Beatles Hello Goodbye - montage fun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QShSmpI0r9k
GDA,
Thanks! That'll get my mind of being insulted here. Again. Haha. Good times.
Dan,
Can it, if you expect that explanation to satisfy or smooth over the offense taken you truly are an insensitive oaf and I know women who if you said in person much of what you said to Carrie, they deck you.
say good night and hang it up
GDA
Dan,
Don't know you & frankly that is a good thing. I never engage with negative folks here on Chris's blog but you constantly insisting that Chris is somehow trying to hurt Blake is frankly ridiculous. Let me share some perspective with you from a much older person than yourself.
You say you are a Blake fan. Well do Blake proud and show some class. When you are a fan, you need to think about your actions and behavior. When fans act like you do, you reflect badly on the person you are claiming to be a fan of. I always try to be fair and kind to everyone because I am a member of the Fro Patro. That means something to me. I want my actions to reflect in a positive way toward Chris. I want folks to say, you know Chris Sligh has a pretty nice bunch of fans. Basically, what I am trying to tell you is that your immature behavior here on Chris's blog makes Blake look bad.
As for Chris and Blake being friends. Well I am not sure how many AI concerts you went to but I happen to go to 8 this summer. I was at both in New Hampshire and stayed at the hotel Blake's Dad stayed at. We had a chance to talk quite a bit (we are about the same age) that weekend and he mentioned on quite a few occasion on how much Blake and Chris were great friends. He also said that Chris was a great guy. I also got to know Blake’s Aunt (she reads Chris's blog) and she was super nice. She likes Chris too.
Look I had the opportunity to observe the Idols a lot this summer and all of them got along great. That was what was so nice about going to the concerts and stuff. You could really tell that they all cared about each other. They are all just a super bunch of great people. All of us here in the Fro Patro want Blake to be successful. We think he is great. You don't see any of us going around bashing him. So why come here and let loose on Chris???
Chris is one of the nicest people that I know. Come on, if you knew him then you wouldn't be posting this kind of stuff.
I read what you are referring to and I am telling you that you are taking it the wrong way. So Dan, just chill, hang around here if you want but only if you are going to be nice. We are a pleasant bunch of folks here and we respect each other. That is all we ask in return. If you can't do that then go find another sandbox to play in.
Carmen
Carrie,
Do tell me what you liked.
GDA
GDA,
Oh, I probably would have. Online I can just laugh it off.
Carmen,
THANK YOU for posting that. Really.
Dan,
I can appreciate your loyalty and devotion to Blake. It would be admirable if it weren't intensely crazy (can you even buy the same song 20 times on the same iTunes account?). Every artist would die to have fans devoted to them enough to defend them. However, I think what everyone here is trying to let you know is that your fascination and obsession with trying to make a point is crazy and literally out of control. I have deleted your post 15 times. That's just the posts that you have spammed. I'm not counting the posts where you hurl insults at members of the blog that I have also deleted.
Dan, just so we're clear, my words were dripped with sarcasm when I mentioned that I felt like a star. I was joking. I wish I didn't have to explain it to you, but unfortunately I do, it seems.
Your posts are full of mis-spellings, grammatical errors and generally come across as rants and raves. You use the phrase passive aggressive repeatedly all the while coming across as a parrot for something you read somewhere else.
Blake would have no problem with anything that I have said anywhere. He knows the story. He knows how much fun we had as roommates. He knows what happened in each situation and this situation. He knows enough to know that I wouldn't imply that Kristi, whose fiancee' I have come to like very much, and he would have anything other than a platonic relationship.
It's the people who feel as though they need to dig into each sentence I write and find the hidden meaning that have the problem in this specific situation. I am not saying that I have always been right..and in this situation perhaps I could have worded it better. But anyone who knows the situation here knows that there was no ill will, especially to Blake. There have been times in the past, I admit, that I have said things, specifically about Sanjaya, that were wrong and over the line. But in this instance I said and did nothing wrong.
My comments about Jordin were not indictments on her music. I enjoy Jordin's music. I simply said that it sounded like Katherine McPhee's album, an album that I own and listen to on a pretty regular basis. My shame in that specific instance was a false shame b/c of people hating that specific album so much.
I have stood up for Haley on multiple occasions, so I'm not sure what you mean by passive aggressive towards Haley. And I alread addressed the Sanjaya comments from months ago that I have addressed with Sanji personally and have since forged a great friendship with the guy.
Dan, I am asking you to please stop spamming. If you don't I will re-enact my approving of every comment personally and no one wants that...but I will and your posts will never see the light of day.
I appreciate your resolve. I hope you can appreciate mine.
Peace and love,
Chris
This has been a weird night with many post appearing with the brevity of a ghost sighting and comments have been missed.
Let's end this now and try to start over by being at least civil with no recriminations, like being mature* ladies and gentlemen.
No one is achieving anything laudable or praiseworthy.
GDA
* don't read that as old.
Dan,
Your becoming a harpy.
It's been stated, noted, and getting old.
Cite where the original post or interview appearred, so people can read it and move to a new topic.
GDA
Carrie, I am happy that you don't feel insulted. Otherwise you are just being silly. FIY, you can buy a song 20 times. But the sales does not count unless you use a different account.
Dan, here's the thing, buddy. I do not delete every negative post. If you came on and asked sensibly and respectfully, I'd have had no problem answering you the way I did, minus the part where I said you're acting crazy.
I don't have a problem with you defending Blake. In this specific instance, you happen to be crossing lines in your defense. That's all.
And please do not curse on my blog. We like to have a clean atmosphere here.
Peace and love,
Chris
Okay so is this:
"Oh, Chris. You see, the truth hurts. I am a Blake's fan and would do anything for him: Buy his song 20 times in Itune (by the way it comes out today, go buy it ya'll!), post on his threads everywhere, and hunt down anyone who has intentions to hurt him. I will register for him, I just don't care about my time and money for Shorty!
But I think you desperately need that little delusion for falling sleep. So carry on!"
...the post that you so desperately need me to comment on.
I will answer:
Blake is singular, so you are not a Blake's fan.
You're right: hey, guys, go buy his song, if you like it.
So you're hunting me down. Good for you. You've made your point. You're crazy and have a creepy obsession for chubby former AI contestants with curly hair.
I already pointed out the lack of harm meant to Blake or Kristi, as well as the sarcasm in the statement you are referring to in your last paragraph.
I hope I have satisfied you.
Chris
Dan,
I think you really should go find another sandbox.
Carmen
Chris, I never curse anyone first. Some people call me names or call me crazy. I just reciprocate. Like Carrie, like you. But I am glad you don't feel insulted anyways.
Before asking me to be sensible and respectful, maybe you could watch your own tongue.
Peace and Love!
And this one:
"And to repeat my previous post, you think it's about your stupid sex life? But it's about you insult Blake's bestfriend in the passive-aggressive ways! You have crossed a line here!"
...you seem to want my comment on, too.
The reason I think it's about my life is that that was what was brought up to me. However, to call my statements an insult is gregarious and childesh. And that's not even the correct use of passive aggressive. No line has been crossed.
So, there...finally, I hope you are satisfied.
Peace and love,
Chris
Please don't say my name anymore unless you want to compliment me. Thanks.
PS; Chris, sorry I accidently dropped a word I shouldn't have in that comment you deleted. Assuming that's why because you obviously think I am all kinds of awesome. Don't bring out the bar of soap!
Dan,
Your words are encrypted into my comments, Dan. We don't need to have them reprinted again.
Also, I would ask you to go back and re-read my post. I never called you a name. I never called you crazy. I said that your actions are crazy. There is a multitude of difference between the two.
And granted Carrie might not have reacted entirely correctly, but then you did come in and repeatedly spew venom towards someone she cares for. I think most would take her side in this specific instance.
Chris
Chris, are you crazy? Tell me why you commenting my post would make me satisfied? I am not thirsty for attention like you. LOL
Carrie,
It's no problem. Seriously...I just thought that to be consistent that post should go, too.
Sorry...not an indictment on you.
Chris
Hmmm...Dan, I think your actions speak louder than words, here.
Even crazy people would see your actions as crazy.
Chris
To some lady: I would not engage in any conversation if you did not talk to me first. You started it, sorry! But I won't say your name anymore if you do not call me names.
Good gravy train! I'm out doing my Nominating Chair duties one evening and I miss all the excitement!
Blogger friends, can I suggest that we IGNORE rude comments, and that Chris, you just delete away!
Just think to yourself, "Poor thing, his mama just didn't raise him right'" and move on. We're certainly not going to change his mind by arguing with him. It's like throwing gasoline on a fire...the flames just keep getting higher. (Not that I don't agree with your sentiments totally!) Some folks just love attention--any kind of attention and will do anything to get it. Reminds me of some of my little misbehaving darlins' I had at school over the years.
Night, friends! Risa
Risa,
Be glad you missed it! It gave me a headache! That and I have yet to eat dinner and need to sleep in a half hour. I've said my peace and then promptly deleted my comments once I knew they were read. Never "cursed" but whatever, ya know? Can't win 'em all. Now I'm just back to ignoring and listening to music. It's a good place to be.
To Dan,
From GDA,
The words Peace and Love, coming after everything that has happenned during the last four hours, have had all their beauty and value stripped from them. They have been reduced to hollow, empty cyphers left for others to warm and refill.
FYI, I'm a Blake's fan, too.
Is anyone here posting from Reston, VA?
Chris
"I honestly think that your music was a gift from God, meant to help me through this journey of mine. So thank you, and please keep it up. And keep letting God shine through you as he does."
I just thought it might be good to reiterate what today's blog post started out with. (how do we change course so quickly?) I was just really inspired by this, and it was a good reminder of the influence we all have on others. With Chris, it's his music. With others of us, it might be a kind word we give someone, a good deed, or just the example we set that others see. You never know how something you've done may affect someone else. Thanks for sharing this Chris, and it should be special to you. It was obviously a heartfelt response to a beautiful, meaningful song. Now I really am saying "Night!" Risa
Hurry Sundown - E. Y. Harburg & Earl Robinson
My seed is sown now, my field is plowed;
My flesh is bone now, my back is bowed.
So hurry, sundown, be on your way,
And hurry me a sun-up from this beat-up sundown day.
Hurry down, sundown, be on your way;
Weave me tomorrow out of today.
Tomorrow's breeze now, blows clear and loud;
I'm off my knees now, I'm standing proud.
So hurry, sundown, be on your way,
And hurry me a sun-up from this beat-up sundown day.
Hurry down, sundown, be on your way;
Weave me tomorrow out of today.
My sorrow's song, now, just must break through,
That brave new dawn, now, long overdue.
So hurry, sundown, be on your way,
And hurry me a sun-up from this beat-up sundown day.
Hurry down, sundown, be on your way;
Weave me tomorrow out of today.
Hurry down, sundown, get thee be gone,
Get lost in the sunrise, of a new dawn.
Hurry down, sundown, take the old day,
Wrap it in new dreams, send it my way!
Send it my way!
Send it my way!
Source: http://www.lyrics-database.org/peter-andre-lyrics/only-one-lyrics/a8bae94d0e6787ff.html
Guys,
I hate to do it. But I'm going to go back, for a while, to editing comments.
This has gotten out of hand. Crazy Dan has decided to make it miserable for everyone.
Thank you Crazy Dan.
Chris
Chris, don't worry. Those who were here to see it understand.
To Chris,
From GDA,
Is there an alarm that sounds everytime a new post is entered?
If so it must be driving you bonkers.
Chris-
I'm from very close to Reston, Virginia. (I'm not there now, but.)
Anything I can help with?
The two on the blog (that I know of) that are relatively close to Reston are myself and Girlygirl.
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