Hey guys...it's been a while. Hey, holidays take their toll. The blog was one of the things that has suffered (along with my diet).
Anyway, we went to Greenville and I performed at the Seacoast Christmas Eve service. It was great to be back and hanging out with my old band mates. We did several Christmas songs that were fun, plus we did Mercy Me's song "God With Us"...it was a little surreal singing a song that was the 2nd to last album produced by the guy producing me...a little weird.
So, got to hang out with friends and Sarah's family, plus Sarah and I went to see 2 movies with my brother on Christmas day after the family get together. I won't say which ones because in the past it has started an outrage...but just know...both movies were very good. One was very funny and one was bloody. Your only hints.
We got back last night and today I got adjusted at the chiropractor and also got a massage. So, I'm a little looser, though my chiropractor says that he notices some work that needs to be done, so once insurance kicks in, I'm gonna get some work done.
Then in the afternoon, Phil called and asked me to come and write. He has to turn in some songs this next week to figure out the rest of his record, so we listened to a few songs I had worked on and decided to start afresh. He had a lyric idea and we quickly jumped on it and within a couple of hours (mixed with goofing off, hanging out with Chloe & Mikelah, and listening to each other's songs) we had the song completed.
After we finished, Phil asked for my opinion on some songs that he's been pitched. So, we listened through large portions of about 15 songs. I told him which ones I thought were great and which ones I thought were just good (I mean, at this point everything he's being pitched is really good...but some are just better than others). Let me assure you, people, after hearing 3 of the 4 songs Phil's recorded already and now the majority of what else he's recording (including the song we wrote, hopefully)...Phil's record is going to KILLAH! All Killah no Fillah! Seriously, he has some really, really great stuff and I would like to hold my prediction (since my predictions on other season 6-ers haven't turned out as right as I thought) that Phil will be the best selling New Country Artist of 2008...he will be the Bucky Covington of this season...well, except he sings a lot better and he doesn't have a twin brother or a mullet-tail.
I also had the chance to hear 2 new songs that Chris Rich has been working on. And I should say that I think they're the best stuff that I have ever heard from Rich...they're just little home demos (like the stuff I did at home), but the songs are there and they are great. So, look for some cool stuff from the Richness.
Seriously, no matter what the sales say...Season 6 had more overall talent (I.e., more than just singers) than any Idol season yet. I promise you. I lie not.
My name is Chris Sligh. As an artist I'm award-winning, critically acclaimed & mildly-to-not popular; I wrote a number 1 song (Here Comes Goodbye) for Rascal Flatts. I'm married to Sarah and I'm deeply in love. Most importantly, I am a Christ-follower.
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- ChrisSligh
- I am first and foremost a Christ-follower. I am also a wanna-be rock star. I don't feel the two are diametrically opposed. If you do...I feel bad for you.
124 comments:
I was starting to worry about you! Gald you had happy holiday's, you deserved it. I love that you and Phil have such a close relationship, and I'm excited to hear his album, along with Chris Richardson's album. And I am anxiously awaiting Melinda's album as well. Keep up the amazing work, Chris!
Megan
Some of the other contestants can seem to drop off the face of the earth. If I have small updates I'll try to give you guys little tidbits here and there. I won't spoil anything big, like record deals or movie deals or tv deals or anything like that...but small stuff like hearing songs and stuff like that. It's the least I can do...if I hear something that's cool, I love to comment on it so people can at least know that they're up to something. Like Rich...his stuff sounds great. I think I've proven over time that my taste in music is at least okay...so hopefully people will be more excited to hear his stuff...I just want to help my friends in small ways. I understand that this blog gets about 2000 unique hits a day...so my blogging about something isn't a huge...but it's something.
Chris
I haven't visited the blog in forever, wow. Been pretty busy. Are you serious that naming movies you have seen caused an outrage? I don't even remember that. That's.. wow. Okay then.
I'm glad you had a great holiday so far -- just New Years to go. I'll be around more once things are less crazy for me.
Oh and I think I know exactly which two movies it was. :D
CHRIS AND SARAH,
WELCOME HOME I SAW A PIC OF YOU SINGING AT CHURCH CHRIS. (AT CHRISTMAS)GLAD YOU RETURNED HOME SAFELY. I AGREE WITH YOU WHEN YOU SAID SEASON 6 HAD WAY MORE TALENT THAN IN THE PAST. ALL OF YOU ARE FRESH AND HAVE GREAT IDEAS AND CAN BRAINSTORM LIKE MAD DUDE. IT IS NICE TO SEE YOU ALSO KEEPING IN TOUCH. SO MANY IN THE PAST JUST DID THE IDOL AND NOTHING CAME OF IT. CAN'T WAIT TO GET THE NEW CD'S.I SAY BRING IT ON GUYS.
TO CARRIE:
PLEASE CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS POSTINGS. I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TO GIVE ME THE INFO I NEED TO GET THOSE ITEMS YOU WANTED. HINT:
"ANGELWINGS" CHECK THE POSTING PLEASE. AND HOW IS GRANDPA DOING??
HOPE ALL IS WELL FOR THE NEW YEAR AHEAD WITH EVERYONE....ANYONE GOT GREAT PLANS FOR THE NEW YEARS EVE??
AT WORK SO GOT TO RUN ALL...PEACE OUT....
PEACE & LOVE....
ONE LOVE...................
Chris,
I found your blog online.
I am so glad you have chosen to continue to give God the glory and be used by Him. God bless you and your career.
Thanks for mention Bucky .. but ummmm God has given him a really good and a unique voice and he definitely does not have a mullet-tail..check out mullet...Bucky just has great hair :)
Jesus bless.
Cathy Anne
NY/ATL
Chris, glad you are doing well, and I am glad Phil was signed to Lyric. As a Bucky fan we know how great the label is and Phil is in good hands. Phil was in my opinion one of the most underrated on your season. But I have to disagree on the vocals. Not saying Bucky is better than Phil....or vice versa. They have different voices. Bucky has a great voice, nice tone... I hope you have listened to him live or on his album and not just on American Idol.And sweetie... that is not a mullet.
Chris! Good to see you back and glad you got a chance to go and visit friends and family over the holidays. Don't feel like the Lone Ranger--you're not the only one to suffer a diet meltdown over the last week, ummm, well in my case, month! But today is a new day and the good thing is, you can jump back on the wagon.
I hear you're gonna' have some Fro friends at your NY Eve performance. That will be fun! The rest of us will be there in spirit. Take lots of pics, gals!
OK, off to hit my to do list. My sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew are coming in from Ohio today. (lives in Ohio, but her heart is back in Atlanta, Tom! They lived there for many years.)
Keep Amanda in your prayers. She's still in the hospital at St. Jude and having some difficulties. Her journal address is www.caringbridge.org/visit/amandajones. I'm sure she'd love to hear from y'all. Later! Risa
Hey Chris! You were my favorite of season 6 and it's good to hear you're doing well. Gotta disagree on Season 6 having the most talent though. Season 6 had a lot and more than most of the other seasons IMO but the overall best year was Season 5. Everyone agrees with that. Just happens that my favorite of Season 5 was Bucky, so it's really nice that you should mention him. It would be good for Phil if he could be the best new country artist of 2008 but I don't really see that happening. He was one of my least favs of Season 6, just not enough to catch my attention...but what do I know? Having Lyric street on his side should help, they are good to new artists. Not having a twin shouldn't hurt him...but those dumb hats just might. I always felt bad that he wasn't suited to be bald and couldn't find a hat that wasn't distracting in a not so good way. It's a shame he doesn't have Bucky's hair, really. But I do wish him all the best, and look forward to hearing him on the radio.
Welcome back. Sounds like you had a great holiday. I can't wait for Phils album. I liked him on AI but really loved him in concert. I agree, he has a huge career in front of him. With you helping him write songs he can't go wrong.
Noticed new people on the blog. And two new Cathy's..Very cool.
Any word on when your tour begins?
Yay!!! Bucky fans!
Thanks for stopping by. Please know that I wasn't making fun of Bucky...I was simply joking around. And I will give you guys that: Phil's voice is simply different....I personally enjoy Phil's voice better, but I am sure there are people who enjoy Bucky's voice better.
Thanks for stopping by and not being pissed about me joking around...I appreciate it. Bucky seems like a great guy and I wish him the best of luck! I mean who would've known...the Best Selling New Country Artist of 2007!!! Lyric Street is great!
Chris
Chris~My 7 year old grandaughter, Rebekah, got a guitar for Christmas. She was so excited. She has been playing her dad's so it was time for one of her own. She already can play piano and she's learning to play the guitar. Hmmm...Maybe a Taylor Swift or Colbie Caillat in the making.
Have you heard Colbie Caillat's CD? She is pretty amazing. If you haven't already, give it a listen.
Hey, Chris,
Are you AI people having any kind of get together for NYEve in Nashville that we hoi poloi might come and hang out and listen? Not trying to raise a crowd or anything, but in some of the surrounding areas, there's nothing to do without dropping $50-60 a head.
Bluebird has a cool lineup, but that's $40 a shot, too.
I'm really enjoying the studio diaries. It tickles me when you say it "only" took a couple of hours to get the guitar track for one song.
Us Bucky fans take things in stride lol The boy does have a head of hair, although I'm kind of partial to it lol Yes when he went out 8th who knew...well beside those of us voting for him hee hee Saw you are hosting some sort of New Year's thing, good luck and have fun. Yes Lyric Street Records have been very good to Bucky and his fans, Phil has found a good home. They are a big enough label to make an impact but small enough to give new artists the attention that only big names get elsewhere. Several of us on Bucky's boards were pulling for both you and Phil (Bucky mentioned liking you once in an interview somewhere) throughout your season. Yes keeping people's name out there on a blog really does make an impact. That was the main thing us Bucky fans tried to do.... keep his name out there until he got signed etc. Best of luck to you! I really like your outlook on selling your records. 2 million is nice if you reach it but a quick bang out of the gate does not always translate to longevity and making a living for the long haul. Gospel is like country music in the sense that I think it lends itself to the longevity prospects musch more than other genres.This attitude will serve you well.
I can't wait for Phil's album or yours, for that matter.
xangelglitterx,
I'll get back to you when I get home.
Chris....
you're kinda a geek haha. :-p
haha when I read the Bucky comment I was kind of worried to see if the Bucky fans would react harshly. Glad to see they have a sense of humor! I like Bucky - my sister was actually his "super fan" on American Idol Extra (if anybody knows what that show is lol) - but I prefer Phil's voice as well... not better, just different and more my style! :)
I am excited for Chris's album (LOVE what I've heard so far), and I am excited for Phil's album (though I wish I could hear some clips of his songs!)... they both WILL put out albums, guaranteed. But I am must admit that I am nervous about Richardson's album. It seems like after season 5 there were several contestants who "went into the studio and recorded" but never actually released any music. I won't name names, cause I don't want to offend, but I hope Richardson does not end up like that!
Hey, several new posters. Welcome! Several of us are country music fans as well.
Hee! Bucky fans have arrived! That's neat!
I liked Bucky S5 myself(not my fav tho), and some of the people I knew were like, ??. But I dunno, there was something authentic about him. I was really tickled to see his album come out, and the single Diffrent World hit a chord with me. So yeah. Authenticity is a great thing!:-)
Chris Rich put out the sweetest Bulletin for Christmas. I really really hope things go well for him. He hits my "little brother" button.
We went and saw a couple movies this holiday too. I highly recommend The Water Horse, if you like CS Lewis. It really was wonderful. Not about magical beings so much as belief, and a certain time period.
(It's gonna take a day or two to make it around the internet, then it'll be war. Bucky fans are fierce!)
Looking back on season 6, I think the contestants were as good as any other season or better; the show was just produced bad. I've seen a lot of interviews with the contestants since, and a lot of them were a lot more likable than I remembered.
(3 "lots" in 1 sentence...that's a lot)
Anyway, we never really got the chance to see your personalities enough on the show and that's gotta be someone's fault in production; the show is about the contestants. And, like, how many times did the post-performance interview just dissolve into Seacrest bantering with Simon? That's time where the audience could/should be getting to know the contestants so they can care about the outcome.
The show was just a bit bloated. Hopefully they'll just get back to basics.
My guesses for the movies: "Superbad" and "Turistas".
Sounds like you've been busy but had a nice holiday so far which is good. I hope your prediction about Phil is right, he's amazing and I can't wait to see what his album sounds like.
I finally read your entry in the Chicken Soup for the AI soul book and I love it. It wasn't really anything the fans in here didn't already know but hopefully others are learning a little about your past. A friend on a forum that I post on happened to say that your entry was her favorite in the book :) I figured you'd like to hear that.
Carrie, hows your grandpa doing?
I'm looking forward to Phil's album. I'll admit that at first I didn't care for Phil on AI. I found him likable as a person, but not so much as a singer. It wasn't until he did "Where the Blacktop Ends" that I really became a fan. Now I'm planning to buy his album when it comes out. I'm glad he stuck around long enough to make a fan out of me and undoubtedly several other people as well.
Yeah...you know, Phil and I would sit and talk about what we wanted our careers to be back in the early days of the semi-finals and he told me he was gonna be a country guy. I didn't get it at first because everything he sang wasn't country. But the week he sang "Blacktop" he made a believer out of a lot of people. As Randy said that night, "You're gonna have a career in country."
Life is good for us...we get to do what we love.
Chris
Chris, my diet suffered too since November. My downfall is eggnog, and boy have I gained some weight
:(
I'm still hoping and wishing for you to make a Christmas album.
I agree with you, AI6 did have the most talent for sure.
So AI7 is just around the corner. I'll be watching it only for entertainment purposes only as I did the others before AI6. A friend of a friend's daughter made it through the second round, so maybe we'll get to see her on national televison.
Hope you and Sarah have a wonderful New Year!
Man, Chris! You sang Mercy Me's "God With Us"????? Only my most favorite current Christmas song! I see I missed a bit of heaven, YOU singing THAT. Argh!
I love hearing about you writing w/Phil. I hope your songs make his album. Can't wait for it.
Phil is a great person and I would rate him as one of the best (top 10) vocalists in all of AI history.
Have to agree w/your assessment of Season 6 talent. Time is gonna bear it out. Lots of nay-sayers will be proven wrong.
Bostonian: Totally agree w/you on season 6 production mistakes. Made me downright angry! And the finale being SO much about established stars than the contestants! What a rip!
On Bucky: I didn't get him at first. Whined about him making top 12 but as time went on, I came to love him. Can't say I'd ever have a huge desire to buy his music (a bit TOO country for me) but I think he's a real sweetie.
Glad to see new "faces" and friendly, fun-loving Bucky fans here.
Rest well everyone!
Good night.
~clarissaNaz
It's me again. Still up.
ha!
Just wanted to say I will be REALLY curious to see if the producers learned from their season 6 mistakes and change back to old format this time around.
Only about 18 more days! Yay!
Hey Chris, I got a 2002 Gibson Blueshawk for Christmas. Don't know a complete song yet but those pentatonic scales sure sound good now!
Does anybody else feel like me? While we watched a couple of seasons of AI off and on before season 6, we never got into it like we did last year....calling for Chris and a few of our other favorites like Melinda and Phil. We spent a lot of time. It's hard to picture us doing that this year. I only have so much of me to invest! LOL
While I hope that others are able to use the opportunity to showcase their talent like Chris has (and wish them well), I think I'm going to have to let someone else take up the season 7 gauntlet, and just enjoy reading/posting on the blog and promoting Chris when I can.
OK, sis is here, so off for a day with family and to visit my friend whose husband was in the motorcycle accident. Bishop is still in ICU, and they are trying to wean him off the ventilator. Prayers are appreciated. Risa
Those Blueshawk's a great guitars for the money...I love the pickups! Congrats on that...enjoy it.
Chris
Hi all! Thanks for your updates, Chris. Glad you are collaborating with Phil. I'm a little disappointed he's going country, but it really does suit his voice. My brother and sis-in-law surprised me with an iPod shuffle for Christmas. It's so tiny and cute. If only I could get my home Internet back. Verizon still and forevermore SUCKS. (I actually came into the office on the weekend just to catch up on e-mail and stuff.) That link to the future of the music industry was very interesting, and I think you are navigating the changes very well, with your eyes wide open. Happy New Year, everyone.
Here's an interview with Phil that was published today. He also gives an update on the other 9 AI6 Idols:
http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm/templates/local.aspx?articleid=27154&zoneid=77
OK - gotta get back to cleaning the house - Carmen's coming!
Chris~Have a safe trip to RI. Wish we could all be there because I know you are going to rock the house. We're all there in spirit.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy new year....
Rosalee said: "OK - gotta get back to cleaning the house - Carmen's coming!"
You lucky, dogs, you. Have a TON of FUN!
Now I'm out the door! Risa
Rosalee & Carmen...You guys are going to have so much fun. I'm so jealous...Be safe and take tons of pictures...
Rosalee,
Thanks for posting the link for PHil's interview. So, Chris, Phil AND Haley live within a few blocks of each other? And Melinda is in town too. Wow!
I'm excited to hear Phil is being produced by Wayne Kirkpatrick. He has a GREAT CD called "The Maple Room". Get it if you still can. He's a great songwriter/lyricist. Saw him in a Rocketown concert many years ago w/Chris Rice and Watermark. Excellent.
Have fun w/Carmen. I'm jealous I haven't gotten to meet any of you personally yet. Hopefully someday soon.
Risalea:
I've been an AI fan since season 2. Have never missed an episode and don't expect this upcoming season will be any different. Am growing weary of the bad auditions though. There are a few contestants I am excited about. (have been going to the spoiler sites). THAT'S when you know you've got it BAD. ha ha
I can understand you guarding your TV viewing time. It's a discipline I SHOULD engage.
Everyone have a happy and safe New Year!
~clarissaNaz
Oh, I always forget something.
Phil's article giving updates on the others: Had to laugh at Sanjaya's.
"Yes, but what's he been DOING lately???"
I am sort of with Slimpickens when it comes to watching AI: I am a fan! I didn't watch the first 3 seasons, but I picked it up during season 4. I must admit that I was quite dissapointed in the talent on the show that season. IMO, I could count on one hand the number of talented singers.
Then season 5 came along - my how the talent had improved in just one season! I thought the entire top 10 was good, and I fell in love with a few of the contestants... still a fan of their's two years later.
Season 6, however, I fell in love with more than a few contestants! :p heck, I still listen to Rudy Cardenas music, and he went out the first week lol! But seriously, the talent was there and there was just something about the contestants that I found endearing. I seriously think the American public was blinded by bad editing and bad promotion by the AI powers-that-be... Season 6 ROCKED, whether or not everyone can see it.
As you can tell, I am a huge AI fan and will doubtless watch season 7... though I might skip some of the auditions. The bad singers just get old. Though I WILL tune in to watch my hometown auditions! GO SD! =D
Chris,
It's about time dude! Course, I guess none of us have been around that much. Hope you had a fab Christmas and wishing you nothing but great things in 08! Carmen and Rosalee have a blast in NY and give Chris a hug from me!
Welcome Bucky fans and new posters, it's wonderful to have new folks around! Bucky fans are obvious cool people, no bashing if they disagree, so refreshing!
Cathy, I got Colbie's new CD and I really like it, her sound is very unique.
Risa, I'm sorry to hear Amanda's having problems, sending prayers.
Carrie, how is your Grandpa?
Gotta run, love to my fellow fro patroers and all!
Love from DJ in AL!
War Eagle!
I got hooked on AI in the middle of season 2. Have to agree, the best was AI6. I don't even remember half of them from the other seasons. Of course I am a die hard Kelly Clarkson fan. I didn't watch her on AI1 except in the rewind series. And then came season 6. In the words of Colbie Caillat, found a boy who had a dream, making everyone smile, he was sunshine....
I will watch AI7 but I really doubt if anyone will match Chris and some of the others. Have to agree with some of you that AI really dropped the ball on letting the public get to know the contestants.
Cathy, LOL! I didn't watch AI regularly until like, S5. I didn't get what all the fanaticism was about! heh. *blushes* I thought people who recorded it on their VCRs and kept them forever were a bit addled, I'll admit! But I watched some of S4, and so I paid attention for S5...and yeah, it swallowed us up whole.
S6 we were VERY excited about when it came around, so I didn't miss anything there. I was a bit distracted, working nightshift... so I blame that survival mode for me not paying full attention to my own reactions until Top3. WHAM!
I used to roll my eyes at fan stuff. I don't know what happened there! ;-)
Hi everyone. To those of you who have been asking about my grandpa, since I last posted here I've seen him a few times. It's hard and I've cried every now and again but that's to be expected. Since I first heard the news I've been learning to accept the way things are going to be and have been growing/taking it more maturely, but like I said, it's tough. On Christmas day we usually go over to their house early and then have a big dinner. This year there was a hospital bed in the dining room, so I ate dinner at home with my family and then went over to my grandparents' house around 5 or 6. We had to sit and wait awhile before we could go and see my grandpa -- about an hour or so of silence. He was quiet. A little talkative and the most coherent I've seen him though. He laughed and smiled a bit when he told my grandma to just go sleep in her bed for the night and my dad made a joke about a guys night so it was good to see him smile if even for a little. The day after that, I didn't see him, but he was even more talkative and coherent.
After that, he's been touch and go. Because he's with Hospice now and no longer receiving his cancer treatments, some days are good and some days are bad. The last few days have been bad ones. He's been asking God to take him and says he isn't listening to him. I already know that he won't make it to February, but I'm thinking he'll die before mid-January now. Recently he told my grandma he was talking to a family member of his (not sure who -- his aunt I think) who is deceased already and said that she wanted to tell my grandma that my grandpa always took such good care of her. I tend to think that once we're able to speak with those who are already deceased, we're halfway on our way there, don't you think?
Tonight was hard because every year in between Christmas and New Years my mom invites both sets of grandparents over for dinner. I'm lucky to have all 4, but tonight only my grandparents on my mothers side could make it. It was kinda quiet and less fun as the past years have been. (As a side note, I didn't start crying until just now so I think I'm coping pretty well.) My grandma on my mom's side always got along with my grandpa. They were crazy when they got together and I loved it because they're both hilarious. So dinner was kinda quiet and not the same.
I did see my grandpa for a few minutes today, but he was sleeping when I walked in the room. He goes on and off. I didn't want to bother him and my grandma woke him up so he looked at me and kinda just went back to sleep. It's the pain medication, though. Sometimes he says some random things that make no sense. The other day he asked my dad to untie him from the cherry tree. No idea what that even means, if anything at all. I feel bad because my grandma doesn't sleep. My mom went over there today and helped my grandma out with cleaning and we've been cooking them meals. My grandma pretty much sleeps in a recliner next to my grandpa's bed and the most she's slept at a time is 5 hours and it's just not good.
To make a long story short, it's obvious he's dying, but it's slow and painful. My grandma is in denial and those of us who aren't are trying our hardest to keep strong.
I'm sorry this was a novel. It's really all I can write for now because if I keep going I'm going to cry again. Thank you everyone who has been asking about me and my grandpa and of course thinking about me/the situation. It really means a lot to me. I hope everyone had a great Christmas/Holiday if you celebrate something else.
I know it is difficult during this time, Carrie, but your grandmother will need your strength to get her through when the time comes. I know you will be there for her. (((Carrie)))
As far as AI, the auditions were so uncomfortable for me. I'm sure many were staged and folks were getting their "15 minutes of fame" however they could get it, but I just don't like it when it looks like some poor person who doesn't know better is being made fun of.
And I'm sure we'll watch some, too, once the competition starts, but I just don't think I'll get as caught up in it. I could be wrong!
Night, friends! Risa
Carrie,
Just wanted to tell you, you know, you don't have to be mature about your Grandpa dying. You should cry, cry all you want or need to, watching someone you love die is hard stuff and you don't have to be tough or act a certain way. Act the way you feel. I was in my early forties when my Granddaddy died and my heart broke into a million pieces, I cried like a child. I still miss him every day.
Though it won't seem like it for quite a while, the day will come when you will remember only the good and this sad time will become a distant memory.
Sending you love from AL.
DJ
Carrie~DJ's right. You don't have to be grownup about this. Cry all you want. Visit your grandfather as much as you can and be strong for your grandmother. She will need your strength. I know how hard this is for you. You and your family are in my family's prayers.
I know it's okay to cry but I don't like to do it in front of my family because it just upsets them. I don't really sleep much anymore because I end up crying in the middle of the night unless I sleep with my TV on to distract me. I don't know why.
My mom just told me my grandpa's having a good day today, so I'm taking that as a blessing and going over to see him now.
Anyway I can't even thank you guys enough, though I feel guilty bringing this on here because I feel like it's negativity when we should all be happy.
Here's a funny story for y'all. Carmen left for NY today to visit Rosalee. They are going to RI on Monday to see Chris's New Year's Eve show. Because of our numerous Rotel discussions, she took a can in her carry-on to take to Rosalee. It was confiscated at security! LOL I had to laugh at the idea of a dangerous can of Rotel. Well, I guess if you threw it at your neighbor, that might not be good. : ) Anyway, if it didn't cost so much, Rosalee, I'd overnight air you a can. heehee. Chris, if you are taking checked luggage, you must slip a can in. But whatever you do, don't put it in your carry-on. You might be in big trouble!
Bottom line....if you are flying in for the picnic, remember that we will have a Rotel gift for you. So be sure and check at least one bag! : )
Risa
Risa, that's really funny. They sell Rotel here at my favorite supermarket called Wegmans.
Another mini update is I didn't make it over to my grandparents' house tonight because I'm really not feeling well. Don't think it's anything contagious, but I don't want to risk it.
Hey ya'll!
Well, I have made it to the Big Apple minus a can of Rotel tomatoes! Good Grief! You would have thought the world had come to an end at the airport. They had to call several security people over to discuss whether the can was a danger or not. After about 4 security folks got together they decided the Rotels were a no go and they proceed to throw them in the garbage. No wonder folks here in New York have never had a chance to eat them, because homeland security will not let them cross the state line!
Chris while you are writing Phil some good country music you might want to knock out a tune about the Rotel tomato saga. Sounds like a winner to me!
I got to see all of downtown New York with my head out the window as Rosalee's husband drove "New York" style through the traffic and showed me all the sights. That was better than any thrill ride at Disney! It was great. Then after that experience I got to go to a Kosher Deli and have a "monster potato pancake". Awesome food! Makes up for my Rotel being thrown in the trash!
Anyway, I hope all of ya'll have a fantastic New Year. I can't wait to see Chris again in concert. I think this makes concert number 11 for me. I think I should get a patch for that! When you ride in a motorcycle club, you collect a patch for every so many miles you ride with the group. Like when you hit 5,000 miles then they give you a patch. I think since I am going to pass the 10 concert count and Lord knows I have done more than 5,000 miles going to all these concerts then I deserve a patch. Whatcha ya'll think?
Carmen
PS I am loooking forward to New York bagels for breakfast! It's all about the food!
OMG, how freakin funny is that? Who knew Rotel could be so dangerous? I would love to have been there to see the conference deciding it's fate. Oh well, Rosalee will have to wait for the picnic so we can truck it in!
Funny stuff!
This is my last chance at a post before New Year's, headed to the GA Dome to watch my AU Tigers play Clemson-War Eagle!
Wishing everyone a happy and safe New Year!
DJ
Hi Chris- I was out having dinner with my husband and some friends and family at Carrabas right before Christmas in Greenville and we saw you there (and took a picture with you). Just wanted to say how awesome that was- my husband and I go to Seacoast in Charleston and I remember the first time I saw you- before you were on American Idol and I loved your voice. We cheered for you all through Idol. At any rate, I just wanted to say thanks again. It really made my day.
Have fun, DJ! Go TIGERS! Go HOGS!
And in honor of Carmen and Rosalee heading to see Chris, here's a ditty: (I'll ask for forgiveness ahead of time as it's really late and the brain is probably not hitting on all sparkplugs!)
The Fro Patro's going to R. I.,
On New Year's Eve, gonna' see Chris Sligh,
They'll have lots of fun,
A whole bunch, a ton!
Take pics, girls, and tell him we said hi!
From Florida, Carmen brought loot,
She thought Rotel would be quite a hoot.
The Rotel got taken
Poor Carmen was shaken,
Now Rosalee's cheese dip is moot!
But never fear, soon there will be,
A picnic for Sligh's family
Of fans on the blog,
We'll have BBQ hog,
And Rotel for everybody!
OK, lame I know. Going to bed! Risa
Carmen~That is so funny...I would have loved to have seen that.
Have fun tonight. Give Chris a big hug for me....Take lots of pictures.
Carmen~you deserve a "Best Chris Sligh Fan" medal. I thought I was bad seeing Kelly Clarkson 9 times. But that was over 4 years!!! You will have been to 11 concerts in 1 year!!
That is truly awesome!! You are my hero.
11 concerts in 1 year?! Truly?? That is amazing!
Chris,
Just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year and thank you for bieng a big part of my 2007!! You have truly touched so many lives this past year and I know you are going to have an amazing 2008. God Bless!
<3, Megan
Happy New Year to everyone here--I hope the time ahead will be blest for all of us. :-)
Chris, keep it up! You're doing great! Only good times ahead.
While I'm sitting here hacking and coughing and blowing my nose and nursing my infected right ear for the 6th day in a row, (good grief), I'm thinkin': I BET THEY'RE HAVING A GREAT TIME IN WESTERLY RIGHT NOW.
Just the thought cheers me up some. Looking forward to hearing some reports.
Have a safe and Happy New Year everyone.
~clarissaNaz
Happy New Year, blogger friends! We're having a quiet evening at home in anticipation of our rowdy bunch coming over for our Cotton Bowl party! LOL Y'all take care and don't forget...it's black eyed peas, collard greens and hog jowl for good luck for the new year!
DJ....Auburn pulled it out! Go Tigers!
Can't wait to hear about Carmen and Rosalee's New Year's Eve with Chris.
Chris, may God continue to bless you as you spread His message through your music.
Risa
I'm the first to post here in 2008!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Happy 2008 everyone! We'll have two new Sligh fans born in the next 3 monhts :)
Carmen, wow that's insane! Atleast you've had a nice time on your trip. Can't wait to hear the details about the show.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!(horns blowing and confetti falling) Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2008.
Risa~We have black eyed peas for good luck also.
Chris~safe journeys home from RI. I know 2008 is going to be an awesome year for you & Sarah. Thanks for making 2007 special.
Carmen & Rosalee~Safe journeys for you guys also. Can't wait to hear all the details..
Dangerous Ro-Tel tomatoes...
Well, I DID tell you all they were spicey! ;-D LOL Carmen!
Happy New Year and happy news to report. My friend's husband, James is totally off the ventilator, and was actually able to watch the Hogs from his hospital bed today. (though sad to say, it was a loss) He is having some movement, so hopes are high for recovery. God is good! Hope y'all are having a great day. Risa
We’re back!!! Sligh -tly tired from a very long night, but in good spirits. We drove up to Westerly in a little under 3 hours, stopping first to unload our things at a very nice bed & breakfast in nearby Pawcatuck. This inn was a Victorian structure with tons of antiques inside. We were greeted on arrival with fresh baked brownies. The inn owners recommended a restaurant in town, where Carmen pigged out on a giant piece of prime rib, Harry had stuffed flounder and I had the “Asian tuna”. After dinner, as soon as we walked out the door, the 7:00 PM fireworks started. After that we walked around the town and then went back to the inn for a rest.
We spent the final two hours of 2007 and the first two hours of 2008 with Chris and Sarah. How’s that for New Year’s? Chris drew a sizeable crowd and we had front row floor seats - literally. MJ joined us before the concert started. Adam Fisher from HPF was there as part of his new touring band. Chris played for 90 minutes straight without a break. The songs included Eleanor Rigby, Helter Skelter, Tunnel Vision, Good Intentions/Loaded Gun, Livin’ on a Prayer, In a Moment, I’m Clean, Somewhere, Hero, Empty Me, Pleased, some U2 song (I don’t know the name of it), Cry Tonight, Know, Running Back, and Potential. I don’t know if I missed any. He signed some CDs for the crowd and then did the New Year’s Eve countdown. Following that, there was another round of fireworks.
DJ, being DJ with her bad timing, missed Chris’s phone call to her, but received a lovely recorded message from him, which she will treasure for at least the next 21 days.
Being that nothing was open in the area after midnight, we went back to the lobby of his hotel to chat for a while. We gave Chris and Sarah a lift to their hotel. On the way, we had to stop for MJ to get gas for her car. Chris, being the true southern gentleman, got out in the freezing cold and pumped the gas for her. Carmen says “His momma raised him right!” While we were at the hotel, a guy passed Chris who told him that he looked like Jack Osborne. It was very nice just to sit back and chat with Chris and Sarah and get Chris’s perspective on the music industry.
We were awakened on New Year’s Day by the inviting aroma of the most scrumptious French toast with cinnamon apples, syrup, sausage and bacon. The inn owner was in a very chatty mood so we didn’t get out of there until 12:30 PM. We got back to NY around 3:00 PM. That’s it for now. Photos to come….
Risa~that is great news..
Rosalee~It sounds like you guys had an awesome time. Glad your back safe.
Can't wait to see the pictures.
I left a little comment over on the fansite but like i said there, sounds like you guys had SO MUCH FUN! I wish I could have been there.
Oh also..
CHRIS WHY ARE YOU SO AMAZINGLY NICE??? I will never get over that.
And I hear Living on a Prayer was involved. rltkjljskd One of my favorite songs ever.
What a fantabulous trip! OK, I'm jealous, though unlike DJ, I do know how to leave my cell phone turned on! (quickly ducking ANOTHER flying object from Alabama!)
Girls, so glad you had a good time and you got back to Rosalee's safely, and Carmen, have a safe flight home tomorrow.
Risa!
So, yea, let me um explain. I was at the GA Dome with about 76,000 other screaming Auburn and Clemson fans and while I had my cell phone on... a) it is unlikely I would have been able to hear it ring and b) if I had heard it ring I would not have been unable to hear one word Chris said. I was already in quite a state over the tied game and OT we were in I would have probably had a coronary knowing Chris was on the phone but couldn't hear him, can you imagine? But, Risa, I'll deal with you later!
To Chris, well, what can I say? It is apparently some kind of weird kiszmit that prevents me from actually speaking to you in person. But from the bottom of my heart, thanks for the very Sligh vm you left me. You'll never know what a kick it was for me to hear your voice on my vm. As Rosalee says, I saved it, so I can listen to it for 21 days! To set the scene of my receipt of the very important vm....after we watched AU score the winning touchdown (right in front of us!)Go Auburn, Go Auburn..we boarded the Metro with um, I don't know about 10,000 drunk, some happy, some sad/pizzed College football fans where they packed us like sardines, I'll let you imagine what that scene looked like. We actually rang in 08 squeezed in between some very gracious Clemson fans and some very drunk Auburn fans. What can you do? We hailed a cab outside of Buckhead, where I checked my phone for messages (which incidentally I checked up until about 11:00 thank you very much Risa). While listening to your vm I alarmed our cab driver who thought I was having some kind of medical episode and wanted to know should he take us to the hospital. My husband assured him that I was physically ok, but a little whacked mentally. Whatever.
I have a really good feeling about 2008, I mean come on, a AU bowl win and more importantly a vm from Chris Sligh. It doesn't get better than that!
To Carmen, you are so wonderful to have convinced Chris to call me, you are the Uber Fan of all Uber Fans but you are also a really kind and generous person. Many thanks!
So that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Chris I love ya man, and I'm not giving up on meeting you, 08 will be the year, bad timing or not!
DJ
Hee, hee! I know I'm bad, DJ. I told Carmen y'all had just won in overtime, so you were in the middle of hub-bub. Did you get my text that night? Auburn had a much nicer end to the season than Arkansas!
And your inevitable in person meeting with Chris will be all the nicer for the anticipation! He's a cutie patootie and a southern gentleman to boot, as Rosalee attested to.
OK, heading to my mom's to spend a little more time with sis and family before they head back to OH in the AM. Later, friends! Risa
Risa,
You are indeed a very bad girl, and yes I did get your text mssg. right before I listened to Chris' vm. but don't think that gets you off the hook with me!
Oh, and Chris, you have my permission to stop telling everyone you originally thought I was a guy! Geez. I can't figure out what it is about my posts that made you think that, maybe my usage of the word dude? My son tells me it's not cool, but, again, whatever!
Ok, so later!
Risa, Carmen & DJ`ok y'all..I feel left out. I actually checked my messages last night and almost called Carmen when it was midnight in RI. It was only 9:00 here but I thought she would think it was tacky. Anyway....
I'm so glad you had such a great time. Next time one of us gets to go to a Sligh concert, we set up a conference call....lol....
Carmen, have a safe trip home...
Believe it or not I made it through all of these 73 comments because I haven't, for nearly 9 months now, ever been out of the loop on Chris' blog! I just can't handle it!
But I'm safely back in Indy, with my own computer, tired, but alive after our ten days of running around the east coast to various family gatherings. Baby shower was a blast and I got to see some of my old students from my preschool - my mother in law made it THEODORE ROOSEVELT themed! (Seeing as I'm giving birth to "the next great Teddy.") Glad to be home and slowly getting adjusted to normal mid-western life again.
It was SOOOO great to read about Carmen and Rosalee's fantastic New Years! I just knew it'd be great. :) And yes, Carmen you deserve a patch of some sort. Probably in the shape of a Fro Patro M&M (as long as Phil doesn't get ahold of it and flick it across a dressing room, right? right? :).
Here's a link to my facebook album with all of my baby shower pictures. You should be able to access it without having an account. (The link is going to be cut off so make sure when you go to highlight it you start from the line below the link so you get it all).
http://gmu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2114743&l=d98f9&id=15605387
Off for my pregnancy induced nightly ice cream binge!
Happy New Year to all!
Lori
Cute cake, cute kids, cute mom to be! I know you are glad to be home, Lori. Glad you had safe travels!
Lori~I'm so glad your back. I missed you...
Thanks Risa and Cathy! I missed you too!
LORI! It's good to have you back! Were the holidays really hectic for you? I always feel kind of burned out by the second week of January, cause in december I have finals, christmas, my best friends birthday, my birthday, new years, my other best friends birthday... phew! By the end of it, I just want to sleep! :p
Hey Carianne!
I understand holidays and birthdays! Danny's is in December, then my dad's, then Christmas, then my birthday. (My birthday is tomorrow! :). Our trip back to VA was definitely hectic; we won't be doing the same thing again, that's for sure. Especially since next year we'll have baby in tow. People can come to US. :) Still nice seeing lots of family, though.
Do we know if Chris is back home in Nashville again? I suppose he should be posting again when his holiday calms down.
Okay Rosalee and Carmen, where's all the pictures you promised? ;) Haha.
Lori! So good to have you back, the theme for your baby shower was so perfect for you, I know you loved it!
Looks and sounds like you had a wonderful trip home.
Welcome back, we missed you!
DJ
OK, girls, get ready to drool...Amanda got to have her pic made with Steven Seagal at St. Jude!
Keep her in your prayers. She's been having some issues and they are going to have to do a procedure tomorrow.
I haven't had time to deal with my Westerly pics and videos yet, but I put up some new articles on the fansite, including the link to MJ's Westerly videos:
http://www.chris-sligh.info/
OK, I have just broken the 10th commandment, cause I am GREEN with envy after seeing MJ's videos! I wish I could have been there. Just makes me more anxious for the upcoming tour! I can't tell you, Chris, how much I enjoyed watching you sing my fave, "Empty Me" for the first time. Thanks for the link, Rosalee!
Yeah, next time you guys better bring us all with you! :p
I have something kinda important I want to share with all of you:
"The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.40 to Autism Speaks for each time this video is viewed. The funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal."
The video is here;
http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/
videos/view/id/408214
I am sharing this because my brother has a form of Autism and I want as much help for children who have it worse than he does. My brother is one of the luckier ones.
Thanks guys.
I'm 24 today. Which is kind of weird. :) I'm not so excited about this birthday - I'm way more excited about my little man's ACTUAL "birthday" here in a couple of months. I feel like mine shouldn't count this year.
Will be checking out the fansite and MJ's when I get home later. Baby doctor appointments and lunch with the hubby first!
*Waves to DJ, I missed you too!*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI!!!!!!
I hope you have a great day! I will post my video & pics from Westerly later today. I have to run off for a dental cleaning this morning.
So once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI!!!
Carmen
Happy b-day to Lori.
The concert was fun and MJ's videos actually sound not bad! I'm really impressed with her little camera.
Anyway, hope you guys get a small feeling for what the show was like.
Chris
Happy Birthday Lori...
I'm with Risa..I'm also green with envy. I wish I was there. I loved the videos. Chris you rocked!!
Thanks Rosalee for posting.
Happy Birthday, Lori. B-day greetings are in the Forums on the fansite.
Still trying to catch up. It's amazing how far behind you get when you're a couple of days away from the computer.
Happy, happy Birthday Lori!
dj
Cathy is today your birthday too?
If so, Happy Birthday!!!
Chris and all-
On the way in to work this morning I heard a rerun of a Jordin Sparks interview that she did for a local radio station, and I just wanted to give Chris a little validation for something he has been saying for months about how close this season was. Jordin told the interviewers when asked about how the group felt each week when someone was voted off etc. and she said almost word for word what Chris has said from the get go. That they were all very tight as a group, all very good friends and really pulled for each other during the competition and were all pretty bummed after someone was voted off. She also said the producers made the comment more than once that they weren't "right" for how close they were to each other.
It made me feel so good to hear another contestant say completely validate what Chris has been challenged for saying.
Anway, just wanted to throw this out there.
DJ
I'm late to the party, but Happy
Birthday, Lori! And what do you mean, you feel like this b'day shouldn't count? Don't you know, "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" So celebrate and enjoy! Risa
Happy Birthday, Lori! Just cause I said it on Facebook doesn't mean I can't say it here too! =D
Happy Birthday Lori! remember I said I had a youtube I was looking for for you? I finally found it.
Oh oops and Chris, I LOOOOOOOOVE the videos of the concert. I can't really stress this enough but if you girls (and guys?) go to see Chris perform and it's allowed, then please bring back some videos for those of us who can't always go. It makes me happy. :)
The only thing that would make me happier is a concert near me. HINT HINT haha.
Lori,
My dear lady, enjoy your birthday!
Get comfortable, put your feet up, choose your favored movie or book, indulge in your favored ice cream, and savor the moment.
Being good to yourself on your birthday is allowed and after how you spent this holiday season probably needed.
GDA
I put some videos and photos from New Year's Eve in Westerly RI into my Photobucket site:
http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff4/rosaleeNY/
Those sure are two cute girls posing with Chris! Very nice pics and video, Rosalee. Risa
p.s.except I must object to the fanbase demographic pic. I've never worn my hair like that! LOL
Rosalee & Carmen,
Thanks for your report and pictures on the concert. How fun for you all! Was great to live it a bit vicariously.
Lori,
Hope you had a GREAT birthday today. I've missed reading you in your absence. It's good you got to get out and about for the holidays though because it'll be so much harder once the baby comes, believe me.
I haven't been on here much as I'm going on my 9th day of sickness. I can't stand it much longer!! Got the antibiotics rolling now so I truly believe I'm finally on the down side of it.
Wishing good health and great times for all the Fro-Patro'ers here.
~clarissaNaz
Hey all!
I finally got my photos from Westerly uploaded. I will get videos up next. I just want to say that this was probably one of Chris's best concerts ever!(I think I can be a fair judge of that) I can't believe that he and the band had only one practice before doing the show. They were so tight! It was great to hear some of the new songs plus some of the old songs. After hearing "Empty Me" live, I can't wait until the CD comes out! That song is going to be a hit. I hope that it is Chris's first single cause it is just awesome. Folks who were sitting next to me were just blown away by the song. I can't wait until all of you get the chance to hear Chris perform it live! It is so much better than the demo.
I also loved "Potential". I think it should be his second single release.
Anyway, if ya'll want to see my photos, just click here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22487134@N06/
I suggest hitting the view as slideshow option in the upper right corner. I will post the link to my video later.
Chris,
You did an awesome job! Thanks for such a great time in Westerly! It was fun to ring in the new year with you and Sarah.
Carmen
Thank you so much to Chris and everyone for the birthday wishes! Made me feel quite special :). Rosalee the cat video was really cute and Carrie I got your video you sent me on myspace, which was really funny. I've been keeping a series of "belly pics" and I should do something like that with them.
One of our doctor's appointments was another ultrasound, so I got to see Teddy on my birthday - what a present! He was silly as ever, the doctor said he was blowing bubbles! We got a picture of it :). Danny took the day off and he took me to Olive Garden and I got my favorite black tie mousse cake, and we went and saw a movie (something we're usually way too lazy to do). It was a great day! And now I'm one step closer to Teddy's birthday - woo hoo!
Woke up this morning to Rosalee's videos and pics from Westerly and they're fantastic - how cool to be able to hear Chris performing his new stuff?? Thanks for posting! Oh and I thought the countdown video was funny because a little boy in the background says to Chris, "You have cool hair!" as the fireworks are booming overhead. haha.
Off to spend Babies R Us gift cards! :)
Lori
Rosalee~Thanks for the pictures and videos. They are great...
You are so cute...You and your hubby make a cute couple.It looks like you guys had so much fun.
Cathy -
That hotel pic at the end was for you - You said you wanted us to give him a big hug for you - so that's it!
Rosalee~Thank you so much for giving Chris my hug....I love the picture.
Rosalee and Carmen,
Both awesome pictures. Though Rosalee, in yours the 911 stuff right after those pictures... wow. Glad you are okay after all of that.
Great pictures, Carmen! Y'all were front and center!
My grandpa is having a good day today. :)
I deleted my last comment from last night because well, you probably all read it anyway but I don't want everyone to think that I'm looking for attention or bringing drama here because that isn't me. So sorry. I'm probably not going to talk about my family and their cancer problems anymore unless someone asks.
Anyway, going to see a movie now. Hope it's good.
Here is a link to my video of Chris singing "Empty Me"
http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=7wyjbc7&s=1
Thanks for the links Carmen! These are definitely your best pictures of Chris. I have to admit that you writing about the annoying "basketball goal" made me laugh :P I love the videos from MJ, those are the only ones I've watched so far. Chris, you sound amazing!
Incase anyone is interested, here's a picture of Amelia from the ultrasound today. It's only a normal 2D one so don't think of her as a little alien looking thing, it's not her fault lol. She's measuring right where she should and her weight is right around 5lbs6oz. Her due date is in exactly 5 weeks.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4844/emmyep3.png
Tawny,
Glad you like my pics. I had a couple that I thought came out awesome! I even used it in my check design when I ordered checks. So now I have Chris Sligh checks. How cool is that? BTW-- were you able to view my video? I am going to load a couple more later.
Carmen
Chris,
I just listened to Carmen's video of you doing Empty Me and I am left speechless.
Yea, speechless, can you imagine? Your voice dude, what a gift.
DJ
Chris~I also just listened to Carmen's video of you performing "Empty Me". WOW!!!
Your voice and songwriting is such a blessing to all of us. I can't wait for the new CD to come out.
Thanks Carmen for sharing that with us....
Carmen, your video seems to skip for me so I can't watch it fully and I know Tawny had the same problem last night. Boo.
But I don't need to see a video to agree with what everyone else is saying. Then again, Chris, you KNOW your voice is amazing so this comment is pointless.
Here is the link to another video in Westerly. This is for "In a Moment"
http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=8g3nig5&s=1
Carmen
Carmen, I'm having the same skipping problem as Carrie and Tawny, but DJ posted about watching it, so it must be something about our computers that doesn't like that player. I was able to watch MJ's. I'm really looking forward to watching Chris sing his own stuff in person...till then, we appreciate y'all posting your links!
To Morganmatt,
From GDA,
Any chance you scanned through the comments and read this, which appears fairly early on?
ChrisSligh said...
Yay!!! Bucky fans!
Thanks for stopping by. Please know that I wasn't making fun of Bucky...I was simply joking around. And I will give you guys that: Phil's voice is simply different....I personally enjoy Phil's voice better, but I am sure there are people who enjoy Bucky's voice better.
Thanks for stopping by and not being pissed about me joking around...I appreciate it. Bucky seems like a great guy and I wish him the best of luck! I mean who would've known...the Best Selling New Country Artist of 2007!!! Lyric Street is great!
Chris
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