My First Real-Life Osmonds Adventure

This is a re-wind, nostalgia post from my very first visit into Osmonds and Friends land.  I have met so many wonderful friends since I started going to see the Osmonds on my 45th birthday in 2008.  It is something that has become a wonderful source of joy and whimsy in my life, going to see The Osmonds more times than I ever imagined I would.  I feel there are no accidents in life and I think I would not have responded to anything like I did to this, which is something from the innocent days of my childhood.  I think there is something to be said for who we were when we were at that age of about 10-13 years old and what we thought the world would be like and how we looked at the world and at others.  There was a sense of curiosity and acceptance and a lack of fear I think that children have.  As we grow older and are hurt by the disappointments that happen in life, we can lose that light and wonder.  I am happy that I found a way to get it back.  It's not always easy, but I think the reason I keep going to see The Osmonds is that I am transported to that place where I am not afraid and I am open to other people and to other experiences.  Following, is almost word for word, what I wrote about a month after my first fateful Osmonds Adventure.  And I will try to attach the photos from that trip, which it still blows me away that it even happened.  I thought I would be going to see two shows and that would be that, lol! 

The most unexpected thing was the friends I have met during what I call my Osmonds Hobby.  The ladies I met on my very first trip, who extended the hand of friendship and sisterhood to me truly set a high bar on how I expect Osmonds fans to act.  Not only are the Osmonds a genuine class act, but so are the fans, and I truly feel privileged to be part of all this.   On the last day of the first trip, which was only two days, I am not embarassed to say, that I was overcome by emotion, and there were tears when I had to leave my new friends and The Osmonds.  It has been the most beautiful time ever, and I'm glad that it is continuing, for now.   :)  Ok, following is my original account of my First Time EVER REAL LIFE OSMONDS ADVENTURE!!!!  :D

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Hi Everyone - I'm a bit nervous about this since I just joined. My name is Cristina & on February 22 (my 45th birthday), life as I knew it changed when I saw the Osmonds in person for the FIRST TIME! I gave myself a birthday gift & went to Vegas (ON MY OWN, which I have NEVER done) to see the Osmonds who I have loved since I was 10 years old. People either got it or didn't as to why I'd do that on my own. Well it turns out the Universe, God, or fate (whatever you believe in, had a plan for me once I took that leap of faith & put myself out there, outside of my comfort zone. I believe life is a journey, not a destination; and as soon as I got on the shuttle from the airport to Suncoast I met 2 Osmond fans who became my friends and guides during my first Osmond adventure. I told them my story of how I had loved the Osmonds forever and that I wanted to set the tone of how I wanted to live the 2nd half of my life doing what brought me joy & bliss. They TOTALLY got it & I believe the weekend was charmed! I made an event of this & was so happy the entire time & everyone I encountered when I returned home (to Tucson) noticed the difference. I had my Crazy Horses record autographed by Jay & Wayne; I had some lovely photos with the guys; had some light & cheerful conversation with them (I NEVER THOUGHT THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED); & had the joy of Jay (be still my heart) call me by name from the stage (Saturday) which he remembered from the meet & greet, to acknowledge my birthday. It was a whirlwind & I recognize some of you but I was in another world as I enjoyed the Osmonds in person for the first time. They are as kind as they are handsome. I feel like I lost a little bit of some fear that has been holding me back in the last year and met Cristina at ages 10-13 on that weekend and I hope she stays with me forever. Who would have thought I'd have to go to see the Osmonds for that to happen? Well, I'll try to post my pictures. If I don't follow the format, please excuse me as I am new to this & welcome suggestions (in private) from the mods. I hope to hear all of your stories and meet as many of you as possible. To the 3 angels I met on my Osmond weekend, I want to thank you on here. I've thanked you in private, but I want everyone to know what generous souls you three are.
-Cristina (jaygal)

My First Ever Hug with Jay Osmond!  Mr. Niceness and cute and fun too!

Jay Osmond signing my original Crazy Horses album that I had back in the 1970's.  We were laughing about how there "may have" been lip prints on it, lol!

Me on my 45th birthday all dressed up and ready for my first Osmonds Adventure!

Me meeting Wayne Osmond!  There was a moment because Jay had signed his name really big on my album (he knew he was my favorite from the get go, lol).  But the bottom part of the "J" dipped down to cover Wayne's face.  Wayne was trying to find himself on the Crazy Horses album to sign it and then I noticed what had happened.  I'm certain Jay didn't do it on purpose but I didn't know what to do, lol!  It turned out ok.  Love Wayne, my favorite rocker!

Jimmy Osmond signed my Killer Joe album, which he seemed SO thrilled I brought.  He goes, "Oh . . .Killer Joe," when I showed him the album.  Too funny! 

I was so thrilled during the show that Jay acknowledge me BY NAME that it was my birthday.  He remembered from when we had chatted earlier that day and he looked at me and asked me to stand when they were doing the birthdays.  I didn't even have to raise my hand.  It was so special to me that he made it a point to pay attention and remembered to do this during the show.  What a nice person he is.

Met David Osmond (who is one of Alan's sons) after the show.  Very handsome and charming young man.  Do I look a tad happy?  Lol!

Jason Osmond, Jay's oldest son.  Jason was the first Osmond I met.  My impression of Jason is what a courteous and polite young man.  He was very patient with his father's fans.  This was right before he started on his Mission with the LDS church.  He certainly has grown up a lot.  Always a pleasure to speak with him, so polite!  I love that!

Meeting Jimmy Osmond on my Birthday after the show.  I was so impressed on he thanked ME for coming to see them!  Honestly, the way that Jay and Jimmy Osmond treated me during those initial meetings made me a fan for life.  Such gentlemen.

My signed Crazy Horses album!

Those of you who have seen my show photos know I've come a long way, but I wanted to include this one becaue it is the first glimpse I got of The OSMONDS!!!  I was so happy to be there and loved every minute of it!  They looked in my heart, just like they did in the teen mags.  I love them and love how they have brought joy to my life when I was a child and now, as an adult.  This was taken with a little disposable camera, lol!

Another shot of me and Jay during that first very happy and fun meeting!

This is one of my most special photos from all of my Osmonds Adventures.  These are the dear friends I met on that very first Adventure.  These ladies took me, a stanger, into their circle and shared their Osmonds fun with me!  I love them like sisters.  And Jay just fit right in, with us as the lone Brother, lol!  We kept running into Osmonds everywhere we went it seemed and I'm told it's not always like that.  I think it was all meant to be.  I truly believe that in my heart.

Back to real life, sort of, lol.  This is what happened to my work station when I returned from that first trip.  I called it my "Wall of Joy".  I had pictures reminding me of that happy Osmonds Adventure and other things that made me smile.  There is a funny George Bush calendar my best friend sent me.  A nice note from a director at my job, and I had a photo of my parents and my dear nephew there too.  I was finally happy again.  :)

The Best Time Ever! 

Off to Utah for the First Time . . .

Well, this week I'm on a new Osmonds Adventure, I'm heading to UTAH!!!!  My first time visiting the home state of our beloved Osmonds.   Of course I am feeling very excited to be going there, but also am feeling kind of like I'm going somewhere where we all feel we somehow belong, because that is where our Osmonds live.  I remember, like many of us do, when we were girls and read the WHOLE truth in the teen mags, lol, mine was Tiger Beat and I remember that for some of us that probably was the first time we heard of Utah, when we read that is where The Osmonds were and I am certain that many girls from all over the world knew exactly where on the map Utah was, lol.  So educational, our love for The Osmonds was and still is. 

I don't know what to really expect and I go as always with an open heart on my Adventures.  There is always a Magic present when we go on our time traveling adventures and find that young girl who had a curiosity about the world and was not afraid to show that excitement.  I think that is why I love this whole Osmonds thing that is going on in my life right now.  I don't know how to explain it and if truth be told, sometimes I am puzzled by it my own self as to why it was this, and why now, that I responded to it like I did.  I find bits of teen mag "facts' springing from my subconcious, lol, and I have to laugh at my own self but I love it so much and it really does make me happy in ways that I think all the other Osmond fans get. 

So Utah . . . Salt Lake City . . . these were places that even though I was practically The Osmonds neighbor, living in Arizona, lol, it just seemed so far away to that little girl in the 1970's.  It was this fascinating place that looked the same as where I was in some ways, with the beautiful mountains and clear skies.  But that is where those boys we all loved, in that innocent way that we liked boys back then, that is where those cute boys lived!  And we all knew in our hearts that "someday" we would visit them in Utah, lol!  Well, I'll be going to a concert there, and I have actually seen The Osmonds perform more than I ever dreamed I would, but this is different somehow, going to a show in their home state.  There is a special feeling to it as I get ready to go off on my latest Osmonds Adventure.

So UK and now Utah, lol!  10-13 year old me sure is keeping me on the go!  It has been the best experience to discover that part of myself once again, and I hope that they never go away.  I feel like I learn more about myself on each of my Osmonds Adventures and figure out ways to make my dreams happen.   So off I go . . . again . . .  Like it says in one of the songs from their new CD that came out in March, you'll find me at 5000 feet, you've got to fall to fly . . . but once we learn to fly, nothing can hold us back.  Thanks for listening, friends.

My First Impressions of the UK Osmonds shows 4/28/2012

Many of you are curious about my impressions of the show and have asked me, either in person, or some of my American friends have messaged me and that is what I will talk about now because, really one of the focuses we share is our interest and love in common we share of The Osmonds. I have just seen my second show in the UK. First one was what I was really looking forward to as it was in the older style and kind of historic Apolo Hammersmith Theater. It was interesting noticing the architcture of the theater and it actually was kind of cozy, lol. It was nice. The lobby was packed with all of us fans, there and the mood was festive and of excitement and anticipation,

The main thing I noticed was the energy level of the audience from the moment the show began. I know that we love The Osmonds at our shows, here in the USA, and we are very enthusiastic in showing our love and appreciation towards them. But it is far fewer fans. You guys know what I'm talking about and how everyone seems to remark on how The Brothers love it when there are "fans" in the audience. Which even though I understand what is meant by that, it is kind of funny to ponder as you think, why would someone go if they are not a fan? But we all know that sometimes it is casino patrons, older people, etc. and when there is a good turnout of "fans", meaning us, I guess, lol, the shows are quite energetic. 

I think sometimes there is this UK vs American fans thing that comes up from time to time and I know sometimes feelings get hurt on both sides. I don't think that it is a "better" experience in that The Osmonds are loved more on one side of the pond more than on the other. It's that there are MORE concentrated together and you know what happens when you have a lot of positive energy in one place, it just creates more and that is what is amazing. I have experienced that at every single Osmonds show that I went to, and that is the truth.

What was different was the intensity of the energy, and maybe I should say ENERGY, with capital letters. From the moment the lights go down and you hear the intro music that at the two shows I've attended so far is Crazy Horses, the audience is already on their feet and it is simply and postively ELECTRIC. It is just so amazing and I told Merrill that I wish everyone in America could see them like that and experience this. Everyone is on their feet the whole time dancing and clapping and singing along, and it is just a party atmosphere. The Brothers are also very much involved in our party, lol. Which I have to laugh at my own self even as I write that thinking, why wouldn't they be involved, they are doing the show, lol! But I think sometimes when you have been in entertainment as long as they have and are doing so many shows, there could be times where the may not feel into it either, but on with the show. At the shows I have seen so far, they are very much into it as much as the fans are. It is just phenomonal.

I have encountered no aggressiveness from any of the UK fans, actually not even much stage rushing, lol. I guess some venues there just isn't the room to be up front, like you'd think. We have like a whole interstate four lane highway in front of the stage at The Orleans, which really is a pity to see it go unsused, lol. Here from what I've seen so far, maybe it's more like a smaller two lane highway (to continue with the road analogy, because remember I was perturbed I couldn't drive and this is the only way I will be able to here, lol), but the area is much smaller. Some people do go up there, but I have not witnessed anything bad. It seems like everyone is respectful of others, and it is just understood that you are going to stand because of that you aren't worried that you are being rude to the person behind you and it is just so fun to DANCE to say, Jay Osmond's drum solo during an actual Osmonds show, while THE MAN, himself plays it. The Brothers even remarked at tonight's show, "We see dancing going on out there!" The just love it and I love it and the fans here love it! It is certainly addicting, the energy level.

I don't know what else to say right now as I am still kind of observing and feeling things as far as the shows. But the thing that I have people, even ones who don't know me, other UK people I've met for the first time, but they remark on the access that we have to The Brothers over here, in kind of a whistful way, some of them. Because even though, on our Spotlight group, we know quite a few fans who travel to America as often as they are able to see The Osmonds, just like us, not all of them can do it. Some have told me that their show was the first time they had seen in decades and that it was the ONLY show they were doing. But they were happy to be there and totally enjoying it. There really is this emotion that is quite overwhelming at times as many ponder the fact that this could be the very last time they get to see The Osmonds due to it being called their final tour. And we understand that reality, ourselves as American fans, when we saw the first shows this year where our beloved rocker Wayne was not there. 

Ok, post was getting long, lol. But I think what I'm trying to say is that I believe that the American and UK fans love The Osmonds equally and that they love us equally. It is something as I always have believed and felt from when I first got into doing this "live" back in 2008 that there is a special connection there and a special understanding. I just loved tonight's show and I when I mentioned to a couple of people sitting near me that I was from America, they asked if I had come just to see this and while I wanted to see other things and that is part of my experience, I suppose the answer is, yes, I did come just to see this. I was talking to a gentleman I had seen in Vegas and saw him again there and went to say hello to him and got into a conversation on how this was just part of pop history and how we American fans were so captivated by it all and how it really captured our imaginations the whole thing of Osmondmania in the UK from the moment they landed in Heathrow, even up to now. And I wanted to experience it and that is why I was there.

I don't know what the future will hold for The Osmonds, perhaps even they do not. But it is amazing to be part of this all whether you get to experience it in America or in the UK. It is magic, it is fun, and the Osmonds fans are remarkable everywhere you go. I think The Osmonds truly do understand it and they are giving it their all during this very extensive tour. You guys were curious as to how the guys reacted when they saw me. I think they are very busy here, and I see what the UK friends mean about access to them, lol. But I did have the opportunity to speak with them and they know I came from America, lol. I think they appreciate it. I think Jimmy was over the shock of seeing me yesterday and said, "It's just so different seeing you here. Are you having a good time?" That was nice. And then I kidded a bit with Jay about how didn't it feel like Vegas as here we were, he and I? LOL! But it's LONDON, lol. And I told him I am enjoying myself and he seemed genuinely touched that you ladies are watching out for me and is happy I'm getting to see a bit of London. It was nice. I don't know, though, he kind of looks cuter in the UK, so I don't know what is up with that, lol. Don't tell him I said that, lol.

Ok, well that is it for now because have a busy day tomorrow. Meeting Jackie A and her hubby for breakfast. I have never met Jackie in person and am quite looking forward to it. I have to PACK, yes . . . as this is more like a "tour" and we are off to the next city with The Osmonds, lol. Have the Oxford show next, so from the very classy and wonderfully old world London, off to the scholarly town of Oxford, where Bill Clinton attended university, lol. Have to figure out what to wear that is warm, lol. I'll try to get some photos up, probably not tonight. And I have a special drumming photo to post.

Follow the magic of your heart. It is the inspiration for your life.

Well, I'm Here . . . at the UK!!

Testing to see if the photo feature works.  I landed in Heathrow aiport today.  Still trying to absorb the fact that I am in London England! 

Hello - My Introduction to me and my blog

Hello friends!  Thank you so much for stopping by.  This is my first time doing a blog and I am nervous but also excited and even a bit emotional.  Those of you who don't know me may wonder why I'm nervous about it, after all it's no different from what I've been doing for the last four years on Spot-light.  I'll talk more about that later, for those of you who don't know what that is. 

First a bit about the title of my blog.  Again, those who know me, know I am not brief in any of my explanations.  Four years ago, on my 45th birthday, I took a little trip that changed my life.  I decided that I wanted to make a childhood dream, of seeing the Osmonds, come true.  I loved Donny and the Osmonds when I was a little girl.  They were part of a very nice childhood, which I am grateful to have had.  Once I went out into the world, the Osmonds stayed in the past, and I went off to the University of Arizona where I completed my degree in English.  I loved studying literature, both American and English, and I enjoyed writing and felt happiest when I challenged my mind during those years.  I eventually ended up in the social services profession and I currently work as a benefits case worker and find fullfillment in helping others who may not know how to navigate through the red tape and bureacracy it takes to apply for services that they need when they are experiencing challenges in life.  Let's just say, I see a lot of seriousness and some sadness in the work that I do, but I have been told by many I help that I have a gift and to not stop doing what I do. 

But back to The Osmonds . . . I think I discovered them just when it seemed like I was going to need something that would make me happy for the pure sake of being happy.  I think in the two years before I found the Osmonds, or they found me, I suppose I had been immersed in a lot of responsiblities managing the affairs of my now departed father.  I will talk about that another time, but I bring that up because many of us in our age demographic feel pulled in different directions as we find ourselves dealing with issues involving elder care and coming to terms with the fact that our parents now need us to help them.   Then add to that, the fact that we , ourselves, see the writing on the wall and see that glimpse into our own futures.  For me, it was very hard and I still can't talk about some of the emotions I felt as I walked that road, but I had lost "Cristina" somewhere as I took on these new responsibilities.  Not that I have any regrets.  It was a gift that I was able to get to know so much about my parents' lives as I had to slow down and be there for them.  I have no regrets.  But fate, God, the Universe .  . . something or someone knew that I needed something, something BIG to lift some of the sadness I was feeling and to make me feel joy and look at the world and people once again.

Well, along came The Osmonds . . . lol!  jaygal is sort of my "online" alter ego.  She is the part of me who likes glamour, who likes fashion, who loves shoes, who goes and gets her hair done and makes sure she looks her best, no matter what else is going on in my life.  jaygal is someone fun and someone who is outgoing and talkative but also interested in others and loves making new friends.  She is the part of Cristina that had been missing for a long time.  I selected that name when I was introduced to a fan-run online forum where friends posted about their lives and about the Osmonds.  I thought jaygal would be anonymous and identify me as a Jay Osmond fan, since everyone always asks who your favorite Osmond is, although I love Donny too as he was part of my childhood, and now that I've met them all several times, I just love them all.  Well, so much for being anonymous, lol!  I don't think that worked out very well, which brings me to the reason I started this blog.

In just 11 days I will be headed to the United Kingdom for my very first trip ever to ENGLAND!!!!  I am beyond excited, but also kind of scared, lol!  But I am very much looking forward to it.  I'm not going to lie, one big objective of my trip is to expererience Osmondsmania, UK style!!!!  It's something that is part of our conciousness, as Osmonds fans, that image of the Osmonds landing at Heathrow airport back in the 1970's and the CROWDS of screaming girls!  Well, now 35 or so years later, I get to be one of those girls, lol!  I talk about finding the joy of the inner child and I will often refer to my 10-13 year old self.  I think it is important to look at who we were at that age, when we had an open-eyed wonder toward the world and people and to try to identify what it was we wanted out of life then, what were our hopes and dreams.  I have found a bit of that and that 10-13 year old me reminds me to lighten up, have fun and they are afraid of nothing, lol.  Adult me and 10-13 year old me are looking forward to fulfilling a dream of visiting England and are looking forward to meeting new friends there.  This blog is where I will post about my impressions on my travels in England in 11 days, and my Time Travels into the 1970's to see THE OSMONDS in the UK!!!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope I have something to post once I'm there, lol!

-Cristina (jaygal)