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!