Barometer Soup For The Parrot Head Soul

[East Texas Parrothead]

Thanks for sharing, Molly and Penny .... great way to start the day.

[buffettbride]

TR asked me to post an essay I wrote about BN for a scholarship. I didn't win the scholarship, but I was a finalist and my essay was published in the "Author's of Tomorrow" book produced by the publishing company who offers the essay. The winning scholarship was actually a really good essay on Google.

Here goes...

Trying to name one Web site as the best Web site for all of modern society is seemingly an impossible task. There are qualities good Web sites have in common, including accurate and user-friendly informational content, providing a portal for user interaction, and supporting a cause for the greater good. Still, many Web sites meet all these qualifications. What makes a Web site the best is the personal connection any one user makes with a specific Web site. For Parrotheads, the best Web site on the Internet is http://www.buffettnews.com.

On the surface, it may seem like any run-of-the-mill fan Web site. It is not only a place to find Jimmy Buffett tour information, but also detailed information about collector’s items, Coral Reefer band members, photographs, concert set lists from the past and present, and anything a Parrothead might want to know about the head Parrothead.

It is much more than a virtual place on the World Wide Web where people interested in Jimmy Buffett talk about his great music; rather, it is a place where people have formed lifelong friendships in both a virtual and literal sense. Couples have met, courted, and married all in the public eye of other Web site members. It is a Web site that reaches deeper than Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday tailgate parties before the big show and wider than the clear coasts of the Carolinas to the hazy sky in Los Angeles.

What makes it the most special, though, is the flock of devotees to the Parrothead lifestyle willing to reach beyond the comforts of hula skirts and coconut bras and make a real difference in society. Members have directly helped other members by donating money for concert tickets and hotel rooms, just for the chance to see a Jimmy Buffett concert. As a whole, the members have helped publish and sell two cookbooks and raised thousands of dollars for various cancer causes. One member has collected donations and items for a cyclist in need near Dallas, Texas. A runner in Connecticut regularly runs marathons all over the country to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma. The group supports one another in the creation, celebration, and in the loss of life. The sense of giving and kindness is evident and continues to grow exponentially and seemingly always just in the nick of time.

When Parrotheads gather in the usual garb of silly hats and tropical shirts while grilling the coveted cheeseburger from the back of a pickup truck, think not only of the party, but also of the purpose. Then, come join the fun at http://www.buffettnews.com.

[Tiki Bar]

A trip down memory lane... proud moments for our own Phat Matt, and all of us who know him!

http://columbusdispatch.com/features-st ... tml&chck=t

PROFILE
Scout plans concert in quest for Eagle status
Friday, December 02, 2005
Aaron Beck
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH




"Promote rock concert" appears nowhere among the Boy Scouts of America requirements to achieve the Eagle Scout rank.

Someday it might, if Matt Dobson has anything to say about it.

Dobson, a 16-year-old member of Troop 275 in Grove City, is marketing a Christmas show tonight by Peter Mayer, a guitarist in Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band.

Earlier this year, the youth responded to a request on Mayer's Web site to help promote a concert in central Ohio.

"It said something like 'If you want to help, let us know,'" Dobson said. "I thought he meant he needed someone to stand around and hand out fliers. But that's not what he meant."

With help from friends of Mayer's in the Columbus area, Dobson organized the performance.

He will donate money generated by the concert to the music program at Worthington Christian Church.

In doing so, he will complete another Eagle Scout requirement.

"It took me a few meetings to get . . . (the board) to approve it," Dobson said. "I was in there two hours for the first, then came back for another one for an hour."

Typical meetings with the eight members of the Eagle board - who determine what constitutes Eagle material - might last 15 minutes, he said.

Board member Mike Love, 58, called Dobson's project a first.

The usual Eagle-worthy endeavors, Love said, "might include mulching a trail, building picnic tables or a shelter house."

"One of the things you consider with all of the merit badges the boys do is which ones are going to contribute to their life goals or careers.

"This is different, and that's a good thing. It's an all-around good project."

About nine months ago, the Buffett fanatic set up the first 2005 concert for Mayer - at the Confluence Park Restaurant and Conference Center in Columbus.

He arranged that show mainly to meet the guitarist, whose blend of light pop he loves.

Dobson donated the $800 in proceeds to the Gifted and Talented Department in South-Western schools; and International Partners in Mission, based in India. (Mayer, the son of missionaries, spent his first 17 years in India.)

As the year progressed, Dobson contemplated how he could earn the 10 additional merit badges necessary to reach the Eagle rank - which requires Scouts to "plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school or your community."

Donating money to a church from a concert he organized, he reasoned, "has to be community service."

He has the leadership part covered, too.

"I will have 20 to 25 Scouts working at the show, but I've told them they can't wear their Scout uniforms," said Dobson, a Central Crossing High School sophomore.

In October, he shadowed Tom Loudermilk of PromoWest Productions - the company that books concerts in the Newport Music Hall.

Dobson "knew more about this stuff than I knew when I was 20," the 26-year-old said.

"He's a sharp kid, and he's really organized, but you can tell he isn't a professional," said Loudermilk, laughing. "He still has ideals. He's still got a soul."

Dobson plans to choose concert promoting as a career.

"I love the business and dealing with people. I also can't play any instruments."


abeck@dispatch.com

12/03/05:

WOW!!! I dont know what to say. You guys are great, if it hadn't been for BN I wouldnt know who Peter Mayer is.

Needless to say, the last 48 hours have been...interesting...
Woke up at 6:30 to make it to school first 2 period to work on an important project, left school with no problems. I talked to Doug (road manager) and it was going to be about 2-3 before the band got in, so I went home and lesiurely got everything together for the show. Made a pit stop at Mejiers to get sharpies and towels, then headed to the church, and got there at about 3. Got everything set up, my scouts started showing up and I got them settled..I noticed the time after 4, and gave Doug a call..It would now be 6:45-7:30 when they showed up, they would go right off the bus onto the stage and play.
Scouts got settled in, catering got stored for after the show, doors opened as usuall and we just went with the flow. Next update from the tour was they would have to start the show at 8, so I made an announcment, with no major objections. The next update came at about 7 when Doug and I had even more of a problem, because they were just leaving Cleveland. I surveyed the crowd on what they wanted to do, and we decided "come Hell or high water, the show will go on" tonight. Expected the band at about 9:15, show start at 9:30. We showed the Christmas DVD, people left to go eat dinner and come back, some people refunded tickets, and many took up a collection and ordered pizza and coffee.
The band DID get there at 9:15, had about 15 scouts help with load-in, and everything was ready at about 9:30 (just had to let the insturments warm up). At around 9:30 I introduced Peter to the crowd (still had a little over 300 in attendance, barring all problems), and he played a solo set of favorites and requests while the band let their insturments warm (songs included Spare Tire Orchestra, Romeo's Garage with special ending, request Last Island and India).
Scott and Mark (bass) wanted to start playing so the band stood by the stage waiting to go on, and they did after India. They played the full show starting at 10:00, with some AMAZING renditions as well as some new material (but I wolnt ruin it for anyone)!! I got to see most of the show as well (I missed Harmony because I had to go be Mr.Producer). BEG-He did play Sing Joy
After the show, the band worked its way to the autograph table (and before too long all of them but Peter left, to be explained later) where they were met by a TON of people. The CD table didnt do too bad etheir. The rest of the band went back to the green room (as well as myself) where there were 4 pints of Grater's ice cream (so good it should be illegal) and we were all fighting for it. We did go out and mock Peter too. After all that was said and done, myself and Doug settled everything, I had some good discussion with Peter, Doug, and R. Scott (didnt really get to see Chad much, that was dissapointing..the other members I dont know well) Eventually they all parted ways, as did the scouts, and myself and my "right hand men" (the Nixon patrol of Troop 275 ) left at about 1:00 AM.
So, all in all, the show worked out wonderphuly. In a few ways, starting the show helped (there was a lady from Atlanta who ran to the door out of breath hoping she made it before the show was over at about 8:30 ). I was amazed at how well everyone took the news, and how helpful everyone was. I am still working on how many people were at the show, and how many refunded tickets (that info. will be done by Monday). Hopefully all the production end of things will be settled out by Monday.

What an AMAZING night..
THANKS BALCONY GIRLS FOR THE DONATION!!!
THANK YOU KEVIN, ALICE, CHES AND MR. CHES FOR THE GIFT BAG!!!
THANKS TO EVERYONE FROM OUT OF TOWN!!!
AND THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO WENT TO THE SHOW!!!

*whew*...pictures and whatnot to follow when I get the camera back from the brother..

[East Texas Parrothead]

Gotta love our Matt-ster! Thanks, TikiBar.

[citcat]

You all don't know how much your life stories mean. There are people who come here to find out concert information and get inspiration also. I've been inspired, and don't always let you know. I'm telling you now. Sometimes when I get down, or thinking I'm the only one going through something, I find out on BN that I'm not alone going through something. And sometimes, I can help with MY life experiences and humor. Ok, mostly humor....maybe one day I can share a needed life story that will help or entertain. Thanks for sharing.

[Tequila Revenge]

JIMMY CALLED MY CELL PHONE!!!

From dawgfan

Mr. Buffett called me this evening while I was coaching my daughters soccer team. My wife spoke with him for awhile and then should got my attention by YELLING KEITH IT'S JIMMY. We talked about the weather in ATL and in Anguilla. He asked me if I was ready to be a star that he believed they they were going to make me one this weekend.
After our conversation I asked him if he would call me back and leave a voicemail, he said sure and he did.
His message was" You have reached Keith's phone he can't answer it right now he is in Anguilla, but this is jimmy I will tell him you called FINS UP".

Just had to share with you all, he was as cool as I thought he would be.
I am ready to meet him now, being starstruck is over now.


From sunseeker

HOLY CRAPOLA!!!!!

From pbans
::THUNK::

That's the only thing he would have heard as I passed out and my head hit the concrete.....

You're an AWESOME parrothead ambassador, Keith!!!
I think we should officially give you the title!



From LIPH

We are not worthy

[Conolulu]

I have to add just ONE of mine ...from Christmas, 2005..


oh yeah...I had a different name then...

http://www.buffettnews.com/forum/viewto ... 96&start=0

Posted: December 20, 2005 10:09 pm Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I really don't know what is going to come out here....

But it is time to tell the story on here...

As the man says, this year gone by ain't been a piece of cake...

I moved from my home, for many reasons...and was stalked by a crazy person hundreds of miles away...I left where I thought would be my new home..and came back to my island. It seemed safe, and I know it here..

A family member helped me move....and I did not know he was on Crystal Meth...He wiped out my savings acct...stole over $10,000 in cash out of it...Stole and maxxed out 2 credit cards. Took all my good jewelry..Broke in my storage unit and took things that I needed..Things that I could replace..and things I can never replace...

My charm bracelet that was started for me by someone very dear to me... With all my PH charms? Gone...All my Christmas ornaments..including one that was on my 82 yr old fathers first tree? Gone....The ones my children made when they were kids? Gone....
He also took some furniture...and bizarre things...A cannon ball that I have been carrying around since I was 19....all my good jewelry...all of it...

The jewelry and furniture can be replaced one day..but the memories associated with some of the items taken...well, now they are just memories...and I will never have those items again......

I was without a job...and without money and could not even use my credit cards until the investigation was over....I went to work right away and took the job from Hell..just to survive....

There were days I just didn't care if I went on or not.....

A few...very few..people on here know about what happened..and they were there for me day in and day out...I went 9 days one time, just eating peanut butter because I did not want to admit what happened...or tell people about it....I did not go to flockings or attend parties...as I had no money and did not want to tell people about what I was going through...

and my friends on here kept my confidence......and kept me going...

Y'all gave me Trust when I had none....Faith when I had lost it....Friendship when I needed it the most...Encouragement when I had none......Love, when I didn't believe in it anymore...
It was little cards in the mail....just to say I'm thinking about you...and a cute silly rubber ducky....
It was a Walmart gift card because that week I had to choose between paying my water bill or eating.....
It was shows sent from a friend on here so I had new music to listen to...
emails saying "I'm thinking about you"....
Cookies out of the blue for no reason....
Phone calls almost daily just to check up on me....
Cutting your vacation to make a trip over here to see me because it was my birthday...
CD's in the mail...when I needed smiles..

It was the conversations on here, and PM , and email that kept me going..It was knowing there were good people out there.......and that life is tough..but I'm tougher...

Christmas was not going to be easy this year...No tree..no ornaments..nothing..and it was going to stay that way..

Last week, I was here, on BN..and got a PM asking me if I had been to my PO box...I told her yes..and was glad to have something to open on Christmas..She told me boxes were made to be opened.....

So I went and got it...and saw 3 more boxes inside...and other things in tissue paper and bubble wrap....

and it was ornaments...and a letter saying I could never replace my precious memories..but I could have fresh starts and new beginnings..It was a parrot dressed up in Christmas....It was flamingos, one of my favorite things...It was snowmen..and traditional...all individually wrapped...and I just broke down...What my friend sent me was NOT a box of ornaments...what she sent me was a box of Hope , a box of Love..and a box of the REAL Spirit of Christmas.....she took the time to buy these and wrap them and send them...and I just sat here and cried until I lost a contact....

This...from a woman I only met through this site...knew through phone conversations...and finally got to meet at one concert this year before all this happened....

These are new memories and fresh starts..and things that will mean so very much years from now when I put up my tree....My box of Hope...

Another box came this week...from another BNer....and again...ornaments and wonderful whimsical things...all the things that embody being a parrothead.....

And then another...and now I can put up a tree...and listen to the windchimes........

I left names out on purpose....You know who you are...and now you know what you have done for this parrothead in Florida...who didn't want to make it thru the year....but thanks to the Love and Generosity of the pholks on here? I do.....and I will!

This place , and some of the people on here....well...there are no words....

That, my phriends, is the true spirit of the season....and that is love, hope and friendship.....Virtues......and it never ceases to amaze me at what goes on here...

I am blessed...Blessed with the most precious gift of all...Love given unconditionally....and expecting nothing in return....

Things are getting better..I have a better job..and could finally afford a washing machine ..and groceries..and Christmas presents for other people....

But the best present I got..and the best blessing I got all year...was Hope.

Without it, we are nothing.......

Thank you all...for all you gave me this year....my blessings...and my gifts that are not the gifts you can see or touch...but the ones from the heart....that touched this heart.....

Pura Vida....

I know this is really long...but it was time to say it...time for a new year..and new beginnings...

[balcony girls]

. .wow. . .Connie. . ? ?

. .you just hit the nail on the head of what BN stands for . . ! !

. .thanks for bringing back those memories . . ! !

[pbans]

[note to self]

Always read this thread FIRST thing in the morning before applying eyeliner and mascara.....

[/note to self]

[Tequila Revenge]

From ToplessRideFL

Ok

Photos are downloading

Here is my story

We met as planned at MVille for a mini BN phlocking and shopping and lunch!

LIPH, Tommy Bahama, Northern Conch, FlipFlopGirl, PHinSC Connalulu, MGG and me.....




L-R

Maringaritaguy - Barry (white shirt) Conolulu -Connie PHinSC - Jason (behind Connie) ToplessRideFL -Susan (blond) NorthernConch- Brian (with the beer bottle) FlipFlopGirl - Christine (in Buffett shift) picture taken by Radio Margaritaville General Manager is Coleman Sisson

During lunch on the porch of Indecision we noticed that Jimmy's top security man Charleston was wandering around.

Barry went inside to see what was going on. The restaurant had signs up saying it was closing @ 2:30 for a private function. We assumed Jimmy was the entertainment.

We finished lunch and Tommy and Larry left for the links and the drive to Tallahassee respectivly. Barry, jason and Brian headed inside the restaurant ..."just in case" Jimmy showed up. The girls and I headed to the gift store.... I thought I heards Savannah talking so I stuck my head inside the "service" door which connects the gift shop and the restaurant... Sure enough, Savannah, Steve Huntington and Jimmy are sitting @ the DJ booth ... there was a ON AIR neon and Jimmy was broadcasting live on Radion margaritaville.

At this point we were 50 feet from him.

After he was done, he stood behind a table with Charleston's watchful eye and signed autographs for 15-20 minutes. Chrissy, Connie and I were in line together... No pics were allowed...although jason may have gotten some from his phone with no flash. I'll let them recount their conversations with Jimmy... But mine went something like this....

Shook his hand
Said... nice to meet you Mr. Buffett
JB said.... did you go to the concert? I said yes...it was my 40th.... JB said... when was #1? I said 1976 ... He said... Those were the days!!!

I had just bought a magnet which I had him sign. And with that he moved on to Connie.....

As I left Jimmy, I said hello to Charleston... and told him we were from BN. He laughed...and he said we ALL read BN.... I said even Jimmy... he said... Oh yeah!!! he also said to tell Cindi hello!! (BG)

What fun... it was so impromptou!! It was so cool!!! I dont know how I got home!! We gathered outside ... many of you got the DD's ...and no one was drunk!!..But we were flying!!!
No let me go get the rest of the pics

[chippewa]

From sonofabeach, Nov. 2006:

Hi all.
I told a lot of BNers that I met in Tampa about this and thought I'd tell you what I found out.

On Thursday morning I witnessed and was almost involved in a horrific accident on highway 301 as I was making my way to I-75 for the Tampa concert. It was wet out as it had been raining.
A young woman was attempting to pull out of a development into the median (sp) of the four lane highway when a car heading northbound hit her in the rear of the driver's side. Her vehicle spun across the median and into my southbound lane where a semi truck w/trailer that I was right behind hit her again.
I'm guessing the semi hit her at 60-65 mph since I was right behind him. It looked like an explosion of car parts everywhere. I had to lock my brakes, hoping that I would not get rear ended and skidded to a stop in the median dodging parts.
I ran full speed directly to her SUV not knowing what to expect.
When I got to her vehicle I saw that she was not in it.
I turned around to see that she had been ejected and was lying in the median on her side in almost a fetal position maybe 30 yards from her vehicle. I was already on the phone as I approached her and in fact I first told the 911 operator that she appeared dead. Then I saw that she was breathing and I got on my knees and began rubbing her on the shoulder and talking into her ear. I was told on the phone not to move her at all so I did not.
The car that hit her first was over a 100 yards down the highway and I heard someone say that the guy in it was talking but pinned under the dash. There was debris everywhere for 100 yards down the highway.
I also recall hearing someone say that he had been racing another driver.
The semi truck had pulled over and appeared okay.
Just a couple of minutes after the accident occurred I looked up to see a woman driving a golf cart out of the development (which turned out to be a bunch of homes/horse ranches). All of a sudden she went hysterical and began screaming "that's my daughter" and someone had to run up and hold her.
It was horrible listening to her mother crying and screaming. She was kept back about 20 feet by a couple of men trying to comfort her.
I was with her daughter for 10-15 minutes talking directly into her ear and rubbing her shoulder while also talking to rescue 911.
I'm really not sure of the minutes but it seemed like an eternity.
It was all so surreal. Thinking back, I wish I would have held her hand.
To me it looked as if she had severe headwounds and there was a lot of blood which I usually freak at the sight of. Her clothes were all torn and she had cuts everywhere. A man that was a nurse on his way to work came up for a minute and asked if I was on the phone with 911.
He checked her pulse and looked at her head wounds and told me to tell them that they'd better get a helicopter there quick, which I did.
A woman that was a school bus driver came up and asked if anyone had prayed yet and I told her that I had not but had been talking into her ear, telling her that help is on the way and that she would be alright, which to tell the truth I almost did not believe. The bus driver began praying and I joined in although I do not do it nearly enough.
Finally the rescue arrived and I stepped back and hung up my phone.
I stood back and watched for a few minutes as they worked on her. A few minutes later the helicopter landed and then took her away.

I almost went back home and did not attend the show but I felt like I needed to be with my BN friends. I could not listen to the radio the whole way there and cried a few times. I had a great time in Tampa and at the Phlocking but in the back of my mind I could not stop thinking of the woman and whether or not she lived. At times I felt like I was killing the mood when I told people of this in Tampa.
In fact, it's weird but I almost felt guilty having fun at the show even though I was pretty hammered at one point in the parking lot but then I'm sure that some of y'all noticed that.
At concert time I was completely sober and had to leave the show early after hearing a few Jimmy songs that got me thinking of her. Songs that were not even remotely related to what had happened, even happy songs.
For the past 2 days I have been online checking Gainesville and Alachua County newspapers and various websites but saw no news of the accident.
Turns out it happened in Marion County. It's a very rural area over there.
Finally today I drove all the way to the scene of the accident. I knew I had to, after all I knew that her mother either worked at a ranch or lived in the area.
The first place that I went to I came up on 2 men in a golf cart. The driver was very rude and to the point, maybe because I was on his property, I don't know.
Real abruptly, he told me that 2 people died at the accident and I felt so terrible, however I knew that the semi truck driver was okay and I had heard that guy in the first vehicle that hit her was talking.
I almost accepted that and was leaving as I came up on another rancher who knew all about it and in fact, it turns out he works for the young woman's mother. He told me that the young woman is actually 17, her name is Allison, and most importantly, she is ALIVE and in I.C.U. at Shands UF in Gainseville. He also told me her mother's name.
I drove directly to Shands and found my way into ICU with not anyone giving me a problem. I found a nurse and told her what happened and she took me to the girl's mother and she knew me as soon as she saw me. I started tearing up and we hugged and I told her that I was right there with the daughter for a while talking to her and trying to comfort her. I went in with her mother to see her and I swear, I think the girl knew who I was. She could not move at all but I leaned over her, looked into her eyes, and talked to her, rubbing her shoulder again.
There are pictures of her on the wall and she is a very beautiful young lady. As I left I told her that I'd see her again soon.

Turns out her spinal cord is okay as well as her brain.
I was told that she has a broken back, broken femure, broken arm, fractured shoulder, and probably a lot more that I can't remember. I'm not sure if I got all of that right. She'll need a year of therapy.
They also did awesome job on the deep and long cuts that were on her face. I expected her head to be wrapped in bandages.
On the way out I met her father who was so glad that I was there.
He broke down as I talked to him and could not thank me enough.
He told me that I helped save her life and I just told him that what I did was something anybody would do.
Heck, I don't even know if she heard anything. It just felt like what I had to do. It's really all I could do.
Her mother told me that she had told people about a blonde guy that was with her daughter and talking to her and then next thing you know he was gone. She even said that she thought I was probably an angel, imagine that
Turns out that there were 2 cars with teenagers racing each other down the highway and one of the two that were in the car that hit her first is paralyzed.
The car that he was racing never did stop and I was told by her father that they caught him and he was in jail.
Her mother said that Allison is not out of the woods yet but today was the best day so far. She can follow directions, squeeze your finger and open her eyes, all of which she could not do yesterday.
We all exchanged numbers and I have to talk to a deputy because of what I saw which is fine with me.
I could not stop smiling knowing that she was alive as I left the hospital and I'm so thankful that I did not just accept what the first 2 men who lived or worked near the scene had told me when I went back today.
God bless you Allison.

Sorry for the novel. I'm not the best with words but I figured I'd let y'all know what happened today.

[Tiki Bar]

From 8/14/06:

Well..... Where do I begin??? First by warning you all that this will be a long post so when you have a little reading time, I wanted to put it all on one post because I figured that would be the best way....

But before I begin - let me say it took me quite a long time to catch up on BN so my apologies that this is so late. (no laptop at concert )

But thanks again to everyone who was posting Thursday and listening to the show! All the well-wishes gave "preggy meggy" the warm fuzzies!!!!

OK... It starts off spending 2 hrs and 20 minutes on a plane trying to think what I would say to Savannah and Jimmy (if I am lucky enough to meet him). I could have had 4 hours and I still am kicking my self now for the things I didn't say!!! Nothing can prepare you for this - at least it seems like you forget everything when you are in the moment!

But we first started having fun Wednesday night at Jake's show and if you ever get the chance to see him solo in your area...... GO!!!!

His performance was captivating (when you can get a whole bar to be quiet for 2 hours - you KNOW you have got to be good) It was like watching a dance when he played. He was also very personable and had great stories in between songs. He explained why he wrote the song before he played it so when you heard it - you could almost feel in the music what he was feeling when he wrote it. Truly amazing!

Thursday August 10th:

I get to sleep in - 1st good thing of the day . Les gets this great idea to go out and get a picture frame with a wide matte so MAYBE we can get some people to sign it. While I am putting my name on it (we didn't want them to think we just wanted autographs to EBay)... Les is out decorating the car so there will be no doubt as to who the ultimate parrothead is.
(OK - I know I am not shy - but there is such a thing as overkill honey!!)

We arrive at the show around 11am (at which point I actually looked half decent) Unfortunately due to an entire day outside - add in some rain - and after seeing pictures now I am realizing I could have used a few hours to change and refresh!!!!! damn!

But we had a great day meeting people, seeing people.... walking around the parking lot. Loved the GW area - people know how to do it right up there!!! Around 4 o'clock I get a call from Coleman Who is the GM for RM. He has our tickets and wants us to come get them. He was trying to get us in to sound check but we were a little late and missed it. I was told at first we wouldn't pick up tickets until 6pm so I thought him taking us back at 4 was very cool! We went back through the kitchen and ended up just right off the stage where they had Savannah set up. Coleman introduced us immediately and she was friendly and personable right off the bat. That made me feel a lot better! Then Michael Utley walked over and congratulated me. He was very nice as well (there is a pattern starting here ).

Coleman asks about the frame and Les tells him about what we were hoping. Coleman takes it and says "let me see what I can do". So we are talking with Savannah more... once again, it was like talking to someone I've already known for awhile. Then Coleman takes us out on stage and shows us some of the set-up. He then takes our picture from out in the audience. Jake walks out on stage - remembers us from the night before and gets a picture with us.

Coleman then asks if we are hungry or would like something to drink (of course we are ) so he takes us back and we sit down to eat in the back where the band and crew eat. (trying to act normal and that this is no big deal is very hard at this point!!!) As we walk in we run into Nadirah, who is gracious enough to pose with me for a picture. Once again - the pattern continues, and there is down-to-earthness all around her. We then sit down to eat and just "take it all in" - somehow I am not as hungry now. Excitement has taken over hunger. We see Jimmy outside on the patio talking with people. Then I notice Jim Mayer at another table near us with some of Jimmy's body guards. Coleman has since given me back my picture frame - and it is already signed by Jimmy and several others!! He put it on a table while we were walking around. So we go over to Jim - and he jumps up from eating (I did not want to bother him while eating) - but he jumped right up - hugged me and signed "You Rock Megan" on my frame. I also thanked him for voting for me. Once again - the pattern continued. Genuine.... down to earth.... friendly. You almost know they are going to be ..... but sometimes you hear things or think they might be a little stand-offish because they are who they are.... but not once did I ever witness that with Jimmy's crew!

Coleman then takes us outside (Jimmy has since come in and at some point he goes to take a nap, which of course most performers do) So we go outside and get some more autographs - it's like scavenger hunt only A LOT MORE FUN!!!!!!! Sonny.... Ralph...... Doyle.... Roger.... They are all out there. At one point Les is talking with Roger about photography and I have to drag him away so we can go back and find Tina to get her autograph. We go back to the dressing rooms and they are both in their getting ready. I told Les to cover his eyes...lol Tina came out and signed, then got a picture with her (strategically placed under the "Coral Reefer Girls" so I could pretend for a minute!

We then went back outside and ran into Mac - he posed for a pic as well and let me hug him (I am a hugger so I am glad they are all huggers too!) We go out and get on one of the tour buses - very cool. We now have had pretty much everyone but Peter sign so Coleman drove us back to our car so we could put it away. When we came back - it was (still raining) time for him to do a few things so we hung out in the hospitality tent for a while. Ran into Michael Utley and talked a little more with him.

As people started to fill the hospitality tent, we saw Jen And Jen come in with Jim Mayer so I was so happy to see them. We talked about all kinds of stuff but I especially liked hearing him talk about songwriting and how you sometimes have to write crappy stuff, that may be bad then - but when you add and put more together - all of a sudden - you can have a great song! (At this point I am inspired to start writing my own stuff - and more than just good titles!!!)

It is now 7:30pm and Coleman comes and gets us. We go back to Savannah where we first came in - just right of the stage. She asks me what I want to hear (I thought it was all picked out) so of course I was caught off guard. Several things I wantd were not in the music library so I had to have Les come over and jog my memory as to what I like . I was a little nervous and prayed that all the talking throughout the day didn't make me sound ridiculous. I would have killed for some tea with honey at that point! But we went right on the air and it seemed to go fine. I was much shyer than my usual self - but you know that if there was enough time to get really warmed up it would have been hard to shut me up.

We do a few more songs and talk a little more .. it is getting very close to show time - and I look up and there is Jimmy in the background. I see Coleman go over to him and pull him over (so glad I didn't pass out when I stood up!!) Once again - the pattern continued even with Jimmy! Down-to-earth, friendly and genuinely interested in what I had to say. He congratulated me. I asked if I could hug him and he let me so that was cool despite the fact I almost "dewired" him when I did. We talked a little about seeing Jake Wednesday... he had mentioned to us how he found him in Hawaii (which of course Jake told the story Wednesday but I was not going to stop Jimmy from telling me). Jimmy mentioned to Coleman how he thought the movie was really cool that two Boston students have sent them and was glad they decided to not edit it at all... just show it as is during intermission. At this point it is 8pm... They want to play a song appropriate to start the night off..... and since it is STILL RAINING.... Coleman downloads "Singing in the Rain" - it just popped into his head and I assume this is one of the reasons that he is Jimmy's technical guru for so many years. So we all of a sudden hear this song... Jimmy grabs an umbrella and is out on stage imitating Gene Kelly. OK - I already loved this song - but now it has SUCH a special place in my heart because as he is doing that. .... I am backstage with Tina and Nadirah dancing and singing as they wait for their turn to go out. That is the moment of the night that really hit me. I would have given a million dollars to have been able to stay and watch the entire show from that spot.

Then we hear the "Ole Ole" we know so well that signifies the show is about to begin. The t-shirt guys go out on stage and I am just standing in the wing next to Jimmy's pilot - still trying to contain the excitement that is running through my veins! I wish Tina and Nadirah a good show and Coleman then takes us to our seats. We go around back and I see Jimmy doing his stretches and warm-ups and know it is going to be one hell of a show.

There is no possible way I could thank Coleman enough for what he did for us that day. I got to meet the musical idol that has not only shaped my life and taught me what is important, but someone who pretty much when I think about it is responsible for me meeting the person I want to spend the rest of my life with and who I know will share all the fun Buffett experiences with me in the future. I also attribute all the special phriends I have met along the way to him as well. My life really does revolve a lot around Buffett and while many people will never understand that..... I know that the people reading this today will. WE GET IT!!!!

THANK YOU COLEMAN!!!
THANK YOU JIMMY!
THANK YOU SAVANNAH!!
THANK YOU CORAL REEFERS!!!!!
THANK YOU MY BUFFETT NEWS PHAMILY!!!!!!
THANK YOU RADIO MARGARITAVILLE/SIRIUS FOR HAVING A CONTEST THAT I ACTUALLY HAD A CHANCE AT!!!!!!!!

[Tiki Bar]

Balcony Girls article in new Coconut Telegraph
February 7, 2005

Greetings from the Balcony Girls !

Just read the on-line version of the CocoTel and there is an article in there about us !

Here's the story:

We were in Key West over New Years and as always went to the store to see if our pictures were still up. Thinking they opened at 9:00, we got there about 9:30 - of course the sign said 10:00 so we just hung around outside. At 10, they opened the doors, and when we walked in everyone starting clapping and cheering

They announced we were the first customers for the 20th anniversary of the store and gave us all kinds of neat gifts - anniv shirts, pins, CD, hand painted ice bucket and lots more - plus a lifetime subscription to the CocoTel

They asked how we came to be there, so we told them we were checking on our pictures - then it came up that we were the Balcony Girls, and they really got a kick out of that !

So thanks, to the crew at M'ville Key West - you're the best !

and hello to all our new friends we've met lately . . .

see you all in Tampa

Finally, the Balcony Girls! and some guy...

just wanted to share the story of the 1992 picture. .'

we were at Jazzfest that year and happened to be wandering around the back area, when I looked up and saw Jimmy coming down a walkway headed straight for me. The other balcony girl and her neice saw him too, and absolutely started freakin' out - going completely nuts ! IT'S HIM ! IT"S HIM ! (that was before we learned how to act "cool" about it)

picture this - I am standing there staring at him and I honestly could not move a muscle - I was completely frozen in place and in time He kept coming closer and closer and next thing I hear was "how ya' doing ? want to get a picture ? " They tell me he talked for some time, and also signed a few autographs. You can tell by the look on my face that in those few minutes there was no sound, no sight, no breath coming from me . . .

But wait, it gets better - later that night we went to Bourbon Street , and I carried my priceless autograph with me. Well, wouldn't you know it, someone stole my purse ! I went nuts trying to find a cop - I was going to bring down the city for my stolen treasure !

The police report was filed and I left New Orleans very empty.. . . . . but it's not over yet . . . .I actually sent Jimmy a copy of the report listing the "stolen Jimmy Buffett autograph", and a few days later, he sent me a really cool autographed picture !

here's the punch line - a month later a brown envelope was sent to me by the Post Office - inside was my purse ! ! ! - but no Jimmy autograph there was a note saying it had been found in a postal box - so they returned it to me .

I have several autographs, but I sure wish I had that small yellow sticky-note thing from that first Jimmy encounter . .

p.s. - why is it that Jimmy looks better in 2005 than he did in 1992 - and we just look . . well. . .13 years older ! !

[SchoolGirlHeart]

OMG, this thread keeps getting better and better!

[Tequila Revenge]

A funny phone conversation today.

Contractor: “Do you realize who’s birthday it is today?”

TR: “I have no idea.”

Contractor: “Come on! We’ve all fantasized how great it would be to have his life.”

TR: “Jimmy Buffett’s birthday is December 25th, not in April….”

Contractor: “No you dumb a$$! It’s Hugh Heffner’s 81st birthday. Who wouldn’t want to have Heff’s life?”

TR: *Thinking to self* I’d much rather be hanging out with Jimmy than Heffner

[Tequila Revenge]

From BEG

There are so many...this will have to be done in installments.

It might not have been random but it was the UTMOST act of kindness. PHAW gave me her sister and family when I broke my leg in FL. I am still overwhelmed by the kindness they showed and the fact that they never hesitated to help out when Renee asked them to. That is one gift that I will be paying forward for a very long time.

MICHI picked me up at the airport in Vegas, never having met me, and took me to the Saloon to go drankin' while we waited for the rest of the BNers to show up. He will always be my Saloon Partner.

Molly is always finding the perfect little things to cheer me up or to make me smile...and it always works.

Penny and Renee...sent me flowers...and they were beautiful.

Penny and Elrod sent me a giant fuzzy pink flip flop box...it is sooooo awesome...and CDs of great Buffettesque artists....

ETP had the most awesome pair of sunglasses made for me for the San Jose show...decorated with all the things I love most.

DKD is always making me cool avatars and pics and always helping me out when I technically challenged.

Gulfbreeze sent me CDs to make me smile and gifts for my little niece who was very ill and undergoing a lot of tests, just to make her smile...and it worked.

Phan_of_Life made brownies and sent mini oreos while I was stuck in bed and miserable.

Aqua and FM opened their home for our ATL NYE party...and FOURPLAY and HPH provided wonderful seafood...yummmmmm.

CNF bought me a ticket for the Mac show when I was in ATL for the weekend last July.

Jenny brought me cool things from Australia when we met in ATL.

I know there's more, but I'm brain dead right now. To be continued...

[Tequila Revenge]

From jimolliemom

Well, I can't count all the things Des has done for me, some HUGE and some small but very thoughtful. Citcat has been my right arm thru the club stuph (and she gives me the coolest presents too!) OPH has been a great computer help. Connie, you understand my LOVE for a losing team. (GO JAGS) but the one that sticks in my head my not be a BNer. I only know her to be a very true Parrothead.

I met Susan at a pre concert party in Jacksonville. She and I really hit it off and she mentioned she knew a couple from Paris...MY PARIS??? Really...she told me their names and it didn't ring a bell. We partied and emailed later. So, last month I took my 14 y/o to the orthodontist. Yep, he needs braces. A lady came in holding a beany baby parrot. "Are you Jill". I said "uuummm, yes". She introduced herself and said she was a friend of Susan's and the parrot was a gift to my youngest, Mollie. I had both of them with me at the party. (THEY HAD A BLAST!) I was touched cuz I think my kids are the greatest but here is a phellow phriend who also thinks they rock. So, I talked to Debbie (who turned out to be Susan's friend and the orthodontist's wife) and she is also a parrothead. GREAT PEOPLE! When we were finished, I went to check out and figure how in the world we would pay for this. I was WANTING new windows and doors in the house but Jim's teeth come first. Well, the receptionist told me "Ma'am, today's visit is on Susan. It's all taken care of. We will see you on May 18th for spacers". I was BLOWN AWAY. I know how to give and enjoy helping others. I had never been the pricipiant of a random act like that. We still will be postponing windows and doors but that gift sure made the rest of the week a little nicer.

See how cool we are???

[SMLCHNG]

The entire thread is one of joyful tears!!

http://www.buffettnews.com/forum/viewto ... sc&start=0

Ya'll know how I am a sucker for the underdog ... the less fortunate ... and someone who gives it everything they have ...

I know most of ya'll aren't into cycling, but hear me out on this one.

I was covering the 18th Annual Tour d'Trails (cycling race) this past Saturday and had the opportunity to meet a very special young man from near Paris, Texas. (The race was in my hometown of Winnsboro.) I had been out on the course following some hot shoes (Chris Powers, Flower Mound and Brian Wyrick, Quitman-the county seat where my paper is), but when I came in, I started talking to this young man. Well, truth be told, he walked over to me and struck up a conversation about how he had been out riding and had won 5th in the 20 mile race. He was beaming.

The tour organizers tell me he rides every year. He told me he had gotten up at 4:30 Saturday morning to make the 80 mile trek from Arthur City (near Paris) to Winnsboro. He didn't want to miss the 9:00 start time.

I asked him to pose for the photo below with the winners of the 20 mile race. He couldn't believe he was getting to take his photo with the winners. That's him in the foreground.

Maybe you can see what bad shape his bike is in. He said someone gave it to him. The saddle was taped. The tires were bald. His helmet was worn down to the foam. He didn't have gloves. His shoes were just barely holding together. The Pilot Club members who put on the race say they've never seen him in any jersey other than the one he had on Saturday morning. His bike shorts were torn and tattered. There were threads everywhere.

But none of this mattered to this rider. He had come in 5th in the 20 mile race and he was watching the "people that go really fast" come in from the 40 and 60 mile races. The pride in his eyes was bright enough to light Texas Stadium at midnight. He was also going to the city park to get his free bar-b-que sandwich, drink and chips before heading home in his really beat up truck.

The people standing around waiting on riders, friends, spouse, children, etc and I watched this youngster ... I say youngster ... he's probably in his 30's and decided that anyone this excited about cycling should have better gear.

The Dallas area riders are going to put a care package together and send it down here. One guy had a saddle. Another had lots of extra jersies. They were going to find some gloves and other neat stuff.

The Winnsboro area riders are going to put a bike together. One guy told me he has been riding for 23 years and has more gear/equipment than he'll ever use.

I have a friend who works at the Texoma Cycling Center in Wichita Falls ... where I got my bike. I'm going to ask him for some stuff, too.

I have the young man's name, address and phone number, so we'll be sure to find him when everything's put together. The Winnsboro guys and I will load everything up and take it to him personally.

We are all blessed and have a lot more than this kid. It's only right that we share our good fortunes.

As long as he wants to ride in the Winnsboro race, his $25.00 entry fee will be covered and we'll top his gas tank for the trip home. That's already been arranged.

RhumChum has a contact at the Paris Newspaper and we're going to put out some feelers in Arthur City to get the kid's story. I'm going to do a feature on the effort to get him some new equipment because, Lord knows, we need GOOD stories/news like this.

So...my reason for posting is this: If you have any men's medium biking jerseys or some biking shorts ... or a helmet .... or anything cycling-related that you're not using anymore and would like to give to our new friend, box it all up and send it to me

Terry Mathews
208 E. Myrtle
Winnsboro, Texas 75494

Or send a small donation and we'll pick up some good stuff for him.

And you'll help us trick this kid out like a "real" rider. It won't matter to him that the gear's not all new. He'll be proud to have it, I promise.

Just make sure to include your name and address so he can write you a thank you note (I'm going to help him with this part of the project.) and I can send you a hard copy of the edition with his story.

It feels good to do good.

Thank you.

Your phriend,

ETPH

Bob Wilson (my hero) shows Wayland how to sit on a GOOD SADDLE for the very first time.

[SchoolGirlHeart]

I think I'm going to need to buy stock in whatever company makes Kleenex...

[MacPhin]

I think I'm going to need to buy stock in whatever company makes Kleenex...

i'm with ya on that one...... i can finally see clearly.