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Tracy
Cusumano from New York writes…
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The
first meeting of Fan Tracy Cusumano and Linda
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It
all started when my fiance got me front row tickets to Linda's
show in Westbury, New York. It's not a huge arena, so front
row felt like I was on stage with her! Linda started singing
from backstage, and I got a lump in my throat when they introduced
her. Linda and Michael began singing together, and it was
amazing! Their voices blended together in perfect harmony.
Linda makes every note seem effortless. She is an amazing
talent, but I think what touches the audience the most is
her kind spirit. Her eyes "smile" into the crowd!
She is so appreciative and humble, qualities that some talented
performers seem to lack.
Linda
and I made eye contact many times during the show, mainly
because I couldn't stay in my seat! After each song, I stood
for her and clapped! Linda and Michael received countless
standing ovations during the night, and the concert was a
huge success! Linda sang a few songs alone and treated the
crowd to "Don't Rain On My Parade" and "Man
Of LaMancha," in addition to songs from her new CD, BY
MYSELF. While you're at a Linda concert, time seems to fly
by and the end of the night was upon us.
It
was announced that Linda was signing copies of the new CD,
and I immediately got on line. I was planning on waiting outside
the stage door in the rain, so the fact that I could wait
inside and still meet her was the best thing in the world!
I waited patiently to meet Linda, and all the while my heart
was racing. Finally I got up to meet Linda. She looked up
at me and said, "Hey, I remember you from the audience!
You're a singer."(I guess she knew that because I was
in the front row dancing in my seat with the songs, while
most sat still in their chairs). I replied nervously, "I
am." I tried without much success to put a sentence together.
After years of idolizing Linda and singing along to each of
her songs, here I was face to face with "The Voice!"
Linda stood up next to me, and we got cheek to cheek and took
a picture. Since my hand was on her back, Linda told me, "Oh,
goodness, you're shaking!" I hugged her because I didn't
know what else to do! I could only whisper to her, "This
is the greatest moment of my life!" I floated all the
way home! It took a few days to sink in that I had finally
met my idol, and it is something I will treasure for the rest
of my life!
Not
long after my first meeting, I had the privilege of being
at the reading for THE SEDUCTION OF SHEILA VALENTINE. I attended
the reading with my friend Gabriella. Between the both of
us, we traveled about 16 hours to get to see Linda perform
in the reading of the first act. We traveled by train first
and then by car. We sat in traffic all the way into New Jersey,
but we packed about six Linda CDs and we knew nothing would
keep us from getting there. There is nothing like singing
along to Linda Eder with your good friend while stuck in traffic!
Every minute of traveling was well worth it! The show was
amazing, and the cast was powerful and funny. I am so glad
I was able to be there to see it. It definitely was a "once
in a lifetime" event that Gabriella and I will remember
forever. Seeing Linda on stage again was so exciting, and
she proved that night that she really is "back where
she belongs."
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| Victoria
Botwinick from New York writes... |
Joani
Cohen from New Jersey writes...
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Just
got back from Linda's concert at Proctors Theatre. As usual,
she was the best! This was the first time that I actually
traveled to see Linda. I usually wait until she is in my area…
but quite frankly, once a year is not enough! Linda looked
just radiant. She dedicated a song to someone special... could
he be the reason? It was so nice to hear some of my favorite
songs added to the mix! I will never tire of hearing her songs
from the past. Just "ask" the CD player in my car.
It holds six discs, all of which are Linda Eder! I laughed
out loud at all of the chatter between songs... things I could
definitely relate to! By the way, consider getting up at 6:30
a.m. a blessing... it gets worse! Anyway, I look forward to
my next exciting night out to hear Linda on July 22 at The
Westbury Music Fair. Until then... keep singing!
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I
don't know if you will actually read this, but with the hope
that you will, I must thank you from the bottom of my heart
for your soulful music. I am in training for a 60 mile, three-day
walk for breast cancer in Philadelphia in October, and I don't
leave the house without my iPod and your beautiful voice!
It gives me energy; it gives me hope; and it fills me with
strength to know I can do it! It has been six years since
I was diagnosed, and I am so very fortunate to be healthy
and able to live an incredible life. So I am helping raise
money through this walk for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation. Maybe we can find a cure! I wanted you to know
you are a part of my team and I am ever so grateful. I live
in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and I have enjoyed your concerts
at the Lenape Performing Arts Center. I always feel good when
I hear your voice. We are all survivors, aren't we? Be well,
and be healthy!
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Fan Gabriella Greco and Linda following the reading of THE
SEDUCTION OF SHEILA VALENTINE
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Gabriella
Greco from New York writes…
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First,
let me just say that the weekend of August 19, 2006 will
go down in the history books without a doubt. I know Tracy
will more than agree. After seeing THE SEDUCTION OF SHEILA
VALENTINE, it was nice talking to you. It always helps me
put things into the proper perspective: the chaos that I've
had to deal with for the past few months, the 16 hours of
travel between Tracy and me, the traffic on the George Washington
Bridge, missing our turn to the theatre, the excruciating
migraine that unexpectedly hit during the show, the scary
guy at the 7-11, getting lost in the Bronx at 1 a.m. on
the way home. It was all worth it.
After everything that I have been through these past few
months, I cannot thank you enough! I would truly be lost
without you. You have been my rock and support system through
everything. You are always there reassuring me that there
is always a sunny side to life. It will take a little while
for me to find the silver lining, but because of you I now
know it's there and I am no longer afraid. I hope that when
I do find the silver lining, I will be able to share all
the wonderful things that are waiting for me on the other
side of the rainbow.
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Mary
Harmon from California writes...
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Fan
Michael Lichstein, Fan Toni Alterman, and Fan/Seeing Eye Dog
Yoshi with Linda
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Linda's
latest album is absolutely the best. Of course, Judy Garland
is one of my favorites, and Linda doing an album of her
songs was the ultimate gift to all her fans. I just love
her voice and her as an individual.
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Marianne
Ling from Illinois writes...
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I
love Judy Garland. I thank Linda so much for making my two
favorite singers into one great CD. My father likes it as
well. He said that because he was in choir with Linda her
sophomore year. He will always be her #1 fan in Crystal
Lake, Illinois, but now that he has passed the pleasure
of listening to Linda down to me, I think am her #1 fan
in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
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Fans
Betty Duffy, Susan Cooper, Joan Johnson, Kris Johnson, Joanne
Johnson, Beth Cooper Zobott, Debbie Garner, and Carol Blalock,
pose for a picture before Linda and Michael's July 2006
concert in Illinois.
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Fan
Bob Montanye and Linda
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Pat
and Dick Cooper from New Jersey write...
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Joyce
Watson from Edinburgh, Scotland writes...
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This
is only my second note to THE VOICE. We (my wife and I) are
anxiously looking forward to seeing you again at Feinstein's
next week (4/7). I had the great opportunity to meet you for
the first time in Atlantic City. I just wanted to try to express
what very few can accurately express. And that is the true
depth of the impact you have had on so many of our lives.
I actually look forward to the traveling I occasionally have
to do because it becomes my "time alone" with Linda.
You can lift a person's spirits for an entire day, simply
with your phrasing, or with that incredible sound that "takes
off" like a rocket or a butterfly. God, how I love "Vole
Mon Ange!" Every album is better than the last from the
difficult STORYBOOK to the powerful BY MYSELF. I have been
a fan since the early 90s, but new to the on-line fan club.
We try to make every event within driving distance. I do get
emotional when I know an "event" is coming. And,
we are really glad you have teamed up with Michael. The Atlantic
City show was truly phenomenal! What a combo! We pray that
you never tire of touring. We know how tough it is for you,
but we all love you. God Bless!
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I
live in Edinburgh, Scotland and I was totally knocked out
to hear Linda's "live" recording of "Man
Of La Mancha" two weeks ago on the radio. I had never
heard of her before but just could not get over how fabulous
her voice is. It was one of those "hairs standing up
on the back on my neck" moments. The presenter of the
radio show was Elaine Paige, one of the UK's best musical
stars, and at the end of the song even she said, "Wow,
I'm glad I'm not following her on the bill!"
I checked out Linda's Web site and I'm now the very happy
owner of two CDs, BROADWAY MY WAY and MY FAVORITE BROADWAY
— THE LEADING LADIES and I'm loving listening to them.
I don't know if Linda has ever given any concerts in the
UK, but I hope she'll consider it in the future or I'll
just have to have a US holiday to see her.
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Fan
Alan Pacquer and Linda
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Shelley
Taylor from Ohio writes...
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Fan
Shelley Taylor and Linda
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It's
been quite a while, Linda, since I first heard you on Star
Search and echoed the same words to my husband that many
people were saying at that time. "This singer reminds
me a lot of Barbra Streisand." Being the huge Streisand
fan that I was and still am and recognizing that same quality
in your voice, I instantly was drawn to you. Needless to
say, I was thrilled that you won.
Having
a young child back then, my life seemed to be very busy
and I lost track of you. Then one day there was a newspaper
article about a show coming to town, and it raved about
this singer who they compared to... well, you know that
famous singer. I just remember thinking, "Yeah, right."
The show came and went and I never checked it out. Big mistake
on my part! However, once again a television show brought
your voice back into my life. I will be forever grateful
that Rosie O'Donnell had you on her show that day. I had
the television on but was not really paying too much attention
until you started singing. I instantly stopped and then
it all came together. "Star Search," show coming
to town with singer who sounds like... and then… wow!
Needless to say, I was thrilled that I caught up with you
again.
My
young child had grown up, and off we went to New York to
celebrate her graduating from high school. As I sat in that
theater watching you sing your heart out in JEKYLL &
HYDE, I couldn't have been happier seeing you in person.
I was only saddened when your character had met her end
because I knew that my evening of hearing you was over at
least for the moment. Since that time, I have tried to attend
as many shows that are possible for me. Some people, who
will remain nameless, think I am crazy. Some people don't
understand, but those of us who are your fans understand
completely. You don't have to explain yourself when you
are among the fans of one of the greatest and nicest singers
around.
That young child of mine is now a young mother, and together
we have some of our best times at your concerts. Her children
also are enjoying you and so does my mom. I guess it's safe
to say you have reached four generations of my family. Now
that I am nearly twenty years older than when I first heard
you, your voice is richer and if possible, even more beautiful
to enjoy. You making growing older a whole lot easier!
I hope there are many more years and opportunities ahead
to enjoy your music. It's always a joy to watch you, and
it's twice as great being on the receiving end of your joy
and happiness that comes through when you sing. I wish you
nothing but the best for you and your loved ones.
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Mary
Ann Taranto from Florida writes...
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Jody
Cosenza from Texas writes…
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I admit that I had heard Linda's name and may have heard
her in JEKYLL & HYDE, but I had not heard one of her
CDs until recently. I am a decorative wall painter (faux
finisher) and was on a ladder going away when I heard Linda's
BROADWAY MY WAY CD. I immediately got down and asked my
client who in the world this singer was and asked myself
why I did not have every CD she had ever recorded. I hurriedly
got on the Internet and ordered my first CD of hers (BROADWAY
MY WAY), and today I just got the BY MYSELF tribute to Judy.
I am thrilled and am in complete agreement with the writer
that Judy, Barbara and Linda and truly in a class of their
own. I have added Linda to my list of favorite singers,
too.
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I love the fact that you let yourself and your feelings
be known on many levels. I enjoy what you have to say. I
moved to Texas two years ago from Monterey, California.
I have not been very happy for none of my favorite performers
seem to put San Antonio, Texas on their tour cities except
Johnny Mathis. I'm planning to attend your concert in Palm
Desert on November 17, 2006 and plan to get tickets when
they go on sale in September. I hope to be fortunate enough
to get two. If you do plan to have a concert in San Antonio,
Texas, I will spread the word and make sure everyone here
knows what an excellent talent you have and that it is imperative
that they see you perform. Break a leg!
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Fan
Jill Olthoff and Fan Jeff Bankson with Linda
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Jill
Olthoff and Jeff Bankson from Connecticut write...
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The
wait for the rescheduled Feinstein's concert was well worth
it! It was by far the best listening experience we have
had in our many years attending Linda's performances. The
venue, although small, was perfect for the "new"
Linda. It was so intimate that you felt like she was singing
just to you! And, of course, the opportunity to spend time
with our friends we have made through the message board
made it that much more special for us. We look forward to
many more concerts in the months to come and look forward
to seeing everyone, but especially Linda!
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Ann
Kotarski from Pennsylvania writes...
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The
first meeting of Fan Ann Kotarski and Linda
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What
a thrill to finally meet you! After getting front row tickets
to your concert in Red Bank, New Jersey, I never dreamed
the night could get better. Then at intermission I met some
members of your fan club who told me if I waited afterwards
I might be able to see you at the stage door. I know I probably
rambled on and on, but whatever I said I meant to say that
I have found you to be inspirational to me. Your voice and
your delivery of music are just moving. You have an incredible
way of giving new meaning to old songs and making new ones
unforgettable and timeless. Meeting you was a pleasure and
I now hang the picture proudly. Thank you for your music
and your voice. You are truly a remarkable performer.
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Rita
and Ron Cowan from Florida write...
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Marsha
Wolf from Virginia writes...
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Several
years ago, while on my treadmill very early in the morning,
I was clicking the remote for the TV and saw a beautiful
woman talking about her singing. Since I love music, I stopped
and watched. How fortunate for me that a rerun of a prime-time
interview with Linda Eder was being shown at 5:15 a.m. As
they played clips of her singing, I was in awe at the depth,
intensity and quality of her voice.
So began my "love affair" with Linda Eder. Within
a couple of days I had bought my first CD, BROADWAY MY WAY.
And, soon after that... another one. (I think I have them
all.) I found the Web site for Linda and bought tickets
for her show at the North Shore Theatre outside of Boston.
My husband liked her music, but after her first song he
looked at me literally stunned and uttered one word, "Wow!"
We have given so many of Linda's CDs to friends to spread
the word of this phenomenal singer and inspiration. We were
fortunate enough to get tickets to see CAMILLE CLAUDEL starring
Linda. Again, she was superb. All this took place while
living in Connecticut.
We moved to Florida 18 months ago, and I am delighted to
see that Linda will be performing in Clearwater in January
and plan to get tickets. We're hoping she makes the West
Coast of Florida a regular stop. At the first show we saw,
we fell in love with Linda's voice, but even more her warm
yet feisty personality. She's such a unique and special
person.
God bless.
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It
appears I am a newly addicted fan of Linda Eder's. If Linda
were a potato chip, I'd weigh 800 pounds by now. My husband
and I saw her concert with Michael Feinstein last month
in our hometown here in Virginia. We were sitting way in
the back row of the concert hall so weren't able to really
see the performer's expressions, but the power of the evening
stays with me still.
I have never heard any singer wrap more honest emotion around
a lyric than Linda does. In watching the streaming video
posted on her Web site of Linda recording BY MYSELF, it
seems that she sort of loses herself within her emotions.
I love Leslie Bricusse's assessment of pairing Linda with
Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand in "all three phenomenal
singers' ability to express heartbreak in their voice. It
makes the listener respond emotionally."
Another wonderful discovery after reading about Linda is
her testament that her performances are her job, but her
life is centered on her son. How refreshing. I own Talent
Link, one of the largest talent agencies in Virginia, and
am approached daily by a few desperate people willing to
sell their souls to be in the spotlight.
And finally, I must complement all involved in Linda's Web
site and THE VOICE. How generous of Linda to share her thoughts
in each issue. She is a very gifted writer who appears so
genuine. The entire Web site is easily navigated, comprehensive,
readable and engaging. During the course of my business
day, I must visit many performers' Web sites. Linda's is
one of the best I've seen.
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Jamie
Risedorph and Clarence Foss from New York write...
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Charles
Beltram from Texas writes...
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We
just saw Linda at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, New York.
We live in Johnstown,
New York. My husband and I were totally entranced and thrilled
with her performance. With a voice (and presence and looks)
like that, why isn't Linda a superstar? I mean, Barbra and
Judy were first, but why is it so few fans of good music
know who Linda Eder is? Maybe that's as she wants it, which
is fine. Linda, you are simply the best female vocalist
bar none. We love you.
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I
was looking for some Jazz or some Easy Listening music this
evening and came across your albums on Rhapsody. I have to say
that I am just overwhelmed by the beauty of your voice. I'm
sure you hear it all the time, but you are just magnificent!
I'm shocked that I had never listened to you before. But as
I said, I am sure you have heard it many times before, but I
wanted to tell you.
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Fan
Gerry Cardwell (right of Linda) And Friends with Linda in
Chicago
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Fan
Bill Budris with Linda and his mother, Fan Zina Budris
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Fan
Annarose Foley and Fan Kelly Wolner with Linda
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Baby Eder Fan Alexander Golden (just 7 weeks old) and Linda
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Donna Nicholson from Florida writes...
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Fan
Donna Nicholson and Linda
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Music
has always been important to me since I was a little girl.
As with books, music can take you to another place, another
time, another emotion, even to another plateau of spiritual
awareness within your own soul! Linda's voice has always
helped me through bad times, and to her I shall always be
grateful and I will always adore her. Because of her, I
have met many special people. Meeting Linda at NJPAC was
a once in a lifetime experience for me. I believe that success
in life is if one person has breathed easier because you
have lived, and in my case, that is true with Linda's voice
and her talent that she has graciously shared with all of
us! God Bless Linda, and may she always have and find the
happiness that she deserves! I am just one in the million
who believes!
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| Lucille
Sandal from Sykkylven, Norway writes... |
Ken
Stefin from Pennsylvania writes...
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I
live in Norway and very much enjoy your (old) CD, IT'S NO
SECRET ANYMORE. I plan to be in the States this Fall and Winter,
and I was disappointed when I saw your schedule on your Web
site that you will not be in Northern California at any time.
I would like very much to hear you in concert. You have an
outstanding voice, and your phrasing is magnificent. Perhaps
you will come to Norway some day? Keep those vocal chords
in good shape.
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I thoroughly enjoyed both your performance with Michael
Feinstein on Saturday, August 12 at the Mt. Laurel Performing
Arts Center in Bushkill, Pennsylvania. I've been a fan since
the beginning of your career. I was in the front row with
my 81 year-old Mom. You touched both of our hearts. I'm
the guy who gave you the orchid. I also contributed to your
pet project. I'm a member of The American Theatre Wing ,
The Drama League, and The New Dramatists. I was one of the
honorary producers of this year's luncheon honoring Chita
Rivera. I counsel women, men and children with cancer and
fit them for wigs. I work with all area hospitals and oncologists,
and do a lot of volunteer work for the cancer society. I
love my job, but emotionally it can get to me. Music has
always been my comfort. Your "gift of song" truly
inspires and makes life a pleasure. May God always bless
you.
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Twins
Deena and Donna Hugh-Yeun of Toronto, Canada write...
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Fan
Jose Perez and Linda
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Fan Deena Hugh-Yeun (left) and Donna Hugh-Yeun with
Linda
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Our
message to Linda is that she brings her fans much joy, and we
are happy to represent her Canadian fans. We would love for
her to perform in Toronto someday. |
| Treia
Krieger from Illinois writes… |
I
have never thought to write about a fan experience, but
I just read the "last call" for items, and had
only been thinking of the t-shirt contest. Let me fill you
in about our Linda and Michael concert in Chicago. I convinced
my sister, who is a fan, but not obsessed like I am, to
decorate shirts to wear to Ravinia. I painted my van for
the five hour road trip, arrived two hours early for a prime
parking spot, and still had to convince the parking lot
attendants I had to park on the end for my work and license
plate to be seen. As my sister, Mary, and I walked around
looking for the message board banner, she is getting concerned
no one has on Linda shirts and questioning our sanity for
dressing alike. (Thank you, Shawn and Todd for appreciating
them.) We were in a food line when a couple spotted us and
said, "I love your shirts, and did you see the van
in the parking lot?" I was thrilled to say it was mine.
At intermission, concert-goers approached us to ask about
Linda and how we had heard about her. My sister now realizes
the stares from earlier are paying off. We were told Linda
would not be able to come to the stage door after the concert
because of a prior charity commitment. After telling the
security guard about the shirt contest, I explained that
we needed our photo with Linda. What an adrenaline rush
to be invited to the hospitality room. We decided we must
now be in the secret handshake club. Linda was gracious
as always and said our shirts were "tastefully done."
I do wish Mary and I hadn't melted so much in the heat and
drizzle for this special picture.
I also want to share with everyone who has never had the
pleasure of hearing Linda's conversation voice without a
microphone. She is so soft spoken that I have a hard time
relating it to the same voice that is so powerful when she
is singing. Thanks for letting me share.
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