I feel like such a slacker not writing yet about the Chicago PMJ show and Halien festivities, so I’ll attempt to get something down with more to follow. Buzz, Steve and Babbs did a fantastic job describing the concert and the after party so I'll try not to be redundant.
The reason I decided to attend the Chicago show in the first place is that we had a family vacation planned that just so happened to coincide with the Minnesota (where I'm from) PMJ show. Still wanting to see PMJ, the closest show was Chicago and I bought tickets. Playing the Halien roulette game paid off big time when I found out that she would be at the Chicago show which by that time was nearly a sellout. I contacted Babbs and asked her if I could meet up with her at the show. I was very pleasantly surprised when the answer was yes and that I also was included in the Chicago Halien's plans and could ride with them to the show. Now, not only was I included but I was welcomed with open arms!
On the ride to the venue (with Steve's expert driving in traffic) I got a chance to meet Babbs and Penny for the first time and along with Buzz and Steve we pretty soon were chatting it up like we were long time friends! It was so refreshing to talk about everything Haley with others that love her as much as I do. What lovely and awesome people all of them are in person; Babbs is a kind hearted sweetie with a cool Chicago accent, Penny's a doll with a refreshing tell it like it is attitude, Buzz (I followed behind him in my car from our meeting point in Wisconsin) has a killer sense of humor and a fun outlook on life and last but not least, Steve our generous, kind and wonderful organizer and driver who stays calm throughout. Already they are my Chicago BFF's!
Going into the venue, I knew Steve and Buzz would be videotaping everything so I envisioned my role would be to give updates on twitter and Instagram and take pictures with my Canon 70D camera (that I snuck in). However, easier said than done and once again I applaud Rachel and Tusk for doing a wonderful job of multitasking. They truly put me to shame as I embarrassingly mislabeled the Habits Instagram as Creep (thanks for correcting me Tusk, when my “Old-heimer’s” kicked in) and then I had to figure out how to change it. I tried to get short “teaser” videos with my cell phone and I only managed a few despite my best efforts. Sorry to anyone who was expecting more.
I’m so glad we all did the Meet and Greet. It allowed us to see everyone, hear a little about them from Scott and get our picture taken with the group. I was afraid to use my good camera here in case I was told I couldn't use it. We got to hear Haley’s Bill voice and found out that she/he gets to sing, yay! Everyone was dressed casually and Adriana wore a faux fur coat and boots because she was cold, despite being from Minnesota! Lol. Haley and Casey were so gracious about posing for many pictures and signing lots of autographs & it never seemed like it was a chore for them. At one point after the concert when we were out on the street, Haley even suggested moving to a different spot to get a better picture. Isn’t she just the sweetest?!
Because I only brought my 50mm lens that works well in low light and doesn’t zoom out, I wasn’t able to take any wide angle group shots, especially since we were in the front row. And front row was the best, thanks for saving a spot Buzz!! We were right on top of the action and were poised just right for Ariana’s tongue and cheek light hearted performance involving Steve and Buzz that I was able to capture on my cell phone. Every time Ariana came out to perform it was with a little smile like she was up to something. She was really fun to watch and she really adds a lot to the show. Of course Haley blew everyone away and the audience reaction was tremendous. I feel that of course it's her hometown but I bet that she gets the same reaction at every venue on the tour, and as more evidence, every venue she's at is a sellout. She truly is a star. I saw both of her performances in Vegas and while I would not say that her movements there were awkward, they weren't as fluid and seasoned as they are now. She definitely is the whole package now matching the voice with the performance. The best thing is, she's getting the experience of a lifetime and if it's even possible it will make her even better.
On the street after the performance I noticed she had on what I thought was the bracelet I had given her. Yellow raised flowers with green leaves on a gold band. She said she thought it was from me and that I had made it but I told her no I didn't make it but that I had bought it and that it was an antique. I asked if I could take a picture of it and she graciously held out her hand for me to do so. I had it with me in Vegas to give it to her but I forgot to, so I gave it to Yanni to give to her the next time he saw her. He did at the Room 5 show and actually had to clasp it for her. You're welcome Yanni!
Over time I thought I had seen her wear it but I was never sure and then I also thought I spotted it on the picture she posted of her jewelry box. I didn't even realize that she had it on during much of the Chicago concert until I looked back at the pictures and spotted it. I call it "our" bracelet to Yanni since he actually gave it to her for me, but it warms my heart when I see her wear it.
Funny, I happened to be walking across the street after the show with Haley and I didn't say anything to her which is so weird because I had a million things running through my head but I guess I just froze up. Patti was following behind and Haley was concerned about her mom getting across the street because just the other day someone had got hit by a bus. Just another example of how close Haley is with her family.
When we got to the entrance of the after party bar Haley was carded and while there was a couple of groans in the group Haley took it in stride, fumbled for her license, kind of laughed and said that's okay, like it was a compliment that he thought she was younger. While at the bar Haley spent time with family and friends and I snapped a few pictures. I have a nice one of Haley and Casey that I'll put on Twitter so someone on HF can post. I talked a little bit with Angie (it surprised me how soft spoken she is but an absolute sweetheart and her own person too) and also Haley's friends who are very nice. They said they always expected Haley to get this kind of recognition, but that she's still the same person she's always been. They also mentioned how much Haley appreciates her fans. I briefly talked to Scott telling him how much I liked the show and in true Halien fashion I told him how much we appreciate what he's done for Haley (finally getting her great exposure and out on tour!!!). I briefly ran into Patti and I thought she said "do you know where Larry is?" I said sorry I don't know a Larry who is that? She said "my husband Harry" I had a good laugh when told her I thought she said Larry and not Harry. Duh! I didn't talk to Haley until the end of the night just before we were going to leave when I said goodbye to her.
If I came away with anything from my time at the concert and with Haley, it’s that she wants to tour as much as we Haliens want her to and that she’ll do everything in her power to make it happen. During the last few years, I wasn’t sure if she wanted that or not but in talking with her, I’m convinced this is what she wants and feels she needs to do. Life on the road touring must be exhausting but she really loves and embraces it. Her star is rising folks and nothing will stop it.
As I have to get ready to leave for our family vacation, this is all until later.
I did it in stageson my phone and saved the drafts so not to erase it by mistake. 
I kind of felt like I was in my 20s again hanging with the cool crowd. 
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