Songwriter's HoF Induction

Before I post the good stuff, I have a bit of a preamble, so bear with me...

I had a very bittersweet and sad day today. It was the last day at work (for those who don't know, I work at an after-school program with my city's school district) and we had a big farewell BBQ for everyone - the kids who are moving on to middle school, the kids who are leaving for other schools/centers and not coming back, and us, the leaders, who are ALL going separate ways. Those girls have become some of my closest friends the last year - we're together every single day and share everything with each other: our trials and tribulations, joys and frustrations, everything. We get together outside of work, too, and have just become great friends. So saying goodbye was not something I have been looking forward to the last few weeks. And I'm not going to lie - I drove home crying.

However. During that lonely drive, after I'd hugged my closest friend goodbye and wished her good luck on her summer adventure/missions trip in South America, Jon's voice came over the speakers in my car. And for some reason, in the midst of my sadness, I started to feel better. Calmer. More at peace with the changes and moving on and goodbyes. And to any non-fan, this will be super corny: but I was reminded of why I truly love this band. Jon's voice was this comforting, soothing reminder of the band's constant presence in my life, the reassurance that they are still here and not going anywhere, and the gentle wake-up call that not everything can always stay the same...but some things always remain.

And when I came home and logged online, I remembered that the Songwriters' Hall of Fame induction was tonight. And I read the articles and looked at the pictures with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes - filled with pride for two of the men who have changed my life in more ways than they know. The writers of the songs that are embedded deep in my heart, the soundtracks of my life. They've been there for me through all my hard times, the good and the bad, the changes and the joys, the tears and the smiles, the growing up. I am so honored to call myself a fan -- and so proud of their recognition tonight.

So, congratulations Jon and Richie. You two deserve this through and through.

Arrivals/Mingling

Speech

Performance

These days...

...is my favorite Jovi era EVER. My friends know that. The original GDs on Backstage know that.

There are countless delicious pictures of Jon during this grungy, angsty period, but these pictures wandered right across my path tonight and caught me fully off guard. I love digging around in my archives.

Need I say it? Fingers.




And those delicious lips. Geez.








And from the famed 'Always' version that I love best. Sigh.




Black and white? Now I'm just a goner.




Ready for my favorite?



Seriously. Can I just go back to 1995 and steal him?

Your weekly 'just because' moment(s)...

Yeah. I couldn't breathe either.

CONGRATULATIONS DEENA!

*EDIT: I am a freaking moron and mixed up the details with this - it was not with eHarlequin, but a publishing group called Noble Romance Publishing, and it wasn't a contest, just an open submission. Yeah, I need a few more points on my listening skills apparently. :( **

********

I have been DYING to just scream this out at the top of my lungs, and after getting the okay that it was public news from her, I can. I just HAVE to brag!

Many of you know our lovely Deena personally, others may know her just from her brilliant FF works Second Chances, What Happens In Vegas, Stay, and her most recent short story Charitable Donation......but what you probably don't know is that she has just officially become a PUBLISHED AUTHOR!!

A few weeks ago, she entered an open call with Noble Romance Publishing for a short story submission involving sexual role-playing. Since we always edit and critique each other's work, she sent it to me (and a few other close friends) -- and damn, it was good. I urged her to submit it, told her to stop second-guessing herself, to bite the bullet and hit "submit" for freakin goodness sake, LOL...everything she would have done for me.

AND SHE GOT IT! She received a publishing contract with them, and if she signs, her story, At Your Service, will be published as part of a role-playing short-story anthology (and they told her they want her as a stand-alone short if they don't get enough other submissions!) and will be published in e-format on the publisher's site.

She has said she will let me know when it is published, and you can bet your bottom dollar it will be all over this site so you can read and enjoy it too!

So when you get a sec, drop Dee a line and send along your congrats -- and if you haven't read her work yet, do it. Her main site has a directory of her stories.

You already know this, Dee, but I am SO proud of you. Your hard work has paid off, you did it! This is but a huge stepping stone in what could be a very successful career, and I can't think of anyone who deserves this more. I love you!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Pics: Voices of 9/11 Benefit

The Voices of September 11th 2nd Annual Always Remember Benefit took place at Pier Sixty/Chelsea Piers in New York City tonight. The evening included a keynote address by former president Bill Clinton, cocktail reception, silent auction, and a performance by Jon Bon Jovi (and accompaniment, no band).

I found these pictures on press sites, and am still awaiting reviews and more info from friends and other fans. I will pass that along as I get it. :)

You can read more about the Living Memorial Project, the Always Remember Benefit, and the entire Voices of 9/11 organization here.