Beautiful Essay By CorieLuvzClay - "There's Something About Us"

There's no doubt that Clay's newest CD, On My Way Here, is much loved by the fans, as some others who are not fans. But especially, of course, the fans. Clay has chosen songs for this CD that speak right from his heart. Some, he has said, are more personal than others. But all speak of a journey where pain, growing, maturity, and love have taken place. This CD, in my estimation, is nothing less than amazing and incredibly inspiring, not to mention just lots of fun to listen to!!

In the past, CorieLuvzClay has written some beautiful and inspiring essays about Clay, and we have published them in Clay's Daily Double. Once again, she has outdone herself with some beautiful words about the CD. I trust her essay will encourage and inspire you as it did me.

There’s Something About Us

Hauntingly beautiful, a balmy, honey coated voice wrapped in velvet, lazily drizzles this sweet confection over our senses! He’s back, the one whose voice we came for, the man we stayed for. Clay Aiken, pours his heart out in a new CD filled with songs that make you cry, make you sigh, make you think and reminisce about what was, what is, and might have been and what yet still could be.

There is a feeling of old world romance that exudes from Something About Us. It emits a dreamy, lazy sentiment of love affairs and amour…at most it makes you want that kind of love, at least it woos you. A sweet, old fashioned sensation of passion and ambiance, a particular persuasion toward fanciful, Something About Us wraps you up in it’s arms and holds you in a gentle embrace that’s filled with a promise of tomorrow.

In another sense, Something About Us takes me in a second direction and speaks to me about the love affair between us, Clay and us…he is the Romeo to all of our Juliets in this ardent relationship we share. Stop the music, play the song and we’ll dance together all night long…Clay has slow danced with a few of us over the years and with a spotlight glowing to add to the palpable rapture of the evening. Time and time again, no matter what transpires in the interim, the moment we are all reunited again in concert, the love pours out from him to us and from us to him…our eyes twinkle at one another, our voices raised in merriment and in song. He sings to us and we sing right back to him…we simply love each other.

People smile when they walk by, there’s too much magic to deny…indeed, the world is looking at us, pondering what in the world we see in Clay Aiken, ruminating about what makes us tick, furthermore…brooding over what made us click…us and Clay…they can mull it over, speculate & contemplate and chew on it ‘til the end of time, but they’ll never get it…they just don’t have the right stuff within! Yet, we have snagged their interest, they smile and even laugh at the gatherings outside of studios where Clay is performing, or the countless concerts we attend…most recently we lovingly clobbered The Great White Way with our outpouring of love and support for Clay playing in Spamalot, but what set the Big Apple on it’s collective ear was the fact that the loving, passionate Clay fans, embraced an entire cast of strangers simply because Clay was now a part of them…they experienced what it’s like to be Clay Aiken, to be so loved, encircled and clasped within the arms of the ClayNation. There is always, always magic when “WE” are all together again, the air fairly crackles with it!! Oh yes…there’s too much magic to deny…there’s just something about us!

You can see it in our ways, and how we spend our nights and days, a crazy laugh a photograph…we have so many memories…the nights we’ve spent at concerts, or wrapped up in blankets, sleeping on the ground waiting for the next day to begin, perhaps with a concert in Bryant Park for Good Morning America or clamoring with excitement to see Clay co-host The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet…whatever it is, we have the knack to draw a crazy laugh out of him and we have the photographs and video to prove it! We'll reminisce of moments like this 'Cause there's something about us…Yes, there's something about us.

Clay Aiken’s new CD, “On My Way Here,” speaks to the growth and development of one’s life, for Clay it would be his journey over the course of the last five years, during his twenties. For us it might mean the very same thing or have various slants dependent upon our age and circumstances.

Nonetheless, it is about the roads we’ve all traveled to arrive at the spot we occupy in life today! The CD is beautiful and touching and froth with feelings of a wounded soul maturing and coming to terms with what has brought his life to the destination it is at now. It speaks of a lonely heart and nearly tortured spirit, looking for love, a truthful, meaningful love for so, so long and wondering if it’ll ever exist for him. I was broken, A million pieces left to hold…I was frozen My heart left out in the cold…The songs bring forth a sentiment of falling and rising up higher every time you do, of fulfilling dreams and going after what you most want, even if circumstances motivate you to begin a crusade down a road less traveled, but will get you exactly what you want, exactly what you need and exactly where you are destined to be. If no one is hurt during this passage, then the end will certainly justify the means! Maybe love requires walking through the fire…To set me free, so I could rise up from the ashes.

We never question why, How truth turns into lies…There but for the Grace of God go I…

This lyrically tailored CD brings to mind something I wrote in another essay a couple of years ago…I wrote…

“A quote from Socrates comes to mind; `An Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living”…the meaning is as varied and different as each individual on the planet. The most common interpretation is that people need to stop along their journey and examine their life, their educational level, take in where you’ve been; what you have accomplished, where you want to go and what your dreams and desires are for future success and achievements. Learning, expanding your mind, perhaps quenching the thirst for knowledge beyond what you feel capable of…assessing and taking stock of your life. Then, making the necessary changes, taking the risks needed to fulfill and enhance your journey, laying your paths with blocks on which to reach your fullest potential.′”

In every way possible Clay is doing that right now, this very minute! He has taken to heart his UNICEF missions and learned first hand what hunger and ignorance mean, he has seen the very definition of devastation laid out before him, he has witnessed with his own eyes, the horror and unbelievable circumstances of a solely child targeted war…a living nightmare that has, I am sure, plagued his dreams. I wonder how many times Clay has agonized over these visions now branded to his brain, leaving indelible marks upon his heart? Sometimes it’s hard to believe, In a truth that you can’t even see…But faith holds the hope for the world…And I know, I know…There’s got to be some rhyme or reason why, We turn away and we close our eyes…If I could find some way that we could justify all of this suffering…There but for the grace of God go I!

But…no matter what…Clay Aiken is a force to be reckoned with; he has risen up from the ashes of his younger life, new and redefined. Sparkling with excitement and happiness, overflowing with confidence and a gratifying new sense of self-worth! Looking back I can see…How the voice of reason Kept reminding me, I was never good enough somehow…Try and remind me now!

In a smooth and mellifluous voice, Clay draws you in and wraps you up in melancholy and hope for the title track of the CD…On my way here, Where I am now, I’ve learned to fly…I have to want to leave the ground. I’ve fallen hard, But I’ve been loved…And in the end it all works out, My faith has conquered fear…On my way here.

In my estimation, Clay is the quintessential man…admittedly human and not perfect, a gentleman in every sense of the word and a gentle man in every sense of the term. He is also the quintessential embodiment, of Spirit. His personality has fire and humor, topped off with backbone & bravery, and so much heart. Clay is a man filled with great warmth of feeling, intense devotion and a passion for all he loves and values! He is a man of character and integrity…a man who loves his fans and never forgets he is where he is today because of the love and devotion of these fans. Clay’s fans love him in return, and we never forget how he has filled and enhanced our lives. How he has brought beautiful music back to us, how he has, without knowing at first, caused us to reach out to one another, making new lifelong friends and opened a world of travel so we could gather, celebrate & relish the triumph of a young man who had us all at the word “TAKE” on that most paramount day in Atlanta ! He loves us because he has been loved by us. Yes, there's something about us…There's just something about us…Something About Us!

***Lyrical excerpts taken from “Something About Us”, “Ashes”, “Grace of God” & “On My Way Here”.

Written By: CorieLuvzClay
June 1, 2008

"Our" Idol Gives Back - An Essay By CorieLuvzClay

Most of you have read the beautiful essays that CorieLuvzClay writes, many of which we have included here at Clay's Daily Double. Corie has been wanting to write one about Clay's trip with UNICEF for a couple of weeks now, but there have been things going on in her life that have kept her from writing one.

I received Corie's essay last night, and now that I have read what she wrote about our Ambassador Clay Aiken, I believe it was meant to be for the essay to come at this time instead of earlier. It comes just in time for us to include it in our edition of CDD that goes out on the last day that donations are being accepted for Clay's $100,000/10 Day appeal (and, of course, we popped the top off that thermometer!). It comes just when UNICEF and Clay are putting the final touches on his "Field Report". It comes just after we saw the fantastic Entertainment Tonight report on Clay's trip with UNICEF. It comes when excitement is high in Claynation from seeing all of the beautiful pictures of Clay with the children in Afghanistan and watching the videos, including that heart-melting picture and video of Clay and the baby..."All Done Darlin'". Will I ever get over that one?

So, as you read this extraordinary essay, see if you don't agree that it came at the perfect time, and also that she sums up the thoughts and feelings of all of Claynation for their UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken!

“OUR” IDOL GIVES BACK!

I sit here at my computer, looking, watching, listening and falling in love…over and over and over again. I listen to and watch recent videos…I look at precious few pictures many, many times. I suck in my breath, my heart clenches and yet again, for the umpteenth time I think…just what is it? Just exactly what has he got that no one else has? What in the name of all that is holy is the hold, the rapture…the absolute most spellbinding grasp this man has on us? We don’t seem to know, those of us who have some modicum of an inkling find it hard to put into words, he most assuredly has no clue and the rest of the world…”out there”, out of this realm, out of “his nation”, is so far removed that they are utterly lost…lost and confused at the unabashed, unconditional love, commitment and support we have for this man, “our” American Idol, my Pied Piper, my Prince of Thieves as I have named him in other writings.

This man who dips long, slender fingers into pools of philanthropic waters and causes a ripple effect so strong that without his knowing to what extent…”his nation” watches…it waits and it watches, holding a collective breath, wondering the same thoughts…is he safe? What will he do today? How will he touch someone on the other side of the world? What will he leave behind? Will his footprints be emblazoned on the hearts of those he comforts, will his soft voice be branded to the memories of those he speaks to, will his smile be stamped in their minds eye…will sparkling jade green eyes be forever hallmarked in the hearts, minds and souls of the people whose lives he touched for a brief five days? Will Clay Aiken, America’s sweetheart, superstar pop-singer, UNICEF Ambassador for the well being and education of the world’s children make the impression upon the people of Afghanistan that is needed there…letting them know that someone cares? That someone will fight for them, that someone will try to “save” them in some small way…if in no other way, at least to make known, their hearts desire for the fulfillment of education? Helping them to fill the void, the hunger and quenching their thirst for knowledge, one of the most important tools they must have in order to survive the ever developing world around them? I think he does, in his own distinctive, exceptional way; Clay will let them know that he will do all in his power to help them to realize their own dreams of a brighter future.

By now, most of us have seen the video of Clay giving a polio vaccine to an infant held snuggly and lovingly in his warm, safe arms. The look on his face is one of profound attention to the mission at hand. Once completed, his face lights up with an affectionate smile and he softly says…”all done darlin’, all done, all finished” and the look on Clay’s face is real and true and it just melts your heart and those words just suck you in. Although unclear, he then seems to whisper…”aw sweetheart, sweet” as he gently caresses the tiny infant’s soft cheek with feathery thumb strokes. At some other juncture in the video you see Clay gently rubbing the arm of another baby and saying “poor darlin’ “ as that baby receives an injection from the doctor and it’s these soft murmurings, sweet gestures and gentle looks that make Clay Aiken stand out and away from other celebrities. He loses himself in the moment, never paying attention to the camera around him and just is himself…never ashamed or embarrassed to show his softer side, to reveal his tender and loving nature…never too macho to show the rest of us how to love and to share what’s inside of us with those in need. Clay wears his heart on his sleeve, he is more than simply a human being…and he has not one care what others may think of his gentle nature. This is Clay Aiken…he is like this whether on a mission with UNICEF or on a stage singing songs of love and angst or songs in prayer to the Heavenly Father…he gives of his heart and his soul, in their entirety until the light pours out of him and shines on all of us. His look, at those moments become virtually ethereal and therein lies one of the mysteries…how does this man, who is human, seemingly change his appearance to that of an Angelic force when engaged in something from his heart and his soul? I don’t think we will ever have the answer to that question; it’s not for us to know…it’s only for us to witness, love and learn from. Clay Aiken is “A Spiritual Being on a Human Journey”!

I know that Clay Aiken is not the only celebrity Ambassador for UNICEF, I know that there are actors, singers and sports figures who also travel with UNICEF in an effort to bring help and relief to other developing nations…but no matter their popularity, it just seems that Clay brings awareness like no one else can…and he can do this because of us, his fans. Because of the love and respect we have for Clay, we make sure that his appeals and cries for help are not only met but they are met with a fervor and a pitch that shakes the organization on the receiving end to it’s very core. He asked for one hundred thousand dollars in donations to bring educational supplies to the children of Afghanistan and his quest is being met with almost double that in less time then the allotted ten days to reach this goal. As of this writing we are at $161,798.82 in donations with still one day to go and without having the ending total for Friday, April 20, 2007.

"I want my tombstone to say that I made a difference somewhere...I don't want this to be for naught, I don't want all this to be a waste, I kind of would like to think that I am here for a reason" By Clay Aiken November 2004

We love you Clay, we’re here for you, helping you to realize your dreams for children in need everywhere, in all walks of life and under all circumstances, whether through UNICEF or The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. We’re here…loving you unconditionally, supporting you unwaveringly and respecting you beyond measure…Always & Forever!

CorieLuvzClay
April 21, 2007

America's Own...Prince of Thieves - Do You Really Want to Know How To Quit This Man?

Today, in CDD's Tidbits Section, we have an article that from the Orlando Sentinel entitled "Need a fix to stop the Achin' for Aiken?". It is an ad for his upcoming tour performance in Orlando on August 19.

But the sentence that caught my eye is this, "Oh, who are we kidding? We wish we knew how to quit you, Clay." I thought to myself, "Now how many fans could we ask that question to and have them honestly be able to say, 'Yes, I sure do wish I knew how to quit Clay.'" C'mon now...some of us may wish we could quit smoking. In my case, I wish I could figure out how to quit chocolate!! I even sometimes wish I would quit drinking so many soft drinks...sort of. But, quit Clay Aiken? Get real, not on your life, the thought never crossed my mind nor will it! Let me see a show of hands for how many of you have ever thought about quitting Clay Aiken....Yep, just what I thought...a big fat zero!!

And for those of you who in the very back empty dusty corners of your mind have maybe let that thought speed through your mind, read CorieLuvzClay's wonderful essay entitled "America's Own...Prince of Thieves", which is about that ne'er to be forgotten performance on American Idol 5. I'll bet after reading it, that empty dusty corner will remain forevermore just that...empty.

America's Own...Prince of Thieves

The oval stage doors presented with swirls of purple color lit from within, they parted to reveal back-up lights of purple, red and orange…and then the true revelation emerged…he strutted…composedly, deliberately, looking like The Lord of the Manor, Lord of the Kingdom, like he owned the Kodak Theatre and American Idol in it’s entirety. Casually walking down the steps and onto the stage exuding bold determination, a fearlessness and a confidence abundant with a sense of credence in what he was, what he is yet to become and what he most assuredly is right now!! With aplomb and a vital inner-strength Clay Aiken took the American Idol Finale stage and brought the audience, gasping and cheering non-stop throughout his performance up on their feet and into an unforgettable frenzy!!! Clay was sterling with stunning good looks and his stellar voice!

The look on Clay’s face is almost indescribable; it held a fusion of magic, mystique, whimsy and an air of all-knowing…all at the same time. What was that look, what did it say?

Last night, in a matter of two + minutes Clay accomplished so many things…no matter what he changes on the outside, the inside is always gracious, admirable, compassionate and chivalrous…last night Clay showed the world how to treat someone who is different. He was kindly and generous with the so-called “Aiken wannabe”…and with the exception of Michael’s flamboyant actions and reactions; Clay was looking into the mirror of a long ago young man…skinny, wearing unflattering glasses & a striped shirt…knowing that the judges were having some fun at his expense. Together, side by side on that stage, they conjured up an uncanny “Before & After” visage. What irony that it was on the American Idol stage, during an American Idol finale for other contestants that Clay made the loudest, clearest most memorable statement without uttering one single word…”that is where I was and this is where I am.” I am the buzz of the evening, I am the interest of the evening, and I am the American Idol.

Once upon a time he was my Pied Piper, he is now my Robin Hood, The Prince of Thieves…for within those two + minutes Clay managed to steal the stage, the show and the hearts of not only the audience on hand, but of millions of people around the world…two hundred million viewers world wide saw for the first time possibly, what we fans have seen and known from day one. But Clay wasn’t finished with his thieving, for he stole whatever pieces of our hearts remained after the first ravaging three years ago and every assault upon our hearts since that time. Clay leaves his fans in a most delicious state of emotional disarray and chaos!! AND make no mistake we happily, adoringly keep coming back for more!!

Still, though, that look…so puzzling…What was that look, what did it say?

He walked out onto that stage and at first was almost unrecognizable, it’s funny how the Ugly Duckling comes to mind, the story of rejection and scorn and in this case, a gathering along the way of liars and story tellers, vile individuals who would delight in nothing better then to see a promising, golden career come crashing to the ground. But, what stood before us, for all the world to see, was a most magnificent specimen of the most gorgeous Swan to ever grace our eyes and set our senses reeling.

Our Swan appeared with darkened hair layered and styled in Beatle fashion. Long bangs teased his eyelids, even the darkened lashes fringing beautiful jade colored eyes got caught at times. Clay looked dashing in a spiffy suit appearing refreshed and rejuvenated. He looked sleek, slick and every bit The Hunk. Clay oozed seduction, he looked sultry and provocative…his body language screamed sex symbol and the Thuds of ClayMates could be heard around the country!

So, what did this new metamorphosis reveal? Something we already knew all along, Clay most definitely has the IT factor…he always has and he always will, no matter what he dresses it in. And that look, when he first stepped onto the stage, what did it say? It said, “I am Clay Aiken and I have arrived!”


BY: CorieLuvzClay – May 25, 2006