"I took a chance and also got a little lucky. I was at the right place, at the right time. The Lord works in mysterious ways, what more can I say."
How I did it: I decided recently, after reading The Tao of Willie, that I related to my favorite artist on multiple levels. I appreciate Willie's honesty about who he is, and his acceptance of himself. He is a pioneer in soo many ways. If I could garner just a hint of the insight that he has, I would be a better person.
I went to his Forth of July picnic in 2008. It was a special event for me because my mother is a longtime fan, and I had the opportunity to take her. My mom, myself and my daughter constituted three generations of Willie fans. It was a remarkable day.
In late 2008, I went to see Willie at the Houston House of Blues. It was a performance that rocked the house! Totally different energy than the picnic. Willie was THE star that night. After the show, he tossed his guitar pick and my husband found it on the floor. I treasure that little trinket for the meorable night. I wore new boots and a new hat.
This past Sunday, I attended a performance by Willie that was held in Austin at The Riverbend Centre. I had no idea when I bought the tickets that it was a church performance being produced by Gerald Mann Ministries. I neglected to notice.
When my husband and I arrived, we thought we were in the wrong place. We hung around anyway. It was perfect. The crowd was small and relatively quiet and well-behaved.
The performance was simple: Willie, sister Bobbie, son Lucas & an old friend of Willie's playing fiddle as a guest. Willie played from his heart. When it was over, fans rather gently gathered around the stage and Willie graciously shook hands and autographed memorabilia.
I watched from my seat for ten minutes or so, contemplating my chances and had almost decided that I wouldn't attempt to approach the stage, because I was sure I'd be too late. Soon enough though, after the crowd sang Happy Birthday to him, he picked up Trigger once more.
I left my seat and headed for the stage. When I reached the last step down and looked up, there was a clear path that led right up to the stage, directly in front of him. It was meant to be. I made my way through the opening, walking tall at 6'2" and wearing my new black hat.
Willie looked down and eye-smiled at me during the lead-in to "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," and I stood there, mesmerized, with tears running down my cheeks. When he was done, he set his guitar down and once again began shaking hands.
We looked each other in the eyes and I proudly stuck my hand out and said, "Nice to meet you." He shook my hand and tipped his head, nodding back at me. He continued along the stage and I waited with my phone in hand, for a chance to get a picture.
Before too long, he came back around and when he saw my camera phone, he stopped and knelt down. I was soo flustered, the first picture was too blurry and the second "shot" didn't take becuase my camera phone turned off when it timed out. He noticed and asked, "Did you get it?" I nervously said, "I don't think so." Then he calmy said, "Take your time." I couldn't believe it. Here I was, nervous and shaking, and he was just as calm, chill and relaxed as he always appears to be. at one point he said, "Well, I'm in there somewhere."
Willie's copesetic demeanor was contageous. I was excited, but calmer. I got the picture, thanked him and told him how much I appreciated him. I also told him Happy Birthday.
When I was done, I left the stage so that someone else would have the opportunity that I had been afforded.
Meeting Willie was a moment I will never forget.
Lessons & tips: Be dilligent and patient....but not too patient.
Resources: God
May 05, 06:52PM PDT
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