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(June 9, 1998) We arrived at Starlake around 6:30 p.m. We pulled into VIP parking and then walked the lot to see if we could find any other list members from Enchanted and Rumours. We found several nice people tail-gating and stopped to chat for awhile. My friend, Jeff, who is VERY honest asked the guy at the gate if he could take his camera in and the guy said no. Jeff then went back to the car with the camera and we walked the lot again as more people had arrived. Three teenage girls yelled "Hey Stevie!" to me as I was fully dressed in Stevie's outfit from the Dance (courtesy of Bear). The young girls came over and complimented me on my outfit. We then decided to enter the venue because we were supposed to meet some Enchanted and Rumours members at 7:15 to the entrance of pit seating (left side). As we walked in I got several admiring looks and several weird looks on my outfit. Some people gave me smiles and thumbs up and some people snickered and laughed behind my back. Did I care about these people that did not understand? Hell no, I just ignored them and their snide remarks. Waiting at the entrance to pit seating, we met up with Karen and her husband, Phil (from Rumours) and MaryBeth and her husband, Barry (from Enchanted). These people were very nice and friendly and we talked up a storm. We then met a nice fellow named Mike Struchion (spelling?). I believe he was from Enchanted too. These people were very nice, not "internet weirdos" like my husband thinks. At 8:00 we found our seats and sat down to watch Boz Scaggs, who I must say, put on a very good show. His back-up singer, Lisa Frazier, was excellent. Boz left the stage and came back for an encore. When he was finished, the road crew began removing his equipment and checking and positioning Stevie's equipment. At this time, we went back out to our meeting place and talked with MaryBeth and Barry again. We saw Karen and Phil in passing. At about 9:15 we went back to our seats and got ready for Stevie. The lights went down and the whole venue screamed when Christopher Nicks came on to read the definition of Enchanted. Then the lights came up and there she was! I screamed "Stevie" real loud and everyone was on their feet. I about died, I have never seen her this close before. She came out wearing the velvet floor-length coat from the Leno show and changed accordingly for each grouping of songs. Among the clothing I saw besides the first outfit were: the Gold Dust Woman shawl (which looked more beautiful than it did on the Dance), a red and gold floor-length dress/jacket (made of satin, I think), a red jacket thing (during Whole Lotta Trouble), a beautiful silver-gray full length shawl (that looked like a dress), a white sparkly shawl (floor-length) and the last outfit a beautiful sliver/white floor-length velvet, rhinestone, satin jacket with a white shawl over it. I may have missed a few here. After Twisted, which I must say was the best I've ever heard her do this song, my friend and I went to the stage and I got up right against it, I was next to last at the stage. There was no pushing or shoving. We were in 7th row and it was a piece of cake to get up there. I watched Edge of Seventeen from the stage front. After the song was over, Stevie started to make her way along the stage shaking people's hands and collecting some gifts. I saw her put on a ring, a thing that was like a tassel (like a priest wears) around her neck, a bouquet of brown-eyed Susan flowers, a stuffed animal. I could not believe I was there and that my dream was going to come true. What would I say to her? I had no idea. When she got to me, she took my hand in both of hers, looked directly at me, maintaining eye contact and smiled the biggest smile I'd ever seen. I said "I love you Stevie." and she nodded to me. Now she did not just let my hand go, she held on and squeezed. My friend, Jeff, said the blue stage light was shining on my face and I was in a trance. Her hand was the softest I've ever felt, tiny, and a little moist. She had medium length nails with pearl polish on them. As she moved to the last person, I touched her burnt red color boot and touched the hem of her jacket. You could tell the clothing was super expensive by the feel. We watched her two last songs from the bottom of the stage and then the lights came up and she was gone. Some drunk girl was boosted on stage by her boyfriend during Stevie's encore and a big security guy made her get down. What some people won't do. As I left the venue, I was walking on air. I had never expected in my life to share such a special moment with my idol. I think Stevie noticed my costume. She genuinely does appreciate her fans. My friend, Jeff, who had never seen her before was impressed with her rapport with the audience. I got home about 12:15 a.m. and had trouble falling asleep. I was thrilled to death and couldn't wait to tell everyone about my experience. I bought the tourbook, blue t-shirt with Stevie pointing and a keychain. I am totally broke until Friday. My Dream came true, I will remember this night. Love to all, MikieRay |