Harry, bag lady, and me.

Inspiration comes from many different people for me. I have always loved John Denver and his languid, melodies and poetic, natural lyrics. I also love to listen to AC/DC, Maroon 5, Mozart, Michael Buble, James Taylor, Ratt, Rod Stewart...I like all kinds of music. For those of you who know me, you know that Harry Connick, Jr. has rocked my world since the 80's when I saw "When Harry Met Sally". This was the movie that really shot Harry to stardom...he did the arrangements for it and it's all great musical history! Bernard Laiben and I drove up from Cape Girardeau while we were in college to hear an early concert of his in St. Louis. After the concert, we hung out for a very long time, bought a bunch of stuff we couldn't afford and then we were walking around the corner going to the car and saw Harry's tour bus at the side of the building. So, we waited a little bit, posters, t-shirts and Harry paraphernalia in hand, when all of a sudden...there he was...walking out of the side door of Powell Symphony Hall. I took off running and yelled at the top of my lungs..."HARRY!!!! Can we get a picture, please??!!" He stopped right before he had to step up to get in the bus. He turned and looked at me and said "sure!" I put all of my Harry stuff in a pile on the sidewalk so I could run faster...I got about half way to him and this bag lady who had been across the street was now perched over my Harry bags and bobbles poking through them! I quickly yelled "Hey....those are mine!" She turned quickly and left...meanwhile...Bernard is still at the corner taking it all in and laughing his ass off at me. I very excitedly turned back toward Harry, his tour bus and his entourage, and started back into my mini sprint. By this time...Bernard was running too and was almost to us...I said...."Thank you so much...sorry about yelling at you!" He smiled and said in his sexy New Orleans drawl..."Oh...that's okay." Then...it happened...the moment I will spend the rest of my life cherishing...he put his arm around my shoulders, gave my shoulder a little squeeze as we faced the camera and click...my moment in time with Harry was forever put into a photograph. Of course, Bernard got a pic too! Many times I've thought about what could have possibly been going through Harry's mind at that time...it was probably something like..."Who is this crazy girl hollering at me and the homeless woman? It's all good...my boys are here and they'll take 'er down if need be." Now let me put this all in perspective for you. Last night as I was driving to meet my husband and some friends for dinner, I heard "Photograph" by Def Leppard. I had it on a classic rock station and they were playing some great 80's tunes! Anyway, I was thinking about all of the photographs that I've taken through the years...and it dawned on me that I don't know where that photo of Harry and myself is! So, I'm on a mission this week to find that photograph! I may have to ask Bernard if he has a copy of it if I can't find mine! Anyway, that is my story...the story of HARRY and my shoulder squeeze! By the way, being a music teacher, a musician and a music enthusiast gives me some clout to say this next thing...Harry Connick, Jr. is one of the biggest musical talents as we'll see in this century. I admire his musicianship and his southern drawl. His smile isn't bad either.  :) I have other Harry stories from college...but they'll have to wait for another time. When I find the picture....I'll post it! Thanks, Harry...you made college and my music degree a lot more fun!