"THE VOICE...."

And now for the final installment...phew...I'm getting tired of being called a "bloody tease"..LOL
After Ricky left, Erica and I hung around near the door where we had been standing with him and Joe appeared several feet away from us through a curtain that was hanging over the dressing room doorway.
He was speaking to some guy who appeared to be associated with the band and kept looking over at us. A security guard just inside the door was talking to us and I looked over to see that Joe and this man were shaking hands goodbye. Just as he turned his back, he kinda looked over his shoulder as if he were waiting for me to say something. Sneaky buggar!
So I did...lol !! I said, "Oh Mr. Elliott..." and he stopped dead in his tracks and turned around slowly..as if he were teasing and said, "Yesssss" in a kinda drawn out tone of voice. Then smiled wide and walked towards us.
He stopped in the doorway and we exchanged hello's then I introduced myself and Erica. He gave me the same look that Phil had...the one like he thought he recognized me so I reminded him of us meeting in Lakewood in July and the portrait I gave him from Kate. To which he said,, "That's right...good to see you again." And mentioned that the second portrait was at home with the first she drew. (See Kate...I told ya'!!!..he he)
I went on to remind him that he had met Erica and I a few years ago as well at that radio station and he squinted his eyes, thinking back while I reminded him of the chocolate guitar I made him for his birthday and gave to him that day.
His eyes lit up and he smirked and said, "Yeah...I memba. Ya' tend to rememba those sort of things. Its not every day someone gives me a chocolate guitar."
Then he looked at Erica and said, "Boy, you've gotten a tad taller since then."
I swear her jaw dropped to the floor. She couldnt believe that Joe had remembered her as well. What a thrill!! Here's the pic I took of them together.
(After their pic...Erica leaned over to me and whispered, "My God he's tall..I never realized Joe was so tall.." (HE HE...she's too funny!)
We spoke with Joe the longest of everyone it seemed and he was so funny and friendly. Not in a rush to go anywhere. He leaned back up against the door and chatted away with us like old friends. (He's so sweet :D )
We talked about the show that night...how their set seemed shorter that evening and why...how the crowd seemed so subdued...etc....just B.S.'ed. It was so cool!
I told him that I had promised my dearest friend Kate (who drew his portraits) that I would give him a big hug from her...all the way from England so he smiled and said, "My pleasure " then wrapped his arms around me and pulled me up onto my tiptoes for an enormous one -armed bear hug. (One handed since he had a drink in the other hand...lol) Then he set me down just as Erica was getting the camera ready. I asked if I could have a picture with him and he said "of course." He kept his arm around me and pulled me against his side then said, "C'mon, get in here then & smile". So I put my arm around him on his shoulder and VIOLA'....here's our pic!A few minutes later Phil and Malvin and some crew people were coming out of the dressing rooms into the hallway and looked like they were about to get going so we told Joe that we didnt want to hold him up and we had better let him go. He smiled and kinda shrugged his shoulders like he wasn't in a rush...but we said our goodnights and thank you's anyway and let him head back inside. He said it was lovely to see us again and thanked us then disappeared behind the curtain.
Erica and I only hung around for a few more minutes because we had to ask the security guards how we were supposed to get out of the arena. The entire place was locked up tight since the concert had ended some time ago and the only people left in the whole place where the band, roadies, security, crew staff and US....lol!

So...a short man in a blue collared shirt with a "crew security" logo embroidered on it tried to explain to us the best and only way for us to get out but then decided to escort us himself. He led us out passed the semi(-truck )that was parked down a long ramp behind the stage area and was being loaded up with the bands equipment- then up and out the driveway, passed the security booth and next to the tour buses into the parking lot. It was hysterical....my car was the only one left in the entire arena parking lot, several rows over from the buses. It was pouring rain and cold....but we ran the entire way to the car.

WHAT A NIGHT, EH????? So ladies...that was our little adventure with the LeppMen..well 3 of 'em anyway!!! Was that cool or what??? I honestly dont know why I always get so lucky. I'm not complaining, mind you, I'm just lucky I guess. What ever the reason behind it...I'm glad I've got it...it makes for alot of great times and treasured memories!

Ok...now that my story has been told...I'm off to do a bit of reading and then head to bed. I hope it was worth the wait guys.. I truly hope you enjoyed hearing all about it and seeing all my amazing pics. Take care everyone...love & hugs to you all!!!

LISA