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Tawna’s VIP Experience in Orem with David Archuleta
Posted by djafan on Tuesday, June 21, 2016
credit Shelley
I had an amazing time on Monday night! I felt like I had a hangover the next day. From waiting for the VIP to start to the last (
) song was sung, it was one of those experiences that is forever etched into the memory books in my brain.
I talked with David for a minute during our photo time about the small VIP experience, and he is love, lovin’ it. He was a constant smile as he explained that it’s just so much more fun that the huge crowded ones. He feels like he can spend a few intimate (his words) moments with those who are there. It seemed like he wanted to talk longer, but I was feeling the push of the people behind me, so I cut short what probably could have gone longer. I mentioned that with the smaller crowds he didn’t have to smile as much for the photo ops. He laughed, and then said, ‘True, but I love to smile’. I told him that it’s obvious he loves to smile, and we can feel it.
credit davidarchie 2812
I’m just wondering why it is that when he automatically puts his arm around my waist for a photo, that I don’t do the same to him. I really did think about that when it happened. I just could not make myself put my arm around him; not that I didn’t want to just grab him and give him a great big grandma hug. So, to avoid feeling like I would be invading his personal space, my arms hung at my side.
Oh. My. Gosh. Being in his presence, in his space, breathing the same room air, and sweating right there with him; well, no words! I really feel like this VIP was way better than any I’ve been to before now. It is so obvious that David is comfortable with who he is and the person he has become. It brings tears to my eyes to think that he was so close to quitting it all.
Even on the stage, he has morphed into another being, ever since his Arizona shows in the early Spring. He dances, he hunkers down, he swings or sways, or just stands there and looks beautiful, and boy can he do that (even with sweat running down his face). The glory notes have become more glorified. His heart and soul are ours for that, all-too-brief time.
He has decided that he can spill it out there for us, that we will sponge it up, and drink it in — never feeling quite full, but somewhat satisfied for a short time. He is setting the beat of the drum to which he moves. It must feel so liberating to know that he is the one who can do that; no Powers That Be to be pulling the strings anymore (yeah, Who I Am). I’m sure there are things that have to be dealt with (booking agency, lawyers, managers), but not like it was before. He’s been able to surround himself with folks that support him.
credit: Shelley
And, the band! What a great group of guys! I could take any one of them home in my pocket and enjoy having them there. They are so fun to be around. While we were standing around waiting, they’d come up and introduce themselves and ask our names, and interact with us. I loved it!
credit: Shelley
One of the most adorable moments of the night. David had just finished singing a song and while mopping his face (why will he not use a towel to get the job done properly?), said “Wow, I’m hot”. Squeals from the crowd, a big David smile, and not missing a beat, he said, “But I guess we’re all hot tonight, right?”. He had the crowd in the palm of his sweaty, large, piano-playing hands (with the most shapely long fingers – yes, I’ve admired them).
Next most adorable moment. There was the cutest little girl on the front row who was holding her hand out during “Touch My Hand”. I had seen David watch her and kind of pay attention to her (he seems to know what it means to those special people with Downs Syndrome), up until that point.
Then, he went right over to her, stooped down to touch her hand (he actually grabbed a hold of it), and give her the most endearing smile one could ever imagine. That little girl jumped into the air, whirled around and raised both arms into the air in victory. It’s actually on one of the videos, but I don’t remember just who captured it.
credit: Shelley
BriRay was so fun. He needs to keep her on board. She’s delightful, and has some pipes that work very well with David’s. *just sayin’*
credit: Maggie
The Voice David Archuleta 
Pat Parham said
Reading these comments of the VIP made me feel like I was right there.Some things brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful opportunity to meet him, and talk to him , just you and him!! I can only hope I will have the same opportunity in Nov. He is just the most wonderful caring person you cannot help but love.
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jans11 said
Tawna, I love your post and the photo of you with hubby and David! ☺ 💕 All those good memories should help you breeze right through your neck surgery! ☺ I hope to have another chat with him…he is so awesome and it’s been too long. If I dont, I know that I did get to a few times and will always hold those memories so dear to me! 👍 💗
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jans11 said
Pat I hope you get to go to a VIP in Nov! ☺ 💕
He is just awesome as you know! ☺ 💕
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Abrra said
Bringing the over from last post.
From Shelley’s magical camera!
I finished the 2016 Orem folder in the candy jar. As more songs show up on YouTube, I’ll add them. The files that say (edited) means it just the song, no story. The files with the story are there as well. Looking at you, Djafan. 🙂
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/iigipidsezt9b/2016_Orem_Concert
I am not caught up on the Rexburg folder, but I did want to get God Bless the USA in there for those who wanted it.
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/5bkmm0vj0grap/2016_Rexburg
Abrra
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Dayzee said
Great writeup Tawna. Thank you. Happy to see you are as impressed with this band as I am. Difficult to “outnice” David, but they come close.
I have no problem putting my arm around David. I cannot understand how you could pass up an opportunity like that. I do suppress the grabbing instinct, but a hug is delightful.
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djafan said
Tawna! Lovely recap! I love hearing everyone’s David concerts and now VIP experiences. It is such a joy to speak to him, shake his hand, or get a hug… I’m an arm putter around him lol
I think this is making all the difference in his happiness and satisfaction in what he is doing and we his fans will reap the rewards. I like it.
“He has decided that he can spill it out there for us, that we will sponge it up, and drink it in — never feeling quite full, but somewhat satisfied for a short time. He is setting the beat of the drum to which he moves. It must feel so liberating to know that he is the one who can do that; no Powers That Be to be pulling the strings anymore (yeah, Who I Am). I’m sure there are things that have to be dealt with (booking agency, lawyers, managers), but not like it was before. He’s been able to surround himself with folks that support him.”
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TaterZen said
I really enjoyed your recap, Tawna. I had a church assignment sandwiched between the two Utah concerts and could not go, so I am gobbling up reports about the Orem and was happy to see your perspective, written just like I was there too. Thank you! I love how longtime fans still get excited about being where David is. So much to appreciate about this guy.
What an amazing VIP experience you had! Casual, comfortable, almost cozy. I think you were spot on when you described David’s career mindset these days. “He is setting the beat of the drum to which he moves.” True. And it has allowed him to open up. You can see it in his interaction with fans and in his performances. So glad you had a great time! Thanks again for sharing.
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djafan said
Pat, I also hope these opportunities for us to speak to him and hangout like Tawna got to do will happen more often, but making sure proper security is put in place.
Tawna, I love this. It shows David is getting his comfort back. It had to be some transition for him.
“I mentioned that with the smaller crowds he didn’t have to smile as much for the photo ops. He laughed, and then said, ‘True, but I love to smile’. I told him that it’s obvious he loves to smile, and we can feel it.”
Happy tears!!!
“It is so obvious that David is comfortable with who he is and the person he has become. It brings tears to my eyes to think that he was so close to quitting it all.”
Love her hashtags lol
https://www.instagram.com/p/BG8OlR9oUIv/?tagged=davidarchuleta
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djafan said
This from Brady Bills…what a crowd!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BG9q4u1miVP/?tagged=davidarchuleta
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tawna21 said
Jan and Pat, I so hope that there will be some VIP’s in your necks of the woods! It was very reassuring to hear Kari say that they are expanding. It’s probably a situation where they have to find venues that aren’t already booked for the season. Hopefully, they are on top of next year. The crazy thing is, that when he starts performing his new music it will probably be everywhere but here in the Utah, Idaho, Arizona area. Now, we will be doing the traveling. 🙂 🙂 Dayzee and I smiled at each other when Kari mentioned Nashville.
Dayzee, I must be a’skeered to put my arm around him. I remember I did at one of the Abravanel ones and I was worried he might think I was weird. I will another time, okay? And Ron was so funny, he still maintains he’s my support and driver …. yeah right!! I may have to break down and go fishing with him one of these days just to keep him supporting and driving me! ha ha
Dja, I truly think that David has accepted his place in the public eye and he realizes that we are here for him — come heck or high water — and he’s made peace with it. Gotta love a man who has pretty much figured out the why’s and what’s that are coming around.
Taterzen, David would be pleased to know that you didn’t shirk your Church obligations for him. 🙂 I wondered a time or two if you were there. It really was a very casual time with David. So pleasant. We could laugh and talk with him like we were in someone’s home and there wasn’t a “congregation” of people talking/yelling. We can count on any future VIP experiences being small in numbers … as per David’s wishes.
Abrra, we can never get too much of these videos … keep them coming. Between Shelley’s magical camera and your magic with technology, we are a spoiled group! (dangit, I’m on the laptop and can’t put a little heart there)
For the rest of you…. the reference to Ron (hubby) and fishing …. he kept telling us he would rather be fishing. We just laughed. He loves us. And he asked me later about Jan. He remembers you dear friend. 🙂
We are in St. George for a couple of days to see some plays at Tuacahn and it is HOT!! While I would love for it to be David that we are seeing, I’m glad that he isn’t having to be on stage in this heat. It was hot enough in Orem, but the evening breeze helped cool it down some. I’ve a feeling it will stay pretty toasty in that red rock canyon. Yes, we are playing hard before my surgery…. it was actually supposed to be today, but they moved it to next week so I could use these tickets that I bought months ago. I guess they figured it’s my pain to live with so play as long as you want. Right?!
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djafan said
More from Shelley!
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tawna21 said
Dja #9, take that crowd and bring it back around to the other side as far as that one goes and you’ve got the full crowd. There were people in trees! ha ha It reminds me of Neil Diamond’s Hot August Nights Live album where he mentions the ‘tree people’. 🙂
You know, as far as security at the VIP, it was just Kari, but there were only 13 of us. Although, I wouldn’t want to step too far out of line. I’ve a feeling she can be a real mama bear if she needs to be. She’s got a pretty priceless cub that she’s taking care of. But, she’s a real sweet heart and I so appreciate the way she takes care of David. He’s very appreciative of her, and it shows.
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djafan said
https://www.instagram.com/p/BG-WJh5AXcv/
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Abrra said
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Abrra said
https://twitter.com/mlpb3/status/745792233182375937
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Abrra said
@cadthu is doing a Periscope at the Safford concert tonight. Be sure to follow her.
https://www.periscope.tv/CADTHU/1MnxnznWkEkxO
Abrra
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jans11 said
Tawna, I hope he comes here for a concert and has a VIP too. And I’m one that likes to hug, so I have no problem putting my arm around him either. 🙂 Tell Ron thanks for thinking of me, he such a nice guy. I was there in spirit, for sure! 🙂 Party all you can before the surgery cause you sure won’t want to afterwards! My daughter just had surgery on her arm and is in a lot of pain. She has to have the other arm done in 5 weeks so she’ll be laid up for 3 months. No fun.
I was just getting into the songs on Periscope and it quit. Don’t know what happened, but will try again tomorrow.
I am just crazy over this new David! He sure has loosened up and hanging loose makes better concerts! 🙂 Dja, like you said, we are so lucky that he didn’t quit! ♥♥♥♥
Yesterday, my sister came over and I played videos from David’s concert. I would show her one video and then that would lead to another that she just had to see and then another and another……… 🙂
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Abrra said
credit Shelley
Abrra
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Abrra said
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tawna21 said
Bless Shelley’s heart ….. more videos of an awesome nature. The sound seems to be really good. 🙂
Thanks for posting them Abrra.
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Abrra said
How sweet is this picture?
I had to make a puzzle 🙂 Who is up for the challenge?
http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=068cfca06555
Abrra
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djafan said
That is to cool Abrra! But I don’t know about a puzzle lol
Rhiminee is right about that one “because seriously” I love her comments.
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Abrra said
Puzzle took me 35 min. 😉
Abrra
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Abrra said
P&A from Kari’s backstage video in Safford Az
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/vhe36zpezxw0n/2016_Safford_AZ
Abrra
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Dayzee said
Love the Lewis family picture. That family might be bigger than mine. It took forever to do the puzzle, but I found the 2 David pieces right away. After that the incentive to hurry was not the same Haha
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jans11 said
Thanks for the puzzle, Abs and thanks for the big pieces! 🙂
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Abrra said
Here is a link to Shelley’s IG. She has a few clips from Safford, AZ.
https://www.instagram.com/shell_eeeyyy/
Abrra
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Abrra said
David has a date with China.
Fenfan Translated the poster for the event. She sent me this email.
I am not sure if any of you can read Chinese. But if you can’t and are wondering what the poster says, here’s a translation of the information.
I don’t know whether this poster is real or just the result of someone’s wishful thinking. But this is what it says:
The whole series is billed as “Love, Pass It On” (Those are the four words at the top of the poster, loosely translated. The official version might be something else entirely.)
11 August 7.30pm Grandparents Day Performance, Taichung Seaport Art Center
12 August 7.30pm Love in the Family Concert, Tainan Cultural Center
13 August 2pm World of Warm Awards Ceremony and Concert, Taipei Jinhua Street Church
14 August 2pm Sabbath Fireside Gathering, Tzu Chi University Hall 250A, Hualien
15 August 7.30pm Charity Concert, Hsinchu Industrial and Commercial Auditorium
16 August 7.30pm Charity Concert, Chiayi City Culture Center Music Hall
17 August 7.30pm Charity Concert, Kaohsiung Labor Recreation Center
The bottom line in the poster says the LDS Church is a co-organiser of the events.
The event titles are loosely translated from the Chinese and are not the official versions.
I googled some of the venues and found that the concert hall in Taichung seats 546 people. It is equipped with a proscenium stage and the building’s white roof is shaped like a bamboo hat. Taichung is in central Taiwan.
The Tainan Cultural Center has a Performance Hall in a building with 3 flours. It has 1803 seats in a fan-shaped area. The Cultural Center also has what is called “The Native Theater of International Hall.” This Hall seats 260. Tainan is in the south.
The church in Jinhua Street in Taipei is an LDS temple and the earliest meeting place for Mormons in Taiwan. Taipei, the capital, is in the north of the island.
Hualien is on the east coast of Taiwan. Tzu Chi University is a private university set up by the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation and is well known for its College of Medicine.
Hsinchu in northwestern Taiwan is known as the Windy City. Nothing much to see or do here!
Besides the Music Hall, The Chiayi City Culture Center also has a museum and a library. The Music Hall has 1113 seats. Its stage curtains were designed by Chinese master painter, Lin Wu-Shan. They are made of hand-weaved silk and satin and have a lotus pond theme.
Abrra
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fenfan said
The Tainan Cultural Center has a Performance Hall in a building with 3 flours.
LOL I meant 3 FLOORS!!!
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Abrra said
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPP!!!!!!
Abrra
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tawna21 said
David is gonna fly!!!!! And it will be very high and very fast!!!! I think I might like to try that … no TSA issues to deal with! On twitter, Janel commented about singing at that many G’s! Try it, David, and report back. 🙂 #zerogravity #parachutesandairplanes
We just got home from our 2-day vacation and I haven’t had a chance to check out the Safford videos. Off to get that accomplished! 😉
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Abrra said
Click the gray area to go to his Periscope.
Abrra’s Candy Jar has @DavidArchie preparing to fly w/Thunderbirds!
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/0r38ggmby9aux/2016_David_Periscope_MISC
Matt Herp got a shot of the take off.
Abrra
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tawna21 said
Too funny! He didn’t want us to see him get saddled up! 🙂 Let’s hope we get to see some video from someone … cockpit video would be perfect! He seems excitedly nervous. 🙂 And he feels it a privilege to be shaking the hands of all the airmen, and I’ll bet they feel the same about shaking his!
Love seeing him sweeping his hair back … why does that make me smile?! 😀
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Abrra said
He is so happy!
This will be an mp4 in the Candy Jar folder link in #32 above.
Abrra
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Abrra said
Inflight video clip!
Abrra
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Abrra said
Rather than posting more videos on the thread that may slow it down, here is Shelley’s YouTube video page to view the Safford, AZ vids.
Abrra
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Abrra said
Hello new desktop photo 🙂
BIGGER!!
Abrra
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Abrra said
All the tension is gone from his face in the after flight pictures.
Abrra
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Dayzee said
Love a man in uniform. Or jump suit. or whatever. As long as that man is David.
That hair style looks great to me. He should take hisself a little plane ride before his next concert to get that good lookin’ do.
This fella is always doing something. Hard to keep up. Thanks to all who make it easier for me.
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tawna21 said
Oh man!!! I agree Dayzee with your uniform comments, and the hair comments, and I, too, thank all who make it easier to keep up with him!
I did get a little worried with his heavy breathing in the cockpit. Maybe the G-force and oxygen? I love seeing him so excited. He’s like a kid at Christmas. He’s so excited he can’t explain or talk about it! 🙂
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jans11 said
And I thought today was going to be a nice boring day since his concerts were over! Boy, David, you sure are full of surprises! 🙂 Love the tousled hair too! ♥
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Abrra said
Truth!
Abrra
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Dayzee said
David is such a daredevil he allows his fanatical fans to share a tiny green room with him. Or perhaps that is his “sweet angel” part pocoelsy was talking about.
That’s a long list of appearances that Fenfan found. Every night for 7 nights.
Our community had a big fireworks show tonight and I was thinking we really need us some patriotic songs from David. It’s just not a great Fourth of July without him.
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Abrra said
If you missed David’s VIP, this will help.
http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=08fb3500a9f4
Abrra
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Abrra said
Love this!
credit kaychan
Abrra
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tawna21 said
kaychan’s mashup is awesome!! My goodness, 9G’s! That would certainly make you become one with the back of your seat! Love this report from David. 🙂
Thanks, Abrra, for putting it into the candy jar. And, thanks for the puzzle! 🙂
Dayzee, we certainly became picky with our July 4th preferences, didn’t we!?! David changes everything for us. 😉
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Abrra said
KSL interview
I added this one to the Candy Jar file in comment #32.
Abrra
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jans11 said
Kaychan’s little video is awesome. David never ceases to amaze me.
Abs, love the puzzle of the current David look! 🙂 So happy that he’s back!
Yep, Tawna, we are picky about all our holidays since we have had the great voice of David’s grace those important days! He can sing all those songs the best of anyone!
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TOfan said
so late, but just wanted to say thanks, Tawna, loved your recap! 13 people?? wow, sounds like a dream!!! love that David’s in such a “good place” these days! {{{{hugs}}}} to all!
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skydancer1x said
Yo peeps! So many goodies,so little time!
Tawna loved your recap, and I am SO jealous! lol
Really happy you were there and got to have such a wonderful experience. sigh~ thank you for sharing all of it. I have to say, that standing for a pic with David, my arm just automatically went up around his back before he ever put his arm around me haha. (I don’t think I could have resisted a second time around either.)
Must say the last groups of concerts seem to have stoked a fire under our David!! I liiiiike it!! THE smile is back big time, along with the energy.
I agree TOfan, he is in a “good place” these days!
I think I have watched David’s flight at least 50 times!! What an incredible experience.
Last fall I sat and watched The Thunderbirds perform a few miles from me,from my patio.Could see the whole airshow from my 3rd floor apartment,and they flew in formation right over me! What an honor and a thrill for David, hes brave!.That took guts!!
I danced ;)in the skies for 36 years,and even on a regular passenger jet ,occasionally, we would ‘pull g’s’,while airborne,
it always made me ugh,nauseous… especially fun when carrying something down the aisle. As you were being momentarily “pushed” down, what you were carrying felt sooo heavy lol. If you have ever sat in an airline passenger seat and felt yourself being pushed down into the seat cushion a little bit? that ol gravity pull,well, you know how it feels.
Compared to that F16 and the manuevers and pulling g’s ,David experienced wayyy more on his ride than I would ever want to.I need oxygen just thinkin’ about it (where is that barf bag?)
But he came through it with flying colors:) What a guy. So happy he shared that whole experience with us♥Feels like old times.
Wonder how Dan did on his ‘ride’?
Dayzee♥,still think you should offer to take D skydiving;)
“That hair style looks great to me. He should take hisself a little plane ride before his next concert to get that good lookin’ do.” I am with you on that! hahaha
#wackhairftw!
thanks for the screensaver Abs!Gosh, dude looks so handsome.
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djafan said
Oh boy oh boy…This David of ours is something else! I admire his love of life and courageous spirit and beautiful soul. Thank the heavens for putting him in my life. His singing ain’t to shabby either lol
That kaychan mashup is perfect. David sure is channeling some Top Gun there.
Hey TOfan!
David knows about Chile’s victory yesterday!
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collegemom said
Hi Abrra – Regarding David’s visit to Taiwan – A David buddy of mine from the SF Bay Area is in Taiwan and asked that I give you this facebook link that also shows that poster about his concerts https://www.facebook.com/ldstw/ . She has a hard time getting onto the Voice site from her computer there.
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Abrra said
Thanks Collegemom for the link. I saved it to check out later when he is there. For those who don’t have the translation plug-in for your browser, I am sure Fenfan will help us out.
I am sorry your friend can’t access this site. Pocoelsy has told me that she can’t access it from Thailand ( or is it Viet Nam?). I am guessing it’s a country blocking thing from their end. Yet Fenfan can post here and she lives in Taiwan? I can’t think of a reason why some can or can’t, based on our content.
Abrra
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Abrra said
Love this smile!
Abrra
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Jenny said
Great post!
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bebereader said
New article >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>
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