A New Story! [Archive] - The Shania Forums

Heather

01-05-2002, 3:45am

I am feeling very creative so I'll start;)
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Shania's Return

by Shaniaforums Members

Tour Opener: Toronto

Shania walked onto the empty stage and looked out into the thousands of empty seats. She smiled and took a deep breath. It was 6:00 in the morning....14 hours until showtime. She hardly slept at all that night and left Eja and Carrie sleeping soundly on the bus to take in her surroundings. Waiting to walk out onto the stage had been unbearable. It had been almost 2 years since she last faced an audience and the thought of seeing and connecting with her fans excited her. She had missed them, their smiles and hearing their voices raised in unison as they sang back to her. Though she had experienced so many wonderful things in her time away from the spotlight, there was nothing like being on stage and giving her all to her fans.

She walked to the edge of the stage and sat down, letting her legs dangle casually off the edge. She looked up at the high arena ceiling and began to hum..softly at first...then louder until her voice echoed throughout the arena. It gave her chills. She could almost hear the cheers of the crowds. Mutt had been right, she would never get the road out of her soul. Even if this was the last time she would ever tour for her fans, she intended on savoring every moment and memory. And having Eja with her would make the experience even more joyful.

11:00 am

They had been practicing since 8:00 and the band sounded incredible. Shania gave them the thumbs up and turned off her mic.
"So that's all for now," J.D. asked from behind his drums.
Shania laughed," You know we can practice for another 3 hours, if you would like."
"Oh no, that's ok boss," he laughed and slipped off his headset.
The band agreed to break until the final run through at 2:00 which gave Shania time to spend with Eja. She returned to the bus to find he and Carrie napping quietly on the comfortable couch. She was dissapointed that he wasn't awake, but decided to let both of them rest. Carrie had been a great deal of help with him since they left Switzerland. The nanny they had hired declined to travel because she didn't want to be away from her home and family for so long. Shania had understood and asked Carrie to fill in until, they met up with Mutt in Florida. She smiled to herself, feeling fortunate that Mutt had always been supportive of her and her career. Now, as a parent, he was even more dedicated and devoted. He was constantly calling to check in on Eja. She loved the way he cared and his sweet concern for the both of them.

She grabbed her favorite denim baseball cap and slipped out of the bus and out into the parking lot. Like last tour she wanted to explore the city, unnoticed. It gave her a chance to work off all her nervous energy. She left Carrie a note and left the arena in a car supplied by her management. She drove down all the old and familiar streets she knew from her days as a club act. She was dissapointed to see that many of the clubs that she had performed at were closed. The buildings were now clothing stores or simply abandoned.

As she came to a stop at a red light, her cell phone rang...

benperkins

01-05-2002, 7:19am

"Hello?" said Shania, "Hello Mrs Lange" said the voice on the other end, "This is Sarah from John Landu Management", Shania frowned a little, they always called her when she wanted to be alone. "We have had a request for you to apeear on a Country Singers special of The Weakest Link"Shania looked horrified, while it was an okay show to wacth, she never wanted to be a contestant on the show and have to face Anne Robinson, that woman scared her! "Well" she said after a long slinace "I guess if I win Second Harvest would be happy, I'll have to think about it" Sarah on the other end giggled, "well they need an answer by next Thursday" Shania closed her eyes " Okay I'll get back to you" they extanged goodbyes and Shania put her phone in her pocket.

They only want to use me for ratings She thought, that was one part of being famous she did'nt like. People using her for thier own gain while she stood there and smiled. Well and least they want me to keep my cothes on, she giggled at that thought, the whole Playboy offer was something that she luaght at because, she could'nt belive that all men want is to see her naked, they have wives and girlfriends for that. She walked a bit futher when her phone rang again.

"Hello?" she said almost angryly "Hi Woody" the voice on the other end said. It was Mutt.......

Daisy

01-05-2002, 1:19pm

Ben your a great writer!, I never knew you wrote! You need to write more often!

edoctordave

01-05-2002, 8:18pm

"How's it going?" Mutt asked. "Oh, fine I guess" Shania said. "I'm anxious about this evening but I would not expect anything else. How's the little one, dad?" "He's sleeping at the moment, mom" Mutt said. "He's dead to the world with that blanket from the Fan Club in one hand and his thumb in his mouth." "Great" Shania said. "I'm so glad he's here with me on this first evening."

"I called to tell you that I have finally come up with a plan for after the concert tonight. Here's the deal. You and me for a late dinner after all is done, including the press. But first a long massage for you and me. Then just the three of us in the Royal Suite, talking until we drift off. What do you think?"

"Oh, that sounds great!" Shania said. "Something to cap off a great start to this tour. You know, Mr. Lange, I really do want to make this first performance really great for the fans. I hope they really like what we're doing with this tour. It's not quite the same as the other one but I'm not all that worried. After all if we fall flat on our faces, then we'll just get up again and go forward."

"Well I hope not, but you are right. Hey where are you anyway?" ...

benperkins

01-06-2002, 4:18am

"Oh just taking a walk down town" Shania replayed "Oh Okay" Mut said "It dosn't matter" he added "I gotta run anyway, see you later woody" "Bye Love" Shania replayed back and turned off her phone No more interuptions she thought and smiled.

She was walking back to the bus when a Teenage girl ran up to her, "Hey arn't you Shania Twain?" the girl asked, Shania looked around people who had been looking in shop windows where now looking at her, Dam Shania thought, then looked at the girl and smiled nervously, "I get that all the time" she said fianly, "so your not Shania?" the girl said, "Nope" Shania replayed. "Okay then" the Girl looked almost relived "If you where I was going to tell her how much she sucks!, but your not so I have to run" she walked past Shania, How much I suck? Shania thought, she had been hurt by that comment badly.

She did'nt go back directly to the bus she took a sight detour to a park, she sat down on a bench, and almost cried. That had been one thing she did'nt miss about not being in the spotlight, for a moment she wished she had stayed in Switzerland, at least she could get a little peace there,Part from when Fans bother me, she thought, the changed her mind the fans that saw her in Switzerland where always nice and respected her privacy, but mostly seemed to be the same people, okay shure they sometimes brought others and they deffenitly where no stalking her but it seemed that she only had two Swiss Fans sometimes. But it had been nice to see her fans, she conforted her self with that, held the thought of her fans a little longer, it gave her strength when she was down. Part from the odd fan at her door and surfing the various messege baords on the web she had been away from her fans for a long time, she missed them.

Shania got up and walked back to the Bus . When she got back.....

edoctordave

01-06-2002, 8:54pm

“Hi, Roger” Shania said to the man who opened the bus door. “Hi, Boss” he replied. “Do you know where Dave is?” she asked. “You know, that new roadie from the States. The guy with the gray hair.” “He said he’d be in the car if you asked,” Roger replied. “OK. Thanks” Shania said. For some reason or another Dave and Eileen had hit it off when he joined the tour a week ago for its initial two weeks only. She had given him a single job to do, although it was one of great importance to her.

Shania went behind the bus and there she found the white Mercedes with Dave in the driver’s seat, reading a book. “What are you reading, Dave?” she asked. He replied “Oh hi, Boss. It’s called ‘Boundaries. It’s by an artist named Maya Lin. She made the Vietnam War memorial in Washington DC, among other things. You know the one, the long granite wall with the names of all the Americans who were killed. It descends into the earth and then reemerges. She’s pretty talented. Wanna read it as we drive to meet the constable? It’s about all her other work, pretty much.” “Sure,” Shania said. “Did you get it? The chainsaw, I mean?” “Sure did,” Dave said. “It’s in the trunk. And it has the length you asked for: 75 cm. And I’ve got a can of gas for it. And the constable is supposed to be there in about fifteen minutes. It’ll take us twenty, so that should work out OK. Do you have your ID?”

“Oops” Shania said. “I left it on the bus. I’ll be right back.” She returned quickly and said “Thanks. I’m pretty sure I’ll need this.” With that she got in the car. She was dressed in her faux fur hat, buckskin coat, and gloves along with blue jeans and a pair of black cowboy boots. Pretty much the same as she was wearing on the cover of her first CD.

“Now everything is perfect, Dave. Let’s go.” And at that Dave started up the car and headed to the outskirts of Toronto for their destination. When they got to the tree-filled park, Shania looked up from the book and said, “She really is talented. Her use of space and light is incredible. I’d like to meet her sometime. So, do you see the constable? Oh, I bet that is his car over there.” Dave drove to the car and a man in a uniform got out.

Shania and Dave got out of the Mercedes and the constable said: “Good afternoon, ma’am. I’m constable Brown. Are you Mrs. Lange?” At that Shania took out her passport and gave it to him. “All right, Mrs. Lange. My orders are to stay here until the fire is safely out and help you in any way I can.” “Thank you, constable” Shania said. “Where is the tree you’ve selected?” “This way, ma’am” he said. Dave got the chainsaw out of the trunk and a bag with some other things Shania would need to finish her work, and followed her and the constable.

The three of them ended up in a small clearing with a pond in the middle. The constable walked over to a tree that was marked with yellow plastic police tape. “This is the one,” he said. “Oh, this will do just fine.” Shania said. With that she took the chainsaw from Dave along with the gas can and filled it up. Then she took a pair of clear plastic glasses from the bag and put them on. Then she revved up the chainsaw with a roar and scared most of the birds away. She then proceeded to cut the tree down. And then she cut the tree up. All the while, Dave and the constable kept their distance. Good thing too, since the wood chips were flying.

Then Shania took the logs and arranged them for a fire. She took the bag Dave carried from the car and took out some kindling, some papers and a match. Hunched close to the ground, she lit the match and held it to the edge of one of the papers. The kindling took and then the logs began to burn and sputter sparks. She remained there hunched close to the ground and stretched the palms of her hands toward the fire. And she stared into the fire. She took off her hat and put it in her pocket. She was thinking of the days to the north when this was a daily occurrence. She opened her coat so the heat could get straight to her. She thought of her family. She loved the smell and warmth and flickering light of the crackling chaos of the open wood fire.

Time passed.

Eventually, she stood up and walked toward Dave and the constable. “That’s it for now” she said. “Thanks constable Brown.” “You’re welcome, ma’am. And I have to say, if you don’t mind ma’am, good luck at the concert tonight.” “Thanks, constable. I’m a little less nervous about it now. You’ll take care of the fire, right? And give the chainsaw to the loggers?” “Right, ma’am” he replied. “What time is it, Dave?” she asked. “We’re right on schedule, boss. Not to worry," he said.

As he held the door for her to get back in the Mercedes, he noticed she seemed more relaxed, or at least quieter. When he got in from the driver’s side, and started the car he also noticed she smelled of the open fire. He said, “You smell of the fire, boss. It’s nice.” “I really like the way my hair smells from the fire, Dave” she said. “I’m much less nervous now. You did a good job on this, Dave. Thanks.” With that, she leaned over and gave Dave a quick kiss on his cheek. He blushed. She smiled. Then she fell silent as he drove back.

About a mile from the bus, he asked, “What’s on your mind, Eilleen?” “Well. How about the truth?” she said “The truth is this will be the longest I’ve been away from my son. This afternoon and this evening.” “You are a good mother, Eilleen,” Dave said. “I can see that. And he won’t forget who you are.” “I know”, she said “but it is hard.” “And you wouldn’t have it any other way, would you?” he asked. “No, of course not” she said.

Dave parked the car next to the Bus and said “Break a leg, boss!” and gave her a little punch on her shoulder. Shania laughed and got out of the Mercedes and went back towards the Bus …

(This episode was inspired by a passage in the Eggar bio.)

benperkins

01-08-2002, 8:34am

(That is very very good Dave! :))

Shaniabomber99

01-08-2002, 8:59am

When Shania got back to the bus. She went to get ready for the show. Her phone rang. It was Sarah again wanting to know Shania's answer about Shania being on The Weakest Link, Shania got frustrated and said "Look can I let you know soon, I'm in the middle of getting ready I don't need to hear from you until I'm ready but then again I'd might aswell just say No. I gotta go. Shania then hung up and then got ready. She notices a pic of Mutt, EJA and Shania together. Shania stared at the pic for awhile. She missed both her son and her Husbane. Shania was getting emotional. Shania loked at her watch and got her gear and went to the Venu to meet up with the band.....

Shaniabomber99

01-08-2002, 9:05am

Originally posted by benperkins

She was walking back to the bus when a Teenage girl ran up to her, "Hey arn't you Shania Twain?" the girl asked, Shania looked around people who had been looking in shop windows where now looking at her, Dam Shania thought, then looked at the girl and smiled nervously, "I get that all the time" she said fianly, "so your not Shania?" the girl said, "Nope" Shania replayed. "Okay then" the Girl looked almost relived "If you where I was going to tell her how much she sucks!, but your not so I have to run" she walked past Shania, How much I suck? Shania thought, she had been hurt by that comment badly.

[/B]
:O How rude of that teenage girl...Yeah okay I know it's a story but if anyway dared said that to Shania in real life I would have kicked their butts...Okay just my Opinion and yes I know it's only a story no need to jump down my throat. Anyway great storyy so far:)

Carley

iloveshania

01-08-2002, 11:45am

It was 1:50 in the afternoon! The band was tuning thier intruments and Shania was sitting on the edge of the stage waiting! She couldn't get that girl out of her mind! The one that said she sucked! *What if it's been too long? What if they don't want me back?* Thought Shania! JD noticed that Shania seemed meloncholy! "What's up boss?" He asked! Shania told him about the girl! JD just stared at Shania for awhile and then burst out laughing! "What are you laughing at?" asked Shania! JD answered, still giggling slightly! "You're playing to a packed house tonight, you've got over 300 fans from the Shaniaforums who made the trip from all over the world to see you and your letting one kid with bad taste get you down?" He starts laughing again! Shania blushes slightly and then starts to laugh as well! "You're right of course JD! I'm so emotional these days!" She giggles! "well, it's no surprise! This is your big comeback performance!" replies JD! "Yeah, and I'm gonna make it the best ever! My fans deserve nothing less! Let's practice!" answers Shania!

At 4pm Shania said "ok guys let's wrap it up!" Tired, but feeling much happier Shania headed for the bus! A small group of fans had already gathered outside and Shania stopped to greet them and sign autographs! A father hoisted his son of 4 or 5 onto his shoulders and Shania reached out and held his tiny hand in hers! "I love you Shania" said the little boy in a shakey voice that was barely more than a whisper! fighting back the tears Shania asked " what's your name sweetie"! "I'm Daniel Twain Mathews" replied the little boy with a smile! "well Daniel Twain Mathews! I love you to darlin'!" said Shania still fighting back the tears!

When she got back to the bus she couldn't hold the tears back any longer! Carrie ran to her and asked "What happened Sis?" "Oh somebody just reminded me of how great my fans are!" She replied! Carrie didn't quite understand, but she knew that this was one of those moments when she had to leave her sister to her thoughts!

Shania walked over and picked up Eja...

Monica XOX

benperkins

01-08-2002, 1:55pm

"Well, its just you and me Eja" she whispered and cradled her child in her arms. She closed her eyes, My Fans are great she thought, but the tears still came. It was'nt because her fans where obbcessive or treatening to her, it was because they where one of the few good things fame brought. "You know something my little Love, I sometimes wish I never became famous", No she thought Your mother wanted this Eilleen, this was her dream you must remmber that she felt angry at herself for even questioing her fame.

But it was becoming hard. People like the girl telling her she sucked, critics saying she was rubbish, Tabiolds sending people to follow her around Switzerland and Perverts who just see her as a good looking woman. All these hurt her, even if she put on a brave face when people brought them up they still hurt her inside.

She lost track of time holding Eja, she could'nt stop thinking about things. But even admist all the hurt she felt, she remmberd that little boy who loved her. Now she got this alot, Boys and men saying they loved her but sometimes it felt special, like today. I gotta call that boy on up to the stage she thought and smiled.

She was disterbed from her thoughts by a knock at the door....

manu_georgine

01-09-2002, 12:54am

"Come in", she said surprised. The door was opened by a good-looking young man followed by an even better looking young woman.
"Jim! Andrea! What a suprise!" Shania said. "I really didn't think I'd see you before the concert starts! Uh, what time is it anyway?"
Andrea started laughing and said: "It's almost 7 pm! We've already got our make-up done and everything. One more hour! U okay? You seem to be a little out of it!"
Shania sat Eja on her lap while Jim and Andrea sat down on the comfy chairs beside her couch. Shania said: "Geez I completely lost track of my time! I had no idea it was that late! Yeah I'm fine Andrea. And really really nervous! I feel like it's my first concert ever!" She laughed. "How about you guys? It must feel funny to perform as a support band again!" "You know", Jim said with his irresistible Irish accent, "I really don't mind! We have tried so hard to make it in North America and right now we just need that last big break, and I think performing as your supporting act is a really great thing. Of course if we did this in Europe people would laugh their @sses off. Oh sorry, Eja, don't you ever say that bad word! Uncle Jim shouldn't have said it!" Andrea burst out in laughter. "God you're such an idiot Jim", she said. The all laughed until Andrea said: "Well anyway, we just came here to wish you luck, from Caroline and Sharon as well! Enjoy it sweetie! It will be wonderful, you'll see!!!" "Thank you guys! And thank you for doing this, especially now that you're not even officially on tour!" "No problem", Jim said. "You know, you look gorgeous as usual, but you should probably go into make-up now anyway!" Andrea and Jim said bye and left the tourbus. Shania rocked Eja on her lap and said "you have a very funny uncle Jim, don't you think? Mommy has to go now sweetie! Wish her luck! I'm gonna see you in a while, auntie Carrie is gonna take you backstage!"

edoctordave

01-09-2002, 1:04am

As she opened the door to makeup, she could not believe her eyes. It was Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks. “Natalie!” Shania exploded. “How’s my favorite rocker babe in chicks clothing? I wasn’t sure you were going to make it, I’m so glad you did.” The two singers embraced in a huge hug and rocked left and right as has become their standard “closet rocker chick” greeting.

“Well, it wasn’t easy girl friend, but I made it,” Natalie replied. “More than a little trouble in Dallas getting through airport security this time. But I’m here! How’s it going with you? How’s Eja?”

“Oh, he’s great! He’s a little sweetheart. He’s going to break a lot of little girls’ hearts. It’s going fine with me too. Anxious to get going this evening, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Just finished with the band. So, how’s your little brood doing?”

“Oh, just fine,” Natalie said. They’re in Texas while mommy jets around acting like a rich teenie bopper. Which she's ALWAYS wanted to be after all. Crashing in on her idol on the first day of her big return tour. Meanwhile, the older one’s got an ear ache, but he’s at that age, it seems.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean," Shania said. "Doctors say it has to do with the tubes in their ear canals being too tiny to drain well enough, and it will get better as they get a little older and things open up a little more. I hope so. But it sure tugs on your heart to know they are so miserable. Have you noticed that kids can be so GOOD at being miserable?

“Hey, are you going to be able to stay for the entire concert? We are using the song you wrote. Did you know that? Right after the first costume change. Next month we’re going to release it along with a couple other new songs which are not on the CD. So this is the first time it will be heard by the fans. I love it, it really touches me. You can tell Mutt came up with the title though: ‘Tonight We’re Warm (Because of You)’.” Moving her hand in a floating gesture she sang: “He’s got a waaaay with words.” She giggled and Natalie joined in. Shania continued: “Yeah, I really enjoyed recording it. We finally decided to go a cappella with that one, because as Mutt said: ‘Sometimes less really is more. And this is one of those times where nothing is everything!’ Very spiritual, you know.”

“Oh, that’s a great title! I bet I’ll cry when I hear you sing it,” Natalie said pretending to wipe a fake tear from her eye. “You know it is a departure for you to sing a ‘story song’ like that. Very Nashville of you, my dear. I’ve never told anyone where the idea for it came from. It’s for my father, really. I used to snuggle up with him when I was a little girl and he felt so warm, so safe. And when I snuggle up with my little ones now the same warmth is there, but it’s from me for my own children instead. Like completing a circle of life, you know what I mean?

“So, what are you wearing for your opener here in Toronto?” Natalie said, changing the subject. “Well,” Shania said, “for the first costume, I finally decided on the ‘Salute to Canada’ outfit as I call it. White vinyl slacks with a gold belt, and a red vinyl top. Sleeveless, but I’m wearing a ‘half sleeve’ on my right arm up beyond the elbow. No glove, just the sleeve from my wrist to above the elbow. It’s got a red maple leaf on it. Just to be different. And of course my standard maximum elevator shoes so I can be seen!” Shania let out a big laugh at this and added “and I decided to go with my hair straight and simple, just down to my neck for the opener. That arrangement will fit in with the ‘kick off’ songs as I stroll around the stage, so I can see all of my fans. I can’t wait actually.”

“I’m not going to ask how much material is missing between the gold belt and the red top!” Natalie joked. At that Shania stood up and raised her eyebrows, turned her head to one side, put on a coy smile and slowly pulled up the bottom of her sweatshirt to show precisely what Natalie was not asking about. “Oh you evil woman!” Natalie hissed, “You look terrific. Must be all those carrots and tofu!” Shania slowly pulled her sweatshirt back down and said, “You’ll have to attend the conference to see what’s to be seen of this woman!”

“I’ll do just that, dearie, and I’ll tell everyone just exactly what and how many inches of what you displayed,” Natalie retorted with another big laugh. “Or is it centimeters here in Canada?

“Well, whatever. I better be going so you can get back to doing what you need to do. I just wanted to wish you the best. I’d tell you that I really think you are awesome and really have nothing to be nervous about, but I wouldn’t want you to get a big head over this superstar success thing and start to sluff off and embarass us by simply being only a simple star.”

“Well, thanks, Natalie, I needed that,” Shania said, and then added with a melody “But I don’t impress ME much!”

And after a good mutual giggle, Shania said: “Take care of your little ones too.” And they hugged their rocker chick hug one more time. And Shania said: “Now you’re not going to start telling the tabloids that I hug women backstage are you? They’d love that.”

Natalie put both hands over her mouth and started for the door. Then Shania said “Hey, Natalie, wait. I’ve got an idea. That song is the only one with no accompaniment in the concert tonight. What do you think of singing it with me, as a duet? It would be a total surprise to everyone. A nice treat actually. I know you know the words and the melody, you wrote them. And we’ve sung other things together just for fun, so you know our voices blend. And no one has heard me sing it alone before, so there are no expectations for it. I think it would be a really good. You know, something really special, really unexpected. Something to remember.”

“But this is your tour,” Natalie protested “your time. Your spotlight. Your fans expect to see you. And besides, I’m not dressed for the stage.”

“Oh, come on. Please. It would be fun. You and me. Singing your song together. You know we sound great together from those trial tracks we made. And you know we can get you an outfit. All you’d have to do is be backstage and when I come back from my first costume change, when I start the first bars, you walk out and join me in the light. We’ll trade lyrics back and forth, and join together for the final chorus. You with the melody, and me with the harmony. It will be terrific. You know it will. What do you say?”

“How could I possibly say no?” Natalie conceded. “This is your country and it would be rude to turn you down, I figure.”

“Great!” Shania said gleefully as she reached for her cell phone. “Let me call Dave. He’ll arrange things for you.” After punching the speed dial she said: “Dave? Hi. It’s me. I want you to come here to makeup and meet a friend of mine who will be joining me on stage this evening for one song. Her name’s Natalie. She’s a blond from Texas. Kind of a rocker chick. You’ll see. She needs a few things. OK. OK. Right. That’s right, Jim should be able to do that. And make sure he gets her a live mic, matched to mine. Yeah, you could say she’s a pretty good singer. And lighting needs a heads up. And keep it quiet. It’s supposed to be a surprise for everyone. Well except for you, me and her of course. OK. And wardrobe. You got it. Thanks. See ya.” Shania turned to Natalie with a smile and said: “It’s all set. Dave’s a good guy. You can trust him. He’ll make this happen. This will be fun. Something outside the box. Something loose. Something to remember. Even if we screw it up, it will make a good story.”

Then Shania realized it was time for a snack and had to leave Natalie alone to wait for Dave. So Shania left and …

manu_georgine

01-09-2002, 1:22am

Shania slowly made her way into the venue. She could her lots of people on the other side of the hall, they were all talking and singing her songs. "That's more like it..." she thought. She stopped for a moment and looked up to the stars. "Thank you", she whispered. She opened the door and nodded at the security guards, smiling. She walked through the long corridors to the make-up room. When she opened the door she saw Caroline Corr sitting there. Shania smiled and said: "And there I was thinking you were a natural beauty!" Caro got up from her chair, laughing, and gave Shania a big hug. "Awe it's so good to see you again! I'm done, the chair is all yours now!" she said. "I gotta go, we're gonna be on in...", she looked at her watch, "exactly 13 minutes." "Good luck!", Shania said. Caroline walked toward the door, then turned around and said: "by the way, be nice to the three girls in the front row who have *we love you Caroline* signs! Hehe. Don't worry though, they are your fans too!" Shania started laughing and said: "I will be nice, don't worry! I'm always nice duh!" She rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at Caroline. Then she sat down on the chair. It was only then when she noticed the huge flower bouquet on the table. "Is that for me?" she asked Joanne, her make-up artist. "Well go ahead and read the card", Joanne said. Shania got up again and went over to the table. She smelled the flowers and noticed that there had to be at least 100 white roses with a single red one in the middle. She found the card and opened it. It said: To the most wonderful wife, mother, singer and woman in the world. I know that you can make this show the best ever, because everything you do is your best ever. But the best thing you've ever done was marrying me, so when you're up there with thousands of people applauding you and loving you, don't forget your lovesick old hubby who is very proud of you! I love you Woody! Love forever, Mutt.

"Awe" she said with tears in her eyes. She took the card with her and stuck it in the pocket of her pants where it would stay all night.

manu_georgine

01-09-2002, 1:24am

Oops, I think we posted at the same time Dave... :shocked:

*lol*

Mi Mu

edoctordave

01-09-2002, 1:51am

Originally posted by manu_georgine
Oops, I think we posted at the same time Dave... :shocked:

*lol*

Mi Mu

Yes we did. But I tried to edit mine so it sort of fits into the flow between your two posts. I might edit it a little more to smooth it out.

It's good isn't it, that this story has so many contributors they are stumbling over one another? That's called suffering from success. And, oh yeah, I like your two posts. It's kind of neat that they are like bookends around mine.

Now let's get Shania up on that stage and kick this return concert off properly!!!

Shaniabomber99

01-09-2002, 3:11am

Okay here I go
************************************************** **

While the Corrs were on Shania was thinking of how to greet her fans. She went down the memory lane of her last tour. She smiled and was glad that her fans had not forgotten who she was. Shania always knew who her true loyal fans were still here and she loved them as much as they loved her. Apart from her s-called fans that just diss her and only want to play her music. She did not like that. Shania also did not like that girl who said the rude coment earlier. But she got over it. Soon The Corrs had finished. Shania was waiting nervously to get on stage. When Andrea came to wish Shania luck the 2 hugged Shania said "I'm sure I'll do fine. Just can't wait to get out there and see my adoring fans" Andrea said "They are waiting as I menton your name they screamed. I can hear them now calling out to you." Shania smiled and said I'm ready to get on stag.

Meanwhile Shania was about to walk on Stage the fans were chanting Shania's name...SHANIA SHANIA SHANIA.......

benperkins

01-09-2002, 9:43am

She went out and gave it her everything, it was fun getting back on stage and preforming. She never found the boy, but she still had alot of fun. When it all was over and the crowd was leaving. Shania stuck back to thank the Corrs but they where gone. "Hey has anyone seen the Corrs?" she said laodly so people could hear her over the noise. "They left" said a stage hand "something about this being a one time deal" Shanias face became a mask of anger "What????"the stage hand looked very scared and tried to find something to say. "There is a very good explation for this" came a voice from behide Shania.

She turned to find a grey haired man not much taller than herself, waring a black suit with white shirt and back tie, from his voice Shania guessed he was British. "What may that be?" Shania said still looking as if she was going to kill someone"And who are you?" the man smiled "To answer your second question I am Ian Ashford, and I work for your record lebal" he held out his hand for Shania to shake it but she declined and he neverously bourght his arm back to his side. " Now to answer your first question,The Corrs belong to a different record lebal and the admount of money needed to keep them on the tour became too much" Shania rolled her eyes, thats all Mercury and Universal ared about Money. "Well" She said "I need a surport act and I was under the impression the Corrs would be that". Ashford smiled " Mrs Lange, the tour you are on will go to 10 different countrys, and we can't keep a already world famous act as part of it, I'm sorry", Shania closed her eyes "okay then" she said "but at least get me another surport one that dos'nt cost as much" her voice had a hint of sarcasium in it. "We will" Ashord chimed "I will be personally involded in choosing them", Shania struged and walked off she had enougth of him and she wanted to be with Eja.

A little later, Shania was on the phone to Mutt telling him about her encounter with Mr Ashford.....

Shaniabomber99

01-09-2002, 7:14pm

Shania rang Mutt. By the time Mutt answered the phone Shania was crying. Mutt said "Woody whats wrong? What happen?" Shania sniffed and said "Well it's Mr Ashford he told me that The Corrs weren't country etc. That he made them leave after the show." Mutt said "He should not do that." Shania said "I think it would be more nice to have The Corrs along. But no Mr Ashford doesn't want that he wants somethinng country. My fans don't only just like Country they love the corrs and many other famouse singers." Mutt said "Woody calm down sweetie. I understand what your trying to say. Hopefully he'll find someone good." Shania said "Well I hope so because I can't do a show without support act." Mutt said "You'll do fine with or without a support act. I know you to well Woody you are the best preformer and that's why the fans love you because you give them your all." Shania said "I understand that. " Shania and Mutt talked for a it longer. When Shania got to the Bus there was The Corrs standing outside her bus......

edoctordave

01-09-2002, 10:02pm

“Oh I’m glad you are still here,” Shania said. “I was told you had left. That so pissed me off.”

“Well, you can see we’re still here,” said Andrea. “We heard. And we came to say we don’t agree with it at all.”

“Thanks. Come on in,” Shania offered. When inside the bus she said “Hi, Roger, meet the Corrs.” Then after proceeding towards the middle of the bus she continued, “I told Mutt what had happened and he said to just ignore the shark. I guess he’s just doing his job and when his bosses tell him to switch sides, he will. I should not get so pissed of about things like that since it’s just a waste of energy. It’s just part of the business. Mutt will call Barb in the morning to get things going again the way we want them to go. What she already believes in is that all record companies win in the end when the talent is shared in ways like this. Not many of them quite believe it at the moment because they haven’t seen it work. And they are control freaks to start with, I must say. Mutt said maybe we should send them tickets to see ‘A Beautiful Mind’. We saw it last weekend and it was a good flick, and that crazy guy got a Nobel Prize for figuring this out. How to make it so everybody wins. So I’m not going to worry about it. Mutt says that the ones that won’t go into the future with these little collaborations will end up as dead as the dinosaurs.”

“I just hope it doesn’t take quite that long!” Jim joked.

Shania realized she was already feeling quite a bit better. “I told Mutt that I wanted you guys back at least for our Dublin appearance on our swing through Europe. Do you think there is any chance at all that you can be the opening act for more than that?”

“Well, I’d love to do the whole tour,” Caro said. “Those fans of yours, or should I say ours, are great. And what was with the ‘walk-on’ after the first costume change, huh?”

“Whose idea was that I wonder?” Sharon kidded. “We loved it as much as the audience did. Talk about a total surprise. How did you pull that off?”

“Oh, it was easy. Natalie found me before the show just to say ‘Good Luck’. She said she was going to try to make and well, there she was. We were talking and then I just thought it might be fun to do that. To sing a duet. You know she wrote those lyrics, don’t you? I had to talk her into it because she came to see me perform, not get up on that stage herself. But it didn’t take too much to talk her into it. Then I just gave the idea to this new guy Dave and he took care of it. Mutt and I had been talking about these ‘walk-ons’ and I thought ‘Well, why not try one right now and see how it goes?’ She had to leave before the show was over, but I really liked the way we sound together.”

“You got that right,” said Caro.

“Yeah, you know this Dave is a real find,” Shania said. “Mutt also sees that he’s pretty good. He only signed up for a couple of weeks. Mutt’s going to talk to Barb to see if there any chance we can get him to go longer. All I know is that he seems straight as an arrow but has this sense of humor that’s just off the wall sometime. I wonder where he comes up with some of those comments of his.”

“He’s probably Irish,” offered Jim. “You know,” Shania said, “I think he said something about that and I think you are right. Now don’t you guys go trying to steal him!”

“Who? Us?” they all said in unison.

“Yeah, right. You know, Mutt is so sweet. He’s arranged for a massage and a late dinner when I’m done with the press and the fans. And he gave me flowers and a so very sweet card before I went on stage. I kept the card in my pants in spite of the costume changes.”

“Oh, so THAT’S what those lumps were,” Andrea joked, and they all had a good loud laugh.

Roger came back into the bus and said, “I hate to break up this party, but you know what’s next, boss.”

“Yeah, I know, Roger. Thanks for the reminder. Hey you guys, we’ll work something out. It is just the right thing to do.”

Then they got off the bus and …

Shaniabomber99

01-09-2002, 10:12pm

Ah Dave, you gave me a hard part. What did Shania have to do Next can you please tell me so I can write it thanks.

Carley

edoctordave

01-09-2002, 10:50pm

Meet the fans or meet the press. Take your choice.:p :p :p

edoctordave

01-09-2002, 11:25pm

Unless you want to do both the press and the fans. And then move on into the massages for Shania and Mutt and over to the late dinner.

Or ... you could do anything you want! Those twists and turns are one of the fun things about these stories ... in fact that gives it a lifelike feeling not knowing what is actually around the next corner.

Whatever you do, enjoy it!

manu_georgine

01-10-2002, 2:53am

Shania walked out of the bus with Roger and as he led her to the press room she said: "You know what? Actually, since this is the first concert and the people have been so wonderful I'm gonna go meet the fans first! The press can wait!" Roger smiled and said: "That's our Shania!"

So instead of talking to the press, Shania went to the stage entrance where she knew there would be fans waiting. She was a little nervous since this would be her first official fan encounter for a long time. She noticed the two big fat bodyguards following her. She didn't like that part of fame. But she knew that Mutt wouldn't want her to send them away, so she decided to just ignore them. When she looked out of the window she saw lots of people standing outside. They were all wearing the same shirts and some of them had signs that said "Shaniaforums.dot.com". She smiled. She had heard of these people before, and now she might actually meet some of them in person. Ever since Mutt told her about this board she couldn't resist reading the posts from time to time and she couldn't help feeling like she already knew some of them. There was Ben, the sweet guy from England who was always there to support her and who she had already met. Then there was Nate, the naked guy. When she thought about him she couldn't help wondering if he would be wearing clothes if he was there. She started laughing at that thought. Of course she also remembered Silvi who called herself a devil and who was, as far as she could tell, one of the sweetest persons ever. There was Carol, the girl who everybody loved so much. And all the others like Marine, the truck guy, Stephie and Sammy, her two little Canadian angels, Moni and Manu who lived in Switzerland and who she thought she'd already met, Ely and Vale, the girls who were in love with her husband, Heather the wonderful writer, Amalie, Daisy, Jody, Carley, Shaz and all the others. She was wondering if any of them were there. She decided to play a little game.

She saw Anna, the little wardrobe girl walk by and said: "Do you have a few mintes?" Anna said "sure", and came closer. "Okay, could you do me a favor? I'm gonna give you some names and you go out there and ask the people if any of them are there! And if they are you bring them in okay? Could you do that?" "I definitely can", Anna said. "Okay, let me think..." Shania sat down on some speakers and then said: "Okay, here it is. I'm gonna write it down. Go ask them if Ben, Carol, Heather, Silvia, Caleb, Nate, Carley, Ely and Vale are there!"

Anna took the note and went outside. All the people stopped talking and looked at her. She read the names and was surprised that they were all there. "Okay then, come with me", she said. The security guards let the people pass the barrier. The fans were all really suprised, you could tell by their faces. And then Anna opened the door again and let them in.

Ben saw her first. He took Carol's hand and said: "Oh my god, it's her!" Carol couldn't help saying "oh my god" really loud and then all of them saw Shania.

Shaniabomber99

01-10-2002, 3:56am

Goodie...Thanks Manu:)
************************************************** **

Carol then screamed SHANIA Over here!!!!! Carley and Shaz looked up to see what Carol was screaming about. Carley ran next to Carol Shaz did aswell. They all went up to Shania. Carol introduce the forum Members. Shania said " I know some of you as Mutt has been telling me all about yiou guys. Carley said "Oh okay so what did Mutt tell you? Just kidding. Your concert was fantastic as always." Manu said And we loved The Corrs aswell" Ben said "Shania I never really well I sort of met you but never spoke to you. Monica did all the talking and so did Manu." Shania said "Thanks gujys. It's okay Ben I notice you had been shy." Ben smiled. Carley said "So Shania are you gonna come down under soon?" Shania said "Yes I am coming down to Australia soon." Carley said "Good cuz we'll all be there at your concerts." Shania smiled and said "Awe that's sweet of you guys." Shania said "Tell me about the stories you write on there. Mutts beentelling me he's been reading them" The forum members looked a bit stunnted. Heather said "Um...Well...Shania the stories are great. infact some of these guys are great story writers." Shania said "So Mutt tells me." Ben said "well there are a few forum members story. Some are quiet funny" Shania said "By the way I got a laugh out of the easter story withthat old ladie singing songs etc." The forum members looked at each other. Then they started laughing. Ely said Can you please say hi to Mutt? Shania said "Of course I will. Infact I was gonna invite you all along to the hotel." Manu said "Shania we'd love to but we have our Hotel booked. Shania said "That's okay maybe a dinner together tomorrow night then? Carol said "Of course we can do that if it's okay with you and Mutt of course?" Shania said "I'll talk to Mutt when I go and see him later and then I'll let you know. Manu said "Here's my mobil phone number" Shania wrote Manu's number down. Carley said "But if we don't get to have dinner tomorrow night we'll be seeing you at every show." Sammy said Yep that's right" The forum members and Shania talked for a bit until Anna came in saying "Okay guys let Shania sign her Autiographs and have a group photo taken with Shania and then it's timwe to let the other fans see Shania." They did what Anna told them to do and then they all hugged Shania and screamed We Love You Shania. Shania smiled at them and waved to them. She watch them go back to their bus all showing of the photo thatAnna took with Shania.

manu_georgine

01-10-2002, 4:16am

Shania smiled and said: "Hey you guys, I'm really happy to meet you!" Nobody said a word. "Umm... yeah", she said, "let me see... okay I think I recognize you Ben, and I think I've also met your little girlfriend there." Carol blushed and stuttered "um, I'm not... his... ehm... girlfriend!" "Okay", Shania laughed. "Anyway, I remembered your names from reading the forums and I thought it would be fun to meet you!" Heather was the first one to snap out of it and she walked over and shook Shania's hand. "It's such an honor to meet you, I'm Heather!" Then Silvi followed her lead and said: "I'm Silvia from Spain." Shania giggled and said: "Awe, my little spanish devil!" Silvi blushed and didn't know what to say. Marine, dressed in his green khakis walked over and said: "US Marine at your service!" Shania laughed again and said: "You are exactly what I expected. Haha. Nice to meet you Marine!" Nate was next. He shook her hand and said: "Hey, I'm Nathan Platz, one of your biggest fans!" At this, Shania began to laugh so hard, tears came to her eyes. Nate looked puzzled until Shania said: "I'm glad you're wearing clothes!" Everybody started laughing and Marine patted Nate's shoulder. Then Ely and Vale introduced themselves and Shania said with a coy grin: "Stay away from my husband!" Everybody burst out laughing again. Ely and Vale looked at her embarassed and then realized that it was a joke and laughed along. "So who do we have next then?" Carley walked over and said: "Hi, I'm the Aussie chick, um, Carley!" "Very nice to meet you Carley!" Shania said.

After they all introduced themselves Carol took out a picture and asked Shania to sign it, and all the others followed her lead and soon Shania was busy writing her name on pictures, CD booklets, books and even Nate's t-shirt which she was very glad he had on. When she was done she had her picture taken with all of them and promised to send a copy to Matt, the administrator of the forums, for all of them.

"Okay guys, it was really really nice to meet you! Will I see any of you at the other shows?" "Of course" they all said in unison. "I'm sorry to leave you now guys, but I have to go deal with these horrible people from the press", she said jokingly. "Take care and I hope to see you again!"

After they left she went outside to meet the rest of her fans and after them the press who were waiting for her impatiently.

After a tiring hour of signing autographs and answering questions she was finally free to return to her bus and son. "You look exhausted" said Carrie as she walked in. "I am" answered Shania, "but I'm also very happy. It was a wonderful night! I feel drained and energized all at the same time. I've kind of missed that feeling! By the way, has that husband of mine arrived yet?" As she said that the door opened and in walked Mutt. "Hi Woody, how'd it go?" Shania said: "No hi Woody, I want a hug and a kiss first you cruel person!" Mutt laughed and took her into his arms. He hugged and kissed her gently and then said: "so how was it?" "The kiss? It was okay!" Shania giggled. Mutt fained anger and said: "No, the concert you silly woodpecker!" "Oh that?" Shania said. "It was wonderful! But I'm looking forward to a quiet evening with you! I'm so glad you were able to fly in from Florida for the night! Let's go get those massages Dave arranged, I could really use one!" "Sounds great Woody" said Mutt as they left the bus.

(this one is from Moni and me. Teamwork, hehe.)

Shaniabomber99

01-10-2002, 5:04am

Great teamwork:)
************************************************** **

Mutt got Shania to lay on her tummy for a back rub. Mutt said "How was the concert woody?" Shania said "Great. I really had a goodnight seeing my fans having fun, Did I ever tell you that I meet the Shania fans from the forums? Mutt said "No. were they there?" Shania said "Yep. They are so sweet. I met the 2 girls that love you." Mutt said "Oh how old are they?" Shania said "14-15 Yrs old." Mutt said "Okay. What about the others." Shania said "I met one Australian girl named Carley. She sounds cool I love her Aussie accent. Then there is Silivi from Spain,. Nate. Mutt said "The Naked nate." Shania bust out laughing and said Well at least I'm glad he did have his clothes on" Shania and Mutt were chatting and massage......

benperkins

01-10-2002, 6:27am

Later on Mutt and Shania where eating at one of the best vegatarian resturants in the city. "This is really yummy" Shania said and took another bite of her pasta, "Yes it is" said Mutt cheerfully. Shania smiled "I hope we get to eat like this in every city", Mutts smile diserpeered, "well that will be unlikely". Shania giggled "so we can eat meat can we now?" she winked at her husband. "Eilleen this is no time for joking around", Shanias smile diserpeered "Whats wrong Mutt?" she asked. "Well I have work to do" Mutt said "When I went to see Ian for you, he said that Murcury have a new band for me to work with, I listened to thier Demo and they are quite good I have to go to Nashville tommorow", Shania looked puzzled "Your on first name terms with Mr Ashford?", Mutt nodded "I've known him for quite a while, nice guy really". What the hell? Shania thought and looked hurt, "Hes a creep" she said rasing her voice, "Servearl other dinners looked around at her wispering. "Eilleen, carm down" Mutt said "Hes just doing his job". "Yeah right, lets just drop this" Shania said breathing out and then she smiled "I was thinking about hiring out a second bus for the forum members a sort of specail treat for them to tour with me" Mutt smiled "What a great idea!" Then in a almost mocking tone he added "What would Mr Ashford think?" Shania giggled "don't worry its out of my own money, anyway I don't have to see him after today", Mutt shock his head, "I forgot to tell you, Murcury want him to travel around with you on the tour as a sort of observer". Shania swore under her breath and changed the subject to how much she enjoyed the concert.

The next day, Mutt went off to Nashville and Shania and the rest carried on to her next venue....

iloveshania

01-10-2002, 7:37am

That night Shania drifted off into a fitful sleep! So many things were going through her head! She tossed and turned for hours, until atlast she started to relax and sunk into a deep, dreamfilled sleep! The memory of the concert drifted back to her! She could see Andrea dancing around the stage as the Corrs wrapped up with "So Young"! She could see Caroline looking so beautiful as she played the drums! She saw Sharon bring her fiddle to life and she had to chuckle slightly as Jim sported his trademark yellow sunglasses! Then they left the stage to the sound of a roaring crowd! *Boy I hope they like me that much* she thought! She watched as her band walked out on stage; heard the tremendous applause as her cue came! Now was the time! This was it! All her past concerts came rushing back to her! The fear was gone and The Great Shania Twain was back! She sang and danced the night away to the sound of deafening applause! They loved her and she loved them! With a magnificent combination of old and new she captivated her audience! It was incredible!

The sound of Eja's cries woke her with a start! It was 6am and the youngest member of the Lange family was demanding to be fed! *Well, back to reality* she thought! She walked to Eja and lifted him into her arms! She walked to the couch and sat down to nurse her young son! As eja's hunger wained they both drifted off to sleep! Shania was awakened at 8am by the sound of her phone! "Hello" she said! "Hi Woody it's me! Great news!" Said Mutt! "what is it" asked Shania! "Well I had a talk with Mercury and reminded them that we have final say in all matters and well The Corrs are back on board for the entire tour and Ian Ashford won't be travelling with you after all," said Mutt! "Oh Mutt! I'm so happy! Thank you", replied Shania! "Whatever makes you happy Angel" Said Mutt smiling to himself! "When do you arrive in Montreal?" "In about an hour" answered Shania! "Good luck Woody! I love you" He said! "I love you too" replied Shania! "Bye" "Bye sweetie" Said Mutt as he hung up the phone! ...

Shaniabomber99

01-10-2002, 9:39pm

As Shania heard that Mr Ashford wasn't traverling she thought of seeing the forum members coming on her tour. She made a note to herself to ring up Mutt again to see if it was still okay to hire another bus for the forum members to join her on her world tour. First she went to change Eja's nappie. Finally they were in Montreal. Mutt was there waiting for her. Shania then got of the bus and went over to Mutt. Mutt said "Good mornig sweetie. Shania said "Morning mutt. I was still thinking if it was still okay to have the forum members with us on Tour?" Mutt said "It is okay. I have already done it." Shania gave Mutt a hug and said "What would I do without you Love" Mutt said "I don't know but The forum Members will be here soon."

They finally got to their Hotel.....

edoctordave

01-11-2002, 1:09am

“Mutt, this is such a romantic city, don’t you think? That’s why we did the video for ‘You Lay A Whole Lot of Love on Me’ here back in August of 93, I think it was. Do you think we can get some time to wander around? Just the three of us?”

“Just the three of us? You don’t ask for much, do you Woody?” Mutt replied. “I’ll see what I can do. I’d like that, too. To see places with you that are before we met.”

They made it to their suite of rooms in the hotel and saw flowers all over the central room. “Oh they are beautiful!” Shania said so loudly that Eja stirred from his sleep. “Oh, I’m sorry doonksie doo, did Mommy scare you?” He then looked up at her and yawned.

There was a single card on the bed. Mutt opened it and said, “I think you should read this.” Shania put Eja down and took the card. It said:

“The three Langes are invited to an intimate tea with my family in this very hotel. This plan has already been checked out with Dave, so I know the three of you will arrive in an hour.” It was signed “Celine (yet another Canadian singer), Rene and son.” And at the bottom it said: “Please be advised: As a matter of Canadian pride we are obliged to check out your French, to see what those Swiss have been teaching you!”

Shania laughed out loud and reached down and picked up Eja and said: “We’re going to meet another little boy, my son. He’s about your age. His mommy is a singer too. She had a lot of brothers and sisters, a lot more than you will though. Mutt …” she said and then paused with a twinkle in her eye.

“Yeeesss?” Mutt replied dragging out the word. “I recognize that tone in your voice. What thoughts are stirring behind those lovely eyes my dear?”

“Welll,” Shania said, dragging out the word. “I was wondering if we could ask Celine to do a walk-on. We’re in her home town, more or less. Hey, we could claim it is ‘local talent’ if that Ashford creature gets wind of it,” she said with a devilish grin.

“Sure,” Mutt said. “Why don’t you ask her. The thing you did with Natalie sure was a big hit.”

Then they relaxed for the rest of the hour, showered, changed clothes, played together and looked out the window at Montreal. At five minutes before the time they were expected at Celine and Rene’s, the phone rang and Mutt put it on speaker phone. It was Dave on his cell phone, and he asked if they were ready to go and they both said yes. Dave immediately knocked on the door and said “Well, let me in so I can show you the way!” This time it was Mutt who laughed and said, “How does he do it?” They left the room, got into to the elevator, and went down two floors.

The elevator door opened and …

(Aside to my fellow authors ... I'll probably be out of the loop until Monday evening, so I'll be looking forward to seeing where you've taken Shania on her tour!)

Shaniabomber99

01-11-2002, 2:13am

There were the Forum members. Shania told them that she'll be back to meet up with them soon. The forum members knew that was okay. So Shania, Mutt, Eja, Celin, Rena and their son went for acup of coffe. The 2 Babies were asleep in their own prams They all went down to the Cafetra. As they were there for a few minutes the forum members came down stairs to have a drink at their table. Shania saw a group of other kids looking over across to their table and then laughing like mad. Shania over heard one person say sucks. She wondered who it was that they were talking about. Then Celin heard it aswell and heard one other person say Celin and Shania something something. Mutt asked"Girls whats wrong? Shania said Those kids from across us are saying mean things." Soon one of the forum members heard it and came over and said "Whats up? Shania said "The kids at the table are talking bout me." Manu grew mad and said "I'll talki to those kids." Manu went over and....

Shaniabomber99

01-11-2002, 2:16am

(Aside to my fellow authors ... I'll probably be out of the loop until Monday evening, so I'll be looking forward to seeing where you've taken Shania on her tour!) [/QUOTE]

Okay Dave see ya when you get back......

Carley

benperkins

01-11-2002, 5:48am

(I will be unable to write for a couple of days aswell, anyway I don't feel like writing because the Celebirty Cameos are becoming fustrating, I don't like them! (I do like the Corrs, but it is unrealsitc that they would tour with Shania without a confilct of Intrestes from thier respective Record Lebels, I only wanted a little realisum))

manu_georgine

01-13-2002, 1:40am

Originally posted by benperkins
(I will be unable to write for a couple of days aswell, anyway I don't feel like writing because the Celebirty Cameos are becoming fustrating, I don't like them! (I do like the Corrs, but it is unrealsitc that they would tour with Shania without a confilct of Intrestes from thier respective Record Lebels, I only wanted a little realisum))

Well you know what Ben? This is not about reality! If it was about reality we couldn't write anything, because to be honest, none of us know Shania, even tho we like to pretend we do. Why does it have to be realistic? I personally was disappointed that you tried to write The Corrs out of the story. The same with Natalie Maines and Celine Dion, I like it that they're in the story! I really don't see your problem! :rolleyes:

Mi Mu

iloveshania

01-13-2002, 7:53am

Sorry Ben, but I have to agree with Manu! The fun thing about fiction is that anything is possible! I am personally a little disapointed by the negative spin you keep puting on the story! It's supposed to be fun!

On with the story:

Manu, who was too shy to say anything to the kids brought Monica with her! "Do you kids have a problem here?" asked Monica! "No" they said a little surprised! "It must be exciting for you guys to be sitting so close to two of Canada's greatest singers?" Monica said with a serious face! "You kids are pretty lucky" chimed in Manu! "We sure are" said one of the kids! "Well I think Shania rocks" said another, "but I'm not a huge fan of Celine's"! "Well to each thier own" said Monica "but I'm sure that you don't want to be disrespectful to people who have worked so hard to bring us thier best"! "That just wouldn't be right" said Manu fighting back a grin! "No of course not" said the young girl blushing! "Then perhaps you could keep your rude comments to yourself in thier presence" retorted Monica! "Sorry" said the girl! Manu and Monica walked back to thier table smiling! Shania gave them a little wink as they went by! Meanwhile, at the kids table a soft snicker could be heard as the other kids pointed at the offender; who was growing very red in the face!

After dinner...

Monica XOX

benperkins

01-13-2002, 1:12pm

Everyone got ready for bed, they all had a big day to look forward to tommrow. But after Shania had tucked Eja in she went for a Walk, she hummed as she walked out to the Swiming Pool area. Only to find a couple of the younger forum members out there swiming. "Hi" she said to them "Should'nt you two be in bed?". The Two looked at eachother in the water. "Don't worry" came a voice from behide Shania "They have Adult supervision, well if you count me as an adlut, really I'm just the only person stupid enough to say yes I'll keep a Eye on them" Shania turned "Oh hi there Ben" she smiled. Ben sat on a deck chair in a dressing gown reading a book. "Well" he said, "as long as you are here you can help me wacth them, I mean if you want to" Shania smiled again "Okay" she said and pulled up a deck chair. "Why where you the only one who volenteered?" Shania quized Ben, "Glad you asked that" he replayed "A. I get some quiet out here, B. dispite what you may think I am semi responible and C I could'nt sleep", Shania luagthed and nuged him in the side "Ow that hurt" Ben said but Shania could see he did'nt mind, "So" said Shania with a mock serious look in her eye "When we met in October why where you so scared?" Ben looked at the Kids smwing and was about to open his mouth to give the the definative answe when....

edoctordave

01-14-2002, 12:29am

He changed his mind and decided to ask Shania a question that had been on his mind since the last CD came out. “You know that song on the new CD you sing with Celine Dion?” “Yes,” Shania said “One Life, Three Hearts. What about it?” “Well,” Ben said, “Where did you get the idea for it? If you don’t mind me asking, that is. It’s quite a piece of art. Especially the mixture of vocal tones from the two of you, along with the added mixture of the languages and accents.” “Well,” Shania said, “the images are mine as usual, but the idea for Celine to do the duet on the album was actually Luke’s. He thought it would be good to see if Mutt could blend together our two voices and leverage one accent off the other. And it was Celine’s idea to try to keep both the French and English verses in the same song, rather than making two separate releases.” Then Shania told Ben the following story about where the inspiration came from. And as she told the story she became more and more joyful, much as the song itself builds.

“When I was pregnant, I had written down parts of a simple song about some of the feelings I had, the extremely strong emotions, not only about the life growing inside me, but also about the responsibilities of becoming a first time parent. Along with Mutt of course and that’s where the idea of the three hearts came from. The verses were a mixture of a lot of happiness and anticipation but they were mixed with threads of anxiety and uncertainty for me. I was very satisfied with the verbal images, but the sounds of the words were not quite what I wanted. Something could just be better, I felt. No, I knew it could be better. Something was just not as good as it could be.

“One spring afternoon I had been waiting in the east hall of the chateau for Catherine Marie, the woman who was helping me learn French. I was standing next to the tall window studying the alpine peaks gleaming in the sunshine, and softly singing the words that so comforted me, trying to weave them into a chorus. I was just intent on enjoying the resonances the sounds make in my throat and nose. I was also feeling for the baby inside me, and did not notice Catherine enter the hall.

“Anyway, Catherine heard me sing the words ‘one life, three hearts’, so she decided to segue into the French lesson for me, her student, by repeating the same melody but singing ‘une vie, mais trois couer’. I was transfixed at what I had just heard, and I felt Eja kick inside me for the first time. This straightforward change was precisely the transformation I was seeking. I started to cry and I turned to see who had sung them. The sounds in French were what I had been yearning for, and I also knew that I was really carrying a life inside me. I said to her through my tears, “Oh, Catherine, perfect!” But Catherine ever the perfect teacher said, with a tilt of her head to one side and with perfect French pronunciation, ‘Pardon, Madame Lange? En Francaise, s’il vous plait.’ So I corrected myself with, “Ah, pardon-ne mois, Catherine Marie. Parfait! Merci, merci.

“After I told Mutt he was thrilled that I had felt the baby. I started crying again while I was telling him. Very unlike me, you know, Ben. But all kinds of very unlikely things happen to a woman when she is pregnant. Anyway Mutt said that the title to the song was a natural, ‘Une Vie, Mais Trois Couer (One Life, But Three Hearts)’. He said it is one of the easiest titles he’s ever done.”

Ben said, “It seems Luke Lewis was right. The four distinct sounds of you and Celine in both English and French are a real treat, a real delight for the ears. It seems that both sides of the Atlantic, and more recently Australia, are all playing it almost constantly. It’s gone global. You could say that the sun never sets on the sound of Shania’s voice. Should we start calling you Empress?” “No,” Shania said with a laugh, “That would be too much for a simple girl like me from the bush.”

“I have a secret to tell you, Ben,” Shania whispered. “It is one of the best kept secrets of two record companies. Mutt says you can tell the Forum members because we value your loyalty, all of you. But we also know that if I tell you, it will soon become one of the best kept FORMER secrets of two record companies. This song is going to be put into the Christmas season rotation everywhere we can. It’s no great surprise we are irresistible to our own fans, but it seems the two of us together have taken on a whole other fan base. Especially that video with both of us in it. I really like it. The concept was Rene’s actually, and it’s certainly one of the best, most creative and groundbreaking videos ever. But that’s just my opinion, as you say in those Forums.”

Ben smiled at that last remark but he said with no little excitement in his voice: “Indeed! Just your opinion? It is no exaggeration.”

“You know,” Shania continued, “Inspiration comes wherever it comes, and the story of Catherine the French teacher is just another example. As we experience more and more, one thing I’ve found most precious next to life itself is inspiration.” Then she said to Ben, “And here’s another secret just for you, Ben. Rene and Celine have offered to have her join me in that song for tomorrow’s concert. We want to give the Montreal audience a thrill they will remember. That one I’d like you to keep between your ears.”

Then a woman in a bikini carrying a clipboard approached their deck chairs and …

edoctordave

01-14-2002, 9:40pm

(OK, fellow authors, I had some time on the plane, so here are a couple more episodes ...)

She noticed that Ben was watching her, but she was used to that and didn’t mind really. In fact she kind of enjoyed it since she was eleven years older than Shania and the mother of three boys herself. “Cute bikini, Debbie,” Shania said. “Well thank you. Don’t think that I use it to swim though, I don’t. I got it to wash the car, or cut the grass, or to just lay out in the sun. I love doing that. I decided to throw it on this evening because you’re at the pool here, and I wanted to be inconspicuous. Do you think I succeeded?” Shania shook her head and said with a wink in her eye, “Well, the girls in the pool didn’t seem to notice you.”

Then Debbie turned her attention to Ben and said, “So who are you, young and handsome?” Ben managed to say, “Benjamin. Ben. You can call me Ben.” Shania added, “Ben is one of the big wheels that keeps the Shania Forums rolling along. It’s on the internet.” Debbie replied, “Really, Ben? I bet my oldest son has been on your web site. He’s a huge fan of the Boss here. Goes ga ga over her videos. Twenty-seven years old. Can you believe it? He’s making plans to see her when she comes close to Chicago. And that brings us to the clipboard, Boss.”

“So what ya got there?” Shania asked. “Your itinerary,” Debbie said “and it should have enough time for you and Mutt and Eja to do things you want in the next few weeks. Here’s what we have. Tomorrow here in Montreal as you know. Then the three of you go for a two day break to visit your family. Carrie Ann will pick you all up but you know that. On day four you and Eja fly to Vancouver as you requested for a free day. Dave will be there and he and Mutt are cooking up some plan for you that I don’t know about. Dave did say that he will get a pram for Eja in the morning and a nanny for him for the late afternoon and evening. You meet him in the lobby of the Fairmont at four in the afternoon. You are on your own up to then from the time you land. He’ll be in the Fairmont and you can call him on the cell phone if you need anything. On day five you fly to Calgary and continue the tour. Let’s see Calgary, Timmins, back to Vancouver and then off to the States, starting with good old Chicago. I hope you wave to my son. So how’s that sound?”

“It’s great,” Shania said. “Thanks Debbie. You know I really get pumped up for these concerts. Well, it’s time for a dip. Wanna join me, Ben?” Debbie left the pool area and Ben and Shania took a dip in the pool along with the other two Forum members. Shania floated on her back and just relaxed. Ben swam back and forth from one end of the pool to the other. The other two Forum members continued playing the game of catch they had started earlier. After about a half hour, they all got out of the pool, sat on the deck chairs and dried off. Shania used a hair drier to dry her hair. Then the four of them walked back to the elevators and went to their rooms. “Good night,” Shania said to the three Forum members. “Thanks for the relaxing time. And Ben thanks for the conversation too.” “Our pleasure,” they said.

Shania checked in on Eja, slipped into bed and drifted off to a very restful, deep sleep. In the morning Eja once again woke his mother to be fed. Afterwards she called in Dave and told him about Celine doing a walk-on for the evening concert. And she told him that Ben also knows so he can help.

The rest of the day …

edoctordave

01-14-2002, 9:43pm

The rest of the day passed quickly and the concert came and went. It was another huge boost for Shania and she was really glad to be back in her element with live shows. And the fans seemed to like the walk-ons. As she sat on the plane headed to Vancouver, she realized that the two days set aside for visiting family went by so quickly. But they were good days.

The lobby of the Hotel Fairmont in Vancouver is large and elegant with a bar all along a half high wall which splits the bar room into two parts. Dave was sitting on one of the bar stools at one end sipping on a diet Coke. Shania came over and sat down on the bar stool next to him. “Mind if I sit down?” she sang and then laughed.

“Can I buy you a round,” he tried to sing. Then he said “Yikes. You sound much better, Boss. Can I order you anything?”

“No, I’m OK for now. Thanks though. I just ate,” Shania said rubbing her tummy. She was wearing her cowboy boots and jeans along with the pull over sweatshirt with ‘Vancouver’ across the chest. She had bought it that morning at a small shop. “Like my tourist outfit?” she asked. “Got this sweatshirt for a bargain this morning out on Stanley Island. Fifteen dollars. That’s a pretty good deal, isn’t it?” Dave looked at the shirt and said, “Sure does looks like a bargain.” Then she turned the subject to the evening’s activities. “And I like the nanny you got for Eja. Auntie Jill. So what’s this thing you’ve been working on with Mutt? He says the two of you have cooked up a plan for me for this evening, my free evening in Vancouver.”

“OK, here’s the deal,” Dave said to Shania. “Mutt says you miss the small venues. Wishing you could get in a more intimate setting with an audience. Terri Clark is playing this evening near here at a place I think you’d like. So I called her road manager and … well to make a long story short … Terri says you wrote a song for her and she’d like to sing it with you right after her show is finished. It’d be a big surprise and treat for her fans. She said she’s heard about the walk-ons on your tour and she’d like you to be her walk-on. What do you think?”

Shania thought it over for a few seconds and said, “You know, you or Mutt separately are pretty good at what you do best. Together, Wow! That sounds terrific. Just out of curiosity, how have you arranged for us to get there?”

“We’re gonna walk, Eilleen,” he said. “Shank’s mare, as they say. Incognito. Here’s your hat, spy lady,” he said picking up an old black cowboy hat from the bar stool next to him and handing it to her. “I know you don’t usually wear these hats, but everybody else knows it too, and so I figure it is a perfect disguise for you. Besides half of Terri’s fans wear them so you’ll blend right in.”

“You sly dog, you,” Shania said with a smile. “But what about after I blow my cover by singing with Terri?”

“Well, afterwards, I booked a limo filled with a small group of your fans and you all will be going out to eat at a place called ‘Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe’. It’s a place where artist types hang out and I thought your fans would fit right in. Some of them wear some pretty strange things you know. It’s about as intimate as a superstar can get in public.”

“Sounds good,” Shania said. “Dave, where on earth did you come up with this beat up old cowboy hat?”

“Hey, that’s my hat you’re talking about,” he said faking an overly defensive stand. “It’s not beat up, it’s got memories and character. I got it at the Denver airport the summer after I graduated from high school. I gave myself a plane trip around the country visiting my sisters and some friends. Blew every penny I had saved up, but it was worth it. I never had a real cowboy hat up to then, so I bought that one. How long have I had it? Let’s see I graduated in 1965, so it must be what, thirty something years old? Amazing.”

“OK, I won’t pick on your hat,” Shania said as she put it on her head, and it went down to her ears. “It’s certainly big enough,” she laughed.

They left the lobby and headed for the small theater where Terri was about to perform. The theater was a brisk fifteen-minute walk from the hotel. Shania did not know the place but Dave described what he remembered about it when he had seen Michelle Wright perform there in the summer of 1997 when he was on one of his trips. It seats about 300 people, including the balcony, and it was much more intimate than the outdoor theaters on most of Shania’s tour.

Shania was shown to a place backstage where she could see and hear Terri performing and waited and enjoyed the performance. She closed her eyes and listened to better appreciate the pure and simple clarity of her throaty voice. As usual, Terri gave her all and had literally worked up quite a sweat which was showing through her dark blue T-shirt by the time for her encore. For that she donned a black leather jacket, and took off her cowboy hat. After Terri’s encore, and the applause had begun to die down, she put on her hat again and told her audience “I promised you one special treat this evening, and you have been very patient. You see, I have a friend backstage and I’d like her to come out and help me with a song she wrote it for me. I’ve never performed it live before because I think of it as our song, not just my song. She said she’d be glad to help, so please give her a big Canadian welcome.”

With that Terri beckoned Shania onto the stage. She walked over to where Terri was standing and the two singers embraced. The polite applause lasted for several seconds, but then the audience fell completely silent, wondering just who was this petite song writer with the big black cowboy hat and cowboy boots. Then Shania removed the cowboy hat, and as the reality of the moment sank in, a murmur of voices began to rise from the audience, and the two singers could hear people saying “Is that who I think it is?” “It can’t be!” “It IS Shania!” “Naah, it just sort of looks like her. She’s not that small.” And then the audience began to applaud and say “Way to go Terri!” “Hey Shania, is that really you?” “Oh, My God!” “Together! I can’t believe it!” Then Terri said, “Well, she IS my friend.” And turning to Shania she said, “Aren’t you?” And Shania responded with a big smile “You bet, Terri. Sounds like you have a pretty good bunch of fans here.” Terri got a good look at the black cowboy hat and then said, “It looks from the size of that hat there that you did not get a big head being a superstar.” That got a big laugh from the crowd and Shania put the hat back on and modeled it by turning around so all could get a good look. Then turning to the audience they both said in unison, “So, do you want to hear the song?” And the audience applauded even louder shouting the names of the two singers, who were both beaming big smiles and waving to the fans. After quieting the audience a little, Terri said, “The name of this little piece is ‘Our Thunder’s Here To Stay’ and you will notice it is just a little louder than most of my songs.” Then she added jokingly, “That’s why I think I need a little help with it. So, Shania it sounds like they want to hear it. Shall we start?” And Shania said simply, “Let’s do it!”

The audience came to their feet after the first chorus and began to applaud with the music at the direction of Terri and Shania. During the verses the two singers faced each other and belted out the words with the intensity the lyrics required. At the end of the song the cheers were wild and deafening. You’d think it was an audience at a World Cup match rather than a gig with two female singers in a theater built for a few hundred. Then Shania waved large with both arms to the audience, smiled broadly and whooped out a yell, looked up to the balcony, gestured with the cowboy hat, motioned for the audience to give Terri more applause, and finally gave a little bow to her fellow singer. Terri was loving every moment, and returned the bow. The two friends hugged again. Shania had to shout to Terri to be heard as she said, “Terri I love the intimacy of these places. Thanks. This has been a great boost for me. I owe you one.”

Shania waved and smiled as she left the stage and headed for the stage door exit. She gave the cowboy hat back to Dave, and when the door was opened …

Jessica82865

01-15-2002, 3:17am

Dave- WOW!! im VERY impressed! Your a wonderful writer!!!!!!!!!!! :) Im gunna give this thing a mini try ;) Hope i dont mess it up too bad.

-------

She felt refreshed as the cool air cascaded across her face. Turning to Dave, whom was busy adjusting the oversized hat on his head, she smiled. "Wow" she said at a tone akin to a whisper. "One thing i miss" she gave a little nod back to the stage. "is that. Really connecting with the fans. Which is not very easy to do with over fifty thousand people in one arena." He smiled back at her.
"Well you did great as always. You should have heard all the things people were saying out in the crowd when they finaly figured out it was you. "

The two just stood there, as shania looked up to the stars, trying her darndest to remember the names of the constolations her father had taught her as a child. The wind was setteling in and the temperature dropping rapidly in the damp night air. Shania could see her own breath in front of her. Which reminded her of her hometown. It had to be cold there, it was always colder there. Taking in her surroundings, she let her mind wander.

"Boss" spinning around on her heels she looked at Dave who was holding her faux black fur jacket with the initials "E.L." embroiderd on the inside of the pocket.

"Thank you kind sir" she said with a smile as she snuggled into the soft, warm fabric. Reaching her hands in the pockets, she found a pair of matching black and white gloves. Slipping them on, she turned to Dave again. "We should get going back..dont you think?" He only nodded as they began to walk towards the hotel where Shania could hardly wait to see her precious baby boy again. She dreded the day she would have to leave him for a period of longer than 3 days.
Slowly, they made their way back to the hotel. With casual conversation passing inbetween them about anything that came to mind. When they finally reached the lobby Dave and Shania shared a short hug. "Thanks again" she said "I will see you in the morning..bright and early".

"Not too early now...you can afford time tomorrow..why dont you sleep in a little..get at least seven hours of sleep for a change." Shania smiled.
"Ill try." She gave a slight wave before departing in a different direction towards the elevator, and up to the 12th floor.

Once inside her room , she could hear the television going in the living room where Jill had fallen asleep wathching a repeat of her faveroite soap opera. Careful to be quiet, she walked over and switched off the show, then proceded to put a blanket over Jill, then turn out the light. Next Shania walked into her large beedroom where a crib was set up next to the bed for Eja, who was fast asleep on his stomach, with his little thumb in his mouth. Not wanting to risk the chance wake him by picking him up, she placed a kiss on her finger then touched his cheek. "I love you sweetie" she whispered before she went and changed into her Victoria Secret flannel pjs and slid under the satan sheets, and immediatly fell asleep...

edoctordave

01-15-2002, 11:31pm

It was a deep and dreamless sleep. But several hours into it Shania began to dream.

She was walking alongside a small stream and could see young trees between her and the bubbling water. The sun was glinting off the ripples and she could hear the water splashing along. She remembered her father telling her “Remember Eilleen, you can’t step into the same stream twice.” Eja was sitting on the path and he was dressed in a tiny blue sweatshirt with Vancouver on the front. He was talking to himself and playing with round white stones. He was picking one up in each hand, cracking them together and then pressing them to his ears to listen. He smiled a big fake child’s smile when the rocks cracked together, and gave an equally fake laugh. She hunched down and put out her hands to him. He looked over to her and said “Rock music, Mommy." "Yes, doonksie doo it is," Shania said. "But we are in the country, so it is country music too."

Then …

edoctordave

01-17-2002, 9:45pm

As Shania’s dream continued, Eja stood up and pointed over her shoulder. She turned and saw her horse Dancer and she walked over to get on. There was no saddle so she hefted herself up by digging her fingers into the horsehair. She had to claw her way up and finally got high enough to flip her right leg onto the back of the horse. When she was up she straddled the horse and said, “Let’s go, Dancer!” The horse began to clop clop toward the stream. Shania looked for Eja but did not see him. He must be with Daddy she thought. Dancer was splashing across the stream and Shania noticed that her own back was bare. We are both bare back she thought, and as Dancer finished crossing the stream she prodded him on to a trot. She like the way her legs grabbed the horse bareback, and she noticed she was not at all afraid having nothing to hang on to but the hair of the mane. Then she prodded Dancer to a run and she could feel the cool air breezing across her back. Her hair was flowing behind her and she pushed her face into the wind. It felt good and free, real and clear. She was enjoying what she was feeling when suddenly Dancer came to a complete halt and Shania flipped over his head and was flying through the air, spinning head over heels. She floated to the ground slowly and confidently, and then stretched out with her arms over her head and decided to hover in the air with her face just above the grass. She shivered and then felt the warmth of the sunlight on her bare back and on the backs of her legs. It felt so completely satisfying. She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath to enjoy the smell of the green color of the grass. She heard Mutt walking up from behind her and he asked, “What are you doing there, Woody?” Shania slowly spun herself so she could see him and said “Just hanging out, my love.” Then she opened her eyes and saw the sun highlighting the curls of Mutt’s hair from behind. She thought, “I’ll have to tell him to capture that lighting effect.” She closed her eyes and fell back into a deep dreamless sleep.

Then …

edoctordave

01-20-2002, 4:39pm

Shania woke up slowly. She did not want to forget dreamy Mutt. She rolled over on her back and took a deep breath, held it and let it our slooowly. “Ready for another great day!” she thought to herself. She tossed the covers off, reached over and turned on the light, stood up and put on the white, fluffy Fairmont robe over her Victoria Secret pajamas. She walked over to the window and opened the drapes and looked out over Vancouver. “Well Canada, tonight Shania comes to Calgary.”

Shania opened the door and saw Carrie playing cars with Eja. “Hi, Sis,” Carrie said. “Have a good sleep?” Shania responded, “Yes, I did. I really feel great.” And then turning her attention to her son said “So, how’s my big son today? Or should I say, my sunshine? My little ray of sunshine.” Eja looked up from the cars he was playing zoom zoom zoom with, smiled and said “Look, Mommy. Look. Cars zoom zoom!” Shania smiled at her son and was so glad he was healthy as he approached his second birthday. And she was happy that Mutt was arranging a small get together in Chicago to mark the occasion.

“So Sis,” Shania asked emphasizing SIS “What are the arrangements for getting to Calgary by this evening?” “Well Sis,” Carrie said emphasizing SIS, “There’s been a change of plans. Dave and Debbie had to leave early this morning by car. You, me and the little racecar driver here are taking the charter flight when we get our act together. And the fan club is going in a couple of rental vans later today. Dave said to tell you that the bus and the rest of the equipment made it from Toronto to Calgary OK.” Eja echoed Carrie and said, “Tor-RON-to. Tor-RON-to.” Shania picked Eja up and gave him a big mother’s squeeze. Carrie continued, “Debbie wrote down some more details. She said to tell you that it Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay and then Timmins. Then she wrote down ‘vacation six days bush’ with a question mark, whatever that means.” “I know what it means,” Shania said. “It means I have to tell her more about what I want to do for our time in the bush. Then what?” Carrie continued to read, “Vancouver, ‘vacation six days cal’ and Chicago etc USA.” Shania said, “Six day vacation on the California coast. Sounds good.”

So Shania, Eja and Carrie headed off to the airport for the charter to Calgary. They boarded the plane and took their seats. The plane took off and started its short flight. Shania looked out the window and let her mind wander as the scene below rolled the mountains by, one after another.

She thought about the first time she went up Mont Blanc in the cable cars with Mutt. They had to take two cable rides because of how high it really is. All snow and chilly as they got out. She remembered being so excited to see what she could see, she did not notice the air was so thin and she was becoming faint. As she got to the top of the stairs heading to the observation deck, she began to wobble and things began to fade out. Mutt put his hands on her arms from behind and said “Maybe you should sit down over here for a minute.” She did not believe she could not handle it and wanted to continue, but Mutt insisted she sit for a minute. “It’s the air, Woody. It’s a lot thinner than the Nashville air you’ve been breathing lately. You need a few minutes to adjust, and then you’ll be OK. I’ll get you some orange juice.” So she sat down and leaned against the back of the wooden bench, and began to notice that she was breathing deep, but colors were still washed out. She felt her heart thumping in her chest. So she leaned forward, folded her arms over her knees, and put her head on her arms. She concentrated on breathing and listening to her heart beating. Mutt came back, sat beside her and gave her a bottle of opened orange juice. She drank from it and said, “Thanks.” After a few minutes he asked, “So how are you feeling?” “Much better,” Shania said. “The colors are back in things. Does this happen to everybody when they come here for the first time?” “Well, not everybody,” Mutt answered “but it happens to a lot of people. Happened to me the first time I came up here. But the inconvenience is well worth the view you get from here. Ready to see it?” Shania’s distractions were brought to and end as the plane began its descent to the Calgary airport.

It landed safely and they got into a car, which took them to the concert center where the bus was sitting. The door to the bus opened and …

edoctordave

01-20-2002, 8:55pm

As they got on the bus Shania put Eja down, exchanged greetings with Roger and asked, “How was the drive from Toronto?” “Not bad at all, Boss”, he replied. “Debbie says you need to call her as soon as you get here.” Eja was toddling down the aisle, bumped hard against a chair attached to the floor, bounced off balance, and fell and hit his head on the floor. The adults all knew what would follow the silence as he drew his breath. He let out a howl of equal parts astonishment and pain. Eilleen the mother instinctively reached down, picked up her screeching child, held him firmly to her, swaying him back and forth and saying, “Oh you poor boy. My little doonksie doo. Did that nasty chair hurt you? Let mommy see. Oh, it looks like it really hurts. Should mommy kiss it and make it better?” Eja was now merely sobbing and blubbering with tears all over his face but he nodded his head and whimpered, “Yes, mommy.” Eilleen kissed him on his head and then sat down on the floor next to the offending chair with Eja safely in her lap. Eja looked at the chair and said, “Bad chair.” His mother said, “Yes, it is a bad chair. But it can’t walk like you can. It has to stay where it is. So when you walk, you can stay away from the bad chair.” And she kissed him on his head again and asked, “Can you do that?" Eja nodded. Then she asked, "Are you feeling better now?” He nodded again. “Do you want to get down and walk again?” she asked. This time he shook his head back and forth. Carrie chuckled and said, “Would you want to walk given a choice of walking or being carried in mommy’s arms?” Then the two sisters walked along the aisle as Eja clasped his arms around his mother’s shoulder.

Shania called Debbie to find out what surprise she had in mind. Debbie answered her cell phone and said, “Let me give it to you straight, Boss. There’s been a change in your sleeping arrangements for the evening. The hotel we had you booked in sprung a leak. A major waterfall. The water pipes on the top floor burst and there is water all over the place. So the simplest thing to do is for you to sleep in the bus tonight.” Shania did not say anything since she was still thinking of Eja. “Boss?” Debbie said. Then Shania said, “That will be fine. As long as I’ve got Eja with me.” Debbie responded, “No problem. I understand, Mom. How is he?” Shania responded, “Well he just had a hard bump on his head, but he’s a tough little kid. He's his mother’s son. Well, I gotta get going.” Then they hung up.

Shania looked at the clock and calculated she’d have enough time to eat, feed Eja, get to makeup and warm up her voice. She then asked Carrie a question she was not sure she wanted to hear the answer to. “Carrie. How long are you going to be able to take care of Eja? Now tell me the truth.” Carrie took a deep breath and said, “Well, the truth is that I should be getting back pretty soon. Eja’s a real sweet child, but I have to take care of my own.” “I know,” Shania said. “Have you given any thought to whether Debbie can take on part of the nanny duties?” Carrie thought for a moment and said, “I’ve thought about it. I’ve watched her. She’s really good with Eja. I think she would be good at it. Even though she’s from the States.” Both sisters cracked up laughing. “Well,” Shania said, “I’ll talk to Mutt about it. I think she can be trusted too. There’s just something completely open about her. An honesty I guess. And whenever you want to be his nanny, you are welcome, Auntie Carrie because you are of course the best.” The two sisters smiled a sister’s understanding.

The Calgary concert went very well. Shania’s confidence was building and the synergy with the band, the crew and the extras was coming together nicely. Carrie stayed on through the initial Canadian leg of the concert tour until the Timmins concert. After that the plan was for Carrie’s nanny duties to pass on to Debbie. But not until after the week’s vacation in the bush. For that the plan is for Mutt, Eilleen, Eja and a few others to forget about Shania Twain, and just be a family in the place where this one mother feels most comforted.

So, after the Timmins concert …

edoctordave

01-22-2002, 10:42pm

Shania was with Eja and waiting for Mutt outside the Timmins hotel. She saw a Jeep and a pickup truck coming down the street. She saw that Mutt was driving the Jeep, and she recognized her cousin Randy driving the truck. She had last seen Randy about five years ago when he was seventeen. She did not right away recognize the young lady in the truck with Randy. The two vehicles slowed to a stop, and the young lady got out. She was about thirteen years old Shania guessed, and then she said, “Hi, I’m Leslie. Remember me?” Shania looked at her, dropped her mouth open and said, “Leslie? Little Leslie? You certainly have begun to grow up nicely! Well Eja, meet your cousin Leslie.” Eja looked at Leslie and then hid his face in his mother’s shoulder. “Aww, he’s so cute,” Leslie said. “Nice to meet you, Eja. I hope we’re going to be getting to know each other a little better this week.” Shania then said to Eja, “Doonksie doo, Leslie is going to go out in the bush with us. She’s going to help Mommy take good care of you. OK, honey?” And then Eja said quietly, “OK, Mommy.” Then Shania said to him, “Can you say Hi to Leslie?” And he said “Hi, Leslie.” And Leslie said “Hi, Eja, glad to meet you.”

Shania looked in the back seat of the Jeep to make sure Tim was OK. “Hi, big boy. How are you?” she said to the German shepherd. “You’re going to love what we have in store for you.” Mutt and Randy joined them on the curb and Mutt said, “Well, Woody what do you think? Those Forum guys recommended we take these two fine vehicles into the bush. You know the ones. Nate, Matt and Marine. Naked Nate. They argued awhile, and then decided these two would be the best bet for a week in the bush for the five of us.” Shania said, “Looks like they will do the job, that’s for sure. It’s a lot more equipment than I used to have. And we had to plant trees! But we have Eja with us this time, and I don’t want it to be too rugged for the little guy.”

Turning to Randy Shania said, “So how’s it goin’, cousin? Leslie here certainly has been doing some growing don’t ya think?” Randy replied, “Sisters grow, it seems.” “Is everything packed?” Shania asked. “Yep,” Randy replied. With that, Randy and Leslie got back in the pickup truck, and Mutt got into the Jeep. Shania put Eja into a car safety seat in the back seat of the Jeep, and then got in the front seat herself. Tim sat on the back seat and panted. “All set?” Mutt asked. “All set,” Shania replied. “On to the boonies!”

They started on the 100 kilometer trip south of Timmins to Mesomikenda Lake. On the way Shania kept saying to Eja as they passed forests and lakes, “Oh Eja, look at the scenery! Isn’t it just beautiful?”

They stopped at the village of Gogama to confirm the arrangements for the campsite at the lake. Shania asked the lady behind the counter about the black flies. “Not so bad this year. Dry spring. Not so many of the little bitin’ buggers got spawned this season.”

All the arrangements were in order and Mutt thanked the lady, and they proceeded to drive to the edge of the lake. Randy and Leslie followed in the truck. At the campsite, they got out and Shania said, “Oh Mutt, isn’t it beautiful? So quiet. So peaceful.” Shania let Tim out and he immediately ran to the lake and jumped in. Eja laughed and said “Funny Tim.” “Tim remembers,” Shania said. “I knew he’d remember. Looks like he’s going to enjoy this week.”

Mutt and Randy proceeded to unpack the tents and set them up, and then unpack the rest of the gear. Shania and Leslie, along with Eja and Tim, went to gather wood to make a fire. Shania brought along a small cloth bag for Eja so he could carry the small twigs to be used for kindling. Shania chopped dead trees apart for the larger logs, and Leslie carried them. Tim smelled everything he could. “So how are your parents doing, Leslie?” Shania asked as they started back to the campsite. Leslie responded, “Pretty good. Dad’s talking about retiring. But Mom’s not so sure she wants a full-time husband around the house.”

When they returned to campsite, Randy and Mutt were just unloading the second canoe from the top of the Jeep. “Looks like you guys are just about done”, Leslie said. “Yep”, said Randy. “Mutt and me are going to hike along the shoreline. To see what we can see. If there’s nothin' else you need done right away.” “That’s fine”, Shania said. “Have a good time, men. I was going to build a fire, if Leslie watches Eja.” “Sure”, Leslie responded, “I’d like that.” Mutt kissed Shania and said, "See you later, love." Then he rubbed Eja's head and said in his best Arnold Schwarzenegger accent, "I'll be baaack!"

And so Mutt and Randy went for a walk with Tim, and Shania, Leslie and Eja stayed in camp.

Then …

edoctordave

01-23-2002, 6:50pm

“My father taught me how to snare rabbits in a place like this,” Shania said. “And he taught me how to build a fire properly. So you get the most heat from it for the longest time. I really miss them. Sometimes I really miss them. Times like this.” She continued to place each log carefully, but without pausing until about half were arranged. Eja watched each of his mother’s careful moves. Then Shania said to him, “OK, now it’s time for the kindling you worked so hard to bring here.” Eja held out the bag and Shania looked into it and took out one twig at a time and put each in its place. Then Shania lit the fire, which grew slowly at first and then gained strength. The three of them enjoyed it warmth. “That feels good,” Leslie said. “Yes,” Shania responded quietly. And after a while she said, “I love the way an outdoor wood fire smells. Have you ever smelled your hair after being by the fire? It smells so nice. Eja, see the fire?” And her son looked into the orange red flickers of the fire.

Leslie stood up and said, “Wonder where the two of them went?” “Me too,” Shania said. “We’ll have to start supper soon. Maybe we should just start and hope they get back in time. I suppose I could warm it up for them.” The two of them did not notice Eja who had reached into his kindling bag and gotten a small stick. He then went to the fire to do what he saw his mother doing earlier, and he put the stick into the fire. His hand burned, he pulled it away and then he cried out in pain. His mother immediately saw what had happened and went to him and took his hand. “Oh honey, let me see.” She inspected his hand and realized he was not seriously injured, but he was frightened and confused. “Is he OK? Is he OK?” Leslie kept asking as he sobbed. “He’ll be OK. Nothing serious.” And then she said to Eja, “Honey, what were you doing?” Eja said, “Mommy put stick in fire. Me too. Fire bad.” This brought a tear to his mother’s eye and she said, “Oh, honey. That’s good of you to want to help Mommy. But the fire is hot, too hot for a person. Too hot for Eja. Too hot for Mommy. But the fire is good for cooking, it will make the water hot for our meal.” Eja was feeling better and his mother asked, “Do you want to help Leslie and me make the water hot for our supper?” And Eja nodded, and crawled out of his mother’s lap.

They began to fix supper and the men returned just in time. They all ate and Eja fell asleep. Leslie put him in his pajamas after he fell asleep. “Big day for a little fella”, she said. Tim curled up in a ball and snoozed. Mutt and Shania went for a walk down to the shore and when they got there they could see the Northern Lights putting on quite a display. “I really like these sights,” Shania said. “And the air smells so fresh.” Mutt agreed silently.

After awhile, they came back and the group split up into their respective tents. Leslie and Randy in one, Mutt, Shania and Eja in the other. Tim bedded down between the tents. They all slept a deep sleep.

Shania awoke first and carefully slipped out of her tent to experience the early morning quiet. So perfectly quiet. Meanwhile in the tent Mutt was dreaming of Woody rubbing the back of his neck. It was so real he could almost feel it. And then he felt her give him a big slurp of a kiss and he smiled at its warmth. Then he realized that his wife did not kiss like that and he woke up. “Tim! Is that you? You dog, you!” Tim then slurped him on his face and by then Mutt was fully awake. “Good boy, Tim. Good morning.” Mutt looked over at Eja who was still sleeping, got out of the tent, and went to join his wife.

Then …

edoctordave

01-26-2002, 1:58pm

“Good Morning, love,” Mutt said as he came up behind Shania and wrapped his arms around her for a tight squeeze. “Ummm”, Shania cooed, as she put her hands on Mutt’s arms. She said, “I like the way the land and lake seem when it is morning like this. So quiet and still. The lake is almost like glass.”

Tim came up and nuzzled his way between them, and Shania said, “Good morning, Tim.” Assured by that attention, he walked away and started sniffing each tree he found. “Looks like Tim is in dog heaven”, Mutt said.

Shania smiled and closed her eyes. Mutt gave her a kiss on the side of her neck. She took a deep breath feeling her lungs take in the fresh air and then she let it out again slowly. Then she asked, “How’s our little one?” “Still snoozing. Must be the fresh country air.”

They stood wrapped in each other’s arms for a while and then Mutt asked, “What would you like to do today, Woody?” Shania thought for a moment and then said, “I was thinking of going out on the lake with the canoes. What do you think?” “Sounds good.” They stood for a while longer and watched the morning come to the lake.

Meanwhile, Leslie and Randy awoke and came out of their tent. Leslie saw Shania and Mutt standing near the lake, so she went over to the other tent and looked in. Eja was just starting to wake up. He sat up and yawned a huge gaping yawn. “Good morning, Eja”, she said quietly. “Are you hungry?” “Yes. Where’s Mommy?” “She’s out here with daddy. Come on out they are waiting for you.”

As Eja walked towards his parents, Tim barked “hello” to him. Eja paid Tim no attention, but Shania looked around. She pulled out of Mutt's embrace as she saw Eja coming along. As Eja approached, Mutt took his son up in his arms and said, “Well how are you this morning? Did you have a good sleep?” Eja said nothing, but was clearly comfortable.

The three of them walked back to the campsite and Shania said, “Who’s for a canoe ride after breakfast?” Leslie and Randy looked at one another and nodded in affirmation.

So Leslie and Randy straightened things up in the tents, Shania made breakfast, and Mutt and Eja played together. After breakfast, Randy and Mutt packed the canoes and pulled them to the shoreline.

Shania put a life jacket on Eja and then donned one herself. As the others were putting theirs on. Leslie said, “Can Randy and me take Eja in one canoe, and you two go in the other?” “Sure. Why not?” Shania said.

Mutt and Shania waited until the others were on the water, and then they beckoned Tim to get in their canoe. They pulled it into the water and were on their way as well.

Then ...

edoctordave

01-27-2002, 10:48am

Randy paddled along the shore and Leslie was pointing out the sights to Eja. Mutt paddled a little further from shore and the canoe smoothly glided as it broke the calm surface of the lake. Tim panted.

Shania started to think of some of the details of the tour that she wanted to discuss with Mutt. “Mutt, I was thinking of asking Debbie to be a nanny for Eja for the duration of the tour. She’s pretty experienced with three grown boys of her own, Carrie thinks she’d do great, and Eja seems to be OK with her too. What do you think?”

“I don’t see any problem with it. We knew that Carrie was only temporary because of her own kids. So let’s say “yes but” and I’ll have Barb check her background to make sure she is who she seems to be. And then Barb will cut a deal with Debbie. Hey, Ben says that Debbie looks pretty good in a bikini. You’re not worried about having another good looking woman around the tour?”

“Who me? Worry about another beautiful woman? Not hardly, Mr. Lange. She’s more Dave’s type, I think. And speaking of Dave, can we get him to stay longer, too? He’s just terrific at getting things done, and he’s pretty laid back, and he’s got this off the wall sense of humor.”

“Well, Mrs. Lange, should I worry about having yet another good looking funny guy on the tour?”

Shania burst out laughing. “Who Dave? Good looking? Not hardly. He’s got thick glasses and is partly bald. And a little bit thicker in the middle than most. So his looks are not what you should worry about. It’s what he says that cracks me up. So you’ll have Barb check him out too and make him an offer?”

“Sure. I’ll have Barb check him out too, and if he looks OK, then she’ll make a deal with him too.”

Then Shania asked, “So what are you planning for Eja’s second birthday in Chicago.”

“Speaking of Dave, he has suggested we take him to a place called ‘Chuckie Cheese’. It’s a place he says kids just love. He’s making the arrangements, and I bet they will be just what we want. Hey, enough business Woody, we’re on vacation here. You wanna take the paddling duties for a bit? I’ve got some lyrics I’d like to try with you. Hand me the guitar, will ya? Thanks. Here. Take the paddles.”

Shania took the paddles and Mutt started to strum the guitar at first and then to pick specific notes on it. Then he repeated strumming the chords a few times, and then sang,

“Our child, our hope. You bring us happiness.”

Shania had never heard these lyrics, but as he continued on the guitar she sang,

“Our love, our life. You’re real, no more no less.”

And they continued to trade lyrics as Shania paddled along.

Randy and Leslie could just barely hear them, but Eja perked up and said “Mommy and Daddy.” Leslie said, “You know Randy, Eja thinks his parents are normal.” “Yeah, it seems every child thinks their family is normal. At least at first. Shhh. Let’s listen. Maybe we’ll hear this on the radio in a year or so.”

As the two canoes slipped along the lake, their occupants did not notice the change in the clouds to the west. They were turning gray, bringing rain.

edoctordave

02-02-2002, 12:59pm

Randy noticed the clouds first and turned the canoe back towards the campsite. Shania saw him and wondered if something was wrong with Eja. “Mutt, I think we better get back.” When she turned their canoe around she also saw the dark gray storm clouds approaching and said, “Oh, oh. That doesn’t look good.”

Randy got to shore first and he and Leslie headed for their tent with Eja. Shania and Mutt did not make it to shore before the wind and downpour started. Tim jumped out of the canoe, Shania went to get Eja, and Mutt followed her. They all piled into the one tent: Shania, Mutt, Eja, Randy and Leslie. And Tim, of course.

Mutt and Shania were drenched. But Eja snuggled up to his mother anyway as the storm rain drilled the tent. They heard a loud cracking and crunching crash nearby.

Too nearby.

Leslie looked at Eja and asked if he were scared, and he shook his head and buried his face on his mother’s chest. Shania held him close and kissed him on the top of his head and smoothed his hair with her hand. Mutt and Randy were silent but alert. Tim laid flat on the ground with his head on his paws.

The storm passed. Mutt was the first to leave the tent and saw what made the crash they all heard. A tree had fallen on the other tent completely smashing it. As Shania got out of the tent with Eja and also saw what had happened she said, “Oh … my … God!” Randy and Leslie came out of the tent and surveyed the damage.

“Well, Woody” Mutt said, “It looks like we don’t have a place to sleep tonight. Maybe we should head back or at least go get another tent.” “Well maybe, Mutt. Or maybe we should just cut this short and head to BC ahead of schedule.” They discussed it for a while and decided to head out of the bush and back to the city scene. They thanked Randy and Leslie and flew to British Columbia later that same day. They spent the few days before the Vancouver concert taking in the beauty of the mountains.

The Vancouver concert and the rest of the initial Canadian tour went very well. The US kickoff went extremely well in Chicago. Andrew from the Forums came up from Indiana and actually got a chance to sing with Shania backstage at the United Center. The fans were terrific. Debbie’s son was speechless when he met Shania backstage as well. Eja enjoyed his second birthday party in Chicago at Chuckie Cheese.

The next stop on the US tour was San Francisco California …