Thinking It Over: A Revealing & Lively Live Chat!
by Mitzi Gill
To me, this Live Chat is evidence that Clay is as down-to-earth as any man can be. He has altered nothing about his personality, nor has he abandoned any of his purposes over the past eight and most magnificent years. He has remained level-headed and has managed his celebrity with realism and humility.
Clay has always impressed me with his knowledge on a wide variety of topics, and he definitely ran the gamut in response to excellent questions provided by the fans. In answering which U.S. president, living or deceased, he would have liked to meet, Clay cited Truman or Johnson because each had a sense of humor. Oddly enough and too many years ago to truthfully mention, I belonged to a high school dance ensemble that performed at halftime at football games. Our group once gave a private showing for President Truman, and he was, as Clay suggested, a very jovial person. For Clay to have such insight into the personalities of these men convinces me he is a bona fide history buff!
When Clay was asked if he might like to enter politics, I laughed out loud at his reply: “Not after last week!!” It is heartening to know that he shares our own frustration to the incredulous ways in which Congress has conducted themselves of late.
I don’t watch much TV beyond news and documentaries, but I consider Clay a television “guru“. His critiques in this chat provided me with an intelligent method (his) to sort out programs I do and don’t want to watch. Thumbs up for “The Apprentice” and “Masterpiece Theater“!
Clay spoke at length on aspects of his childhood ranging from his favorite children’s books, such as Dr. Seuss, to some of his early playmates. I am still chuckling over his 3rd grade experience in which he took on the role of traffic cop! Despite dynamic waving and screaming to “STOP!!!!”, it was a hit-and-run by one of the girls in his neighborhood. (This reminds me of Clay’s heroic efforts to ban flash cameras from his concerts with similar noncompliance!)
I was puzzled when Clay announced he had not been eating sugar since he finished touring. I have ruled out his thinking he is overweight, and I don’t believe his having food allergies as a kid would be a cause. So I concluded he must be setting a better example of eating healthy foods for his son's benefit. I wonder if those peanut butter and apple butter sandwiches along with an occasional diet Dr. Pepper will remain on the menu!
Clay’s honesty is coupled with his sense of humor in his account of the side effects of coming off Paxil. I vividly pictured him in his hotel room, rushing to get to the airport, and engaged in a frenzied search for his missing shoe. I imagined him, in desperation, calling the desk only to learn his shoe had been found on the third floor! It was a funny description, but, as Clay put it, the incident could have turned scary if he had walked outside in his sleep. Where was Jerome?
Truthfulness prevailed in Clay’s retelling of the nervousness he felt before his first stage appearance in “Spamalot” following his coming out. I have always thought that being in an accepting atmosphere, such as the backstage environment of “Spamalot”, was a significant factor in Clay’s being able to go public. I am pleased he shared his Merle moment because the support she offered obviously meant a great deal to him and because Clay also disclosed his being a quiet person who likes to be by himself, a recluse of sorts, which I attribute to his being an only child for many of his early years.
Is Clay competitive? He says “no” in this chat. I say “yes” and “no”. With others, he does not compete; with himself, he does. To me, he tends to challenge his own progress and accomplishments whether it is the next television appearance, an up-coming concert tour to promote an album, or a future humanitarian cause. I believe Clay takes pleasure from pushing himself to new limits.
There were several split-second revelations during the hour: (1) “We’ve searched, but no one can find the green sweater!” (2) “I will probably never be a news anchor because I talk too fast.” (3) “I’m not wearing socks.” (4) Clay’s horrified face when asked if he would go on a cruise and his nauseous expression when asked if he ate Spam. (5) Clay sleeps well on the tour bus. (6) “I never write in cursive.” (7) “I regret never learning to play the piano. I have an ear for it.” (8) “I can’t drive a stick shift.” (9) “I don’t know how you guys know I have a new watch!!!” (10) Clay’s favorite song on American Idol is “To Love Somebody”. (11) Faye is in possession of the red leather jacket worn when Clay sang “Grease”. (12) “Arsenic and Old Lace” is Clay’s favorite movie.
What advice would Clay give to someone wishing a career in entertainment? He stresses having a thick skin and not going into this business seeking wealth and fame. The choice should be made on the basis of love for what you will be doing. I agree. Entertainment is probably one of the worst places in the world to be if you don’t have the heart for it. Clay also warns that the entertainment industry is not the most stable of professions.
This question got a belly laugh from Clay: “Have you mastered the twisty-tie”? He raised his hands to the camera and showed us a broken twisty-tie that he had been manipulating throughout the interview! Another quirky habit, but I still prefer watching him stroke the microphone stand!
Time was running out, and Clay wanted to see “The Closer”. He spoke sincerely for the next few minutes about his inability to comprehend what we fans see in him as well as his appreciation for our faithfulness and support, both of his singing/acting and of The National Inclusion Project. (Deep down, I believe Clay understands us rather well but is afraid to admit it for fear of thinking too highly of himself.) All too soon the chat ended with Clay’s promising he would see us again, being careful not to use the word “SOON” as Webster defines it.
How would I summarize this initial chat, which I pray will be the beginning of a plethora of interviews? First, I must give the fans credit where credit is due. Clay has set firm behavior boundaries and has asked for us to respect them. The fans deserve a standing ovation for their observing his request based on their sincere love and genuine concern for Clay‘s and his family’s well-being.
Physically, Clay seems to evolve, becoming more handsome with each passing year and possessing a myriad of “looks” guaranteed to please each and everyone of us. Spiritually, he exhibits inner contentment with who he is, what he has, and where he is going. On a relational level and in my opinion, there is absolutely nothing not to love about this man.
CLAY IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW. And I love him for it!
"STILL THE ONE"Comments will be forwarded to the writer.
