With all this (mostly the health related stuff) I sorta gave up on being able to go to Minneapolis. But on Thursday afternoon my Dr. released me from care and said I should go and have some fun. I raced home, packed frantically and pointed the car due north.

As I was entering the St. Paul city limits, my phone rang. It was the FABULOUS Dora O. letting me know she just touched down and was in a cab heading to the hotel. I picked up the pace and got myself checking in to my hotel (not the Sheraton—I’m a Motel 6 kinda guy aka a cheap ass mother fu#@er) attended to my medical issues, got all prettied-up (NOT) and headed for my first glimpse of Dora since 1999 in London. I was giddy as a school girl and kept touching myself for some reason!

Too much information you say? Just wait, I’m sure there’s more to come.

Well When I Walk In The Room (TGI Friday’s), I see George (who I remembered from Chicago Mamma Mia!) and THE Fab Dora was smiling and waving (there was some confusion over the waitress and me…but, well, never mind all that.) I was introduced to Lars, Bill P. and this beautiful creature I was not expecting…the LOVELY and FAMOUS FIONA M. all the way from Sydney. It took a minute to sink in. It was HER. It really and truly was HER…in the flesh. Handshakes and hugs all around!! (I must admit I had a tear or two privately at finally seeing Fab D and Lovely Fiona! I’m such a Sap!)

Then I was introduced to this other force of nature…the one and only Mikey Lynch. By then I needed some “refreshments.” We swapped stories. I told my tale of almost not coming—surgeries and tornados. And the weekend was off and running.

The gang somehow wound up outside the rehearsal room at the hotel. ABBA fans stalking—who would have thought? The music ended and one by one, members of the band exited. Apparently none of this small group was sweaty or obsessed because no one really bothered any of the people who came out…we even managed to let Benny and Helen get away without any meetings. I have to admit, I was immediately smitten with the Orkester’s bass player and I just happened to have a call from nature when he did and followed him into the men’s room beside the rehearsal room. Yes, there was an empty stall next to him and yes, I did LOOK. I was IMPRESSED. I like the way they “grow them” in Sweden. (See, I told you there’d be more in the too much information category-<blush>!)

The Bar on Friday Night I had assumed I’d want some food at some point, but somehow the double digit number of bevies seemed to suffice for the better part of the evening. (Funny thing—I hadn’t asked my Dr. about having alcohol—since he hadn’t said “don’t,” I partook in the revelry.)

FAB D has already mentioned my not so thinly veiled Freudian slip when Daddy, er, uhm, Benny walked past the bar. The evening flew by as one MAILer after another arrived and the circle of chairs got larger and larger.

Of course ABBAMAIL isn’t the only fan connection out there (just the BEST one, but that’s another topic all together.) I was introduced to a couple who were from Springfield. I assumed it was a different Springfield in another state until they asked me about how I fared in the recent tornado. WHAT? Yes, they were really and truly from MY Springfield—Springfield, ILLINOIS!. I was dumbstruck, flabbergasted, and totally gobsmacked. Here was another fan from my own backyard. Things began to get very surreal at that moment—and continued through the weekend. Phil and Bonnie…and we know people in common. What a weird, strange, wonderful and small world it is after all.

More fans and famous MAILers and non-MAILers I met the wonderful ABBAMOUSE, Jeffrey Dixon. The delightful Scott Nilson from Kentucky (who had caravanned with other Springfield folks), Jason showed up, Anita, Paul, Ursula, Sandra, my favourite San Diegan and cohort in all things bitchy Ryan “If you can’t say something nice, come sit next to me” Cameron (poor guy was accosted before he could even get checked in), David Sanders, Pepe, Gus, the ever-there for all events Ron, our own Queen of all things organization and wonderful Laura Hitchens, Niagra’s own Mary Ruth, Fred and Judy King all the way from Washington state, local legend Wayne B., the uber energetic and all around great guy Mandy Rinten and his other Mother! I was on information overload. It was almost like being back in Kansas after a dream…”you were there, and you, and you!” (Too) Many beverages and several thousand hugs later, it was time to call it a night…okay, okay, they did ‘last call’ and kicked us out basically.

My trip to the North was three fold. Meeting MAILers and the BAO thingy, visiting cousins and an uncle who live in Minneapolis AND going to my favourite furniture store’s Weekends Only Outlet store! Kevin is rather Nazi-like about his shopping. Fab Dora and Ryan were brave enough to accompany me. Be ready at the appointed time of departure or be left behind!!! No excuses. A quick trip and short detour (thanks to Ryan for catching the directions I missed!!) and we made it to mecca, The Room and Board Outlet. In less than an hour I dropped a few hundred bucks happy with my streak of luck at finding some of the items on my list for much reduced prices. I hope I was civil to my travelling companions that morning because I was a suburban white woman on a mission and all bets are off when I get in that mode. I awoke from my furniture coma, came back to reality and rejoined (mentally) my companions and it was off to Big Blue—yes, the Other mothership IKEA, conveniently located across from the ginormous Mall of America.

Ladies Who Lunch (with Fred and Wayne)... Each of us had a couple of destinations at the shopper’s paradise. Feeling puckish, I demanded lunchbreak. Fab D had the coordinates for the Twin Cities Grill, a place she had scoped out previously with our local connection Wayne B. As expected it was a perfect choice. Being the thorn among two roses I felt blessed to have Fab D on one side of me and Lovely Fiona on the other. Sheer bliss I tell you. We expanded the table a couple of times to accommodate other MAILers who need to rest their respective weary shopper’s feet. Me, Fiona, Wayne, Fab D., Bitch Ryan, David S, Fred and Judy, Laura. It was one of the best lunches with the ladies (and Fred and Wayne) I’ve ever had. <burp>

Since I didn’t think I was coming to Minneapolis, I had packed rather hastily. Not knowing what fits anymore I had grabbed a couple of different suits for the evening’s event. Once back at my room, I began to try on things—and I’m happy, no ecstatic to report, I need to buy new suits—everything I own, no longer fits. I wanted to wear black, but my black suit literally made me look like a street person. The pants literally fell down around my ankles when I put them on. I managed to cinch up my oldest suit and cobbled together an ensemble that wasn’t too frumpy looking after a mad dash to the closest men’s store for a new shirt that mostly fit me. The others I brought had no chance of looking presentable. Off to Goodwill with these much oversized items this week. I must admit that it felt really good to have to buy new clothes in a much smaller size after losing close to 90 pounds in the past couple of years. <Pats himself on the back because he DESERVES it!>

I know Laura H. relates to my next few comments about the venue. Upon arriving at the event I couldn‘t help but notice what a great job they had done with the lobby area and ballroom for the event. The decorations were nicely done. Sometimes doing an event like this in a hotel can be a challenge. I know. I’ve done these things before in my line of work. From the uplit birch trees to the colourful banners and brightly coloured paper lanterns from the ceiling, everything was lovely. More importantly, there was plenty of bar service! And still more delightful were the MAILers who all looked stunning in their evening wear. The television series What Not to Wear could take a few tips from this group of party goers! Trinnie and Suzanne would be impressed!

BAO Takes the Stage... The doors to the ballroom were finally opened to this “elegant Spring Dans” and we all found our assigned tables. I can only assume it was Laura H. (and Ron probably assisting) who helped our group have a wonderful spot for the evening. Scattered across three or four tables we had practically front row seats for the evening. Well done Laura and company! We (I) appreciate your behind the scenes, pre-event work to make this all happen. You are a treasure! Others have covered the dinner menu so I’ll move on to the show. And what a show it was. The full BAO and singers Helen and Tommy entertained the 600+ attendees for nearly 4 hours. It was magical; the traditional folk songs the orkester is known for, selections from the American songbook <waves to Lovely Fiona—TRUE LOVE>, some retro “HEP” rock, and the requisite handful of ABBA songs tossed in for good measure. I waltzed, I tangoed, I twisted and danced! And I didn’t even break a hip—even when Fab D had me close to the ground bumping, grinding and twisting for all I was worth. A little know fact (maybe) is that I truly love to dans, cut a rug, wiggle, whatever you want to call it. I’ve even taken dance classes through the years. And this was certainly the place and time to do it all…I tried to be wary of my “recent condition” so I paced myself. I want to send a shout out and say MANY THANKS to all my wonderful dance partners throughout the evening. You were all fantastic and I appreciate you bearing with me as I found my footing. It was MY pleasure and honour to have danced with you all. And before anyone else reminds me (and to save Mikey’s honour or what is left of it ;-)—yes, there were two MEN do si do-ing for a brief moment at some point during the night. My mother would be SOOOO proud!!!! ;-) At any rate, thanks for the dans lesson Mikey!

And how did all this dancing and revelry continue for so long? Well I can only speak for myself, but I for one was using straight vodka shots between numbers and I was hydrating with water too. I also want to share a moment I had during the evening. As it was pretty much a full on, non-stop evening I wasn’t really taking it all in as it happened…or at least I didn’t think I was. On one of my trips out to the bar to refuel, Lovely Fiona handed me a phone. Lo and behold, Mother Read was on the other end already well into his Sunday. I heard his voice and got well, let’s just say a little choked up. It came from literally out of nowhere. One second I was dancing and the next minute I was trying not blubber into a phone speaking to someone I’ve only met a few times in my life. I think that’s when the weekend all began to come together for me. Hearing Graeme’s voice, I was struck by the enormity and uniqueness of what I was experiencing live and in that moment. The reason, the catalyst, the man who had helped to bring us all together was on the other end of the phone and I just lost it all for a moment. I felt so stupid, but at the same time it felt so right. I just had to go with it and let it out a little I guess. I suppose some of it could be everything I’ve been through in recent weeks may have been bubbling under there a bit too. But it was cathartic and felt good, so what the hell, I just go with the feelings as they come up. It was joy, being manifested through tears I suppose. Sometimes life has a funny way of sneaking up on you and tapping you on the shoulder and reminding you of just how fu@#ing amazing it can be to experience it all if you take some chances and follow your instincts.

SIDEBAR—(Graeme, I hope you are holding up well with all you are dealing with at the moment. I send you my best and wish you strength as you move forward with everything.)

I do want to make one comment about the manners of Fans, some MAILers, some not. Overall, most were well behaved. However, I could have done without the standing in front of the stage that many chose to do during the performance. This was after all a dans event. I think someone mentioned that photos here and there would have been sufficient. I agree. And I know it can be overwhelming to have your life-long idol that close and you want to drink it in while you can, but for my part the right thing to do would be to move in and out occasionally if you really wanted a picture or two. But to stand there huddled in front of the stage as if it were a concert was not appropriate. Shout out and kudos to Jason for taking charge in the bar afterwards so Benny and company could eat in peace. I think it is certainly okay to ask a “star” for autographs and pix, but it is more important to respect their down time and allow them to have at least a bit of peace. Yes, it’s a fine line and I think it is fine that many people waited until he was wrapping up his time after the show and approached him then. Maybe its because that sort of thing really doesn’t occur to me at the time. I’ve never been one to stalk or chase after celebrities. They are people. Sure they are famous, but so what.

Now, having said that, I have to make a small confession. I was on my way out to my car after everything was over Saturday night. Walking down the fairly long hallway I heard footsteps behind me or nearly beside me rather. I turned slightly and it was in fact Benny heading to the elevator. He sort of smiled. I simply said “goodnight” and he replied with “Thank you for coming. It looked like you were really enjoying yourself out on the dance floor.” I replied, “yes I did, but now I need to rest.” He said, “me too” and we bid each other good night. It was a genuinely nice moment. At least he wasn’t “grumpy.” I should also mention he seems to have dropped quite a lot of weight from when I had last seen him and even pictures in recent years. He looked very healthy and happy up close.

And on a similar note, I’d like to point out how happy Benny looked performing. He was sure faking it well if he was miserable. He is certainly someone who responds to an audience and looks like he’s in the moment whether playing keyboards or some other instrument or acting as the emcee.

Others have or will point out the incredible talents of Helen, Tommy, etc. They were stunning. Kalle too. Tommy is a dirty old man. Period. Good for him I suppose.

The finale of Why Did It Have To Be Me was sort of the equivalent of The Way Old Friends Do in Roosendaal. It had that same sort of camaraderie quality to it. I made sure to look around and soak it in…the familiar faces and some new friends holding on to one another and singing along. There aren’t many moments such as that in life. At one point I sort of reminded myself do the picture in my mind thing of that moment. Thank goodness my “flash” worked, because it is still fresh in my memory as I recount it three days later. Of course I also sang at the top of my lungs like a giddy school girl too throughout the song.

Also, I finally met the divine Miss Scarlett Ray on Saturday evening as well. She’s legendary on the list you know. I want her on my side if I’m ever in a street fight. I’ll tell you that right now.

Sleep deprived and still running on adrenaline I suppose, Sunday brunch was upon me. I hadn’t slept more than three hours…couldn’t get to sleep, then when I did, couldn’t stay asleep anticipating the next day. I was at the Kid’s Table as Fred so eloquently put it as the room was filled top capacity. No worries as we mingled back and forth anyway. Yes, Benny and the gang were in the restaurant as well. Honestly, you couldn’t swing a dead cat in that hotel without hitting a Swede!

More food, memories, stories and photos and then the goodbyes commenced as some had to depart earlier than others. I had plans with family members locally so my chariot had arrived and I was off to do family things for the afternoon. Visiting cousins, meeting new members of the family, etc. etc. I’ll resume with part three when we gather for the Sunday evening performance.

Who got laid? Will Ursula be banished from the Netherlands? Did Dora REALLY trip or was there Something Going On? Were Kevin and Ryan separated at birth? Who IS Mandy Rinten? Was Frida there undercover?

These and many more questions will be answered (maybe) in the final instalment yet to come.

Until then, I remain, tired, broke and still smiling this stupid grin that I just can’t shake!!!!

I really have to believe that being in the flow really is the way to go. Sunday afternoon I spent with my family members locally. I had asked my cousin to take me by the Dakota Jazz Club so I could see if I could find out any details about the Sunday night event, but alas it was not open. There was a lot of misinformation and confusion among the group on Sunday morning at brunch and no on really knew for sure what was happening on Sunday night, so when I had left the group at noon, everything was pretty up in the air and uncertain. At some point the gang worked it out and our man Fred had helped the Lovely Fiona and I secure tickets for Sunday night’s event. Aren’t MAILers just the best?

I arrived back at Benny Central, aka the Sheraton just in time as the gang was gathering in the lobby about to depart for downtown Minneapolis. Due to my previous day’s splurge on furniture items, I only had room for one person in my car, so Fiona was drafted to ride shotgun with me to the club. Having already been there I knew where I was headed. Not sure how I do this, but I have a knack for figuring out cities. How to get around, where certain things are, what would be cool to see and often times the locals find it odd that I know more about their town than they do. More than once, I’ve shown locals around their own city. I think it is simply the fact that I want to experience all that I can when I visit a city. I try to do some research prior to arrival, then ask questions when I get there. Its simply what I do and I suppose, one of my “gifts.”

The Dakota is located smack in the middle to Nicollet Mall, which is really just the downtown shopping and entertainment district. It’s close to the beautiful landmark Orpheum Theatre, Target Store Headquarters, restaurants, shopping, clubs, and of course the famous statue of Mary Tyler Moore. Others have mentioned this outing, and there are photos for proof of what was done to poor Mary Richards. OOOH Mr. Grant indeed!!

I love going to small venues such as the Dakota and had in fact been there on another visit to the twin cities to hear a vocalist perform. It has an intimate feeling and MAILers were given a great spot next to the stage. Food was satisfactory, drinks overpriced, you know, the usual sort of downtown nightspot. The stage area was small as others have stated, but the band/orkester made do and performed several selections over the 2 hours they were on stage. Others may not agree, but I felt the band members were having a great time. To me they seemed relaxed in this intimate environment and really like having the guest fiddle/violin players join them for a few numbers. It was probably a very rare opportunity to experience such an intimate performance from one of our idols. This is something not many people in the world will/have ever have the opportunity to experience so that made it sort of special.

Reflections of the Way Life CAN Be, If Just for One Evening...Because there was a smaller group of MAILers at the Dakota, it was a wonderful chance to have some wonderful conversations. Even during the music, there was ample opportunity to talk and share. I had the chance to chat a lot with Fred, Lovely Fiona, (the stunning and amazing) Jackie, Mary “Cheers My Dears” Ruth, and others. You really had a chance to talk and get to know one another on a deeper level and for me that was the best part of the evening. Poor Ursula was doing her best to capture video footage even though she was trapped at an inconvenient place at the table. She made several attempts to enter and exit across the stage area until we finally managed to move the tables to make it a bit more accessible for her. (Helga if you’re reading, Ursula did everything she could to make sure she had great video for you!) I learned more about Ursula that evening, what she does for a living and just how busy she is. It sounds like she has a life that is just go go go and she seems like she does it all with great passion. I’m glad I had the opportunity to know her just a bit more. She has a wonderful spirit and if you haven’t had the opportunity to spend time with her, by all means do so!

I also had the perfect view of my favourite (besides la Andersson) member of the band that evening. Yes, back to the bass player. He was uber sexy and just my type…tall, a little bit grey on top, gorgeous beyond belief and more than just a little bit shy. I noticed he had gone outside during the intermission for a smoke. I wandered outside to speak to him. He was so lovely to talk to. He was so impressed that so many people had come so far to hear his “little band” as he put it. Through the years I’ve found the Swedish people to be reserved but so appreciative and warm once you give them a chance. There’s something really wonderful about their way. They are not intrusive or pushy as Americans (and some others) can be. He was just one of the nicest people I’ve ever encountered. No, I didn’t wind up with his room number, but it was a really nice moment just the same.

Because I love to talk with people, this evening was particularly special for me. Lovely Fiona and I chatted, laughed, joked and shared so much during that time. I have found another kindred spirit in this dynamic soul. I know I got a couple of “shush now” looks from some others that night, but I couldn’t help myself. I was just revelling in being around so many special and beautiful people and I had to take this occasion to make the most of the limited time we had together.

All too soon the evening came to a close. Figuring out the bar/dinner tab required a mathematics genius and poor Jackie served that role—and did a bang up job of it I must say. My hat is off to her for taking that on and getting everyone to pay up. I’m not a numbers guy so I leave those details to others. Thanks Jackie!

Lovely Fiona and I made our way back to Benny Central and shared more about our love of music and seeing concerts and life and love and so forth. She’s the soul mate I never knew I had. I’m always astounded and even humbled when I encounter someone who has been on a similar path as my own. We’ve even recently been on similar paths with relation to our health and recovery from medical problems in recent days. There are no words to describe my fascination with just how amazing it is to connect with and find others who “get it” and see things the same way I do. I sit in my own world most of the time, thinking I’m the only one who sees the world and others from my perspective. And when you find someone who finishes your sentences or says the exact words you are about to say in response to a situation, it is beyond compare. Fiona gets “it”, and gets me. I have a new friend for life and look so forward to many more times together in the years to come.

I barely slept the previous two nights because of information overload and over stimulation I suppose. By the time I had said goodnight to Fiona, I was ready to crash finally and got a really good night’s sleep before I headed home on Monday.

I arranged to meet my uncle for a quick breakfast before leaving the twin cities at the Mall of America on Monday morning. While there I unexpectedly happened upon a few members from the orkester who were roaming about freely while out shopping at the Mall. I quickly mentioned to them how much I enjoyed the past couple of evening’s performances. They were sooo appreciative of my words to them and seemed genuine in their responses. I think they were surprised to be recognized. It was a nice way to end the weekend. I love it when you speak to someone who has so much passion for what they do. Maybe because I feel like I am still on my journey to discovering my place in the world. I’m even jealous on some level of others who get to do what they love every single day, but also find it inspirational that if you love something, you find a way to do that in your life. It was easy to see that these men loved performing and getting the response from the audience.

One other quick thing I haven’t mentioned. In the bar on Saturday night, as Benny’s group assembled and their group grew, they needed more tables. I was sharing a table with infamous MAILer, our own ABBAMOUSE, Jeff Dixon. Jeff had wandered off and left me in charge of his very large glass of beer. Görel came over to ask if we would mind swapping tables as they needed more room. She was gracious and I was glad to assist her and accommodate her request. She was lovely, as always, and I hope she could tell we were all happy to help out. I know someone asked about her and she was there in the thick of it all during most all of the weekend.

The weekend was filled with moments with our famous idols, but more importantly to me, it was even fuller of moments with more famous fans, sweaty, obsessed, shy, outrageous, gorgeous, new and familiar. For me, that was the beauty of the BAO weekend in Minneapolis. Thanks to anyone who made it this far. You deserve a medal of commendation for reading my meanderings. Just know that if I didn’t get to spend much time with you, it was only because there were so many wonderful people and too little time. Until we meet again, I remain blessed and oh so thankful for the memories we shared.

I'll end with a line from that famous Florida Filosopher--"It was Soo fun!"

Kevin Evans Springfield, Illinois USA