When I think about it, it is so strange that Clay's name pops up just about every day!

At the beginning, words in magazines, articles, reviews all were wonderful. A new personality with the "IT FACTOR" suddenly came into OUR world. Appearing on TV shows, singing everywhere - REALLY SINGING no lipsync stuff for our guy. And allowed to talk - ah there came the difference.

Suddenly American Idol became a REAL SUCCESS and with Clay AND Kelly joining for their first big concert tour brought together the two who have lasted the longest in the eyes of the public - before Facebook and Twitter.

As they each went their separate ways enjoying new found success, they to this day keep in touch. Now, that is rare and NICE.

But suddenly the evil creeps in the "RAG BUSINESS" rearing their ugly heads. As the year went on snide remarks came up here and there and regardless of the subject matter - Clay's name would appear. Sometimes as a cute comparison - others just plain silly and nasty.

But I would like to bring you all up to date in the media frenzy. Almost seven years later, Clay is mentioned just about every day --- as always. But now there is a difference. Since Parker's birth and Clay's PEOPLE article, when his name is mentioned, it rarely has a negative meaning. Not that they are still not out there - the naysayers - but they are being drowned out since the subject matters of the world today has changed. Also we have new characters to add to the mix.

When David Archuleta (spelling ?) released his Christmas Album, one reviewer remarked that it was "pleasant" but NOT like a Clay Aiken Christmas CD. When the Broadway show (I believe it is Grease" )went on the road "starring" Taylor Hicks, one reviewer said that "Hicks" was "okay" in his one solo, but it would have been much better if Clay Aiken sang it. (Poor guy, first Clay "spoils" his win in 2005 and now someone comes up with this comment!)

Maybe the fact that Clay's name is "Aiken" he is mentioned first in many articles many of which really have nothing to do with him personally, but I think his name is mentioned to enhance the article. For example, when talking about singing the National Album, they said the soloists were mostly from "Idol" from Aiken to Underwood ! THAT WORKS FOR ME!

Sometimes, an article will mention Clay and then add: " the guy with the ENORMOUS FANBASE". Well, that is true. What other celebrity could bring in so much money for his foundation with donations as small as $5.00 and as high as $55,000 (for his wonderful Leather Jacket!).

Just today there was an article about the supposed ending of the world in 2012. The author said we would have no more "this and that" or singers like Myley Cirrus (spelling?) or a Clay Aiken - and they were ALL that were mentioned.

When one article was written about self help books, just this month, Clay's book written in 2004 was way up on the list in a very positive way with a full description.

So, for those who say Clay could be forgotten by "staying away too long" they are way off base. His name is mentioned in ever conceivable way from a good breakfast food to "great" fathers of the day.

ITS' ALL GOOD FOLKS!

A brief thank you for all who wrote to me here and on AOL concerned about my health. My malady was very (and is) very strange. I still think is was kind of a flu -- without a name, but it sure could make me feel lethargic to such an extent, I was not hungry, but ate because my lovely bird wants to eat what I do. She was and is sooooo good as I spend so many hours in bed (which I hate). But I have been out a couple of days this week, and I am trying to be a little productive each day.

CLAY FANS are the best friends a person could have as well as my Bird Club. The economy has hit the Hookailos , but my son and I are fighters -- and for those who also have problems know as we do that GOD WILL ALWAYS BE THERE.

I SIMPLY ADORE YOU ALL. Marian