Just a couple weeks ago, Bill and I had one of those full-circle life moments. My posts on Facebook said it all. First update early in the day: “Very excited to see Robert Plant tonight! Bill has been a fan since 2nd grade when he bought ‘Led Zeppelin II’ at a garage sale across the street for a quarter.”

Second update much later that night: “Front-row center concert tickets – $200; dinner & drinks before the show – $60; Robert Plant giving us a smile & a nod after ‘Ramble On’ – Priceless.”

Wow, what an absolute thrill to hang out right at the stage, just a few feet in front of one of the greatest rockstars of all time. An experience we won’t ever forget!

There was so much magic and synchronicity wrapped up into that night. Initially, we had fantastic third-row seats and were incredibly excited as my first Facebook update showed. Shortly before the concert, though, I ‘accidentally’ stumbled upon a pair of tickets in the pit – right up front and center. For less than face value. No accidents, though, right? So I grabbed them and figured we would find just the right fans who wanted to buy our other tickets.

When we got downtown, I didn’t want just anyone to have those tickets; I wanted someone who would truly care, someone who would really appreciate them. There were plenty of scalpers on the street who would have loved to have given me a few bucks (and that’s it) for the seats, but that wasn’t what I was looking for.

A meeting meant to happen

Just then I saw a nice couple inside by the box office. “Are you interested in tickets?” I asked. The guy’s eyes lit up and he wondered what we had available. When I said third-row center, there was an amazing bolt of energy that went through the four of us. “We just drove here from out-of-town,” he said, “And this is my youngest daughter and I promised I’d get her here.”

I looked over at the young woman, her eyes instantly filling with tears, and she began telling me what a huge lifelong fan she has been. So my eyes – and then Bill’s eyes – filled up, too. This sweet father and daughter duo was so genuine and beyond excited at the idea of buying our tickets.

We made the exchange, gave them a good deal, and the daughter so graciously said to me, “Can I hug you? I know I’m going to cry during the show tonight. It’s like you guys are angels, ‘ticket angels.’” And we hugged tight, with a knowing that there was something larger than ourselves that brought the four of us together.

Rock fans - Karlee and her dad, Jimmy

I do believe at the last minute, those front-row center seats had our names on them; they were meant for us. And part of the plan was obviously so that we could pass along our other great seats to someone else who really wanted them. Ahhh…perfect!

This fun experience reminded me of several other instances we’ve been blessed to be a part of. And every time I tell the stories, people seem to get emotional. So I decided I’ve got to share a couple of them here.

At concerts, Bill and I magically always get great seats - often times front-row. So many of our friends ask how we do it, and I’m going to save that topic for a separate post. But in the meantime, what we’ve seen unfold has to do with: 1) Trust, 2) Divine timing, and 3) Connection. Here goes…

–Sioux City, Iowa–

Bill and I had great seats to see Neil Diamond (my favorite!). When we were in the hotel room getting ready, Bill put on his Hawaiian “front-row” shirt and we headed out for the evening. Before we left, we did our customary intention-setting for the evening. We talked about how we were delighted with our tickets…but, if it was in everyone’s best interest - we would love front-row seats! An opportunity to mirror back to Neil all of the joy that he gives to us.

We went out to dinner and leisurely chatted with fans and met the locals. Afterwards, we slowly walked over to the arena in the hot summer sun, and just for fun I went to the box office and asked if any excellent seats opened up. Whadda ya know? Two tickets: FRONT-ROW CENTER. Two open seats were there just for us! Crazy. But then again, not really. This stuff happens over and over for us.

Of course we grabbed them.

And then we had to quickly sell our other tickets before we went in, since it was almost show-time. But, we couldn’t find one person who wanted to buy them – everyone was already set for the night.

I was beside myself. Caught up in the enthusiasm of getting front-row seats, I found myself stuck with spending a lot more money than we had planned on.

A shift in perspective

Here’s what I love about Bill. He had a strong feeling that we should go inside the arena and find two huge fans who had far away seats. And then make their day. 

Brilliant. Total shift in perspective.

We went up high in the arena and started asking people if they would like to sit in the third-row. Can you believe that we were met with “No thanks” and many others whose eyes quickly darted away as though we were trying to scam them?

Once again, I was completely bummed out. It was so important to me to find someone who truly cared and really appreciated being up close. Just then, I was strongly moved to go up to two women standing together and asked them on a scale of 1-10 how big of fans they were. They shouted “Oh my god – a 10!” They were really pumped up and told us how excited they were, but disappointed to be sitting so far from the stage. They said they splurged but could only afford the ‘nosebleed’ seats. 

I think I found my people.

We asked if they would like to sit in the third-row instead. When they realized we were serious (and there would be no cost for the tickets), they started crying and hugging us, and then we started crying, too. Such genuine appreciation and gratitude. They asked what they could give us and our answer: “Please just pay it forward.”

So they did! They called some relatives who were visiting from out-of-town and told them to come and use their tickets. The relatives were elated!

Thinking back, I was uneasy because we were spending way more money that night than we had ever imagined. But the return was ten-fold. It was one of the biggest highs I have ever experienced! You certainly can’t put a price on that.

The whole experience had to do with trusting that we would divinely connect with just the right people at just the right time. And we did.

Barb and Nancy from Iowa

Bill and I had an incredible night with Neil and his band, and it was a thrill to watch our new friends rock out from the third-row. We certainly did get to mirror all of our joy right back to Neil! That was the night when one of the local radio station guys came up to us afterwards and said, “I saw you guys up front. You two were the happiest mother f’ers in the entire building!” It’s true. We were on our feet and dancing the entire time. One of our many life highlights.

The next morning I remembered that my vision board at home included the words: “Front-row center” and “Road trip,” and also had a picture of Neil Diamond. Hmmmm…

–Madison Square Garden, New York City–

Coincidentally (or not), my cousin was getting married in New York the same weekend that Neil Diamond was playing at Madison Square Garden four nights in a row! That entire experience deserves a blog post all on its own. Stay tuned – I’ll work on that one, too!

Me, en route to Madison Square Garden, bubbling over with enthusiasm!

The bottom-line is this. We had great seats for one of the shows. But in “Michelle and Bill” fashion, at the last-minute we scored front-row tickets…again. Oh man, we had already spent a ton of money just being in New York, and I was really anxious to get our original tickets sold as soon as possible.

Then Bill and I remembered the tremendous joy we experienced earlier that year in Sioux City.

So I took a deep breath, and we did it again.

We went inside the arena and way high-up to the top of the world-renowned “Garden.” What a cool view from up there! But then I got lost in my head again, especially when we tried to give the tickets away to several pairs of unsuspecting fans. They didn’t want them. They thought there were strings attached. They walked away. Huh? I was getting nervous because it was getting close to show-time. I had to go to the bathroom before we took our seats. I wanted to grab a drink. Time was of the essence!

Trusting in divine connection

I was just about in tears when Bill intervened, once again. “Just trust that we will find the right people who will love these seats. Just trust.”

As soon as he finished uttering those words, all of a sudden from around the corner – paraded two women, arm-in-arm, skipping and singing “Sweet Caroline.”

I knew I had found my targets.

They skipped right in front of us and I yelled “WAIT!” The two smiley and giddy women stopped in their tracks, and I asked if they were there on their own and where they were sitting. Just then Bill flashed the third-row tickets and asked if they would like to have them.

The look on their faces was priceless. And that moment is etched forever in my mind. I started to cry and they both hugged me. “Why are you crying, Honey?” they asked. Then, they looked at Bill, hugged me again and asked, “Why is she crying?”

We passed the tickets along to them and then the four of us proudly made our way down to the front together. The two immediately made calls on their cell phones, and just hearing their enthusiasm about their new seats was worth multitudes more than we had paid that night.

At that night’s show a DVD was being filmed. Bill and I were thrilled when it came out the next year and we saw our two new friends jumping up and down in the crowd! They screamed the entire night. It was glorious. And they were part of the reason that Neil kept coming over to our side of the stage and indulging all of us.

The two women said the night for them was life-changing. They both had had a tough couple of years with health and family problems. And they said that night gave them a renewed energy and a positive outlook on life and was just the medicine they needed.

Again, we could have lamented the fact that we paid a small fortune for those third-row seats, only to give them away. But instead, we really only paid a small price for a concert experience of a lifetime – one that still gives us goosebumps years later.

With Bill leading the way earlier that night, we trusted. The right people came skipping along at just the right time. It was a divine connection along our path. And now we just happen to be blessed with two new wonderful east-coast friends for life.

Laura and Kathy, our New York buddies on vacation

There are many other stories to tell like the ones shared here, but these are the ones that stand out for me.

In thinking back to the Robert Plant concert, it shouldn’t have been a surprise to us that our ticket experience went so smoothly, since this same scenario has played out for us so many other times in the past. We never ”expect” this type of magic to happen, but we always remain open to the possibilities.

Or maybe we do expect magic. Just not at any particular time or place – leaving it up to the universe to surprise us in the most wonderful way. It sure is a thrill when these synchronicities and moments of serendipity land in our path when we least expect it!

Bill and I have seen so many magical things happen, right before our eyes. The kind of stuff that doesn’t logically make sense; the kind of stuff you could never predict or orchestrate yourself. Part of our quest in life is that we want others to understand and believe this can happen to them, too. How gratifying for us to have the privilege – in some small way - of playing a part in a magical life-moment for others. It’s following our joy in the purest sense.

Remember those folks at the arena who said “No thanks” or walked the other way because they thought we were up to no good? They weren’t fully open to receiving in that moment. It’s a good reminder that the magic might be unfolding right in front of you…but the only way you can see it is if you’re open to letting it in.

Just then the legendary rock band’s founder and vocalist, Marty Balin, came out to do a soundcheck. We smiled and waved to him, and I’m sure it was obvious that we were excited for the concert. So Marty asked if we wanted to come backstage and hang out before the show. We enthusiastically made our way through the gate and got fitted with special wristbands. We had Marty all to ourselves for the next half-hour!

A great time backstage

I swear, I lived another lifetime in the 60’s, even though I wasn’t born until 1969. I have always been so drawn to that era in our history when rock music changed the world. I’m sure I worked security at the Monterey Pop Festival or camped out in the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco or sold concessions on a rainy day at Woodstock. I know that a part of my heart and soul was definitely there during those pivotal times.

So when Marty told us all of his adventurous stories from the past, I was riveted. I know he picked up on our passionate, genuine interest. We heard about the club he opened in San Francisco in 1965 called The Matrix, where The Doors and The Grateful Dead were just a few of the early performers. We heard about tales from Woodstock and wild nights touring in various cities. We heard about the Rolling Stones’ Altamont Speedway Concert when Marty got knocked out onstage by a Hells Angel doing security (you can see it in the rock documentary “Gimme Shelter”).

We talked about Grace Slick and how she was the one who got all of the attention back then. When the song “White Rabbit” was brought up in conversation, Bill—reminding Marty of his age—said, “Hey, you recorded that song the week before I was born!”

In awe of synchronicity

The most meaningful part of the conversation was about our favorite song, “Miracles.” The details aren’t necessarily important, but what is important is what it left us with. Since that summer day and that deep connection with Marty, “Miracles” will appear seemingly out of nowhere whenever something amazing happens. Its appearance feels like a nod from the universe saying “You’re on the right path” or “Keep up the great work” or “Keep up the faith and keep believing.”

–It will play in the grocery store just after Bill and I just shared the most amazing and transformational weekend together.

–It will come on the car stereo after pulling away from an important meeting that is full of promise and excitement.

–It will be the next song on our digital music station when Bill and I playfully have fun with our angels and ask for a song to come on that is “just for us.”

–I’ll hear it when I doubt my abilities or if my confidence is lacking, as a reminder to love myself and keep the faith.

–It even played on the morning after the greatest synchronicity of all as we pulled away from our hotel in Grand Forks, ND last year. That was my special moment with Neil Diamond, and if you haven’t heard that story and are intrigued by synchronicities, you gotta check this one out!

Are you paying attention?

The world is looking for all sorts of ways to grab your attention; all kinds of opportunities to tell you that you’re doing great. There’s a different language that works for each of us.

For me, it’s music that fills my soul and brings me joy. Or it’s surprise concert tickets that just happen to be in the front row. It happens over and over again for me. And every single time, I smile and close my eyes and feel gratitude from my head to my toes, knowing that I’m not alone and that my cheering section is always there helping me along and riding the wave with me.

When you’re following your joy, you notice the synchronicities ten-fold. Because when you come from that place of abundance, your heart is more receptive and you’re more open to all the good things life has to offer.

Special thanks to Marty and his gang for lighting that fire inside me (and for giving us the wink and the nod when he emotionally belted out that song on-stage).

So here’s the amazing song that I’d love to share with you (drum roll, please). Sit back and enjoy:

Are you paying attention to the synchronicities in your life?

Authors note: Just as I was sending the text of this blog post to Bill to review, he called from work (before he received my email) and said, “Guess what song I just heard?!” You guessed it. “Miracles.” Needless to say, I was speechless. And then I heard it again–and so did Bill–just after I posted my interview with Marty.

When I was 12 years-old I fell in love with Neil Diamond…the man, and his music (that’s me on the left, circa 1981!). As a kid, I often felt sad and lonely, and Neil’s music was a constant in my unstable world. Through his songs, I experienced a deep sense of joy and felt “heard,” which I so yearned for. And I’ve always been inspired by other people who follow the things in life that bring them joy. As a singer, songwriter, and performer, Neil excels at that!

Today, I’m as loyal and faithful of a fan as ever, so when Neil embarked on a big tour last year, I was thrilled! He kicked off the U.S. leg of his tour right here in Minnesota, and Bill and I saw several shows on the road and had a blast…getting front row tickets every time! Later you’ll hear more about how we got those tickets, but for now, let’s just say that at just the right time, they always appeared. And we are SO grateful!

Anyway, it was quite a run, and as the tour was winding down, we noticed that there was a show coming up in Grand Forks, North Dakota (which, in late November, is not necessarily high on our list of places to visit). We had already spent a good amount of money on shows and it would be a long, cold drive; it just didn’t seem realistic or practical to make the trek.

Should I stay or should I go?

But when you’re following your joy, it’s more of a “heart” thing. So we decided to pay attention to whatever messages came our way and follow the energy to see whether or not we should go.

Two days before the show, a pair of front row seats popped up on Ticketmaster! I certainly didn’t need any more of a clear message. Of course we jumped on the tickets and made our travel plans for the six-hour road-trip to the frozen tundra! And man was I glad we did…

Once again, it was such a thrill to be right in the front; to be a “part” of the show and get some nods and thumbs-up from the band members who saw us having a great time. It all felt pretty special! I was delighted to be there and share in the spirit and aliveness of music that night which connected all 10,000 of us music lovers.

30 years of joy culminating in one surprise moment

Shortly after the show started, Neil began singing the beautiful “September Morn.” This was a surprise, as he hadn’t sung that one before on the tour. He walked down the steps on the far side of the stage and continued his song, slowly walking the length of the front row, and he seemed to be coming in our direction. As he gradually made his way over, he stopped in front of me when our eyes locked, and then he reached out his hand toward me!

I took his hand and the entire arena erupted.

Neil pulled me close to him and continued singing to me as we moved down the front row together. I followed his lead as he sashayed along, the spotlight now on just the two of us! I remember hearing the screams all around me, but as far as I was concerned, there was nothing else going on in the world as we deeply stared into each other’s eyes during the song. I’m quite sure my smile had enough voltage to illuminate the arena!

I finished singing the lyrics with Neil and then he leaned in to kiss me. Wow, I didn’t see that coming! More cheering from the crowd.

Then we slowly parted and I walked back to my seat…stunned, awed, and with a quiet knowing that there was certainly a larger force involved in this unforgettable moment, almost 30 years in the making. I wondered if my team of angels had been hanging out in the rafters above so that they could witness first-hand the magic unfolding below?

When the song ended and Neil got back to his spot up on the stage, he thanked me for the kiss. And then he thanked Bill for not beating him up! Very sweet. It was one of those life moments that I will never forget. In ways, it felt like an affirmation for following my joy throughout my life and doing what truly makes me come alive. Heartfelt thanks to the universe for noticing my efforts and orchestrating that one! So much gratitude.

After the show, it was fun to revel in my instant stardom. I was congratulated, high-fived, and photographed with people I’d never met. It was fun living it up! Then we walked into the bar and everyone in the place got off their barstools to come over and meet me. When we sat down to order food, our server said, “Did you hear what happened tonight?!”

Not surprisingly, all the reporters and other fans wanted to know about “the kiss.” Of course I loved it and playfully told the Grand Forks Herald it was a “10.” On a bigger-picture level, though, the most important part of the experience for me was that it was truly a spiritual moment to connect so deeply with a beautiful soul who has touched my life in the most wonderful way for almost 30 years.

Believe that anything is possible

My favorite of all the articles that ran in the local papers over the next few days starts out like this: “All Neil Diamond fans can agree that the legendary performer who has sold 125 million records, who has a Grammy and 36 Top 40 hits, has a great voice. But Michelle Stimpson is one fan who also knows Neil Diamond is a good kisser.”

Funny! Who would have thought? And out of 82 concerts on the tour that spanned Europe and North America, this deal happened only once. Amazing…

Before the U.S. tour began last summer, I was interviewed for our local newspaper here in the Twin Cities. The writer suggested that I hold up a sign for Neil since I was in the front row and such a big fan. I replied that there weren’t necessarily any words I wanted to convey to Neil…instead, I just wanted him to see my smile, mirroring all of my joy and appreciation back to him.

Now, I can be 110% sure that Neil saw my smile.

First I got an email from a dear friend (who didn’t know about my blog) telling me about an exciting event she had coming up, as a respite from some tough times she had been experiencing. Her final comment to me was “I deserve this joy in my life.”

Then the next morning, the first email in my Inbox was from an inspirational quote service. The title in the subject line read: “JOY.” (If you’re curious about the quote, it was by Emily Dickinson and said: “Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough”). Good stuff!

Finally, and most powerful of all, I took a break from my work and went downstairs to find something to eat (okay, I wasn’t really hungry, but you know how it goes sometimes) and I pulled out a box of Sun-Maid raisins from the cupboard. The little boxes now have messages on the inside flap as you dig in. My message for that day: “Your name is your parents’ gift to you; live up to it.” Oh yeah, I forgot to mention…my middle name is Joy.