This is how I imagine David looked while recording.
Oct. 13, 2009
Dear Diary,
I also did my research last night to see when and where I could get CFTH at the earliest possible time. HMV had it listed, so by 11:00 a.m. I was there, wandering around, looking through a store with nary a Christmas CD in sight … gah, I had to ask for it.
Me: “Where would I find a new release?”
David needs to autograph my CD with this.
Dude: “What genre?”
Me: “Christmas.”
Dude: “Oh, Bob Dylan’s newest?”
Me: “Uhh, well, no … David Archuleta.”
Dude: “Oh, we were supposed to get five copies but they’re not here yet.”
Me: “Five copies!?! Five?? I kinda need about 10 copies.”
Dude: “We’ll get more closer to Christmas … it’s only October.”
Yes, it is only October, but I want David’s Christmas CD now! So I begin the trek across town to the dreaded store I never shop at (except for David music it seems) — Wal-Mart.
Beelined straight to the entertainment section, and there I see Mr. Elderly Stockboy with my CD in his hands. Eureka! I did not hesitate to take six copies, and politely asked if this is all they had. He replied that they would get more if stock is depleted, I smiled and told him, that yes it is depleted, but I’ll leave a few and come back later (could not bare to leave the shelf empty.)
No memories of the drive home….
David was born to do this…to sing from his heart and soul, and all I need to do today … is listen, and I know of so many hearts listening right along with me….
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
LOL, Refnaf. I too trekked all over town — from HMV to Chapters and beyond — trying to get my hands on the Ring, um, I mean, the CD.
iTunes is great, but there’s nothing like opening up those liner notes and reading them in one hand while you grab a tissue with the other.
Great job Refnaf. I can so relate.
Still do not have my CD, as my local Wal Mart did not have it on the 13th and did not know when they would get it! Drove to another store, no dice. “It’s still a little early to be getting Christmas music.” I informed the clerk that several artists have Christmas albums coming out this week. *dismissive look-away* For his last CD, I had to drive 175 miles to the next town round trip. I have the music but what I want is that hard copy with the picture of Santa’s elf on the cover. I shall obtain.
So, I hit Wal-Mart and they only had 3 copies that I could find in the boxes on the floor beside the new releases rack. Had all 3 in my hand, then decided to put two back – so as not to leave the ‘shelf’ empty. Went to HMV and TOFAN I GOT THE SAME RESPONSE AS YOU DID – 5 copies ordered but not in yet. The much facially pierced young ‘lady’ that helped me asked if she could put one on hold for me. Being the scrouge that I am, I asked how much will it be? More than Wal-Mart, so I said no thank you, and back I went. Bought the two copies I’d left behind – and told the clerk there that they would need to order more! BTW Wal-Mart and HMV had, like, 20-30 copies of Bob Dylan’s Christmas CD.
OOPS thanks refnaf for that LOL
Angelica, 175 miles! That’s a road-trip in itself! LOL I hope you get yours soon, it is such a good feeling. (My Amazon.ca order arrived yesterday to my supreme glee.)
Awestruck (and anyone else heading to HMV), I emailed them (politely, of course) and here was part of their response:
The product you have enquired upon is clearly listed in our inventory system:
Cat.No: 88697574942 Barcode: 88697574942
Artist: ARCHULETA*DAVID
Title : CHRISTMAS FROM THE HEART
Take those numbers to your much-facially-pierced clerk!
LOL Ref, you describe the emotions and sense of “it must be NOW” perfectly.
Attention, Cleveland, OH, concertgoers, VIP tix go on sale Tues. Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. ET ($195) (www.iloveallaccess.com / password: heart)
For other cities, VIPs go on sale:
Waukegan, IL. — 10/20 @ 12 pm CT.
Kansas City, MO. — 10/20 @ 1 pm CT.
St. Paul, MN. — 10/20 @ 1 pm CT.
Salt Lake City, UT. — 10/21 @ 9 am MT.
Ann Arbor, MI. — 10/20 @ 1 pm ET.
Bakersfield, CA. — @ 12 pm PT.
San Francisco, CA. — 10/21 @ 10 am PT.
Anaheim, CA. — 10/21 @ 10 am PT.
Rexburg, ID. TBA.
Montclair, NJ. TBA.
Baltimore, MD. TBA.
Mashantucket, CT. TBA.
Boston, MA. TBA.
Westbury, NY. TBA.
Yo…Canadian Archies…he loves you….he really really loves you!
@briannexx I don’t get to choose where I play :(. If I did I would so be there in a heartbeat! It’s been too long! I miss Canada!
refnaf, loved sneaking a peak at your diary. BTW, I have a feeling that similar diary notes happened in 7 continents.
How tweet it is: He misses us *sniff*
DavidArchie just tweeted:
@briannexx I don’t get to choose where I play :(. If I did I would so be there in a heartbeat! It’s been too long! I miss Canada!
In response to:
@DavidArchie do you have something against Canada? no christmas tour date here 😦
LOL, KT … jinx! snap!
😆
Off-topic but too funny:
Not that it’s a before and after or anything, LOL.
Tofan, it’s so good it deserves double billing!
Hey, I love his Canadian tweet! Ina heartbeta eh?
Also love all stories about the adventures of buying his CD! Nice to know one is not alone on this adventure…
Thanks for the concert VIP update Tofan, I have been watching for one, still nervous that I will wake up some morning and they will be half sold out…
Just a note that I have an extra “VIP ticket for Manchester”…I will check back to see if anyone is interested…
SB
I can relate to the frustration of not finding it at my local targets, walmart & best buy (and B & N too). So, I am in Denver for a week and I’ve decided…I am going to raid these stores here and see what they’ve got. I have yet to have a REAL CD!
I’ll report back and letcha all know what I come up with! 🙂
KT, LOL. SB, will you be in Manchester? 🙂
Josie, you don’t have a CD either?? And they wonder why people shop online instead. sheesh
I’m hearing new gems every day in each song, especially Joy to the World, The First Noël, and even Melodies of Christmas.
… but I’m still a little too not over Riu Riu Chiu….
So, today Mr refnaf received in the mail a package….a tube actually. He and I were quite interested in what it might be. As he unrolled the contents I was shocked…. a huge poster of DEMI LAVATO!!!! He looked at me and smiled. Don’t even ask said I. Apparently I had used his visa to join Demi’s fan club… triple yiikes.
Thanks for all your comments, I have gifted 3 of the cd’s so far, and am getting very good responses. The concensus is that David’s voice is perfect for Christmas music…
Since I am having huge internet probs I may not be around much (it’s working at the moment).
I was thrilled at David’s Canadian tweet!!! In a heartbeat,… oh my.
Mr refnaf’s mail tube made my morning LOL
Joy to the World – from 2:40 to end… His love , His love , ohhh ohhh… , He rules the world with his truth and grace , the wonders of His love…
Gah!
Good morning! Six of us are headed to a beautiful country inn located on 150 acres of historic civil war battlefield for a looong afternoon lunch. What will we be doin’? Kicking off the Christmas season of course by listening to and talking about the lovely gift that David gave us for Christmas. Wanna come?
KT – That sounds absolutely wonderful! We’ll need a recap of the highlights of this afternoon journey when you get back. 🙂
Angelica – Could you send me your email address through Contacts here. I have a couple of questions about the video software you use. Thanks.
Refnaf, thanks for telling it like it is – too funny. I am so totally into Christmas this year. No bah humbug for me. I ordered copies from Cdn and US Amazons, so have raced home each night this week to check my mailbox. Haven’t done that since I was waiting for a letter from my summer camp crush.
KT, I wish I could join you for lunch, sounds divine. We sure had some great laughs over dinner in Hershey. Will we see you in Manchester or Providence?
Awestruck (and Tofan): I am also obsessed with Gospel David in the second part of Joy to the World! Major chills. We need a MGR of that!
Refnaf: I had also gotten that gigantic Demi poster in the mail. Wonder where I should put it up? lol
Sunshine – how did you order from US Amazon?!? I tried, but it said you needed a US address. Checking your mailbox- LOL
Awestruck, I’m not sure why I was able to order on .com. I’ve had that problem in the past but the powers of David must be at work here. I placed the order with no problem, it was charged to my visa but it still hasn’t arrived (thank goodness for .ca).
Love that I was listening to Christmas music this morning while shopping for Halloween treats. 🙂
Sunshine – it will be Christmas in July for me, I suspect that I’ll be listening ot CFTH all year round!
Saw this on FOD and it looks to me like they used fan art? in there promotion.
can’t spell: TO CFTH and THEIR promotion
Morning fellow Canadian fans:):):)
Relieved…well…not really…but it appears that we are all having the same problem getting our hands on this hot little CD! Best Buy doesn’t even carry it…though they did have his first album. My Walmart had only 3 copies…I bought two but left one as I wanted him to get some promotion!!! Changed my mind and went back on Wednesday to buy the last copy…and it was GONE!!! YEAH!!! There must be at least one more David Archuleta fan in Edmonton!!! Will check out HMV this week and may resort to either Chapters or Amazon online ordering. I have to send one to my sis in New Zealand so was VERY thankful for the two copies that I could get my hands on:):):)
LOVE this site and so happy to find fellow Canuck fans!!! Please all that go to a holiday concert report back to us sad home-bound fans that can’t go!
Happy Weekend!!!
Ref, LOL, you & Mr. Refnaf will just have to share joint-custody of the Demi poster. 😆
Sunshine, it’s true — Christmas, Thanksgiving & Halloween in one big happy month this year! My Amazon CDs that came in the mail are my only hard copies so far … but I felt better when I saw David’s tweet this morning: “Oh wow my friends have a copy of my Christmas CD on the counter. First time I’ve seen a physical copy of it haha.” He had to wait for his, too! LOL
KT, your luncheon sounds fab … Kizzi’s right, report back!
yjfanofdavid, a Joy to the World gospel MGR followed by a full RCC MGR, that song seems too short to me, I just want it to keep going and going and going!
Awestruck, def. used fan art in that video … good detective work!
MasterClassLady’s review of CFTH is finally up!
http://wp.me/pIgh-1ap
yjfanofdavid, sounds as though she’d like to hear that Joy to the World MGR, too!:
“The ending is truly spectacular -the goosebumps are starting to form on my arm. David’s liberated vocal style, that soulful quality that we have come to know and love is revealed in splendor and glory as he vocalizes the final strains of this beautiful song. Excellent!”
just marly, *waves!*
Manchester Concert goers: I am organizing an after the David set get-together on the 29th for anyone who wants to attend. Just a short walk from the venue. Email me at kizzix2008@mail.com if you want the details.
Ref – got the same poster last week. Fortunately the g-babies were at my house and they love “Sonny With a Chance” so the poster was a big hit. But like you when I first got the tube, I was ?????
Hey Just Marly!
Thanks for all the heys!!!
I read here and elsewhere often but don’t post very much…everyone else is so articulate and says what I would like to much better than I could:):):)
VERY thankful that there are other David fans here in Canada…I have LOVED him since the beginning of AI last year and it gets lonely:(
Will be waiting with bated breathe to hear of all your adventures at the concerts this winter. One day that would be my dream to meet up with fellow Archies and be hypnotized and mesmerized by his voice together! A HUGE part of this fandom for me is the online connection to others that share the love. Having NEVER been a fan of anyone before I have no idea if this is “normal” or not but what an added gift to be a fan of David!!!
Trying for every opportunity to drive my kids too and fro so that I can listen to David’s voice in private whilst driving in my car.
Just Marly – I have never been an avid fan of anyone before either SO this IS normal – for me! Comment more often, I welcome reading everyone’s opinion.
justmarly, “Trying for every opportunity to drive my kids too and fro so that I can listen to David’s voice in private whilst driving in my car.” LOL
I used to dread trips to the dentist (and lament how far away his office was) but now I look forward to that long car ride, for the same reason … wonder if my dentist has noticed how much happier I now look when I get there? 😉
New VIP package ($195) sale dates added (new dates in bold
(www.iloveallaccess.com / password: heart):
Cleveland, OH — Tues. 10/20 @ 11 am ET
Montclair, NJ. 10/20 @ 1 pm ET.
Waukegan, IL. — 10/20 @ 12 pm CT.
Kansas City, MO. — 10/20 @ 1 pm CT.
St. Paul, MN. — 10/20 @ 1 pm CT.
Ann Arbor, MI. — 10/20 @ 1 pm ET.
Westbury, NY. — 10/20 @ 2 pm ET.
Mashantucket, CT. — 10/20 @ 3 pm ET.
Baltimore, MD. — 10/20 @ 3 pm ET.
Boston, MA. — 10/20 @ 4 pm ET.
Bakersfield, CA. — 10/20 @ 12 pm PT.
Salt Lake City, UT. — Wed. 10/21 @ 9 am MT.
San Francisco, CA. — 10/21 @ 10 am PT.
Anaheim, CA. — 10/21 @ 10 am PT.
Rexburg, ID. TBA.
Just came from shopping and stopped at Office Max for some copies. Casually added a box of Christmas cards when I checked out. The clerk said, “A lot of people would think you were strange, buying Christmas cards now, but I think you’re smart to buy while the selection is good.” I looked at her like she was speaking a foreign language. What? Strange? It never occurred to me when I saw them that it was not the holidays.
Left there and went to Wal Mart to look again for his CD. Fail!! I told the clerk politely but through clinched teeth, that David Archuleta has a Christmas CD that was advertised as being available at Wal Marts nation-wide on October 13th and it was now October 17th. I was informed by said clerk that they do not put out Christmas albums until the holidays. E gads, is there no getting away from these humbugs?!! I even called another Wal Mart in the next town from my cell phone while in that store and was told the same thing. I mean the man has an understanding with Wal Mart to stock their shelves with his CD on the release date of October 13th and they feel perfectly free to ignore that much advertised commitment.
OK. I’m done with my rant. I will just order from Amazon and Wal Mart can kiss my mistletoe.
“and Wal Mart can kiss my mistletoe” Prickly, Angelica, very prickly LOLOLOL
Awestruck, prickly my mistletoe! I was holding way, way back. LOL!
First things first! Helllloooo Sunshine…good to “see” you. Yes, we did have a great time in Hershey. Unfortunately, Manchester and Providence are not in my future for this concert tour but I am very glad to know that you Canadian Archies are putting the exclamation point on your road trip!
In honor of Kizzi and TOfan, I bring you the following lunch re-cap.
Today we headed south for a drive in the country. Although rain was our constant companion it didn’t dampen our day or our spirits. The leaves on the trees were glistening stunning colors as a backdrop to the rolling hills. The place we chose for lunch was perfect with a wall-size stone fireplace and big picture windows with a view to the country side.
As an aside, as we sit glancing at the menu what do we hear on the speakers? “Leave the light on when I’m gone”….why oh why dear God when I am together with Archies are we always hearing that song? It has happens all too frequently.
So we get the pesky business of ordering lunch out of the way and get down to business. After all there was a lot to catch up on since we last met…ALMA Awards, The “Let It Be” Own the Stage Performance and this beautiful gift from David’s heart. We talked about our favorite songs, his stunning voice and the fact that is was the first time in our recorded history that we have ever listened to Christmas music so early.
Our conversation then moved to the important topic of concert planning. Colleges and Universities of the world take note: do current and future students a favor by offering an advanced degree called “David Archuleta Concert Planning”. Seriously, talk about providing today’s youth and returning adult students with very transferrable skills. First you have to fully understand fiscal planning and how to best allocate your discretionary income among concert tickets, VIP packages, plane fares, hotel stays, car rentals, gas and food…and across multiple concerts in a fiscal year. Also managing multiple projects and the use of a pert chart are indispensable skills when doing concert logistics planning. Concepts like who’s going to which concert (VIP or not) by what method of transportation, needing a hotel or not etc etc etc…it all can get very complicated. Last but not least, the fine art of espionage becomes all too critical when trying to hide the audit trail from unsuspecting family members.
Yeah…we proudly closed the place down…
Then I arrived home to find that the lovely Amazon Angels had visited and placed an early Christmas gift in my mailbox all wrapped up in exquisite brown recyclable cardboard….
All in all, an Archuvana day.
Angelica,
“I was informed by said clerk that they do not put out Christmas albums until the holidays. E gads, is there no getting away from these humbugs?!!” LOL “Kiss my mistletoe” bahahaha … gotta remember that one for my next store search!!
What’s funny is, most years, I’m the first one to complain when the stores set up their holiday displays right after Halloween (and the radio stations start playing Christmas carols early). This year, I have a feeling the tree’ll be up by November! 😆
KT,
thanks for your wonderful recap. An Archuvana day, indeed (love that!). When universities do start offering that logistics/espionage course, I think we’ve found the perfect instructor. 😉
… and, btw, what’s a “pert” chart? … if it can help with ArchuRoad-Trip planning, sign me up!
Kizi, The concert planning part would be so funny if it were not so true! And may I add that certain money laundering skills are useful too?
Tofan:
“I used to dread trips to the dentist (and lament how far away his office was) but now I look forward to that long car ride, for the same reason … wonder if my dentist has noticed how much happier I now look when I get there?”
Well, I take David’s music inside the dentist’s office with me! I would wear my earphones and listen to him in the ipod in the dentist’s chair. The dentist’s assistant was so surprised I didn’t need novocaine anymore. She even asked me what music I was listening to!
KT
“First you have to fully understand fiscal planning and how to best allocate your discretionary income among concert tickets, VIP packages, plane fares, hotel stays, car rentals, gas and food…and across multiple concerts in a fiscal year. Also managing multiple projects and the use of a pert chart are indispensable skills when doing concert logistics planning. Concepts like who’s going to which concert (VIP or not) by what method of transportation, needing a hotel or not etc etc etc…it all can get very complicated. Last but not least, the fine art of espionage becomes all too critical when trying to hide the audit trail from unsuspecting family members.”
This is so true! LOLOLOLOL!! We could all meet the requirements for a degree in Archieology. It would include the applied fine arts, (including the fine art of espionage, you mentioned,) music appreciation, extensive research, critical thinking skills, analytical essays, formal papers, and as you say, logistics and financial planning.
Sounds like a good time was had by all. Thanks for letting us enjoy it with you vicariously. 🙂
TOfan, Pert Chart: The Program (or Project) Evaluation and Review Technique, commonly abbreviated PERT, is a model for project management designed to analyze and represent the tasks involved in completing a given project.
It is a mandatory course in ArchuRoad-Trip planning 101!
Angelica: Archieology >>> LOVE IT!
Good night all…catch up with you tomorrow.
KT – espionage ftw. I am so happy that you reside here.
BTW – may I say once again that this site is “a clean breath of fresh air.”
I needed to say that tonight.
KT – What a lovely Archu_Holiday you had. I could visualize the rain slick road, see the patter of raindrops on the windshield, smell the fire crackling in the fireplace, view the rain drenched autumn leaved countryside, hear CFTH playing in the background, and listen to the laughter and warm hearted chatter. Archu_Companions are the best! Didn’t I meet some of your companions in Pittsburgh?
I love your idea of an Archu_Trip Kit. If possible, I’d like one for my PDA. Then I can download all the appearance dates and correlate with my personal calendar, and VOILA, my Real_Schedule is interfaced with the Archu_Schedule. Then PERT FTW! Genius!
Angelica – I’m thinking we all could take the GAAT (Graduate Archie Aptitude Test) and be awarded a Masters In Archieology at this point – LOL.
just marly – Hel-lloooooo!
bestyjaney – {{{waves}}}
I was thinking that I could set up a webcast for the after David concert get together in Manchester on the 29th. That way those of you who aren’t going to the concert could join in the after concert chatter. Would start around 8:30-9:00 pm ET. Does that sound at all interesting?
Morning everyone!
Some Amazon US numbers from FOD comments and GG_archudoors says:
October 18, 2009 at 8:46 am
hello team – more MP3 data from amazon usa!
as of 0845 a.m. eastern time…
=============
Bestsellers in MP3 Song Downloads, Holiday
David has 4 songs in the top 100…
#8. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
#10. Pat-A-Pan
#54. Melodies Of Christmas
#70. What Child Is This
=============
Hot New Releases in MP3 Song Downloads, Holiday
David 13 songs and how they are charting – !! keep downloading america
#1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
#2. Pat-A-Pan
#4. Melodies Of Christmas
#6. What Child Is This
#12. Riu Riu Chiu
#23. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
#37. Ave Maria
#54. Joy To The World
#57. O Holy Night
#80. Angels We Have Heard On High
#82. The First Noel
#94. Silent Night
#100. O Come All Ye Faithful
If you are interested in more from GG_archudoors scroll down in the comments section: http://fansofdavid.com/?p=30767#comments
yjfanofdavid, thanks for the in-dentist-chair tip! (Perfect, now that I finally have my own CFTH-loaded iPod (or as Refnaf calls it, “dPod”)!)
{{{betsy}}}
KT & Kizzi,
“I love your idea of an Archu_Trip Kit. If possible, I’d like one for my PDA. Then I can download all the appearance dates and correlate with my personal calendar, and VOILA, my Real_Schedule is interfaced with the Archu_Schedule. Then PERT FTW! Genius!”
… stories about new “Apps” for iPhones etc. are all over the news lately, you might just be on to something there! (Manchester webcast FTW!)
Awestruck, interesting numbers, I’m hoping my little Riu Riu Chiu will creep up higher closer to Christmas! I think one of the reasons I listen to it most is that I don’t have to worry about bursting into tears in public (the way I do with OHN, WCIT, AM, SN … geez, even TFN).
Just Marly: “Trying for every opportunity to drive my kids too and fro so that I can listen to David’s voice in private whilst driving in my car.” I can relate! I have a long commute to work and I used to hate my commute. Well, I found out my commute is exactly the length of CFTH, from the first note of Joy to the World to the last note of The Melodies of Christmas. Well, more or less, depending on the traffic lights. Now, going to work and driving home is something I look forward to everyday. Also, the road I take to work is a country road/scenic route, through an Amish community. The Amish buggies often share the road with the motorists. I can just imagine, comes winter, I get to watch the buggies with beautiful Amish children inside going by while snow is falling, with CFTH providing the sound track for this beautiful scene. Life cannot be better! 🙂
Amazon Canada is a maze – I can’t figure it out…all I was able to find was:
CFTH is #8 in AC and #11 in Vocal Pop
yjfan – sounds lovely, I can picture it… if you have to commute you are lucky that is your path!
TOfan – WCIT, AM, SN are my tear jerkers with AWHHOH coming on strong. MOC is growing on me – I can hear it on the radio along with Pat-A-Pan.