by Kimberly Ripley
Member since:
November 17, 2006

The Big BM...Barry's Biggest Fan Contest

September 26, 2007 08:02 PM EDT
views: 197 | rating: 10/10 (62 votes) | comments: 78

 

I lied. I'm not the biggest Barry Manilow fan. I'm the second. That's because my best friend takes 1st place. Growing up in a horrendous environment, she was cast aside, cast down, and ultimately cast away. Discarded like trash, she was left to grow herself up in a world where abused little girls become insecure women. She fell in love with Barry when the rest of us did, but to us Barry meant music and passion. To my friend he meant solace. Refrains of "Could It Be Magic" fostered dreams. "Mandy" meant mistakes happen, not intentional pain. "Even Now" validated memories.

 

My friend battled her demons, practiced forgiveness and created a life of substance. She credits Barry for a portion of her healing. In her middle age he plays constantly in her car, Copacabana signals incoming calls, and a big BM hangs on her living room wall. Rest assured-they're initials, carved by a little boy who grew to be a lifetime friend, yet recognized her need for love way back when.

 

Diagnosed with MS, she now has limited time to travel and realize her dreams. Barry could make one come true. I'd like to help.

 

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Comments: 78

J W. Sep 26, 2007, 8:08pm EDT
good article
Erin P. Sep 26, 2007, 8:10pm EDT
Excellent article!
John Philipp Sep 26, 2007, 8:25pm EDT
Thanks, Kimberly.

I don't understand why I read a lot of jokes about Barry's music as if he were Muzak. I like him even in an elevator.
Bonnie L. Sep 26, 2007, 8:28pm EDT
If there is a way WE can try to help you get Barry to make her dream come true, just say the word!

There is someone else on Gather who is a BIG Fanilow!!! I read her article last night...but can't remember who it was!

First Chapters Romance Contest Your Gift To Me" Chapter Two
Midnite Writer -- Kim Sep 26, 2007, 8:59pm EDT
Hey whatever works! It would be wonderful if we could all ban together to help her out.
Susan B. Sep 26, 2007, 10:06pm EDT
Yes!!! What a wonderful wish!
Paula Love Sep 26, 2007, 10:52pm EDT
awww, Barry manilow, his songs make me cry but I still love them.
Trish A. Sep 27, 2007, 1:44am EDT
Sounds like your love for your friend is almost as strong as your love for Barry Manilow's music. What a tender gift to try to give to your friend.
Paul M. Sep 27, 2007, 8:51am EDT
What exactly are you doing?
Ivy F. Sep 27, 2007, 7:24pm EDT
Kimberly,
I always love reading things you write, you are such a GEM! I wish you were my friend, & your friend I'm certain cherishes you. What can we do to help?
Cheers
Kimberly Ripley Sep 27, 2007, 8:47pm EDT
Thanks so much for everyone's offer to help, but I honestly don't think there's anything to be done. I don't believe this is something that will be voted on. Just say a little prayer and wish me well. There are lots of good essays and many deserving people. I just wanted to give it a shot for my friend. Never hurts to try!
Elsie Duggan Sep 27, 2007, 9:17pm EDT
I hope your essay wins his heart if he gets to read it Kimberly, it caught at my heart and I was going to say what can I do too. You never do know do you, does he have a web page I wonder, a lot of stars do, I sure do wish you well and your friend has a wonderful supporter in you and she is very lucky.
Kelly M. Sep 27, 2007, 11:43pm EDT
What a touching gesture!
Kimberly Ripley Sep 28, 2007, 9:22pm EDT
Yes, yes we get Gather votes! I didn't know this, so if you have friends that would be willing to help me support MY friend, please ask them to vote!
Dena Straughn Sep 30, 2007, 9:35am EDT
Love to help.
Sarah C. Sep 30, 2007, 10:27am EDT
Where do we go to vote? I'll give you a 10 here -- very nice article.
Pam H. Sep 30, 2007, 10:41am EDT
I hope you are able to make her dreams come true. MS is a very awful disease. Along with MS to have dealt with the childhood she did, she does deserve to be rewarded. Good Luck Kim, if I can help let me know.
I voted 10 because you are my friend and this is a nice thing to do.... Rosemary Clooney's son never did anything for me though... bobbed nose or not.
Kathryn E. Sep 30, 2007, 3:15pm EDT
A 10 for you, hope it helps your friend.


I'm a so so fan of Barry but your friend deserves this!
Kathryn E. Sep 30, 2007, 3:15pm EDT
Somebody mentioned Rosemary Clooney's son. That would be George Clooney, the hunk.
Vivian P. Sep 30, 2007, 3:18pm EDT
George Clooney isn't Rosemarys son her son is the boss on Jordons crossing
Vivian P. Sep 30, 2007, 3:22pm EDT
George Clooney is the son of Nick Clooney Rosemarys brother so he is her nephew
Her son is Miguel Ferrer
Vivian P. Sep 30, 2007, 3:39pm EDT
sure hope you win
not a fan of Barrys but thats cool
So a great reason for you to win Kim maybe even if you dont there will be someone 6 degrees from him and the dream could still come true...you know me always hoping for the fairy tale ending
10 friend
I'll be sending positive "vibes" for your friend, Kimberly. Here's a 10 from me!
Sophiya S. Sep 30, 2007, 11:41pm EDT
db10
Jean E. Oct 1, 2007, 1:49pm EDT
excellent - hope this comment helps as well - its nice to do something for someone else, isn't it? good job!! jean
Jo C. Oct 1, 2007, 3:12pm EDT
Kimberly - Your friend is lucky to have you as a friend. You want her to get the benefit even though you love Manilow's music as well. That is TRUE friendship.

P.S. I'm lucky that you comment on my articles so often :)
Yvonne F. Oct 1, 2007, 3:50pm EDT
I'm giving you a 10, and sending out prayers for your friend, and if BM has seen her through her life, then I say Why Not?
Sue P. Oct 2, 2007, 2:10pm EDT
Kimberly -- What a wonderful friend you are! Our prayers and thoughts are with you ... and if there is anything more we can do, please let us know! BLESS YOU!
J. P. Oct 2, 2007, 6:33pm EDT
You're a very good friend Kim!
Elsie Duggan Oct 2, 2007, 11:43pm EDT
I hope this helps you Kimberly and your friend
Jennifer Oliver Oct 3, 2007, 7:50pm EDT
I cracked up over your title...and then you brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful thing to do for your friend, Kimberly. You are awesome.
Jamie C. Oct 6, 2007, 3:56pm EDT
Excellent tribute to Barry and your friend. I hope you win the trip. I'm sure it would mean so much to your friend!

I never saw the correlation between Barry Mannilow's initials and well.... BMs. COUGH! Too funny!
Jo C. Oct 10, 2007, 2:10pm EDT
You still have my vote!
Richard Frisbie Oct 10, 2007, 5:31pm EDT
You may be the second biggest fan, but you are a #1 friend - Good Luck!
Paula Love Oct 11, 2007, 2:12am EDT
aha, I have already seen this and commented. teehee.
Susan E. Oct 11, 2007, 12:52pm EDT
You must win this and take her to Vegas to see the concert!
F. Jeanette c. Oct 11, 2007, 3:00pm EDT
What a great friend you are. I hope Barry finds it in his heart to welcome her. 10
Elizabeth Madrigal Oct 11, 2007, 4:48pm EDT
Wonderful post and what a good friend you are.
Elsie Duggan Oct 12, 2007, 1:23am EDT
I am here again, and hope this counts, but if not, still hope your friend wins.
ashish j. Oct 13, 2007, 11:55am EDT
here for u. all the best
Lucky Stars Oct 13, 2007, 12:58pm EDT
If commenting here helps, here I am.
Is this an essay contest and the winner gets to see Barry in Vegas?
You are a nice friend to do this.
I don't know how much this will help, but I'm here. Best of luck.

Ernie
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 13, 2007, 1:19pm EDT
Wonderful idea! I too love BM and "Could it be Magic" can be heard time and again emanating from my house speakers!

Your friend has a wonderful friend in you and I do hope and pray that her dream will come TRUE!!
Carole S. Oct 13, 2007, 1:23pm EDT
What a good friend you are. I know she will be thrilled.
Sue D. Oct 13, 2007, 1:24pm EDT
I hope her dreams come true!
Sue S. Oct 13, 2007, 1:26pm EDT
I hope somehow she gets to meet Barry. I am not a fan of his but I would love to see her get her wish.
Alainia~ Tha one n only~ a. Oct 13, 2007, 1:54pm EDT
I would vote 100 times If I could. How do you vote? Just by leaving comments and 10's if there is anything else I can do to help you win, please let me know!!!!
Alainia~ Tha one n only~ a. Oct 13, 2007, 1:54pm EDT
I hope she get's her wish!
Sarah (is happy to be near a T.V.) G. Oct 13, 2007, 2:19pm EDT
Thats very sweet of you to be trying to win this for your friend. I wish you both the best!
Tina Coruth Oct 13, 2007, 3:40pm EDT
Touching article. Big 10 for you and your friend. I wish you both the best of luck!!!
Sensational Sadie Sexy Senior Sitizen Oct 13, 2007, 4:11pm EDT
What an unselfish thing for you to do for her. Good Luck.
Emma L. Oct 13, 2007, 4:56pm EDT
Excellent
Barbra L. Oct 13, 2007, 7:03pm EDT
I sincerely hope that she will get to see him. I'm sure it would mean very much to her.
Autumn Farrington Oct 13, 2007, 8:02pm EDT
Barry Manilow is a marvelous entertainer. I hope that your friend will be seeing him in person soon.
Midnite Writer -- Kim Oct 13, 2007, 8:16pm EDT
I voted already but I still wish you good luck!
Member Photog Oct 13, 2007, 10:46pm EDT
very generous of you to do this and i agree that it can't hurt to give it a go!...not a BM fan, but variety is the spice of life,so here is my 10 and best wishes....cheers,gayle
Member Photog Oct 13, 2007, 10:49pm EDT
not familiar with this contest,but if comments count,then here be another to ramp it up!...Paying it forward is such a positve act and more of what is needed in our world....

cheers,gayle
Tara T. Oct 14, 2007, 1:37am EDT
I voted you a ten, If comments count, I'll do it again! Hope your friend gets her wish!
Pat M. Oct 14, 2007, 7:07pm EDT
db10
ChrisJerri S. Oct 15, 2007, 1:02pm EDT
Best of luck towards this goal.
Lisa (I love loons) C. Oct 15, 2007, 5:06pm EDT
That is so sweet of you to try to win this for your friend. You are an A #1 friend in my book. I hope that both of your dreams do come true.
Darshana P. Oct 19, 2007, 3:15pm EDT
Exelent Kimberly!10 from me ane think it will helpfull for U. Great!
Alexander W. Oct 19, 2007, 3:24pm EDT
Kimberly,

Well I'm not actually a Barry fan, however what can we do to help your friend?

Alexander
Nicole M. Oct 20, 2007, 7:38pm EDT
Where do we vote? I'd like to help too.
Ashley B. Oct 21, 2007, 12:10pm EDT
very nice of you to do such things for friends
Elsie Duggan Oct 21, 2007, 3:25pm EDT
Is the contest still running Kimberly, wondering , will you let us know if you win for her, I hope you do win.
John Pieper Oct 21, 2007, 5:29pm EDT
Win! WIN! Win!
back again to wish you luck
Bob C. Oct 30, 2007, 11:32pm EDT
Kim I grew up in a neighborhood where it was considered "gay" to like Barry Minilow and although I am definitely not gay (unless that means happy) I have alway liked Barry's music and felt that he had a great voice. Truth be told I think a few of my other "macho" friends did also! :-)

Is it possible that Barry has a web-site where we can maybe hook up with some e-mail campaign to him and get his attention about your friend? I will look into that and if anyone else can I think that would be a great thing to do!

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