I remember it as if were yesterday. I found myself to be desperately alone and without purpose. It wasn't easy being an African American in a predominately Caucasian environment. As an only child with a mother getting on in years, living in a small town where watching the grass grow is a major pastime, wasn't enough. I found myself pregnant and soon to be only 17. Needless to say, finishing high school and attending college were on my top 10 list.

Pressure everywhere with no light at the end of the tunnel. I found music to be a "great escape". Unfortunately most people associated racial/ethnic heritage with musical stereotypes. I was supposed to only listen to MOTOWN or other black performers. : Black people's music to coin a phrase. I of course preferred popular/rock music along with various other types of music.

Jobs were limited. Needless to say, I managed by working for Stadiums/ Coliseums and squeezing in my daughter and college. Most of the groups played a large variety of music. While selling "Hot Dogs & Peanuts" the group management offices needed a sort of spokes-person to attend to the backstage and dressing room concerns. I was open and outgoing enough, so I accepted. Little did I know that my life was about to change forever... DURAN DURAN happened.

The Fab 5 or so they were known had arrived. My 1st encounter was on MTV, this great new show that gave you a visual conception of the music you listened to. Duran Duran had arrived with romantically seductive and erotic concepts to define extreme images that were so intense; there music became a permanent part of me and all of the people in my life.

'Planet Earth' was a great nursery rhyme to sing to my daughter and to this day she swears that she remembers all the words. "Girls on Film" was socially defiant and a provocative explicit concept that left quite a few "red faces" around the world.

"Hungry Like the Wolf" made interracial / multi-cultural relationships ok. (I loved the scenes of Simon and the "Wolf" which was a black woman and my child's father IS WHITE. After our relationship ended, I found myself relying on Duran Duran to help me through it all. My protectors and companions.

Then they arrived here in the USA and were playing in my city, and hopefully my venue. (I crossed my fingers very hard). YES! Upon our brief yet sustaining acquaintance, assistant management in the presence of my IDOLS. My Guardians, by far was the most profound and sacred experience in my life Paled only in comparison to the birth of my child. They appeared very friendly and in some ways I honestly believed they were still at the Rum Runner in Birmingham and were pinching themselves expecting to wake up at any moment. (I know that I was).

The concert was awesome; their stage presence was impressive and refreshingly erotic. I then decided that if and when I ever settled down and that person did not posses characteristics similar in nature or beauty, then there were no happenings…. (Smile)

The time went by far too fast but has had an everlasting effect on my life and that of my child.

A few years went by and I didn't have the privilege of seeing them in concert but kept they're spirit alive inside my heart and to assure that I would forever be "Connected" to my protectors that I assumed the last name of Duran.

As my mother's health declined, upon her deathbed I sustained myself with the Lords Prayer and "Save A Prayer" if only till the morning after. Grant me peace.

Even though the members of the "Fab 5" went on their independent ways, (boy was I disturbed) both Power Station and Arcadia remain sacred as well and just like any other "Duranie" knows all of the words and each movement of every member of the band.

I'm sure you are anxiously curious as to which member is my favorite. "NICK RHODES. I view him as not only being the most handsome, charming, seductive and the most talented keyboardist in the world!!! His great taste in apparel combined with the erotic notion of TOTAL MALE PERFECTION. Now he alone is my protector. Whenever times are rough, which as we know is most often the thought that he exists makes everything right with the world.

Well I am living with a man for the past 8 years or so and my daughter is now 19 years old today as a matter of fact and attends college and to this day she still knows all the words to each and every song. What can I say, it is in the blood….Duran Duran has of way of becoming one with their audience and I truly believe their longevity has spanned 2 generations due to intimacy and just a little of Nick's phenomenal make-up talents… Truly amazing.

My daughter claims that she remembers from the womb, and I'm sure that this may sound a little silly but I have been deprived of the benefit of concerts or coincidental meetings so I have invented "The Rhodes Bear" which I sleep with and chat with sort of like a best friend. Imaginative and supportive by responding to difficult situations and always wakes me in the AM with a phrase of "Hello Luv" each time. Needless to say that being a "Duranie" is somewhat challenging. Keeping up to date with Web Rings, chat sessions and the latest news helps me keep in touch and has become my salvation to connect with other fans around the world that share the same passions with Duran Duran, fueling the intense fire that they create with their music.

You must excuse my form of manuscript, but for each memory that I have painstakingly tried to recreate for whomever has an interest comes to me in fragments so pardon me if I the events are not in chronological order, but know this, each word and sentence comes from the heart.

Early on during my pregnancy, thru college single parenting and trying to keep my sanity in an "Ordinary World" has helped me to survive some very severe times. (Even though it was written at a later date, the connection is still there. So much time has passed, but finally in the summer of 1999 I had the privilege to attend their concert at Nissan Pavilion and my faith in humanity was restored 4th row right in front of Nick, he has such a sexy smile… Even though minus (3) John, Roger, and Andy but adding one very talented Warren making them no longer the "Fab 5" but still very much Duran Duran and my dedication to keep hope alive by supporting the groups efforts by purchasing any and all memorabilia and an impressive collection of at least 3 copies of every CD and back in the day of Vinyl (Albums) at least all that could be obtained in the US and some rare recordings from the UK. Oh why 3? When I travel and misplace a copy, I feel compelled to by another so they tend to add up.

Did you also know that I was 1 of the 1st place winners in the "Picture Yourself in London Contest" by sending in 938 hand written postcards and to this day, I kick myself for not sending in at least 100 more…

It is painfully obvious that Duran Duran in the 80's set the precedence for "Music Videos" and I must say that VH1 has played a major role in the longevity of Duran's on- going success. The special that was aired recently was very well produced and directed. Thank you. It will remain in my archives forever. Even though I personally feel that MTV dropped the ball 4th and goal which is really unfair to Duran Duran and a host of other groups because epic videos such as "Wild Boys" and "The Reflex" set a standard that even by today's technology are unsurpassed! People around the world have a permanent devotion to the group that entered into virgin territory and made it work. There is no doubt in my mind that venture into the un-known broke a major racial battle on how people view music by the ethnic origins of the artists as opposed to the content on the music, which is why we listen.

In closing let me just state that the continuity of feelings and emotions that each and every song was personally performed just for me and I could (and have) go on and give you a succession of situations that has been resolved due to the lyrics and melodies of each song written and performed by Duran Duran. Even though the "Fab 5" are no longer, Nick, Simon, and Warren have successfully "carried the torch" that incites all that is right in my life, correcting impossible situations, mending a broken heart or just an opportunity to be a part of musical history. But I must say Nick, I just love the Blow up Doll thing in 'Electric Barbarella. (Destined to become a classic)

Listening to their music has been the closest thing to heaven and when my time on Planet Earth has expired, I hope that our spirits can once again be reunited or 'Is There Something I Should Know'?

I appreciate this opportunity you have afforded me in allowing me to share how the existence of Duran Duran continually provide me with the same comfort and protection for over 16 years. May this divine connection that goes beyond infinity...