Tony Bennet and Lady Gaga at the Royal Albert Hall 2015

I last saw Lady Gaga over two and a half years ago, at Twickenham on her Born this Way Ball tour. So it was well overdue for me to see her again. Not least because I needed some rejuvenation and magic in my life. I wanted to feel brave again.

I knew that Tony Bennet and Lady Gaga at the Royal Albert Hall would be a very different affair compared to Lady Gaga's concert tours, but it would still be beautiful and quintessentially Gaga. Cheek to Cheek has been out for a long time now, so I has plenty of time to getto know the songs. Although Jazz is not my usual music, I definitely enjoy listening to Cheek to Cheek. There is a lot of talent, passion and love in that album.

Knowing that this would be a classy affair, I decided to wear my ivory Jumperskirt by Moi-même-Moitie, paired with a faux fur cape, lace tights and heels, with my hair in a princess-like updo. I felt safe wearing brand lolita clothes because I knew the venue would be seated and it wasn't likely that my clothes would get dirtied.

The Royal Albert Hall was easy to get to on the tube - it was a little walk from the platform to the venue, but well signposted, so it wasn't much trouble.

My mummy and I arrived about a couple of hours before the show was about to start and stopped to take some pictures in front of the lovely architecture. We had dinner at the Itailan restaurant in the Royal Albert Hall.

I spent some time admiring what other fans were wearing. It seemed that so many people were wearing their best for the show. It made me happy to see such elegant fans.

I think it was about 20 minutes before the show when Mummy and I went to our seats. Our seats were quite high up (second row from the back) and towards the front of the circle, so we had a somewhat restricted view of the stage. We had This didn't turn out to be much of a problem however. The inside of the Royal Wlvert Hall was very rand ~ the perfect venue for such a show. I knew this was going to be a special night.

Before I went in I purchased the Cheek to Cheek Blu-Ray.

When it came to seven o'clock, there was an announcement to welcome Prince Harry. It came as a surprise to me. There was a spotlight on the box where I presume he had entered, but from where I was I could not tell him apart from anyone else. After, the musicians came out and filled their seats at the back of the stage.

Tony was announced and came out on stage first. He made a lovely welcome for Lady Gaga and then she appeared in a glittering gown. Most of her costumes consisted of long, flowing dresses with numerous rhinestones and pearls, just right for a lady. Apart from one considerably raunchier number of a see-through red outfit complete with feather boa which she showcased about half way through the performance.

There was a elegant atmosphere to the whole show. No fancy props or staging, just gorgeous music performed by very talented artists with lovely voices. Although the venue itself was gorgeous. I remember admiring the ceiling a lot before the show started.

Of course Lady Gaga performed beautifully because she is obviously in love with this style of music. You can tell that she sings from the heart. Gaga really gave it her all that night. I was also pleasantly surprised by how well Tony sang, given his age. Their voices sound lovely together. Some say that it is an unexpected combination, but given their talents and the passion they share, it seemed to me quite natural.

The set list was a combination of duets and some solo songs, so both fanbases had a chance to see their favoured artist perform alone. Tony stuck to his suit, but Gaga went through various costume changes and danced around the stage, often teasing the band.

There was one point when Lady was on stage on her own and acted a bit less Lady and a bit more Gaga. "(We)Love you Stefani!" one fan shouted.

"Don't call me Stefani," Gaga replied, "Stefani died a long time ago. You think I'm a mess; She's more f***** up than I am." Oh Stefani, I still love you.

It was mostly a very enjoyable and elegant evening. However, there were some 'fans' acting somewhat disrespectfully through out Tony's solo performance and paid more attention to their phones than the show. They left before the half-way point. I can't say that I missed them.

One of my favourite songs performed that night was La Vie en Rose - sung solo by Lady Gaga. Stefani wore a pink dress designed by her sister, Natali. Her French might have been a little off, but that did not matter so much as she sung that song so well. She put so much wondrous passion in her voice. And by God did she sing it. Wow, it was lovely. I felt like a brave Princess again.

Of course, one of the songs I was waiting for was 'The Lady is a Tramp.' The first Jazz song that I heard Lady Gaga sing and one of my favourites. I was not disappointed. That song was so fun and just the right amount of Gaga magic I needed. I think it was the last song performed, but I might be wrong.  

All in all it was a fabulous night. I can't wait to see Lady gaga again. <3

Hizaki solo tour ~Crimson Rose~ in Paris, France

Here is my post on Hizaki's solo LIVE tour ~Crimson Rose~ in Paris. Since it is a long entry I have split it into subheading sections for easier reading. Please enjoy.

Journeying to Paris

As we were to be going to the Kawaii Café that day, I wore my Baby, the Stars Shine Bright outfit on the plane. Of course, it was my treasured 'Versailles Rose Bouquet' Jumperskirt in the red (Chateau de Versailles) colourway. I had heard stories before about lolitas having problems getting through security, but I had no trouble, and the airport staff even complimented me on my outfit.

Once we were through customs, my Mummy and I decided to go to Giraffe for Breakfast. I had pancakes - it was a nice yummy sweet treat, just right for me. 

Of course, there are not many interesting things to be said about airports and plane travel, so I'll just fast-forward to our arrival at the hotel. (I'll bypass the part where instead of saying 'exscusez-moi', I went 'sumimasen' instead.)

Our hotel was based in Cergy, about 2 miles from Covent Garden Studios. After having some  trouble with taxis when we went to see Sunshine last year, we thought we would be clever and book a hotel nearby. 

That was until we found out about Hizaki's meeting at Kawaii Café. 

On the way to Kawaii Café

So after settling into our hotel for about an hour, (hanging up my dresses to make sure they did not get creased), we went off to find the train station.

The train station was a short walk away, through a beautiful park. My heart was full of joy and trepidation as I walked through. Until my mother and I arrived at the station and my head became full of confusion.

Luckily, there was a person at the ticket office who could speak some English so after peering at maps we were able to purchase our tickets okay. 

The train into Paris lasted about half an hour perhaps. I remember looking at the the map to make sure we departed at the right stop. I was anxious. Would my dream be real? Trains fill me with a sense that I'm heading to something good. I felt that the forever-long wait I had to endure would soon pay off.

When Mummy and I reached the stop in Paris, we had some more confusion. What next train to get? The metro, yes we knew? But what line? Time was running out. Parisians rushing here and there. There was no staff. My heart was beating fast.

Eventually, we found the information point and were directed to the right train to get.

I found out that if you dress in lolita on the metro, you will have an accordion player serenade you with his less-than-stellar rendition of his original song 'Bonjour Princess, Princess in Paris.' or something like that. Sadly, it wasn't the same person who 'plays' the accordion in his 'Trésor' video. He can serenade me any time he wants.

Actually the stop I wanted to get off at was shut, so we had to get off a stop early. I learned a harsh lesson about google maps and location services. It took us forever of going in the wrong direction, turning down the wrong street until, finally, when I was on the verge of tears, I could see it! The Kawaii Café! Yes yes yes.

Waiting for Hime at Kawaii Café

Of course I had to stop in a shop window to fix my hair. By this time my Mummy and I were very hungry as we hadn't eaten since about half-past nine that morning. So were very grateful to find we could order nice hot food at the Café. I want to thank the Café staff for being so welcoming and providing great service.

Chekis with Hizaki cost €10. In order to have one we had to put our name down on a list in order to book our place in the queue. There was some merchandise on sale, but only a little and I'd thought I'd wait for the LIVE before I purchased anything.

During the wait for Princess, I was able to talk to some lovely fans. I'm so happy to have met them. Everyone I talked to was very kind - I hope one day to meet again. 

There was a little 'music-knowledge' game in the Kawaii Café. It went like this:

The staff would play a clip of a song and if you knew the artist and the song, you were to raise your hand and you could win points and prizes. Or something like that. I didn't play myself as my Japanese music knowledge is very limited! 

*Hime arrives at Kawaii Café*

It was about half nine when Hizaki arrived. We were all ushered outside the café and waited at the sides of the street.

I could see dear Princess coming down the road to meet us and then suddenly, there he was, right in front of my face. Wow! My first meeting was very intense.

After saying 'Bonjour!' (And then probably something else, I can't quite remember.) Hizaki went and sat down on the sofa inside. We were then called in for the chekis by order of our names on the list. Fans were called inside by groups of about four, to go up one at a time.

I had to wait just a little while for my turn. When I went inside, I put my bag down under a table. I had a letter for Princess in Japanese. I took a deep-breath and mentally prepared before going up.

And then suddenly it was my turn, I could go meet Hizaki-hime! 

Ah, I was nervous. I wanted to give him my letter I had written, but they went straight into the cheki, so I held it on my lap as the picture was taken.

Actually, when I sat down, he looked at me and then looked at my dress and said "very pretty". I was so happy. I said "thank you" quietly. It was lovely. He put his arm around me for the cheki.

Then he shook my hand and I gave him my letter. I hope he could understand my poor Japanese.

I was so thrilled. He was everything I had ever dreamed. Truly.

Then, because it was late and we were in a strange city, my Mummy and I went to get a taxi back to our hotel. We were quite lucky in that we could hail a cab quite quickly. However, it was a little scary watching the fare go up and up. Needless to say, it was much more expensive than our train ride there. But we got back to our hotel safe and I'm so glad I did it.

Day of the LIVE

I didn't get much sleep that night and the next day I woke up naturally about 5am. (･･;) But I lay in bed for a few hours, just dozing and scrolling on my phone. I was very tired, but hyped for the LIVE. 

Instead of rushing around to beat the clock in time for breakfast, my mother and I decided to spend time getting ready so we could have an early lunch in the hotel.

I wore this outfit. As I said in Sunshine's London report, I fear wearing brand to LIVE's, for fear of ruining the dress. Actually, looking back, it would have been better if I had done a different hairstyle, but I wanted to incorporate my Versailles scrunchie somehow.

The food in the hotel was lovely. Very much worth the price. I'm so glad we stayed there. I had an omelette, and then for dessert this absolutely gorgeous ice-cream. So delicious. (I didn't take any food pictures, sorry!)

We headed off pretty soon after we had eaten. We were in walking distance (about two miles away) from the venue. It was along a main road, but it was pavemented, so it was fine.

I arrive at the venue

We arrived at the venue around half-past three. There was plenty of time to talk to other fans and I met some really nice people there. Although I am embarrassed by my terrible Japanese and non-existent French.

One lovely lady from Japan was handing out light brackets from Jupiter and she she gave me the Hizaki version. I shall treasure it.

When the VIPs were let into the venue, we were given a special 'HIZAKI - Crimson Rose' bag by a staff member, with a poster and jupiter bracelet. I was really pleased by the gifts, they were such a nice touch and really felt like a very special souvenir from the event. We then waited in the foyer for a few minutes, before we were allowed in the hall.

This is my mother's photo of the gifts.

*Hizaki solo LIVE*

My Mummy and I were very lucky in that we manged to get a front row position, albeit at the very end. As you can see in this picture taken with Hizaki at the end of the concert, only the edge of my dress is visible. 

Hizaki came out wearing his outfit from 'The History of Genesis'. It was lovely to see all the detail and beadwork on his dress. He moved his arms a lot, and the wide sleeves of the dress added a touch of elegance to his movements. When he twirled around, you could see his black lace tights underneath.

Now, as I've said before in my reports of Sunshine, I'm no good at remembering set-lists, so I can not give an accurate description in that way. But I will try my best.

I think Hizaki started with a Jupiter song - Birth of Venus. I vaguely remember singing Zin's lyrics in my head. Hizaki played so well that I probably spent as much of time watching his fingers move expertly up and down the strings, as I did looking straight at him.

Princess played songs from Hizaki Grace Project, such as Race Wish; Versailles, including Serenade and Sympathia; and from Jupiter; Church Candle was one of the songs present.

It was lovely to listen to Serenade, as it was the song that made me fall in love with the beautiful band. There was a bittersweet feeling stirring somewhere in my heart.

Church Candle is one of my favourite songs from Hizaki. There is such complete sadness and joy intertwined in the melody. It felt like the edge of something beautiful. Unfortunately, this was when Hizaki's guitar string broke. But it was okay because Princess was an expert and he could fix it. He went to the back of the stage to sort it out. When he was seeing to his guitar, he turned his head towards us and said "'Sorry" cutely in English.

Someone from the audience shouted "Daijoubu desu. Ganbaru!" And Hizaki made a fist.

We started to cheer and clap for him, then, when he went to tune the strings, we quietened down so he could hear properly. But no, he waved his hand - he wanted us to cheer louder! I guess now I should mention about the guitar - it was his signature burgundy and golden roses of course. It looks even prettier in real life.  

Then, the guitar was mended and Hizaki was able to play Church Candle again. "Okay, one more time." And it was so, so beautiful. 

Hizaki spoke a little English, and a tiny bit of French. I think he only knew two words in French; 'Bonjour' and 'Je t'aime'. When he first said the latter one there was a cheer, and thus he said it many more times. 

Hizaki leapt onto the barrier a lot, much to the delight of the crowd, and played from there. He seemed to focus on the middle a lot - I think simply because there were strong gentlemen there who were able to hold him up. 

One time later, he came right over to the end where I was with my mother and two lovely French ladies who were behind us. He didn't jump on the barrier though. I think he took one look at me, thought: 'She's too delicate!' and decided against the idea. 

For the encore, Hizaki came out in the sailor jupiter top with the bow print and a black skirt. The skirt looks much better than it does in pictures. It had some sort of print on it (I'd like to say some sort of embroidery or embossing), but I'm not sure. I think it was something like crowns or roses. He was very playful with that skirt, and kept waving it in front of some fans' faces!

It was then that he made his way over to my corner. He played his guitar and reached his hands out to the audience so they could touch his hand. I was a little shy, but very happy when he patted me on the head. It was a special moment.

At the end of the LIVE, two staff members came out. They were both wearing the sailor bow print Jupiter t-shirt, but one of them was a male wearing it with his masculine clothes! It gave us a laugh. They took the picture then. As I said, I can't be seen in it. However, they were filming a little outside the venue and the Kawaii Café, and I made sure I was in frame for that, so we'll see.

Hizaki threw some guitar picks out to the audience. I wasn't able to catch any, but the ladies behind me caught his water bottle. I'm glad for them.

*VIP meet and greet*

At the end, the VIPs were told to wait in the foyer, so the staff could tidy up before we could meet Hizaki in person. There was merchandise on sale that a lot of fans were looking at. On sale was some Jupiter t-shirts, pictures and CDs and also a special Crimson Rose bag (different design to VIP) and Hizaki poster, and also special chekis taken on the solo tour, among other things. I hope Jupiter were able to gain more fans from the event. 

I went to tidy myself and reapply some of my makeup, when I saw that my fairy dust had spilled all over my make-up and was spilling on to the floor. I am sorry for the staff who had to clear it up. It was all over my hands as well and not knowing what to do, I put it in on my hands and in my hair so I was kira kira princess. 

The VIPs lined up to go in one at a time to meet Hizaki in the hall. (Friends could go in together if they wish). I'm glad that our meeting was private, so I didn't feel flustered. We went in with our posters that we had recieved before he live. There was a white space at the bottom for Hizaki to sign.

When I went in, he looked up at me and said "hai, kawaii kawaii". I was very rose-faced indeed. I tried speaking a little to him in Japanese but I am afraid that my language abilities are very poor. However, his interpreter next to him was very friendly. Then Hizaki came out from behind the desk and gave me a hug! I was surprised...maybe I should have hugged him more, but I was being cautious. I handed him my present and he thanked me. 

Then he handed me a fresh rose. It was lovely. I was so pleased. I bowed and said "hontou ni arigatou gozaimasu."

It was a dream.

After the LIVE

We were out of the Venue about 11:30pm I think. We talked to the staff as to whether it would be safe to walk back at that time of night. They assured us that it would be fine, but then, a couple of minutes later, they offered us a lift. Wow, we were so grateful. Honestly, seeing how lovely the staff were and how organised the event was, makes me feel that Sunshine...

Well, lovely people should have lovely staff, right?

Thanks to the kindness of the 33Degrees staff, we arrived at the hotel about 11:30. Thankfully, the bar was still open, so we were able to have some snack. We ordered some tomato and mozerella paninis- well it was the nicest 'snack' I've ever had. Really tasty and filling.

Farewell Paris

Mummy and I woke up late again on the Saturday and had another lovely lunch at the hotel. 

We set off through the lovely park to the nearby shopping centre. I just wore a simple lolita outfit. 

I bought a few things at the shopping centre, including this cross pendant. It's my Hizaki cross. (On the right.) ^^

I just recently bought the chain back in England in a local independent jewellers. The same jewellers where I got the chain for my SOTV necklace from. 

The journey home was... Uninteresting. I guess I was sad that the dream had stopped.

There is not much to say now, except, thank you to all of the lovely people I met who made this trip beautiful. Thank you very much, merci beaucoup, どうもありがとうございました。

And thank you, thank you so much dearest Hime. I hope to see Jupiter in London soon.

Kamijo 20th Anniversary Live London

Finally, here is my post on Kamijo's 20th Anniversary Live in London - I'm hesitant to say report as it's more of a personal entry. I know the concert was over 6 weeks ago now, but for various reasons I really couldn't post this any earlier. Thank you for your understanding. 

 ***

I had risen early that day, in order to have sufficient time to get ready. I needed enough time to make myself beautiful.

Would three hours be enough?

Haha. Well, I do not think I spent quite that long in reality. But I always make sure to allow myself extra time before big events, incase of any mishaps. As they are wont to happen when all must be perfect.

Perfection. Was that all I sought? Well truly, I must confess that in others I find perfection in their flaws. But as for myself...

All must be beautiful.

My hair took about 1 hour to fully curl. My make-up, about 25 minutes. I'm not sure. I had done the full face, eyelashes, glitter and a touch of red on the lips. Of course I wore lolita. But since I was going to a concert, I didn't want to wear my brand, for fear of it getting spoiled. I donned a handmade dress that I had finished a few days before. Red of course. It is my favourite colour if you didn't know already.

And then it was off to the train station.

We arrived at the concert venue sometime before the doors were to open. I can't remember exactly when, but my mother says it was just after three, so I'll go with that. We spent the wait talking with other fans. I think I seemed much younger than my years to others. Especially because I was there with my mother. I am used to this, but sometimes it creates a troubling situation. I know I cannot be helped, but still...

Frustrating.

I was glad to talk to other fans. All were so sweet and kind, thank you. I think that day I met those who may be some of the most loveliest people.

We were let into the venue in groups of no more than 25. There were just under 100 of us in all. My mother and I were in the second group. When all 'VIP' ticket-holders were safely inside the venue, his lordship (or perhaps now I should say 'his grace' xD) entered near the stage. 

Simply beautiful.

When the first set of fans went to meet him, I went to the merchandise.   I was glad that there was a nice variety of goods. I bought a t-shirt. 

Yes, that is the guitar pick of the darling I am always holding close. Matches well with Sunshine don't you think?

And then it was time to meet Prince. I had for him a present, and a letter written in Japanese. My Japanese is still not great but it was all my own words and my own heart.  I was prepared. I was ready.  I WAS, until a staff member told me I needed to be quick.

Now, I already knew beforehand that my  time with Kamijo would be very limited. But being told something that was already very obvious and apparent knowledge, did not add to my experience in the slightest. I felt rushed and unsettled by these words and thus I forfeited all hope of behaving in a way as that befits the nature of a lady. I left all grace and eloquence behind. I even think my kindness, which I have only just enough of at the best of times, was scant. 

It does not matter what I did or said, only that I acted as a foolish half-wit, and those virtues I had left in the dirt were returned tenfold by Sunshine.

I confess that I was somewhat tearful that evening. Not in front of Kamijo, for I did not loose all sense of propriety as to do that. It was important that he did not see my tears. I do not want any cause for him to be unhappy. 

I was really silly for crying. I had met Prince, that must be happiness enough. I can not permit myself such selfishness.  But being greeted with such beauty makes the wait for the other so much more unbearable. Does not the goodness of one give hope that the same goodness will be found in the other? I think so. I know so. I hope so. And back then in March I had no comfort in knowing what I would be doing at the end of May.

With my whole heart I wish for their happiness. And verily, I will not forsake them. Not now. Not ever.

If I look back, I am lost.

By the time the concert came to start I had mostly regained my composure. What was left of me collected and I feel I had enough of the Princess Adélaide within me to behave at least respectfully, if a little quiet. 

As for the live itself, well I do not remember exactly what Kamijo sung and when, sorry. Perhaps I should have made a better note of it. I do not pay much attention to technicalities such as set lists I'm afraid. But I do know that he sung with such passion, his voice being both powerful and beautiful. I really think he performs his music and does not simply just sing it. He is quite the artist, flowing from one song to the other,  and it was nice to see how he transforms to suit the different feelings of each song, yet still retains his fair spirit. Ever the theatrical, it made me smile to see him dancing about the stage, and he took the time to make eye contact with everyone, his performance filled with such joy. Joy, yes there was much joy in it. His performance is so full of love, that one cannot help enjoying theirselves. 

 

The setup of the stage meant the drummer, Maoki, was off-centre, which meant I was able to see his cuteness very well indeed. Meku is very talented and I was very glad to see Masashi. I think someone else was glad he was there too. I feel all three played very well indeed.

Thank you for coming to London dear Prince. I'll see you again soon. 

But for now...

I have a Princess to get to.

Take care dear roses.

Hello Kitty is 40 times cuter than you. Alternatively named: Why is cuteness only for little girls?

Hello Kitty is undisputedly popular. Her image is everywhere - on purses, bags, make-up, t-shirts, jewellery, plates, cushions; in the form of figurines, small plushies, big plushies...

The list goes on.

Kitty's co-stars however, the equally cute My Melody, Cinnamoroll and Little Twin Stars, to name a few, are seemingly absent in the U.K.

Yet Hello Kitty remains.

Kitty was most probably the first taste of 'kawaii' that I had growing up. It is not too much to say that her infectious sweetness imprinted upon me a fondness for everything cute. Which is maybe why, when I first saw Lolita fashion, I was instantly attracted.

Even though I have moved away from the sugary pinkness of super-sweet, preferring the princessly elegance of more classical leanings, Hello Kitty still has a place in my heart.

Which is why I decided to 'kawaii-up' this Sunday, to go to a Hello Kitty birthday event this weekend, marking 40 years of Miss Kitty White, the cutest cat-like little girl from London. 

Mandatory selfies included.

The event, a very small function at a local town, was rather erroneously advertised as a Hello Kitty birthday party, for the first half-hour saw no Kitty, but a children's entertainer. He was very good at his job, but I wanted to see Kitty!

Eventually I lined up behind 30 other small children to have my picture taken with 'Kitty' (a lady in a costume, but, shh! the children!). 

Cute, right?

It is apparent that while Hello Kitty has been welcomed with open arms, the kawaii-ness that comes with her is still very much a concept largely reserved for children. A pigtailed 9 year old with a penchant for Miss White? Sure. Someone 10 years older? (Although, someone thought I was 12 years old the other day.) Perish the thought.

Oh well. 

Revelry

I'm sorry this a bit late, but I'm having so many problems with the blogger app! I hope you can understand. (u_u)

Last Saturday, I participated in my first lolita meet-up event. I went to 'Revelry', The Tea Party Club's 7th Anniversary event. (The Tea Party Club is a London based group for Lolita fashion in the U.K.)

As it was my very first event, I was very apprehensive and I was slightly overwhelmed to be around so many pretty Lolitas! (´･_･`)

But I soon became much more relaxed; everyone I talked to was so lovely. Thank you for making my day great!

The most memorable part of the day was  the fashion show. We got to see new designs from guests of honour Grimoire and Metamorphose! 

Pictures can be found here:

http://thinklolita.tumblr.com/post/97989081408/revelry-fashion-show-pictures-including-premiere

I would like to have been chosen to model, but I understand that I can't have everything! So I spent the duration of the show looking wistfully at the lovely girls who were chosen. XD My favourite piece would have to be the all white lace dress. It has such an angelic and dreamy air. ☆

I only purchased one thing at the event: this pretty little tissue case. 

Since I am extremely careful with my money, it took me a while I find anything that I absolutely HAD to have until I saw this. It's so pretty!

I will leave you with some pictures of my outfit for the day. 

Thank you for reading! (・ω・)ノ

Paris - KAMIJO LIVE 2014

4th July 2014 was KAMIJO THRONE - Zeroth live in Paris. I went there with my Mummy, staying two nights in Paris - this is a report of my time there. Some of this was written at the sleep-deprived early hours of the morning, and other parts were written after only having 7 hours sleep in 48 hours. So sorry if it comes across as disjointed - I've tried my best to fix mistakes.

NIGHT BEFORE THE LIVE

Perhaps it is the nature of the place; something in the air in the City of Love, but the first night in Paris brought about my inferiority complex with a monstrous force. 

 I can not sleep. It is hot. There are cars going by outside, their noise a disturbance. And, what I find the most irritable; the television is showing its red standby light (fixed into the wall impossible to turn off - I tried), that one small light piercing the tranquil darkness. And for virgo like me, who needs things just so, this a problem.

My mind, my brilliant, finite mind, is alive and buzzing as always. It is my greatest weapon and my folly. 

It is not that I don't feel good about my body, I like the way I look. But I could be the most beautiful primrose at all but never be a rose.

I pause, pick up the white rose I held today, lying at the side of the bed and hold it in my fingers. It is pure and beautiful, wholly untouched. I wish my heart to be of the selfsame qualities as well, golden and bright, but I know thorns have already pierced it. This rose will never wilt and die; it is artificial and perhaps the more enchanting  for its plastic lies.

But all things most come to and end, even though I feel my story has not yet started and I'm waiting for the first page.

 Some stories pause mid-chapter, the pen has run dry and the writer needs a break. We will wait, as we must. Have faith, for gardens will bloom in their own time. 

Sleep well sweetie, I'll see you in the morning.

And dearest flower, I'll see you as soon as I can.

DAY OF THE LIVE - BTSSB PARIS

The next day is the day of the live.

I don't start getting ready until the afternoon, so Mummy and I needed something to do in the morning. We had originally planned to just look around nearby, but then I thought:

'Isn't Baby (the Stars Shine Bright) near here?' I checked the map. It was only about 2 miles away. So we walked to Baby the Stars Shine Bright. Yey!!! I got to go to the Baby store!

When we arrived, I was in awe. So much beautiful clothing. <3 I had a sense of inadequacy. My mother kindly bought me this headdress. I was so pleased!

Then, we found lunch at a Japanese restaurant. After some sushi (yummy) sashimi (tolerable) and some weird pink thing (absolutely awful, never again), it was time to get ready back at the hotel!

BEFORE THE LIVE

It took me about 1- 1 1/2 hours to get ready? I wanted to do my hair in a hime style and make sure to accessorise my outfit well. Roses everywhere! 

We got a taxi to the venue. It took some time because it was during the rush hour and the roads were busy, so busy. >.< But the driver was very friendly and he was singing along to the French national anthem from the football on the radio! (Haha)

But finally, finally we arrived at the venue. In the queue, I found it hard to talk much to anyone, because I'm quite shy (also my French is very poor.) Everyone seemed very friendly though.

A lady from Kamijo France was taking Polaroids of the fans and asking them to write messages for Kamijo in a book. I can't compose well on the spot. I'm afraid my message was poor. (´･_･`)

At the same time, another lady (in a gorgeous Kamijo cosplay) gave us some rose petals to throw during La Vie en Rose. What a lovely idea. It was done to great effect. There was also a French flag for us to sign for Kamijo.

 Also while we were waiting there was a photographer who took pictures or the fans. I don't think I made a very good picture. (･･;)

Waiting, waiting...

VIP ticket holders went in.

Waiting, waiting some more...

Finally, we were allowed in!

KAMIJO LIVE

When we went into the venue, I was worried about being too far back, but actually I was about the 5th or 6th row. So close!

When it neared the starting time, the audience started chanting 'Vive le Roi!'

The curtain parted and Meku, Ikuo and Shinya appeared and got the audience to chant 'Vive le Roi!' with them in rhythm. Then Kamijo appeared! 

*\(^o^)/*

He sang all of his solo works, including new songs Yamiyo no Lion and Bastille (an upbeat, energetic song), also some lyrics from God Palace and a Lareine song.

The audience held their red roses up and waved them around in time to the music. Actually, I had brought two roses; one red and one white. Those roses together symbolise unity right? I wanted to show the union between Kamijo and his fans...or something. I know, it sounds a silly idea now! >.< I held up my roses together mostly, but sometimes I would hold up just white or just red according to the theme of the song. I wonder if Kamijo noticed... (haha.)

The audience was very warm and friendly. And really considerate I felt; there was no screaming over the songs. I'm glad.

As for the man himself...

Kamijo is...Kamijo. XD 

I am unable to find the words to describe him, for none would be right. To see him in real life is something of a dream (?)

A lovely, lovely gentleman.

He looked so happy, there on stage. He shines so bright. 

I really enjoyed the live. I sincerely hope Prince Kamijo also enjoyed it, for his happiness is important. ^^

I feel like this should inspire me to reach for things that would give me happiness. But...

I feel that is not for me.

As long as dear roses are happy then it is okay.

Ahh! I'm feeling like I'm imparting a great secret of myself by writing these things. I'll speak no more on the matter.

Well, it's all over now. I want to see Kamijo again. And maybe even meet him in person..(?)

Also I really want to see Jupiter next time they come to Europe, because I missed out this year. Hime...

Thank you for reading. This is the longest post I have done - sorry for any mistakes or rambling. (u_u)

☆彡