NO LONGER A CHICK MAGNET

All Cried Out

Finally, my two years as an embedded blogger with the Dixie Chicks has come to an end.

I think that picture above of Natalie Maines dressed up as Amy Winehouse and me as Masi Oka (as Hiro Nakamura from "Heroes" when he was disguised in a samuari outfit as Takezo Kensei) belting out a Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam duet on Halloween night pretty much sums up the experience.

But for those who would rather read (or re-read) all the details, here is a link to all my major articles on MSN. My favorite ones are followed by an asterisk. The last article listed is my feeble attempt at an encapsulation and final reflection.

Articles (in chronological order):
Goodbye Earl, Hello Junichi
Fly (If I Can Get Past Airport Security)
The First Meeting
Hobnobbing with the Time 100*
Hotel Pseudonyms
15 Minutes on 60 Minutes
Serving Time
Ready to Rock
Getting Fresh Air*
Preparing for the Cameras
The Chicks vs. The View*
A Square Foot of History
Opening Night
Bowling for Albany
Monkeys in the Barricades
Hatching Shut Up and Sing
The Mother of All Chick Flicks
Taking The Wrong Way Down Under: Surfing and Singing in Australia*
The Chicks Have Arrived: Backstage at the Grammy Awards*
Tribute to Don Henley
Brave New Girls
Livin' On A Prayer
Leaving Las Vegas
God Delivers A House
Life on the Bus
The Future of the Dixie Chicks: An Interview with Emily
A Dixie Chicks Halloween*
The Chaos of Life Backstage*
The Least Hard-Working Band in Show Business
Interview with Dan Wilson
Three Chicks and Seven Peeps
Evolution of an Anti-Dixie Chicks Protester*
Interview with Tina Maines and Kim Maguire
The Final Essay: Memoirs of a Dixie Chicks Blogger*

There are other stories to tell for another time (battles with MSN over what gets published, anyone?). But I figure 75,000+ words are enough for now.

I also put together a slide show of my favorite photos.

You can read commentary on most of the photos here:

Photos:
My Favorite Photos #1 - 25
My Favorite Photos #26 - 50
My Favorite Photos #51 - 75

No doubt, it was a surreal, educational, rewarding and amazing experience. But given that it was only supposed to last a few weeks (as opposed to 21 months), I'm exhausted and ready to return to life with only one job. Plus, Poplicks could use a bit more love and attention.

When I'm done catching my breath, however, I'll be waiting for your call, Wu-Tang Clan.

--Junichi