Elvis - A Lighted Candle

[Golden Sky]

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Mari.

And Fairytale, thanks for putting my own daydreams into such beautiful words. I think the same way. It's such a curious thing...ALL the Elvis fans seem to feel the same way about Graceland...just like Paul Simon said:

"I have reason to believe we all will be received in Graceland."

And it's almost in the middle of America and it seems to be like a church that brings us all together:) More people go there than to a Billy Graham stadium worship service.


Love,
Trish

[MaryInTheMorning]

You are so very welcome dear Trish! Sweet Fairy Tale thank you for sharing the thoughts of your beautiful heart with us also!

just like Paul Simon said:
"I have reason to believe we all will be received in Graceland." And it's almost in the middle of America and it seems to be like a church that brings us all together:) More people go there than to a Billy Graham stadium worship service.

Ya know, it seems that Paul and I believe the same thing!! To the above highlighted, my mind's eye just pictured Elvis grinning that special beautiful smile of his at hearing this, shaking his head and opening his arms up wide, waving everybody on and saying "well c'mon! what are you waiting for? c'mon inside with me!! everyone's welcome!!" However, I just read online earlier today that it might be that much harder for people to go to his beautiful home and enjoy those much deserved honors and awards we mentioned earlier in this thread, because they are apparently closing off that part of the tour/exhibit and also raising their prices to almost $70.00 a person I think for the V.I.P. tour now unless I'm mistaken? According to what I believe I read, their(EPE'S) logic is that they are raising the prices to compensate for the dwinding number of people they have coming to Graceland?????? Huh???? Unless I'm missing something how does it make sense to raise prices if people are already having a difficult time trying to afford going at the current less expensive cost????

[Blue Moon]

Unless I'm missing something how does it make sense to raise prices if people are already having a difficult time trying to afford going at the current less expensive cost????

Good point here Mari. And I don't think the fewer visitors has anything to do with less interest in Evis. Due to rising costs of gas and other items, people are traveling & vacationing less than they used to. But inflation is high now and shows no sign of diminishing anytime soon. So I guess it's not a surprise that Graceland would up its prices too. I have yet to make it to Graceland. I can only hope that one day my financial situation will improve enough for me to go. And even then it will be long trip, as I live on the West Coast. No way am I flying either given what I hear people have gone through when trying to fly now-a-days, in which everyone is looked upon as a potential terrorist.

[MaryInTheMorning]

You've made a good point here too dear Laurie. I definitely agree with what you said about the fewer visitors not having anything to do with less interest in Elvis, but rather all the things that go along with someone enjoying their interest in Elvis and visiting his beloved Graceland(gas, airfare, etc.....). I will be praying that someday both of us will be able able to make it there and enjoy the home that Elvis loved so much, and loved sharing with people!

[Rainbow Light]

I have also read news of the rising tour prices at Graceland and agree, dear ladies, this does not make any sense whatsoever! No, I don't believe it's a reflection on Elvis' popularity either, just that people are not able to get there as easily as before but yes, I believe $70 is the going price for the V.I.P. Tour now. I understand from my friend, Eddie, too who I met the last time I went in 2005, they have only been moving things that were part of the regular tour, around and what was freely available to see on that tour before you now have to pay a lot extra to 'earn' the priviledge of seeing now!

Elvis would certainly welcome all to his beloved Graceland of that I have no doubt! However, even taking upkeep/maintenance of the mansion/grounds into consideration, he would not take well to his fans in being shortchanged and taking for granted in this way!

[FairyTale]

I so Agree RainBowLight, I thought that was the reason that GraceLand became a National LandMark so the Up Keep of GraceLand would be taken care of anyway. Elvis would not be Pleased at ALL!

[Rainbow Light]

I can understand your words and that's what I'd thought too! How can they charge THAT MUCH and be able to justify it?!

[MaryInTheMorning]

I can understand your words and that's what I'd thought too! How can they charge THAT MUCH and be able to justify it?!

What a great question my dear friend, and if anyone manages to find out the answer I'd love to know myself!!

[Rainbow Light]

As Fairytale says too, with Graceland being a national landmark then the general upkeep of the mansion and grounds would not be an issue so this does not explain the general turn and change around! I hate to 'rub the sand in' so to speak but I say it only so anyone who would be planning to go to Graceland for the first time would be aware: what I saw on the regular tour in 2005 is now touted as being on the V.I.P. tour including Lisa's burger bed and other artifacts of Elvis' in the highest price so obviously they've made changes, moved things around very much to their own convenience! I feel that Elvis would not be in the slightest happy or impressed! Enough of this now, just so as others would know!

[MaryInTheMorning]

Thank you so much Sue my dear friend for the "heads-up" on the tour information. Man, I tell you "fer sure" it sure sounds to me like E.P.E. is only out for one thing nowadays.........$$$$$$$--especially from those who can ill-afford it but yet still want to be able to go and celebrate their love for Elvis.

I feel that Elvis would not be in the slightest happy or impressed!

I couldn't agree more dear angel!

[Rainbow Light]

You're welcome, dear Mari! Just wish I didn't have to share or pass on such lousy news in this form, just feel it's fair to 'warn' people of something I feel is a disgrace relating to EPE!

Thanks for agreeing also with respect of how we feel Elvis would've reacted! When you see footage of Elvis on Rising Sun or up at the gates, so happy to talk to and sign autographs for the fans, here was someone who enjoyed being at his home and to a great degree, enjoyed showing his mansion and grounds off, too!

[MaryInTheMorning]

You are more than welcome Sue my dear friend for the agreement on how we both feel what Elvis' reaction to this would be.

When you see footage of Elvis on Rising Sun or up at the gates, so happy to talk to and sign autographs for the fans, here was someone who enjoyed being at his home and to a great degree, enjoyed showing his mansion and grounds off, too!

Oh how right you are here dear angel!!

[Rainbow Light]

[MaryInTheMorning]

[Rainbow Light]