My love for Prince started in 1983, when I was 14. Visiting a friend's house, her older brother was playing the 1999 album. I was hooked. A few years later, after moving to Minneapolis, I met my partner in crime for all things Prince in high school. Tami and I did everything Prince-related that we could. In 1987 I moved away, but on a visit back we went to Glam Slam for ladies' night — Prince would usually come those nights to promote new bands. He showed up with his entourage and passed within arm's length of us. I actually cried. After Prince passed and Paisley Park opened as a museum, Tami got a part-time job as a tour guide. On my visits I toured Paisley with Tami as my guide, attended events and concerts, and went to Celebration twice. Then my husband surprised me. He said: 'Why don't you move to Minnesota for six months and work at Paisley Park?' I talked to Tami, she talked to Mitch who was running Paisley, and he agreed. I was getting paid to be in a national treasure every day. I helped set up the shoe room, worked on a new exhibit, and prepared for events behind the scenes. I met people from Prince's close circle, saw celebrities come through for tours. Most of all, I got to walk the same rooms, halls, and studios where Prince lived and made music. That was just unreal to me. Over the years, I saw Prince in concert eight times. So many treasured memories.
