CHA Winter 2007 - Day 1

I will post pictures later.

Holy crap! Was this overwhelming or what? Almost every booth you walk into has awesome product to look at. Everyone has gone above and beyond to impress. I could have spent a lot more money than I had budgeted, but I finally realized that not many people buy on the first day of CHA. They get the catalogs and price lists, go home, figure it out and then buy the second day.
My feet hurt, my back ached but I stayed up as long as my poor body would let me looking at these catalogs. I think everyone will love what I've bought. Of course, the stuff doesn't ship for at least a week and in some cases the end of February. But it'll be worth the wait. I already have a ton of product in the store and more on the way.

I will have a little help from some people who love this hobby as much as we do. I saw Michelle Hill yesterday and she said to let me know when everything was ready and she would post something on her blog that my site was up and that she would send me some samples to post in the gallery. She also said if I wanted to send her product, she would do a special project for the site. How cool is that? I never realized that in a competetive business such as this, that so many people might want you to succeed. I'm going to stop by the Junkitz booth today to see Teresa Collins and turn in my order. I'm in her class at the Scrapbook Oasis on Tuesday and have been a fan of hers for a long time. She's not afraid to do something new and against the norm. Her new Extreme Boy line is out tehre and fun! Can't wait to get Gallery under CHA Winter 07. Look for those tonight.

The big names impressed again. American Crafts, Basic Grey, Scenic Route and others have lines that you will certainly love.

I'm off to Day 2 ad turn in my orders! Look for the new product arriving soon!

Luuuuuuuuucccccccccc!

And Luuuuuuuuuucccccccccccc! Look at the money shot right there? What a great photo. I've got to print that out and make sure he gets it one of these days. And the jersey going up to the rafters. What a special moment.

Photos.....

From the top:
Bernie Nicholls
Stacia Robitaille and their kids Steven and Jessie
Wayne Gretzky
Jim Fox
Marty McSorely
Larry Robinson
Backstage with the oldtimers
Barry Melrose
Daryl Evans
Mom with my friend Brian - waiting backstage.

Luc's Jersey Retirement

So glad I got a chance to be a part of this big night. I've watched Luc forever. He took the time to address each and every former player, coach friend etc that showed up for him and even a special note to people who couldn't make it.
Luc really is a special person. He is one of the last good old time hockey players. Bob Miller said it best during the game last night "Some of the newer players just aren't accessible like the old guys were. Luc has always made himself available to his fans." Staying late after practice to sign jerseys, photos, pucks and to take pictures with fans. Staying later than any other player at the Player Meet and Greet sessions - just so a fan doesn't feel left out. He truly is a great player and we were all 'lucky' to get the chance to watch him all of these years.

So, some pictures. Not the greatest, but it was hard to get a good shot with everyone leaning out in front of me. We were lined up in two lines along the edge of the carpet. As people were announced, we were supposed to be paparazi and take lots of shots. I had one greedy guy in front of me who leaned way out each time so a lot of my shots were last minute ones.

Happy Birthday Jason!

A belated birthday wish to my favorite goaltender who is stuck in Manchester this year.
Happy Birthday and hope to see you in a Kings uniform next season.

Once in a lifetime!

I was offered one of those once in a lifetime opportunites yesterday. My Kings season ticket rep emailed me a chance to be ON the ice during the Luc Robitaille jersey retirement ceremony Saturday night. I guess they were looking for some long time fans to create a 'paparazzi' around him.

Luc Robitaille - the Kings highest scoring left winger and the highest scoring left winger of all time.

He is one of those old time players that will do anything for the sport and its fans. He loves LA and the people here and we love him.

Last season, to get fans back after the lockout, the Kings ticket promotion was 1 autographed Luc Robitaille jersey for every account. I didn't know about this until I had begged my husband for DAYS trying to get him to let me get season tickets. I'm glad he did. I got this jersey.

At Meet the Players last year, I stood in Luc's booth just to get a picture with him and to thank him for signing several thousand jerseys for the fans. I think I was the first person to thank him as he seemed surprised that I stood in line for two hours just to thank him. I could have been hopping from line to line getting other autographs, but I chose his line. I also had him sign his player page in the scrapbook I made for the team. His wife was all excited about the book and thought it was a good idea.

So, if you are a hockey fan, a Kings fan or a Luc fan, find a station carrying the game on Saturday at 7:30 pm PST. Look for me and cheer for Luc. And in true scrapper fashion, I will be on the ice with my camera snapping pictures of this event. They are 'making' me bring a camera. :)

Baby News

For those who read for updates.
Went to the doctor Monday. Boring appointment. He just asked a lot of questions on how I was feeling and then we got to hear the heartbeat. A LOT slower than last time. According to the old wives tales, it was slow enough to be a boy. Last time the little heart was racing - 152 beats per minute. Now, we're down under 130.
We'll find out officially at the end of February. Sounds like a long way off, but the time will go by quickly. I have a lot to keep me busy.