As I rode towards Pontiac in the early morning, I tried to prepare myself for the rain I could see in the distance. I was sure it was rain, as it was dark, almost black, where the sky met the road in the distance. It wasn't until later, as the daylight behind me caught up, that I realized it wasn't rain at all...it was the darkness of a night sky, not yet touched by the sun. This was the first of many new experiences for a Virginia boy on his way to his first Walldog meet.
I'm not sure any words could do justice to the experience I had in Pontiac these past few days, but here are some of my thoughts and experiences...not that you asked.
When I arrived, I began to walk around a bit, not knowing what to expect, what exactly I was doing, or where to go. When I wandered into Michael Clark's mural area, I figured to be there for a minute or two and continue on my way. Well, three days later I was still there slowing down the work. You see, Michael and "Cornbread" made me their "intern" for the event, although I expect they were just taking advantage of someone who didn't know any better, as most people ran away after having to listen to the two of them for longer than 5 minutes. LOL
Now I'm sure I would have found somewhere else to work, or just floated around, if I had moved on, but I can't imagine laughing more or having any more fun than I did with these guys. From Walldog pie to Anti-Monkey Butt Powder, there was always something to talk and laugh about. I continued to grind progress to a halt with my slow painting, but luckily for me, Michael showed great patience and we all enjoyed lots of laughs.
One of the biggest highlights for me was the people I got to meet. I got to talk with Doug Allen, Sonny Franks, Mike Meyer, Adam Mays and Dan Sawatzky. I went all the way to Pontiac to meet Billy Pickett from right here in Richmond. I got to talk and paint with Sam Staffan in between his picture taking. There was Kelly Hall from Canada who had never had sausage gravy... it was good, eh? The Churchills from Ontario who invited me to have dinner with them Thursday night. Lots of others who I got to meet as paths crossed over the few days I was there.
And of course the people of Pontiac. They were amazing and wonderfully gracious hosts. Jim and Nanette Marx put me up in their home for 3 nights and I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful place to stay. I had an entire floor all to myself!!! I got to spend several hours Saturday night with them on their screened in porch while the storm blew through town...a very relaxing time after a hot day in the sun.
All in all, I had a wonderful time and enjoyed an amazing experience. I learned a TON and hopefully started some long lasting friendships. I hope to see you all again very soon.
I never got to introduce myself personally, but also wanted to express my thanks to the Diaz family. I can't even begin to imagine all the behind the scenes work that went on to make this event possible. Thank you!!!!
I didn't get to take very many pictures, but here's a few...
[ June 30, 2009, 09:59 AM: Message edited by: Justin Cook ]
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Justin, your first meet is like your first kiss - you'll never forget it and you'll always want more.
(too bad you had to spend it with Michael Clark, though.....)
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
Nice post Justin. Glad to have met you, and to hear your story from a first meet perspective... my second meet perspective wasn't all that much different, except that I ran away after 5 minutes at Michael's mural!
Michael Clark surprised me when he said we had already met... and come to find out he was the salesman who showed me a Roland colorcamm when I was visiting my Mom in Illinois 10 years ago, before I bought my Edge, and I called a local dealer (Wensco) to have a look & see if it was the right machine for me. I didn't end up buying it, but thanks again for dinner Mike, & glad you are out there working with signs & not just sign equipment & sign people, because you sure do have the talent!
Posted by Michael Clark (Member # 2268) on :
Sonny, that really hurt!
Doug, have you forgotten why you ran away? You supposedly had this very important job of KONA COFFEE MAN.
Sonny it was an honor in meeting you and your wife and what a fantastic job on that wall.
Doug, I actually went to work for Wensco during a burnt out phase in my sign career and thought working in the industry that I have a passion for would be good. After 2 1/2 years of traveling and being away from my family, I knew that I had to get back to what I really love. Oh, by the way thanks for the coffee!
[ June 30, 2009, 06:27 AM: Message edited by: Michael Clark ]
Posted by Justin Cook (Member # 10797) on :
Sonny, I agree I'll never forget it! And to think, I almost didn't go...wow, what a mistake that would have been! Next time you're working in Virginia, give me a shout and I'll be there lickity split to give a hand! For that matter, give me a shout whenever and where ever you need a hand and I'll be there.
Doug, I really enjoyed talking with you. Keep up the paddle boarding and I expect to see you rooting me on in Kona in 7 years.
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Just got off the phone with Michael Clark and I want to make sure everyone knows my comment was in jest - he's one of those special Walldogs you can't help but instantly like and I'm sure Justin left the meet with his head reeling from the experience of working with a talent like Michael. His mural probably had more detail than any of them and they were also working in some serious afternoon sun. I realized while driving up Hwy. 57 just how important farming is in that part of the country and Team Clark's mural was a beautiful tribute to them.
(now if he'd just quit hitting on my wife.......)
Posted by Scott Lindley (Member # 11386) on :
I wish I had a nice cup of that gold Kona Coffee. Doug did you need to grow it first.
Gray, it was fun! Happy to know that you had a great time.
Posted by Justin Cook (Member # 10797) on :
Hey Cornbread!!! I just sent you an e-mail, but let me say here, I wouldn't have had anywhere near as much fun as I did if it wasn't for you and Michael! Thanks for everything...now I'm going off to a corner to practice my dirt clods!
Posted by Michael Clark (Member # 2268) on :
For those of you that are wondering, Cornbread likes to give people nicknames. Since Justin is from the capital of the south, Cornbread nicknamed him South.
He was a very good intern and attempted to paint dirt clods, but he just needs more practice. He was also a very good sport considering the amount of grief that he received.
