posted
Dear fellow artisans...... I have geared myself up to provide a haven that artisans could come mingle, visit, and exchange ideas. Meet old friends and make new ones. I did not really expect everyone to have such an awesome good time!!! My family put their personal lives on hold for a week to help me prepare for the extravaganza. For that, I am extremely grateful !!!(( and they know it, too!!)) I met some of you good folks for the first time and renewed old aquaintences. I can NOT put into words how you all have touched me in such a personal way..... you endured my dry humor, put up with my messy shop, put your life in my hands with my cooking!!! And, yet, you stayed and stayed. Well, you are all gone now.... the mess is cleaned up 'cause tomorrow is trash day. The building is empty, not a sound..... I just sat down briefly to gather my wits and am trying to figure out what happened!!! Was it only a dream? Did all that really happen?? I think that some of you saw me choke up on occassion because I knew I would miss each and every one of you. And, now. . . .reality is setting in. I am wondering where you are in your journey back home.... are you safe.... are you talking about what a good time you had. Are you telling yourself that you WILL be back next year if I have another meet like this one..... I just sit and wonder. I look at the sample panels and doodlings left behind and tears well up in my eyes. I am extremely PROUD that you honored me with your presence!!! And, that you think enough of me to travel on these dangerous roads for hours and hours just to vist and hopefully learn something. Now, here is the sad part..... I will miss each and every one of you !!! You will NEVER stray from my heart. I may not remember your names. But, I will remember your smile, your laughter, the twinkle in your eyes. Whether it be from teaching some newbee your talent or from watching the teacher. I may have been preoccupied with all the happenings, but, I saw your faces.... I saw your smiles.... I saw the twinkle in your eyes and I heard your laughter. I hope now that ALL of you can call yourselves a true "Craftsman" in your area of expertise. Beause next year around this time.... we are going to have Spring Fling - 2003; A Gathering of Craftsmen !!!! I know this is lengthy, but, I had to let you know that I had an awesome time and thank you for coming !!!!!!!
[ March 27, 2002, 08:37 AM: Message edited by: John Smith ]
-------------------- John Smith Kings Bay Signs (Retired) Kissimmee, Florida Posts: 817 | From: Central Florida - The Sunshine State | Registered: Jan 2000
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You scared the Hell out of me with the title to this post John! I thought something truly bad had happened! Don't you just hate it when the party's over? Hate being the last one there. Count me in, for next year John. I may just take a ride up there one weekend morning before then, for a couple of those killer omelettes! no oysters though. Thanks again!
-------------------- Luke S. Luke Scanlan Artistry Ocala, Fl. lukescanlan@cox.net Posts: 249 | From: Ocala, Florida | Registered: Nov 2001
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John, Your topic got me too. I was afraid one of our friends met with disaster on their way home! Whew! Glad that wasn't the case. We miss you,your family,old friends, and the new friends we made! Thanks for putting on such a wonderful meet. You can count on Roger and I to be at the next annual Spring Fling also!! Keep in touch via the #Lettervile chat! Judy & Roger Pate
-------------------- From Kat Johnston (previously Katie Wright, for those who can remember that far back) Posts: 530 | From: Brisbane, Australia | Registered: Feb 1999
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Sorry yall...forgot that Katie was logged into Letterville on my computer. The above reply is mine. Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I'm gonna miss you guys... all of ya... even John's dry humour, telling me my curfew was 9:30... I think he meant pm, but I was assuming am.. Well, I hope he was trying to be humerous.
It was great meeting you all, and I just want y'all to know that, k?
I wish I could stay in the states longer... well, maybe next time, huh?
Love Katie
-------------------- From Kat Johnston (previously Katie Wright, for those who can remember that far back) Posts: 530 | From: Brisbane, Australia | Registered: Feb 1999
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I am currently rewording the song Whitney Houston did, "If you say my eyes are beautiful" to "If you say my signs are beautiful, it's because they're painted with you."
I know I had a great time and can't wait to do it again!
I'll post tomorrow, but on chat right now and want to say hi fer a spell and get some sleep. Now that we're gone, you can sleep too hehehe!
posted
you can count me in too. if i don't get to go to any other meet i am going to do my best to be at the spring fling.
-------------------- Jimmy Chatham Chatham Signs 468 stark st Commerce, Ga 30529 Posts: 1766 | From: Commerce, GA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
well dog gone it, looks like i missed a great letterheads meet. john, congrats on a fine meet buddy.
i would have been there but our band had a music job that had been booked many months ago.
i watched head tv and saw bob's pics of the meet, awesome stuff!
the cool thing about such a meet is you get to meet friends that will be friends for a lifetime. another cool thing is i know most of the folks that were there because a lot of them came to my december in dixie meet back in 1999.
also when you start talking about makin' biscuits in a wood stove... now that is my kind of meet!!!!!
posted
John & Lynn, First I'd like to thank you both for opening your home and hearts to those of us who are on the same journey as you. We came to improve our skills and through your and Lynns efforts the palet was full! This was one of the most balanced meets I have ever attended. Thank you for your willingness to explore with me the properties of this new sign board...it's new turf for all of us and I'm thankful that a craftsman of your character has accepted the challenge to explore the suitability of this material for our industry. It is always difficult to comprehend the full impact of a gathering of this kind, the morning after. With time, I am sure that the skills learned and the friendships made, through your efforts, will forever enrich the lives of those of us who were fourtunate enough to have been there. Thank you again and God bless! Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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I'll be there John with bells on (it's a fetish thing) This time I promise I will actually do something besides watch and eat. I'm sure it is strangely quiet there now (you know what I mean)It was great to put faces and personalities with the typed versions I knew. You sure have some special friends, thanks for sharing. One last thought....KELVIN ROCKS!
-------------------- Dennis Goddard
Gibsonton Fl Posts: 1050 | From: Tampa Fl USA | Registered: Apr 2000
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On Sunday, when things were really winding down, I saw the sadness setting in, the quiet was approaching, you knew it and didn't want to let go! It was so cute when you tried to coax us to stay 'just a little longer,' to feed us one more time.
Saying grace before the meals was a special touch. I noticed the Amens' getting louder and louder, the more everyone warmed up to each other. Who wouldn't have been thankful for the food and friendship we shared!
I guess we've all been forever touched by this experience! THANK YOU!
Okay, back to reality, got work to do...
Cher.
-------------------- Co-Host: SANDCASTLE Panel Jam 'a Dixie Letterhead Reunion' Fort Myers, Florida
Cheryl Lucas a/k/a "Shag" on mIRC Vital Signs & Graphics, Etc. Cape Coral, Florida 239-574-4713 VSignsNgraphics@aol.com Posts: 987 | From: Cape Coral, FL USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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Cheryl said it all, "we have all been forever touched." Being the greenest in the group, at one point I sat and looked at all the talent around me and wondered what the heck I was doing there. I was there because I belong. Such a marvelous group of extremely talented professionals have not only accepted me, but helped and taught me so much. I have quite a long way to go but what a trip! I don't think there is a better bunch of folk on this earth. We miss yall too!
Little Lindy asked today if she could go with me next time. I would like to thank all of you who helped her. She loved it!
-------------------- Kathy Joiner River Road Graphics 41628 River Road Ponchatoula, La.70454
Old enough to know better...Too young to resist. Posts: 1891 | From: Ponchatoula, LA | Registered: Nov 2000
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John, The only sad part is that it ended too soon. I met some new best friends, re-acquainted with some old ones, and got excited enough to start plans on hosting a meet in Atlanta. I'm always amazed at the group dynamics of a Letterhead meet- everyone sharing ideas, techniques and fellowship. And not always sign-related: O.P. taught me some Tai Chi breathing and channeling exercises, Cheryl Lucas showed me that foam can become most anything, Julie Bertrand's carousel horses, Joe Cieslowski's Zen-like approach to carving, Kathy Joiner's obvious love for her granddaughter, Paul Bathe's incredible guitar playing, John's omelets....... I could go on, but you get the picture. We're all in this boat together, and it ain't just signs. I love you Letterville.
OK, enough mush, let's get back to work. Thanks again, John.
-------------------- From Kat Johnston (previously Katie Wright, for those who can remember that far back) Posts: 530 | From: Brisbane, Australia | Registered: Feb 1999
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I want to thank you and your family for ya'lls gracious southern hospitality. This was my first *Letterhead* meet and it won't be my last. Thanks to all the great people I met last week-end. I felt *at home* with new friends.
Thanks again.. Painter John
-------------------- John Fiorentino DBA Painter John Jacksonville, Fl
posted
Hey Sonny that sounds great! If you do put on a meet, maybe the Fall would be a good time? That would balance out with John's. Plus it's only going to get hotter here in the South from now til October! Count me in.
-------------------- Luke S. Luke Scanlan Artistry Ocala, Fl. lukescanlan@cox.net Posts: 249 | From: Ocala, Florida | Registered: Nov 2001
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posted
This is actually Kathy, Bob’s wife, writing and not Bob. I just wanted to send a quick message to those of you who were at Spring Fling 2002 to say what a pleasure it was to meet all of you. Everyone was so friendly and nice about putting up with a novice like me in the sign industry. After being there and watching the many craftspeople at work, it sounds funny to refer to it as an industry. It is an art! Special thanks to Pat and Steve for taking time out to give me personal instruction on pinstriping…and for not laughing at my feeble attempts! Pat, I would love to meet your wife some time. I want to meet the lady who can keep up with you! Thanks also to Joe for the class on carving. Your work is truly amazing! Paul, I really enjoyed getting to meet you and attend your concert (I wonder if John’s grandson has stopped giggling yet?). Dora, I really enjoyed getting to spend some time talking with you over the few days that we were there. Chris, thanks for the seminar on glass gilding, which I found to be quite interesting and instructional. Old Paint, although I haven’t given up meat , I did enjoy meeting you and talking recipes! I have heard Bob mention some of your names and have even read some of your posts, so it is nice to be able to put faces to all of you now. Amy, you were one of those people and I enjoyed getting to meet you and your husband. There are so many other people who I just briefly met, like Sonny, Linda, Julie, Tony (great portfolio by the way), the Shortreeds, Katie (hope you are getting some sleep), Kathy, Judy, and others. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to the Smith family (and friends) for opening their shop up to all of us and going out of their way to make us feel welcome and at home. The food was great and so was the hospitality! Lynn, have you talked John into caterers next year, so that you aren’t cooking all day? My husband breathed a sigh of relief when we left (not because he was glad that it was over). This was my first meet of this type and I hate long rides in the car (I think that about 11.5hrs counts as long ) and if this didn’t go well, he figured that I would never go to another one again. Well, I will just say that, perhaps I will have the pleasure of seeing some of you again and meeting some of you that I haven’t met before at another meet! Have a blessed Easter!
-------------------- Bob Gilliland InKnowVative Communications Harrisburg PA, USA
"The U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself." Benjamin Franklin Posts: 642 | From: Harrisburg, PA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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My plane trip was too damn long. from Dallas to home that is.. not from Atlanta to Oklahoma (via Dallas). I had a day or so to rest after that trip. Tis good to be almost home.. almost, meaning nearly back at uni, rather than at home with family
I WANNA COME BAAAA-AAACK!!!! I miss you all already!
-------------------- From Kat Johnston (previously Katie Wright, for those who can remember that far back) Posts: 530 | From: Brisbane, Australia | Registered: Feb 1999
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![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
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My husband breathed a sigh of relief when we left (not because he was glad that it was over). This was my first meet of this type and I hate long rides in the car (I think that about 11.5hrs counts as long ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
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) and if this didn’t go well, he figured that I would never go to another one again. Well, I will just say that, perhaps I will have the pleasure of seeing some of you again and meeting some of you that I haven’t met before at another meet! Have a blessed Easter!
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