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« SJJCM's Blog
Supernatural Los Angeles Con – My weekend with Demon Hunters
Magic and delight were in abundance at the Supernatural Los Angeles Convention this past weekend.
It was everything and more than I ever dreamed it could be.
Seeing Mary and Amy again in person and meeting Panns, Schroan, Mousitsa and Lady Talon was fantastic.
In addition, it was so wonderful seeing everyone from the Something Wicked Group. Hi Lynda, Kathy, Lynn, Becky, Ella, Sue and Julie.
I also met a lot of other lovely fan girls. Sharing this experience with everyone was so special.
The photo I brought with me to ask Jensen to sign got me into trouble in Toronto. For whatever reason, Jensen’s photo lit up the security system and I was pulled out of the lineup and I was searched as well as my carry-on luggage.
I explained to the security personnel that Jensen has that effect on people, he just lights them up, but it was the first time I’d seen a photo of him do it.
Toronto security did not have a sense of humour!
For those of you who knew, I just wanted to confirm that the PTPs did make an appearance as well as my pink LA purse.
Lynda and I hooked up at the airport and waited while they found a new plane. We made it and after checking in, we met for a lovely dinner. Thanks again Lynda.
The next morning I was up early (I figure that during my whole time in LA, I had at most eleven hours sleep) and swam in the beautiful pool before having a great breakfast. I know it sounds crazy, but candied pecans as part of a buffet breakfast sure made an impression on me.
The morning passed and Mary and I met in the lobby and joined up with two fan girls, Winter and Vickie. We also met Mousitsa and we all enjoyed ourselves hanging out together. Mary and I were invited to join them on their trip to Piru.
It ended up being the four of us and Mary, Winter, Vickie and I had a delightful time in Piru, where the Supernatural pilot was filmed. The weather was warm and the town was quiet. A lovely place.
We took pictures of the bridge and walked on it. We had fun figuring out where the boys took the dive off the bridge. I was fully planning on re-enacting the lady in white standing on the ledge scene, but thought better of it when I saw what I would probably land on.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/F1050015.jpg[/url]
When Winter said we were going to go further down and look at the gas station, it didn’t dawn on me at first what she meant. Then, it did. What a great surprise that was. It’s tiny and had clearly been dressed so differently for the pilot, but it was still recognizable as one of the key referencing points for this episode. Terms like “cakehole” and “Hector” kept popping up. It was great!
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/F1050019.jpg[/url]
The people of Piru were so welcoming. A special thank you to Eva, the owner of the general store for her assistance.
After leaving the main street, we drove up to this beautiful lake and took some photos and then proceeded back down the side of the mountain to look for the disappearing mystery mansion. (Visions of Vancouver eh Mary?) We finally found it and it’s a really neat place, which could sure be used for either a fantasy movie or a haunted movie.
The traffic on the 405 is horrendous. My sympathies to anyone who has to drive in LA traffic on a daily basis.
During the drive back, Mary’s cell phone rang and it was Met. Mary had other plans for the evening so Met and I made plans to hook up for dinner.
When we got back, we went to our respective rooms and decided to regroup in the lobby. It was a good chance to freshen up. With regards to the hotel, the convention was held at the Airport Marriott and it was lovely. The attention to detail, including the Bath and Body Works toiletries was very much appreciated.
I met Amy and Schroan in the lobby and before we went for supper, we decided to go down and see where things were happening. After checking it out, we were getting back on the elevator, when this couple was getting off. I heard “Sandra”. It turned out to be Panns and her husband. What great timing. We all greeted each other and then headed to Amy’s room to help her decide on her autograph photos. What a lovely selection to choose from.
Later, Amy, Schroan, Melissa, Vickie, Winter and I went for dinner at Denny’s, before registering for the Con.
To see Chris, the Creation photographer, was great. This guy is a league unto his own. He has to be Creation’s greatest asset. It was a lot of fun to see him again.
The Jason Manns concert was really good. He’s a very gifted musician who plays a wide variety of music and has a great sense of humour. The concert was a lot of fun.
Afterwards, a group of us gathered for drinks and had a lot of fun hanging out. Mary showed us her line of Supernatural University wear and accessories. Please check out Mary’s line at: [url http://www.cafepress.com/bardicvoice[/url].
Many of us gathered for breakfast on Saturday morning at Burger King, before the day’s events really got going. I was so hyped up just thinking about meeting Chad Lindberg (Ash) that I could feel myself just shaking internally. He’s right up there with Jared and Jensen in my books.
Frederic Lehne was first on the stage with a presentation and a Q and A, which went well. I also understand his photo-ops went well too.
Here is a photo of Eric and Fred meeting in person for the first time.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/F1030020.jpg[/url]
The photo-op with Jason Manns went really good. He’s a truly nice guy. My friend Cassie is his number one fan, so this is for you my dear girl.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/_MG_1585.jpg[/url]
The autograph session with Jason was great and Cassie, your autograph is on its way to you.
As the time leaked closer to meeting Chad, I was beyond hyped, so much so, that Lynn and Kathy suggested that I perhaps should maybe consider reducing my Starbucks quota – lol.
Then, it was time. I was near the front for the photo-op with Chad and while I was waiting in line, I saw him walk by and my heart shifted.
When my turn came, I shook his hand, explained how very much I enjoyed all his work and explained how pleased I was to meet him. Well, he said a few kind words and then he asked me for a hug. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. He’s a great hugger and sure made my weekend. Throughout the course of the day and the dessert party, he gave me two more hugs, I could not believe my good fortune. Chad was everything and more than I had hoped for, what a sweetie.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/_MG_1619.jpg[/url]
Chad’s Q and A session was great. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, because there may be a chance that Ash could come back, which I petitioned Eric for later on.
One of the most unusual questions during this session was whether it was really Chad’s arm they used in the burned out roadhouse scene – it wasn’t.
During the scene when Sam and Dean are knocking on Ash’s door and he answers it and looks naked, he confirmed he actually was.
It got even funnier for me, because at the autograph portion with Chad, what photo did I bring for him to sign – the one where he greets Sam and Dean. I laid the photo on the table and Chad says “the NAKED photo” and laughed. I felt myself turning red and he was just so cute about it all.
To meet Eric Kripke was an honour. What a great individual. He had so much to say and he sure clearly loves the gore that goes with horror movies.
He explained that AC/DC and Quiet Riot are fans of the show. He explained that he would love to use Led Zeppelin’s Black Dog in an episode, but the cost would be in the millions. He’s just finishing off the last of this season’s episode, which sure promises to be a humdinger. He feels that perhaps Bella taking advantage of the boys has been done too often and this will be rectified. Bella’s character will not be redeemed, she’ll continue to be like she is, but more of her back story will be revealed. He loves the character of Ruby. Lilith as a little girl is basically just a meat suit for the demon to harbour in, there will be shifts and far more of the demon/myth arc will be played out.
He loves the fans of the show, even though we sometimes drive him crazy.
During the autograph line-up he was so open to suggestions about the show. He enjoyed the Route 66 postcard I asked him to sign and his face positively lit up when Panns presented her lovely collage for him to sign. It was really enjoyable to watch.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/F1030017.jpg [/url]
Steve Carlson gave a fantastic show on Saturday night. The audience was a bit slow at first to get involved, but it ended up with dancing in the aisles and was lots of fun.
I was very impressed with Steve for not charging for his autographs. I was speaking to some of the girls in the autograph line-up on Sunday and this made a big difference to them and I thought here’s one guy who sure gets his fans and helps where he can. He’s very laid back and easy going. The photo-op with Steve was fun.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/_MG_2260.jpg[/url]
The dessert party on Saturday night was great. There was a lovely selection to choose from. Frederic, Chad and Steve came up on stage so we could take pictures.
Steve left shortly after and Frederic and Chad made their ways around the room. It was great.
Sunday morning came very early for almost all of us. It seemed to be a common thread amongst everyone – a restless sleep for fear of not getting up in time for the BIG day festivities.
Schroan and I hooked up for the breakfast and we had a super sight line for the stage. Breakfast was great and we had a chance to bid on the Silent Auction items, with the proceeds going to Jared’s and Jensen’s designated charities – St. Judes and Doctors Without Borders. Amy connected with us and we made our plans for later on.
At approximately 9:00 am, Jared and Jensen came in, to much applause and delight. They greeted everyone and then Jared announced his engagement to Sandy. It was one of those moments in time, you suspected it, but then to have it validated, the reaction was a bit delayed as the information was processed and then the applause started.
To me, it was like a good friend announcing a wonderful life moment and you are just so glad that you’re there for the announcement and to share it.
Jared proposed to Sandy on January 28th in France in their hotel room. They’d been at the Louvre previously and Jared could not believe the attention he/they received, considering all the art that was surrounding them. He explained that he did not want to take the chance of having the proposal interrupted.
Ranger, I asked the question you had wanted to know about in relation to the Mystery Spot episode, when they’re in the restaurant and doing the same wording sequencing. Both Jared and Jensen contributed to the answer.
They are picked up by a driver and practice their lines on the way to work, so they were going back and forth with it. They got it down pretty pat and it took only a few tries to get it correct on film. They both said they had a lot of fun doing it.
Near the end of the breakfast, there was time for one more question. A mother of a very ill girl stood up and explained what Supernatural and Jared and Jensen meant to her daughter and how it had helped her.
Jensen was so cute, when he asked for the daughter’s name, so he’d know what his future girlfriend’s name was going to be.  Her name is Jamie.
After the breakfast, you could just feel the energy begin to ramp up in anticipation of the photo-ops. It was electric and filled the rooms.
Panns had saved a space for Amy and me and when we arrived, to my delight, there was Maiko, one of the girls I had met in Texas at the play, but hadn’t seen since, in the line-up behind Panns. It was fun to catch-up.
Amy and Panns were ahead of me in Jensen’s photo-op line-up. It was so much fun to watch them get their pictures with Jensen and see the interactions. I love this part of the experience.
Jensen wore the same white linen shirt he’d worn on the opening night in Texas at the play. It suits him so well and if you look closely, you can see the exceptional embroidery detail on the shirt.
Jensen truly warmed my heart, as always.
My turn then came. I walked up and went to shake Jensen’s hand and started to say how nice it was to see him again. I didn’t really have a chance too, because he took my hand and pulled me into a hug and said how nice it was to see me again. Well, what a positively unexpected and joyous exchange. It was all kinds of wonderful.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/_MG_1659.jpg[/url]
Creation Entertainment pitched the duo photo op perfectly. If anyone out there is undecided on which one to go with, this would be the one to choose. What great fun! Honestly, it was an amazing experience.
When my turn came, I walked up and congratulated Jared on his engagement and said how nice it was to see him again and I said hi to Jensen.
As Chris, the fantastic Creation photographer, got all set, the boys came up close on either side of me. And here we go…I trembled - no doubt about it. Jensen looked down at me and asked me if I was okay and I looked up at him and squeaked “Aaah, yeah”. We all had a good chuckle.
What I couldn’t get out of my mind was how protected and secure I felt. I know it may sound a bit off the wall, but it ran through my mind at the time, that if I was encountering any demons, these were absolutely the guys I’d want to protect me. What a memory this will always be.
[urlhttp://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/_MG_1938.jpg[/url]
The photo-op with Jared was simply fantastic. He is so welcoming and friendly and a wonderful hugger.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/_MG_2148.jpg[/url]
During the photo-ops, the guys took a short break and walked down the hall, with their security, right by me. Here is one of the photos.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/F1020017.jpg[/url]
The Q and A was so much fun. It was Jared first, then Jensen and then them both together. They were all so relaxed and easygoing and fun. There was a myriad of questions asked and Jensen’s re-enactment of Jared was gut splitting, he nailed it perfectly.
If anyone watches the Q and A vids from the boys session, you’ll see at one point Jared is looking around taking it all in while Jensen is speaking. I was watching Jared doing this and when we made eye contact, I gave him a small wave. He waved back and smiled and we later joked about it in the autograph session.
The autograph sessions with the guys were lots of fun. There was no rushing and ample time for conversation. There was also much more room in the autograph area at this Con than in Chicago and it worked out so well.
Jensen was first. You have to place your autograph request on the table with the handler and they place it in front of the star. I put mine down and Jensen, to my great surprise and pleasure, personalized mine. I was so happy.
I presented Jensen with my gift, and like the Chicago Con, he was very receptive to this one. In one of the SN groups I belong to, the Something Wicked group, a member, Amanda, was delighted when Jensen mentioned during one of his Australian interviews about this golf shirt he had been given. Well, as it turns out, it was the one Amanda had sent to him. I asked permission from the group and what I did, is that I printed off all the e-mails in relation to Amanda’s one confirming it was her shirt Jensen was talking about. I thought Jensen might like to read some real fan girl back and forth, based on something he said. Well, he loved it. His laughter was genuine.
I had attached to this package a copy of Rascal Flatt’s My Wish lyrics as well as one of my own very favourite sayings and tied them all together with a specialized metal tag.
When Jensen read the saying, he looked at me with a smile breaking across his face. That moment will be forever etched in my memory.
My Dad, in his words, believes Jensen to be “a very honourable young man” and asked me to pass along his well wishes to Jensen. I figured a picture was worth a thousand words so I pulled out a photo of me and my Dad and explained the story to Jensen. He took the photo while I explained the story and his response to my Dad will forever endear Jensen to me. His heart is pure gold!
Then came Jared. His smile and deep voice are so welcoming. Once again I placed down my photo and a special thanks to Masked Chic for posting the photo I used (the one with Jared’s face looking so serious in Mystery Spot, just after hugging Jensen). Jared did the same as Jensen and personalized my photo. Oh man, I couldn’t believe it, I was beyond excited.
I did something different with my gift for Jared. I had included the Rascal Flatt’s My Wish lyrics, tied with a special tag and also a selection of my favourite Calvin and Hobbs cartoons. I figured/hoped that Jared was a fan. He looked at the package and started to laugh. He explained to me that he use to read Calvin and Hobbs all the time in his room growing up at home and how great it was to see them again.
I congratulated him on his engagement again and he looked at me and smiled and said “Thank you, that means a lot”.
Sandy McCoy is simply adorable. This was her first con and she did so well. She explained how nervous she was. She is very down to earth and in my opinion, her and Jared make a great couple. I’m sure they will have the most wonderful life together and I wish them all the very best.
Sandy was very gracious when it was my turn for the photo-op. She has a lovely and welcoming smile. I walked up and shook her hand and congratulated her on her engagement and she thanked me and then said “I know you, from Chicago and your blog”. I was left speechless. What could I say? It took me a few seconds to recover and then I sincerely thanked her. She is truly a lovely person.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/_MG_2229.jpg[/url]
The Q and A session with Sandy was so much fun. She relayed an adorable story about Jared’s proposal to her. He had been walking around the hotel room, thumping his chest. Sandy knew he had been working out and wondered if maybe she had not complimented him enough and he was trying to draw attention to his buffed up body. As it turns out, Jared was so nervous, he was thumping his chest to work up the courage to propose. Now, how adorable is that? She also explained that Jared is basically a softy inside, with a gentle heart.
In preparing for her role as one of the Crossroads Demons, Sandy explained that she had studied the work of the other actresses in this role and that she was very nervous with this part. We all assured her she did a great job.
I wanted to give a shout-out to Gary and Adam, the co-owners of Creation Entertainment. They are very dedicated to their fan base and are totally accessible and on-site during the cons.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/F1010018.jpg[/url]
Before I forget, Panns and I did spot one unexpected guest in the audience.
[url http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee161/SJJCM/Los%20Angeles%20March%202008/F1030015.jpg[/url]
A group of us shared a farewell meal on the Sunday evening, before separating and going our respective ways. It was lots of fun, full of warmth and excitement and shared conversations about the weekend events and our lives. Nadine and Becky, thank you so much for helping me figure out my portion of the bill. I was so tired, I couldn’t even see clearly.
From every aspect, the time in Los Angeles was special in every way. Time could have passed me by and I would have been very content to stay and live in the moments that happened. But alas, it all ended too soon and I had the unexpected pleasure of having Tom Welling on my flight home, via Vancouver. What a nice guy.
Supernatural has been responsible for friendships blossoming and lives being enriched. Moments of time are etched forever in memories, to be treasured and warmly recalled.
I’m sitting at the top of the rainbow, with no plans to slide down any time soon.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful Supernatural journey with me.
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Apr 3, 2008 10:15 AM
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SJ-Great blog! Makes me very, very jealous. And to have Jensen remember you and greet you first, OMG! Thanks for posting so that we can live vicariously through you!
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Apr 3, 2008 10:59 AM
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Thanks so much for your kind words Kris, it sure was an exceptional time. I still can't get over Jensen - whew - it was truly a remarkable moment. He is truly such a nice guy.
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Apr 3, 2008 11:08 AM
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My dear, Sandra, what an incredible story! You write so well - I could just picture what you were talking about. And that's a good thing since our blockers or filters or whatever they're called here at work won't allow me to view your pictures. Apparently photobucket is one of the sites that is blocked.  So I'll have to try to get online at home tonight so I can look at your pictures.
I'm tellin' ya, girl, reading your story just amped me up so much more for Texas. I can't believe that June is still so far away!  Surely it should be coming faster, don't you think?
Mary, that is so cool that you're selling Supernatural University stuff. I may have to ponder buying something...we'll see what my finances tell me!
Well, I've been reading your story for a while now, Sandra, amid an interruption or two so I best be getting my bootie back to work! I delighted in reading your blog, m'dear, and look forward to reading blogs from Mary, Amy, Panns (if she posts anymore than she already has - which was already fun to read), Schroan, Mousitsa, and Lady Talon - but no pressure!! If you don't want to or don't have time to, don't feel you have to post a blog!
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Apr 3, 2008 11:12 AM
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Hey ya sweetie,
Thanks so, so much Erica, it was such a magical time. OMG! I'm still floating around.
What a shame about Photobucket. Hopefully, you'll be able to view them tonight.
We are going to have such a blast in the Big D (Jensen's term - not mine. I laughed at the LA Con when he said it).
It will be here before you know it. June is just the month after next.
Hope you're having a great day.
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Apr 3, 2008 11:20 AM
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June is just the month after next.
That sounds so much better than saying it's two months away! *sigh* It can't come fast enough, I'm tellin' ya!
I think the part that I'm most worried about (and I swear I'm not fishing for compliments by saying this!) is the photo-ops. I'm signed up for the sandwich, Fred, and Chad. The reason I'm worried is that I'm not a very photogenic person. I know I look perfectly fine in real life and I'm not ugly or anything...I just don't photograph well. I tend to get very stiff, posed smiles and just...don't look very good! I'm crossing my fingers that my excitement of meeting these guys will have all sorts of genuine smiles on my face so I don't get stiff. *sigh* I'd have to have my photos of all of these dolls messed up by my stiffness. But I'll take the chance!
LOL "the Big D" - that's awesome!
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Apr 3, 2008 11:27 AM
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Hey Sandra!!! I've been anxiously awaiting your blog!
First off: Jensen was so cute, when he asked for the daughter’s name, so he’d know what his future girlfriend’s name was going to be. Her name is Jamie. Dude, that's totally a sign! Jensen & I ARE soulmates!
I love all your pics but you know my favorite is the one of Stevie-baby!!!!! *sigh*
I see that Chad is wearing Ash's skull-n-crossbones necklace. That must be his own personal item, eh?!
Kripke! Plastic!Priestly! FTW!!!\0/
I didn't know that Mary had a line of University wear over at Cafe Pess!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!
I'm so glad that you had another great Con experience. I can't wait for Dallas!!!!!!
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Apr 3, 2008 11:46 AM
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Don't worry Erica, I can guarantee you, you will look great and relaxed in your selected photos BECAUSE, I'll ensure that you are sufficently tickled just before you go into each of them. Laughter makes the best smile, tickling will accomplish that. We're going to have a blast in the Big D!!!
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Apr 3, 2008 11:49 AM
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Sandra: Thanks, darlin'!
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Apr 3, 2008 11:53 AM
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Sandra, did you happen to notice what kinds of items girls/people were having "Stevie-baby" sign?
I ask as I'm thinking about bringing one of my KANE (the group he has with actor and singer Christian Kane) CDs for him to sign. But I wonder if that might be "wrong" to do since it's not exclusively his, you know?
I'm going to have to buy pictures there for everyone to sign as I don't have appropriate items myself. I thought about taking one of my Supernatural DVD seasons for the boys (and maybe even Fred and Chad) to sign but...I think I'd rather have a pic so I could display it. And I don't have any myself nor do I have the technology/capability to print any.
Did any of you who attended notice if they had good pictures of each of the actors for sale that were appropriate for autographs?
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Apr 3, 2008 12:00 PM
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Hello my darling Arafel,
I was really looking forward to hearing from you, truly, thank you so much for your kind words, they sincerely mean alot.
Getting hugged by Jensen was so special. I've captured the moment in time and am holding it close to my heart.
"I know he is more reserved than Jared, but somehow, I get a very sensitive, caring, and intuitive vibe from him-maybe just my fangirl fantasies but still..."
I completely agree with you Arafel. I've always felt the same way about Jensen too.
He appears strong in the show and in real-life, but he absolutely has the sensitive and caring side to him. I believe him to have a very gentle and fragile heart and is very in-tune to what is happening in the world and tries to make it better in his own way.
This was re-confirmed too, by one of the girls at the Con, when she met him back in his Days of Our Lives time.
Melissa's dog had just died and she had to attend with her family at a tour of one of the studios. She was not thinking clearly and was standing near the bicycle rack when Jensen came up to her. He said hi and unlocked his bike and when he was riding away, he turned back and gave her a wave.
When Melissa was re-counting the story, I was thinking to myself, I sure believe it, cause Jensen is just that type of wonderful and warm human being.
I've often said to people that he has a true Piscean side to him, which I love so much.
Thanks again Arafel.
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Apr 3, 2008 12:06 PM
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Hi ya Rap,
That was the first thing that went through my mind when I heard the name. I said to Schroan, oh Rap's going to be happy to hear that.
I was trying to channel your vibe to Steve, cause I know he's your guy, doll.
He really got the place rocking and I thought to myself that Rap should be here, dancing in the aisles.
Kripke was sensational - awesome guy!
Plastic Priestly was beyond funny.
I didn't even realize about Chad's necklace, I bet you're right, he sure selected well to go with his character.
Thanks Rap for your kind words and I'm glad you liked the photos. It was truly a fantastic time and I'm really looking forward to seeing you in Dallas.
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Apr 3, 2008 12:16 PM
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Hi Erica,
Don't worry about having items to bring to sign, there is a multitude of varying items available for purchase - ranging from $6.00 and up. There's a very nice selection and they are suitable for autographs and framing.
Fans were getting Steve to sign all types of things, from a piece of jewellrey to cds to photos. You'll be fine with your Kane cd, it would be a great choice.
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Apr 3, 2008 12:21 PM
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Ooh SJ you lucky, lucky, girl. The pic of you sandwiched between the guys, you look like the cat that swallowed the canary...I'm sooooooo jealous but I'm glad you had a great time.
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Apr 3, 2008 12:26 PM
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