2001 SIGNING EVENT PHOTOS
AND INFORMATION   

April 07, 2001 -    Gifts and Accents Signing Event 
April 20, 2001 -  QVC Show   
April 20, 2001 -    Carlton Retail Cards Signing Event 
April 26 - 29th, 2001  -  Anaheim International Collectible Exihibition 
April 26-29th, 2001  - Anaheim Event Photos 
May 19, 2001  The Christmas Collection  
June 28,29 & 30th 2001 Rosemont ICE Show 
July 07, 2001 G & L Signing Event
July 08, 2001 G & L Cruise 

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G & L Cruise -  Report by Becky July 08, 2001

When we woke at 6:15 AM it was already raining.  Several of us stayed at the Clarion in Manchester and arranged to meet Sunday at 7:30 AM in the hotel cafeteria for breakfast.  Seven cars followed Debbie Duff-Fleming out of the hotel parking lot at 8:45 AM with Mary Ann from Indiana, Pa. in the last vehicle.  

We kept our eye on Peggy (earsantail) because she was behind us.  Saturday she was telling us that she was having an unresolved electrical problem with her windshield wipers (they don't work) that the dealer cannot find and of all things here it was raining.  What can I say Peg, it's a Chevy!      

We arrived at the dock about 9:15 AM and started heading for the boat because it was raining.   However, they told us we could not board until 10:30AM.  Some of us sat in our vehicles and a few brave collectors stood under the only canopy on the grounds to keep you dry and out of the weather.  Here's their mug shot....

Anyone who had to use a restroom was plum out of luck!   They wouldn't even allow you to use the boats facilities (just ask Peggy).  Not even as much as a facility anywhere on the premises and someone mentioned even the local gas station refused them.  

Debbie Duff-Fleming stood outside under the canopy until the last person boarded getting every passenger boarding the boat to sign a small elongated buoy.  She later presented it to Dean mid way through the cruise.  When Debbie got up to present it to Dean someone yelled from the audience "it's a baby" because she had it wrapped up to conceal the buoy.  What a neat idea for Dean to remember all who were in attendance that day!

About 10:00 AM Dean arrived with his Mom , Dad, brother Doug and wife Robin, Karl, friends of Dean's parents, Richard Dunne and Yvette Starr, (I apologize if I missed anyone).  While Dean was walking toward me I got this wonderful picture of him.  

At 10:15 AM everyone started to get in line to board the boat.  It was still drizzling and only a few people had umbrellas with them.  It was almost 10:30 till we finally got in the door and there was still a line behind me that was beyond the pier.  They had a table set up downstairs with several appetizers to hold us over until lunch.  Along one of the walls they had several tables set up to display the prototypes and for collectors to buy raffle tickets for $5 & $10 chances in hopes of being that lucky number drawn during the cruise.

As we came in the door and worked our way around a long winding line to get to the prototype tables, personnel from G & L asked our boarding pass numbers and they gave us our seating arrangements by table number.   It was taking very long for people to get through the line to view the prototypes some may not have even seen the table at all.   We went upstairs sometime around 11:10AM to our assigned table.  I never moved from my spot until the boat docked again,  a case of shakey knees.  

Charming Dave took the floor and forbid Dean to sign anything during the cruise.  He than asked Dean to hand over his signing pen.  Poor Dean, it appeared it was truly a very sad day losing his pen as he hung his head and moved it from side to side with the saddest look on his face which made the crowd burst out in laughter.  Sadly to say this boat did not have a PA system and everyone speaking had to use a portable PA system which was not audible to most or we heard bits and pieces.  

Dave than had Dean and Karl each draw a number.  Dean picked #164 and Karl #60.  These 2 lucky collectors who held those boarding pass numbers and a guest of their choice had the honors of being seated at the head table with Dean and Karl.  Sorry folks, we don't know who the names are we could not hear.  Richard Dunne and Yvette Starr were than seated in their seats for the meal.

They started serving sometime around 12, however there was much confusion in the way they served the tables.  They served the last table, and skipped the next one.  Only 1 person at our table was served and our platters came 30 mins. later.  Everyone at the table said the meal was excellent, can't tell you if it was or not, LOL....  Don't know exactly what the problem was, if they were short of personnel or had new people on staff and didn't know the routine, but it certainly had no reflection on G & L it was something they could not control.  Poor Lori was so upset that people were not being served she went down to straighten out the problem.  We were one of the last tables to be served around 1:15.  We heard a rumor that in Charming Dave's past life (that's before Charming Tails) he was once the manager of a restaurant and his wife worked their too and he was her boss (WHO KNEW!!!!).  

After everyone was finished eating Dave made an announcement that G & L would be having their 3rd ever Charming Tails store exclusive called Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice.  He also said no preorders would be taken by the store until after August 1st.  He gave a description and again it was not very audible so in case I have this wrong or missed something please let me know.  The honey on the prototype is yellowish but on the actual production piece it will be brownish to make it appear like spice.  

Dean's quilt was not only at the signing event but along for the boat ride too.  This quilt will be the most traveled quilt in the world.  Yvette Starr was introduced and she talked about the blown glass ornaments, the same information regarding the ornaments as was given in the Rosemont seminars.    

Everyone aboard got to see the first ever preview of the Squashville Six Pack.  The bottom of the container which held the 6 stuffed critters said Squashville Gang on the side.  I do not know what is on the top for a cover I didn't see anything it was already off when Dave unveiled it.  There are 3 critters on each side of the container.  The 6 different characters are a  squirrel, skunk, chipmunk, Reginald, Mackenzie & Binkey and stand 3" tall.  They are not the same material as in the beanies but are made with stuffing.  The next information I got from another collector because we could not hear, " there would be a smaller version than the 6 pack with 2 babies but they didn't want to reveal anymore information until January".

 Dave introduced Dean's parents & their friends Bill & Helen, his brother and sister-in-law Doug & Robin and Karl.  He than presented Dean with an award from the State of Conn. mentioning all of Dean's accomplishments as the Artist Of the Year and being nominated for 8 awards. 

 The Town of Windham, Conn. also recognized Dean with a special award naming Sunday, July 8, 2001 as Dean Griff Day.  What an honor for Dean's family to be present to see him recognized by both the State and a Town in Conn.  Not too many people have a town celebrating your name and designating a special day in your honor.  Maybe someday we'll be seeing a Dean Griff Avenue or Street in Conn!!!!!  

Phyliss Lester presented Dean with a plaque on behalf of the Eastern Charming Tails Club from Conn.  Bruce & Debbie from Canada presented Dean with a gift wrapped package that contained the Canadian exclusive figurine which was fastened inside a clear container with a message that read "Thank You Dean Griff for creating Charming Tails".

Dave than introduced his father-in-law Gene and mother-in-law Lillie.  This is where the G & L initials came from.  He also introduced his staff of which I could only hear two names, Roberta and Tim and he praised all the staff for their hard work.  He than recognized his wife's grandmother who prices everything that comes into the shop and his lovely wife Lori who does one heck of a job while we collectors are always talking to Dave on the phone.    

Before Dave started the live auction for the 3 G & L store exclusive prototypes, he explained the differences between the prototypes being auctioned and the actual production piece.  Any monies raised went to a charity called North East Placement Center.   

#1 Winter Whirlwind Prototype -  I couldn't hear what was being said, but I believe that one of the snowflakes was in a different position and there was no bottom stamp, only a hand written number taped to the bottom of figurine.
#2  You Turn My Life Around Prototype -  There is no bottom stamp and the item number is hand written and taped on bottom.
#3  Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice Prototype -  There are only 6 prototypes but this one being auctioned is a 1 of a kind.  The spice is now yellow but will be brown to reflect spice.  There was something else he mentioned and all I could hear was the word wooden.  I will see if I can find out and add it later. 

The bidding started at $500 and stopped at $2,600.  Dave than announced Dean would sign all 3 prototypes and the bidding started again by another collector and the eventual winner.  The bidding stopped at $3,00 won by M. Stackpole from Manchester, New Hampshire.  She was one very happy Charming Tails collector.  

It was than announced that Dean would be appearing on QVC for 1 hour segments on August 29th at 11 AM and August 30th at 1AM.  I am not certain though if it is a live show or taped.  Yvette also mentioned Dean's next appearance would be August 19th at an Okalahoma event.

Dave than auctioned off Dean's shirt which was also signed.  The winning bid was $800 and the winner was Stan from Conn. Someone seated near us asked Yvette if she would auction hers off and she replied "No, I can't wait to get home and tell my husband how much it's worth."  

Everyone who attended the cruise was given a surprise goody bag which was brought to the dinning area in large cardboard boxes and distributed to all attendees on the cruise.  The bag was the Leaf & Acorn Club canvas bag with You Are My Shinning Star, a special pin of 250 made strictly for the cruise called Sail Away, the figurine Rowboat Romance with a color change to the parasol painted like a black-eyed susan of only 250 pieces, a magnet from G & L so we know their phone number to call the store,  a ceramic mug that says 1st Ever Charming Tails Cruise from G & L Christmas Barn and a Kurt Adler ornament (my Kurt Adler ornament was different from my husbands and I heard there is 3 different versions.  I photographed the 2 I know about)    

The centerpieces on each table were donated by the Foxwood Casino from Conn.   On each table were 2 ladybug candleholders named Lydia and her counterpart Lancelot (which my brother-in-law won), 2 multi-colored ceramic fish, the live floral centerpiece and a piece of giftware hanging from an ornament hanger.  There were numbers placed in front of each persons seat and if they called your number drawn from a hat you won the prize mentioned.  I did notice that not all the giftware prizes were the same.  My sister-in-law won the Woodpecker Cookie ornament and I seen several of the double decker birdhouse ornaments at other tables which are Roman giftware.  She was thrilled to hear the ornament she won was valued at $35.

As for all the items raffled I could not hear all the names, sometimes only their ticket numbers.  They than drew tickets to find out who won the raffle prizes:

Print from the 1998 G & L Event "On To Plan B" the very first print of 400 with a different frame won by M. Stackpole from Manchester, New Hampshire.

You're My Cup Of Tea Prototype with a light blue cup rather than the darker blue won by ticket #4045 Carol Durand of Tolland, Conn

Print from the 2001 Flamingo Fling "Life Is A Bowl Full Of Cherries"  donated by Yvette from the Fling and Stan of Conn. limited to 1,000 prints  won by ticket #9062

Print from the 1999 Flamingo Fling "You're The Apple Of My Eye!" limited to 500 prints won by Bruce from Canada

Chickie Chariot Ride with the two tone colored chariot donated by Stan & his wife won by ticket #9160

You're Cute As A Button  Prototype the thread on the prototype is silver  ticket #4022 won by Jill

The set of large 3 ft. Charming Tails Maxine and Mackenzie Statues were won by Dawn LaRose

Two silent auctions were held were you could place a bid from boarding time until 2:30 P.M.  You had to use your boat pass number to place the bid along with your bid amount.  The opening bid for this prototype started at $300.  This was won by my husband boarding pass #79 for $900.

The second silent auction was for # 95/117 Holiday Ribbon ornament from the new blown glass series that is not yet released.  There were 2 prototypes of this piece one that looked like the actual production piece and the other did not have the ribbon around the belly of the chipmunk.  We did not hear the boarding pass number or know who won them.  The opening bid on both these ornaments started at $300.  There was only 1 person who bid on this auction the actual winner for $300. 

I hope everyone who read this report has enjoyed the cruise with us.  The only thing you missed out on was the actual rocking of the boat.  Our guests, my husband's brother and wife who are not Charming Tails collectors really enjoyed the weekend festivities.  Two years ago we took them along to the Fling where they purchased the print You're The Apple Of My Eye.  We never went through the signing line at the Fling because we left for home as soon as we purchased the prints.  While at G & L I got them to purchase the Apple Of My Eye figurine to go with their print and this years signing piece You're A True Blue Friend (Dave, do I get a commission for that sale?).  They had their first time picture taken with Dean of which they were so impressed at how endearing and gracious this man truly is.  

G & L Signing Event -  Report by Becky July 07, 2001

About 30 collectors were standing in line waiting for the store to open their front door when we arrived around 9:15am.  One collector standing near the front told me they arrived around 8AM and there were several people ahead of them.  

They had 3 books on a table near the front door for collectors to look at before the doors opened.  Dave came out about 9:45 and explained the process.  We were all handed a 2 part form, the green one was the order form and the bottom form (white) a word scramble.  When you turned in the word scramble at the front desk you received an acorn leaf pin, a gift by G & L.

We were told to go to the rear of the store and turn in our green form at the desk.  After that we did not need to stand in any line and could do whatever we wanted until our numbers were called.  At the top right hand corner of the green form was each collectors assigned number which was removed and handed to each collector.  They called numbers 1 thru 20 to go to the signing line at 11 AM and then called 10 numbers at a time from then on.  

G & L staff worked in the stock room directly behind the signing room pulling the orders.  When the orders were filled they passed the items in a box lid to Karl Strahl, who along with Richard Dunne kept the line moving.  No pieces were allowed from home everything had to be purchased at G & L with the limit of 3 per collector in line.  While standing in the signing line I noticed a map of the US.  They wanted collectors to stick a pin in the area you lived.  While I was only 39th in line some of the states I noticed in attendance were: Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Conn., New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Mass., Michigan & Canada.   

They had a large tent set up outside with tables and chairs and a vendor selling food and drinks.  Mike Brennan was also on hand signing and talking to collectors about his secondary price guide.  Next to him was Phyliss Lester who was in charge of having collectors fill out the $10 raffle tickets in hopes of winning the set of large mice to be drawn and announced during the cruise.  G & L also had items from their store on sale under the tent.  One collector made out like a bandit buying up Woodland Winds items for his collection.  

We had numbers 39 thru 42 and we were out the door by noon.  I was told about 225 people went through the line and only a handful were able to go  through twice. Dean was still singing at 4 PM.  We left around 1 to go for lunch and head back to our motel room in Manchester.  Between 5 & 5:30 PM about 40 collectors met at a restaurant near G & L for supper.  A little after 6 PM Dave, his wife Lori and father-in-law joined us after closing their doors.  This was a well organized  event and I don't think most collectors realize that such an event takes weeks of planning and hard work.  Just ask Lori, she has to do all the physical work while we all talk to Dave about Charming Tails.      

Rosemont ICE Show  -  Report by Carol "Scooter" Burbridge June 28, 29 & 30th , 2001

Here is information Carol jotted down while at the seminar:

• We will see more of Gabby the Canadian Goose in 2003.   

• Dean hinted that the exclusive for the late August QVC Show "flies", 
  isn't he a real tease!  

• You Add Color To My World will debut on QVC and the buyer can paint it.    

• The retirement section will be bought back in the 2002 club kit as a supplement.  

• The 2002 production mark will be a "mushroom"

• Holding On To Luck was the name of the 2001 free incentive pin.

Scooter reported that a retirement list was handed out during the Rosemont show by F & F.  It had the same pieces on the list I reported back in April with the exception of 89/263 Hangin' Around.   During the Anaheim ICE show, F & F gave collectors attending the show the opportunity to vote on 1 of 3 pieces they would like to see retired; Hangin' Around, The Waterslide or A Day at the Lake.  It is now official, 89/263 Hangin' Around is now retired suggested by our own collectors at Anaheim 2001.   
     For those who missed the other retirements you can see the list by going to my What's New section and scroll down to the April 26th information.  F & F also added information on the retirement sheet that they smashed the mold at the show for 89/623 Hangin' Around.  

Slides were shown of the following 2001 exclusives:
  
98/238 Friends Warm Our Lives - Linda Anderson
98/239 Friends Are There To Share -  Linda Anderson
98/240 Wherever You Land I'll Be There -  Linda Anderson
98/231 Holly Jolly Friends  -  Linda Anderson 

(Note:  Carol said if she understood correctly the initial 2,000 of the 3,000 order of the Four Seasons series have been sold with the incentive (glass dome), but the rest of the 3,000 order (1,000 pieces) will be available later to be sold as individual pieces.  People who did not receive the postcard and didn't know about the pieces will still have a chance to get them, just not with the dome.)

98/251  School's Out for Summer - Linda Anderson
98/243  Love Is the Best Gift  -  Linda Anderson (not released yet)
98/253  Bicycle Built for Friends  -  Parkwest
98/260  Frosty Friends  -  Parkwest 

887/125  Visions of Sugarplums  -  A Parkwest early release & was the most popular piece with the audience.  Baby in bed with little sugarplums suspended over him from what looked like the attachment that baby mobiles utilize. 

887/123  My Little Angel  -  A Parkwest early release - Maxine with baby walking next to her with a halo over his little head.  Baby may have also had wings, but am not sure. 

893/502  Holly Ornament Holder  -  A Parkwest early release  -  Dean said he used Pinecone Predicament as the model ornament as he was designing this, although it will work with almost all the winter or Christmas pieces.  Dean also said he has lots more designs for ornament holders if this one proves successful in sales  -  It was nice!  Heavy vining with red holly berries.....

98/262  Take Friendship under Your Wing  -  Canada, Samaco
98/258  Kissing in the Park  -  GCC

98/266  Dreamin' of a White Christmas  -  GCC (not released yet) probably the most popular with the audience.  Mouse sleeping in bed made of crystal and light blue snowflakes and icicles.

98/261  A Love Like No Other  -  Carlton

98/261  A Love Like No Other (red)  -  Carlton for Christmas not yet released (red bow and red flower in hair are the only differences)  (only 1,000 being produced)

895/104  You're the Perfect Gift  -  Carlton not yet released (only 3,000 produced)  -  resin and glass ornament with Mackenzie setting on top of 3 blue/silver packages.  The package ties come together above Mackenzie to form the hanger.

887/118  I'm Stuck on You   -  G & L

Gifts and Accents Signing Event - Report by Carol "Scooter" Burbridge April 7, 2001

Numerous fans were on hand to welcome Dean back to Kansas as he came to Gifts & Accents in Overland Park for an April 7 signing.   About 50 people came to an 11:30 luncheon with Dean, held in an unoccupied store in the mall.  We feasted on famous Kansas City barbeque with all the trimmings.  His mother's chocolate chip cookies may be Dean's favorite, but he seemed to enjoy the chunky white chocolate cookies that were part of the dessert choices.  They were good!  Each person in attendance was handed a "You're a Shining Star" canvas bag that contained our souvenir coasters and a small brass Leaf & Acorn Club coin.  (Club members had suggested a special L&A coin at Rosemont 2000 when Dean was discussing the coins for A Penny for Your Thoughts.)

After lunch Dean and Richard Dunne spoke to the group and answered questions.  Hold on to your hats, folks, there are lots of things coming.  Credit cards will be burning!  We were asked/ordered (LOL) not to take pictures of the prototypes we saw but here are a few details.

To be announced at Anaheim, where people will be allowed to take pictures, is a new grouping
called "Family Ties."  The first four pieces are:
 89/125 Happiness is Homemade - Obviously the group's favorite.  It features Maxine making a quilt, spread out over her lap.  Peaking in and out and under of the quilt were 5 (!) babies.  Dean designed this piece with thoughts of both his grandmothers and how they liked to make quilts.
89/124 Family Portrait - Features Mackenzie and Maxine and one of the babies holding a frame in which they are posing.  Reminded me a little of Pretty as a Picture
89/129 Home Is Where the Heart Is - Has a big red heart on the door of the little home with one of the mice posing in front
89/127 You Really Measure Up - Dean laughingly said this was for all the shorter people in the world.
More pieces are planned for 2002, and will introduce Grandma and Grandpa Mouse.

If that wasn't enough, clear off your desks.  The Office Gifts line should be in the stores by August, if not a little earlier.  They all feature Mackenzie and lots of apple blossoms.
93/300 Desk Top Clock - nice smaller shape
93/301 Note Pad Holder
93/302 Lidded Paper Clip Box
93/302 Pencil Holder
93/304 Photo Frame - smaller than previous frames and will hold what I would guess as a 3 x 5 horizontal picture
93/305 Stapler - Mackenzie is laying tummy down on top of the stapler, and it appears you should be able to push his little buns to make the stapler staple Dean commented that he has been listening to collectors (and his mother to whom he sends one of each piece he has ever created) about space limitations and that is one of the reasons he has been branching out into other areas and also creating some smaller simpler pieces that don't take up so much room.  He commented that he had a 22 ft oak cabinet made for his mother, and that she knew where each piece was located on the shelves.

Dean is a wonderful storyteller.  Get him to tell you the story of how he learned you must always feed the chickens in the daytime.  His younger sister reminded him of the "event" when he and the family were discussing how Dean may have become interested in mice.

Someone asked if there would be any new critters.  Dean replied the goldfish is now a permanent member of the cast.  Members should keep watch on the CT website and in the newsletter and at CT events of any kind because they will have input on the names for the frog and owl.  Dean said he had been thinking of bears and foxes, but because of size comparisons to the other critters they might have to be an "offshoot" line of Charming Tails.

He again stated how he was making some of the pieces smaller on purpose without many elaborations because of cost and collector space considerations.  Rosemont audience--Dean listened.  We will be getting Fern Tickle as a piece in 2002.  It will be larger because of all the
greenery, etc., and will cost quite a bit more.  He said F&F would only do 1 or 2 of the very large pieces a year.

There are still plans for a book in 2002.  Original company who was going to make the plush had some problems, and F&F is working with another company now.  Hopefully they will be ready around the first of the year.

When a collector asked if there was going to be another annual ornament since there isn't one pictured in the catalog, Dean responded yes.  86/110 Holiday Wreath will actually have a green wreath with a red bow and will be dated 2001.  He told collectors not to waste time trying to
find the one pictured.  That was a "one" only.

At the Rosemont 2001 show, Dean will show the first Charming Tail blown glass ornaments.  He said they would be a little smaller and not as expensive as the "other" well-known line.  As Dean signed my pieces, he teased that if I look on the cover of my catalog, I will get a hint of what 2 of the pieces will be.  He also mentioned that we could see a picture of one plus an article on him in an upcoming edition (June-July?) of Collectors Edition magazine.

A collector asked if there would be more pieces to follow the piece "A Partridge in a Pear Tree."  Dean went in to lengthy explanation of why there would not be more pieces, but said he has something else to offer collectors.  He is doing a set of 12 Days of Christmas ornaments, the first 4 to debut in 2002, with 4 more to follow each of the next 2 years.  He said the ornaments will involve all the characters and will be "done with a sense of humor," to quote Dean.  He also teased that he had designed a special display unit for those.

The funniest part of the session came from a disgruntled husband who asked Dean if he could design an "attack cat" to combat the mice that have taken over his home.

After this session, we went back to a room next to the store for the actual signing.  From 1 to 2 pm, the people at the luncheon had first opportunity to get their pieces signed, and after that other people could get in line. Tables with 2 numbers on each of them had been set up around the room.  As we were gradually allowed into the room, we went to empty chairs and unpacked our own pieces.  We were handed a CT notepad, a CT pen, and a CT key chain, the same as last year's items. Dean walked around the room in numerical sequence, visiting and signing as he went.  As we waited for Dean to make it around the room, we had the opportunity to get up and look at other people's pieces.

When Dean came to me, I again asked him to do a piece with a sunflower-remember I'm from Kansas.  He said I should be happy next year.  He was also pleased to see the Leaf & Acorn coin that I asked him to sign.  He hadn't seen it yet.  And, yes, he was wearing the familiar blue shirt!

In Gifts & Accents itself, we could see the famous birthday quilt.(Dean says he's staying 40 again this year.)  We also were able to see many of the new pieces coming out later in the year.  Pictures don't do them justice.  We could also buy chances on 2 prototypes, with the money going to a local charity.  A 3rd prototype would be given away in a drawing from the names of the people who had purchased pieces.  I was told a 4th prototype had arrived broken.  Winners would be selected and announced later.

I'd like to thank LauraLea Johnson for all of her hard work in making this signing happen, J.D. for hosting the signing at his store and being so accommodating with all my photo requests, and to all the courteous store staff.  I'd also like to thank Richard Dunne for bringing lots of the new pieces for display.  The only sad part was that those of us who had pre-ordered pieces so they would be pre-signed weren't able to get them today to take home.  The store had just received many of the pieces from F&F yesterday.  So if you pre-ordered, your piece(s) and whatever will be sent out mid-week.

LauraLea's husband will be moving her to San Diego in August, and Gifts & Accents will truly miss her.  Thanks, Gifts & Accents, for a pleasant day!

Here's a photo sent by Olga Rodriguez of a few collector's with Dean just before the live audience show April 20, 2001 at the QVC studio.

CARLTON RETAIL CARDS SIGNING EVENT - April 21, 2001

Dean arrived a little after 10AM in the pre-signing area along with Yvette Starr and Debra Phillips from F & F.   He was very busy at work as you can see in the left photo.  He left this area about 11:55 and was driven across the mall lot to the Carlton store for the 12:00pm signing.

Dean's parents along with friends from New York who attended the QVC show the night before also came to the signing event.  Dean's mom had the best seat in the house as she got to hear what collectors had to say to Dean.  

I thought you'd all like to see what fellow collector Olga Rodriguez has been doing for the past 6 years.  Olga's daughter Varinia gave her the apron as a gift so Olga could display all her buttons on it.  The apron has the Reaching For The Stars design on the front.  Every year since 1996, Olga brings the apron with her to a signing event and has Dean sign it.  

If you notice in the right photo there is no signature for Dean in 1999.  Instead, Olga placed a bandaid where Dean's signature would have been.     According to Olga, the bandaid represents the year Dean was sick and had to cancel the remainder of his signing events.  Thanks Olga for sharing your truly unique one-of-a-kind apron with fellow collectors.

Below is a photo taken at the end of the signing  table which Kathy ordered special for the show.  It's a huge block of cheese made into the shape of a mouse.

Because Dean was so busy pre-signing pieces there was not much time to talk.  However, he did tell me that the addition size of Mom, You're Beautiful the QVC exclusive was limited to 5,000 pieces.   The set of Four Seasons pins offered on QVC was an early introduction, but next year all retailers will have the pins to sell.   I asked him because they were released to QVC one  year earlier than the rest of the retail world would there be any changes to the pin set and he said no.   

We all know how Dean loves his Mom's chocolate chip cookies.  Dean mentioned that during the QVC show his Mom's cookies were passed around the audience to sample as well as the host of the show sampled a whole cookie.  Well, turns out poor Dean didn't even get a crumb to sample because they were all gone. Guess Mom will have to make a special batch just for Dean. 

There still was a long line at 3:00 PM and Dean continued to sign an additional 20 minutes till the last collector got through the line.  He was immediately taken back to the pre-signing area until he had to leave for Philadelphia at 4:10 PM.

By the end of the show, all the drawings for the prototypes had been done with the exception of the Carlton prototype with the brown leaf which is still ongoing.  I do have the names of the 5 winners and will post them after Kathy has a chance to notify them first.    

THURSDAY APRIL 19TH

Below are photos taken of the pre-signing area of pieces waiting to be signed by Dean.  We unpacked 82 cartoons today and by 2 PM another 22 cartons showed up.  We were completely finished by 5pm.  

Below are photos of the 6 prototypes donated by F & F for the Carlton Signing Event April 21st.  The Carlton Exclusive with the brown leaf will be by silent auction bid.  Anyone may place a bid, you need not attend the show.  Click on this link to find out how to place your silent bid for this prototype.  The version with the brown leaf will be the more valuable of the 2 prototypes because of the color difference in the leaf and ribbon.

The other Carlton exclusive with the green leaf will be won by a lucky collector who purchases tickets for a chance to win the prototype during the event.  Three of the other prototypes will be given away to collectors at the show and 1 prototype will be won by a lucky collector who placed an order that cannot attend the show.  Good Luck to all!!!  

All proceeds from the prototypes will be donated to charity.  The selected charity is The ARC, a national organization for people with mental retardation.

       ANAHEIM INTERNATIONAL COLLECTIBLE EXHIBITION CONVENTION  APRIL 26 - 29TH, 2001
                         by Gramma Jo Jo

^{I'm starting to compose this "novel" at a MacDonalds table in Wal Mart while waiting for my film to develop. Only two hours ago I was at Anaheim giving Dean a good-bye hug. I am still on Cloud 9 after four days of being surrounded by all the reasons I love being part of this club family.}

^{Anaheim was Fantastic.!!! Dean was as Charming at 9:00 Thursday morning as he was at 3:30 on Sunday afternoon. I don't see how he does it.}

^{My story begins at 5:00 pm Wednesday April 25th when Beth (from Chicago) calls to tell me she is Anaheim and asks if I want to join her. LauraLea Johnson from Gifts and Accents was to be her traveling companion. At midnight on Tuesday, LauraLea was pulling a box of books down a flight of stairs and fell. She ended up in the emergency ward with a messed up leg, on crutches and unable to travel. Needless to say, I packed in a hurry (like Regie) left Alpine (San Diego) at 6:45 pm and pulled into Anaheim at 8:30 pm. I won't tell you how fast I was driving. "g"}

^{Thursday at 8:30 am our ct family began gathering in the lobby of the Anaheim Convention Center. At 9:00 am Regie and her daughter Shelly from Chicago, Illinois, Barbara and her husband Eddie from Merlin, Oregon, Bobbie from Las Vegas, Nevada, Beth and I were greeted with a small handful of retailers. The red ribbon was cut, the convention was officially opened and over to Dean we flew. Dean was bent down behind his signing table putting something away. He peaked up over the table, saw us and it was all smiles, hugs, giggles and pictures from then on. We basically had Dean to ourselves for two whole days. Whatever we put in front of Dean he signed. I had an airline carry-on bag (with wheels) full of pieces. Dean signed all of my pieces including books, buttons, pins, rulers, etc. (I walked back to the hotel for a total of 3 more suitcase loads to be signed.)}

^{I arrived at the signing table before Dean was back from lunch on Thursday. I sat down on the floor and started unwrapping pieces. Before I knew it Dean had joined me on the floor to sign my pieces. Other "family members" joined us on the floor and we had a ball. You should have seen the looks from everyone around us. "g" The same thing happened Friday morning. By Friday Lauri, her husband Pat and two sons Sean and Brian from Tempe, Arizona plus my roommate Barbara from Shoreview, Minnesota had joined our "family". TRUE HAPPINESS is sitting on the convention center floor listening to Dean tell stories while he signs pieces in a circle of club family members. What other artist would be so emotionally bonded to his collector family? Only Our Dean!!! This is only one of the many reasons we love him soooo very much.}

What was the overall convention like?

We had a fantastic time. I apologize in advance for not remembering everyone. (I'm a little tired and I am awful at remembering names. That's why I created the orange felt oak leafs in the first place. "g") Some of the names I remember include: Anna, MaryJo and her husband from San Diego, Cindy and her husband Fred and mom Jean, Mary, Margaret, Gloria, Nancy and her mom, Jan and Kit, Dara and ???

Rumor was that 40% of the booths backed out of coming to the convention. This made it smaller than Long Beach was two years ago and tons smaller than Rosemont last year. Some of the Big companies did not make it. (Since I only collect ct's - I didn't care who else was there anyway.) The quantity of goodies given away at the booths seemed to be smaller than at Rosemont last year. The collectors on Saturday and Sunday also seemed to be fewer in number than Long Beach two years ago. Dean always had a line but it was not a very long wait at all. As always, waiting in line was part of the true fun. It meant time to talk to other ct collectors, get to meet each other and share our common love.

What was this years button?

The Button showcased the new Family Ties series. The new piece Family Portrait is in the center of the button. Hopefully we will have a picture for you.

What did Dean wear?

Thursday Dean wore a green shirt and light pants.
Friday Dean wore a blue shirt and black pants.
Saturday Dean wore a yellow/orange shirt and light pants.
Sunday Dean wore a blue shirt and light pants.

What was the F & F booth like?

We have a whole new booth and it tied for Outstanding Booth Award with two other booths. The outside is off white brick and shingles. There are glass windows on the outside that showcase our ct pieces. One center wall has a fireplace with a beautiful display of the Christmas pieces. Queen Maxine and King Mackenzie are on top of the fireplace roof and the F & F sign rotates (when the F & F employees remember to turn it on. "g") The booth has plush thick carpet and two areas with tables and chairs. We enjoyed using these chairs often and so did all the many new club members that were signed up when they bought their instant membership kits.

What were the drawing prizes?

At 11:00, 12:00 and 3:00 Dean drew ticket numbers for prototypes on both Saturday and Sunday. Given away from the new office desk set were the pencil holder, the paper clip holder, the notepad holder and two of the staplers. The sixth prototype was of the candy dish.

What was the club membership gift?

When you showed your club membership card you were given a coin but it is different than the signing event coin. On the front side of this coin is the wording "Rich In Friendship" above the mouse and "Charming Tails 2001" is under the mouse. The signing event coin has "2001 Dean Griff Signing Event" above the mouse and "You're A True Blue Friend" below the mouse. The back of the coin is the same on both coins. It has the Leaf and Acorn Club symbol with the club phone number and e-mail address.

How was the Swap N Sell?

I thought there was a large quantity of tables overall. Maybe not as many as previous years but still a good turn out. I only really saw about five tables that had ct's. Nothing like what our favorite Kathy DiGiacomo always brings us. I found 4 pieces that I needed and they were priced either at what Mike's book listed last year or a little under. Bobbi found a set of 7 houses selling for a TOTAL of under $200.00. She only bought the Pumpkin Inn for $35.00 and then changed her mind and went back five minutes later to buy all of them (and of course they were gone.) We will never let her live that one down.

Side note on Bobbi.

Bobbi went to Knotts Berry Farm on Friday and came back with 5 of the "Chickie Chariot Ride" pieces that were painted the wrong color. They have a red and yellow flower as the chariot instead of solid red and there is dirt under the chariot instead of the solid grass. She sold one to me, one to Lauri and I think one to Beth. That's what our club family is all about!!! Thank You again Bobbi!!!

What was given away at the Saturday and Sunday 1:00 - 2:00 Seminars?

Almost everyone was given one of the Leaf and Acorn canvas bags that were part of the club kit last year. Inside was the small acorn notepad that was also part of that kit plus a Charming Tails Signing Event 2000 ink pen. Some bags had the "A Treasure of Memories" piece and other bags had the signing piece "This One Is Yours". Also included was a wooden ruler (that we had Dean sign - of course.)

What was given away in the seminar drawings?

Saturday they gave away prototypes to the office pencil cup and the paper clip holder as well as the club membership piece "Rich In Friendship" and the sports figurine "Good Cheers". They gave away one of the Fling prints "Life Is A Bowl Of Cherries". Inside one of the bags was a club membership registration form which meant that person won a club membership. Lauri's husband Pat won the smaller pillow and the afghan from "Everybody Sing".

Sunday they gave away prototypes for "I Get A Kick Out of You" and the charity piece "Wishing You Well". They also gave away a ct mobile and the Fling print "Life Is A Bowl Of Cherries". For the two people in the audience who had a birthday on Saturday they gave the "How Many Candles" piece (signed by Dean of course.) The larger pillow and wall hanging for "Everybody Sings" was won by Lauri's son Brian. We couldn't believe that they won the Whole Set!!!

What new pieces were showcased?

"You're Berry Special" is the ARC charity piece for this year. So far $10,000 has been donated from the proceeds from F & F, the proceeds Dean would have earned on this peace plus Dean matches that amount with a personal donation. The year isn't over and we are really proud of what this piece has been able to earn so far for a really great charity.

The office set was the main theme of the convention and the new pieces for Family Ties were presented.

Dean has three brothers and two sisters. His mom used to measure their height in the doorway and he was always 5" - 6" shorter than his brothers. That's where "You Really Measure Up" comes from. "Home is Where The Heart Is" reflects the fact that Dean moved to Florida but his heart will always be back on the farm in Central New York. "Family Portrait" has one baby mouse whose head is looking out from under or around the picture frame. Every family picture has one person who isn't quite looking where they should be. "Happiness Is Home Made" (which was seen on QVC) is a thank you to the club members for Dean's 40^{th birthday quilt. We made Dean's 40th birthday such a happy one he says that he is going to remain 40 forever. This piece is also a memory of how his family from grandma on down was always making quilts and sewing.}

The Open House Piece is "You're a Real Gem" and it will feature Mackenzie with clear gems. We can see a picture of it on the calendar in this years club kit. The Open House date is the weekend of October 20 - 21. This is the first day that this piece will be allowed to be sold.

What new pieces were announced?

Rosemont will feature our new blown glass ornament series. There will be 20 - 22 ornaments in the initial release. They will range from $15 to $25. The size will be from 3 1/2" to 6 1/2". There will only be two of the big ones (size and price) and I won't say who (not Dean) spilled the secret that they will be The King and Queen of My Heart ornaments. Dean kept wanting me to promise to keep this a secret. He knows me better than that!!! "g" Eight of these ornaments will be a combination of resin and glass and the rest will be all blown glass. The sample slide shown was "Christmas Stocking Surprise". It was Mackenzie and a present in resin coming out of a glass stocking. Each of our Squashville family members will have their own ornament including Lydia. The ornaments will be in our stores by August or September this year. Dean promises that the test of the glue bonding the resin and glass has proven to be a good marriage. We promised that we will get back with him on that in a few years.

In the "drawing stage only" is the Twelve Days of Christmas ornaments. We saw slides of 3 of the drawings. In "Two Turtle Doves" - Bunnie Bunny has her arms stretched out and has a turtle with dove wings in each hand. In "Nine Ladies Dancing" Maxine is in a ballet skirt with eight tiny ladies dancing hanging from her skirt. She is the ninth lady dancing. In "Five Golden Rings" there are 5 real metal rings with Maxine stuck in the middle ring. They are totally adorable. (Of course). The "Dean Humor" is beautiful in every one of these new pieces. Dean has also designed a free standing ornament holder. Hopefully we will be allowed to purchase this stand (maybe club members only???) There will be four of these pieces released per year and the first four will be sold for more than just the first year. Possibly all of the sets will be for multiple years - details to be worked out later.

"You Add Color To My World" is a piece with I think Maxine and a flower pot with flowers. The flowers are white resin. We will be given a paint brush and paint and will paint the flowers ourselves. There may be a contest to choose the most creative paint job even though Dean said every entry would be a winner.

What was announced?

Dean found out today that he won "Artist Of The Year" for Canada. Dean turned bright red when we gave him a standing ovation. "g"

When they announced the top 5 winners - Dean was in 4 of the 5 categories that he was up for. When we were sitting on the floor with him he said it was good that they did not win in the "Club of the Year" category because this would make F & F work harder - giving us more fun stuff while they were trying to win in this category. The top winners will be announced at the Rosemont dinner. Are we all going to the dinner to support Dean???

Deborah and Wanda were introduced as the new employees for our collector club team.

In the style of a While You Were Out message pad they retired the following pieces at Anaheim:

89-713 How Many Candles
83-101 Beach Bunnie
83-703 Camping Out
83-807 Triple Delight
82-109 Together Forever
84-100 Love Is In The Air
84-101 I'm Your Love Bunny
84-103 Our Love Has Blossomed
84-106 I'd Do It All Over Again
84-110 Love Birds
89-102 A Gift Of Love
89-715 I Love You A Whole Bunch
89-756 I Miss You Already
83-810 Friendship Is A Great Bargain
89-719 I'm A Winner
89-722 Picture Perfect
88-600 What's Hatchin'
88-700 Chickie Back Ride
88-701 Paint By Paws
88-702 Shhh, Don't Make A Peep
88-703 Motoring Along

What did we do?

We voted for the name for Lydia's friend. Our choices were:

Lancelot
Logan
Leo
Larry

Which do you think will win???

We voted for which of the following piece should be retired:

89-623 Hangin' Around
87-384 The Water Slide
83-803 A Day At The Lake
Which would you retire???

What were the question and answer goodies - new gosip?

• Of the Four Season pin set Deans favorite is the Christmas pin and then the pumpkin.
• There will be more variations on the shoe theme.
• Checks for our checkbook are in the wind with Linda Anderson.
• Look for a new house in Squashville next year and one every couple of years from now on.
• There will be something to give us back the retirement section. Either a separate book or annual supplement pages for a three ring binder type of book.
• The catalog was voted to be sized down to fit into a three ring binder with holes pre-punched.
• Catalogs can be purchased from our retail stores for $5.00.
• The pocket planner will go back to an alpha or # order.
• Dean checks the website to see what signing he is going to next. "g"
• The Fling print piece "Life Is A Bowl Full of Cherries" will be out next year.
• Next year's collectors club will have more fun things.
• The Fling earned $50,000 for the South East Seeing Eye Dog charity. Last years dog was named Griff and he hasn't quite made it through the class. Dean says he is living up to his name and is a slow bloomer. Fritz is the name for this year's puppy.
• The Early Incentive piece (will fit on our orange felt oak leafs that I make i.e. a pin) will be mailed soon.
• The Squashville Gazette is now being sent straight from the printer to a mailing house in Dallas and they promise a one week turn around so mailing should be much faster.
• They will hold off putting the quiz answers for the Squashville Gazette on the official website until everyone has a chance to get it in the mail.
• They have started selling ct's in the UK this year.
• The groundwork is being laid for a ct convention.
• Dean is pushing for a signing in Las Vegas!!! He has never been there. I think my husband will even join me on that one. "g"

It's now after midnight. My pictures turned out lousy but I am scanning a few to post anyway. I always hate pictures of myself - especially.

I beg forgiveness on my spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.

Please do not hold me responsible for any of the above information if I have gotten something wrong. I have a lousy memory and you should try to read my notes. "g"

The bottom line is that the Fitz and Floyd staff did a fantastic job. They were super sweet and helpful the whole weekend. They even served Starbucks Coffee, fantastic punch and delicious cookies before the seminars. The new booth is truly an "award winning booth".

Club family members - I miss you already. I bonded so much closer to the club members that I already knew and I am tickled pink with all the new family members I finally got to meet. I look forward to meeting more of you at Rosemont in two months. Beve - I really, really, really missed you. I blame you (not being there) for us not getting organized enough to get a club picture with Dean after the Saturday Seminar. All the rest of you who could not attend Anaheim - you were there in spirit and we tried our best to get buttons for most you.

Dean - how can we love you any more than we already do??? You touch our hearts on a daily basis and we are truly blessed to be able to call you our friend and family member.

All my love and Mousey Hugs,

Gramma Jo Jo

The Christmas Collection Signing Event - Report by DeeJae  May 19, 2001

Click on the link below to see the report and photos by DeeJae from  The Christmas Collection Signing event from Altamonte Springs, Florida.

              http://hometown.aol.com/lilcharmer412/CTaltamonte.html  

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Revised: 11/21/06.