And, just like every other time, that part of the experience was fantastic. And, just like every other time, the demo was a blast. So where to start?The best, and most logical, place would be the meet and greet. That's how the evening kicked off. AB appeared for the meet and greet ready to spend a few minutes with his adoring public. And as per usual, he was warm and gracious to everyone who attended.
On my first trip to see Alton (yes, I said first trip, there were several trips to see him during the evening), I followed after my friend Anne. She went first to talk with AB then told him that she came with me. So, Alton turns toward me and says, "I know her."
Of course with that comment we started in on our first round of conversation, talking about a so many different things; however, I was denied yet another handshake! We must be past that stage. ;)
Nevertheless, Alton and I spent a lot time (or seemed that way) talking about a variety of topics. Right away he told me about the next book coming out in October. Then I showed him that my ticket to the event was the first ticket. Not sure what he made of that, but he was nice enough to sign it for me.
As is now a tradition, I brought AB some gifts. The first thing was a can of sardines from Cannery Row Sardine Company. The owner, Daren, contacted me through the site and I offered to bring a can to Alton the next time I attended an event. It was very funny to watch Alton's reaction to the gift. He was excited to get it, saying "Oh, sardines!" when I handed it to him. Then said he had a snack for the flight home that evening.
The next gift was a Cessna airplane ornament I found at Christmas and thought it would be something nice to bring the next time I saw him. When I gave AB the gift he told me, "You don't have to bring gifts every time you see me." That was hysterical.
Because this meet and greet was well limited in size, many was us had the opportunity to go back through the line and talk with him several times. While many of the other people made return visits to chat with AB, I hung around near head of table and snapped photos. It did surprise me that no one shooed me away. As a result, I got many, many candid shots of Alton signing and talking with his fans.
At one point during the evening, AB looks up at me and says that he was going to the back of the room to sign a cast for a young woman. I guess, he thought I was the next person in line or something. He walked back there and spent several minutes at the table with the people.
It was extremely interesting to stay up there and watch AB interact with all of the fans who came out to see him. He still gives everyone his undivided attention. Talks and spends time sharing with each person. It is not a sign the book and move on kind of thing at all. It is marvelous that he treats us all so nice and appreciates that we come to see him. Even me at eight times now!
Alton is the epitome of class and graciousness.
Of course with that comment we started in on our first round of conversation, talking about a so many different things; however, I was denied yet another handshake! We must be past that stage. ;)
Nevertheless, Alton and I spent a lot time (or seemed that way) talking about a variety of topics. Right away he told me about the next book coming out in October. Then I showed him that my ticket to the event was the first ticket. Not sure what he made of that, but he was nice enough to sign it for me.
As is now a tradition, I brought AB some gifts. The first thing was a can of sardines from Cannery Row Sardine Company. The owner, Daren, contacted me through the site and I offered to bring a can to Alton the next time I attended an event. It was very funny to watch Alton's reaction to the gift. He was excited to get it, saying "Oh, sardines!" when I handed it to him. Then said he had a snack for the flight home that evening.
The next gift was a Cessna airplane ornament I found at Christmas and thought it would be something nice to bring the next time I saw him. When I gave AB the gift he told me, "You don't have to bring gifts every time you see me." That was hysterical.
Because this meet and greet was well limited in size, many was us had the opportunity to go back through the line and talk with him several times. While many of the other people made return visits to chat with AB, I hung around near head of table and snapped photos. It did surprise me that no one shooed me away. As a result, I got many, many candid shots of Alton signing and talking with his fans.
At one point during the evening, AB looks up at me and says that he was going to the back of the room to sign a cast for a young woman. I guess, he thought I was the next person in line or something. He walked back there and spent several minutes at the table with the people.
It was extremely interesting to stay up there and watch AB interact with all of the fans who came out to see him. He still gives everyone his undivided attention. Talks and spends time sharing with each person. It is not a sign the book and move on kind of thing at all. It is marvelous that he treats us all so nice and appreciates that we come to see him. Even me at eight times now!
Alton is the epitome of class and graciousness.
4 comments:
L,
you are so lucky to be centrally located for all these AB visits! I'm jealous! It's cool that you got to see him at a smaller venue without all the usual formality and organization. Some day I'll get one of my books signed.
Thank you so much for blogging about your visit(s) with AB!
I have a comment about the photos though: I think AB needs to eat a burger or something, don't you? His not-diet seems to be overdone now. He doesn't look well to me. I hope he feels better than he looks.
I think that you need to video some of this for the rest of us who weren't able to go to the Alton thing. I think that would have been the best thing. The pics work, but your the only one who the pics mean more to than the rest of us. If there's a video of one of his things, than I think that we'd understand the pics more.
Usually videoing is prohibited at such events. The last few I have attended had a no filming statement.
Post a Comment