Finally got a quick opportunity to check in... we finished the large Mark Oatis / Railroad mural yesterday at 11am PST. Tomorrow I will add quick finishing addtions to the Bill Masters / Breakfast of Walldogs mural and Robin Wallenfangs / Hutchins Street Square mural. Saturday, Jay Allen and Nancy Bennett will be back in town to assist in the completion of the Jay Allen / F&M Bank mural.
I have been overcome with many emotions, reserving to balling my head off in private, trying to keep it together in public. All of you who participated as designers, painting artists, volunteer citizens, sponsors, donors, committee members and interested bystanders, cannot be thanked enough for making this possible.
I sometimes wonder what the world would be like if this type of support and brotherhood happened daily.
When all the walls are finished to the project leaders' conception, I will post all the images, explain techinques and media, and try my best to keep it together and not leave any names unmentioned.
Thank you so much...I personally am humbled beyond words, and love each and everyone one of you.
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
I too feel really ....previllaged to be able to participate in this event. I have mnay friends in the Central Calif. area. And I can't wait to get back there to see the finished murals. And When I do, I'll look you up Tony.
Posted by Nancie W. Phillips (Member # 3484) on :
I always come away from any meet feeling the same way. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Lodi too. I wish we had the same appreciation for art and craft here in the Atlanta area... Maybe that can be developed though. Thanks, Tony... You were the catylist for this whole wonderful event.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
Tony, I had a fantastic time. Everything was so well organized. You made huge sacrifices to pull off such a large-scale event, and I hope you know it is appreciated. I also want to thank you for your efforts in finding me a totally cool host family. I knew the meet would be fun, but it far exceeded my expectations.
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
That was a geat week Tony...thank you so much for having us. We are all better for having participated. Now delegate someone to wash down all the those fire hydrants...you know, having had all those dogs in town. Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Tony, you did a monumental job,I'll bet that most people along with an army of helpers couldn't manage such a successful event. To get the entire town involved took some very special work. The entire Letterhead/Walldog crew admire the wonderful job you did. My sentiments are the same as yours, if only more people could work the way we do, so much good could be accomplished.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Tony... you did an AWESOME job and pulled off the most fun meet ever!!!!
-grampa dan
Posted by Larry White (Member # 3999) on :
BRAVO !!!!
Now wind it up, and come over and do some glass work with me!
Seriously though... any normal man...
Thanks for the grand time and wonderful memory, we had a blast! It was a pretty day for makin' things right!
-WB
[ June 02, 2006, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: Larry White ]
Posted by Dale Manor (Member # 4858) on :
My hats off to you Tony,
You put on a well organized and stress free event....at least for us Walldogs! Hopefully all my phone calls were not too much of a hassle for you!
Our Host family was very nice and the whole event just seemed to flow along with no troubles. The projects and leaders were all great. I wish I could have stayed longer and helped more but my daughter and I managed to pile a lot of adventure into the week.
Jacque and I both had a great time and want to thank you very much for everything.....looking forward to seeing the finished murals...take care
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
This will be remembered in my heart as the meet of hugs. I got more hugs from more people last week than I have in a long while. The folks of Lodi were wonderful. Starting when I got to my host's house I got a big welcome hug. It would be the norm as I greeted so many folks over the next few days.
There were so many acts of kindness through the days we were there... it was awesome!
And when it was time to go home once more I said goodbye to friends, both new and old and got one last round of hugs to tide me over until the next time we have the good fortune to meet.
Letterheads is a wonderful thing... where supposed rival shops gather to make deep friendships and share the skills they have fought so hard to aquire.
If the world could only capture some of this spirit it would indeed be a much better place.
Still feeling the glow...
-grampa dan
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
Did the TERMINATOR every make it over?
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
We saw his hellicopter as he swooped in low to see the murals.
-grampa dan
Posted by Rod Tickle (Member # 575) on :
Dale ,whats with that schitzo monkey with your daughter it that picture?
Looks like everyone had a blast, geeeezzz I hate to miss a meet like that!
Cheers! Rod
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
When we've hosted meets, it always amounted to loosing a months work. Our meets were in shop, little equipment, far less organizing, and by far much simpler events. A meet two and a half years in the planning with so many groups and leaders and all the planning and spotting fires to put out before they errupted was a major feat. One person that I want to say a mighty thank you to is Denene Segale! Without her support and encouragement to see her man accomplish his dream this wouldn't have worked. This was my favorite meet ever!
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
Hear, hear! Cat
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
I only met her briefly, but I know she has been instrumental in making "Lodi" happen and I say thank you.
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
Add my congrats to Tony and Danene. She is the unsung hero for putting up with such a monumental task. I did what Tony did (and never again!!) and I can tell you, his emotions are still haywire - even after everything is "done". He should be so proud of his efforts!!
Congratulations also on being a member of the Walldog Meet Host Club. No dues - no president - no membership plaques. Just like it should be.
![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)
![[Applause]](graemlins/applause.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)