How to encapsulate what just happened is going to be difficult.
But I'll try :)
Ed and I landed to a beautiful sunny day in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday. We got our In N' Out grilled cheese, fries and Neapolitan shake fix and were enjoying the 70 degree afternoon.
We knew it wasn't going to last...
Friday morning we awoke to torrential rain. News reports of mudslides, water spouts, thunderstorms and smoldering boulders falling down the mountains. Los Angeles ended up getting 4.5" of rain.
We started to get the feeling that people might not want to venture to my show opening seeing as accidents on the freeway were happening all over the place. We wanted everyone to be safe. We wanted California to get some much needed rain. I wasn't going to be selfish and resigned myself to the fact that not a lot was going to happen that night.
During a break in the storm, we drove over to Gallery 1988. Katie and John had done a wonderful job hanging the show, I couldn't have been happier!
A few people waited outside the closer it got to 7pm and the rain held off. Until 1 minute to 7, just before they were going to open the doors the loudest thunderclap and flash of lightening hit outside. The heavens opened up like someone just dropped a huge bucket of water over the street. I kid you not, I hadn't seen anything like it in my life.
"Quick! Get everyone inside!"
Pretty quickly red dots started to appear under the artwork. People were buying! More people started coming in, soaked to the bone and the night was off to a soggy, but awesome start. I was so touched that everyone had braved what was clearly a dangerous situation to support me. I can't thank them enough. I also want to thank the people that tried they're best to make it but couldn't due to the storm. It just means so much to me.
I got to meet so many of my fans who've supported me over the years. People who I've only know over the internet. Even got to see "Slice and Dice" tattooed on this gal's forearm - brilliant, overwhelming and super fun - many thanks Lindsey!
By the end of the night, I met so many wonderful, kind people and sold half the show. I still can't believe it.
The next day I was back at WonderGround Gallery premiering my "Stitch in Space". I was giddy to see that Stitch and his big tongue were still greeting guests in 15 ft banner form in Downtown Disney.
I was so happy to have met Gregg Visintainer, Jasmine Becket-Griffith and got to see Noah once again.
Such wonderful, kind, talented people, I felt truly honored to be sitting with them at that signing table.
Did I mention it rained? Yup, so many people braved the downpours once again to come to our event I was so touched. Thank you!
Later that afternoon we met up with our good friends and spent a quiet evening at their home with their pups watching tv. We got a good night's rest and headed back to Disneyland for a little r&r.
It poured but as we sat under an umbrella and ate warm grilled cheese sandwiches and hot tomato soup I realized that this was one of the best weekends of my life. Surrounded by wonderful people like Gallery 1988 (Jensen, Katie, John, Amber and Nikki - THANK YOU!!!), all my fans, the crew at WonderGround (Sonia and Martha thanks for everything!!!), new and old friends, I truly am blessed.
The sun finally came out, warmed us up and we had a great ending to a great adventure.
I will never forget it!
If you're interested, there are still 3 originals left as well as limited edition prints at G1988.
If you're interested in "Stitch in Space" (original, deluxe prints and postcards) then you can call 714-300-7004 – that is WonderGround's sister shop Vault 28 - and place an order over the phone or call Disney Merchandise Guest Services number at 877-560-6477.
Thanks again :D
xo
Kris
