Monday, August 17, 2009

What a weekend!




TBAI was just amazing! I had such fun visiting with folks who seem like my family that I visit each year and meeting some new "family" member this year as well. As I reported from the hotel computer, my "yellow submarine" piece won 1st place which was awarded on Friday night at the Banquet. On Saturday morning before the show began there was a breakfast which included the TOBY Public's Choice awards for 2009. The Editor of Teddy Bear and Friends magazine, Kathryn Peck, and the Sales Manager, Kellie Love (don't you love that name) were there to present the trophies ....AND the Panda Sisters WON!!!! I was already weapy from an award given to dear Cindy Malchoff who does all the work to make sure TBAI is a success and couldn't believe it when the Sisters and my name were called. I hope I said something intelligent but especially got through my thanks to the magazine and to all who take the time to vote. Congratulations as well to all the other winners. I won't list them here if they haven't been notified yet.
I took photos on my deck this morning and had trouble with the beautiful crystal trophies "fogging up" as we went from the air conditioning to the outdoor heat! The Sisters are with their adoptive family, but I still have their photos pictured with the trophies to remember them by.
I am so appreciative to all those at TBAI who selected my piece for the award and all those who voted for the Sisters! Love to all, Donna

11 comments:

Elanor Clare Andrews said...

Hi Donna,

I'm so delighted for you, CONGRATULATIONS on both your wins, you whole heartedly deserve them.

Hugs
Elanor

Donna Griffin said...

Bless your heart Elanor! Thank you so much for your kindness. Now that this big obligation is done I hope we can get to that swap soon! Looking forward to a mousie!!
Hugs, Donna

Tina said...

Oh - that is SOOOO great news Donna and so well deserved.
Big Congratulations - what a fantastic weekend.
Many hugs, Tina

Ruth said...

Wowee Donna !! I am so pleased and delighted for you ! Way-to-go Panda Sisters ! I hope that you can make it a double with the GTs too :0) :0)

CONGRATULATIONS ,

Biggest Hugs ,
Ruth xx

Donna Griffin said...

Thank you so much Tina! You are so sweet to send such a kind message. Now I have to get back to work so that I'll have some new little bears for the fall! I hope you've had a grand summer.
Hugs to you!
Donna

Donna Griffin said...

My head is still spinning, Ruth! I really appreciate your help with my presentation, too. Thanks for sending such a sweet message! Best wishes to you too!
Hugs,
Donna

Ina Smirnova said...

Dear Donna, take my Congrats too ))) You and your bears are realy wonderful and had to receive these awards!

And in my turn I gave Award to your blog - you could read it here:

http://ina-smirnova.blogspot.com/2009/08/blog-post_17.html

Elanor Clare Andrews said...

Hiya Donna,
I'm looking forward to our swap too, I've got the Hugglets show looming and will be in a mad panic until mid September but after that I should be more organized, maybe we should aim to get it done before Xmas ;-) would be like a little pressie to ourselves! xx

Donna Griffin said...

Sounds good to me! I have a September and November commitment. It will be something to look forward to!!hugs, Donna

Donna Griffin said...

Sounds good to me! I have a September and November commitment. It will be something to look forward to!!hugs, Donna

Donna Griffin said...

And thank you Ina! Have been having Internet connection problems but am back in business now! You are so sweet!
Hugs,
Donna