Pieces of Me

This past Friday, I got to see Ashlee Simpson in the second row up in Houston. It was a pretty good show. There was a new band called "Barefoot" that opened for her. They were ok, and Ashlee seemed to have a bit of Texas allergies getting to her as she kept spitting on the stage. However, she sang live, gave it her all, and I was impressed. I bought her new CD at the show which came autographed and also left some photos for her to sign with the management. Hope they come back too!

Boys Don't Cry...or do they

I know I do when it comes to watching emotionally packed movies like Hilary Swank's latest "Million Dollar Baby". I've always been quite emotional. One can always tell when I'm bawling like a girl in the movies because its pretty much the only time I watch the credits. Hilary Swank is a huge actress and obviously shows a lot of concern for her fans. I am sure there will be many more award statues on this young lady's mantel in the future.

Baseball been vetty vetty good to me

When I was younger, I loved playing little league baseball. My problem was that I was awesome at batting but sucked really bad out in the field so the coach never knew what to do with me. Maybe if I got on a softball team I could do something about that inner tube that continues to inflate around my midsection. When it comes to baseball, Bob Uecker is the voice of baseball and I was delighted to get his autograph as part of my collection.

The Amazing Race

If I could only find someone compatible and competitive enough to try out for this amazing show with. I keep going back and forth between it and "Survivor" as the show I really want to get on. But as a consolation, I got an autographed photo of the show's producer, who is a man who always puts out TONS of great work from TV shows to movies....Mr. Jerry Bruckheimer.

OH what a surprise!

OH what a surprise it was to get this autographed photo of Sandra Oh in the mail after being gone for the weekend to a few concerts in Houston. She blew me away in "Sideways". I still think she should have been nominated for an Oscar. It was great to see someone done wrong not put up with the crap that she got. She's also awesome in "Grey's Anatomy". Truly an actress to keep an eye on!

YES YES YES

I've been collecting autographs on and off since I was about seven years old. My favorite actor is Johnathon Schaech and I've written to him several times with no avail. I got shivers when I opened the envelope and saw that Mr. Schaech finally honored my request from the set of his up and coming movie "Road House 2". I first noticed him in "That Thing You Do" and most recently enjoyed his work in the TV movie "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" with his wife Christina Applegate. Persistence, at times does pay off.

A "Rose" "invaded" my mailbox

Of all the new shows I've gotten to watch this season, "Invasion" is my favorite by far. The casting is great, the storyline addicting; and my favorite character on the show is Ariel Gade's portrayal of the intuitive "Rose" who knows something is going on with her mommy, and she wants mommy back the way she was before the glowing thing in the water "changed her". Nice surprise to find in my mailbox!

Lola, la la la la Lola

I just love that song and don't think I've ever known any one with that name, but was glad to get this autographed photo from Lola Glaudini who now stars in "Criminal Minds" and had a recurring role on "The Sopranos". She signed this photo in green sharpie. Nice success from a fellow Italian.

This one seemed to be LOST

I wrote to Evangeline Lilly almost a year ago, and thought my request had gotten "Lost" in the mail, but was very excited to get this autographed photo right before I was about to write to her again. I now have all the original "Lost" cast autograph sans Ian Somerhalder, Emilie de Ravin and Naveen Andrews. I have two requests out to Emilie and am starting to think the other two are lost causes (at least through the mail!)

How the "West" was won

I had the opportunity to get Adam West's autograph at the Hollywood Collector's Show many years ago but with my income and the number of stars there it was quite pricy to get everyone. I think I spent a couple hundred bucks as it is, so he was nice enough to allow me to pose for a photo with him there. I just sent this collage to him (Thanks Beth for making it for me!) and he gladly signed it. Glad I finally have him in my collection!

Too much TV...

or too much anything always seem to have dire circumstances. I definitely can be an overindulger, but with age have been getting better. I just received success 4 out 5 of the kids from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from Jordan Fry who played TV/video game junkie Mike Teavee. All I need now is Augustus Gloop!

Live Wrong

This was the inscription on a photo signed to me by blue collar comedian Ron White. There probably is some truth to it. I am one of those people who stresses myself out by always trying to do the right thing, oft times leaving having fun at the door. Maybe I need to not focus so much on trying to be perfect and have a little more fun in life..or maybe living right is too in my persona. Regardless, Wednesday night I overindulged in the margaritas...a much needed escape!

The "Katt's" meow

Cats, cats, cats...that's what my good friend from college Robin would always say when she came to my place. I just seem to always inherit many cats. Being an animal person, I like having them around. Another "cat" that found its way to my place was this autographed photo of William Katt from "Greatest American Hero".

I get by with a little help from my friends

Where would we be without our friends, in life, good times, bad times, and yes, even with autograph collecting. Thanks Beth for these two great additions to my collections: Brian Dennehy and Johnathan Rhys-Davies..two mighty fine actors!

Cheaper by the Deezen

Eddie Deezen recently did voice work in the great movie "Polar Express" but he is definitely most famous for his roll as Eugene in the "Grease" movies. He was always getting bullied and picked on but yet stayed with such a good attitude and that big huge smile. How could you not love Eugene!

Killing Me Softly

Music is food for the soul, and in the inscription that's hard to read in this autograph, Roberta Flack states that "Love is a song". How much music inspires me, makes me think, changes my mood. No artist has ever done the love song so beautifully as Roberta Flack. Some of my favorites have been "Killing Me Softly", "Making Love" and "Tonight I Celebrate My Love for You" with Peabo Bryson. Tonight, I don't have a love to celebrate, but get to partake in my Monday ritual....BOWLING! :)

Grandpa....

Certain autographs help bring back memories for me, some recent, some from days gone by; this autographed photo from Earle Hyman (Grandpa Huxtable) helped me reminisce of both my grandfathers who have passed on many years ago. I enjoyed both of them in different ways. One knew how to earn respect. He never raised a hand to either me or my sister but we always knew when we were misbehaving just by his look. He was a man of few words, but I never forget when he cried when my grandma was in the hospital and he didn't know where she was. The other was very soft spoken and had always told us about stories from the "good old days". I remember walking with him to his favorite coffee joint many times and they are both truly missed.

Waiting until November

I really got into the new show "Reunion" but as a lot of new TV Shows, they make you wait for new episodes, and waiting surely hasn't been my forte in my life...I am quite the impatient one! But while I am waiting for it to return, I got my second success from one of the major players. Amanda Righetti signed my photo I sent her...

A great inspiration

I've always loved Toronto and have had a desire to act since I was a kid. Living in Buffalo growing up, Toronto was a place I liked to get away too. To me it was a clean version of New York City where all people can co-exist which is how I think life should be. Dean Armstrong opened an acting school up there which would be great to attend if I still lived up there, and he did a great job playing Blake on "Queer as Folk" the meth-head turned drug counselor. Great young actor!

He was once a little green slab of clay...

GUMBY!! You should see what Gumby can do today...GUMBY!! He can walk into any book with his pony pal Pokey too...If you have a heart then Gumby's a part of you!!! Need I say more :)

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Every so often I like to reminisce on how things use to be in my life, where I'm going, where I am, and lately, more and more I've found myself doing a lot of "what ifs", and feel a bit stagnant in things. I just bought a new car, a new cell phone and just feel like its time for the winds of change to peep their heads. When I look back at where I was in life and where I am now, its amazing how fast things change, but its nice to look back and remember the good memories. Some of my good memories revolved around sitting around with mom and sis watching TV. Here are some autograph successes of TV shows gone by.
I got autographed pictures of Joe E Tata of "Beverly Hills 90210", David "Joe Isuzu" Leisure of "Empty Nest", Robert Culp of "The Greatest American Hero" and Larry Manetti of "Magnum, PI". What great additions to my collection!

I Want To Live

This seems to be my theme of the week. I've been sitting around feeling sorry for myself and frustrated with my life for too long and its time for a change. How appropriate to receive this autographed photo from the singer of the song with the same name, Josh Gracin. I'm glad to see his careered has flourished since American Idol.

Some things worth repeating

Some things in life are worth repeating. That's one thing I've always had difficulty with. I tend to run away from things I enjoy or feel guilt over them, and slowly watch life pass by. In my autograph collection, I was surprised with these two "repeats". My friend Beth found this great photo of DeepRoy and even though I had already gotten his autograph, I preferred this one of him as the Oompa Loompa in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", and Judge Joseph Wapner sent this second autographed photo without me even having to ask twice. What a nice guy!

The Cutting Edge

I used to live life on "the cutting edge" but as I've gotten older, I feel like I'm not living as vigorously as I had when I was younger. Maybe it's time for a change. "Cutting Edge" was also one of my favorite movies growing up and I was delighted to get this autographed photo from one of its stars..Moira Kelly.

The Game Show of Life

Sometimes I feel like I'm living on a game show. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. I tried taking some photos from my digital camera and putting them onto my scanner and messed the scanner up and had to get a new one. I've been in the audience for Price is Right, have tried out for Survivor and Amazing Race, but haven't had my 20 minutes of fame yet (I'm hoping for more than 20!). In the mail while the scanner was out came two legendary game show hosts, Monty Hall of "Let's Make a Deal" and Bob Eubanks of the hilairous "Newlyed Show" and "Card Sharks"

I Might be a Redneck If....

I was out in the sun too long with a shirt on; other than that I don't think I have a redneck bone in my body, but really enjoy being around them and the comedy of Jeff Foxworthy who adds a little humor to everything. I was excited to go this autographed photo from him. I saw him in concert when the "You Might Be a Redneck if..." stuff was just getting started!

Feeling "Stoked"

One thing I've realized in my life lately is that there's very little I get "stoked" about any more. I just seem to be getting by and need to put that energy of excitement and enthusiasm back into my life somehow. I just haven't figured out what that is. Buying my new car helped a little, but I really need to make some good friends to do things that I enjoy (and hopefully they enjoy as well). In the mail today came a success from former Trapper John MD star Brian Mitchell Stokes who has done a lot of Broadway (something I terribly miss...plays!).

When all else fails "dance"

Gosh, what a long day today was. It felt like a Monday on a Thursday. When all else fails and stress is too consuming, its time for margaritas, music and dancing (or at least I pretend I'm doing those things). And what a surprise it was for John O'Hurley famous for playing J. Peterman on "Seinfeld" to show his stuff and go for the gold on "Dancing with the Stars." Today, I got this 8x10 photo of Mr. O'Hurley. Another great addition to my collection!

Saget the...

Some of us were given the names that make it so easy for kids to pick on us growing up. I was called Dodo, NoDoz, No-toes, No money, etc etc, and had a few people I knew with names that were destined to mockery like Peter Rabbit, Beverly, and my all time favorite Harry Dick. But, like everything else we get past it all and mature to responsible members of society. HAHA. Well, Mr. Saget made it big with "Full House", "America's Funniest Home Videos", and a career as a stand up comic. I got this 8x10 photo of him, as well as him signing my "Full House" photo that was already signed by Dave Coulier.

Winter's Coming

Even though when winter comes down here in Texas, I don't get to see the snow or ski, but it sure is nice to get cool weather. I'm glad to see its starting to cool down a bit. The heat tends to really drain me. In the mail, speaking of winter, I received an awesome package from Julia Winter of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Julia is such a sweet, gracious girl compared to little rich brat Veruca Salt who she played. She answered some questions I asked, signed my photo and sent a greeting card with another small photo. Awesome success.

The A-Team

We had a great work at month again for September. Funny how a bunch of people who sometimes can't get along at all can do such great work together. Dirk Benedict; I can't believe he's 60, was great in BattleStar Gallactica and The A-Team and I'm grateful to have his autograph in my collection. Maybe I should take up cigars!

The nerds prevail

I was one of those kids that had all the wrong attributes. I was short, kind clumsy, blond yet booksmart, so I was in the classes usually with the kids I didn't have anything in common with. Yeah, I liked getting good grades, but I wanted to play sports, be mischievious, but I was with all the smart kids in class and picked on because I was short ,but was a little trooper nonetheless. I loved the movie "The Breakfast Club". Its still one of my favorites and I can relate to each of the characters in there. Maybe we all can, but its nice to see that Anthony Michael Hall has been able to move on from his "nerd" roles into a leading man on a hit sci-fi show "The Dead Zone". I got this signed cast photo from Mr. Hall.

I garnered a great success

"The Notebook" was one of my favorite books. Actually, almost anything from Nicholas Sparks is. I did like the movie except for the ending, and have been trying to get this folder signed by all of the cast. Three down, one to go! I also really admire James Garner and am glad he included this solo shot of himself as well! Now, I have to find a way to get Mr Gosling to sign this as well!!

This one slid right into the mailbox

I was psyched to get this signed photo of Jerry O'Connell. I was a big fan of "Sliders" and he's done some great work in Scream 2 and currently starring in the TV Series "Crossing Jordan". Another nice edition to my collection!

Late night kinda guy

I don't know why I've never been a morning person. When I was a kid, my mom would wake me up for school and I'd end up on the bathroom floor sleeping. It took her a long time to catch on, but I would just have such a hard time waking up, but at night, I'd be wide awake which is how I got to be a Late Night fan and always loved Paul Shaffer's part in the show. Was glad he sent me this 8x10 autographed photo!

I miss the "freeze" in NY sometimes

Being in Texas, and I never thought I'd say this, but I sometimes miss the freeze of winter. I loved to see my breath come out steam and I liked the feel of cold on my nose and getting to bundle it up and walk through the snow. Speaking of freeze, I received this cool 8x10 from Batman's own Mr. Freeze Eli Wallach. Mr Wallach is one of those remarkable actors who can play so many different types of characters; truly a remarkable talent; and I'm honored to have his autograph in my collection.

Do you believe in magic?

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't....but its really nice when something unexpected happens in a positive way that lights you up like a lightbulb. On the magic front I received this 8x10 color photo from magician Lance Burton. Maybe I'll get to see his magic show live some day too!