Tuesday, June 9, 2009

the show

I apologize for my little blogging hiatus. It was an incredibly busy week between work and getting ready for the show. A number of people have inquired as to how the Charlie Project did at the festival...so I thought I would include a short post about the event.


the Charlie Project table from the festival

It was a great two days. I had a number of people sign up for a photo session for their dog who loved the idea of a printed plaque for their home (the offline version of the online essay) and the concept behind the project was very well received by everyone I talked to. It was wonderful to meet so many people who wanted to help raise money for such a worthy cause. I was also approached by the local humane society to do some photography work for them at their upcoming walk-a-thon...which thrilled me to the core as I was hoping to add a shelter/rescue component to the project. But there was even something more....


plaque version of the online essay and notecards

As I was explaining the project to folks that took the time to stop by the booth, many people felt compelled to share with me a story or two about their own dog....especially those who's beloved friend was no longer with them. And their face would light up as they told me about a favorite trick or about an adventure they had shared with their dog....and I could see, once again, the remarkable power of dog love. How it stays with you....how it makes your heart glad.....even once they are gone.



Hearing all the stories was the best part of the day....if the Charlie Project slows the world down long enough, even for just five minutes, to let someone remember how the soul of a dog made them smile....then I have succeeded in my task.



I will be back to visiting all my favorite blogs and participating in Sunday Stills this week...I've missed everyone. :)

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you Andrea for sharing the details. What an exciting time for you. Doesn't it do your heart good to look into the faces of people so touched by the love of their pet?

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

And just think of how many people you made happy by letting them share that little tidbit with you!!!

Maria said...

glad to hear it went well, thanks for sharing

T said...

Oh this was exciting. I am so glad it went well for you!!

Joanne said...

Andrea, you should be so proud of how you've taken what started as a love of Sophie and expanded it to include so many people, so many dogs, so many sweet memories revisited, so much love. It is really honorable, the way your efforts and photographs move people.

The Write Girl said...

That's wonderful Andrea. I am so happy for your success. This is a wonderful site and very successful.
I hope more doors open for you : )

Unknown said...

Boy, do I ever wish I lived closer to you so you could do my dogs...sigh. Your work is remarkable.

Far Side of Fifty said...

I knew you would do great! So glad it went well and that you got some exposure. I love the plaque version of the online essay, it is well done. Thanks for the update:)

Bagman and Butler said...

Boy, do I understand the need to go and actually do things once in awhile!

Carolynn Anctil said...

I love the plaque idea! Congratulations on your involvement with the humane society too. I agree, animals have a way of bridging the gap between people and I remain steadfast in my belief that they are angels come to earth.

*Blessings*
Carolynn

gigi said...

Andrea, I was so excited about the update on your weekend! Sounds as if things went better than hoped! Excited for all the new doors you opened and for your upcoming assignments. You go girl!
Congratulations!

Girl Tornado said...

I am so glad you did well at the fair, I was wondering how it went. Your plaques and note cards are just gorgeous, of course! :)

Robynn's Ravings said...

You are in line to bring a GREAT number of people a LOT of happiness with those photos!! Do they KNOW how LUCKY they are to get YOU?! Send them to any of us and we'll tell them. So glad all went well. :)

Jan said...

I did miss you. Glad it was a good experience for you.

Sharon said...

Glad the show went well. I'm sure you have a million more ideas now that you have gotten out & talked to the people and gotten their feedback!

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

This is very exciting Andrea. You've worked so hard on this, harder than i can imagine. I think everything will be so worth it!

Carolina said...

I'm so happy for you. Well deserved!

Ed said...

Too cool, Love the St. Bernard shot!

Jeanne Estridge said...

You can declare the Charlie Project a success, because every time I visit it, I remember Esme, and how she helped me through a painful divorce and was just the best dog ever.

laurie said...

wow, that middle dog looks *so much* like riley! who is he? what kind of dog?

♥Mimi♥ said...

Have NO doubt that The Charlie Project has impact on the human spirit. It is literally impossible for us to truly love our dogs and not remember them with fondness and a tear in our eye.

Those that are living...well, those are the special angels sent to us from those who passed our way as they traveled to the Bridge.

Samantha ~ Holly and Zac ~ said...

I am really glad the show went well. :-)

Have a great weekend.

Barry said...

Welcome back and I'm glad the presentation went so well.

Annie said...

Sounds like it was a success! And what a legacy of memories and love your photographs will bring into the lives of those who have opened their hearts and homes to a beloved pet. (I say pet as I have 2 kitties and 1 dog in our family.)

Welcome To Wilmoth Farms said...

How great!!! I'm so glad it went well...you're doing such an awesome thing and touching many people! keep it up...goodness can spread like wildfire!

b&g girl said...

go Charlie project!