Day of Days thoughts (Read 234 times)

[carolineleg]

On the plane home after my whirlwind trip to Los Angeles. I had a mostly positive experience. I arrived at the theatre just after 6am and instantly saw Cardboard Li in the foyer. I was thrilled that he was set up as a photo op. More on him later. Around 9:45 Brandon Barash (Stefan) came by to say hello.


We were let in right around 10am. System was four tables and you lined in rows in the auditorium. I went right to Line 2 and as we were first there was no waiting. I met Paul Telfer (Xander) and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah) and they were kind enough to sign a photo I brought and pose for photos. I got to put my arm around Paul so that happened.


Next up were Josh Taylor (Roman) and James Reynolds (Abe). I found speaking to them surprisingly moving, maybe because they are the age of my dad. Sal Strowers (Lani), Elia Cantu (Jada) and Tina Huang (Melinda) were all fabulous. Very happy to chat and really warm and friendly. Galen Gering (Rafe) was a bit more reserved. Tina agrees with me that Melinda and EJ need to hook up.


Went to group 4 line as it was the shortest. All the newbies. Cherie Jimenez (Gabi) was divine. I told her how much I enjoy her as Gabi and it seemed to mean a lot to her. Next to her was Al Calderon (Javi) who was also super, thrilled to be a part of it all especially after airing in only one episode. Colton Little (Andrew) was another really fun one to talk to. He remembered me chatting to him on Twitter about Charlotte Ross (ex Eve) and told me to tag him again.


Casey Moss (JJ) was much quieter and didn't get much from him. Kennedy Garcia (Felicity) was very shy and I think a bit overwhelmed. Raven Bowens (Chanel) and Ashley Puzemis (Holly) were much more chatty and looked amazing. Leo Howard (Tate) was really engaging too, very likable and interested in my insane one day trek from Eastern Canada.


After that we broke for lunch and the Day players performed as we sat in the next line. On a bathroom break I ran into Julie Dove (ex Connie) hanging out with Cardboard Li, so that was a photo I had to have. I think she was just there as a fan. She was pleased to hear how much I enjoyed the Li stuff.


Then the disorganization kicked in. We waited almost 3 hours for group 3. People were on stage and cutting into lines for other groups without waiting their turns. They extended the signing and we lucked out, we thought, as our line was called right before the final cut off. Then we were told we were going to group 4 again. Not happy.


Most of the line just gave up and left but four of us stuck around hoping for a change of heart by security. I pointed out as it was only 4 of us that we should be able to join the line we'd waited 3 hours for and they relented. We were frog marched by security on stage (where were they when people were line hopping?).


Jackee Harry (Paulina) had left by then and Brandon Barash (Stefan) had to go rehearse but the rest were still being gracious and kind to the fans. Dan Feuerriegel (EJ) introduced himself with "Hello I'm Daniel" lol. I told him I'm a long time viewer since his Spartacus days. John Paul Lavoisuer (Philip) was next and he was happy to hear I enjoy his odd take on Philip. He said he's all about entertaining and he will take any reaction as long as he gets one.


Lamon Archey (Eli) seemed worn out and didn't say much. Abigail Klein (Stephanie) was super pumped and her husband is from Montreal, where my car currently is. I hope I can find it. Then Stephen Nichols (Steve) and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie). This is why I fought to stay in this line. I told him how much Steve and Kayla have meant to me and that he got me into this 40 year addiction. Susan was absolutely beautiful up close. All I could do was thank her for being such a treasure. Last up was Billy Flynn (Chad). I told him he must be exhausted and he was, but still made me do a selfie with him.


I'm sure the Q&A and promo are posted so won't cover those. Funny to see Emily O'Brien (Gwen) toss that hated wig. Very excited to see what's coming up. No complaints about anything in the preview!


All in all a successful day. Yes it could have been better organized but for a free event it was great. I didn't even attempt table 1 because the Deidre Hall (Marlena) draw meant everyone surged there, but when I was leaving I saw Brandon Beemer (Shawn) and Rob Wilson (Alex) leaving Starbucks.


That's a wrap. Going to sleep very well tonight!

[kathyj]

Thanks for your insights. Very interesting read.

[carolineleg]

I'm glad I did it but 12 hours round trip twice in 3 days was a lot

I'm reading people waited in the Marlena line all day and still never got there. Ouch.

[Kpatch]

Thank you for adding the full names of actors and the characters they play. It helps me picture who you spoke to. It sounds like an amazing experience, except for the long lines.

I hope you'll post pictures when you get a chance.

[carolineleg]

I have loads of photos. How should I share here?

Just figured out how to upload to YouTube. One of the most moving moments

[Kpatch]

That was beautiful carolineleg . You were so close to the stage!

Here's the original.

[mae00]

Wow. Thanks for sharing carolineleg!

[ana24]

My daughter and I also started in Line 2, in the second row! I can't believe we were that close to each Caroline and didn't know it!!!

I really enjoyed meeting so many people while waiting outside in line. So many fun and lovely people from all around the world and US. Took photos of a group of ladies who had fun T-shirts on and joined their Facebook group called Unofficial Kristian Alphonso Fan Club. LOL Very fun and lovely ladies. Two adorable gentlemen, who were together, were giving out buttons they made and a lot of fun to chat with. It was a party outside! LOL

The highlight for me in Line 2 was meeting Paul and Linsey, they were so sweet and absolutely lovely. Unexpectedly I was hit with emotions when it was my time to meet them. They both came around the table and hugged me. I tried to get a hold of my emotions. I was so embarrassed! I don't like crying in front of others. We talked for a couple of minutes and then Paul pulled out his phone he took a photo of the 3 of us for them to keep and to remember me. I feel so blessed by them. Linsey took a picture of my diary entry from when I was 12 years old about Maggie and Mickey. LOL She said Suzanne would love it and she would send her the photo etc. They were so sweet to my daughter even though she just came to be with me and is not a fan which made them laugh about her honesty. They asked her what her favorite show was and found out Paul was in that show! Another good laugh! Afterwards we made sure not to take too long with the rest of the charming cast. When we were done with Line 2, we headed to line 3 but they had closed it. Line 4 was also looking busy, and Line 1 was never going to happen. LOL

We thought we would beat the crowd and went to lunch but found a long line and then after waiting 20mins, found out someone up head had ordered 24 burgers. LOL Finally ate and back to event by 12.

Headed to Line 3 and saw them trying to gather people who were originally in line 3 before the break, to make sure they got thru. Looked over at line 4 and decided to call it a day for getting signatures and instead ran into Tony Moore from Dishin Days and got a photo with him, while heading to the neutral center seats to watch the Days Players. They were so good! We had a blast!

Afterwards we went for a potty break and suddenly I was not feeling so good, so we called it a day and went back to our hotel and took a Dramamine to ward off my vestibular neuritis. Later that evening we went to dinner and shopped at Ghirardelli's and got delicious Sundays for dessert.

I shall treasure this event forever!

[kathyj]

ana24 so nice to hear your experience. I’m glad to hear how kind Linsey and Paul were to you and your daughter.

[Kpatch]

Feel free to post your pictures in this thread.

[ana24]

I only have a few because my daughter took most of the pics etc. Going to take a while before I can get them from her. The photos are so large and so I tried resizing them. I am sure Caroline will have the better pics and videos. My favorite photo and memory!
 

[ana24]

Sal Stowers was so lovely and adorable, and was fascinated with my daughter's name as she was named after my husband and I. She wanted to hear more about the homebirths I had with both my children while she was signing photos for us. I shook everyone's hand telling them what an honor it was to meet them and to thank them for their talent and joy they bring to our lives. They are all gorgeous in person!

[ana24]

It was fun to run into Tony Moore from Dishin Days! He is just as charismatic and witty in person as he is on Dishin Days!

 

[ana24]

Photos signed by all the stars in Line 2.  It was wonderful meeting all the rest of the stars. They were all fascinated by my daughter's name which is Rayana.

I did manage to get to into lighter conversations with Josh Taylor and James Reynolds and laughed about how long they been on Days, especially James Reynolds. I wanted them to know how special each and every one of them were to us, what an honor it was to meet them and shake their hands to thank them for taking time for us. 

I introduced my daughter to our new Commissioner- Elia Cantu and Recovering Commissioner - Galen Gering and we had a good laugh. Again, my daughter's name became a topic which opened the door to chat for a couple of minutes on a more personal level while they signed photos. Galen listened while Elia and I bantered a little bit about my Abuela learning English watching Days. LOL 

Tina Haung was a delight too! She got a kick out my telling her, "Giiirrrrl, I thought you and Gabi were goners!" She was surprised that I didn't hate her character, and it true I don't hate Melinda, but I don't love her either.  LOL I chose instead to tell her what a wonderful job she was doing and what an honor it was to meet her too. She was truly touched; I could see it in her eyes. That in turn touched my heart too.

Hopefully next year I can attend again and meet more of the cast. Whether I do or not, I shall always treasure this event forever! 

[ana24]

Nov 4, 2024 20:43:46 GMT -5 kathyj said:

ana24 so nice to hear your experience. I’m glad to hear how kind Linsey and Paul were to you and your daughter.

Yes, it was wonderful. I got so caught up in everything and forgot to ask about where to write to Suzanne Rogers! eekk! I'll ask Paul or Linsey on Instagram. LOL