About Christmas TV History

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention--Recap




I'm still a little dizzy from all the excitement and incredible conversations that took place over the weekend at the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention, just outside of Baltimore, MD.  This particular convention which gathers the fans of old-time radio programs, movies, and television shows offered me an exceptionally warm welcome and an introduction to quite a few like-minded TV fans.

League of Holiday Bloggers: RigbyMel and J.A. Morris of Holiday Film Reviews

I was thrilled that J.A. Morris and RigbyMel from Holiday Film Reviews came up to Baltimore to see me and sit in on my presentation.  I first met them when I was on book tour in 2010--but we have stayed connected by guest blogging for each other ever since.  This past summer, they shared a review on the Batman: The Brave and the Bold Christmas episode for my Christmas in July: Animation Celebration blogathon.  What a treat it was to see some familiar faces.

Myself with Jaleh Najafali who also blogs for the Hungry Nomad as a food blogger!

It was also thrilling to meet face-to-face with another blogger who contributed to the Christmas in July party this past summer.  Jaleh shared with us her passion for the memorable Disney short film Mickey's Christmas Carol.  It was such a treat to finally meet someone else I've worked with.

I couldn't pass up this photo opportunity!  If Peter Capaldi needs a replacement--I'M READY TO FILL-IN as the new Doctor!

A few other surprises brightened my weekend:  I met Mark who remembered me from the 40th Anniversary screening of The Homecoming movie/The Waltons Reunion event from 2011--where I was The Walton's reunion moderator.  I also connected with someone who heard me on one of my radio interviews on TV Confidential.  And, I got to meet Amy--a blogger from Embarrassing Treasures--who also participated in the Classic TV Bloggers Association blogathon earlier this year about Me-TV's summer programming.  Amy blogged about Leave It to Beaver--and I blogged about the 1966 Christmas episode of That Girl.  Remember that?  This weekend's experiences left me feeling more connected to the blogging community and TV viewers than ever before.  It felt good.

Look for Ed Asner in a new Christmas TV movie coming to Lifetime in 2013 entitled Papa Noel.

Even though I was busy meeting people and talking Christmas entertainment, I did manage to sneak away from my table briefly to get my photo taken with a few celebrities.  I wasn't the only fan there who fondly remembers the 1977 Christmas TV movie The Gathering--which stars Ed Asner.

Actress Margaret O'Brien

I also wanted to make sure I got a chance to meet Margaret O'Brien--the child actress who not only appeared in 1944's Meet Me in St. Louis but 1948's Tenth Avenue Angel--both movies which include significant Christmas scenes.  Turns out Margaret really admired the ceramic Santa Claus holiday figurine I had at my booth I was using to decorate with--so I gave it to her!

Oh Magoo, you've done it again!

But the highlight of my time at Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention was the tremendous response I received for my presentation Entertaining Spirits: The Many TV Adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.  My seminar was scheduled for Friday at 11am--which must have been the ideal time because the large room was filled with interested listeners.  Not only were video cameras streaming my presentation live but there was a live feed for internet radio as well!  There were more participants than I had made copies for my handout--so I had extras printed and available at my table the rest of the weekend--I hope everyone who wanted one got one.  But the exciting part was how the conversations about TV adaptations of A Christmas Carol continued after the Q & A--and I'm still receiving emails and fb messages from people responding to my talk.  I'm so glad everyone connected with it.

If you follow the blog, you know I always try to make a special TV stop on all my journeys.  Here's me in front of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore--the location for the Food Network's Ace of Cakes.  Have I had an Ace of Cake's cake?  Why YES, I have! I was at LebowskiFest in 2008, the event during the 5th season episode "The Big Cakeowski" and it was delicious!

I want to thank all my readers who took the time to stop my table and introduce themselves.  What a nice thing to hear from people who read my blog!  I'm looking forward to hearing from all the new friends I made in Baltimore as well.  Please feel free to comment on any of the posts--that's what social networking is all about.  And, my biggest thanks goes to Martin and everyone else involved in Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention for creating such a wonderful event and community. 

8 comments:

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    1. I know, right?! I'm still a little giddy about meeting him :D

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  2. Your presentation was great! It was one of the scheduled events that I was most eagerly anticipating, and it did not disappoint. Your passion for your subject matter really comes through. I was happy to hear some of my favorite Christmas episodes (The Andy Griffith Show, Bewitched, The Avengers, Family Ties) referenced in your talk.

    I'm glad I had a chance to meet you and to purchase your book, which I've been wanting for a while.

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    1. Thank you so much. It was fantastic meeting you too.

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  3. I am so jealous of that picture of you and the Tardis! (Although I do have a pic of me with the Stanley Cup - can you say that?) Sounds like so much fun - definitely something in my future plans.

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    1. Hahaha No, I do not have a photo next to the Stanley Cup. Not yet anyway ;)

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  4. I enjoyed meeting you at the convention. I wanted to let you know that while I am positive I have the George Burns Christmas show we spoke about, I have not located it yet. I am in the process of converting VHS tapes to DVDs. I won't forget it. Also, thanks for the encouragement about my writing prospects.

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    1. Thanks for following up with me about the George Burns Carol segment--I'm DYING to see it. Let's stay in touch. And, it was great meeting you too.

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