frankly speaking

For those of you who dont know this, but The Wizard of Oz is my all time favorite movie.  To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the film, I did a small display in my arcade window.  I used to collect OZ big time, but sold off most of it when we moved.  I kept a few things, shown here. My hand made Ruby Slippers, my Franklin Mint Minature collection, and a print by one of favorite artists, Melanie Taylor-Kent. I In addition, I showed one of the many Oz Books I kept.  The children at the EBA were mesmorized by the shoes especially, one asking me if those were really Dorothy’s ruby slippers, which I responded, Don’t they look like them?  So then they are!Â

“Cake Diva”, Sylvia Weinstock was also a featured speaker at last week’s Association of Bridal Consultants Business of Brides Conference.  She gave wonderful commentary, from the heart and the hip, about her cakes and her business.  This is not the first time I have seen her, and met her.  Again, she is a delight. I could talk to her for hours.  And the lady can dance!  (evidenced the at the ABC Event the night before).  She told us she will be married for 61 years to her husband Ben, and never had a wedding cake, or for that matter even a wedding. She believes in beautiful cakes that are delicious and simple.  “A butter cake with lemon curd  filling is perfect, you don’t need all that stuff”.  She is best known for her incredible sugar flowers.  Sylvia has 2 books, both on bookshelf, and autographed.Â

Peggy Post (Emily’s Grandaughter in law) of the Emily Post Institute spoke at last week’s Business of Brides conference as one of the featured speakers.  She touched on all types of etiquette, but the one thing I found most interesting was her discussion of shaking hands in the age of H1N1.  She said it is perfectly acceptable to be honest and decline shaking hands because of germs, or just say that you have a cold and don’t want to spread anything to the person you meeting.  But, most importantly, in both cases, it is imperative to express that you are very happy to meet this person, despite not shakng hands.

I had the pleasure of sitting at the Peggy’s table several years ago at a luncheon here in Chicago. It was great to reconnect.

Thought you might like to see what the Conference will look like this week!  http://www.weddingvideo.com/page.aspx?pgid=11&vid=243

I will be attending the annual Associaton of Bridal Consultants Business of Brides Conference. It’s my 15th ABC Conference as I have only missed 2 in all the years I have been a member.  I leave today, with and arrive with a little down time to explore Indy for a few hours.  Then have a Penner Committee Meeting to discuss next year’s scholarships.  Then it’s off to dinner with my mentor Teddy Lenderman.  Teddy wrote all 5 editions of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to a Perfect Wedding”, and I’m proud to say I am quoted in all 5 and many of my weddings are featured in the last 2 Illustrated versions.  Then Sunday, I am in Master’s Panels all day.  I’m judging the Master Bridal Consultant candidates as their final step toward their MBC distinction, as they present a wedding.  I hear I’m a hard ass, but I take this very seriously.  Then I have a sound check for Monday’s keynote, then off to the opening Cocktail Reception.  It’s then 2 non stop, long days.  I’m sharing the spotlight with featured speakers Peggy Post of the Emily Post Institute,and Sylvia Weinstock, Cake Decorator extraordinare.  I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Sylvia several times in the past, and have had lunch with Peggy. It will be great to see them both again. 

 

I will try and blog from Indy as the conference happens, but if not, I will blog when I get back.

 

Cheers,
Frank