"...Different Faces/ Different Names..."

[LVPantsGirl]

"Everywhere I go,

All the places that I've been,

Every smile's a new horizon

In a land I've never seen.

There are people 'round the world,

Different faces,

Different names,

But there's one true emotion

That reminds me we're the same.

Let's talk about love."

 

 

I wanted to take some time to write a little bit about all of the people what were on this trip that I and many others were able to encounter.

 

Having seen the show many times now, I know that it is the people that are around you that really make “A New Day…” more than a show, but an experience. Having been to the show with all of these wonderful people and having even just run into them, the show will never again be the same for me… until, of course, we top it off with the Convention and the final performances.

 

I thought that for many who were not able to be there, but would have loved to have been, it would be nice to paint a picture of what these people you read so much about are really like in person. I hope that you will enjoy yourselves while reading!

 

In alphabetical order:

[LVPantsGirl]

Abbe: 

 

I received an e-mail on the 18th, while at work and frantically awaiting phone calls containing contact information from those who were a part of our special dinner group.  No more than two seconds after I had finished reading the e-mail I received a phone call from the very same woman.  She sounded enthused, ready to go and just to be a generally over-all up-beat person raring to go.  She asked me how I was and then proceeded to thank me for the work that I was going on getting our dinner group together, which I thought was very kind of her, and which had me grinning from ear to ear.  We spoke a bit about what was going on, though I’m sure I sounded a bit rushed and she, again, provided me with what I needed.  I remember thinking to myself that this is why I loved planning dinner.  To meet fans like that!  When I finally met Abbe she seemed pretty laid back, casual and an observer.  She shook my hand a quietly greeting me and then stepped to the side to make way for her partner to say hello.  From that point on she seemed to just observe the personalities all around us.  I have yet to follow up with her but I’d love to know her thoughts on those that she seemed to so attentively watch.  I always find those who want to be in the background of such interest to me.  I am glad to have made her acquaintance.

 

 

 

Adrienne:

 

Never before in my life had I heard from she or her husband Mike but I was pleasantly surprised to call she and her husband back and learn that they were such enthusiastic fans.  When I first met Adrienne I noticed her beauty.  She is this tiny woman, big eyes and a really nice smile.  Her personality is that of a business woman mixed with a patient mother.  From just a look at her and a greeting you could tell that she is probably the best mother that her kids would be able to ask for.  She seemed like such a nurturing, supportive and efficient individual ready to follow her husband, kids, or friends anywhere they’d go if they needed her behind them.  In general she was a breeze of fresh air.

 

 

 

Alanna:

 

She’s real!!!!  OMG she’s real!  Haha.  I think that is how I will always remember Alanna.  When I first saw her, and after having hugged her she was just looking at me.  Apparently she had said something to Salla before and then looked at me and said with her contagious, beautiful grin “She’s real!  OMG yes she is real!”  Priceless!  I think I may have raised an eyebrow but soon it all stuck.  For Alanna the whole thought of meeting so many people was so overwhelming, in a good way, that it felt unreal to her.  Her personality was just as hilarious as you can imagine and had me grinning even just to talk to her on the phone.  Alanna kept getting lost.  Whether it were on the street or in the casino, you could almost bet that she would approach you and say “Oh my gosh, I couldn’t find it.”  It’s a miracle she found the colosseum.  Just kidding!  But seriously the little quirks that she had were simply adorable.  Her energy was contagious.  She was bouncy, ready to go, enthusiastic, ready to take part in an adventure.  Everything about Alanna is electric and purely satisfying.  She is a treasure!

[LVPantsGirl]

Alyssa: 

 

Alyssa is not someone who is on these communication boards or even who is yet a member of TeamCeline (I’m sure she will be).  We had met online because I was looking for possible room-mates in Las Vegas and received a message from her saying that she thought we’d be perfect to live with one another.  In our first conversation over the telephone we began talking about music and I mentioned, somewhat embarrassed, that I was a huge Celine Dion fan.  She laughed and said that she actually was too.  This was about the 1000th thing that we had in common but was by far the most entertaining.  I had to ask her several questions just to make sure but she was definitely a Celine fan and that simply cemented the bond that we now have.  This trip to Las Vegas was my first time meeting Alyssa in person.  I had seen a few photos, talked with her on web-camera but as soon as she walked up to me at the steps of the colosseum I was a much more calm person.  Her energy just made me feel like everything was going to be alright and that there was nothing to worry about.  She hugged me, gave me kisses on the cheek and we talked a little bit about life for a brief moment before I had to check more people off of the list of people.  Her beauty and warmth were shocking.  Her hair color suit her perfectly.  Her attire was fabulous and she had this general glow.  When we later went up to the hotel room to get ready for the show, she began being the “real” Alyssa along with Jillian, Christy and Darryl who all bean picking on me and my seeming ability to not be able to take a shower, none-the-less take a shower in under an hour.  She and I threw a couple comments back and forth and that’s when I knew that we’ll be forever friends… and hopefully still room-mates in the future.

 

 

 

Angela: 

 

This was not my first time seeing her nor will it be my last.  Though I’m generally a talker, with Angela I have this big desire to just sit down one on one with her and listen.  On her surface she seems to be such a well-put-together person.  Her clothes are always of the chicest.  Her hair always looks fabulous, her smile lights up a room and her eyes glow at you.  She doesn’t talk TOO much like I can do at times, but when she does, it always feels like there is so much more there and I always think to myself when she’s done talking “tell me more!”  You can’t help but look at Angela and see such potential in her personality.  She could be whatever she wanted to be.  She could charm whoever she wanted to charm.  You can tell she has got a bit of a fiery side but she uses it very sparingly.  Of all of the fans I’ve run into, even Vic, I think that Angela, to me, is the most mysterious.  I become a people-watcher with her.  I find her to be genuinely fascinating.  Whoever else, here, meets Angela is surely in for a piece of angel food cake.  (And, no, I’m not for girls haha).

 

 

Antoinette:

 

What a fascinating yet perplexing individual!  I remember the first time I ever heard her voice.  It was in a voicemail.  I had contacted Casie, a fan living in Las Vegas to congratulate her on one of her achievements there that I had learned from a fellow fan.  Casie had forgotten my number and thus had Antoinette give me a call back, laughing almost hysterically wondering who in the world I was.  I called back and we chatted about Lord knows what for a portion of time.  In any case, meeting Antoinette in person was like meeting a rushed professional.  Granted as a fan she is very professional and yet she is still warm.  You can tell she has got a lot to say but she thinks before she says it all.  Parts of her to me are mysterious and unknown and other parts are very visible.  Like her love for Celine and for meeting fans.  Like her desire to make sure that everyone thinks positively of her and to make sure that no one’s feelings are hurt.  Antoinette is a very accommodating person and it was such a pleasure to meet her.  Her ability to unknowingly duplicate people’s accents, like when around Clare and asking others for a “shahpee” which was a Sharpie pen.  She was really a very interesting individual to watch!  Very funny without ever even trying to be. 

[LVPantsGirl]

Anu:

 

Anu was, quite possibly, one of the most quiet people that I’ve met on this trip.  The most quiet fan and the most calm, I would say.  We didn’t have much interaction but when we did I would make sure to ask her how she was doing or such things like that.  With how quiet she was, I wanted to make sure that she wasn’t feeling as if she were not included.  When I look back on it, I think that she, along with a few others, may have in awe of everything that was happening this trip.  Meeting with Celine will surely put you up in the clouds rather than down on earth.  I sometimes think that people, after they meet Celine, are watching things from higher up than in their bodies.  Haha.  If you can get an image of something like that, I find that Anu gave me a perfect example of that.  She seemed to be very much right there but as if she were observing every single person at once.  Taking the information in like a sponge and concluding what she may have from every situation that I saw her in.  From dinner before the show, to the backstage tour and photos, to the show and after.   

 

 

 

Brittany:

 

Birthday cards, Christmas presents, and excited phone calls all prefixed seeing Brittany again.  Back in March of 2003, Brittany and I had united with pants that said “Celine KICKS” on the rear.  Those pants brought us many magical moments and of course strange looks.  It didn’t help that back in those days we wrote “Celine FREAK” on our foreheads in black eyeliner.  Haha.  Throughout the years Brittany and I have been busy but it never affects the way that we are together.  I was walking in Brittany’s direction and immediately she saw me, ran up and threw her arms around me.  Brittany is bubbly, enthusiastic and silly.  We then proceeded to the nearest Celine Dion poster or two and snapped dozens of goofy self shots attempting to get Celine in there with us.  We laughed looking at each one… but definitely some more than others.  She’s an absolute bawl to be with!

 

 

 

Carole:

 

The first thing that I noticed about Carole was her French!  She opened her mouth to speak at Heidi and out came this beautiful language.  I have no idea why, but every time I am around someone speaking French I become incredibly shy, like a child.  I don’t want to say anything for fear of interrupting the beauty of it all.  And then if I say anything I get really shy, speak quietly and slowly.  I didn’t speak much to Carole but from what I saw she seemed like a very sweet and sincere woman.  She was so excited to be on the stage of “A New Day” with us all and took part, heartily, in all of the activities, performing and more.  Perhaps one day I’ll get to know her a little more. 

 

 

 

Casie:

 

I had talked to Casie probably once before and had tried a couple of other times to talk to her on AIM when she signed on for a few minutes.  She is really cute.  She is also very tall.  Seeing photos I thought that she would be somewhat shorter than she was.  But her face is so innocent and she is so quiet.  She seemed very intelligent and seemed to just be happy to be surrounded by all of us.  She told us some fun stories about working at the Colosseum and some of the meetings that they have where there are awkward moments because she is a TeamCeline member and no one else is.  It was really a pleasure to meet her and I hope to be able to spend more time with her in the future.

[LVPantsGirl]

Christy:

 

What a goof!  LOL.  Christy is one of those people who, although quiet at first, once you get to know her she is 100% goof ball.  From strange little dances hoping to give you a little electrical shock, to funny faces, to interesting little whips of her tongue to evoke a laugh or two, she is really just fun to be around.  She does well to push off little flirts like Darryl (LOL j/k) with fun little comments  and gets everyone in a room laughing.  Her smile lights up the entire room and her personality warms it.  As a gift, Christy brought Darryl and I chocolates that she made on her own.  Being a pastry chef, these were no ordinary chocolates.  They were great and interesting flavors and looked like little individual pieces of art, which was done with cocoa butter.  Having never seen any of Christy’s work in person, receiving these chocolates as a gift tickled me pink!  Just one more thing to be impressed with!

 

 

 

Cindy:

 

Where do I start!?  It’s Cindy.  Everything about her is comforting and reassuring.  The minute that she opens her mouth to speak with you you’ll notice that she is smiling.  And not just a teeny tiny little grin… a big one.  She’ll greet you with a hug and three kisses on the cheek and then make sure that everything is going well for you.  She’s like the momma bird of the Holland birds.  She takes care of their health on the trip, she takes care of the “family” money.  She arranges schedules for them and comforts them.  She leads them in cheer and in the rare case that someone else takes the lead, Cindy is there to back everything—whenever you need it.  I absolutely adore her.  I could hold her in a hug for probably hours to be honest.  She has the most amazing energy, an extremely grounded perspective on just about anything.  She’s a nice, warm, bright ray of sunshine.  That is for sure!

 

 

 

Clare & Maz:

 

A song comes to mind!  “WILD THANG….”.  LOL.  Clare is most certainly a party animal.  She loves energy, she loves life, she loves fun, music.  She is a funky, spunky and outrageous personality that is really just so unique and free.  But it isn’t like she doesn’t think about things before she does them.  She thinks very much.  She is really very balanced but is soooo not afraid to show her really adventurous side.  She brings a good time wherever she goes.  But it is unfortunate that we’ve never had too long to just hang out.  I can imagine that if I had just a little more time with her than I have, my sides would be sore with laughter and my voice would be gone the next day from cheering her on if ever we went dancing.  Wherever Clare is she brings the life of a party.  She is ab. Fab!  Though I never got to take much time to share with Maz the two seem to be two peas in a pod. 

[LVPantsGirl]

Darryl:

 

Oh my God!  Darryl has got to be, quite possibly, one of the most generous, most sincere, most wonderful men that I have ever met.  Quite the flirt at times, you just gotta’ learn when to smack him into place.  No!  Totally kidding.  In all honesty, lately there is a line in a Celine song that makes me think of him, and that is “Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach/ You gave me faith ‘cause you believed.”  Darryl, no matter what it has been, how high the reach, has always given me that extra boost to achieve certain goals that require things that sometimes I may not have.  He is the person always behind the camera lens taking photographs.  He is the one who made the down payment for dinner and the one who figured all the finances for the dinner, which I greatly appreciate since I so loathe mathematics!  And FAITH… my goodness is he good at helping you find the faith in yourself to make anything you want happen.  Darryl knows my buttons, yes, but he also knows how to make me smile and has made, over the past three and a half years, one of the best friends that you could ever ask for.  He is patient, he is kind, he is so very much Darryl.  He will always be to me, a very excited puppy dog in action! 

 

 

 

Erin:

 

I had received a Private Message from Erin on the 20th one last time before eventually making a frantic trip to the Box Office in search of “security”.  I didn’t have time to respond to it but when I met her I could make a connection between the PM and her personality.  I’m trying to think of who she reminded me of, but I can’t put my finger down on it.  An actress.  She was certainly an eclectic little person and very excited one.  Very cute.

 

 

 

Erwin:

 

I received a voicemail from Erwin on Friday evening.  He left all the information that I needed—minus his last name!  When I called his hotel to be connected to his hotel room, they asked me for the very piece of information that I needed and were unable to connect me without it.  Two phone calls later to the hotel that he was staying at, I finally asked “Is it against your security policy for me to simply show up at his hotel room and knock on the door? “  Indeed it was not, so off came the pumps, up went the pant legs and out went Jill and I for a very fast run to the Aladdin hotel from Caesars Palace.  We had 20 minutes before we needed to meet with Cindy, Mathias, Suus and Stephanie to see them off to their interview and future meeting with Celine.  We left Caesars Palace at 5:42 at a run and arrived breathless.  We entered into the elevator and traveled to the end of the hall way.  I knocked on the door and this man opens the door in his undies and a shirt!  Baa ha ha!  Now, in the states, this is an unusual situation.  It was quite the amusing story.  We shook hands, and I explained to him why I was showing up at his hotel room door, barefoot.  I got his last name and went on the way.  We late reconnected where Erwin was dressed, nicely I may add, in a suit to see the show for the very first time.  Shy yet not, and glowing, Erwin was such a warm and breezy personality with, seemingly, a little boy’s excitement for Celine inside.

[LVPantsGirl]

Estevam:

 

I was keeping an eye out for fans that might look familiar on the 19th when all of a sudden I looked over towards the slot machines in front of the Celine Dion boutique and I saw a familiar face.  It was Mr. Peric from Celine Fall.  I’d spent some time with him before in March of 2004 but had not been able to get an accurate experience with him due to some things that had happened during that trip.  In speaking with him for the little time that I did, I was glad that I got to interact with him.  He seems to me to be a very down to earth person.  I hope to keep in touch with him this time and be able to hear some of his famous quotes that Tatiana has displayed on her MSN.

 

 

 

Feidhlim:

 

I called Feidhlim on the 18th and had absolutely NO idea how to pronounce the poor guy’s name!  He answered and I said “Hello is this…. Are you… oh jeez… how do you pronounce your name?”  Turns out, everyone, that it’s like, Fee luhm.  When I met Feidhlim in person I felt a little bad because it had been my intention to unite him with Cindy and the Hollanders to hang out.  But when I arrived I found myself pretty busy with all of the things that I had arranged.  He was so sweet and insisted that it was no problem and that he understood.  Something about him was charming and sweet.  Like a school boy.  A teacher’s pet.  I didn’t have the opportunity to talk to him much, either, but the few things that we did speak about he had a really kind yet spirited sense about him.  He would most definitely be great fun to hang around.  And his accent was positively sinful for any ears to hear.  He’s sure to make friends wherever he may go and however little we interacted, he was a pleasure to have been around!

 

 

 

Hans & Heddy:

 

Hans reminded me a bit of a science teacher I once had.  He was quiet but when he had something useful to say he most certainly said it.  He was sort of a jolly man.  In ways he reminded me of what I’d imagine Celine’s father Adhemar might be like.  It is hard to describe him other than that.  Thinking of his face, though, makes me smile.  He was so friendly!  Heddy was very quiet and observant but only because she was listening very carefully to what I had to say.  Her English was great, but she had a little bit of difficulty with the way that I was speaking.  I know I can talk a lot and sometimes I can speak quickly.  It was the cutest thing, however, because she approached Darryl after he had said something regarding the price of dinner and that got right through to her and she had to thank him for his annunciation.  It meant a lot to her and was adorable.  We later ran into each other at the Bellagio, just before Jill and I were getting ready to leave, and said our last goodbyes with warm hugs and such.  She was really adorable!

Edited January 28, 2007 at 12:34 PM by LVPantsGirl

[LVPantsGirl]

Heidi:

 

WOW!  She best reminds me of the flower that she had in her hair when she showed up on the steps of the Colosseum.  What a burst of energy and playful fun!  Heidi was raring to go.  On the steps, on the stage, at dinner.  Everywhere!  She had just such a really playful and excited personality.  She was taping everything for her interviews, she was smiling ear to ear during every minute.  She actually sings very well…and was just really fun to watch.  I heard her singing with Celine the entire show and it really made me happy to hear that.  Such a beautiful person!

 

 

 

Jane & Mark:

 

For my birthday once, Jane sent me a little care package all the way from Japan.  From that I kind of knew what to expect of her personality.  Like an idiot, when we first met up I actually was so sleep deprived that I looked at her and asked “and you are who!?”  Oh my gawd!  Like the true flower that she is, she just smiled and matter-of-factly said “Jane” while the rest drew it out more like “Jaaaaane… c’mon!  You don’t recognize from all the pictures?”  I couldn’t help but hide my face and poke fun at myself.  I felt so dumb.  But the rest of the time her smile and infectious personality just caught on to everyone in the room.  She is beautifully thoughtful and kind.  I adored spending time with her and can’t wait to interact with her again in December!

 

 

 

Jennifer:

 

Jennifer is Adrienne’s sister-in-law and Mike’s sister.  Although she was amongst the most quiet and I’m not sure we even exchanged any words more than hello, I look back at the photos and at certain times during dinner and the show and she was so excited to be there with us.  She really joined into the party so well.  In photos she is glowing.  At the show she was among the first in Orchestra 4 to stand up and give Celine an ovation.  And it’s so neat to see that!  I’m not quite sure who, in their group, was the bigger fan.  They were all so enthusiastic and full of life!

 

 

 

Jillian:

 

Always…always…always……….lol.  This was only the fourth show that Jill and I were at together.  We get together and we get goofy and take zillions of strange photos all the time.  My room tends to be our little studio of goofballishness. Jillian is so spunky but also is very opinionated.  She thinks something and she says it and it is a great thing to have someone like that with me during such a time that needed a good amount of organization.  Jill always gets exactly what I’m saying.  We’re such great collaborators.  She just has this ability to see what you’re thinking in your head.  She is amazing and is great fun to travel with.  A great, generous, helpful and efficient woman.  A find for anyone!

[LVPantsGirl]

Jose:

 

Jose is a Rene!  He is always observing.  Looking at things carefully.  Making his own decisions about people.  He seems to be very methodical and precise about things.  Very well dressed but also someone who can be a goofball, he was someone who really had my attention and who I’d like to get to know better.  He was very soft spoken and had a tone of realness to him.  You couldn’t say a comment that he didn’t agree with without a very softly spoken opinion or question about it.  I was intrigued!

 

 

 

Katie:

 

I had no idea who she was and yet there she came strolling from her seat a little further back in Orchestra 4.  She came down in this cute little dress with her cute little figure, huge smile on her face and a real enthusiastic glow in her cheeks and a twinkle in her eye.  She was so enthused to be there at the show and was happy to be meeting fans.  After the show she was very interested in hearing stories about people’s meeting Celne and seemed to know some people from the boards.  I didn’t get much time with her either but  from what I saw she seems like a super sensitive and also very warm and genuine person.  Everyone agreed that she looked familiar from a TV commercial or something but she insists that she has not been on any TV slots so we were all trying to place her.  I bet she’ll go someplace someday with her acting!

 

 

 

Kimberly:

 

In the past we’d only had time for little interactions.  This time we had a bit more time, though still not enough.  She is such an outgoing and nice person.  I am glad that she is in Hollywood and is close to me.  I hope that we can get together now and then for a coffee or something.  Kimberly seems to have zero difficulty making friends with anyone or striking up a conversation, which is much more than I can say for myself.  She has this ability to get even the most shy of the shy to speak and it is really rather impressive.  Wherever she goes she brings laughter and smiles and life.  So glad I got to spend even a few moments with us.  Oh, and Kimberly—impressive negotiating skills!!!!!

 

 

 

Lisa:

 

You know, I hadn’t known much about Lisa before this besides that she seemed like a very kind girl that was looking forward to meeting fans.  When I saw her I knew who she was straight away.  She was smiling and she approached me “Are you Marisa?”  And as soon as I said yes she wrapped me in a hug and called me, in her adorable accent “You are a stahhhh”.  If that along were not enough to make you love someone forever, she later presented me with an extremely thoughtful gift.  After the show on the 20th she presented me with a signed “One Heart” posted that I’d never seen before, oddly enough.  There were signatures and notes from several of the fans who had come with our group and seeing it made me cry.  I had not expected anything and then there was this incredibly thoughtful beautiful, sentimental gift.  I have to say that it was one of the most thoughtful things that anyone has ever done for me.  I took it to work with me to show it off and have carried it around in the car with me.  I swear all those people are in the car with me when I’m driving, listening to Celine.  I cannot wait to have an office or a living room in which to frame it!  Kevin, Lisa’s man, was really actually pretty quiet most of the time that I was around him.  Until Lisa approached me at dinner and then left for a few minutes.  Then I had a few minutes to speak with him.  He was so sweet.  He started talking about how thankful he was that I was doing something like the dinner and the backstage meeting and about what a wonderful time he was having with Lisa.  You could tell that he is crazy about her and it was really just such a wonderful thing to see that he was enjoying himself and was really very kind of him to share his appreciation with me.  I was touched.

[LVPantsGirl]

Mary:

 

Mary was a really fun person to watch.  I was almost overwhelmed by her excitement.  The first day that we met up, she was wearing a special Jean jacket that she had purchased on E-Bay that was exclusive to certain people.  She seemed positively alight to be with all of us huge fans.  She wanted to be in the front of all of the photos and was really interactive with everyone.  She seemed to have a thirst to talk with everyone at least a little and seemed to want there to be a party at every moment.  She was really wonderful and made me grin just watching her.  She seemed as if she could just reach out to anyone, pull them in and give them a huge hug.  Like a Winnie the Pooh kind of character. 

 

 

 

Mathias:

 

Mathis is magical.  He has this smile and this laugh that makes almost every one of the trips I’ve shared with him complete.  Back in April when he was cancelled on and had come all the way from Holland he stayed by my side with Cindy and a few of the others.  He was open to anything and was aching to laugh and that is, to me, how he will always stick in my head.  He is super objective, super happy, super bright and really just a blast to be around.  He loves hugs and he’s not afraid to use them to warm someone up.  Another thing about Mathias is that he always knows just the way to say things to get you to do things that otherwise you might want to resist.  He is just this fabulous person that is an absolute pleasure to be around.  He, along with all of the other Dutchies, marches to the beat of his own drummer.  Yet sometimes we are always partially in sync.  I love him to death!

 

 

 

Michael:

 

I was so so soooo surprised to see the way that Michael interacted with Celine and all of the dancers at the show.  We had all arranged a number of things for the show over dinner that night and it made me smile so big when I looked over and there was this towering man that was almost always first to jump out of his seat and begin clapping and dancing.  He was really fun to watch because it isn’t too often that you see a man get so into a Celine Dion concert.  Our first conversation on the phone, for me to receive their information was the longest conversation that I’d had with any of the fans, partially because I was at home but also partially because he was so easy to talk to and was such a pleasant person.  After returning home from Las Vegas I have received about three e-mails from he and his wife Adrienne informing me that they plan to see the show at least once a month between now and the end of the show and they have offered to work their personal business hours around to help with the convention if it is needed.  Really they are such treasures.  I can’t wait to meet up with them again, and hopefully their two kids the next time that they see the show!

[LVPantsGirl]

Mireille:

 

At first when I met Mireille, she was not speaking English.  She looked right at me and was speaking in Dutch which confused the heck out of me.  I looked over to Cindy as if to say “help” and realized that, actually, it was those two who were talking.  I smiled and then finally she began speaking to me in English.  She reminded me of a dancer, she was so tall, pretty and fit and she had this really accommodating kind of smile and demeanor.  She seemed like she would be, if she were a dessert, a strawberry short cake.  I’d love to get to know her better.

 

 

 

Ramona:

 

Time takes you places and with some people you grow apart and then reconnect together.  Sometimes a person enters your life and you learn a very valuable lesson or two.  Ramona is one of these people.  The first time that I met with her she said some very interesting things to me.  We parted each other that night with a warm hug and a little kiss on the lips.  Like two family members who had been separated for a while.  It was kind and definitely sticks out in my mind as it’s not something that you would normally do with a “stranger”.  She has that ability to make you feel as if you’ve known her an entire lifetime or longer.  We’ve had many talks about some serious things and some not so serious things.  About connection and loss, about kayaking and some conversations about penguins (wink).  Ramona is probably one of the most affectionate and giving people you’ll come across in the world of Celine fans and while she always has that Cheshire cat grin on her face, rest assured there are things goin’ on beneath that surface.  When you get to know her, she is always thinking and I think that in one way or another her love for Celine gets her mind out of being serious (and into the gutter) at times—I jest, I jest!  In all seriousness, though, she is a wise person and has much to teach.  When you see Ramona in Las Vegas you see her at her positive best and that light that comes off of her is contagious.  You can’t help but feel the warmth when you’re in her presence.  When you find her, don’t let her go!

 

 

 

Salla:

 

The firs thing to stand out about Salla was her gorgeous looks.  She is quite possibly one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen in my life.  She is just so stunning.  You see her and you just want to stare for a minute or two.  Her confidence exudes and her soul attaches to yours the minute that she looks into your eyes.  She doesn’t even need to say a word.  When she give you a hug it is warm and gentle and sweet.  When she speaks, it is meaningful and she is really a lot of fun when she gets a little revved up.  I have anticipated meeting Salla for a good 2 years now and even though I didn’t know what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised and everything about her was a dream.  I think that Franco Dragone should make a character in his next masterpiece based on Salla!

 

 

 

Sophoan:

 

Man was I sooo not expecting him to be the way that he is.  You know, you sometimes get an inaccurate read on people online and I can tell you that this was one of this instances.  I’d never been sure of what I’d thought of him.  I didn’t know much about him at all.  But for me, a huge issue is fashion.  I have my days where I have a fashion hit and I definitely have a lot of days where I’ll have a fashion miss.  So seeing that Sophoan was so much into fashion and into high quality things all around life, I was nervous to be in his company and that I’d disappoint him in some way with the dinner or with my attire.  When I spoke with him on the telephone he was so professional.  Warm but very professional and then when I met him in person and exchanged a hug and saw that smile everything I’d come to expect changed and was melted away.  I took an immediate liking to him and have become a big fan of the work that he did with his camera on the trip.  I think that Sophoan is an amazing guy and is a treat to be able to have finally met.  I’m so glad this opportunity came up or I think I’d be forever missing out on knowing such a philosophical and sincere but also very high quality person.

[LVPantsGirl]

Stephanie:

 

To be honest, back in April I had made a few mistakes.  I was too much myself in the situation where the show had been cancelled on all of these people who had traveled from so far to see Celine.  My goal had been to be enthusiastic and try to keep their minds off of the cancellations but I guess I had, before, gone overboard on the cheer.  This time around, when things were happy, I realized what a beautiful person Stephanie is not only looks wise but personality.  She is really gorgeous and is very sincere.  I adored getting hugs and kisses from her and having some conversations with her about being a fan.  The Dutchies gave me a sentimental gift as well, which warms my heart very much.  They gave me the same gift that they gave to Celine when they met her, which was a porcelain, hand-painted Dutch shoe with tulip buds in it.  They purchased it in the same place and at the same place as Celine, which makes it even more special because they were thinking of their idol and someone who has such an influence and happened to have thought of me at the same time.  God, there were so many thoughtful people!

 

 

 

Suus:

 

Oh man, where to start with Suus!  Haha.  She is in her own world a lot of the time which is fabulous.  Even think of her makes me smile and warms my heart.  She is such a sensitive and adorable person.  She reminds me of a little child.  She most certainly has the heart of one.  There is not a single bone of mal-intent with her.  There are no hidden motives in her.  Not a single angry bone.  Simply put she is the epitome of an innocent person.  She actually QUIT her job to be with us on the trip which amazes me!  I adore her.  I just want to pinch her cheeks!

 

 

 

Tandra:

 

Ahhhh, Tandra!  It is always way too quick.  She’s always got some place to be, some friend to visit, some bar to go sine karaoke at and someone to be with.  She is really a fascinating lively and courageous person.  She seems like the kind of person who would bring light to a pitch black room and like the kind of person you would want to be in lost with.  Because even if you were stranded some place, with Tandra, there’s no doubt that she’d find something to laugh and smile about.  She is really such an entertaining and bright person.  For sure she will go far in whatever she does!

 

 

 

Tatiana:

 

I had met Tatiana once and she had spent the night at my home before.  I had been looking forward to seeing her again but for some reason when the Dutchies pointed her out I felt silly to approach her on my own.  I’m not at all a shy person, really, so I surprised myself when I had to beg for someone to come over with me to talk to her.  Haha.  I was scared for no reason.  I think she was overwhelmed by a lot of what she was thinking or what was happening that trip.  But after the show on the 20th when we had a little more time to talk and we separated ourselves for a little bit I felt much better.  She is such a delight to be around, a really kind and cuddly person if you’re lucky enough for her to break past her bashfulness.

 

 

 

Vic:

 

Haaaa wow!  I think remembering being told that who I was looking at was Vic I still almost fall over.  Haha!  It was so funny because just about 2 days before that I had contacted him on MSN and had said that I had heard a rumor that he would be in Las Vegas when we were all there.  I thought that I had remembered a post from Bellamy saying something along the lines of “Pssst!  Vic is going.”  So I just asked him and he insisted that he was not and “what a rumor.”  LOL.  Turns out that he had wanted to remain incognito and he did so very well.  When Ramona said “I want you to meet someone” and grabbed his forearm I was thinking that Ramona was going to introduce me to another friend from work but when she said “This is Vic, Koolan, from CelineChannel”.  I’m not sure if I looked like it but I felt like my eyeballs were going to pop out of my head and my jaw was going to drop the floor.  I think I just laughed at that for a minute.  I was certainly taken aback.  He then asked me if we could take a picture “for Fanny”.  I just smiled.  I don’t know if I even had words.  It was an unexpected surprise and a pleasant one.  What a mystery this man is!

[Bellamy]

I thought that I had remembered a post from Bellamy saying something along the lines of “Pssst!  Vic is going.”  So I just asked him and he insisted that he was not and “what a rumor.”

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Although you're quite good at guessing Vic would possibly go there, but I must clear one thing, I've never said anything about Vic would go to Vegas any where to anyone.

[LVPantsGirl]

I thought that I had remembered a post from Bellamy saying something along the lines of “Pssst!  Vic is going.”  So I just asked him and he insisted that he was not and “what a rumor.”

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Although you're quite good at guessing Vic would possibly go there, but I must clear one thing, I've never said anything about Vic would go to Vegas any where to anyone.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

You know, that's what Ramona said because it was kind of a last minute thing. That's just too weird because I could've sworn that wayyyy back a long time ago when the news had just come out you said something.

 

It's weird! Are you sure you posted nothing?????

Edited January 28, 2007 at 01:12 PM by LVPantsGirl

[Bellamy]

You know, that's what Ramona said because it was kind of a last minute thing.  That's just too weird because I could've sworn that wayyyy back a long time ago when the news had just come out you said something.

 

It's weird!    Are you sure you posted nothing?????

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You must have extraordinary imagination.

[Scully Dion]

Wow, Marisa - its like a school report! I hope we all got grade A's and were punctual hehehe.

[Salla]

Salla:

 

The firs thing to stand out about Salla was her gorgeous looks.  She is quite possibly one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen in my life.  She is just so stunning.  You see her and you just want to stare for a minute or two.  Her confidence exudes and her soul attaches to yours the minute that she looks into your eyes.  She doesn’t even need to say a word.  When she give you a hug it is warm and gentle and sweet.  When she speaks, it is meaningful and she is really a lot of fun when she gets a little revved up.  I have anticipated meeting Salla for a good 2 years now and even though I didn’t know what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised and everything about her was a dream.  I think that Franco Dragone should make a character in his next masterpiece based on Salla!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Omg, Marisa! That is probably the sweetest and most amazing thing anyone has ever said to me! I really don't know what to say. I've been feeling horrible lately and reading something like this, just wow! It definetly made me smile. Thank you, Marisa!

[tativale]

Tatiana:

I had met Tatiana once and she had spent the night at my home before.  I had been looking forward to seeing her again but for some reason when the Dutchies pointed her out I felt silly to approach her on my own.  I’m not at all a shy person, really, so I surprised myself when I had to beg for someone to come over with me to talk to her.  Haha.  I was scared for no reason.  I think she was overwhelmed by a lot of what she was thinking or what was happening that trip.  But after the show on the 20th when we had a little more time to talk and we separated ourselves for a little bit I felt much better.  She is such a delight to be around, a really kind and cuddly person if you’re lucky enough for her to break past her bashfulness.

ahahah I ws really tense and nervous on that day heheh

 

cuddly person if you’re lucky enough for her to break past her bashfulness.

- what that does mean? heheh

 

You're kind too! You saved me on my last trip to California heheh

[nano]

Anu:

 

Anu was, quite possibly, one of the most quiet people that I’ve met on this trip.  The most quiet fan and the most calm, I would say.  We didn’t have much interaction but when we did I would make sure to ask her how she was doing or such things like that.  With how quiet she was, I wanted to make sure that she wasn’t feeling as if she were not included.  When I look back on it, I think that she, along with a few others, may have in awe of everything that was happening this trip.  Meeting with Celine will surely put you up in the clouds rather than down on earth.  I sometimes think that people, after they meet Celine, are watching things from higher up than in their bodies.  Haha.  If you can get an image of something like that, I find that Anu gave me a perfect example of that.  She seemed to be very much right there but as if she were observing every single person at once.  Taking the information in like a sponge and concluding what she may have from every situation that I saw her in.  From dinner before the show, to the backstage tour and photos, to the show and after.   

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So true, Marisa!

I'm not a talker, I love to listen and just observe everything. I'm always like that, I love to see smiles and hear stories...I don't wanna miss a thing.

 

 

Edited January 28, 2007 at 06:05 PM by nano

[Celine's Rose]

 

Antoinette:

 

What a fascinating yet perplexing individual!  I remember the first time I ever heard her voice.  It was in a voicemail.  I had contacted Casie, a fan living in Las Vegas to congratulate her on one of her achievements there that I had learned from a fellow fan.  Casie had forgotten my number and thus had Antoinette give me a call back, laughing almost hysterically wondering who in the world I was.  I called back and we chatted about Lord knows what for a portion of time.  In any case, meeting Antoinette in person was like meeting a rushed professional.  Granted as a fan she is very professional and yet she is still warm.  You can tell she has got a lot to say but she thinks before she says it all.  Parts of her to me are mysterious and unknown and other parts are very visible.  Like her love for Celine and for meeting fans.  Like her desire to make sure that everyone thinks positively of her and to make sure that no one’s feelings are hurt.  Antoinette is a very accommodating person and it was such a pleasure to meet her.  Her ability to unknowingly duplicate people’s accents, like when around Clare and asking others for a “shahpee” which was a Sharpie pen.  She was really a very interesting individual to watch!  Very funny without ever even trying to be.

 

Casie:

 

I had talked to Casie probably once before and had tried a couple of other times to talk to her on AIM when she signed on for a few minutes.  She is really cute.  She is also very tall.  Seeing photos I thought that she would be somewhat shorter than she was.  But her face is so innocent and she is so quiet.  She seemed very intelligent and seemed to just be happy to be surrounded by all of us.  She told us some fun stories about working at the Colosseum and some of the meetings that they have where there are awkward moments because she is a TeamCeline member and no one else is.  It was really a pleasure to meet her and I hope to be able to spend more time with her in the future.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Marisa, thank you so much for your kind words and for all of the planning that you did for the entire weekend. It was such a great time. I highly enjoyed meeting everyone. I kinda had one of those Alanna moments too. I remember standing on the Colosseum steps with her and Antoinette and seeing you walk up. Alanna turned to me and whispered "Look here she comes... I still can't believe she is real..." haha

 

You seem to have an uncanny way of reading people, true people. It seems that you have Antoinette and I down pack. I remember the time that you called and left me a message. Antoinette had spent the night at my apartment and we listened to the message and had no idea who you were haha. Antoinette and I were practically rolling on the floor laughing so hard when she called you back and left you that voicemail. I moved to LV in August to teach and besides the people from my school, I was pretty much alone out here. Then, I met Antoinette. We met in late September on the steps of the Colosseum of all places . Since that time, we have become the best of friends. While my goal of this post is not to get sappy, I know I have not told Antoinette enough of how much I love her and value her friendship. We always have the greatest adventures (as some of you who met us together probably have picked up on haha).

 

As far as I am concerned, you were so right about me as well. You completely nailed the three things that people usually notice about me. First of all is my height lol. I am rather tall. I am about five feet eleven (10.5 actually) inches tall. I used my height in an example problem with my 7th graders a few weeks ago and now my 5th period class has taken to calling me Ms. Giraffe haha. The second thing, that I am quiet. I, like Anu, like to observe and be part of everything that is going on. I have a huge wall built up around me due to past life experiences, however as soon as the wall is broken down a little, you can't get me to shut up (as in this post haha), just ask Antoinette! The third thing is how young and innocent I look. Everyone seems to notice that. The first thing one of the other new teachers at my school said to me when she met me was "you just look like you need to be corrupted..." haha how do people know lol??

 

To end this increasingly long post, I just wanted to say how much fun I had this weekend. Thanks to everyone who was a part of it. I hope the next time that you are all in town, I will have a little more free time. Teaching and working another part time job at night sure doesn't do much for the social schedule... The next time anyone is in Vegas let me know and we will be sure to see if we can hang out for a while. Take care and hope to see everyone again soon.

 

Casie

[Love,]

Sophoan:

 

Man was I sooo not expecting him to be the way that he is.  You know, you sometimes get an inaccurate read on people online and I can tell you that this was one of this instances.  I’d never been sure of what I’d thought of him.  I didn’t know much about him at all.  But for me, a huge issue is fashion.  I have my days where I have a fashion hit and I definitely have a lot of days where I’ll have a fashion miss.  So seeing that Sophoan was so much into fashion and into high quality things all around life, I was nervous to be in his company and that I’d disappoint him in some way with the dinner or with my attire.  When I spoke with him on the telephone he was so professional.  Warm but very professional and then when I met him in person and exchanged a hug and saw that smile everything I’d come to expect changed and was melted away.  I took an immediate liking to him and have become a big fan of the work that he did with his camera on the trip.  I think that Sophoan is an amazing guy and is a treat to be able to have finally met.  I’m so glad this opportunity came up or I think I’d be forever missing out on knowing such a philosophical and sincere but also very high quality person.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you SWEETHEART for your super kind, candid, sincere and supportive words. I AM VERY, VERY TOUCHED! I am so glad that we've had the opportunity to meet, to become acquainted, and to become friends. Certainly, you have been very committed for years now to bring us closer to Celine and to each other, and I personally thank you for that. Remember, friendship is ALWAYS in style! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/SophaUSAAmericanFlags2.gif

[Filine]

Cindy:

 

Where do I start!?  It’s Cindy.  Everything about her is comforting and reassuring.  The minute that she opens her mouth to speak with you you’ll notice that she is smiling.  And not just a teeny tiny little grin… a big one.  She’ll greet you with a hug and three kisses on the cheek and then make sure that everything is going well for you.  She’s like the momma bird of the Holland birds.  She takes care of their health on the trip, she takes care of the “family” money.  She arranges schedules for them and comforts them.  She leads them in cheer and in the rare case that someone else takes the lead, Cindy is there to back everything—whenever you need it.  I absolutely adore her.  I could hold her in a hug for probably hours to be honest.  She has the most amazing energy, an extremely grounded perspective on just about anything.  She’s a nice, warm, bright ray of sunshine.  That is for sure!

 

Awww so sweet, you moved me to tears! You are the best, Marisa! Thanks for being you and for everything you've done for us You are really a true true friend. I love ya!

[LVPantsGirl]

To Clare: Absolutely! You all scored A+ on your report cards. I have to say that as invidividuals you were all fabulous but as a group you were incredible. I've said it before but the TEAM work that was exhibited was really touching and is unforgettable! I was very impressed with you all... individually and as a whole.

 

 

To Salla: You're very welcome. I'm glad I could bring a smile to your face. Keep hanging in there!

 

To Tatiana: What I meant is that you are shy at first but after you're not so shy, you get to be someone who likes a lot of hugs and such. It's a good thing!

 

To Anu: It was fun to watch you--especially when you got into things!!!!!

 

To Casie: Well, I was trying to paint a clear picture of what it's like to meet people in person so I guess I did a pretty alright job with you. Yay! Woo I think I cacked a little part of the shell! She posts!!!!!

 

To Sophoan: My pleasure! I am SO glad to have met you! And thank YOU very much for your kind words!

 

To Cindy: My husband... LOL..................................I love you too!

Edited January 28, 2007 at 09:41 PM by LVPantsGirl

[CSCfan]

Mathias:

 

Mathis is magical.  He has this smile and this laugh that makes almost every one of the trips I’ve shared with him complete.  Back in April when he was cancelled on and had come all the way from Holland he stayed by my side with Cindy and a few of the others.  He was open to anything and was aching to laugh and that is, to me, how he will always stick in my head.  He is super objective, super happy, super bright and really just a blast to be around.  He loves hugs and he’s not afraid to use them to warm someone up.  Another thing about Mathias is that he always knows just the way to say things to get you to do things that otherwise you might want to resist.  He is just this fabulous person that is an absolute pleasure to be around.  He, along with all of the other Dutchies, marches to the beat of his own drummer.  Yet sometimes we are always partially in sync.  I love him to death!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Aww Marisa..

Thank you so so much for that.. Those are really beautiful words and you really have a gift of seeing right through people. But the feeling is all mutual.. the things you have done..wow.. and just the way you are.. You're a truly fantastic person (who I also love to death)! Let's do it all over again later this year....

 

 

 

Although you're quite good at guessing Vic would possibly go there, but I must clear one thing, I've never said anything about Vic would go to Vegas any where to anyone. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

That's funny..but I remember reading about it too.. in Vegas even if I remember it correctly.. But someone definately did post something that Vic was coming (put somewhere unnoticable)..

[leenylover]

 

Lisa:

 

You know, I hadn’t known much about Lisa before this besides that she seemed like a very kind girl that was looking forward to meeting fans.  When I saw her I knew who she was straight away.  She was smiling and she approached me “Are you Marisa?”  And as soon as I said yes she wrapped me in a hug and called me, in her adorable accent “You are a stahhhh”.  If that along were not enough to make you love someone forever, she later presented me with an extremely thoughtful gift.  After the show on the 20th she presented me with a signed “One Heart” posted that I’d never seen before, oddly enough.  There were signatures and notes from several of the fans who had come with our group and seeing it made me cry.  I had not expected anything and then there was this incredibly thoughtful beautiful, sentimental gift.  I have to say that it was one of the most thoughtful things that anyone has ever done for me.  I took it to work with me to show it off and have carried it around in the car with me.  I swear all those people are in the car with me when I’m driving, listening to Celine.  I cannot wait to have an office or a living room in which to frame it!  Kevin, Lisa’s man, was really actually pretty quiet most of the time that I was around him.  Until Lisa approached me at dinner and then left for a few minutes.  Then I had a few minutes to speak with him.  He was so sweet.  He started talking about how thankful he was that I was doing something like the dinner and the backstage meeting and about what a wonderful time he was having with Lisa.  You could tell that he is crazy about her and it was really just such a wonderful thing to see that he was enjoying himself and was really very kind of him to share his appreciation with me.  I was touched.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Aww Marisa!

 

You are so sweet! I'm sorry for making you get all emotional, but I hope they were happy tears! As I have said before, it is the very least we could do after all your hard work, I'm just sad that it was a bit impromtue and we may have missed some of the people who may have wanted to add their signature. I am sure however, that even without it, you are well aware of the appreciation of all you have done for us!

 

I'm glad you like my accent, it's taken me a good few years to perfect! And I'm happy to be in your car with you, listening to Celine, it's gotta beat being in soggy, cold England right now!

 

I was so looking forward to meeting everyone and I was not disappointed at all. There were a few people that I knew of more than others and I was particularly looking forward to meeting them, but each and every person there added something very special! Las Vegas seemed very empty after you guys had gone. I can't imagine going back to watching the show without a group of crazy Celine fans in tow! It would just never be the same!

 

You are now a legend among Celine fans Marisa! You are an absolutely lovely girl too! You ARE a stahhhhhh!

 

Lots of Love

Lisa

xxx

[LVPantsGirl]

Most definitely they were happy tears! How could they have been anything else?

 

 

And as for being a legend... I'm just one of you guys who likes to get all we crazies together for a party to show Celine how much we care! If there is a true legend, it is Ramona. Eighty-fiiiive shoooows. Shoot, man! Haha!

 

 

And again, Lisa, you're just too cute. I adore you!

[Filine]

If there is a true legend, it is Ramona.  Eighty-fiiiive shoooows. 

 

Hail the queen of the A New Day... red pluche...RAMONA

:Rkingsmiley:

[LVPantsGirl]

<--- Oh man, that is a great smilie!

 

LOL. Queen of the Red Pluche. Haaaa ha ha ha ha

 

 

 

That's great, Cin!

Edited January 30, 2007 at 05:02 PM by LVPantsGirl

[CSCfan]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Is it me or is that smiley calling "RA-MO-NAAAA"?!

[LVPantsGirl]

That is EXACTLY what I thought when I chose it. LOL.