Where I've Been, What I'm Doing, and Where I'm Going

I'm finally caught up on orders for the MY LITTLE PONY Fair Online Store. This year, I tried a different selling platform, Ecwid, and I'm pretty happy with it so far. It makes orders much more organized (which I'm all for!) FYI- If you need a 2014 MLP Fair Logo Pin, go order one now since they are almost completely sold out.

My garage is still a disaster and it kind of looks like the Fair exploded in it. There are tubs strewn all about because I refuse to put everything back into storage until it is packaged correctly. Otherwise, it will make more work for me in the spring when I drag it all out again to get it ready for the 2015 event.

Speaking of the 2015 MLP Fair, I have no clue where it will be. I keep getting emails asking me if I can secretly share next year's location. The trouble is, I don't even know where we'll be setting up yet. I'm sending out some preliminary requests for proposals this week, and I might get an awesome offer that I just can't refuse. Or, the hunt will continue for the best venue for the best price because honestly folks, it all comes down to the money.

In addition to sending out my Fair RFPs this week, I will officially get back to work on my MLP Euro guide for the MY LITTLE PONY Collector's Inventory Series. It has been pushed back for far too long. I also will be working on the newest G4 guide piecemeal as well, but since we don't have a hard and fast deadline for that project, I'll be focusing on the Euro guide.

As far as events are concerned, I believe I will be attending the Michigan MY LITTLE PONY event at the end of September and I may also be going to the Lexington, Kentucky event in early September if there is enough interest to get that off the ground. I'm a bit bummed that the Cincinnati event isn't on the calendar this year, but it seems like the organizers needed a break and just didn't have the time or energy to get it up and going this year. I can definitely relate to that feeling.

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and give some updates on what's been happening and what's to come.

July Wrap-Up

Yes, I do realize that it is now August and I am way behind in my pony blogging. I'll blame it on the Olympics. Damn you beach volleyball, synchronized divers, and mesmerizing rhythmic gymnasts for distracting me with your pretty ribbons!

I attended the annual Cincinnati Pony Meet at the end of July and despite arriving almost two hours late (I was navigationally challenged that day and it didn't occur to me to use the GPS on my smart phone until AFTER I had gotten myself lost twice) I ended up having a great time. It was really nice to attend a small gathering where I had the chance to actually relax and have conversations with fellow collectors. The Cinci hostesses are a great group and since none of them made it to the MY LITTLE PONY Fair this year, it was nice to see them. Aside from the customary buying and selling, they hosted several games including a Pony version of Trivial Pursuit, Horseshoe Bingo, and a game that involved hitting a Fakie off of a tee with a baseball bat.

I sold and signed a few books, and ended up purchasing  a few accessories, some stickers and both large and small symbol versions of German Nightlight. It was nice to actually check off some ponies from my wantlist.

I remembered to bring my camera along and while I didn't get many photos, the pictures I did take will make a nice addition to my pony event scrapbook.

Pony Pursuit! This game was thought up by Sheena and was absolutely adorable. I want a copy of the questions so I can quiz myself at home!

                                   Wack a Fakie Game         Awesome scene contest entry by Nintendo Steve

Playing Bingo (with fellow pony author, Deb Birge) which I co-won with Mary. What were the odds of that happening?

 A quick Pony memory board I put together for my table including some moments that haven't  yet been added to my scrapbook.

Next pony event on the agenda-  I'll be at the KYPonymeet held in Lexington on September 15th and will most likely be bringing some collection items for display and some freebies for fellow attendees.

The MY LITTLE PONY Fair- Through the Years (San Francisco 2006)

Long before I took over running the MY LITTLE PONY Fair, I was a loyal attendee. I packed my bags and every year traveled from one coast or the other to spend a fun filled weekend full of ponies with fellow collectors. In 2006, the My Little Pony Fair traveled to San Francisco and I hopped on a plane with two of my pony collector friends (Mary and Amber) for what turned out to be a fun and crazy weekend. I had never been to San Francisco before despite spending part of my childhood living in California, so it was fun to check out the sights. We spent some time in Chinatown, had some awesome food and were treated to an impromptu jam session in our hotel room by Sebby's friend. Video exists of this trip and I really need to find it. Seriously, it is some good stuff!

It was still the early days of the Fair and attendance wasn't great, but we still found plenty of things to buy.

 I was invited to give a book talk on my original G3 book (which was later picked up, expanded, and published by Priced Nostalgia Press under the Collector's Inventory Series).

This was also the first year of Pony Jeopardy. I came in second in the competition and made it my goal to win first place the next year (which I did!)

SpottedSlug brought an adorable Bubbles costume for photos and we all enjoyed hamming it up for the cameras with a Pony.

The MY LITTLE PONY Fair sure has come a long way since the early days!