If you have not read Part 1, you may wish to before reading Part 2.
With Anthony Bolognese, Imogen Tear, Ava Grace Cooper and Christian Michael Cooper at the Joey Awards
When I awoke on Saturday, I knew this was the day I would attend my first award show–the Joey Awards. There is an intriguing story connected with this show. When I was first deciding on when to come to Vancouver, I noticed that November 12th was the day of the Joey Awards. I looked at the price of the tickets, and there was no way at all I could begin to afford those tickets. I wanted to go, but all I did was post on the events page that I’d like to go if it works out. Furthermore, I had a desire to go because I knew so many kids who had been nominated. I had interviewed almost all the When Calls the Hearts children, and I had interviewed a few other Hallmark kids here and there. This would be a dream come true, but it seemed like there were too many insurmountable obstacles in the way.
Alas, though I didn’t see any way that I could go, I decided that I should plan on being in town around that time. Maybe there would be a press event connected with the show. After all, I was new to all of this. Regardless, it was the perfect time to go due to the holiday weekend and everything appearing to fall into place. I didn’t tell anyone about the Joey Awards. I just marked them off my list, and went on with my plans.
Well, I am so grateful that God listens to the desires of our hearts, even when we don’t express those said desires. I was invited to a birthday party that night (I’ll mention that later–it became a bit of an unwitting fiasco). Thus, in my preparations, I had in mind to meet Jaime Callica. Then Giles Panton and Jesse Hutch (amongst others) had expressed an interest in meeting me. In fact, every day I seemed to get a message from someone else who declared a desire to meet with me. I was fully cognizant of the fact that I would not be able to meet everyone this trip, and so I determined to essentially play it by ear.
About a week before my trip, Holly Carcini of HollyWords Publicity Agency sent me a message stating she had tickets to the Joey Awards. What?? Seriously?? I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I started thinking logistically, “How would I get there?” “I’d love to go, but….” When I wrote back to Holly detailing my concerns, she told me we’d use the Sky Train and buses, and all would be well. I was in shock! God had answered my secret longing! I didn’t even pray about this. But now I was going to the Joey Awards! I couldn’t believe it!
As I began my preparations for the Joey Awards on that Saturday morning, I kept awaiting a message from Sebastian. Now, remember the “faults” I mentioned? Well, not to be disparaging, but one thing I have come to realize with him (and other actors as well), he is not always the best about responding to messages in a timely fashion. Or, let me rephrase that. In a timely fashion according to me. Yes, I am one of those annoying people who believe in arriving early, being on time at all costs (I detest being late), and if I say I’m going to do it, I will. I have reneged in the past, but those are very rare occasions.
On the other hand, my dear friend often says he’ll respond here or there, and it is often later than he intends and on a myriad of occasions, due to circumstances beyond his control. Sebastian is one of those people who will do anything for anyone if he possibly can (or really, even if he can’t, if that makes sense). And that is what detained him that morning. However, he wanted to see me before my frenetic day, and he even offered to drop me at the Sky Train station where I would meet Holly.
So I continued to dress for the awards gala. My dress was gorgeous, but I was having nothing but trouble with it. This was a very expensive dress, but it had its pitfalls–a button that refused to stay in place. I tried to solve it with anything I could, but in the end, I let it be as I had a wrap that I would be wearing most of the evening, and because of where the button was, it was truly unnoticeable. I only mention this to let you know that there was a fly in the ointment that day, and as women well know, clothing can be such an issue, and I could have chosen to let it conquer me. But, of course, it did not.
Less than an hour before I would meet Holly (the woman who graciously gave me my first paying job in this business and brought me onas a part of her team), I met Sebastian at the Starbucks near my hotel. I know that Starbucks is a chain that began in Seattle, but you would think it was a homegrown business in Vancouver as it would seem there is one on every street corner! Thankfully, I like coffee, and so off I went to see my friend yet again.
Once I got to the Starbucks, Sebastian greeted me warmly and said that I looked nice. My response was, “Thank you, but I feel overdressed.” He quelled my concerns with, “It’s Vancouver. You’re fine.” And so we began to visit yet again in our short time. Again, he was the consummate gentleman, and conversation came easily for us both. It was a pity we had such a short time to visit.
Time raced on, and he took me to the station. Holly was sending me messages detailing what fares to buy, and I was completely baffled. I felt better when I realized Sebastian was too–after all, he is a local, and if he didn’t understand… I didn’t expect him to remain with me while awaiting Holly’s arrival. I knew what she looked like, yes, but this was an inaugural meeting. Sebastian was already impressed her due to the fact that she was so supportive of me and my work.
Once Holly arrived, Sebastian introduced himself before handing me over to her care. And off he went as I began my adventure. We got the fares straightened out, and off we went to meet the other member of our team, Steph. As we got on the train, Holly remarked, “Sebastian is very handsome. He seems like a nice, young man.” Well, who was I to quibble with that? I related that to Sebastian later–oh, he liked the sound of that. His support of me, the consideration he showed, and the obvious respect he displayed did not go unnoticed by Holly. Moreover, as she explained, not all actors are quite as willing to reach back to their fans in such a manner as Sebastian had.
Kiefer O’Reilly with his Joey Award
It wasn’t long before I met Steph, and shortly thereafter, we arrived at the Mariott in Burnaby, an upscale hotel where I would be meeting so many of the young people I had interviewed. Again, we had a coffee to tide us over (yes, there was yet another Starbucks), and I did meet one of the young men I had interviewed, Kiefer O’Reilly. He and his mother were just sweet and unspoiled, and Kiefer was just fantastic. No doubt his career is off to an auspicious start.
Mitchell Kummen with his Joey Award
When we entered the ballroom, I discovered that we would be seated at the table of Mitchell Kummen and his family. Now, Mitch was the first of Holly’s clients I ever interviewed, and I have fond memories of that time. When I came to the table and introduced myself, Mitchell stopped everything he was doing, jumped up from the table quickly, threw his arms around me and said,”Thank you so much for interviewing me!” In truth, Mitch is one who never ceases to impress me. He is a natural-born entertainer, and I seriously don’t think there’s anything he can’t do if he puts his mind to it. He is an actor, a singer, a musician, an all-around performer.
As I began to experience the awards show, I was fairly quiet at first. When in a new environment, I do tend to go a bit silent and take in the entirety of my surroundings. The food was amazing, and the conversation was exhilarating. While I wasn’t overly reserved (as I will mention later on), I was absorbing the experience and placing as many things as possible within my memory.
One of my favorite things at the table was when I told Mitchell’s parents what a wonderful son they had raised. They were appreciative, and then they proceeded to say that I should be receiving a special award because of all the young people in this room that I had helped. I genuinely thought that was incredibly kind of them. While I don’t seek recognition, there is something special about seeing these kids in whom I had invested so much time reaping the rewards of their hard work.
When the Hearties kids won the group Joey Award, I cheered as if there were no tomorrow. I was immensely proud of them. And then others began to win–Anthony Bolognese amongst others. And when I noticed he had retweeted my tweet about winning, I decided to attempt to make connections with this boy and his mother. As a result, the kids began to find me. I met Anthony and dear Ava (she was a living doll).
When Imogen Tear won an unexpected Joey Award, I noticed where she and her mother were sitting, and I knew I had to go over and say hi. So once they were seated, I came up behind her mom and asked, “Are you Imogen’s mother?” When she said yes, I inquired, “Do you know who I am? Ruth Hill?” They got so excited! It was a treat to meet her and her mom.
The best part was at the end. As I was taking pictures with a few kids and their parents, I noticed two boys heading out the door. Right away, I recognized Jaiven Natt and Carter Ryan Evancic. I called, “Hey! I know you two!” Somehow, they heard me, and so that is why I have these pictures.
Forgive the plastered smiles. I was excited, and I was probably tired of smiling, but it was so worth it. While I missed out meeting a few of the young actors, it was amazing to see these kids in person. Even though the interviews were typically conducted via Skype, in-person meeting is pretty extraordinary.
Following the awards show, I had planned on attending the birthday party of Jaime Callica. Unfortunately, the weather was turning cold, and the Bar None Nightclub was so crowded that I had no choice but to leave early. I wasn’t upset at anyone. Mainly, I felt bad leaving Jaime in the lurch so to speak, but in the end, I made the best decision, and all was well.
As I went to bed that evening, it was with a smile on my face and swirling thoughts of everything I had experienced that day. Holly, Steph, and I had truly bonded as a team with a promise to work together for many years to come. I had connected with many parents and young people. And most importantly and unexpectedly, I had seen Sebastian, albeit for a short time that day. Sunday would be my final day, but I knew this would be an adventure I would never forget.
