Heartie Spotlight- Sharon

Heartie Spotlight

Sharon Hobbs

@MarelleHobbs

Sharon in Abigail's Cafe at HFR3

Sharon is a Canadian Heartie living on Vancouver Island in British Colombia. She kindly volunteered to be spotlighted and was a joy to interview! A lot of wonderful things have happened this past week in the Heartie fandom and we got to talk about them! So, let's get on with the Sharon Show!

Pants- "How did you find When Calls the Heart?"

Sharon- " I had heard about WCTH online and in ads on TV and was interested in the show as I had read the books when I was younger. I watched an episode one day while I was on a day off and fell in love immediately. I have faithfully watched every single episode since. And now that @SuperChannel has picked it up I am very excited to have been able to watch S5 and now S6 as well with all the US Hearties. It makes watching and tweeting that much more fun!"

We were all excited to get the news about season 6 this week! Now that Super Channel has confirmed they will be airing it as well we can all relax and enjoy the rest of season 5, knowing it won't end there!

Pants- So we just had our biggest episode ever! The wedding Hearties have been waiting for! Did you watch with anyone?"

Sharon- " Biggest episode is right! I counted down the weeks until the Thatcher Thornton wedding! I think I looked forward to it more than my own wedding! Lol

I typically go down into our den at home with strict instructions not to be bothered for the hour that WCTH is on; so technically no, I didn't watch with anyone. But that being said there are a couple of Hearties ( @CarolinaHeartie and @whlee1970 ) that I "watch" and tweet/message with while the show is on. We also like to re watch the episodes together for a long distance Heartie Party whenever we feel like we need to spend some time in Hope Valley. "

Hallmark is famous for putting on some great weddings, but that one surely is one of the best! Although, Hope Valley has a bad track record for weddings. The first we saw on the show was almost presided over by a con-man, The Coulters were flooded and the Thorntons had a fire! But I have no worry over the marriages!

I love when Hearties get together and watch and re watch! Twitter is a great way to always feel connected. You can usually find a Heartie willing to watch an episode with you at any time! It is one of the best re-watchable shows I've come across!

Pants- "What was your favorite scene(s) from the wedding episode?"

Sharon- "It's so hard to choose a favorite scene. The whole episode was a dream come true. But if I had to pick one (or three!) I would definitely say hands down my favorite scene was the wedding vows. So beautifully written and delivered. The fact that Dan and Erin wrote those vows themselves for their characters just made them that much more special. I also loved how Pastor Frank didn't even get out "You may kiss the bride" before Jack hauled Elizabeth to him and kissed her. I thought that was so sweet! And I adored how the town came together to pull off the wedding. It really showed how much Jack and Elizabeth are loved and valued by the community. And the dress reveal!!! It was so perfectly done with a genuine reaction from Dan since he hasn't seen it before that very moment. Honestly they all out did themselves. They gave us everything we asked for and more."

It was a very grand episode! It almost felt like a season finale, but we still have half the season left to go! I'm glad we get to see Elizabeth and Jack married for awhile before the hiatus until season 6. But of course there will be some bumps along the way, you know Commissioner Bird always has his pot to stir!

Pants- "Staying on the wedding episode, what surprised you?"

Sharon- " I was and yet wasn't at the same time surprised by how much Lee and Rosie stepped up to help Elizabeth and Jack pull off their wedding. We all know Rosie and Elizabeth had a rocky start to their friendship, but the fact that Rosie was willing to destroy her wedding dress to make Elizabeth's and how Lee was willing to use his own wedding rings for the ceremony just blew me away. They were willing to do whatever it took to see their friends happily married and I really loved that aspect of the episode. "

I am proud to be a part of the Coulter household, They are loyal and selfless. I'm just glad her wedding dress wasn't made of plaid! Although, that would be one awesome fashion statement now that I think about it.

Pants- "What do you look forward to now?"

Sharon- " I am so looking forward to seeing Jack and Elizabeth navigate married life together. Of course everyone wants to see them having a baby right away but not me. I'd like them to have some time just as a newly married couple."

I definitely think there are some Hearties that would agree with you. It will be nice to see them settle down into a new rhythm of being married. We've been able to see that with Lee and Rosie and it has been really nice!

Pants- "Hearties also got the exciting news this week that there will be a season 6!! What would you like to see in season 6?"

Sharon- " I would like to see a romantic interest for Abigail in season six.... And by that I mean Henry Gowan lol. I actually really like Henry (now that he's redeemed himself) and have always seen chemistry between them. And of course towards the end of season six it would be nice to look forward to some baby Thorntons for season 7!"

Henry Gowen is definitely a layered character and hopefully he stays with his current layer. Be a man deserving of Abigail Stanton! I love that you are already talking about season 7. The Hearties train just keeps getting louder, faster and stronger! Hopefully we will get to see some of those babies grow up even!

Pants- "If you could be a character in an episode, who would you want to have your scenes with?"

Sharon- "No competition, if I could have my scenes with anyone the answer would always be Erin Krakow. I so admire her work as an actress and just love her for the amazing and kind person that she is. She seems like she would be a lot of fun to work with and someone who has a lot of knowledge to pass along."

Perfectly said. I think she is really a mythical creature. A unicorn maybe?

Pants- "Who are your favorite characters/relationships on the show?"

Sharon- "My favorite characters are of course Jack and Elizabeth. Their love story is what drew me in to the show in the first place and I have loved every minute of getting to watch their relationship evolve and change and eventually lead them down the aisle.

I also love Henry and Abigail's relationship. Just when you think it's going to go one way, it goes another. I love the unpredictability of it and the fact that there just seems to be a little something between them. I hope to see more intriguing interaction between the two of them in season 6."

I agree, I love that the writers are keeping a lot of mystery around Henry and Abigail this season.

Pants- "What are your top 3 tv shows besides WCtH?"

Sharon- "My top three Tv shows besides WCTH are Murdoch Mysteries, Outlander and Greys Anatomy."

I haven't seen the other two, but I love Outlander! I know quite a few Hearties that are also Outlander fans. The kilts are just amazing!

Pants- "Any hobbies you enjoy?"

Sharon- "My greatest love is reading. I read anything and everything I can get my hands on. I've been known to read 15 books a month. I also love being outdoors riding horses or hiking as well as camping"

Sounds like Sharon would fit right in here in Hope Valley!

Pants- "Would you please share a Heartie story?"

Sharon- "I had been on the Canadian Hearties page for only a short time before another girl, her name is Jennifer Pelletier, and I started commenting back and forth on one of my posts. We then began messaging each other on Facebook and eventually became friends. We talked every single day (mostly about wcth) and even started watching the episodes together over the phone (She is in the US) This went on for months and months. We would message each other, Skype and talk on the phone all without ever meeting. We became very close.

When the planning came up for HFR3 we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to meet in person as well as meet our favorite stars. When the time came I went over to Vancouver and got her from the airport and we had the BEST time at HFR3 together. We had become best friends. She even came back to my house and stayed with me for a few weeks before returning back home. We still talk every day and watch episodes together. She is one of my closest and best friends and I never would have met her if it wasn't for this amazing show and it's fan group's."

From L to R: Sharon, Janette Oke, and Jennifer at HFR3

Hearties are a unique group, the way we find family we never knew we were missing! You and Jennifer should definitely sign up for Camp Hearties this year!

Thank you Sharon for your wonderful answers and letting me, and the rest of the Hearties, get to know you a little better!

Hearties, if you are live tweeting on Sundays, use #CanadianHearties and @SuperChannel in your tweets along with #Hearties and @HallmarkChannel. Thank you!

Forever Yours and Forever Plaid,

Lee's Plaid Pants

 

Heartie Spotlight- Patti N.

Heartie Spotlight

Patricia Nixon

@panixon8

L -R: Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Patricia Nixon

Patricia (Patti) is a Canadian Heartie from Greenwood, Novia Scotia. Greenwood is in the Annapolis Valley, very far from our own little valley in the west. (As you know, Canada is a large and vast country. Although apparently there is a magic portal from Hamilton to Hope Valley 😉.) Patti lives far east in Canada, pretty close to the USA's Maine. So, let's get to know this wonderful Canadian lady a little better!

Pants- "How did you find When Calls the Heart?"

Patti- "I found WCTH after watching Daniel Lissing in A December Bride. Everyone else knew him as Mountie Jack Thornton. I only knew him as Seth Murphy. Netflix Canada had the first 2 seasons. I started watching and I was hooked."

Daniel Lissing is a talented actor. I'm glad that Seth Murphy led you to Mountie Jack! Hallmark saves the day!

Pants- "What are your favorite characters and/or relationships on the show?"

Patti- "My favourite characters would have to be Lee and Rosemary. They are so funny together. I love all the characters though and I couldn't imagine any other actors playing these characters. The casting for this show is superb! "

The casting is amazing! I also have to agree with Rosemary and Lee! Although I'm a little biased, I also have to say the wardrobe for the show is spectacular as well!

Pants- "What has been your favorite story arc in past seasons?"

Patti- "I have a couple of favourites. When the miners come to town (Billy Hamilton). I am a big fan of Andrew Walker. And when Julie comes to town and gets mixed up with Nate Tolliver. I am also a John Reardon fan."

Season 1 is such a gem! The storylines, writing and costumes are so fun! It was a great adventure (even if I didn't come along until Season 2).

Pants- "What are you excited to see AFTER the wedding this season?"

Patti- "I am excited to see if they will have Elizabeth and Rosemary pregnant at the same time at the end of this season so we have something to look forward to in Season 6."

That would be quite the adventure! But I cringe at the dirty diapers, spit up, and other stickiness. Babies are cute... but I really don't want a diaper accident to happen on Lee's lap!

Pants- "I understand that now, thanks to Super Channel, Canadian Hearties can now watch live with the US. Before, how long did you have to wait for a season? And how did you work to get it changed?"

Patti- "I only became aware of WCTH in January 2017. It didn't take me long to binge watch the first 2 seasons. CBC aired Season 3 in the summer of 2017 with a wait time of about 5 months. Imagine waiting that long to see a resolution to the Season 2 finale. . I am so thankful and appreciative of Super Channel for giving Canadian Hearties all four seasons On Demand and airing Season 5 at the same time as the Americans. It is so wonderful to be able to tweet live with the cast and other Hearties on Sunday nights. I have to give credit to Desiree Nelson for spearheading to get Super Channel to air WCTH. I just followed her lead in thanking Super Channel with tweets and on Facebook. I would also like to add how much I am loving the WCTH trivia and Remember when segments in lieu of commercials. "

Super Channel is amazing! If you aren't doing so already, Hearties, please add them to your tweets along with Hallmark Channel. Let's hope other International Hearties can have the same luck in the near future! If you are an International Heartie, get in contact with the admin of your group's fb page and they should be able to direct you to whom you have to contact to help get WCTH current in your country! At least on Netflix! 

Pants- "Besides WCtH, what are some other TV shows you enjoy?"

Patti- "I watch This Is Us, NCIS, & Big Bang Theory"

Those are all great shows! So, you like a side of tears with your science and crime? I have never seen This Is Us, but from what I hear, it definitely keeps Kleenex in business.

Pants- "What are some hobbies you enjoy?"

Patti- "I love to read and I bowl in a 5-pin mixed league with my husband and son and I do Zumba twice a week. Love those Latin beats!"

I challenge you to do some Zumba moves while bowling and see if you can get a strike! And pictures/video, or it never happened! 😉

Pants- "If you could be a writer on WCtH for an episode, what character would you want to write for? What would you have them do?

Patti- "If I could be a writer for an episode I would bring back Gabe Montgomery as a Mountie and married to his childhood crush. Was it Rachel or Cassandra? "

I LOVE this idea! You should definitely tweet this to the writers and Brian Bird. And I think it was Rachel, but you may want to check with some other Hearties since I wasn't around then.

Pants- "Can you share a Heartie story with us?"

Patti- "I have a couple of stories in my short time as a Hearties. I got swept up in the Twitter fun and heard about a Hearties Summer Camp. You may know something about this. . The bus was about to leave when I decided to board and I discovered my camp mates were mostly from Australia and Ohio. Quite exciting. I managed to register in July for the HFR3, finding out after that it sold out in 4 minutes. I told my husband that it would be a once in a lifetime trip but have since decided that I would love to go again. Meeting the cast was wonderful and being on the set was so amazing. It was truly a surreal experience. I even met a couple of fellow Maritimers from New Brunswick. Debbie and Heather Wesselius who helped make the entire experience so wonderful.

Pants- "Were you able to meet any of your Camp Hearties teammates at HFR3?"

Patti- "Yes, I was able to meet a couple of them, one of them was from Australia!"

This is one of the special and unique qualities of the Hearties.  HFR is about meeting the cast, but it is also about meeting each other! And to think you can go to Camp Hearties with Hearties you have just met, from all over the globe, and then a few months later meet them in person! Hearties are amazing and we just keep growing! Thank you Patti for answering my questions and sharing a few things about yourself.  I hope to see you back at camp this year!

Hearties, thank you for stopping by. Please look into some of my past blogs and read up on some other Hearties! 

Lee's Plaid Pants

Heartie Spotlight- Pam

Heartie Spotlight

Pam Hyer

@Pam_Hyer

This week I am spotlighting another Ohio Heartie! I think if you travel to Ohio, you won't be able to shout Mountie without a Heartie hearing you. Pam hails from Akron, Ohio, which, according to my good friend Traveling Pants (Khakis, not Jeans), is about 45 minutes south of Teri, our spotlight from last week. If you are reading this, and you are an Ohio Heartie, tweet me and let me know where you hail from and we can see if it's regional or if ALL of Ohio is affected by the appeal of WCtH!! So, now onto getting to know the gal of the week! PAM HYER!

Pants- "How did you come across When Calls the Heart?

Pam- "I watched Hallmark movies occasionally before WCTH and had read and seen the Love Comes Softly series and just knew I had to check it out when WCTH started. So I guess I’ve been a #Heartie since day one but didn’t find the groups on Facebook and Twitter until about 2 years ago."

We are so glad you did find the groups! The Heartie community is one of the best! And Twitter is such a fun place to interact with the Hearties!

Pants- "Who are your favorite characters and/or relationships on WCtH?"

Pam- "Favorite characters are, like most, Jack and Elizabeth, but I really do enjoy them all and love the growth I’ve seen in Lee and Rosemary over the seasons. "

I love how Rosemary has changed and grown since coming to Hope Valley. What started as trying to get Jack back, turned into finding the love of her life! She has so much heart and awesome fashion. Remind me to put a petition in to Brian Bird for the red pants from season 1 to come back.

Pants- "What is your favorite story arc from the show?"

Pam- "Hmmm. I guess I love the recurring theme of forgiveness and second chances. Today we’re so hard on ourselves and others."

Yes! Kindness Always! I love that the lessons the children are learning are the same lessons the adults are learning as well. I'm glad the town gave Carson a second chance at his career, and I'm proud of Abigail and Lee for giving Gowen a second chance after all the hardship he has created for them.

Pants- "Now that we have a date for the wedding, what is something you are looking forward to/really want to see?"

Pam- "I wonder what the writers can cook up for marriage difficulties for Jack and Elizabeth? I think it could be entertaining to have Elizabeth and Rosemary expecting children at the same time. I really trust the producers and writers to give us something good."

Oh my. Rosemary already gives Elizabeth enough advice about teaching children, I cringe at what she might say about raising them!

Pants- "What has surprised you so far in Season 5? What would you like to see in the rest of the season?"

Pam- "We’ve had a lot of previews this year so I don’t know that I’m surprised that much by events so far. I’m enjoying the evolution of Henry Gowan from resident bad guy to turning into kind of a decent fellow. I guess time will tell."

Yes, we will have to see if his new attitude and fashion sense sticks!

Pants- "Besides WCtH, what are your top 3 favorite TV shows?"

Pam- "Currently I’m not watching a lot of TV outside of WCTH. I do enjoy the Hunting Hitler series that has been on the History Channel. That part of history fascinates me. Plus MASH for a bit on weeknights."

The History Channel is always a good one. We can learn a lot from our past. And if we watch a series set in the future we can see that we will probably just surrender to the aliens anyways! Kidding!

Pants- "Are there any hobbies you enjoy?"

Pam- "My hobbies include trying to work out pretty regularly. I do a crazy early spin class twice a week that is fun. I also play in my church orchestra pretty much every week. Clarinet, alto sax and flute. I think it’s cool that I get to serve there doing something that I have enjoyed my whole life. Maybe it’s similar to the rush you get from acting."

Supporting Kavan is definitely the best gig I've had in a long time! I think it's wonderful that you get to play in the orchestra! AND 3 intruments! I bet Bill would love to have you in the Hope Valley band!

Pants- "Can you share a Heartie story with us?"

Pam- "I actually went to HFR3 before I made it to any of our Ohio Hearties get togethers."

Pants- "What was your favorite part of HFR3? What surprised you?"

Pam- "I loved all of HFR3! It’s really cool how a bunch of people who haven’t ever met in person before this can become friends so quickly! It was totally cool meeting all the actors as well."

HFR is definitely one of the happiest places on Earth! The Hearties are a magical group where life long friendships are made while waiting in line to hug Daniel Lissing!

A big thank you to Pam for volunteering to be spotlighted and for letting us get to know her a little better! If you are ever near Akron, play an instrument or have a question about Hitler, Pam is the Heartie for you! And as an original Heartie, she may just know where the black hole Cat Montgomery and the other lost Valley-ites are hiding!

Stay tuned for another Friday Blog post next week! If you have any questions you want me to ask my next victim...I mean Heartie, I will be posting a tweet and fb post on Sunday! So, keep an eye out for that!

Thank you again for stopping by!

Lee's Plaid Pants

Heartie Spotlight- Teri

Heartie Spotlight

Teri DiVincenzo

@Terirose22

Teri with her Camp Hearties Teammates at HFR2 
Front Row L-R-  @AmyLathen @bec_becbol

Back Row L-R-  @Clarey1225 @LtlPixie @terirose22 @Mrs_Stewart_09

Pictures in the Tree - @Jilarie2 @destinyth0mas @LissieRT

 One of my goals as a Heartie is to help make this ever-growing fan base feel like the wonderful family it is! I love sharing Heartie stories because it shows that we all have a story of how this show has touched us.  And how you might just have more in common than the show! I started Camp Hearties two years ago as a way to continue this movement and get Hearties from all over the globe to get to work together as a team.  Teri was a part of both years of camp and frequently shows up to play along with my Rewatch games. So, I'm glad she agreed to let me share some of her stories. 

Teri grew up in Ohio. And if you remember, last year there were a LOT of Ohio Hearties at Camp. So, I'm sure they must have some fun Hearties Parties! Currently, she is living near Cleveland. I asked her the following questions and she graciously answered! So, it's time to let our hems down and get to know Teri!

Pants- "How did you come across When Calls The Heart?"
Teri- "I started watching WCTH from the pilot movie...I found the Hearties after S1 wondering when it might come back, and the rest is history!"

I'll admit, I get a little jealous of those who were Hearties from the beginning! Why, oh why couldn't Lee have been in Season 1? Although, the fashion was a completely different thing in Season 1, so who knows if I would have made the cut. I do miss Season 1 hats....it would've been nice to have tea with a couple of those hats. But I digress, back to Teri.

Pants- "Who are your favorite characters and/or relationships on WCTH?"
Teri- "My favorite relationships are the ones between Abigail & Elizabeth (best friends rock!) and between Rosemary & Lee. I love that they show how married couples can still have fun together. I love Jack & Elizabeth of course, but I like rooting for the underdog!"

I agree, the writers are fantastic and I also love that they show Lee and Rosemary at home: the good, the mad and the funny. Many think that Jack and Elizabeth are the key relationship in the show, but (and I may get some eggs thrown at me for this) I actually think the friendship between Abigail and Elizabeth is the rock of the show. It was the first relationship Elizabeth made when she came to Hope (then Coal) Valley.

Pants- "Who, if anyone, would you like to see them bring back?"
Teri- "I miss a lot of Hope Valley-ites who have moved on to greener pastures (or black holes, as the case may be)...Cat & Gabe Montgomery in particular, as well as Wyatt Weaver, Carla Noonan & her sweet babies, Laurel & Adam Miller, the Graves-Dunbar Family...they all played a part in making Hope Valley a wonderful place to live."

Season 1 did have some amazing families. I think everyone misses Cat and Gabe! But, at least we know that Jack is helping out her candle business!

Pants- "What is your favorite story arc from the show?"
Teri- "My favorite story arc is (hands down) the Abigail-Cody-Becky storyline. My sister is an adoptions social worker, and my MIL was adopted, so that really touches a chord for me."

It is a wonderful story-line. And it was nice to see Abigail become a mother again and also have a family around her, including Clara.

Pants- "What would you like to see happen in Season 5? Besides the wedding, we ALL know that is happening!"
Teri- "For Season 5 I am really looking forward to seeing some of the past characters make an appearance, beyond that, I just want to see Jack & Elizabeth blissfully happy for a few episodes before the other shoe drops "

Well, as long as we are dropping shoes and not pants! But Hearties, I'm curious what you think the "other shoe" could be?

Pants-"Besides WCTH, what are your top 3 TV shows?"
Teri- "Besides WCTH, my favorite shows are This Is Us, Scorpion, & Timeless"

So, you like to cry, save the world, and then go back in time do it all over again?

Pants- "Are there any hobbies you enjoy?"
Teri- "I love cooking & baking, reading, doing family history research, and being one of the Ohio Hearties admins. And I’m a total Hallmark junky, but don’t tell anyone (poorly kept secret)!"

Ok. I promise I will not tell anyone about the junky part. But the family history research sounds fascinating!

Pants- "Can you share a Heartie story with us?"
Teri- "My favorite Hearties story comes from getting tossed into a strange group of unknown Aussie & US Hearties for the first Camp Hearties. Who knew then that I was actually meeting my sisters! We support & give each other advice, share our failures & triumphs & daily adventures, and generally have become wonderful friends, even 2 years later. 6 of us even got to meet in person in Vancouver for HFR2<see picture above>! I credit it all to WCTH & the Hearties, and to a certain pair of Plaid Pants having our backsides!"

This warms my heart and makes it all worth it! I know there was a team who had a similar experience last year. So, even if all the other teams hated each other, it makes Camp Hearties a success! HFR is such an amazing experience! To have just a few days to be surrounded with Heartie love! I love how we have our community and we support eachother. If only Hope Valley was big enough for all of us to live in!

Thank you, Teri for taking the time to share some of your life with me and with all the Hearties. Teri has always been one that has supported me! She is like a Hearties Belt! Holding me up and giving hugs! I love all my Plaiders and would love the chance to get to know each of you a little more. So, please support these spotlights and I will keep on doing them!

See you on Sunday for #JackIsBack!

Lee's Plaid Pants

A Day in the Life of Pants

A Day in the Life

 of Lee's Plaid Pants

As I fold in after another day here in Hope Valley, I find myself wondering what the Hearties think a typical day here must be like.  I'm not sure what it is like for the others, but I can let you in on my world. So, let me tell you all about my day. It all started with a blast of cool air when Lee whipped open the wardrobe doors. You think he could be polite and at least give a quick knock first! You may be surprised that it's Lee and not Rosemary. She runs most of the house, but when it comes to his wardrobe, Leland takes charge.  I got a little time to stretch and wake up as he picked out his tie. He always starts with the tie--oh well, we can't be first in everything.

It's invigorating when I realize I will be the lucky pair of pants today! It means Lee is in a fun mood! Anything can happen! Then I see him grab a plain white button down and inwardly sigh realizing it's a fashion mullet.   Shirts and pants don't normally mingle outside work. They are a little too buttoned up to socialize with those they deem beneath them.

We are supposed to go to the office, but we meet up with Jack and head on over to Abigail's Cafe for some coffee before work. This always ends in another breakfast that Rosemary never finds out about, so the next few hours may be a little tight for me. Abigail's cooking is just too good!

A few hours in the office while Lee does paperwork isn't too bad. It gives me time to think about WCtH Jeopardy or other games and things that I could do with the Hearties. If I get bored, I just give a shrug, which of course makes Lee have to stand up and adjust.  At least we aren't at the mill today. Sometimes being there will make me sneeze, and no one wants that! Wondering what happens when pants sneeze? Ever suddenly realize that your pant's zipper is down? Yep, that means your pants just sneezed. If it happens often, that pair may have allergies and may need to be washed with a different detergent. 

I finally get the fun part of the day as we get to the saloon and meet up with the guys.  Bill's pants are always a bit grumpy; I think he wears them too tight. But they always have a good story to tell.  It's been a long day, and it's starting to get warm. I just hope we can go home soon as I'm starting to sweat my inseam. Then, Hickam spills a beer all over Lee's sleeve. Huzzah! It missed me by inches and the white button up is steamed! 

My favorite time of day is when I am folded up in the wardrobe and able to get on social media and interact with the Hearties! And now we even have the fun name of Plaiders! This show is so important to me and  you the Hearties are too! I love doing Spotlights because we get to learn about the Hearties one person at a time. We all have a story, we all have an interesting way the show, actors, or even other Hearties have touched our lives! I hope you enjoyed this little tale of my day!

See you on Twitter!

Lee's Plaid Pants

Camp Hearties 2017- Week 4

Camp Hearties

Week 4- Sock Puppet Show

Judged by : Ben Rosenbaum

Guest Judge: Erin Krakow

Ben's Brownie Points were awarded to:
HV Chickadees- Creativity
Britches in Stitches- Originality
HV Chickadees- Humor
Britches in Stitches- Presentation

Erin's S'more Points were awarded to:
Britches in Stitches- Creativity
Row House Rebels & Serge Watchers- Originality
HV Chickadees- Humor
HV Chickadees- Presentation

The last week is always bittersweet. I hate saying good bye to my campers! I had so much fun this year. Every week I was delighted with what the teams came up with! The creativity was amazing. Hearties really are the best fandom out there! We are so blessed to have the best judges come each week to camp. Our resident judge, Ben Rosenbaum, diligently gives his time every week to judge and comment on each entry. He also brings a guest judge to camp every week, a surprise even for me! We are delighted to welcome Erin Krakow, returning guest judge, to camp this final week.  This week teams were challenged to put on a sock puppet show. Reviews were mixed, some campers loved the challenge, other were not so crafty-happy about it. But the results from ALL teams are amazing! Ben's comments will be in blue, Erin's comments in pink. 

Row House Rebels

Ben: Look at that Red Serge! This looks like a sock puppet play that Elizabeth puts on for herself, dreaming of Jack's heroic return... to losing to her team in baseball. Pockets is played by Elvis Presley! I love the comet and the stage lights. Well done!

Erin:So fun to see some characters we haven’t heard from in a while! Love the sci-fi/baseball blend. Excellent use of twinkly lights.

Britches In Stitches

Ben: I love this play. I can't put my finger on EXACTLY why... maybe it's their handsome, funny, and smart lead character. This play had some serious production value! Very nicely put together—it's sort of a sock puppet comic book. Murphy as a side kick is great, and bringing Spurlock all the way back from season 1! And living "hope valley" ever after is brilliant. Very creative!  

Erin: Fun spin on a classic damsel in distress/dragon slayer tale.Beautiful sunset! Love the happy ending.

HV Chickadees

Ben: Brilliant. Great concept, I love the play about building a theater. Lee as a plaid sock is great. Jack as a red sock. RIP makes such a cute sock puppet! Hickam looks like a total dunce and you got him in a hoop skirt! All your puppets are very expressive, well done!

Erin: Elizabeth’s cowbell is a nice touch! Love how you’ve layered in lines from real episodes. Hickam in a hoop skirt = comic gold.

Constable's Company

Ben: Wow! Very detailed puppets! I love the little cookies. Including Brownie and RIP is a plus. I think Jack is the same size as Opal! That is a lovely background.

Erin: Nice appearances by Brownie and Rip. Now I want cookies too!

Cowbelles

Ben: Well the rules say not to include images that give away your identities, and now I clearly know who you are because those sock puppets look just like you! Nice plaid pants on the line, and great reference to the original Camp Hearties artwork! You all worked so hard this year you deserve to have a sock puppet play about yourselves.

Erin: I really like the celebration of the friendships that the Hearties have formed! Really cute clothesline with plaid pants!

Rip-Roaring Hearties Chicks

Ben: You went all out! Look at all these different scenes! I'm very impressed. Looks like a fantastic summer for your team... Except for the latrine cleaning. All the way to HFR3! And Brian Bird's sock drawer?! Finding all the lost socks, eh? Very funny!

Erin: Again, a great celebration of Hearties’ friendships!! I love the comparison of characters we haven’t seen in a while to socks in Brian Bird’s drawer! Hysterical!

Team Squidget

Ben: Look at those puppets! These are great! It's so nice you included other teams. Rosemary looks hilarious, and that's probably just the right amount of makeup for early 1900's Broadway. I love the Mountie on a horse puppet. And you found a cow bell cowbell! These are great!

Erin: Fun idea to turn Hope Valley characters into circus performers! That flaming hoop is very creative & well done - though I don’t support animal cruelty! ;) Gorgeous lipstick on Rosemary!

Hope Valley's Hopeful #Hearties

Ben: Seems like there's some interest in Lee and Rosemary having twins? That'd make for some fun overwhelmed Rosemary scenes! These puppets are very fun, I liked guessing who they are: Pastor Frank, Abigail, Rosemary, Lee, Elizabeth, and Jack? And then Faith and the twins?

Erin: Twins for Lee & Rosemary? DOUBLE the sticky! I love the flowers all over Rosemary and the plaid pants on Lee.

Serge Watchers

Ben:Great first act. I love it. And look at those facial expressions! You can really see how surprised Hickam is to find some gold! And then he has a heart mouth for a proposal! Great patterned Suit for Lee. Actually just great little outfits in general! Well done!

Erin: Really excellent costumes here! Our costume designer Barbara would be proud! I like all the squished faces!

As you can see the teams did a fantastic job this week, and every week! Here are some closing comments from our judges:

Ben:Well done everyone! All the teams put in such great work each week! Thank you very much for having me again as your judge, and for making me laugh this month! You were all exemplary campers!

Erin: Great work from all of the teams! So much time and creativity went into making these puppets! It was fun to see all of the different characters in sock form! I hope you’ll thank and congratulate any younger Hearties who helped you for me. And thanks so much for including me as a guest judge!

And although camp is about teamwork and fun, it is also a competition. So without further ado: <insert sound of trumpets>

Congratulations Britches In Stitches!!

Congratulations Britches! You were on top every week, were competitive and even made a team twitter account! You were all in and it showed! You even got double points from the judges this week!

To ALL the teams, you brought it every single week and made camp so much fun! I hope we can do it again next year! I will be releasing my own collages for each team later in the week, so stay tuned. 

Thank you again to Ben, Andrea, Aren, Eva and Erin for judging!

Thank you to all the campers for showing up each week and putting forth your best effort!

Lee's Plaid Pants
Camp Director