The Unpoppables

Hello, all!

I've been meaning to write a little bit about the TLC show, The Unpoppables, for weeks now but life has a way of getting in the way. TLC, debuted The Unpoppables back in February for six episodes and it ran for three weeks (two episodes a night).



From TLC's website: "The Unpoppables follows the quirky daredevils of New Balloon Art as they wow clients with the most innovative balloon sculptures ever. In each half-hour episode, they’ll travel to a new city, plan the week’s event and scramble to get everything done. "

The show did just that. They created large amazing balloon sculptures under stressful circumstances and with the added pressure of a TV production crew by their side. I can't even begin to imagine creating a sculpture with limited time and then having someone say..."could you stop and say that differently?" or "Ya know what, I need you to do that again but hold the balloon lower as your talking."

Really?

Are they talented? You betcha. Put all of their talent aside for just a moment and you have really brave, brave folk.

The conversations, discussions and gossip about this show in the balloon world has been just as entertaining as well. The discussion boards lit up the first two weeks. Larry Moss, posted this article, from the Washington City Paper, on BalloonHQ. The article, by Erin Petty,  gives us a taste of the reality that has become Katie Balloons life. 

Why do I write this now? Well, guess what... the first season is over and TLC is in the process of figuring out if there will be a second season. Take a minute to let TLC know that you would like to see a second season. If you saw the show and enjoyed it - let them know. If you missed it - tell them the season was too short! Thanks all!

Click here to tell TLC "I want more of The Unpoppables!" ---> http://corporate.discovery.com/contact/viewer-relations/



Christine Maziarz,
Certified Balloon Artist
Creating Exciting Balloon Memories, LLC
Serving Southeastern PA

Facebook Featured Fan Announced: Stephanie Conlon

It is with great excitement that I announce our VERY FIRST Facebook Featured Fan; Stephanie Conlon! Stephanie is a true blessing to our local communities. One interaction with Stephanie, be it in person or online, and her passion and commitment to making a difference in our community is evident.   Take a look at www.community-buzz.com . Can you believe it did not exist seven months ago? Stephanie is the woman behind this website. Not only did she assemble one amazing website but she also is unbelievably kind and supportive of everyone, especially local businesses and organizations.
   I am honored to know Stephanie. It amazes me that with her busy schedule she always manages to let me know that she reads my posts and cares about my business. I want to thank Stephanie for being one of my "top" fans AND for stepping up and following her passion. I also would like to thank her husband and children for sharing her with us.
   If you haven't already, check out www.community-buzz.com ! What are you waiting for?  "Like" the page, follow her on twitter, sign up for the email updates on her website, too!
   Oh, by the way, I will be giving away $40 in Red Robin PA gift cards to one person who "likes", comments on this post or shares it with others - be sure to come back and comment here if you have shared it - that is the only way you will be entered. For my blog readers, do the same, if you share it, let me know and/or comment below. Thanks! The winner will be randomly chosen on Friday, March 18th and announced on www.facebook.com/MissBalloonHeart .
   Okay, enough from me. SHE is the one this is about. Please take the time to read her responses below - they are a lot of fun and very interesting. After you read about Stephanie, then be sure to post a comment and/or share away with friends and family.
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  Are you a dog or a cat person? Dog - I like big, lovable dogs! I have owned a German Shephard, a Lab and a 180 lb English Mastiff named Dozer, at various times in my life. I love the loyalty and affection that dogs naturally give! I like cats, but I am highly allergic!
What is your favorite pizza topping? Extra Cheese, please!

Did you play sports or a band instrument in high school? I played 4 years of varsity basketball and was a co-captain of the team. I also lettered on the track and field team. I ran the 100 and 400 meter hurdles and was a member of the 3200-meter relay team that broke the school record back in 1983! Unfortunately, I have zero musical talent. :(

What do you think came first, the chicken or the egg? Hmmmm, good question. My gut is telling me the chicken, although I am open to persuasive argument to the contrary.

What would you like readers to know about you personally? I am committed to trying to make a difference in our community and that I deeply desire to have my children feel the support and warm embrace of their community like I was lucky to have growing up in my small, hometown of Grove City, PA.

What is your business? What "do you do?" : ) (Yes, wife, husband, father, mother, etc... count!) My goal is to help bring communities together! I started Community-Buzz in August of 2010 as a way to help highlight all our great local local businesses, home-based businesses, local organizations, clubs, churches and those word-of-mouth gems that make our community an excellence place to live. In 6 short months, Community-Buzz receives in excess of 2,500 page views A DAY!

I am also a mom of 4 - ages 9, 7, 5 and 4 and also a wife to Joe, a busy Vice President of sales at a New York-based telecommunication company - we celebrated our 10 year anniversary last August, although we've been together 15 years now! Time flies!
Who is your greatest supporter in your life and work? My husband, Joe, is always full of ideas and suggestions on how to improve the vision and goals that mean most to me. He pushes me to aim higher and think bigger. Also, I am lucky to have a really great group of friends who are always encouraging and supportive of my interests and pursuits.

Who or what inspires you? My dad. He overcame so much in his life from a very young age. He has taught, by his example, that hard work and determination can overcome just about any obstacle you may face in your life. Also, I didn't think about it much growing up, but I recently realized what a wonderful example my father was in unselfishly giving so much of himself to his community. He was an active member and officer of the local Jaycees, he was a football coach for many years, he was a member of the borough council and he devoted countless hours of his time to mowing and maintaining a local piece of property the township owned by a creek that ran through our town. It was overrun with weeds and brush and he spent every weekend cleaning it up. Many years later, it became an "official" park in the borough of Grove City, which many residents enjoy. I don't think it would be there today without my dad's tireless hours of work and his commitment to maintaining his vision that this property could be a highlight of our town.

Also, Wilma Rudolf's story has always inspired me. Wilma Rudolf wore braces on her legs as a child and was told she would never walk, but went on to win three Gold Medals in the 1960 Rome Olympics. I love and cheer for the underdogs!

Is there something you are really passionate about? What is it?
My children. Education. Things that make sense. The importance of reading and books. My community.

What is your favorite quote? The Station by Robert Hastings - it is more than a quote, but it's my all-time favorite message. http://www.robertjhastings.net/ Also, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

How may people reach you?
   Website: http://www.Community-Buzz.com/
   Email: info@community-buzz.com
   Twitter: CommBuzz
   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/communitybuzz
   Cell: 610-805-8055

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Want to be a Future Featured Fan? Visit this link for more information!
 http://christinetheballoontwister.blogspot.com/2011/03/announcement-facebook-featured-fan.html

Cancer Survivor..

...that is what I am comfortable with calling my husband, as of yesterday!!!

It has been a very long year but, yesterday, we received incredible news from his follow-up appointment and let's just say, miracles DO happen! I know we are not the only ones who have had cancer dropped into our lives and I know there are many of you who are hurting for other reasons that I will never know. I feel led to share this a beautiful video with you (below). Being where we are today, I can attest to everything Stacey Kramer says in this video. I am blessed that throughout his entire fight with cancer, my husband has had a wonderful, positive attitude. I believe this attitude combined with the prayer warriors that we have had surrounding us through his journey have brought us to where we are today.

Whatever your trial is be it now or down the road, ask for help when you need it. Reach out to your friends and family - they want to assist and need to know what is the best way to do that. Don't be afraid to tell them. Enjoy the meals dropped off to you, and the offers to help. Be kind to your caregiver - it hurts them to see you going through what you are experiencing. They want to help you. Let them. : ) Reach out to others who have been through the same thing - there are incredible support groups out there - many of which are online. Use them. You are not alone and there are others who know exactly how you feel. Sometimes that is all you need to know to feel better on the rough days.

Now to the video. It is only three minutes long and it is a beautiful parable.

I should be done these serious posts. Really. Truly.


Have a great day. Enjoy your families and friends and remember that nothing in this world is guaranteed. Don't let cancer (insert your trial here) be the thing that puts your priorities in place.

Blessings to you all.