Roger was there the day the dream came ture and the doors opened in 2003---
One of the things I've heard on several occasions is that a visit to the store reminds people of how things used to be back in the glory days of the Disney Stores. The items for sale are well displayed and Cindy is always willing to answer any question a visitor might have. And if you're looking for a certain piece, she'll do her best to find it for you from her suppliers.
To me, all of this is just fantastic. A place where I can go and find folks who share an interest. Okay, so at times it's more of a passion. But that's not a bad thing. In fact, it might even be downright healthy. Cindy believes that's true as she's been battling cancer for several years now. The store and her love of Disney kept her focused and positive, during a very tough time for anyone. Even if some folks tend to go overboard in their passions for Disney and everything the name covers, here is a great example of it being put to good use.
The local chapter of the National Fantasy Fan Club has adopted the store as a location for some of their meetings. Their next event is all set for September 11 with special guest Ron Stark to tell about caring for your Animation Art, along with all the usual fun, food, raffles, auctions and Disney fans.
Thanks Roger !!!!!
Disney Big Figures: Where They Began, Where They Are Now and Where Are They Going?
Another week, and Cindy Russell is back with a look at one of the Biggest (literally and figuratively) lines of modern Disney collectibles.I began collecting Disney Big Figs a number of years ago when I came across the first three of them -- Mickey in his Air Plane, Scrooge McDuck and Donald on the Sea. Originally, these were produced overseas (in the Philippines) in very small production run. The materials used were a combination of paper Mache and resin. They were not available in the states but as with many other Disney Collectibles, someone brought one home, and then shared it with other collectors. Thus began the retail market for these large-scale recreations of our favorite characters.
Thanks to Tom for the three issues of Disneyana Tomart with my srticles on Disney Big Figs ---
Jim you followed the dreams of a person and even came out to meet me- and wrote the last article on Where the Magic Begins and the Cinderella Story-
For Disneyana fans, "Where the Magic Begins" really was something of a dream. Back in 2003, as the Walt Disney Company was actively getting out of the retail business, Cindy Russell & her husband, Rick took a nondescript storefront in Livermore, CA and ... Well ... turned it into what the Disney Stores & the Disney Galleries used to be. An attractive, fun place to shop. Where friendly staffers who actually had some knowledge of Disney's films & characters could then help collectors find just the pieces that they were looking for.
For more see from Cindy Russell at
Jimhillmedia.com
Thanks Jim !!!!!
