Getting to know you (and everyone else)

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Okay, I'm seeing a few new names here on the Collectors Board lately. We've done "getting to know" threads before but it's been awhile, and I thought now might be a good time to start another one.

About me -- my name's Matthew. DW Lauri (a.k.a. MeanLaureen) are two of the moderators here on the DIS. We were married three years ago this month and started collecting Disney pins while in WDW on our honeymoon. We live in Richmond, Virginia, have four poodles, she manages a Hallmark store and I'm in flooring sales.

My focus when it comes to Disney pins include the Ducks, the chipmunks, and patriotic pins. Besides Disney pins, I'm also a huge Star Wars fan (in case you couldn't tell from my name ).

Next?

 

[karinmac]

Nice thread, Matthew!

I'm karinmac (aka Karin). I'm a former New Yorker who moved to Palm Springs CA 7 1/2 yrs ago. (only 90 miles from DLR!)

I'm married to Jerry for 17 1/2 yrs and have 2 daughters Kathryn (just 15) and Bridget (almost 8).

My favs are Tink, Meg from Hercules, DLR attraction pins and those pesky state pins

 

[Luv2Roam]

Obi -- I didn't realize you were still in the honeymoon stage!

I'm Barb. Married to Mr B (Blaine) for 26 years. (Been together 27. We married 8 months after meeting! )
Three kids --
Omega (3 yr old black lab female)
Jasmine (1.5 year old half cocker/half black lab female)
Grumpy (14+ year old female fat tabby cat)

We moved to Omaha just over 7 years ago, from northern IN. But DH was born and raised an Iowan.

I have been collecting (and a Disney nut) just over 2 years and have lots of pin themes
Monsters Inc
Lilo & Stitch
Alice in Wonderland
state
transportation
RnRC
ToT
villains
Haunted Mansion
pirates
calendars
and more...

Easier to ask what themes DON'T you collect?

 

[Fiver]

Hey Y'all,

My name is Melissa. I live in Flowery Branch, Ga with my Husband Chris(married for 4 yrs) and son Matthew(9mths old). We have 2 cats.

I am a stay at home mom, but I did enjoy a few years as a cm with the Disney Store. I left the store to take care of Matthew and have some surgery (from the pregnancy). My husband is a Business Analyst.

I am originally from Fort Lauderdale,Fl. ,but I have been in Georgia now for 16yrs. Both of us are Univ of Ga Alumni. We both sing in choir, and I love to bowl!

I love collecting Disney Artwork, Pins(mostly Pins from Japan), Ornaments, and old WDW guide books. My favorite Characters are Mickey, Dumbo, Robin Hood, Tinkerbell, Eeyore, Tigger, Jack, Zero, and Bullseye. My favorite ride is Pirates of the Caribbean.

This year our pilgrimage to Micca will be the first week of December for our son's first trip!

Fiver

 

[PhotobearSam]

Hi there...I'm Samantha and I'm a Mickeyaholic.

I'm Samantha and I married Richard (StarWarsMan) on September 27th of this year.
We live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada but moving back to my hometown in eastern Canada soon. I am a photographer and Richard is an Internet technician.

We have 2 cats from my school days. They are brother and sister from the same litter. They are 10 years old and are named Moozer (female) and Bebe (Male-French for Baby). The female hates Richard and the male tolerates him.

We are going to take over a motel and visitor cottages that my folks own in a resort town on the east coast of Canada. I can't wait to be closer to my folks and my nieces.

Richard is a huge Star Wars fan and we will collect any of the pins that have to do with his obcession. I on the other hand love the MOUSE himself and Figment. I will also try to get the Kodak Share a Dream pins that show cameras. (I use Fuji film but I won't tell if you don't)

I want to thank everyone here who have helped us understand pin trading and can't wait to try it on our next trip...and by the way, I just reached 1000 posts on the DIS and I am dancing for joy...

 

[olbear]

Hello!

My name is Winnie, so it pretty clear who my favorite character is...POOH!!! I am married to the greatest guy in the world! His name is Fred, but he often becomes his "alias" Carl, especially on cruises. You never know what he'll do. He's full of surprises. And lots of FUN!

I was born in Amherst, Ohio, and moved to the Daytona Beach, Florida area in 1969. We live in Ormond Beach. Hubby is an original Florida "cracker", born and bred in Gainsville. He is the sweetest red-neck you'll ever meet.

We were married July 28, 1984. We met on a singles trip to EPCOT. That is where our "magic" started. We honeymooned there and spend just about every anniverary there as well.

Fred works for US Foodservice . He's been with them for over 18 years. He started a week after we got married. I work at my church, First Baptist Daytona. I am the "Church Hostess". A fancy title for being the food service director. I have worked for my church for more than 15 years. I took over as "Hostess' 4 years ago.

We have two "kids". A cat "Pearly" and a new puppy, "Paco". He is 12 weeks old. And spoiled rotten!! We have actually two human kids as well, Mark who is 27 and Sandy who is 22. They have given us 5 grandchildren. They all live in north Florida in Panama City. Our four legged kids are much easier to handle!

I have been collecting Pooh "stuff" for well over 25 years. And I have everything imaginable. Including a large oversized "POOH" cookie Fred bought me on our honeymoon in 1984. It's still in original packaging and look great. DOn't think I'd want to munch on it though!

Hubby and I got into the "pin thing" in April 2001. He saw the Pooh puzzle set, thought it was cute and bought it for me. Then it just took off. We went crazy for the first few months searching for every pooh pin we could find. The we began to meet and get to know some of these pin people, and friendships grew. One of the first people we met was Janice Carl, AKA goofymom from the old "All-Star" board. Through her we met many wonderful people who have become some of the best friends we have. Michele and Manny, Ed and Donna, Dana and Micheal, Micheal and Corey, June and Bob, Amber and her mom,(can't remember her name)
Robin, Leslie, and then so many many more who post here. Many CM's have become such wonderful friends as well. And we look for them when we go to the parks.

As we got to meet and know these wonderful people, it became so much more than pins. The relationships are just so endearing to us. And you know they are special when you go through a rough spot and you recieve e-mails and even phone calls to see how you are doing. This has been true in the last few months since my dad took ill.

I cannot say enough about how wonderful this "Hobby" has become. We are truely blessed and grateful.

Blessings,
Winnie and Fred
"Court Minstrel" and "Lord of the Dance"

 

[Duckfan]

Well, since I am not working today I guess I can spare a minute to talk about myself:

Duckfan here. No, it is not a Donald Duck fan as is often assumed but at the time I was and still am a Ludwig Von Drake fan and he is a duck too. I also have duck leanings having grown up in Oregon. My family collects some pins. DH of 16 years steals all my army and astronaut pins because he "really isn't into pins".
My dd collects eeyore, patriotic, and dog pins. Me, I collect the pins I like. I am sorry to say it isn't more definite than that as I even went and looked at my frames to see. I do seem to have a bunch of world showcase and international mickey pins. I love Mulan but there aren't that many different pins for her and I like Lilo and Stitch pins but most are too hard for this small fish to get.
I rarely get to the parks so I beg and whine a lot and hope my pin friends continue to love me (hi ep and Karinmac). I spend way too much money on this hobby since I work for the state. Oh, i have been collecting pins for three years.

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

Born in NY, but living in MD for 22 years. Married almost 21 years to DH Malcolm (EeyoreHisOwnSelf), who lurks constantly and never posts. DH collects mainly <i>round</i> pins and Eeyore pins, with a few Tigger pins mixed in.

Three kids:
DS#1 (UseleSportsGoof), who has an amazing collection of over 300 Goofy-only pins. He also plays basketball, soccer, and tennis, and in his spare time is a junior in high school. He lurks a lot here too.
DS#2 (DieHardDonald), who collected pins before the entire family was hooked. He has mainly Donald (and other duck) pins, Pirates of the Carribean, and also lots of interesting pins from all over the country. When not playing with his pins, he is immersed in baseball, mystery books, and dabblind at being a freshman in high school.
DD (Princess Meri) does not lurk, nor post. She's in 2nd grade, loves movie musicals (Rodgers & Hammerstein and Disney), and collects princess pins (naturally ), Toy Story, B & B, L & S, and some Pooh.

We've been WDW fans for a long time. I was posting on at least two predecessor versions of the DIS.

We've been collecting pins for almost 3 years. I love full-figured Mickeys & Minnies -- especially if they're matched sets. I also have a sizable collection (mostly full figures) of Daisy and princesses. I always try to find pins from each of our trips that represent the places, we stayed, ate, special attractions we attended, etc. Beyond that, I have a pretty big WDW attractions collection too....since WDW is my "haven."

 

[BeautyLLM]

This is such a fun thread! I hope everyone responds!!

I am Leslie, Queen of the Boa Brigade and married to Tim (alias Santa Baby) for 21 years (together 29!). We have three children..Jason, 18 a freshman at American University in Washington, DC, Charlie 15, sophomore, and Jessica, 12 going on 30, 7th grade. Also three doggies...A golden named Spud and his two evil step sisters Sadie and Sophie the basset hounds. We are currently living in Connecticut where we have been for 4 whole years, which lately is a record for us.

I have been collecting pins for maybe 10 or 12 years, but VERY much into trading since NYE 1999/2000. My main focus has been Beauty and the Beast pins, but I also collect Mickey and WDW pins.

In the last year though, I would say it is much more about friendship than it is about pin trading. I am so happy to have found these boards and to have the friends that I do!

You guys are the best!!

 

[we3luvdisney]

I was born in South Carolina, but have lived up and down the east coast and out west. My father was a career Naval officer, which makes me a Navy brat. My wife was born in California and our daughter was born in Arizona.

I have been married to my WONDERFUL wife for 10 years. We met at work (Phoenix, AZ) and married 14 months later. While dating, my wife noticed a book about the Johnstown Flood. She asked why I had the book and I told her that both my parents are from that area. She was in total shock --- both her parents are from the same area --- small world!

We have a wonderful 9 year old daughter. She enjoys ballet and school. Our pets include a beagle (Rose) and two cats (Pearl & Harry). Harry is the youngest of all the animals, but weighs the most! He is one FAT cat!!!!

I work in the pharmaceutical field as a Validation Manager. Basically, I test the equipment and processes to ensure we can manufacture the product according to specifications. The work I perform is reviewed by the FDA when they come and inspect us. My wife is a domestic GODDESS! She takes care of everything at home and does a FANTASTIC job. We made the decision to have her at home so that our daughter is not raised as a "latch key" child.

My wife and I collect Tinker Bell and villian pins --- Can you guess who collects which? Our daughter collects all types, but likes Beauty & the Beast the most.

 

[OfficerChipmunk]

Hi everyone!
My name is Becky. I'm originally from Ohio, but moved down to FL 2 years ago on Disney's college program. I'm now a part time CM. I normally work security at DtD, but once in a while I get to go back to my old job in entertainment. (That's how I got my screen name ) When I'm not working at WDW I go to school for web design.

I've been a Disney freak most of my life. The only parks I haven't been to are DCA and DLP. Disney Seas is my favorite. My favorite characters are Chip n Dale.

As far as Disney pins go I mostly collect Chip n Dale (I collect any merchandise that is of them lol) and several other shorter characters that I used to be "friends with," halloween, and pins that have dolphins on them.

 

[Engr-Chas]

My name is Charles, AKA "Blue Hair Dude", Royal pain in the @$$ etc.

I am an Engineer, and the Lord of the Underworld (one of my MANY titles).

I have been collecting/trading since forever (hot and heavy since 1999).

First trip to DL in 1963.

My Kingdom battles against the Boa Brigade.

My nemisis is Queenie Leslie.

I am from Cali and am a DLR regular.

I am a SuperTrader (trumpets blare).

I collect Villains (duh).

I like to "stir the pot"

I am the villain that they all love to hate...or is it hate to love..?

I am the meanest...sorry

Engr-Chas
Lord of the (insert title here)

 

[tigger2esq]

I am tigger2esq aka princess extraordinaire aka Renee. I live in Central PA. Married to DH Jeffrey for 5 years and 1 month. 3 kitties (Dennis, Sebastian and Skywalker) and one new baby on the way (due May 11). I am an attorney with (after our most recent merger this month) one of the top 5 largest law firms in the US. (yikes!).

I started collecting Disney paraphenalia (anything and everything) on my very first visit to WDW in 1976 (since I was seven at the time it tended to be mostly park brochures and napkins and those plastic drink stirrers...) and my collection has grown since then. Got into the pin collecting thing after a weekend in WDW back in 1999 with SueEllen and her family. Tara and I spent 3 days hunting down pins for her and I was hooked! (Sue and I met via an internet Barbie Collectors website and discovered we also had the disney thing in common--go figure... I have since pretty much given up on the dolls but the Disney thing keeps growing!).

In January 2002 I ran the WDW 1/2 marathon and have plans to run it again post baby in 2004.

On the pin front--I tend to collect 1) anything Cinderella 2) toy story and star wars (for DH) 3) anything that relates to a specific trip we have taken to WDW (e.g. hotel pins, holiday pins etc.) 4) pins that I just think are REALLY COOL. (DH likes to pretend that HE doesnt collect pins--too cool for that I suppose--but it is cute to see him scoping out CM lanyards "for me"...LOL!)

the pins are cool but what I really love is all of the wonderfuly people I have met via the internet and in person. For example--I was in Orlando last month for business and skipped over to EPCOT one evening. I was standing behind a family with 2 young girls waiting for illuminations and struck up a conversation with the girls re: their lanyards (it was clear that the were very new at collecting given the almost empty lanyards) since I was on business I didnt have my vast collection of traders with me but I had a few stashed in my bag. I reached in and gave them each a DS Mickey Pennsylvania state pin to add to their collection (telling them that it was to remind them of a new pin collector friend they just met from PA). they were SOOO excited and it really made my day. (I had a similar experience in Disneyland in 2001 after a woman admired one of my Belle pins--so I took it off and gave it to her). For me---seeing that reaction in other people is my "holy grail".

 

[atlnewf]

Lessee..

I'm Ashley, I've lived in/around Stone Mountain, GA for majority of my life, currently I'm in Norcross. I'm a graduate of GA Tech, where I met my husband of 9.5 years (Bill). He doesn't collect anything and doesn't want to start (ha, he has some raised maps in the closet that if I ever give him wallspace..).

I have 2 human kids, Robert (4 next Tuesday) and Carolyn (17mos), 3 cats (Oliver, Dickens, Dodger), 2 birds (Max, Sydney), 3 dogs (Nik - newfoundland, Shadow - tri-color rough collie, Sierra - sable/white smooth collie), and a fish tank. I'm a stay at home mom, member of the local MOMS club, work with the local Collie Rescue group, and with my cousin researching family genealogy.

I started pin collecting when I was much younger and competing in gymnastics.. I'd trade with other gymnasts for their team pins. In 1996 when the Olympics came to town, I worked at GA Tech so I got to meet lots of athletes and trade with them. From there I read an article in the Disney magazine about pin trading in the parks and VOILA! Next trip I started that (that was Sept. 2001). I have since gotten both of my parents hooked, though my dad only trades when he's at the parks.

I collect primarily Beauty & the Beast, the Fab 6 babies, and trains (for my son the train nut). Though I'll add to those with anything I see that I like.

I'm also honored to be a member of the Atlanta Contingent of the Boa Brigade.

Ashley

 

[Dom13]

I am Dominic. I've been hanging around here since Nov. of 2000 (2 years at the end of this month! ) I have been interested in Disney since I went to an exhibit in NYC back in the early '80s and gained an appreciation for what went into making a animated film. I started drawing the characters with the kids where I work and the rest is history!

I am an artist that works for a youth recreation facilitator. I teach art, computers, archery, riflery, and run our youth soccer league.

My collection consists of Villains, Peter Pan and Nightmare Before Christmas as well as animation how to and art of books both Disney and Non-Disney. I also collect Marvin Martian from "those other guys".

I started pin collecting almost 2 years ago when I decided to make a Villains framed set using character pins. (to date I have not finished this set ) I have since branced out to collect just about any pin that fits the above themes. I have also collected character pins of as many diferent Disney and WB characters as I cna find and the odd pin that has struck my fancy or reminded me of a trip or event I attended.

I have met some of the greatest people through this hobby (including the blue guy above!). It would be the part of this hobby I would miss the most if I ever gave it up. (sure would not miss the lines! )

 

[Cruise]

Hi all -

I'm Julie - live in Southwest VA, and have been here most of my life, tho I've traveled a bit.

Married to Richard for 6 years as of this coming Saturday. Unless he forgets, then I'll be recently divorced He's from the UK, so we get over there fairly often. I'll be going again in less than 2 weeks now, but he's not going along this time - go figure.

No kids, but one cat that insists on leaving hair on everything.. bleh.

Just started pin collecting and haven't actually even done any trades yet... but I have a stash going for the next trip.

Julie

 

[taysalyn]

Hi, my name is Tay. Actually it's Tracy but that's between you and me.

I live in St Paul, Minnesota with my DH of 6 years and our furbaby Bucky (11 yrs old). We just lost our little furbaby Wilma (7 yrs old) to cancer but we are coping.

We have been collecting pins for the past two years and it all started with our trip to WDW in November 2000 and the Epcot Holidays around the World pin. Check out this site for a picture.

http://www.hermithut.netfirms.com/disney.htm

That started my addiction and it grew with every trip to WDW. Ebay helped as well. I went to my first pin event this past September and I'm thankful to say I met up with some great people there. (Thanks again Ashley and Mom, Matt and Laurie and Jeff!)

My favorite characters are Figment, and Beauty and the Beast and I love just about all dangle pins. My DH doesn't really collect but he loves to trade. We are looking forward to our Disney cruise coming up in 2 weeks and will be adding some Cruise line pins to my collection.

We are both into the animation art and have several original production cells and drawings. We are quite pleased with our little collection and hope to add to it in the future.

That's about all.

 

[Raulandpinboy]

Well I’m Ed AKA Raulandpinboy


I play Manolo on All My Children Cuban lover of Alexis, who was not yet released from the Mexican prison for the murder of Victor the illegitimate child of Pamela and Roy, who did not know they where brother and sister when they fell in love last year while at the funeral of Ross the doctor who killed the mother of Alexis. But I was killed off first season.

I’m a modest type of guy you’ll never hear it from me that I’m the inventor of Duct-tape or that my grandfather invented 8-track tape, or that my father played Dr Scott in the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

I graduated college with a master in gynecological paleontology with a minor in rock climbing, also a doctorates degree in women gastrorectraltootology.

I’m a rap singer my hits include YO YO YO my pins baby do, Baby got pins, baby take of all your pins, and my latest hit Bananarama Michelle.

I gave up my fortune to follow my dream and become a plumber for the rich and famous.

I have over 10 grandchildren yet I’m only in my 30’s, I have a daughter and two step sons, one of which gave the granddaughter that I named Demon Seed. (Cause she is the devil reborn and sent to earth to burn all the true believers and raise the dead like in that really bad movie “Night of the living dead part II”)

I was mean Laureens illegitimate house boy for years and finally quit because she would not stop calling Umberto my love toy. Always the same Umberto get me water, Umberto rub my feet, Umberto show me where your mother lives, and Umberto polish mommies pins. Obi-Wan you can have her dude!!!

I love all of you and cant wait to see you all on the cruise or in the parks, oh and the rumors of me in a Speedo were false, it never happened

Okay next

 

[sue Z]

I am Sue Z and I come from Quincy Mass, where I was born and brought up and still live there! My anniversary date here on the Dis coincides with my Birthday and the death of Walt Disney, as I was born shortly after he died, thanks to the time difference

the rest of this I have posted on another site and just copied over here!

PETS:1 cat-Pumpkin who is not orange

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COLLECTING/TRADING:since 1986 for basball pins and 1999 for disney pins

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DISNEY PINin 868: WDW Name Pin with Three Park Logos (FAB 3) and Pin 82: Journey Into Imagination - Figment (Epcot Center)

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT HOLY GRAILin 10608: Disney MGM Studios - On With The Show Pin Event (One Man's Dream) (ME) and Pin 15399: DLR Cast Member - Hinged Locker Pin Series #5 (Goofy) (for my mom)

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU EVER VISITED A DISNEY PARK, AND WHICH ONE WAS IT:Aug 1973 WDW aka now known as MK

FAVORITE RIDE:ToT, Splash Mountain, Kilamanjaro Safari Ride and Imagination

FAVORITE SONG: Its a Small World After ALL

FAVORITE MOVIE:Wizard of Oz and Field of Dreams, Lady and the Tramp and Parent Trap (61 edition)

FAVORITE BOOK:any thing by Danielle Steel

HOBBIES (other than pin trading):BASEBALL

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO TELL US: if you ever go to a Red Sox game at Fenway park let me know as I am there on Saturdays!!!! Season ticket holder since 1977

 

[NHMickey]

Well my name is Nat and I live in NH along with my wife Sandy of 19 years and our dog Chloe.

We are a little bit of Disney nuts and have made a few trips down to wdw every year since 86. We have been collecting Disneyana ever since our first trip. We started pins in 99 and have not looked back since. We enjoy camping and I love to play golf....