Fun Times: Elvis Birthday Week WrapUp

It was another successful birthday celebration in spite of temperatures in the teens. Fans bundled up braved the cold to celebrate Elvis’ 80th birthday. The sun showed favor on us as did the wind during the proclamation/cake cutting ceremonies held on the lawn of Graceland, for that we were thankful. Soon thereafter the wind found its steam again and kicked up some chilly weather. But it never stops us.

Thanks to all the fans that took time to stop by the Heartbreak Hotel to visit and enjoy my Elvis artwork. This January there were many fans from abroad, Germany, England, Luxembourg, Canada as well as other countries. We all had a good time sharing stories and laughs. Met many new fans that are now friends.

Priscilla, Lisa Marie and her children were all in attendance for the cake cutting. They were very accessible to the fans during the ceremonies, talking, signing autographs, posing for photos and the occasional “selfie”. The twins are beautiful little ladies and I think everyone enjoyed seeing them.
At completion of the morning festivities my son, James, and I headed back to the Heartbreak to set up the exhibit. Everything up and ready I received a text from Jack Soden asking if I could come to his office within the next half hour. Gretchen in the gift shop was kind enough to oversee the show while James and I headed to the office where we had a nice visit with Priscilla and Jack. She is lovely, and most gracious, and very appreciative of the fans.

After four fun filled days at Graceland, we drove to Tupelo Friday night for the opening of my Elvis art exhibit at the Gumtree Museum of Art. Lovely evening – and it turned into a big dance party with Memphis Jones and his trio doing the honors in the entertainment department. What fun! Wish you could all have been there. The art exhibit will run through the month of January. A trip to Tupelo is never complete without a visit to the Birthplace, and a sandwich at Johnnie’s Drive-In.

All in all it was a fun filled visit with friends, eating, laughing, and remembering the man that continues to bring us all together. Looking forward to our next get together in August. Until then Happy New Year.