21/12/2023
What a fabulous event to be part of! Thank you for having us The Face Paint Lady, FPL Entertainment!
(Trigger warning: Second paragraph: su*cide)
It's NAME DROP time!
To those who attended our above and beyond events this past weekend, we thank you. What you may not know is how many amazing local businesses were involved in the success of this event, and WHY.
First and foremost, Syracuse.LOVE was the main sponsor for our events. They provided all the decor, table linens, centerpieces, draping, cookie stands, place settings, mentorship and lots and lots of moral support. Without them, that banquet hall would have been a drab room and not a jolly holiday wonderland.
The beautiful balloon arch was provided by B's Daydream Balloon Co who did an amazing job! It was fascinating to watch her build that arch in no time flat, and remove it even faster. We are incredible thankful for her contribution to the overall look of the event. If anyone asks me for balloon arches, I'm sending yall to her.
The Cafe Roshan were on staff at all seven events round the clock, 12 to 16 hours each day, handling opening announcements, doing the set-up, turning tables, setting up the cocoa bar and drink table, doing pre event shopping, plating meals, serving and bussing tables, washing dishes, cleaning up, and picking me up off the ground when I crumbled in a pool of tears from the stress of it all.
QueenBee Creative helped by putting together Ginger Breadhouse's distinctive gingerbread elf costume for us. She asked about my design ideas, and brought it to life. She also rushed to my home and made sure I was eating.
Raven's Skye Creations worked on elf costumes as well, making our new aprons and sewing the cookie beanbags, and even delivered the finished products so I didn't have to drive the hour to town.
Party Princesses CNY provided the Christmas tree that graced our performance area.
Andrew Bailey Custom Woodworking provided the rolling platforms for our stage, and the buildouts for the cookie toss game and face-in-the-hole photo prop.
And of course, my incredible FPL Cast and Crew, who as always, work so hard to provide a memorable experience. They attended rehearsals, put up with my meltdowns, and come event time, truly blew my mind. I am so so proud of my team.
*TRIGGER WARNING*
Now for the up close and personal, sentimental, TMI portion of this post. What you don't know, is that three weeks before the events, my beloved little brother died of su*cide. At that time, production had COMPLETELY halted. I was unable to do ANYTHING. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't BREATHE. I was completely and totally incapacitated. I knew the events were doomed if I didn't figure out how to navigate this incredible loss. I couldn't do it. (This is also why you may have experienced email delays and why Santa letters are so late going out). I wanted to cancel but i had already put 15,000 dollars (yes really) into the events and wouldn't have been able to afford ticket refunds. That is when these AMAZING selfless individuals stepped in and offered their assistance. I didn't even ask! They OFFERED! They pulled me back together. They pulled the events together. They lifted me up with their incredible light. Without them, I would have been forced to cancel the events. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE support these local businesses. PLEASE like and share their pages. Not only are they wonderful businesses, but they are amazing, selfless people who came through during one of the darkest times of my life.
ALL OF THAT BEING SAID, it was you all, and even moreso, your CHILDREN, that have kept me going the most. The look of love on their faces, the incredible hugs they give me, the sweet sticky candy cane high fives and their little voices saying "I love you, Mrs Claus" surround me in a glowing light of pure love. I don't know what I would do without your kids. Thank you for sharing them with me. I love them so very much, and I love you all.
Merry Christmas and thank you so much for coming to these events. I put my absolute heart and soul into them, down to every unique and creative detail. It means SO MUCH to me that you came.
With all the love in the world,
Melody
