CRAIG PRODUCTIONS LLC

So a few weekends ago, I had back to back guest posings on opposite coasts of the country. That’s a first for me!

I flew to Ft Lauderdale on a Thurs night for the Southern States. This show is like the Emerald Cup of the east coast, but not quite as big. Friday night was the womens show and Sat was the men’s show. Cee Jay, the fantastic and legendary suit designer, offered to let me stay with her. She had me picked up in a limo. She gave me the royal treatment. Believe it or not, that doesn’t always happen for us pros, so I am always grateful for the hospitality shown to me under any circumstance.

When I got to her house, she was sitting on the steps to her mansion of a house. Wow! She didn’t tell me she had it like that. The guest bedroom that I stayed in had a balcony that overlooked the pool in the bathroom and then another balcony off the bedroom. Lets just say I will be back to visit Cee Jay. Cee Jay will be making my suits and costumes for the Olympia . We stopped by her shop and I finally got to see where all the mastery is done. I met her staff and picked out my colors for the Olympia!  We traded my guest posing for her suits, probably a $2500 value. That is definitely one of the perks of being a Fitness Pro. There are opportunities to make money and exploit opportunities because you have a service you can render via your performance. The industry just doesn’t pay to have Figure Pros come to a show unless you’re signed with a company. You may get an appearance fee if you’re a big time Figure Pro like Gina Aliotti but typically promoters are more likely to pay a Fitness pro or bodybuilder to do a guest posing for entertainment. Yes, this is all a shameless plug to recruit more fitness athletes. J www.savefitness.net

The guest posing in Ft Lauderdale was a great time. I always get to meet wonderful people who are passionate about the sport and our industry. I am not always the best with keeping in touch via email, facebook or myspace, so when I am making an appearance, this is my time to devote to my fans and enthusiasts in the industry. I left the show at 1130pm and spent the evening with my old roommate from college. I got back to Cee Jay’s house and 0130 and my driver came at 0400 to take me to the airport for my 0600 flight to San Jose. I arrived in San Jose at 1100 and had lunch with my Save Fitness client and friend, Tracie. Then, I gave myself some mandatory down time to rest before the evening show.

I performed a new routine that had some “STOMP” inspiration. The crowd enjoyed it! I have to say that performing NEVER gets old. I am so happy to have been doing this for so long that I can actually ENJOY every moment that I am on stage. I can see the faces of the judges and hear the reaction of the crowd. Its like I am driven to FEED them more energy and more attitude. I’m like a little kid fishing for love and attention. It is such a fun experience. And afterwards, one of the things I hold most precious, is the opportunity to speak to the crowd. I do not shy away from this, as there is so much I’d like to share so I never miss an opportunity to inspire or encourage others. This is one of the reasons I love guest posing. I get to speak my mind and people listen. But this is also a responsibility.

I got to spend a few days in the bay area working for my sponsors Gaspari Nutrition. I also got to attend my sister Zakiya’s baptism. That was a wonderful event to witness! Then, back on a plane back to Seattle for a day before heading back out to Spokane for the Wheelchair Games….. that will be my next blog.

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