Meeting Gale in Vancouver ...

[..] I decided to walk up to Robson because I wanted to go to Kiehel’s to see if they had any of the samples, similar to what I got last year.

It was hotter than the hinges of hell. Holy mackerel and I had completely misjudged how far it was from where I was.

My Doctor’s words: “Remember to pace yourself, Sandra” were running through my mind, as I was slowly turning into a sweat ball.

At last, Robson Street came into view.

And, timing is everything.

Kiehel’s had moved a few doors down since I’d last been there and on this fine Saturday, they were also having their anniversary sale.

The place was jammed, with line-ups snaking throughout the store.

I joined the line and this really nice guy was going up and down the line asking what people were needing.

I asked regarding the samples and he was great and as he was getting my samples, he received a telephone call, and came over to me when he was done.

It’s so funny how serendipity stepped in to make what happens next a dream come true.

He explained the samples to me and I thanked him and exited the store and felt like I’d been hit by a thunderbolt.

I was pretty much cemented to the sidewalk, because OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!! standing on the street, right in front of me was GALE HAROLD (Brian Kinney of the American version of Queer as Folk fame).

This had been ten years in the making for me. I hadn’t made it to Toronto when they were filming QAF, but everyone who knows me, knew I was hoping for Vancouver, since he started filming The Secret Circle there.

So, on a sun filled Saturday afternoon in Vancouver, my wish came true.

My hair was plastered to my head, I was sweating and my cheeks were flushed red and here I was meeting Gale.

He was awesome. I waved to him (he’s like only three feet from me, but I was so excited) and said “Hi Gale” and smiled. Gale smiled and waved back *adorable* and said hi.

He is just as cool in real life as I thought he might be.

An incredible few moments in time that I’ll always treasure in my heart.

I called my sister and left a message about what happened and the message was saved so I could hear it and when I listened to it later it was: xoudkxokedldl-OMG-GALE HAROLD-xogkgouelek-I JUST MET GALE HAROLD!xoileieleke…

I flew up to the IGA Marketplace to pick up a salad and a white peony tea before heading back to the hotel.

The guy behind the counter was great. He got me my salad and then my tea and then handed me a glass of water. He said he couldn’t recall ever seeing anyone’s cheeks so red and flushed *smiles*.

When I walked in to the hotel it was so great because L. and Rollanda were in the lobby to share my squee about Gale.

After, I headed up to the room and Laura was there and asked me what was new.

Well, I had so much to share. Laura didn’t know Gale either, but shared in the enjoyment.

It’s so wonderful to have such good friends.