I Met Mike Huckabee today!
Today could not have turned out better than it did. 
It was just so exciting!
James was gone today (had to work unfortunately), so I had asked my parents if they would take me to the Birmingham Books a Million (in a mall), so that I could stand in line for a wristband to get a chance to meet Sarah Palin! I needed someone else to come so that I could get more than 1 wristband (you can only get one per person, and James was going to be coming with me to see Sarah Palin the next day). I knew it would probably be a long wait, as there were 1500 people who were waiting in line at Michigan...and some of those camped out in the cold overnight so that they would be there early enough to get a chance!
They told me that they would take me, and my parents in law agreed to watch the kids too.
That afternoon, my parents called to inform me that Mike Huckabee was also going to be in the mall the day we would be there getting wristbands- they already happened to be in Birmingham, so they stopped by and got me a ticket so that I could see him too! How exciting!
As soon as I realized he was going to be there the next day, I wanted to draw a picture of him to give him as a gift. I wasn't sure if I could make one by the next day, but I focused and was able to complete this drawing of him in 3 hours!
So this morning my parents and I arrived at the mall parking area a little after 8:00 AM, where hundreds of people were already in line! We had some chairs and made ourselves comfortable, until 11:00 when the line finally started moving.
I was wearing my Sarah Palin t-shirt, and was amazed at how many people came up to me remarking about it, and the Huckabee portrait! The ENTIRE time I was there, people kept commenting about the shirt, and asking how they could get one of the shirts for themselves. I gave out about a hundred business cards, and about 40 people gave me their numbers so that I could let them buy a shirt from me! Wow. Even when I was in the line for the restroom, and when I was in the line for Huckabee's book signing, people just kept approaching me and asking about my drawings....then we would talk and discuss other things! It seems that these drawings are a GREAT conversation starter. I enjoyed getting to know many, many very nice people today!
When a Fox 6 News camera man started walking around the parking area, several of the people surrounding me shouted to him to get a video of me and my shirt! They kept pointing at me and saying, "Get her shirt, get her shirt!"! Who would have thought?
See the lady on the left, holding the microphone? It was her idea! (She was so nice!!)
At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do this, but there he came walking towards me and said, "Well, now you know I have to do an interview!"
He pointed his camera at me- I was amazed at how bright the light was! Everyone was looking at me, and I could barely hear anything he said at first, because there were so many people talking, but I somehow managed to answer all of his questions!
He asked me why I was there, what I liked about Palin, and whether I would vote for Palin as president in 2012 if she were to run. I'm sure you can predict my answers!
Somehow I managed to answer his questions without totally going blank! I was so enthusiastic and happy about being there.... It was surreal and such a cool experience!
We finally got our wristbands...numbers 393, and 394. I was so happy that we made it in time...we should be able to get in to see Palin. Unfortunately we can't get photos of her but it will be just wonderful getting to see her!
At about 3:00, people started lining up to see Huckabee. It had been pretty cold outside, but it was stifling hot inside Books a Million with hundreds of people packed inside like sardines! We lined up according to our numbers...I had number 139. My parents got a really good spot up close to stand and take pictures.... It seemed like the line took forever, but finally it was my turn to get my books signed by Huckabee.
After he signed my books and we shook hands, I gave him my portrait. He said, "Did you draw this for me? Thank you so much!" (I had been so afraid I wouldn't be able to give it to him -because of the strict rules- but he accepted it so graciously!)
Then I asked him if he wouldn't mind smiling for my parents.... he turned around, and gave them a big smile with the portrait. It really was so kind of him to do that!
It was just so exciting! James was gone today (had to work unfortunately), so I had asked my parents if they would take me to the Birmingham Books a Million (in a mall), so that I could stand in line for a wristband to get a chance to meet Sarah Palin! I needed someone else to come so that I could get more than 1 wristband (you can only get one per person, and James was going to be coming with me to see Sarah Palin the next day). I knew it would probably be a long wait, as there were 1500 people who were waiting in line at Michigan...and some of those camped out in the cold overnight so that they would be there early enough to get a chance!
They told me that they would take me, and my parents in law agreed to watch the kids too.
That afternoon, my parents called to inform me that Mike Huckabee was also going to be in the mall the day we would be there getting wristbands- they already happened to be in Birmingham, so they stopped by and got me a ticket so that I could see him too! How exciting!
As soon as I realized he was going to be there the next day, I wanted to draw a picture of him to give him as a gift. I wasn't sure if I could make one by the next day, but I focused and was able to complete this drawing of him in 3 hours!
So this morning my parents and I arrived at the mall parking area a little after 8:00 AM, where hundreds of people were already in line! We had some chairs and made ourselves comfortable, until 11:00 when the line finally started moving.
I was wearing my Sarah Palin t-shirt, and was amazed at how many people came up to me remarking about it, and the Huckabee portrait! The ENTIRE time I was there, people kept commenting about the shirt, and asking how they could get one of the shirts for themselves. I gave out about a hundred business cards, and about 40 people gave me their numbers so that I could let them buy a shirt from me! Wow. Even when I was in the line for the restroom, and when I was in the line for Huckabee's book signing, people just kept approaching me and asking about my drawings....then we would talk and discuss other things! It seems that these drawings are a GREAT conversation starter. I enjoyed getting to know many, many very nice people today!
When a Fox 6 News camera man started walking around the parking area, several of the people surrounding me shouted to him to get a video of me and my shirt! They kept pointing at me and saying, "Get her shirt, get her shirt!"! Who would have thought?
See the lady on the left, holding the microphone? It was her idea! (She was so nice!!)
At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do this, but there he came walking towards me and said, "Well, now you know I have to do an interview!"
He pointed his camera at me- I was amazed at how bright the light was! Everyone was looking at me, and I could barely hear anything he said at first, because there were so many people talking, but I somehow managed to answer all of his questions!
He asked me why I was there, what I liked about Palin, and whether I would vote for Palin as president in 2012 if she were to run. I'm sure you can predict my answers!
Somehow I managed to answer his questions without totally going blank! I was so enthusiastic and happy about being there.... It was surreal and such a cool experience!
We finally got our wristbands...numbers 393, and 394. I was so happy that we made it in time...we should be able to get in to see Palin. Unfortunately we can't get photos of her but it will be just wonderful getting to see her!
At about 3:00, people started lining up to see Huckabee. It had been pretty cold outside, but it was stifling hot inside Books a Million with hundreds of people packed inside like sardines! We lined up according to our numbers...I had number 139. My parents got a really good spot up close to stand and take pictures.... It seemed like the line took forever, but finally it was my turn to get my books signed by Huckabee.
After he signed my books and we shook hands, I gave him my portrait. He said, "Did you draw this for me? Thank you so much!" (I had been so afraid I wouldn't be able to give it to him -because of the strict rules- but he accepted it so graciously!)
Then I asked him if he wouldn't mind smiling for my parents.... he turned around, and gave them a big smile with the portrait. It really was so kind of him to do that!
How exciting! You know, I know several other people who have met Mr. Huckabee personally and they all remark on how wonderful and nice he is!
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I'm seriously amazed every single time at how talented you are!
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I've made no secret that I don't like Palin, but I do like Huckabee! I'm not on to stand in lines to go and see someone. More power to you!!
Great job on the portrait!
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Bethany,,
I email you often, but the emails bounce back.
I just read your post on Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin. I went to a Chastity Dinner last night with my priest, and he asked what I thought about Sarah Palin. I said that I loved her but I thought the BEST ticket would be a Huckabee/Palin ticket. I did such a happy dance when I saw your post!!!!"
So, I was wondering. Is there a way that I could put YOUR post on mine and Val's blog?
I'd need your permission AND you technical assitance. But I really want to promote both Huckabee, Palin and their books. Not to mention your t-shirts.
What do you think?
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I went to a Huckabee book signing recently and was also very impressed with him. It is obvious he has a servant heart . . . look at how he he treated Bethany. He does not see himself as "too important" for the little people. I hope he runs for president in 2012. We need someone who has his kind of executive experience and whom we can trust.
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How awesome! What a wonderful experience.
If you want to promote your Palin t-shirts just let MK and I know. We can see about putting an advertisement up for you.
(psst....maybe you found your calling. Great portraits of the people that change America!)
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Wow, what an exciting experience Bethany! Thank-you for sharing it.
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Ditto what Kelsey said there
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Bethany--you amaze me! WOW!! What an awesome portrait and neat experience you had. The Lord is good to lead you to people with whom you can do artwork for. Praise the Lord! Oh--and I would have loved to meet him and Sarah, too!
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What a great picture!~ How awesome that God is making room for your gift!
Blessings to you.
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WOW! What a first visit to your blog~WOOHOOO! I am in awe of your beautiful artwork AND your experience! WOOHOOO! (((((HUGS))))) sandi
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Bethany, loved your Huckabee photo. That was very kind of you to draw it, especially since you are basically a Palin supporter. I am a Huckabee supporter. May I ask a question? In 2008 when Huckabee won Alabama, who did you vote for (it wasn't Palin because she didn't run in the primary). If it was Huckabee, what do you think Palin has that Mike doesn't that you would switch your vote and now vote for her? Not trying at all to be critical. You seem like a very sincere, caring individual and I am truly interested in your opinion. I think Mike Huckabee is the very best hope we have for a great president in my lifetime (and I have been around a long time).
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hi Paula! I absolutely adore both of them!! I did vote for Huckabee when he won Alabama. I wished he could have gone further and become president. I would still be excited if he were running in 2012, and would be even happier if he and Palin got together for president and vice president
I love people who have passion, character, a love for America and the freedoms we were founded on,...people who have conviction and a sense of purpose and who aren't ashamed to call themselves Christians.
Both Mike and Sarah fit that description in my opinion!
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Thank you to everyone who left all of the kind comments! I really appreciate you!
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So glad you got a chance to meet Govenor Huckabee!! I have had the honor of meeting him on several occasions and he is always most gracious to ALL and makes sure he stays until he has shaken hands with the last person standing!! Governor Huckabee, IMO, is "perfectly presidential" in every way and there is NOONE who is even in the ballpark with him....I know he has it made with his job at FOX and his radio commentary but I really hope he will make the personal sacrifice and run in 2012 because this country really needs him.
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Bethany,
What a beautiful drawing. You captured his likeness perfectly. (You look adorable, too!)
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Oh Bethany, you are so beautiful! You are glowing! I love it!
I love all these photos and your story behind them!
May the Lord continue to BLESS you as you BLESS so many others!! *Hugs*
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Oh my! That is all too exciting!! How lucky to be able to meet both Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin. And get on TV.
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Well, I officially take back that I'd vote for Huckabee. he commuted the sentence for the cop killer. The killer had a VERY violent past.
Sorry, just because he was YOUNG, does not mean you should cut a 108 YEAR sentence!!! It was that long for a reason! He has a lame excuse for not seeing into the future. Um, he was violent as a teenager, what did you expect?!
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Tia, I can certainly understand where you're coming from. Here's a portion from an article that I think sums up what I think about this:
"Many conservatives have been hammering Huckabee over this incident, but I have to disagree. While it's tempting to point the finger of blame at Mike Huckabee here, it's not as if he pardoned Clemmons and a week later, the guy killed four police officers.
Huckabee commuted his sentence, which appears to have been for non-violent offenses, 9 years ago, and a parole board then reviewed his case, and decided to allow Clemmons to walk out of prison. To come back after all of that time and after many other brushes with the law and a history of mental illness -- and blame Mike Huckabee -- well, it's not a fair reading of events.
This is a terrible tragedy for those cops and their families and that shouldn't be minimized. But sometimes, despite the best intentions of everyone involved, the system breaks down, things fall through the cracks, and bad things do happen to good people who don't deserve it. Trying to go back, with the benefit of hindsight and pick a particular person to blame for the whole affair -- it just doesn't always make that much sense.
Mike Huckabee, along with the parole board, prosecutors, attorneys, people who overlooked Clemmons bizarre behavior, etc., etc., all were links in a chain that eventually led to the death of four police officers and they, along with the families of those officers, are tragically going to have to live with the consequences."
http://rightwingnews.com/2009/11/in-defense-of-mike-huckabee-the-maurice-clemmons-clemency/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rightwingnews%2FhGmL+(Right+Wing+News)&utm_content=Google+Reader
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No, bethany, Clemmons went on a violent spree, and that's why he had 108 YEAR sentence. There's a reason why he was sentenced for that many years.
And up until 6 DAYS before the cop killing he was in jail for allegedly RAPING a child.
Clemmons is not some guy that committed one crime, and got a hefty prison sentence, but did HORRIBLE acts throughout his lifetime.
Huckabee has no choice but to make excuses to cover up HIS HUGE mistake. IMO, the blood of the fallen cops are on his hands, and that poor child who was raped. He shortened his sentenced by half. He wasn't in prison for drugs here, but for violent crimes. Read more about him, from the link below.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010385617_webmansought29.html
Huckabee, IMO doesn't have much of a chance now. his only hope is that many will forget this.
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With half of the sentence of 108 years, that man would have still been in prison today, Tia.
Mike Huckabee did not pardon him. Clemmons would have been 71 before getting after Huckabee commuted his sentence.
What Clemmons did was sick, dispicable, and absolutely terrible and you'll never hear me dispute that at all. But you are placing the sole blame on the wrong person.
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Someone you might want to consider placing more blame on are Judges John McCarthy, and Thomas J Felnagle, who set a ridiculously low bail amount (15,000 dollars) after 8 felony charges a weeks ago!
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Like I said if Huckabee didn't commute the sentence, none of this would have happened.
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Stupid enter key lol. I'm trying to make heads or tails on this. Like I said I DID really like Huckabee. It's just one of those things that very well could ruin any hope of a future political career.
I'm going to read that article.
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http://blog.thenewstribune.com/politics/2009/11/30/huckabee-expresses-regret-lays-blame-during-oreilly-appearance/
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This didn't help. He committed several violent crimes to which he was sentenced to a hefty life term. You just don't let violent criminals out, period.
Sad, thing is, I'm glad he's dead. He claimed in recent days he was Jesus Christ, I'm thinking his defense attorney would have claimed insanity. And then in so many years he would have been out on the street, after receiving "treatment".
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I don't want to keep on bantering back and forth. I like you too much! But when Huckabee commuted his sentence, he was then eligible for parole.
Agreed, the parole board shouldn't have released him, but the parole would never have seen it, if Huckabee didn't reduced the sentence. How do you reduce a sentence on a violent criminal? it'll all starts at the top. This isn't first time Huckabee has commuted a violent prisoner. Another one was paroled and left and raped and murdered a woman.
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well like I already said, he was a link in the chain of events that led to this happening, but I place much higher blame on the parole board and those judges who knew everything about his criminal history. That's just how I see it.
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