The 2002 Romantic Times Convention in Reno may have been the best one yet. Despite a crack of dawn flight and no sleep the night before, I managed to make it to Nevada. Looking like a like a zombie from "Night of the Living Dead", I waited for the shuttle bus to take me the Circus Circus hotel. The buses were supposed to run every half hour. I was muscled out of line several times by white haired sexagenarians who were hell bent on spending their social security checks on the slot machines. Finally, after an hour and a half,  I bartered with a bus driver to have him strap me to the shuttle's hood like a dead deer in hunting season after I helped him load luggage.

           I slept through the first night's Cowboy Barbeque hosted by author, Bobby Smith. The next day I apologized to all those whose feathers I ruffled at the airport. I was told by an author's husband that many were offended that I didn't acknowledge them there. He did tell his wife "Didn't you notice that one of his eyes wasn't even open and the other was half shut? He did look tired...." (Thanks Bud!)

            They put the cover models at the other side of the hotel for "security reasons" I had to take the tram over to main hotel daily. It was a kick to see people whack themselves in the head walking into the slanted windows of the monorail. Also funny to see people afraid to sit next to me as well. They would sit on each other's laps before sitting next to me.
           Rehearsals started early for the "Mr. Romance" contest, for which I was a judge. As a former contestant and cover model experience,10 years in the business, who better to judge?! The 3d day of rehearsal, one contestant finally noticed I was a judge after it had been announced several times. "If I'd known you were a judge earlier I'd have been kissin' your ass from the first day...!" Have to admire that...

          A huge cardboard castle designed by Connie Perry was used for the stage show. It had to be moved INTACT from Circus Circus to The Silver Legacy Hotel down the street. Half the guys ran up the stairs with it while the other half  sailed up the escalator. That was a breeze compared to bringing it back. We were all stuck in a stalled elevator. (I don't know what it is about me and bad elevators!) The group heard the 3 dreaded words when we called for help..."NO HABLO INGLES!" After about a half hour, I imagined the headlines "Stranded Cover Models Cannibalize CJ Hollenbach... Nothing left but bones and blonde hair". When we finally made it out I asked Connie how she remained so calm. She said "Oh, I had the best time with all you guys!". Ahhhhhhhhhhh...

         The media coverage was great. I made the local news,  Discovery Channel and the "TODAY SHOW". Mike Leonard, the field correspondent for the morning news show interviewed me for over an hour. He also gave me the a lot of airtime. Mike was a funny guy and wore my "CJ T-shirt" at the end of his piece. It was hilarious. (Have you noticed despite GLOBAL exposure I haven't raised the price on the Tees either?!) I have invited him to my next cover shoot in Chicago and he has accepted.

          James and Helen Rosberg hosted the Renaissance Ball . I've never seen so many incredible costumes. I escorted the Rosberg's daughter, Ali to the dinner. She was a delight and a credit to her parents.

           As part of the entertainment at the Ball, the contestants performed for the crowd as part of the "Talent Competition". The Spanish Inquisition inflicted less pain than some of these guys did on the audience. Sly Bowden, Terry Terranova and Mike Ferarra were highlights. Although, if you filled out your tights properly, the crowd didn't seem to mind your lack of talent. I voted for TALENT.

           The "Mr. Romance" show was the best I've seen yet. Leland Burbank and Mark Johnson stole the show with their improvised comedy routine. Heather Graham, Connie Perry and Leslie Burbank were powerless to stop them. The audience loved every minute.

           As expected, Charlie Meadows was chosen "Mr. Romance 2002" Peter Dicicco was first runner-up with Terry Terranova placing second.

           I must thank the mother of author Tina Wainscott for loaning me a disposable contact lens after I dropped my down drain in my room the morning of the contest. I didn't want to judge the guys with one blurry eye. Also must thank the maintenance man who took the pipes apart to find the darn thing. I tipped him heavily because he thought I was Fabio and didn't want him to think the King of Romance was cheap. (Fab, you owe me 10 bucks!)

           The week came and went in a flash. Another great memory for me. Thanks to all involved Jo Carol, Nancy, Peggy, Barb, Cynthia, Kelli and of course, Kathryn Falk for having me. See you all in Kansas City!   
          
Pictures

Click on the images below to see a full size view (You can drag the large images by clicking and dragging the image)

Heather Graham and CJ	Sharon Spiak and CJ	Heather Graham, Peter Dicicco, CJ, Bryannon Pozzezerre	Michael Elan, Kat, CJ
Beth, CJ and Cyndy	David Allan Johnson and CJ	CJ	Leland and Leslie Burbank and CJ	Terry Terranova and CJ
Cj and Michele Bowie	CJ and the Gang	Peter Dicicco, Jimmy Thomas, David Sabastian and CJ	CJ at Breakfast	CJ and Charlie Meadows
Water Works	CJ and Sean O'Brien on stage	CJ and David Sabastian	CJ and Peter Dicicco	CJ and Terry Terranova
Bryannon Pozzezerre and the "CJ-Tee"	Kelli Salkin and CJ