Stone Soup - Making the world a better place one pie at a time

The Wicker family is off to St. Louis, Missouri for this 2012 Thanksgiving Holiday. We will be traveling with potatoes, squash, pumpkin in a can, and cranberries in toe. The Wicker Thanksgiving has taken on many forms in the years since we started our family back in 1999. This year is another new adventure as we team up with the Weisbrod clan, my Amazing Aunt Paula and Uncle Jimmy Weisbrod, to prepare a feast that could and should feed Royalty.

I would like to tell you about my Aunt Paula. You see, She is one of the best cooks I have ever met. She makes everything from scratch and puts her heart and sole into it. She wants her guests to feel special and part of feeling special is eating good food with someone who truly cares for you. Her homemade pies are the best. I can smell the apple pie cooking now with that little tinge of cinnamon.

Me and My Aunt Paula

She is always smiling.When my Aunt Paula hugs me, I feel like I am the most important person in the entire world. When she talks to me, she hangs on my every word and always makes me feel special. And guess what? I am not the only person in her life. She does this with everyone. What a gift.

Aunt Paula has ALWAYS been there for me. She has always reached out to me and made sure that I was doing well. I remember when I was 7... She made me a birthday cake that said Happy Birthday to your Face. We were always joking and being silly....She has always sent me cards to tell me that she is thinking of me. I still have every one of them. We used to hang out together all the time when I was little. She would make homemade scones and we would eat them with honey. If I had the hiccups she would give me a spoonful of sugar to help. ;)

She is a true woman of God. She has prayed for me my entire life. Her spirit is filled with love and truth and kindness. When you meet her, you feel these wonderful qualities instantly. She's funny too. We will probably spend the entire time laughing about everything and NOT acting our age.

Uncle Jimmy and My Dad

I would be remiss if I didn't mention my amazing uncle. He is awesome too. He looks and acts exactly like my Dad, so he is very special to me. I love him and am so happy that my children are able to know him too.

So, naturally, I am thrilled that my family is off to share Thanksgiving with the Weisbrods. When I think about Thanksgiving, I always remember the folklore tale of Stone Soup. It made a huge impression on me as a kid - "Teamwork." "Working together for the greater good." We all do this in our lives, at work, at home, and especially at Thanksgiving.  Everyone works together to prepare an amazing feast and we all give thanks for the many blessings that we all share.

I know when my family walks in the door this Thanksgiving, there will be so much love shared that we will have GREAT abundance and isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about?

Here's to being Thankful for family! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Erin Wicker
Chief Purser
Titanic Museum Attraction

Please Connect with Me!

Youtube
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Titanic Branson
Titanic Pigeon Forge

Dramatic End to Titanic's 100th Year

A year of paying tribute to the 2,208 souls aboard Titanic comes to a dramatic and energetic conclusion this Holiday Season at the Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Mo. Great care has been taken this year, the 100th year since Titanic set sail, to honor the men and women who traveled aboard Titanic. We opened the door to the past by telling the stories of the 2,208 passengers and crew who sailed Titanic in 1912 and we will continue to do this every day.

You see, these people, these passengers were just like you and I. They had families. They had daughters and sons, Moms and Dads. They liked to travel. They liked to eat good food. They had friends, dreams, ambitions. Our great love and passion for these people is what we are about. As we move into this great Holiday Season 2012, we have created some wonderful events at both Titanic Museum Attractions to not only honor those families of the past, but to also honor families today, bringing them together to celebrate. Here is a run down of our Holiday Events at both locations:

(1) Thanksgiving Fireworks at Titanic Pigeon Forge, Tn. on November 22, 2012 at 7:30pm
For Event Details, Click Here. To enter the contest to win tickets to this event, Click Here. 

(2) Titanic Fantasy Princess Brings New Holiday Magic to Branson! Live Appearances at Titanic Museum Attraction BRANSON on Thanksgiving Weekend and Every Wednesday - Sunday to December 30th.
For Event Details, Click Here. To enter the contest to win tickets to this event, Click Here.

(3) Real Snow off the Bow, Titanic Pigeon Forge - Part of Titanic's Christmas in a Winter Wonderland. November 22-24 and December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 7pm

For Event Details, Click Here.
 

(4) Titanic Edwardian Christmas Celebrations - Both Locations: Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Mo. and Pigeon Forge, Tn. -The entire ship inside and out will be aglow with Christmas lights and decorations “Everything about our Christmas in a Winter Wonderland Celebration is aimed at giving our visitors and their families a unique, memorable holiday experience. A memory that will last forever – and isn’t that what Christmas is all about?”

For more information, please contact us at 800-381-7670.

If I could leave you with just one thought as we gear up for this 2012 Holiday Season, it would be this...Each day that we are given by our Great Father God is an opportunity to love and honor those people who He has placed in our lives. I pray this Holiday Season that you honor those you know and love just the way we honor those who sailed the mighty ship Titanic, each and every day.

May God bless you all!

Erin Wicker
Chief Purser
Titanic Museum Attractions

 Please Connect with Me!

Youtube
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Titanic Branson
Titanic Pigeon Forge

He almost bought a boat!

TITANIC BRANSON FATHER'S DAY BASS PRO BOAT SHOW

TITANIC BRANSON FATHER'S DAY BASS PRO BOAT SHOW 

As we have done for the past 3 years, we attended Titanic Branson's Bass Pro Boat Show this past Father's Day weekend. I was excited to see the latest in party barges and fish-n-skis but never did I anticipate that we would actually be considering a purchase.

REALLY GETTIN INTO IT!

Boat ownership has been on our wish list for at least 10 years. Every time we have come close to purchasing a boat, we have managed to talk ourselves out of it for one reason or another. Well, this time was LUCKILY no different. My husband who typically likes bass boats and go fast boats, was enamored with this giant 20-something foot Party Barge. This is where I get weak!! I like Party Barges and the idea of Partying on the lake with family and friends.

BOYS UPSET BECAUSE WE DIDN'T BUY THE BOAT

I was already picturing the day - It is me, my husband, our 2 kids, and our friends who also have children. We were swimming off the large swim deck, eating chips, and drinking a cold beverage. YEP! We were happy. Well, I decided that I was keen on the idea of boat ownership and this time my husband backed down. What happened?

He said that we would save our money - a boat fund - and come back next year to take another look. This is fine with me because we always enjoy touring the museum and it is nice to take our time looking at the boats.

It is an honor that Bass Pro takes the time to set up in our parking lot each year at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. and it is our privilege to honor Fathers with this special event each year. I love my dad and I love my children's dad as well. They both deserve whatever kind of boat they want for being the best role models that could be.

ME WISHING EVERY DAD A HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL DADS FROM THE CHIEF PURSER OF THE TITANIC MUSEUM ATTRACTION!

Titanic Museum Attraction Honors Frederick Fleet

You know how some kids is born with silver spoons in their mouths? Well that weren't me. An orphan, I got me first job at age 12 on a training ship. Stayed there till I turned 16, then went to sea as a deck boy. Worked me way up to able seaman and, blimey, look at me now. Crewman Frederick Fleet, here --24-year-old RMS Titanic lookout, 50 feet above deck in the crow's nest.

Weather's been mild this voyage, but it turned icy cold as the sun went down. The stars is bright alright, but their reflection on the water is so flat that me and the other lookout can't see nothing in our path till we're right smack on it. And that's just what happened as Titanic sailed into that deadly ice field.

I saw it first. "Iceberg right ahead!" I yelled, soudning the alarm bell. Within 37 seconds Titanic brushed the side of the berg, showering ice onto the deck below. Climbing down from my post I feared I'd be blamed for not spotting it sooner. Seemed we might be okay until the engines stopped, and the ship began tilting head first into the sea.

Special Edition - True Titanic Stories- 1st Class Maid Jaynee tells the story of Frederick Fleet on Video. Click Here.

Titanic Museum Attraction Honors John "Jack" Phillips

I turned 25 April 11, Titanic's second day out. John Phillips, senior wireless operator, at your service. One telgraphist is the norm, but liners this size have two. My assistant, Harold Bride, and I man the system 'round the clock, alternating six-hour shifts. We've been glued to our seats since Southampton, monitoring the usual navigational info of other ships but overwhelmed by passenger requests.

Work piled up when an equipment failure temporarily shut us down, and we're still swamped with a huge backlog --mostly passenger messages that must be sent no matter what. I haven't time tonight to talk icebergs with operators on other ships. One says large bergs are in our path, and another is surrounded by them and can't move. All I can do is put their warnings aside till later.

Harold relieved me after 11 p.m., but an iceberg cut short my rest. I dashed back to the wireless room, where Harold and I tapped out frantic calls for help. Captain Smith ordered SOS and CQD distress signals, which meant Titanic was doomed. I told Harold to make a break and remained at my post. As the room flooded, the captain released me from duty, saying, "It's every man for himself now."

Special Edition - True Titanic Stories- 1st Class Maid Jaynee tells the story of John "Jack" Phillips on Video. Click Here.

Titanic Museum Attraction Honors Thomas Andrews

 

     I'm Thomas Andrews, a 39-year-old happily married father of two. As managing director at Harland & Wolff in Belfast, Northern Ireland, I'm in charge of designing and building its ships. My team and I built Titanic, from keel to masthead, so I know every inch of her. I'm sailing the maiden voyage should any problems develop, but I feel more like a proud father whose beautiful offspring is making her world debut. 

     Of course, she was never a dream to me -- just a spectacular, man-made monument of iron and steel, invincible yet vulnerable. I still have misgivings about one thing: Titanic is designed to carry 50 lifeboats, yet White Star officials cut the number to 20. They believe Titanic is almost unsinkable and, therefore, doesn't need unnecessary, ugly boats cluttering its decks. I pray they're right. 

     The sea is calm and the sky quite clear, yet the weather on deck is turning brisk. I've warned the lookouts to be keenly alert for icebergs, even the small ones called growlers. Navigating an ice field this time of year is likely the most critical part of our voyage. 

Special Edition - True Titanic Stories- 1st Class Maid Jaynee tells the story of Thomas Andrews on Video. Click Here. 

Titanic Museum Attraction Honors J. Bruce Ismay

     

As I watch boarding activities from a high perch on deck, everyone climbing the gangways seems excited and happy, even those in Third Class, And why not? We're making maritime history: White Star Line's Olympic-class steamers are revolutionizing the industry, in luxury, size and, above all, safety. 

     I should know. I'm J. Bruce Ismay, White Star's managing director and creator of this magnificent ship. I often sail maiden voyages and wouldn't have missed Titanic's for the world. I miss my wife and children back home in London but am pleased Titanic's architect and builder, Thomas Andrews, is here, While he ensures this "baby" behaves, I intend to bask in the praise and applause that follows me wherever I go.

     Once underway, only the vast North Atlantic will appear on the horizon. As we move out to sea, Titanic will reach her design speed of 21 knots. She can do more, but Captain Smith advises we test the new ship's limits another trip. Anyway, on-time arrival in New York is the priority, not speed. I hail from a long, proud line of successful shipbuilders. I feel sure Titanic will add glory to the family name. How could she not?

Special Edition - True Titanic Stories- 1st Class Maid Jaynee tells the story of J. Bruce Ismay on Video. Click Here.

Titanic Museum Attraction Honors Captain EJ Smith

     Welcome aboard on this glorious spring day. I'm Edward John "E.J." Smith, captain of RMS Titanic, and commander of White Star Line's impressive fleet. You've arrived on a very special day: April 10, 1912. We're about to take this fine lady to sea on her maiden voyage. 

     My officers spent the night on board, but I stayed home with family -- wife Sarah and our 12-year-old daughter, Helen. At 7 a.m. I climbed the gangway and prepared for inspection by the local board of trade and other officials; ships require permission to sail, which Titanic easily received.

     We'll cast off from Southampton, England at noon and cross the channel to Cherbourg, France. Tonight we;ll cross back to Queeenstown, Ireland, and from there we'll steer a course across the pond to New York City. Should take seven days but could be earlier if weather and other conditions permit. 

     Once Titanic and I are back home in Southampton, I'm retiring. At age 62, I've been a seaman nearly 50 years, 32 as a valued member of the White Star Line family. It's been a fantastic life --mastering some of the finest ships ever built, while hobnobbing with the rich and famous. I'll surely look back on this final voyage as the highlight of my career. 

Special Edition - True Titanic Stories- 1st Class Maid Jaynee tells the story of Captain Smith on Video. Click Here.

"A Night To Remember. A Titanic Musical Tribute." Event Information

There are only 10 more days to participate in this once-in-a lifetime tribute event as Titanic turns 100 years old! 

The Titanic Museum Attractions are hosting “A Night to Remember: An Original Musical Tribute to Titanic,” on Saturday, April 14, the 100th anniversary of the night the ship struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage. The entire day, Saturday, April 14, 2012 will be dedicated to the 100 year tribute. For admission into the Titanic Museum Attraction on Saturday, April 14, you must call 800-381-7670 to reserve your tickets.

The Concert and Memorial Tribute will begin at noon (Central) on April 14 at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri. Here is a sneak peek at the Branson Titanic Event Line Up :

• 50 Piece Springfield Symphony Orchestra
• 2 Choir performances
• Descendants from actual Titanic Passengers
• The lighting of an eternal flame 

This is just the Tip of the Iceberg. Many more surprises are in store....

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will hold it's Musical and Memorial Tribute on April 14 at 8:30pm (EST). Here is a sneak peek at the Pigeon Forge Titanic Event Line Up: 

• An excerpt from TONY AWARD WINNING, Titanic the Musical will be performed by the Circle Players Theater
• Descendants from actual Titanic Passengers 
• Performance by Sound Company Children's Choir 
• The lighting of an eternal flame

is is just the Tip of the Iceberg. Many more surprises are in store....

For tickets to this event, you must call 800-381-7670.

The only place in the United States where guests can attend a formal tribute is at one of the TitaniMuseum Attractions. Musical performances, historic ceremonies and appearances by actual descendants ofTitanic’s passengers and crew will highlight the production honoring the 2,208 people aboard the ship.

Bonus: Ticket holders will receive limited edition memorials dedicated to the ship’s history, including a DVD containing video tributes of the personal stories of selected passengers and crew.

Titanic's 30 Days of Giveaways! March 16-April 14, 2012

Beginning March 16, the Titanic Museum Attraction will give away 1 product from our online gift shop each day as part of our 100th Year Sweepstakes, Titanic's 30 Days of Giveaways. Each day, log on to our facebook page and enter to win a prize. One person will be chosen each day, beginning on March 17th to win a prize. No purchase is necessary, but you must be 18 years of age to enter and each winner must allow up to 30 days for delivery.

Here is a list of the products to be given away each day.

March 16th: T is for Titanic Book Set with Plush (link to view)
March 17th: Collector Set of 72 Cards (link to view)
March 18th: Doll 1st Class Maid 100 Anniversary (link to view)
March 19th: Book Titanic Survivor Violet Jessop by John Maxtone - Graham (link to view)
March 20th: DVD Treasures of the Titanic (link to view)
March 21st: DVD Titanic Secrets Revealed (link to view)
March 22nd: Collector spoon full color shield (link to view)
March 23rd: Trinket Box Titanic (link to view)
March 24th: Trinket Box Heart of the Ocean (link to view)
March 25th: Black Tote Small Canvas (link to view)
March 26th: Titanic Museum Puzzle (link to view)
March 27th: New York Times Compilation Reprint (link to view)
March 28th: 3D Titanic Wooden Puzzle (link to view)
March 29th: Book - T is for Titanic (link to view)ink
March 30th: Small Polar Bear & Book Gift Set (link to view)
March 31st: Polar the Titanic Bear Book (link to view)
April 1st: Book, The Sinking of Titanic by Bruce Caplan (link to view)
April 2nd: Book, A Night to Remember by SC Lord (link to view)
April 3rd: Water Globe (link to view)
April 4th: Book, 1912 Facts about the Titanic by Lee Merideth (link to view)
April 5th: Adult cap with Red Trim (link to view)
April 6th: Small Canvas Black Tote Bag (link to view)
April 7th: Adult Cap - Red 1912 (link to view)
April 8th: Titanic Historical Society Cobalt Mug (link to view)
April 9th: Titanic Bank (link to view)
April 10th: DVD Titanic Chronicles (link to view)
April 11th: Titanic Memorabilia Replica Pack (link to view)
April 12th: Doll 1st Class Maid 100 Anniversary (link to view)
April 13th: T is for Titanic Book (link to view)
April 14th: Necklace Titanic Coal Pendant with Rose (link to view)

Click HERE TO Enter. May the Luck of the Irish Be with you!!


Please "Like" our Facebook page.

"A Night to Remember. A Titanic Musical Tribute"

I can almost hear the violins playing, "Nearer, My God, to Thee". Time stands still when I think about the passengers on that "Unsinkable" ship the night that She faced her opponent in the frigid sea. See, this ship was the most Grand ship of all time when it set sail. I believe it must have been an honor and privilege to ride in such first class accommodations. I often think, What would I have done in that situation? And it reminds me that we have to make each day count. No one could have predicted the fate of Titanic when it set sail April 10, 1912.

As we approach 100 years since Titanic's maiden voyage, it is now my honor and privilege to be a part of a very special Tribute in which we can all take part. I never predicted that I would move to Branson, Mo., start a family, and then have the opportunity to become part of history! When I first realized 2 1/2 years ago that Titanic would turn 100 years old, I couldn't wait to see our Titanic Museum Attraction plans come to fruition. Now, I am pleased to announce that this April 14, 2012 is our Titanic Museum Attraction special Memorial Event, "A Night to Remember. A Titanic Musical Tribute."(3 years in the making!)

The Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Mo. and Pigeon Forge, Tn. are the ONLY PLACES in the UNITED STATES where guests can attend a formal tribute. Musical performances, historic ceremonies and appearances by actual descendants of Titanic's passengers and crew will highlight the production honoring the 2,208 people aboard the ship.

The musical tribute will begin at noon (Central) on April 14 at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri, and at 8:30pm (Eastern) the same day at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Tickets for this unique historical tribute are available now by calling 800-381-7670.

Ticket Holders will receive a limited edition memorial dedicated to the ship's history, including a DVD containing video tributes of the personal stories of selected passengers and crew. Share this milestone with your family. You will never forget it.

Blessings From My Family to Yours,

Erin Wicker
Chief Purser, Titanic Museum Attraction
Mom to 2 Great Boys
Wife to an amazing Husband

An "Ice" Storm Hits Branson Next Weekend - February 4 & 5, 2012

     No, I am not a meteorologist nor a physic, but I do know for a fact that 39,000 pounds of ice will arrive in Branson, Mo. in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday, February 4, 2012. Why? The National Ice Carving Association has chosen Branson, Mo. as the site for their 2012 U.S. National Championships. 30 Top Ice Carvers from across the nation will meet in the Titanic Museum Attraction parking lot in Branson, Mo. to chisel, drill, and torch 300 pound blocks of ice into amazing works of art. This years competition will include a new speed carving division which is sure to excite my little ones!! The top prize winner will receive $25,000 and will then go on to compete internationally.

Titanic seems to be a great fit for this National Competition as this isn't the first time Titanic has been honored to host this type of event. My family had a great time last year when Titanic hosted it's 5th annual regional ice carving competition. We couldn't believe what an amazing art form this truly is and we were drawn in emotionally to these carvers and hoped that their individual carvings would withstand the elements and make it to the final judgement.

 
 

My boys are counting the days until this year's event which will be held February 4 & 5 - Super Bowl Weekend. We plan to go early (9am) on February 4th to meet the carvers and find out what they are working on. (By the way, you can park at White Water and be shuttled to Titanic. There won't be much parking at Titanic because of the large quantity of ice and competitors.) Then, we will go inside Titanic to view the new Molly Brown Gallery that just opened. I had the pleasure of viewing this amazing gallery full of artifacts from Margaret Tobin Brown's life last weekend.

On Sunday, February 5th, when all carvings are ready for judgement around 2:00pm-3:00pm, we will come back and route for our favorites. Of course we will make it home in time for our own Super Bowl "party". Go Patriots!!!

Make your plans now to come see this National Ice Carving Competition. Branson is becoming more of a year round destination as each New Year passes. For a complete list of what is currently open in Branson, visit http://www.explorebranson.com/ . I will see you at the Titanic Museum Attraction next weekend.

Titanic's 5th Annual Ice Carving Competition

Ice Sculpture by one of the NICA Competitors

Time Square New York - Advertising the NICA Event in Branson, Mo.

NEW Behind the Scene Titanic Movie Exhibit Opening this Weekend!

I am very pleased to announce a New! Exclusive Limited Engagement! Visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn beginning this weekend, and you will experience a 2012 Behind the Scenes gallery of James Cameron's TITANIC. 

A whole new generation will be introduced to James Cameron's epic drama TITANIC, when the 3D version of this spectacular movie is re-released April 2012. In anticipation of the excitiment it will create, Titanic Pigeon Forge will launch an exclusive behind-the-scenes exhibit that follows TITANIC's Jack-and-Rose story - on the set, from the director's chair. The exhibit will also feature props, costumes, scripts and other valuable collectibles from the film. 

Of coarse our Titanic Mommy Bloggers will be there this Saturday, January 14, 2012 to be some of the first guests to experience this NEW gallery. You will be able to read about their experiences on our Mom Blogger web page after their visit. 

Not only will guests to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. this weekend be able to view this Exclusive New Gallery, but come on Saturday, January 14 between 9am and 3pm and you will become part of the audience as Ice Sculptors from around the globe compete for the top prize in Titanic's 2nd Annual Ice Carving Competition. 

Folks, if you are looking to beat those cabin fever blues, look no further than the Titanic Museum Attraction. 2012 if the Year of Titanic, so stay tuned to our website as we continue to announce continuous tribute events during the year. 

Another note: Jaynee, our beautiful 1st Class Maid, will be on Jewelry TV on January 17 from 7pm-8pm EST to introduce a new Titanic line of Jewelry. Make your new years resolution - Treat Yourself - and join the live broadcast. There are some beautiful pieces!! 

Also, tickets go on sale February 6 for our April 14 event. You won't want to miss this very important historical tribute.

Happy New Year!

For more information, please contact us at 800-381-7670 or visit www.titanicattraction.com .