From

Location

Message

Date Posted

South Hero, VT

Christy,

I am so sorry that what should be a source of pride and joy to you, and what should command a great deal of respect for you from other people, especially giant pumpkin growers, has become a burden to you--namely your world-record 1725 lb. pumpkin.

As a new grower, I can appreciate the time and effort you expended last year to achieve your record, and I abhor those who believe you should be their savior and heal them with a seed.

They will forget you as soon as there is a new record set.

There is a song called "Golden Goose" by Todd Rundgren about fame, and a book by Richard Bach called "Illusions" that pertain to the fame phenomenon.

I hope that you and Nick can find sanctuary after your public appearance obligations are finished, and I hope that your relatives, friends, and neighbors aid your family to live a very long, healthy, and happy life.

You and Nick have my greatest respect.

2/13/2010 8:03:49 PM

Pataskala,OH

I'm assuming most of the people requesting seeds from Christy don't know anything about this hobby and are people who see her on the news and think all you have to do is plant a seed and you get a WR. LOL The rule should be you have to be in a growing group to have access to GP seeds.

2/13/2010 8:45:01 PM

Ham Lake, Minnesota

I like these kind of 'behind the scenes' posts she makes...
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=124220

also I can relate with Nick on some things...
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=44325

2/13/2010 9:48:31 PM

Massillon, Ohio

LOL @ alex b. wow bringing back some good old memories of roadkill retrival at it's finest!!

VT, thanks for the kind words, but I absolutely do not want innocent people like you appologizing to me! And if I made innocent people feel guilty by my post, I'm the one who is sorry! I did not want to seem like a bubble snob, I mean that is how I get my seeds too, just like anyone else!! I welcomed the bubbles from Oct - Feb and now it is just time to end it and move on.

2/13/2010 9:57:55 PM

Indiana

The problem is that she is to sweet, and feels guilty when she has to say no. Many of us on the other hand, like me for example, can just say no and not think twice about it.

The obvious solution for you Christy is to build a new house complete with 12 nurseries, and give nobody your address.

2/14/2010 12:31:04 AM

South Hero, VT

Christy, I wasn't apologizing, and I don't believe you made anyone innocent feel guilty.

Many of the people who want a seed from you probably would waste it,if they got it.

In my 3rd year of growing, I already have many high-end seeds, and I am satisfied with what I have.

When I start growing fruit in the weight range you and Nick grew before the 1725, then I will send a bubble and pay if I have to.

Bill Bobier doesn't accept bubbles, and that's fine by me.

You might need to act like JD Salinger.

Right now you're a media darling, and I wanted to say in my first post I realize you and Nick are people, and deserve your privacy.

Even Jesus had to say no and have private time.

Continued best wishes to you, Nick, and the little pumpkin.

Enjoy Niagra.

Steve.

2/14/2010 9:09:04 AM

Woodburn, Indiana

Your having duodecaplets??

2/14/2010 9:09:17 AM

West Chazy,N.Y.

Christy after reading your last post about how they were sending you snoby emails and such, I can't believe that some people could be so jelous of what you and Nick have worked so hard to accomplesh. and not just the world record. You have ahd many other accompleshments I'm sure along the way. I have layed awake at 3:00 this morning trying to think of why such people would try to make you feel guilty just to have you send them a seed. Those people don't deserve to get one even if you do have more.
I have been comming to this site for 5 years now and reading a lot of peoples diarys here and yet to find the magic soilution for growing a world record,other than hard work and determination. As some people think that because they get a world record seed think they will grow a giant, "wrong" it's not that easy. If it was everyone would have huge pumpkins sitting in their yard. I hope You and Nick can put those people aside,or behind you because it isn't worth the time to worrie about them. You have more and better things to think about. You are about to embark on another chapture in your life. And it will change for the better. good luck and I hope you have a great new life with the baby, it's a wonderfull feeling!

Randy

2/14/2010 9:25:33 AM

Rhode Island

every world record holder gets to pay the price for pumpkin fame and glory. it goes with the title.

all of a sudden your mail boc explodes with bubbles, your email addy gets passed around, every club wants a few for there club and auction, and oh ya, many get pissed if they dont get one.

its just the price you pay for pumpkin fame, by next season it will die down and people will be on to the next super star of te hobby.

one thing that will last forever though? is that orange jacket presented to the world champion yearly at the niagara convention. its an honor worth all the duties and obligations assocuarted with a world championship.

christy is a good person and i believe a very kind person as well.she can handle anything thats presented to her with class and dignity.she will do fine going forward.

pap

2/14/2010 9:26:24 AM

Waquoit Mass

hey there your seeds , send em to who you want.as for fame , cmon guys its only pumpkins.how bout some perspective lol hamr

2/14/2010 10:24:23 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

I believe that Christy is a good natured person. I also believe that people need to have a little respect if they do ask for a seed. You can't please everyone and there are only a certain amount of seeds that she has to give out. While I understand growers motivation in wanting a particular seed, you also have to respect people's privacy. Especially when or to my understanding She's having a little pumpkin grower on the way. To much stress for her. Good luck and we're happy to see you get that Orange Jacket...

2/14/2010 11:16:52 AM

Rhode Island

it may only be a pumpkin dave (and it is ), but that orange jacket ? lasts forever.

2/14/2010 1:16:09 PM

Waquoit Mass

or in your case pap orange thong lol ewww dont picture that in your mind hamr

2/14/2010 1:38:58 PM

South Hero, VT

Christy, A suggestion:
When someone requests a seed, tell that person "I am sorry. I am all out of seeds from the 1725, but here is a seed from my private collection. Best of Luck", signed Christy Harp.
At least the person gets SOMETHING from you, and that might cut down on some of the nasty stuff.

Steve.

2/14/2010 3:25:54 PM

Columbus,ohio

Some people just dont get it. I luagh when I see those picture of notes that say "please give me 10 seeds from the giant pumpkin". I think many people beleive we stick the seed in the ground and water it you gotta a big pumpkin. Growers put there blood, sweat, and tears into their patches. Especially sweat, and tears when something goes wrong.

Anytime I ever ask anyone for a seed I say " I understand if the answer is no". People who dont grow giant pumpkins and dont get and who are mean are used to instant gradification. I think some people have gotten to used to that. They ask and it is given.

Christy, maybe you could somehow destroy the bubbs of the people who are idiots or jerks. lol

Big dave. That picture went into my head and I will have nightmares for a month. Thanks a lot.

2/14/2010 7:34:29 PM

South Hero, VT

Alex B. and Big Dave,

Thanks for sharing.

I'm still laughing over the diary photos of the requests.

Pap could raise a lot of money for charity if he posed in a pumpkin patch in an orange thong and autographed the photo.

I'd pay $50 or more for a shot like that.

2/14/2010 7:58:00 PM

Massillon, Ohio

trust me steve, i'm putting seeds in every bubble. your suggestion made it sound like i'm sending bubbles back empty! couldn't be further from the truth.

its when people open their bubbles and see a 1236 (crossed with the WR plant) and the 1316 (crossed with the WR plant) and feel they deserved more, that they get mean with me. i like to remind them that the 1385 jutras wasn't the WR but it was CROSSED with the WR plant; so if they are truly that unhappy, i tell them to send those 1236's and 1316's to brooks bosworth ;). LOL.

2/14/2010 8:03:00 PM

South Hero, VT

Christy, I apologize.

My bad for not being careful in my choice of words.

If you have the seeds to send, my hat is off to you.

If someone requested a WR seed, and I was out, I would have to think "do I send the empty bubble back, or do I substitute a seed(s), risking insulting that person unintentionally".

I am very glad I am not (and will never be), the WR holder.

Full power to you.

Steve.

2/14/2010 8:48:59 PM

So. Maine

Pap your reasoning above is why I don't let my fruits grow to new world record size , I could not handle the PRESSURE ! LOL .

Christy , I'd love to try your 1236 OR 1316 in my patch IF you have one available . I do not know your mailing address or email and IF you would like to trade a couple seeds ( my best in 09 was 896 pounds ( 1385 selfed ) give me a holler. ONLY IF you can handle 1 more request ... AL

2/14/2010 8:57:14 PM

Elmira, N,Y,

I tryed to show every one, i used to meet just how much work it takes to grow these thing's. some people get it and some just look at you that blank stare. when i was in school I would tell every one that I grow big pumpkins and the teachers would think oh he sit's on his ass just like the other kids, It was'nt till I took in pic's and showed them this website they then began to realive how much work I put in to these then they go oh you live in the country I said no in the city of Elmira I have a 500sq foot patch. 2 teachers at EFA are going to try growing this year.

2/14/2010 9:39:58 PM

So. Maine

Oh , yah , [email protected]

2/14/2010 10:15:48 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Christy, I was grateful you shared anything, and you did, both you and Nick did. Thank you. May you have an interesting 2010. :)

In that 2005 diary, what is this?
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=32845 I think they're beautiful. If you would let me know the name...?

Pap, I'll take one of those pictures, just don't put sequins on the banana sling or you'll sweat and they'll chafe :) I want 20x28" poster size please.

2/14/2010 10:35:43 PM

So. Maine

Pap you might be onto something here ... lol

2/15/2010 12:08:02 AM

Alaska

Hey can anyone tell me if a WR seed ever produced the next WR pumpkin? Seeds are important but not knowledge, execution, patience, favorable weather, and a little luck are just as important. Let me see, if ya get some good seeds it's still a one out of five proposition. Hummmmm?

2/15/2010 12:20:50 AM

West Chazy,N.Y.

boy wouldn't that be a kodac moment "pap" in a thong. please don't post any pics......I wouldn't want that burned in my memory.....lol

Randy

2/15/2010 12:41:08 AM

Littleton, Colo

..Christy......$210

2/15/2010 12:50:02 AM

Ohio

LOL, NOW THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD CHRISTY!! HAHAHA

and its 100% true, she does tell them that if they get rude with her, and thats is the funny part about that,,,lmao!!

As Quinn has taught me over the years, and who has completely change my mind on how I look at genetics, the pollinator (plant) seed is the one to look at when making a choice of what seed to grow, The 1161 Rodonis is a big example of this. This seed caught everyone off guard when they found out it grew a 1500 plus lber.

LOL Again Christy, your post above completely caught me off guard, I about spit diet Mt Dew all over my computer screen!!,lmao!

((these are the kind of posts I like!!! the fun posts that makes ya smile and laugh out loud, but yet it is also serious post at the same time where no one has anything negative to say))

2/15/2010 5:55:17 AM

ExtremeVegetables.com

Christy,
I have some idea of how tough it is. Each year I send out contest prizes, pumpkin seeds, garlic and vegetable seeds of all sorts. I believe that once you start getting reports of how well those seeds are doing for those who have received them, it will help make it all worth it. You've made a lot of peoples seasons with those seeds.
Nothing makes my smile larger than when someone tells me the garlic powder is the best they have ever had, or they try a new variety of tomato and tell me it will be in their garden every year from then on.

For the seed whores who have been rude and obnoxious to you, I say Karma is coming for you baby!

With the dedication and hard work both you and Nick have shown over the years I can see another World Record coming out of your patch one day. When that happens those obnoxious seed whores will be swallowing a very bitter pill.

2/15/2010 7:10:59 AM

Massillon, Ohio

DUANE!! i cant remember if i told you this, but nick proclaimed yours to be the best garlic powder on earth!! :)

2/15/2010 8:40:46 AM

ExtremeVegetables.com

Nick has excellent taste and he is right! LOL

A lot of work goes into that powder. It's all hardneck's I've collected over the years, grown and produced all bye myself. That junk you buy at the store is up to 70% filler, usually ground rice which is used as a desiccant to keep the powder from caking. I notice you like to can and make pickles. A dash of that powder in your pickles before canning will give your canned goods a definate edge over the rest.

See what I mean?
I'm smiling right now and that is exactly what you'll be feeling come this fall.

2/15/2010 9:07:16 AM

Somers, CT

I just got the vision of PAP in the orange thong out of my head.

2/15/2010 2:50:48 PM

Columbus,ohio

WR seeds dont always grow world record pumpkins. Christy made her presentation at the sogpg semnair and I was like holy crap. You two worked REALLY hard. I think work, know how, and experience count just as much as genetics.

2/15/2010 3:59:29 PM

Eastern Washington State

It’s natural for people to want the best, regardless of whether they could make use of it or not. I hope you can still take it as a complement that so many people, civil and otherwise, consider your stuff to be the best. Also after all this crud has passed, you can still rest in the knowledge that due to hard work and happy circumstance, the largest fruit that almost certainly has ever existed ever on the planet grew in your patch under your care.

Christy I was one of the vast hordes of people who did NOT attempt to contact you for seed. You were busy, and my ground wouldn’t have allowed it to reach it’s potential anyway. Thanks for sending all that you did. It’s likely that by the time your little one is in Kindergarten, the majority of us here on BP will probably have grown a direct descendant of your 1725 plant, including yours truly.

2/15/2010 4:56:35 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Bbell6, I truly thank you for the seeds you gave, to me..and to the KGPG!!! I also agree w/Nick!!! Duane's garlic powder rocks!!! Peace, Wayne

2/16/2010 12:51:59 AM

Pataskala,OH

What if this unproven seed turns out to grow peanut shaped splitting pumpkins. Then everyone wasted their whole season. I do not think anyone should grow an unproven seed as their main plant. The last name of a person does not make a seed the best.

2/16/2010 3:02:37 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Christy, yer moment in the SPOTLIGHT is quickly approaching!!! I hope you can put the trials of seed requests behind you and truly enjoy Niagara, and the Orange Jacket!!! Peace, Wayne

2/16/2010 11:51:07 PM