Sunday

 

We all slept in this morning.  I got up about 11:30am and did some repair work on Luna’s jacket while the others showered.  Once the repairs were completed, then I hopped in the shower myself, then changed into Luna again.  Sarah showed me where to find the entrance to the tunnel to the Hilton and we went to the Walk of Fame, where I got in line for Peter Facinelli (best known as Carlisle Cullen in Twilight).  I think I made Peter’s day when he greeted me by my name and I said, “Yep, I’m Aman-duh!”  (This is a joke from the movie Can’t Hardly Wait, which he was in).  He seemed a little surprised and then laughed, and asked if I wanted my photo signed like that, and I said that would be awesome.  He signed it with two hearts and with Carlisle and Mike Dexter, and then his name, and a message.  That was just too fun.

 

 

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Wednesday/Thursday

After work on Wednesday, I proceeded to finish the Spectrespecs and the packing while Mom took a nap.  I grabbed some quick food for dinner, colored my hair, took a shower, and loaded the car while she slept.  We got on the road about 3am.

The drive was uneventful – nice weather and very little traffic.  I dozed off and on until we made a stop in Kentucky (not sure where – south of Lexington) for breakfast.  We ate at a Waffle House, where I had OJ, a pecan waffle, and sausage patties.  We continued on the road until Cleveland, Tennessee, where we filled up the car and had lunch at Cracker Barrel.  We also made a stop at the Wal-Mart there.

Returning to the road, we encountered no problems until a few miles before our exit, where it began to get congested.  I texted Cassandra to let her know we were getting close to the hotel.  There was some confusion when we actually got to the Marriott about where Cassandra was with the key, while the hotel staff was getting edgy with having our car taking time in the drive.  However, we got it sorted out, the luggage was loaded on a cart, and I ran it upstairs while Mom waited.  Cassandra and I gave each other a big hug, and then rode over with Mom to the Sheraton, where she checked in and settled in while Cassandra and I walked down to registration. 

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There are two for me:  I think Prisoner of Azkaban has the best plot twists, and Half-Blood Prince is the most satisfying storyline for me.  POA was my favorite until HBP came along, and those two share a special place in my heart.  They are the ones I have read the most, and find the most fascinating as to the genuis of JKR and how she constructs a story.

I apologize for not being around much lately, but I've been busy with various things.  However, I was feeling a little guilty about neglecting my LJ, so I've decided to put up a quick post to catch you all up.  :)

-Unfortunately, I haven't completed ANY sewing.  I did purchase the all of the fabric and notions for my can-can petticoat and outer skirt, and have ordered the sgiah dubh and the kilt socks.  I also located my fishnet stockings, my pin, my sash (which I may not use), my blue velvet sleeveless top, and my shoes, so once I start sewing, this costume should come together fairly quickly.  I also located a pattern for the jacket, and might have some good fabric in my stores I can use.  As for Luna, well, it's taking a LOT longer to start that one.  I have a pattern for the skirt and the top part of her coat, but that's it.  I did have a good idea for how to construct the Spectrespecs, but of course I am having trouble locating the parts I need.  *sigh*  At least some stuff has sold on ebay, so I now have a little money for supplies.  I am putting more stuff up on craigslist this weekend, including a few swords.

-The kittens have been ornery, but they are settling down and Pandora is getting used to them. 

-I finished reading the Beka Cooper books last week.  The second one had come out a couple of months ago, and I needed to re-read the first one before starting the sequel.  I also just finished the third part of a Warriors manga trilogy, and the latest Warriors reference book, Code of the Clans.  I had a gift certificate for Amazon to use up, so I purchased the Half-Blood Prince computer game, and two more HP reference books.  I am currently reading one of those, called The Deathly Hallows Lcectures, by John Granger.  His previous book, Unlocking Harry Potter, really opened my eyes to the genuis of JKR, and to literary alchemy in general.  This book focuses on the use of literary alchemy, narrative misdirection, symbolism, and other facets used in the books.

-I slipped off the eating healthier wagon recently.  I've been in a funk lately, and when I get that way, I turn to unhealthy foods.  I don't overeat, in fact, I often probably under-eat, but I've been eating way too many milkshakes, ice cream cones, and popsicles.  I've been wanting to go walking, but I don't feel comfortable walking by myself, and Mom is always too tired to do anything.  I can't wait until I move so I am close to friends, gyms, and public parks!

-I've already started planning a mega Harry Potter marathon for the weekend before the release of DH, part II in July 2011.  What can I say, I like planning events!

-I had my mid-year review at work - went smoothly and was very positive.

Had a blast last night!  After running home from work, I took a quick nap and then changed into part of my costume.  I met up with Aaron and Terri in front of Rave, and we walked over to Red Robin for dinner.  Candace joined us about fifteen minutes later there, and we talked about books we have read, what we hoped to see in the movie, and our fandoms as introductions were made.  We headed back to the theater about 9:40pm, where I finished changing into Tonks.  We got in line about 9:55pm, and they let us in the doors about 10:15pm.  We spent the next hour playing Uno.  Mom arrived about 11:10pm and she joined in a game.  Rick stopped by around 11:40pm and said hello, and snagged a seat somewhere else in the theater.  The previews started right at 11:59pm, and the audience cheered when the movie began.

Here are Aaron, Terri and me in costume:



I enjoyed the movie a lot.  It is definitely at least my second-favorite, and may actually be my favorite now.  And I had no major quibbles with this one, just a few minor ones.  I think this is a first in the series for me!  LOL

Here are my comments, made in no particular order, just as I think of them.

( Spoilers below! )

I am going to post excerpts from my (eventually) novel-length Harry Potter fanfiction from time to time.  I will try to keep them in chronological order, with short comments beforehand to set up the scene(s).

Basically, this is set to stay as close to canon as possible, and ranges from two-thirds through Chamber of Secrets until fourteen years after the epilogue in Deathly Hallows.  It focuses on my original character of Alexi Cantata/Andaxia Moonstar, with quite a few cameos (and major roles) from characters in the book series.  This is still very much a work-in-progress, so there are some rough edges with grammar, placeholders marking where scenes still need to be written, and quick mentions in paragraphs that will eventually turn into full conversations and dialogue.  If you notice anything glaring, please let me know.  I will tag all of these with the story's working title "From Muggle to Magical" for those who want to keep track of these posts.

This is when my character is still very much considered a Muggle, and this segment is a turning point for her development.  It also highlights one of my favorite creations - Rowena Ravenclaw's portrait - and my character of Friar Thomas.  One of the scenes (the second Potions class scene) was actually the second one I ever came up with for this story.  These segments take place between November 15, 1993 and January 20, 1994 (during Prisoner of Azkaban).

 

( Fanfic excerpt number 1 )

Hands down, I would have to say Molly Weasley from the Harry Potter series.  Her obvious love for her children and husband, her willingness to take in their friends as surrogate children, and her fierceness when disobeyed or crossed just makes her a favorite of mine.  She is tiger and a puppy dog all in one, and her showcase scene in Deathly Hallows when she takes out Bellatrix ("Not my daughter, you bitch!") is simply amazing.  I love that woman!

Here is another vid I did, tracing Snape's life in the books.  If you haven't read Books 6 & 7, there are major spoilers.

I've decided to post the few videos I have created.  This one is about Snape and Lily, with possible spoilers in it.  I have it on Youtube as well.

I did this personality test a few years ago, but wanted to post it on here.  I've done the actual Myers-Briggs test a couple of times, and am very much an INTJ.  M-B is what got me interested in the different personalities people have and how to work with those different types.  It also provides a lot of insight into yourself.  This probably explains why I love astrology - even though I don't really believe in it as a fortune-telling thing, it does seem to explain a lot of things about a person.  I simply find it very intriguing.  Of course, there is a LOT more involved in it than the simple explanation provided below, but it goes you a very general idea.

I also loved that my personality type was the same as Snape's.  It would certainly explain why I have such an affinity for him, as well as Hermione, who, as an ISTJ, is close to my own type (and I have tested closer to the median on the N/S category). 

BTW, I do have all sixteen personality types with the corresponding HP character on  my computer, and can post them in a separate blog if anyone is interested.  I believe the site with the quiz on it also lets you view all of the results.



Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.



Explanation of the Results:
This type of personality test uses four indexes of personality and the combination of the four is your personality type. The first index relates to how you interact with other people and can be Extroverted (E), meaning you're more outgoing or Introverted (I), meaning you keep more to yourself. The second relates to how you make decisions; whether you're Intuitive (N), getting answers from within, or you rely on Sensing (S) information from your surroundings, using your five senses. The third relates to whether you're more emotional and Feeling (F) or rational and Thinking (T). The fourth relates to whether you prefer things to be organized, meaning you're Judging (J), or you prefer things to be more unbound, meaning you're Perceiving (P).

1.  Work is going well.  My boss gave me a lead on a regular full-time job opening up soon for which she is recommending me.  Hurrah!  I could really use the benefits.

2.  Many of you know I am wanting to do photography part-time, especially portraits and landscapes.  I have done a couple of photo shoots with friends, and they went very well.  I have a logo, order forms, pricing lists, etc already drawn up.  Anyway, I had an idea for some fantasy-type shots I want to try, especially in the spring when we get some fog.  I want to incorporate people in fantasy-type costumes with natural elements, and maybe include some Photoshopping, to create magical images.  So if anyone is local (Grace?  *poke*) or if I happen to run into some of you in the future, I would love some guinea pigs.

3.  I like snow, but this bitter cold is ridiculous.  *shivers*  When even my snow-loving dogs quickly do their business and run back towards the house immediately afterward, then it is too cold.

4.  Started  working on my HP fanfic again, and for your reading pleasure, I've included a sample here!  Basically, my story is about my character, Andaxia Moonstar, and her adventures with many of the Harry Potter characters.  The story is based on canon as much as possible, and takes place from about two-thirds into COS to twenty years after the epilogue of DH.  Right now it is 123 pages (single spaced), and is about a quarter finished; I have it all plotted out, but there is a lot of dialogue, connecting elements, and scenes to write.  It has been in progress since 2000, and has been altered after each new book to make it fit into canon.  This scene is when my character first gets her wand - please excuse the roughness; this is still a first draft.

 

( Writiing sample here! )

Yay!  My limited edition copy of Beedle the Bard came in today!  I promised to take pictures, and for those of you who live nearby, I am definitely willing to let you all see it in person (no white gloves or security guard required - lol).

( Pictures of the limited edition . . . )


This is definitely worth every penny, and will become the highlight of my HP collection.  I am also going to buy a regular copy of the book in a week or so.

My limited edition copy of Beedle the Bard shipped from Amazon today!   Wheeeeee!  It should be here Monday or Tuesday.  It's been too long without a new HP-based book, I say.

I finished the latest Warriors book (Long Shadows) by Erin Hunter.  This is one of my favorite series of all time.  This one was really good - can't wait for the final book in this particular sextet to come out.

Now I need to decide what to read next - so many books, so little time.  *sigh*

More pics (most are screencaps from the teaser).




More coming soon!

Why do you keep bringing out nice Harry Potter merchandise?  I can't keep up!  *sobs*  Here are some of the new mini-busts coming out in the next 7 months.  I collect these (have around 18 I think now) so of course I need all of these as well (they're so nice!)


The joys and sorrows of being a collector.

Of course, as a huge HP fan, I've been collecting the pictures as they've been posted, and wanted to post them here for those of you who may not have seen them yet.

Draco:

I am starting my research on my Tonks costume, and was wondering if any of you could pass along some tips regarding patterns, construction methods, or fabrics.  Most of her costume should be fairly easy, but as I am still a fairly new seamstress (almost four years of experience) I still have trouble working without a pattern or in choosing appropriate fabrics.

I think her hoodie is made of some kind of fleece, but it seems pretty thin in the pictures I have.  Any ideas?  Any pattern suggestions?  I believe the hoodie is cropped at just below bust level, because there is a red-and-black striped shirt visible around her waist when the jacket is opened, and the hoodie's hood is also visible.



However, what I am most worried about is her jacket.  I just cannot find any good pictures of it, not even through screencaps.  (If anyone has seen any high-res, detailed shots, please send them my way)!  It is probably a kind of leather, maybe even a vinyl.  It is certainly thin enough to move around and swing when she walks.  Here are some shots of it in motion.

             




The other concern is how to do the sleeves on the jacket.  They appear to be a drawstring seam along the top side of the sleeve, and then ending in a couple of grommets.  Any tips on construction on these?  Here are some shots showing the sleeves.

   







Feel free to pass this on to other costuming people you know for their help!