May the Fourth Be With You!!

Hello everyone!!  I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy Star Wars Day...and, May the Fourth Be With You...Always!!

Also, I have a few ideas for new blog entries, so I hope to be posting them soon...as soon as things settle down here a bit and I start feeling better (been sick for the past week, but am starting to feel a bit better since being started on some antibiotics and using my inhaler more frequently)!!  Until then, I wish you all the best in wherever your adventures take you.

Then I'll Meet You on Hoth

I started this entry the other day while I was at work.  However, a situation arose that prevented me from finishing this before I left for home.  The day was December 26, 2012, the day  after Christmas.  There were blizzard warnings and winter storm warnings out for my area of the world, and it was looking pretty nasty out there.  I had started thinking about the weather on Hoth and the transportation methods that the Rebels had to get around the planet...as I began to worry if I would be able to leave the hospital that day and get back home at the end of my shift.  The strangest things come to your mind during a few moments of down time ;)  It turns out that the winter weather system had moved through the region a bit faster than the meterologists had predicted, so I was able to make it home with minimal difficulty.  However, on my one day off before returning to work, between loads of laundry and other household duties, I started thinking about this blog  entry a little more.  So here I am again, to write an entirely new entry about subject matter completey different than it would have been two days ago.

The snowfall and storm system were the first major winter weather we have had in nearly two years here.  Last winter was mild, with little measurable snow...and it is looking like this year will be at least back to normal (hopefully not record-breaking!).  I know that I should not complain about the snow, ice, and cold we get around here...I chose to stay in the area after I graduated from college...and there are worse places to live, winter weather-wise.  However, that does not mean that I have to like it...especially if it means that I might not be able to make it home from work.  I would much rather just hunker down at home during these bouts of nasty winter weather and snuggle up by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate...no worry other than what my son may be getting into.

As I sit and ponder the cold and snow around here, of course I cannot help but think of the opening scenes of Episode V...the ones that occur on Hoth.  The Rebels chose a great, albiet cold and snowy, place to set up base in their attempts to hide from the Imperials.  It was a planet on the outskirts of the galaxy, and one that nobody would think about searching for a hideout.  The Rebels possibly could have hunkered down there a bit longer had the Empire not deployed probe droids into the far reaches of the galaxy.

I can only imagine not only how blistery cold it was for them but also how extremely dangerous it was for them to head out in search for signs of life and whatever else it was they were exploring there.  Just like many parts of our world in the wintertime, it would be clear and sunny one minute and snowy and windy the next.  They would almost have to venture out in teams so that nobody would have to traverse the extreme terrain alone.  Much like the current day explorers/scientists/etc. that have set up base on Antarctica, the Rebels on Hoth would have had periods of time where it was safe to leave base/planet and periods of time where it was not.  They would have had to adapt to these extremes in weather/climate and make adjustments accordingly, much like we do with extreme weather/climate changes today.

Although we do not have snow speeders or Tauntauns in/on which to travel, we do have vehicles that have been adapted over the years in which to travel: from four-wheel drive cars/trucks/SUVs to snow mobiles, we have ways in which to get around.  I wait for the day that we have such things as the snow speeder, where we can traverse the terrain without worrying about how slick the roads are from the snow and ice, where snow plows and salt mixtures for road treatment are a thing of the past.  So, until that time comes, I guess I will sit back and enjoy the snow on my days off and keep on traveling the way I have been since I was 16 years old...by car/truck/SUV.

Happy Holidays everyone!!

A Mouse of a Tail...

This past week has been full of news for my area of the world...earlier in the week, Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy made landfall and, although we do not live along the Eastern coastline, we still felt the effects of strong winds and heavy rains; our power went out for several hours; work was a mad house; and it was announced that Disney bough LucasFilm for some $4+ billion...and that there will be another trilogy!!  When my husband told me the news about this Tuesday night, I pretty much said to him "good one honey...I don't believe that."  Sadly, I saw the news the next morning when I was able to log onto my Facebook and other Star Wars related sites...it was true, and I owed my husband a HUGE apology ;)  I was in total shock with the announcement...Lucas sold his "baby" to another franchise and there are going to be more Star Wars movies!! 

I remain torn in my thoughts of the news...even after a week since the announcement. I know that we fans have wanted more in terms of Star Wars movies and television shows.  I, like many, hope that Disney can do the movies justice and will maintain continuity with what is already out there.  Will the original trio return?  Apparently, Harrison Ford is considering returning.  I know that George Lucas had met with Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill back in August to let them know about his plans for selling LucasFilm.  Hopefully, the gang will be willing to get back together, if even for one movie.  I hope that the release of books and other media continues as it has, as these have been a source of entertainment and information for many of us...they keep the story going.  I know people who write fan fiction and produce fan movies...will they still be able to do these things?  Will there still be Celebrations and other events where Star Wars fans and celebrities make appearances?

 As a member of the Rebel Legion, I worry about how our relationship with Disney will be...will LucasFilm still have a say in the Legions' (Rebel and 501st) participation in events, or will Disney have the final say.  Will we be allowed to continue our charity work and will we still be allowed to make our costumes without fear of being pursued for copyright infringement?  I love what the Legion does and what it stands for...and I love bringing smiles to the faces of children whenever they see us at events.  We have been told that our operations will continue as usual, but I still worry about what will change as things are finalized between LucasFilm and Disney.

There are many questions that have yet to be answered in the past week, and lots of speculation on the next movie and about fan relations.  I am taking the watch and wait approach...with cautious optimism.  As a blogger and costumer, I do have my concerns...and I hope that they will be put at ease sooner rather than later.

Until more news on this comes out...May the Force Be With You All!!

Celebration VI...Memories To Last A Lifetime

Well hello everyone...long time no blog!!  Things have been crazy at the old homestead.  My husband and I took the opportunity to attend Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando, FL at the end of August...and we had a blast!!  I had every intention of writing a long blog entry detailing our trip, but, alas, Darth Real Life took hold.  It was just a few days after returning from Orlando before I had to return to work...and that work included my full time job at the hospital, and my new part time job as a nursing clinical instructor.  Add to that duties at home, my son being a very energetic 2-1/2 year old, and my husband returning to school, and there is little time for anything else. 

Our time in Orlando was pretty much spent relaxing the few days before the convention started, attending the four day convention, and then relaxing for the few days after the end of the convention before returning home.  We arrived a few days early so that we could catch up on some sleep, relax, and do a little shopping for the kids...because, frankly, we needed the break :)  We had also decided to stay a couple of extra days so that we could recover from the convention "madness" before making the approximately 18-20hour trip back home.  The first part of our trip, including the convention days, was filled with some nice, but humid, weather; while the last few days were filled with the remnants of Tropical Storm Isaac...which meant RAIN!!

I really do not know what to say about the convention itself, except that it was AWESOME!!  Although I had a great time at the last Celebration I attended (which was CIV), I had a much better time this time around.  Maybe it was because I had been to a Celebration before...or maybe it was the company this time around ;)  Whatever it was, I can say that I was better prepared this time around, and did not miss out on too much of anything I wanted to see/do.  My husband and I were able to attend some panels and we were also able to see a few celebrities during their shows:  Ian McDiarmid, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Warwick Davis.  We also attended the "Super Secret Star Wars Panel" with Seth Green and company where none other than "The Maker" himself appeared on stage!!  I could not believe it...and my husband said that I "squealed like a litte fan girl."  I also had the opportunity to participate in the Rebel Legion's Royalty/Senatorial costuming panel, the Great Lakes Base and Rebel Legion group photos, and the Celebration Costume Contest (in which, of course, I did not even place).  Of course I dressed in costume every day...wearing Classic Leia on Thursday, Padme's Blue Linen gown on Friday, Breha Organa's gown on Saturay, and Padme's Tatooine Poncho on Sunday.  I was able to see and do so much more than I did last time...and I would not trade this experience for anything!

One thing I did learn, though...you really do know who some of your "true friends" are in situations/circumstances like these.  In 2007, I attended CIV with a group of ladies I had met through the old Star Wars blogs...a group of ladies with whom I had connected (including a few that lived locally to me) both on and off site.  However, as time passed after the convention, I was feeling a bit of a distance between myself and several of the group's members...I did not feel like I fit in any longer.  The breaking point for my participation in the group came when I met my husband...and how I stood my ground to the others in how I felt and how things were going to go.  After this, I severed ties with the group, until I joined Facebook and reconnected with a few of those with whom I was closest.  Things still are not the same as they were back in 2007/08, but I can handle that.  Through my "run-ins" with some of the ladies who were in attendance at the convention, I could immediatey tell who had gotten over the events of four years ago and who still were holding a grudge (who had "grown up" versus who had not).  When the people you were once friends with look down/away or turn to walk the other way when they see you...you know that they were only there "for the season" and not for life.  I could care less if I have any interaction with those who did not acknowledge my presence when they clearly noticed me there, right in front of them.  I made my choices and they made theirs...and I am a better person for it.

As we look to the future of Star Wars Celebrations...I can only hope that they will be as good (or better) than this one was.  May The Force Be With You...Always!!



P.S.  I was planning to attach photos, but have not had the time to organize them in any certain way for me to be able to do so.  I hope you all understand :) 
Also, I will have a blog about the new buy-out by Disney of LucasFilm out shortly.  Months with no new blog, and two out in a short time...the world must really be ending!! ;)

A Sad Day

So this is how Democracy dies...with thunderous applause.  Padme, ROTS

I was going to write this entry yesterday, but I could not completely form my thoughts at such a late hour.  Yesterday, May 23, 2012, officially marked the end of an era...an era of discussion and debate about our beloved saga; an era of fun times and good friends; an era of memories.  Sometime yesterday afternoon/evening, the blogs at starwars.com became no more.  They were there in the morning and then they were gone...sent to the netherworld of the Force (aka cyberspace).  It was truly a sad day for those of us who were once active members of the blogging community.  This weekend also marks the five year anniversary of Star Wars Celebration IV...the weekend of all weekends.

Upon discovering the finality of the blogosphere, I could not help but think of that scene in Episode III where Padme and the other Senators of the Republic listened as Palpatine declared an end to the Republic and the birth of the Empire.  The shock and sadness on her face said it all as she said "So this is how Democracy dies...with thunderous applause."  The life she once knew was no more...the Dark times were upon them.  As the night went on, she realized that her husband and father of her child(ren) had become a part of the "Emperor's" new plans...that he had joined the Dark Side.  Things were changing rapidly for her and she did not know how to adjust to the times.

Now, unlike Padme's situation, we, the bloggers, had plenty of warning about the looming shut down.  Those of us who maintained active blogs on the site at one time or another had received e-mail notification that the end was near.  However, this did not make it any less painful for us, as the community had meant so much to so many of us.  Many of us formed friendships there that influenced many parts of our lives.  Some of these friendships have grown, while some have faded.  Whatever the reason or season for the friendhips formed, they all served a purpose...and they all had a common foundation in Star Wars.  While I admit that many of the friendships I had formed in my time on the blogs have not continued, I cannot forget all of the good times we all had...from dinners with friends to Star Wars themed sleep overs and parties to traveling across the country for conventions or other gatherings.  The memories of these times will last forever.

As I close this entry, I want to thank all of those bloggers who influenced me and my writing and with whom I share many memories (even though we may no longer maintain contact):  Viagoange2, anakinside1, amidalooine, Oboe-Wan, Kenobi Fan, Darth Hiram, Fan4Yrs, momof2youngpadawan, jedprincess77, jedi pug1, ewananhaydenfan, jedi melinda wolf, jedi master mina, granny wan, stooge.  I am sure I am missing many others, but these are the bloggers I can recall at this point.  Wherever life has taken us, we will always have Star Wars.

May the Force Be With You All!!

Good Friends and Great Fun in a Galaxy Not So Far Away...

Originally posted on November 20, 2007

Hello everyone out there in blogsville!! Wow...I thought my life would calm down a bit so that I could write more, but I was wrong.   I have been able to stop by on occasion and check out what has been going on and leave the occasional comment...but I would like to be around more.

Enough of that now...I am not here to complain about my time constraints and the realities of "real life". I am here today to reminisce about a weekend I recently shared with some good friends...a weekend filled with Star Wars. I know that JMW and JediPug1 have already written about their experiences...but I just have to share mine with all of you.

Well, it all started a couple of weekends before the big gathering took place. I was itching for a short get-away, and noticed that I just happened to have a long weekend off on...you guessed it...the weekend that everyone was gathering in Chicago to visit the Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit (yes, I am actually wearing real clothes and not a costume  ) at the Museum of Science and Industry. I began thinking...how could I not go?   So, I contacted a few friends, figured out when a good time for me to arrive and leave the city would be, and booked my flight/hotel/museum pass. The excitement was almost too much to bear...and the wait was even worse (even though it was a short one).

Finally, the day of departure arrived...Friday, November 9th!! I had worked the two nights before (two long 12-hour nights), so I planned to leave in the afternoon so that I could get some sleep. I think I may have gotten two hours, but that may even be pushing it.   The effect of my lack of sleep was short-lived, however, as I arrived at the airport, checked in my luggage, and made my way toward the gate, coffee in hand (after the security check-point, of course). I was just a few short hours away from meeting up with everyone again...this time for something on a much smaller scale than CIV.

I arrived in Chicago safely and caught a cab to my hotel downtown. After I checked in, I only had a short time (maybe 15min) to set everything down, check out the room, and freshen up before our fellow blogger Nobby was to contact me. You see, Nobby, his lovely and very nice wife, DarthKerfuffle, and greenandwhitejedi were picking me up to head out to jediprincess77's concert!!   The Force was with us, and we made it...but barely. Navigating downtown Chicago, in the middle of Friday night, rush hour traffic proved to be a challenge...even with the assistance of a rearview mirror compass, two maps, and an I-phone.  I think G&WJ was a little scared by our navigating skills.     But...what better way to get to know people than to get lost in a relatively unfamiliar city  Once we were able to figure out our way, we cruised along and made it to the town with about a half an hour (or slightly less) to spare before the singing was to begin. As usual, JP77's performance was excellent  ...I was just so happy I was able to make it there. Once it was all over, her father was kind enough to give us a ride back into the city...and I settled in for the night.

I woke surprisingly early on Saturday morning, and I felt fairly rested. I just hung around and did a few things before venturing out to find my way to the bus stop (much cheaper than a cab). However, this was a challenge, for the street that I was supposed to get picked up on was blocked off for construction  ...there was no way a bus was going to get down that way!! I stopped into a nearby store, but the guy had no idea where the bus would stop. He tried to find a phone number for the transit authority, but was unsuccessful in his attempt  . I left the store and wandered down the street a bit more...getting nervous that I would not make it to the museum in time. I found an available cab and made it there just in time!! I was soon united with everyone, and we made our way toward the exhibit.

Although I had seen this exhibit before when it was at COSI in Columbus, OH last summer, it was still exciting to be able to see it again!! When I went before, I was alone, so I could not do this...or this...or this...or this...or even this. I do have other pics, but have decided not to post them here. And before anyone asks...yes, I did take some close-up photos of the costumes for Padmé and Leia  (Leia's so that I can re-do parts of mine in the future and Padmé's so that I can make that one day). I know...I am obsessed...and I am not afraid to admit it.

I am going to wrap this up since it has become much longer than I thought it would. After going through the museum and doing a little shopping (yes...I bought a few things), we all went out to dinner and, at least I, had a wonderful time socializing and celebrating a birthday!! After all the food was either consumed or boxed, we said our good-byes and parted ways. I returned to my room, packed my things, and went to sleep early, as I had an early shuttle to catch. Needless to say, I was completely exhausted when I returned home...luckily I had an extra day to rest up before returning to work. I just want to thank all of you who were there for allowing me to join you and for all of the fun!!

Oh...and I just happen to have finished another costume!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!! May the Force Be With You...Always

A Royal Weekend

Originally posted on June 1, 2007

Wow!! I cannot believe that it has been a week and a day since we descended on LA for the biggest party in the galaxy!! So many memories were made while waiting in lines, during meal-times, and during events...and I cannot express just how grateful I am to have attended such an event. The people I met were some of the greatest I have ever encountered...and we shared a love for the same thing. I truly felt in my "element" at CIV, and nothing can change that feeling.

OK...I have seen several entries on others' various experiences, but not so many from those who attended in costume. Let me tell you, the experience of a SW Celebration in costume cannot be rivaled...at least in my opinion. It truly is amazing the people who will stop and ask for a photo of or with you, who will stop you and comment on your work, or who will stop you and ask for a photo of you with their children. There is no better feeling in the world to me than knowing that others appreciate the hard work and dedication I put into my costume or that of the kids who look to you as one of their idols and just want to say Hi.

Here is a break-down of the costumes I wore...by day and with a brief synopsis of what happened.

Thursday, May 24th

I wore Princess Leia's Ceremonial Gown from ANH. Essentially, this was a last-minute costume I made more or less to wear to the Meet & Greet. I actually enjoyed wearing this one, as it was simple, elegant, and fairly comfortable. I had a few "wardrobe malfunctions" during the time I wore this...but nothing that could not be fixed. My hair did not want to stay in place (it kept falling down to the base of my head) since it was so heavy; the snaps on my belt broke, and I ended up using safety pins that an artist so graciously had on him to hold it together; and a seam ripped even more than it was (I had a small hole in the seam before I even put it on). Wardrobe malfunctions aside, many people complimented me on this, saying how it fit me so well. One guy even said it was nice to see a red-headed Leia  This is my favorite pic in this costume. The R2 was just "sitting" there for people who wanted photos with him...and, once this one was snapped, he bleeped happily and rolled away. It was the cutest thing  I also could not help but pose with the Jabba hanging out in the Exhibit Hall. I still can't get his laughing out of my head  By the time of the Meet & Greet, I had had it with my hair, so I took the extensions out and went with my natural hair for the rest of the evening. I'll have to work on figuring out how to get the pieces to stay for the next time I wear it!!

Friday, May 25th

Today was picnic day!! I had to get up early for a Rebel Legion photo shoot, and of course was running a little behind. JP77 and I (I hope she doesn't mind me posting this) were going to this together, and I took a little longer to get dressed than planned. Since the shuttle was not at the hotel when we left, we decided to walk to the Holiday Inn to catch the Legion. We arrived at that hotel just as the end of the line was leaving...so we hopped in at the end and followed our fellow Rebels to the convention center. The shoot was fun...my only regret was not having my camera out to snap pics of the individual groups of members (i.e. Jedi, pilots, fleet troops, Endor troops, EU, etc.) Oh well...pics will be posted of the shoot on another site.

I thought I was going to have another day with hair problems, because one of my buns would not stay in place. However, I was eventually able to get the bun to stay, and had no further problems the remainder of the day. A few people snapped my pic this day, but fewer than the day before...probably since I spent most of my day in lines rather than walking around. I was able to pose with Elvis Trooper , Vader, and a few other costumers (both RL and non-RL)

Saturday, May 26th

This is the day I debuted my Bespin outfit!! However, this debut wasn't without it's snags along the way. I had stitched the cloak together on Tuesday night so that I knew it would be together prior to my departure. My plan was to remove stabilizer (the paper stuff I drew the embroidery pattern on) after packing on Wednesday and on the plane on Thursday. You know what they say about the best laid plans...I did not get much of anything done on Wednesday besides some cleaning and packing. I worked my hardest while on the plane, but there was just too much left to do. I took the cloak with me on Friday and worked on it in line...entertaining a few fellow fans in the process  . Actually, I think they were amazed by my work more than what I was doing at the time. Well, we didn't get back from the Opening Ceremonies until late, and I thought I would be up all night working on this thing. I only made it until 2:30am and realized that it would be impossible to remove every last piece of stabilizer. I had a breakdown while the others slept, and hit the pillow myself.

I was planning on attending an ANH Leia photo shoot that morning, but decided not to go. The girls (VA2, AS1, & MO2YP) were great with my continuing sadness over this costume. They encouraged me to shape what I could and work on it in line. This made me feel better...so I tore much of the bigger parts off, leaving the rest to be worked on in line. I was not 100% happy going out in an incomplete costume, but I was told by many that they could not tell that it wasn't finished!! Perfection...the life of a costumer

This was such a comfortable costume to wear...and I am glad that I decided to go with it anyway. I had hoped to get Carrie Fisher's autograph on Friday, but was not able to do so...so I got in her line this day!! It was totally unintentional on my part to get her autograph while in a Leia outfit...but it was also kinda neat. She didn't say anything to me about it, but she did sign something very nice to her pic!! I got a few other autographs, and was on my way.

Sunday, May 27th

Fan Club Breakfast and Costume Contest day!! Well, since I knew I would not have time to change between the breakfast and arriving at the convention center, I decided to wear my costume to breakfast. This really was the longest day for me in costume...and the day I wore the heaviest costume I had!! This was the day I wore Padme's Purple Loyalist Committee gown (the official costume contest photo...don't I look like I've been through the wringer?)...one I did not see too many of throughout the weekend. I did not put on the headpiece or choker until I arrived in the convention center, since I knew I would be in them all day...and the costume contest did not start until around 4pm. When the day was over, I was in costume for 16 hours, and in headpiece for 12 hours...my head was killing me!!

Anyway...both Jay Laga'aia and Jeremy Bulloch loved my work. Their comments to me were probably amongst the top highlights of the day. Mr Laga'aia mentioned how he stood near this costume...and signed his pic with "Beautiful Costume, "   while Mr. Bulloch couldn't get over the headpiece...he even stood up to get a closer look at it  . Throughout the day, several people stopped and asked for my photo...and I heard several children say "Look, there's Padme' from Attack of the Clones"  . My heart just melted every time I heard that!! Oh, I even had time to pose with an Anakin I had met at LAX...I had promised him a pic when I was in that gown, and we just happened to run into each other!!

This was also the day of the costume contest!! Although I did not place in the top three, I had a blast!! The Glorious Gowns category (the one in which I competed) had some pretty stiff competition...and we all picked out the winner before the show even started (she totally deserved it)!! I could tell the emcee was impressed with my write-up...although hearing vocal deflections on stage is totally different than hearing them from the audience. A very nice Darth Maul even stopped to tell me that the brooch on the back of the gown (the one holding the overcoat sleeves) was falling off...and he didn't want me to be docked points for that!! It's great how we helped each other out, even though we were competing against one another!!

Monday, May 28th

A non-costume day!! I left LA this day, and decided it would be too much of a hassle to dress for just a short couple of hours. It truly felt strange to head to the convention center in "regular" clothes!! However, my hair was thanking me for not putting it through any more torture  I also believe that the rest of my body was thanking me as well...since my feet were slightly blistered, my heels were scraped a little, and my shoulders were sore from carrying myself properly. I so do not regret dressing in costume the other days...it was an experience I will not soon forget. I also loved seeing the other costumes, and chatting it up with my fellow costumers and getting tips. Although I did miss out on some panels, I do not mind so much since I was doing something I love to do...dress in character!!

I hope I didn't bore any of you with these details. It truly is a different experience when you are dressed as a character as opposed to being dressed in every-day gear. There is so much more I could say about the con itself, but I won't. I wanted to focus on the experience of attending in costume...and, as I said before, what an experience it was