I’m a geek. Point blank. I love vampires, cylons and Mr. Spock. And I love dressing up, too. My brain cannot comprehend those who do not like Halloween. So when I heard of this thing called DragonCon, a 4 day convention held in Atlanta consisting of just about every genre known to man, I knew I had to go. My friend, Meghan M told me about it last year. I was in a show, so I couldn’t go. But this year, I was free. Not only was I going, I decided that I was going to make on of my costumes
I aint sewed before, ya’ll. But I was going to make a corset, bloomers and a bustle skirt for a steampunk look. (My road to sewing is another blog ,ENTIRLY)
The day of departure
Meghan M and I were to drive the day before the convention started. That way we could get settle and all. Without going into too much detail, I had had some costume issues and only slept about 30 minutes the night before. I had to get up, take my son to preschool and wait until Joann Fabrics to open. I had to finish a skirt and make it to Meghan’s house by 11:30. I’m driving home, lace in hand and I get pulled over by the Po Po. I allegedly ran a red light. I’m thinking more yellow. Anyhoo the cop tells me my options. He was actually leaning towards me going to court. I’d wind up only paying court fees. We’ll see.
Blah blah blah, drive drive drive. We’re in Atlanta. We check into the Hilton and then go to register. Word to the wise: DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT pre-register. Yes, it’s cheaper if you do. But then you have to wait in line with everyone who did. That line was insane. By registering onsite , the line was about 15 minutes. It would have been less if I had used cash.
We later met up with our friend Dan J, took a mini tour of 3 of the main convention hotels. By this time I had been up for 35 hours (barring that 30 minute power nap) It was time to go to bed.
The Con
It was amazing! Wonderful panels and the coolest costumes. I mean, there are some really creative people out there. And everyone just seemed to be friends. You could just strike up a conversation with everyone. They even had a parade in honor of my birthday! (jokes) I didn’t go to as many panels as I had planned, but that was ok. I didn’t want to have panel overload. The panels I went to: True Blood ( Sam, Lafayette and Pam) , Battlestar Galactica (Adama, Chief, Zerick and the Lawyer Guy), Firefly ( River, her brother, Kaylee, and the Courtesan) , Q&A with Avery Brooks and a Shakespeare panel. The Firefly one was my favorite. It was like a group of friends shooting the cow poo.
The Celebs
I saw Brent Spiner (Star Trek Data) my first nigt in Atlanta looking for a snack in the hotel. Remember, I had been awake awhile. So, I had to ask my friends if I was tripping.
My first celeb photo was with the fuy would played on of the pirates in POTC. It was cool, because I was dressed as Tia Damla at the time. unfortunately my corset was slipping during the photo. BOO!
I didn’t realize that there was a big ass room, filled with the celebs signing autographs until Sunday. At the time, I was dressed at Uhurafrom Star trek. I didn’t want to meet people dressed up, but oh well. I shook hands and spoke to several. I did pay for one autograph. That was from the guy who pays Lafayette on True Blood. I had him write “Hooka” on it. Here’s a rundown of the celebrity encounter. I will be mixing real names and character names.
Levar Burton: I was next in line and this woman came running up with a camera to take a picture of…me. Levar said “Well, look at you” I told him that as a black actor, he was such an inspiration to me.
Lafaytte from True Blood: so sweet
Sam from True Blood: so so nice and so handsome. so so so so so handsome. I think I froze a bit
Barbara Eden (Jeanie): I told her she was beautiful and I almost broke my neck as a child trying to do that ponytail thing
Larry Hagman (JR Ewing): chiling on a stool with a coyboy hat.
Mohinder from Heroes: (drop dead cute) Told him that I use to call his character “Mohinderance.” Nathan was sitting next to him
My friend Dan really wanted to take a picture with Star Trek TNG’s Deanna Troi. I held his backpack. She came up to me and said “I know people tell you you look like Eartha Kitt” awesome!
And now for my favorite celeb encouter. We were walking out of the Walk of Fame (celeb signing room) and I see a familiar face. It was Pete from 30 Rock. I have no idea what made me do this but….
Me: Hey! Hello
Pete(I know his name is Scott): Hello
Me: (smiling like an idiot. I have an odd crush on him) I really like your work
Pete: I like your costume. Have you dressed like this the whole weekend
Me: No. I was Tia Dalma the first nigth, Classic Catwoman last night…
Pete:I saw you last night!
Me: Oh (giggle, holding in the snort) Could I take a picture with you.
Pete: Sure
He even took a picture with his own camera as well.
Awesome.
I saw him the next day wasI was going down the escalator.
Me: Hey!
Pete: What are you wearing today?
Me: Steampunk
Pete: very nice.
Awesome.
The Last Day
Checkout was a nightmare. A NIGHTMARE. Because you pretty much have the entire hotel leaving at the same time, with loads of luggage and 8 elevators. We were told 30 minutes for bell service. Not so much. So, Meghan slowly began to take our stuff to the car. Each trip took about 30 minutes, waiting for an elevator which could fit all the stuff and all. I was to wait , just in case the bellman showed. Never did. Finally it got to the point where we both could handle the remaining bags. We still had to wait. FINALLY I was able to squeeze on. The next stop, the doors opened and there stood Avery Brooks. But there is no room. He smiled and said “Aww Man” I sensed that the other people wanted to push me out, because had I not gotten on, Avery would have had room. hahah. A the doors closed I said “I’m sorry Avery Brooks, I love your work…” Bing.
Next year. Get Bell service and load car the night before.
So here are some pictures! You will have to click the photo again on the second page for a larger view.
All in all I had a blast. Can’t wait until next year.
