shiredancer: (Thoughtful prismatic Blair)
[personal profile] shiredancer
I thought it would be fun to give a complete newbie's perspective on this year's Moonridge event (and Certain People *cough*[livejournal.com profile] maaaaa*cough* are practically demanding it!). So... I'll just sally forth *g*, behind the cut

Let me just say right off the bat: the event was GREAT. Seeing Garett Maggart in person (and, *squee*, having him shake my hand)? Wow. Seeing the TS fans, of whom I have only met relatively few online, in person (and, *squee*, getting lots of hugs)? WOW! Because, see, as much as I enjoy and appreciate the actors themselves, I'm not really an actor's fan -- I'm really a *character's* fan, which is why the discovery of fan fiction rather late in life was such a huge epiphany for me. My favorite characters, written into literally hundreds of fabulous stories? Pure bliss. And therefore, I'm very much a fan of fanfic writers, too. Obviously, the whole Moonridge set-up had the potential for much joy.

On the other hand, I tend toward shyness, so the excitement was mingled with a good bit of trepidation. I have a solid group of Lord of the Ring online friends, and I clearly remember how nervous and tongue-tied I was when I first met them. Took a few get-togethers to get past that, and now... we're *tight*. And here I go, venturing into another fandom and starting all over again with first meetings and awkwardness and all, and yeah, I was quite true to form. The altitude at Big Bear didn't help either -- I was vaguely headachey, a little breathless, and off my stride the whole weekend. But you know what? None of that mattered. The people I met were *so* nice, *so* delightful, and *so* fun -- it was a treat just to meet them. I didn't say a whole lot; mostly drank it all in... but wow, what a day. Now I have faces to put with the names, *and* a whole slew of new names as well, *and* -- I went and friended everybody I could find on LJ! *cackles* So here's who I met: [livejournal.com profile] alyburns, [livejournal.com profile] chriselora55, [livejournal.com profile] luicat, [livejournal.com profile] kungfunurse, [livejournal.com profile] andeincascade, [livejournal.com profile] _suziq_, [livejournal.com profile] peter_neverland, [livejournal.com profile] buddhachic, [livejournal.com profile] vamysteryfan, [livejournal.com profile] starwatcher307, and [livejournal.com profile] sallye. And also Blondie (Akablonded/Deana), Joyce, and Pamster, whose LJ or online names I don't know (help, anyone?). Plus there were lots more who I just glimpsed across the way and never got a chance to introduce myself to. Everybody was friendly and having a great time; I left more convinced than ever that this is a wonderful fandom to be in. (If I missed anybody here, feel free to let me know!) Oh, and though I didn't actually meet her, I found myself face-to-face with [livejournal.com profile] caarianna at one point. It was on the tip of my tongue to say "Oh, are you "the" Arianna...?" when it suddenly seemed like the dumbest thing ever to say, so I just smiled, she smiled, and I went on my way. Sorry, Arianna -- one of my stunningly awkward moments!

I arrived on Friday, driving in with my husband and daughter -- partly for the moral support, and mostly because, I'll admit it, I'm scared shitless to drive in L.A. traffic. The agreement was that they'd drop me off at Moonridge Animal Park on Saturday and do their own thing that day, leaving Mom to her fannish activities *much eye-rolling*. Anyway, we checked into the Best Western hotel on Moonridge Drive, thinking there might be some other fans staying there. Turns out that wasn't the case, but it gave us the chance to sort of settle in and check out the village. I have to admit to covertly eyeing all the women we passed that night, wondering if they might be fellow fans, LOL!

On Saturday I was up bright and early -- excited, you know, and had sort of lost a lot of sleep the night before, like a kid at Christmas. I went down to breakfast in the hotel dining room and spotted two women together, who I thought just *might* be Senfen... turns out (at least, I think!) that it was Aly and Blondie, judging by the clothes anyway. Yep, I was too bashful to approach.

Thinking there would be a huge crowd and a long line, I got to the park about forty minutes before it opened -- and there were only about eight people there waiting. So, with a big gulp, I strode forth to... ack, socialize! Only, not! I couldn't get myself to approach anybody, even when I recognized their names on their nametags (and a thousand thanks to [livejournal.com profile] starwatcher307 for providing those). *Sigh* There I was, all tongue-tied and awkward. And then dear, wonderful [livejournal.com profile] vamysteryfan just came on up to me and introduced herself and got me talking a bit, and that broke the ice. I met [livejournal.com profile] chriselora55, with whom I'd had a bit of correspondence before the event and who was very helpful, and [livejournal.com profile] luicat, and heard all about their trip over from the United Kingdom. Imagine, [livejournal.com profile] luicat drove up from L.A. airport driving for the first time ever on, for her, the wrong side! Something I, with all my California driving experience, would never attempt. And she had the most adorable little Blair-mouse that she had made, with a hand-embroidered vest -- you know, the one from Switchman. Chris had made up a Scottish passport for Garett Maggart that was just the most clever thing. And her Scottish accent -- whoot!

Once they started letting us in, we all headed to a grassy area surrounded by awning-covered benches, so I got myself a seat and took in all the people around me. I spotted a lady that I figured had to be Aly, so trotted on over to introduce myself. Aly had given me lots of tips on what to expect at Moonridge, and had generally been tremendously kind and helpful -- so I was very glad to be able to give her a hug of greeting and appreciation. And I'd like to thank her, too, for being the force behind both the online auction and the live auction (I don't know the actual history of these events, but from all that I can gather, she is responsible for getting it all together). Next to her was [livejournal.com profile] kungfunurse, with whom I'd also had a little correspondence before the event -- got a big hug from her, too *waves*. I enjoyed some conversation and smiles with [livejournal.com profile] andeincascade and talked a bit with Pamster, and also had a nice chat with the husband of Janet, the lady who made the splendid quilts. I was sitting next to Chris and [livejournal.com profile] vamysteryfan, so got in quite a good bit of chatting with them too. Sweeeeeeet.

Then it was time for Garett to arrive -- he stood up on the balcony of the little office at the entrance and waved, then came down and shook the hands of everybody sitting there! I was just all impressed by his friendliness and casual courtesy, acknowledging fans that he'd seen before -- some of whom he knows by name (like Aly). [livejournal.com profile] starwatcher307 has already given a wonderfully detailed report about him and all his interactions with the fans, so I'll just say here that, seeing him for the first time, I would never have guessed that he'd been a bit more reserved on other occasions. His upbeat good cheer and warmth and *funniness* just seemed so natural and Blair-like and... bouncy, I would have thought he was *always* like that. So I guess I'm very lucky that this was the occasion of my first seeing him in person! Now remember, I'm not so much the actor-follower -- so really, I hadn't intended to actually *meet* him there -- just watch him from a distance and enjoy that. So it was more of a thrill than I'd normally admit to, that he shook my hand. And it was a little giddy-making every time I caught his eye. *Blush* I didn't go down to the autograph table, and now I regret that. I saw some of the lovely pictures that he autographed, and he was so gracious about signing things for everybody (and so funny, too), and now I wish I'd been rather more outgoing in that area. Next time I will! 'Cuz I surely intend for there to be a "next time".

And I can't describe how wonderful it was to see Garett, and the zoo handlers, with the animals. They were just so cuuuuuuuute. Oh, and the animals were absolutely gorgeous, too. *g* Starwatcher described all the misadventures Garett had, but I'm not sure if she mentioned that when the baby hedgehog bit him, he was *laughing* all the while he was exclaiming "ow ow ow ow ow" and hopping around -- again, *so* Blair-like. But there you are... he *is* Blair, after all.

It was during the break between animal adoptions (there were two) that I finally learned where all the fans were staying -- turns out there was a group house with a sort of bunkhouse, ideal for much shared Sentinel-viewing and fan-squeeing. At the end of that long and rewarding afternoon, the very sweet and kind [livejournal.com profile] _suziq_ invited me to drop by that evening to get in on the fun -- that was also reinforced by [livejournal.com profile] vamysteryfan. Well! I was *enormously* pleased, and I truly had every intention of going there. However, it was still fairly early when the event ended (3:00) and we all had to (sadly) say good-bye to Garett, so I intended to go up to "the house" after dinner. First, though, I had a dilemma to solve: no car (husband had it) and no way to contact husband (zilch cell phone reception on the mountain!). So, me being me (i.e., too shy to ask anybody for a ride, d'oh!), I walked back down the mountain to the hotel. It was only about a mile and a half, and downhill, and scenic to boot -- so not bad, at all. Plus, there was a gift/candy store about half-way down, and what could be better to help me on my way than a little bag of malt balls?? Oh, and did anybody notice that one of the horses in the paddock on the way down the mountain was a *zebra*??? You just don't get that kind of detail from a car *g*. So -- turns out the family was missing me, Kidlet was anxious because of the lack of phone contact, and we all had a nice dinner together. And then, the day just caught up with me. Meeting so many new people, having so much excitement over the whole thing, meeting Garett, bidding on the animals, meeting more new people, the altitude, the long walk -- I was done in. So, I never did make it up to "the house" -- another regret! And I just want to say to anybody who might have been looking for me, I'm sorry! I didn't get to really say any proper good-byes to everybody... so *huge hugs* to all. Again, I can't tell you enough how wonderful you all are, and how delighted I am to have met you. It was *definitely* a day to remember. I absolutely can't wait to see you all again, as soon as possible! And hopefully for a longer time -- the day, in spite of how tired it left me, was far, far too short.

And thus ends my report from a first-timer's perspective.

Much love,
Sally (Shiredancer)

Date: June 27th, 2006 08:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] maaaaa.livejournal.com
Moi? Demanding? Puh-leeeeze. LOL

Oh hon, *hugs*. It sounds like you had a fabulous time, especially for how nervous you were, and shy. It sounds like all the wonderful TS fans just hauled you on in! YAY! Go them! And everyone you got to meet!?! Wowza...I am sooo insanely jealous! *g* Thanks for meeting my demand giving us your report. *hugs*

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:07 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Yes, that's exactly how it was -- they just hauled me into their midst! I can't describe what a nice feeling it was. Please save up your pennies and come to the next one, which keeps getting described as a "big blow-out" after the relocation -- okay? I *so* want to meet you too.

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] maaaaa.livejournal.com
Awwww, thanks...I'd love to meet you too. We'll see. My problem is not the pennies, or the shyness, it's that no one in my RL knows about my fanish obsession, much less that I read fanfic, much much less that I write it, much much much less *what* I write. LOL I'm not sure I could obfuscate my way to LA. *g*

Date: June 27th, 2006 10:15 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] andeincascade.livejournal.com
Need help Maaaaa? Cause KFN and I would happily help you obfuscate as needed. Three obfuscators are better than one ...

Date: June 27th, 2006 10:20 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] maaaaa.livejournal.com
Oh wait, I forgot...*you* know that the real reason *is* because I'm shy. LOL :p

Date: June 28th, 2006 12:21 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
*Ahem* *taps foot* Now then, dear Maaaaa -- let me remind you: If *I* can do it, *you* can do it! So I will be watching for you! *hugs*

It does make me sad, though, that you've had to hide your fannish side from your loved ones. Okay, I agree, I don't tell Kidlet about the slash side of things! But she does know that Mom reads adventure stories about The Sentinel online. Would something that innocuous work? You're the only one who can know what will fly, and I totally respect that, of course. I just... wish I could help. *More hugs* And not just for the selfish reason of getting to meet you someday, either!

Date: June 28th, 2006 12:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Oh, yay! *Hugs Ande and KFN* Please do conspire to get Maaaaa to go -- that would be so fun. Ummm, the getting to meet her part, I mean, not the conspiracy part... necessarily. Heh.

Date: June 28th, 2006 04:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] vamysteryfan.livejournal.com
I can help with the obfuscation. I hid my Sentinel obsession from my family for years and still hide the slashy side of things.

Don't worry about being shy - we don't bite unless you ask us nicely :) You can sit to one side and enjoy the videos. We'll have you squeeing in no time.

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:03 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] debbiet.livejournal.com
Thanks for sharing your day at Moonridge. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I'm afraid I would have been just like you -- shy and reserved. But it was good to see everyone was so friendly :)

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
I'm glad you enjoyed it! And yes, the fans are just wonderful. You would find yourself losing your shyness very quickly -- everybody's so warm and welcoming. I hope to get to meet you some time!

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:07 pm (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
Awww, your kind comments are making me blush. I'm so glad you had a good time! Sen-fans are wonderful people. I was looking for you at the house, but figured you were with your family when you didn't show.

I saw the zebra horse too. Wasn't it unusual?

You didn't get any autographs?! Send me your mailing address at mysteryfan at gmail dot com and I might just have a surprise for you.

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:08 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] vamysteryfan.livejournal.com
oops that was me.

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:26 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
LOL -- yes, I knew it was you! And you deserve every kind comment I can think of. I do wish I had gone up to the house, but... whoa, I was just over-extended by then. You might have noticed there at the zoo -- I was getting a little fuzzy. First I told you'd I'd walk back up to the others with you, to get more details about the gathering, and then I just sort of... wandered off. *g* Yep, I'd reached some sort of limit right about then. *Hugs*

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:15 pm (UTC)
ext_16267: (JimandBlairsomarried)
From: [identity profile] slipperieslope.livejournal.com
*waves*

Imma newbie, too to TS - so hiya! Great account! I loved getting to read from your perspective - so close to mine! But you must get over the shy, girlfriend! If I ever get to go to one of these events I imagine I will be a nuisance! But then the altitude would just probably wipe me out and I would be the lump under the bleachers that everybody stepped over. Good for you for jumping right in! Isn't TS great?

*twirls you*

This was a wonderful account! Thank you for sharing!

Date: June 27th, 2006 11:36 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Hiya back *waves*! Glad to meet you -- and yes, TS *is* great. LOL, I think this venture went quite a way toward me "getting over the shy". I hope I get to meet you at the next event, because I fully expect to see you there!

Writing from StarWatcher

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:20 pm (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
Sally, what a fabulous report! You've really captured what a fun day it was, both in terms of the formal events and the delight of Garett's warmth and spontaneity. LOL, those moments with the little baby hedge hog were hilarious; poor Garett, the animals sure gave him a bit of a hard hard this year, but he was such a great sport. Like you, I tend to be more interested in the 'characters' than the 'actors', but I've found over the years that he's such a generous, kind individual, very sweet, that it's a real pleasure to see him. He was very relaxed this year, and seemed to have as good a time as we were having. And, like you, I really enjoy the the informal catching up with online friends. I'm so sorry I didn't know you might have wanted a ride down to the hotel -- I drove right by it after leaving the zoo, on an errand with StarWatcher! And I'm sorry that we didn't get a chance to chat a bit, too, or to see you later at the chalet. But I'm sure there will be other opportunities. Hope so, anyway. LOL, thank you for the 'the Arianna' comment! Made me smile. But, sweetie, we're all just fans of great characters and the wonderful men who play them, so please don't feel shy if we find ourselves with another chance to chat someday! (Of course, having said that, I need to admit that I'm a bit shy of meeting new people, too, and of just sticking out my hand and saying, hey, I know your name from LJ, so I've got to do more, too than just smile at people as they pass by!)

Thanks for taking the time to write such a neat report and for sharing your perspectives on the day with all of us!
From: (Anonymous)
Sally, what a fabulous report! You've really captured what a fun day it was, and the delight of Garett's warmth and spontaneity. LOL, those moments with the little baby hedge hog were hilarious; poor Garett, the animals sure gave him a bit of a hard hard this year, but he was such a great sport. Like you, I tend to be more interested in the 'characters' than the 'actors', but I've found over the years that he's such a generous, kind individual, very sweet, that it's a real pleasure to see him. He was very relaxed this year, and seemed to have as good a time as we were having. And, like you, I really enjoy the the informal catching up with online friends. I'm so sorry I didn't know you might have wanted a ride down to the hotel -- I drove right by it after leaving the zoo, on an errand with StarWatcher! And I'm sorry that we didn't get a chance to chat a bit, too, or to see you later at the chalet. But I'm sure there will be other opportunities. Hope so, anyway. LOL, thank you for the 'the Arianna' comment! Made me smile. But, sweetie, we're all just fans of great characters and the wonderful men who play them, so please don't feel shy if we find ourselves with another chance to chat someday! (Of course, having said that, I need to admit that I'm a bit shy of meeting new people, too, and of just sticking out my hand and saying, hey, I know your name from LJ, so I've got to do more, too than just smile at people as they pass by!)

Thanks for taking the time to write such a neat report and for sharing your perspectives on the day with all of us!

Arianna
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Hi Arianna! So, at last we meet *waggles eyebrows*. Absolutely -- next time, I'm going to walk right up and introduce myself and talk to you. I guess that's the really wonderful thing about this trip: it was the "ice-breaker" for me, and I think I can relax a lot more at future gatherings. I just wish there could be more of them... especially if the next Moonridge is two years away.

And I think it's not at all uncommon for online fans to be on the shy side. I seem to have touched a common chord with many people -- that's kind of a neat thing. As for not asking for the ride -- that was totally my fault. My husband couldn't believe I was too timid to ask anybody. Like I said... d'oh! *Hugs*

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rhianne.livejournal.com
Yay! Sounds like you had a terrific time :) I know what you mean about being nervous - I went to last year's Return to Cascade convention in LA and was incredibly nervous about being in such a big fannish event for the first time, but it was fabulous once I got there! *G* Thanks for posting a first-timer's view...I've always thought that Moonridge would be pretty nerve-wracking if you'd never been before, so it's nice to know that it isn't once you arrive! Maybe one day I'll make it over the Atlantic to try for myself ;-) As a fellow TS-fan, do you mind if I add you?

Date: June 27th, 2006 11:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Oh, I would love it if you added me, and if I can add you. And I understand completely about the nerve-wracking part -- yes, it was a bit of that, but only until I got settled into it. I really wanted to go to the Return to Cascade gathering last year, but backed out partly because of nerves, and partly because it was a little too expensive for me. I'm going to have to get over my overly-thrifty ways, I think! I'd love to hear about your experiene there some time.

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:37 pm (UTC)
ext_13204: (fangirl)
From: [identity profile] nonniemous.livejournal.com
You're so much braver than I am, my friend! {{{[livejournal.com profile] shiredancer}}} But this really makes me wanna plan to get together again, either just us fen or with the families, too.

Date: June 27th, 2006 11:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
(((((Lisa))))) Oh, I would dearly love it if we could get together sometime, sooner rather than later -- with or without families! *Sulks* Why do we have to live so far apart??

Date: June 27th, 2006 09:43 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] luna-61.livejournal.com
Hi Sally, I don't think we were introduced I'm the shy type too, lol. I was so shy I didn't put on my name tag but I did find [livejournal.com profile] kungfunurse because I was offering her a ride to the airport. And from then on I met everyone and I did get to go the the cabin and met more people. What a fun day. If you want to see some of my pictures I have to large posts on my journal. Did you take any pictures? I'm so glad you had a good time. Looking forward to meeting you in the future. You'll have to let me know if you see yourself in any of them.

Christina

Date: June 28th, 2006 12:03 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Hi Christina! I remember seeing you there -- I think I heard somebody call you by your online name, and I realized I'd seen your name before. Sorry we didn't actually meet... but next time, for sure. And I'm so glad you overcame your own shyness and had such a good time!

I'll definitely go to your journal to see the pictures (and if you don't mind, I'll add you to my friends, too). I didn't even take a camera with me! That's how addled I was, LOL. I'm going to have to bookmark everybody's pictures. I saw myself in one of Aly's (I think it was hers) -- [livejournal.com profile] luicat was in the forefront, and Joyce was next to her, and you can just see me behind Joyce. I was wearing an orange tank top with a gold Sanskrit "om" on it and white pants. *Hugs*

Date: June 28th, 2006 04:08 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] luna-61.livejournal.com
I see you! In the first batch the 4th picture. You are sitting just right of center. And yes I think I'll always be know as luna from now on, lol. Which is fine by me I love the name.

Date: June 27th, 2006 10:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] andeincascade.livejournal.com
Oh, Sally! I so wish you had joined us. We had numerous cars and we just a tad up the hill from the zoo. Next time you won't get away from us so easily! Bwahahaha!

Date: June 28th, 2006 12:06 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Hi, Ande! I know, I know -- I really should have just plucked myself back up and gone. What was it like, anyway? I haven't actually heard what was going on Saturday night. For all I know, maybe everybody fell asleep! LOL. But I imagine there were some more Sentinel videos playing, huh? I really, really need to get together with some of you all and do the whole squeeing thing. Next time, I promise!

Date: June 27th, 2006 11:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dimity-blue.livejournal.com
::hugs Sally and squees excitedly:: You went to Moonridge! You met Garett and a ton of fans! WHEEEEEEE!

I'm so glad you had fun. I wish I'd been there too, but I'm really glad you got to go. ::hugs again tightly::

Date: June 27th, 2006 11:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dimity-blue.livejournal.com
Oops! Forgot to say: thank you for writing your report and sharing it with us. It's so much fun to read people's reports of what happened. :oD

Date: June 28th, 2006 12:09 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
*Hugs Sarah* Wheeeeee, indeed! Yes, I'm so thrilled that I went. I'm happy I wrote my post, too -- a lot of people seem to be identifying with it. Now we need to just match it up so that we can be there *together*, huh? If you start saving carefully now... maybe you can be there for the "big blow out" I keep hearing about after they're relocated. *Crosses fingers tightly and starts a penny jar for Sarah*

Date: June 28th, 2006 01:08 am (UTC)
ext_9267: (moonwolf)
From: [identity profile] aerianya.livejournal.com
Someday *sigh

Date: June 28th, 2006 04:12 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Oh, I hope so! That would be great.

Date: June 28th, 2006 05:31 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] angelvette67.livejournal.com
I really enjoyed reading your report!! You sort of remind me of me *g* because I'm the type to hold back too, and always find it very hard to approach people. :) Thanks for posting your impressions for the day. Reading everyone's accounts of it is making it more real to me. I'd like to "friend" you if that's ok? Very glad you had such a great time. I relly hope I'll be able to attend one day.

Date: June 28th, 2006 08:14 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Hi -- I'm so glad you enjoyed the report! I guess I've learned from it a) that a *lot* of us are shy-types, and b) we can't let that stop us from joining in. I'd be happy if you'd friend me, and I'll add you too if that's okay. And maybe at the next Moonridge we'll get to meet... let's keep hoping.

Date: June 28th, 2006 07:22 am (UTC)
starwatcher: Western windmill, clouds in background, trees around base. (Default)
From: [personal profile] starwatcher
.
Hi, Sally! I was so happy to meet you, short though it was. And, looking through your journal, we have something else in common -- I used to belly dance too! (Just one semester of classes, YEARS ago, but it was fun.)

Anyway, I enjoyed your report. I must admit, I was so concerned about Garett's finger that I didn't realize he was laughing. That's the fun thing about these reports -- we all see something different. I've put a link to here in my LJ, so people who don't know you yet can come and read.

Hope we'll meet again next year -- you have no excuse to avoid it now; you'll be an old hand!
.

Date: June 28th, 2006 11:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Hi Linda! (Um, it *is* Linda, right? LOL -- I got most the faces matched up with the online names, but then getting the RL names in proves to be an additional challenge! And which do you prefer to be called here?) Yes, I was thrilled to meet you, too -- thanks again for all your niceness. Glad you enjoyed the report, and I certainly enjoyed yours (haven't commented yet -- truth to tell, I've been overwhelmed keeping up with the comments here). I definitely want to see you again next year, and with all this correspondence going on, I have already lost most the shyness and I'm feeling well-acquainted with everyone! Amazing, huh? Guess if I'd posted to the lists to begin with, I could have avoided a lot of anxiety.

How cool that you did belly dancing! Next time we'll have to compare notes. Actually, next time I want to dance for everybody -- now *that's* an ice-breaker.

I was browsing through your journal just now, and wow -- I'm impressed at all that you accomplish. How many horses do you have, and how much acreage?

*Hugs*

Date: July 20th, 2006 06:07 am (UTC)
starwatcher: Western windmill, clouds in background, trees around base. (Default)
From: [personal profile] starwatcher
.
Hi again, Sally -- finally catching up after my vacation.

Yes, it is Linda; I'm impressed that you could keep us all straight. (My memory weak spot is names.) But I think StarWatcher is less problematical online -- there's only one of those, but several 'Linda's.

Yes, I was thrilled to meet you, too -- thanks again for all your niceness.

Well, hey -- it's easy when someone is being nice to me! But you're welcome.

truth to tell, I've been overwhelmed keeping up with the comments here).

::snicker:: The paradox of LJ. We want people to notice, and comment -- but then it takes time to answer all those comments. *g*

How cool that you did belly dancing! Next time we'll have to compare notes.

Umm... mine was about 25 years ago; I don't think I have any notes.

Actually, next time I want to dance for everybody -- now *that's* an ice-breaker.

But that would be a treat. Some of us might even join you.

How many horses do you have, and how much acreage?

Two horses and five acres. I have a post, with pictures, here --
http://starwatcher307.livejournal.com/63355.html

*Hugs*

(((hugs))) back at'cha. I'll be seeing you in comments.

Take care.
.

Date: July 23rd, 2006 05:29 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Ah, thanks for sharing your story and the pictures. It sounds idyllic in a lot of ways, but I'm not blind to the hard work of maintenance for that much property. Good for you!

Date: June 28th, 2006 11:04 am (UTC)
ext_9226: (Default)
From: [identity profile] snailbones.livejournal.com
Hiya!

Thanks for the lovely long Moonridge report... I can't get enough, total glutton that I am! Glad you had such a great 'first time', and met so many people - must be brilliant to put names to faces. ;~)

Hope it's ok that I'm friending you? I lose people if I don't - it's my age you know... *g*

Date: June 28th, 2006 11:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Hi there -- I've seen your comments over on Sarah's journal, and here and there. Glad to meet you, and of course I'm happy to have you friend me -- as long as I get to friend you back.

Yes, it was a great experience, and in retrospect it's so neat to have the faces in mind to go with the names. The big surprise? After having done this post, and announced it on the Sanctuary list -- I'm suddenly feeling like I'm getting acquainted with the whole fandom! Guess I should participate in the lists a little more... LOL! (And hey, I know all about the age thing -- memory like a sieve, here.)

It was so NEAT to meet you, girl!

Date: June 28th, 2006 06:36 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] alyburns.livejournal.com
It was such a fun day and recognizing your tag and going, "SHIREDANCER!" was very cool! :) As usual, I only wish we'd had time to sit and chat, but somehow, at these events, that never happens. ::shakes head sadly:: But we were a happy group this year, weren't we? :)

Re: It was so NEAT to meet you, girl!

Date: June 29th, 2006 12:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Oh, it was *very* neat to meet you! I know, there's never enough time for a real chat, especially in just one day and with so *many* people to meet and catch up with. So it's a good thing we have this nice online medium for getting in some conversation, huh? At least now I know what everybody looks like... such a good feeling.

I'll certainly be back next year, or whenever it happens next. And the very first thing I'm going to say when it's announced is "Okay, where's the good place to stay going to be and count me in!" *snicker*

Date: June 29th, 2006 06:38 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peter-neverland.livejournal.com
You mentioned me! *bounce* Thank you. *beams* It was wonderful to meet you and we were very excited that you were there. We missed you at the house, but completely understand how things don't always work out. Maybe we can kidnap you next year. You're con report is lovely. No wonder everyone is linking to it!

Date: June 30th, 2006 08:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Hi Jessie! It was so nice to meet you, and *bounces back* I'm tickled that you remember me! After reading all the accounts, I'm very sad that I missed going to the house too. Next time, though, you'll have to beat me off with a stick to keep me away -- it just sounds like way too much fun.

Date: June 30th, 2006 05:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peter-neverland.livejournal.com
Beat you off with a stick!? Are you kidding? We're going to wrap you in chains and drag you along kicking and screaming. :)

Date: July 2nd, 2006 10:54 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] trislindsay.livejournal.com
What a lovely report! Thank you for taking the time to write and let us see the day through your eyes! It can be so nerve wracking to be shy, but everyone in this fandom is so nice and welcoming, don't you think?

I friended you, I hope you don't mind - we have a lot of friends in common!

Annie Carr

Date: July 2nd, 2006 09:13 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shiredancer.livejournal.com
Thank you, Annie -- I'm glad you liked my report, and I'm happy to meet you!

Yeah, being shy *is* nerve-wracking, and I keep thinking that I've made lots of progress and finally, at my age, might be over it -- and then I manage to get myself into yet another new situation. But you're absolutely right; everyone in the fandom is extremely nice -- makes it much easier to get over the hurdles.

No, I definitely don't mind that you friended me, and I'm friending you right back. LOL, I think my friend's list tripled after posting this report!

Sally

Date: July 3rd, 2006 02:31 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] trislindsay.livejournal.com
Waving -- I'm not shy at all, but my partner used to be, and it took her years of work to get over it. Now she's by far the better known of the two of us, as she's the one 'out there' in fandom (unfortunately, it's SGA and not Sentinel!). But she did learn, and though she's still shy underneath. A lot of that was due to fandom and the friendly people we've met.

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Sally

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