A newbie's report on Moonridge
June 27th, 2006 11:01 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shiredancerI 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]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
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:alyburns, chriselora55, luicat, kungfunurse, andeincascade, _suziq_, peter_neverland, buddhachic, vamysteryfan, starwatcher307, and 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 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 tostarwatcher307 for providing those). *Sigh* There I was, all tongue-tied and awkward. And then dear, wonderful vamysteryfan just came on up to me and introduced herself and got me talking a bit, and that broke the ice. I met chriselora55, with whom I'd had a bit of correspondence before the event and who was very helpful, and luicat, and heard all about their trip over from the United Kingdom. Imagine, 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 waskungfunurse, 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 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 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).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_suziq_ invited me to drop by that evening to get in on the fun -- that was also reinforced by 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)
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:
alyburns, chriselora55, luicat, kungfunurse, andeincascade, _suziq_, peter_neverland, buddhachic, vamysteryfan, starwatcher307, and 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 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
starwatcher307 for providing those). *Sigh* There I was, all tongue-tied and awkward. And then dear, wonderful vamysteryfan just came on up to me and introduced herself and got me talking a bit, and that broke the ice. I met chriselora55, with whom I'd had a bit of correspondence before the event and who was very helpful, and luicat, and heard all about their trip over from the United Kingdom. Imagine, 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
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 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 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).
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
_suziq_ invited me to drop by that evening to get in on the fun -- that was also reinforced by 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)
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no subject
Date: June 27th, 2006 09:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: June 27th, 2006 09:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: June 27th, 2006 10:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: June 27th, 2006 10:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: June 28th, 2006 12:21 am (UTC)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!
no subject
Date: June 28th, 2006 12:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: June 28th, 2006 04:39 pm (UTC)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.