Early Twilight Memories

Today is Father’s Day 2016. I should be writing about my father, but I’m not. The Facebook memory that was suggested this morning was a picture of the Gilbert Arizona Temple. That was my first stop on trip to visit nieces and nephew and to attend a Twilight event that year, 2014. Thinking about my father and brother is kind of sad and today I want happier thoughts and that trip was a good trip. It was a good trip for the visits and the event. So that is why I’m writing about Twilight memories today.

I remember the Relief Society meeting with some women talking about the Twilight Saga (TWS). I asked to borrow the first book from one of them and was hooked. That was January 2010. Read all the books, went to a marathon when the third movie came out in June 2010 with a group that I didn’t fit in with. Discovered fan fiction, read a lot and even wrote some poems and posted them.

Then three or so years after first reading the books I read on Twilight Lexicon that there was an event planned for September to celebrate Stephenie Meyer and TWS in Forks Washington. I’d been forced into retirement from my career and nothing else was working for me and really shouldn’t have spent money, but I did.

2013 was the year that the Stephenie Meyer Day (SMD) folks worked with Forever in Forks (FiF) folks and put on joint event. The Forks chamber of commerce also had a few things planned. Most of the events were planned and executed by Staci Chastain & Olympic Coven group and Sharon Lottes Forever in Forks group.

I went. I took pictures, ie I observed. I helped out a little. I met people. I had some longer conversations with a few people. I had a good time. Forever in Forks announced their next event would be June 2014 in Phoenix to celebrate Edward’s birthday. I was impressed that they could do that in nine months.

I have two nieces and a nephew that live in the great Phoenix area. I had some family inheritance things to pass along to them, so decided if the ticket price for FiF was reasonable I could go. The price was reasonable so I drove down to Phoenix area for the visits and event. The FiF event was small. Bad for FiF, good for me. Better chance to meet and talk with people. It worked. Remembered some people from SMD event. Talked with some people. Especially nice was the opportunity to talk with two of the Olympic Coven cosplayers – Travis Shoaf as Emmett and Alan Mitchell as Edward – and the music duo Imperial Mammoth.

I’ve been back to SMD, now called Forever Twilight in Forks and taken over by the Forks chamber of commerce, in 2014 and 2015. Found out about Gatlinburg Tennessee events and attended one in 2015 and 2016. Was invited to a birthday party celebration in St Helens Oregon in April 2015 and was able to attend that. Because of these events I have met some great people that have become friends and a few women that have become great friends. We’ve had some great times laughing and talking and sharing life. Made great memories and I look forward to making some more memories.

Favorite TWS quote: "I think sometimes..." I began. "Life has a way of blessing you when you least expect it. Sometimes, just when you think all is lost, more good comes your way than you ever thought possible." Bella to Edward in ch 14 of What Drives Her by Virginia May. 

This quote sums up what Twilight has been for me. I was at a low point and reading Twilight and Twilight fan fiction stories was a beacon in the dark to lead me to blessings. Blessings of trips I've taken. Blessings of friends made on those trips. Blessings of fan fiction stories I've read. Blessings of FF authors I've chatted with and become friends with - adopted into one family even.

Hope everyone had a good Father's Day. 

Take care.

Trip to Forks, Day 14, Port Angeles

I didn’t stop in Port Angeles on the way to Forks, so today, Tuesday 17 Sep 13, I back tracked to visit places of Twilight interest. Enjoyed the drive along Lake Crescent going in this direction. Found a good place to park with easy walk to TWS places and other places. Found Michael’s and Bella Italia with no problem. Michael’s is the location that was Bella Italia until the owners split up – one got the location, one got the name and moved across the street. Both open up at 1600hrs and I’m not staying for dinner. Found a nice little place for breakfast, Oven Spoonful. Then to Port Book and News, not the new age store in Twilight. First thing as walk in is a delightful display of chocolates. They also have a bunch of cool toys for all ages. I found the science fiction aisle … and all but #2 of a series that I’ve been looking for the follow on books to the first that I read some time ago. The series is by Andre Norton and Sasha Miller, The Oak, Yew, Ash, and Rowan Cycle. The cashier recommended some places to visit. As walking toward car realized I was missing my hat. After putting the books in car, I walked back to Oven Spoonful and there it was. Hmmm…thankfully it has been a very long time since left something behind. Really like that red hat from San Diego trip, keeps the sun out of eyes and currently matches my red SMD T-shirt.

Walked down to the wharf area. A ferry was coming in. There was Feiro Marine Life Center to visit. It is an education organization mainly. There are pool with sea critters you can touch. Across the way was a small mall with a couple of restaurants and stores and empty space. One of stores was also art gallery. Found a Christmas walking stick. There were a bunch of interestingly decorated sticks, but the Christmas one seemed to call to me. I was hoping to find one of Native American art, preferably Pacific Northwest, but haven’t found any so got the Christmas one. The artist uses techniques inspired Australian aboriginals, Eskimos, and other native cultures, so close to what I was looking for.    

Checked out the Port Angeles Visitor Center / Chamber of Commerce. Nice chat with lady there. Suggested going out to the Coast Guard Station to see the harbor and city from there. Leisure walk to car. Noticed lots of places to park car and get on ferry, prices range from $6 to $10 a day. There is a nice area with benches to sit and watch the come and go of ships. The drive to the Coast Guard station ‘goes through’ a paper mill. Smelly. Clouds had been building up so sky was interesting above the city. Interesting enough view.

On the way back to Forks, I stopped at the Lake Crescent Lodge for late lunch. Nice place with beautiful views. The wind was picking up and felt a little on the cool side of comfortable. Ran through Katmom’s story “Emeralds to Rubies” as waited for meal. After eating walked out on to their dock and definitely not like her story. I walked to lodge with only my wallet and keys. Managed to leave my wallet in bathroom. Not had this problem in long time and then twice in one day?

After my shower this morning I tried on all the new T-Shirts. Found one that fits like it is two sizes smaller than stated. Did not get back to Forks in time to return it to Leppell’s. Worked on pictures and blog for the evening while watching NCIS and NCIS: LA.

and then we continued blissfully into this small but perfect piece of our Forever in Forks

family is about more than just blood. Jasper, Alice, Wolf Jacob, Nessie, Bella, Edward, Emmett, Rosalie, Esme, Carlisle.

Twilight Then, now and forever.... Stephenie Meyer Day 2013

Trip to Forks, Day 12 Last Day of SMD

The day started with the Farewell Breakfast for the Forever in Forks group. It was raining lightly. Finally we get rain. Breakfast was good – waffles with warm berry syrup, usual pastries and fruit and breakfast casserole which was basically a fancy omelet. It was a rather quiet group, guess they got all the noise out last night at the party. I said my goodbyes and thanks to Anna and Sharon on my way as I left to go to church. I signed up for Bella’s Twilight Adventure Tour that evening at Leppell’s on way to meetinghouse. They mentioned that the weather was possible problem with dinner on beach to watch sunset, but would do something.

It was really raining when got to the meetinghouse. Strangely there were no signs as to what the building was. It looked like a meetinghouse, but wasn’t positive until went inside. While waiting for Sacrament meeting to get started wrote in my trip journal. Nice friendly ward and very small. One sister was very straightforward about needing me here rather than my current home ward. Nice meeting. It was still raining when I left after Sacrament meeting.

There were some SMD2013 events going on, but I really needed to do laundry. The soap box had enough soap for two loads and I had only one load. So what to do with the rest, how keep it and yet not spill all over everything? I did time it right…there was one washer open when I got there and as leaving two groups came in with multiple loads each.

Nessie’s birthday party was at Miller Tree Inn, also known as the Cullen home. Rain continued throughout the day off and on and varied from heavy to light. The Inn is really interesting…it has the graduation cap movie prop. There is a cute sign out front from Esme. The front room is set up as Carlisle’s office. There is an upright piano for Edward with Twilight sheet music from soundtracks. There are a number of other Twilight related items around the rooms. The party was a final photo op with the Olympic Coven. It was announced on FB and likely Twitter that there would be no refreshments, however later heard about Nessie blowing out candles on the cake – happened after I left, too many people in too small a space. Said final goodbye and thank you to Anna before leaving.

While waiting for the tour I worked on catching up on posts and photos. The weather had cleared some, so the beach barbeque was a go. The tour was fantastic. Charlene Leppell was our tour guide and Richard the driver. Charlene had lots of local stories about various points of interests related to Twilight. We stopped at the City Hall / Police Station, then to Miller Tree Inn. Richard noticed some elk had come out of the tree in field so we made a slight detour. We then went to house associated with Bella and Charlie Swann. It is a private residence and they don’t allow people close to the house. They do have a sign out front and allow pictures from there. Lovely gardens.

Off to Rialto beach and hot dog and s’mores. The weather was still not raining. We wandered about for about 15 minutes. This beach was rocky, much more like First beach is described in the books. All different sizes of rocks, fist size to pea size. Lots of driftwood around as well. It was too cloudy to see the sunset, but still no rain. Half way through my hot dog it started to rain, not hard. Food didn’t really get wet. We all just laughed it off as part of the adventure. We had s’mores too. Richard and Charlene have a great set up with multiple hot dog wire cooker and marshmallows made for s’mores. We packed up and off to Jacob’s house and motorcycle. It was dark by now so flash needed on cameras. One couple’s camera flash was working intermittingly. We all had to kind of wait for theirs to work or not. Oh forgot to mention they have life size cutouts that they bring out so we can take pictures with the cut out too. Charlene was wonderful in offering to take pictures of me at the places. We all sat on the motorcycle for pictures next to Jacob and then on the porch. The next stop was the treaty line and vampire meter at Three Rivers restaurant/gas station/store. Then on to the Welcome to Forks sign.

James Island is in background hiding in fog. 

The hospital and Carlisle’s parking space was the next stop. The sign has been moved around several times, for different reasons. Currently it is around the corner from handicap parking sign above a bicycle rack. That struck me as really funny at the time. Bella’s trucks in front of the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center was the next stop. There is the book correct truck, 1953, and the movie version, 1963. Final stop was the out of doors back of Leppell’s where the SMD2013 group party was held on Saturday. They have the Monte Carlo arch from the movie and gazebo shaped lights. 

The tour started about 1730hrs and we got back about 2130hrs. It was well worth the money. Interesting stories. Fun time. Great way to end SMD weekend.

Forks Trip Day 11, Hoh Rainforest, FiF Party

My apology for the late post. I am not a good traveler anymore and things have just caught up and I’ve not been able to stay up to post after getting back to motel room about 2300hrs. Today is day 13 of trip and I’m going to spend this morning catching up on days 11 and 12. This is being prepared off line due to internet connection being down, so hopefully it will be back before I’m done working off line. Thank you for your patience.

Attending Bella’s First Hunt at the Hoh Rain forest was the morning activity. It is about a 30 mile drive, but takes almost an hour to drive. It was cloudy until crossed the boundary for the park area and the sun started breaking through the clouds. A small group of us were gathered at the Visitor’s Center waiting for the Olympic Coven to arrive. After about 15 minutes I decided to go on without them. I was there to see the forest not the Coven. The Hall of Mosses seemed about the right length for time available. It was beautiful. Green mostly. Ancient, even the moss felt ancient.

The Olympic Coven with larger group of fans was on way up as I was finishing. They posed on the trail where our paths crossed. I took a couple of pictures – a nice one of Alice and Rosalie. Victoria and James were stalking the humans. Victoria was wearing a green t-shirt and with her red hair, further up the trail she’ll blend in well with the changing maple trees. Caught James hiding behind a tree and brush. Chatted with the James actor before he had to get back to stalking the humans. He is from a forest area and misses the trees and all. I posted all the pictures of the Olympic Coven as separate two separate posts.

There were a couple of stores on the way in and I stopped on the way out. Kind of fun mix of tourist souvenirs and hiking/camping equipment. There was a small open air market by Chamber of Commerce with some interesting vendors.

The costume contest was nearly over by time I got there. There were some good costumes. Emmett was arm wrestling fans at same time. The Coven ladies were the costume contest judges and the Coven guys were supporting Emmett.

There was a group photo at the Forks High School with the Olympic coven. Very large group. I wonder how the photographer got us all in. It will be interesting to see once it gets on SMD web site or Facebook page. 

Time for a break and get ready for the big Forever in Forks party tonight. Got dressed up with excellent reason to wear my Twilight jewelry. The tables were crowded together in the Elks Club. There were water glasses set on table, but no water. Tables off to side had the silent auction and raffle items on display. I bid on a travel mug with hot chocolate packets and was the final bid. All proceeds are going to Stand Up 2 Cancer. There were two photo booths set up – one inserted you into forested area with FiF 2013 at bottom, the other took four shots and provided props to play with. Yes, I did both and no intention of sharing with anyone. I don’t do goofy or play act well.

The music was loud so hard to talk and hear each other. With closed packed together tables it was hard to move around. I found a seat and mostly stayed there. They had to set up another table for ticket holders to sit and eat and one for the musicians to display their CD’s for sale. It was close to 1930hrs when dinner was served. No announcement was made to whole group, just to those by the buffet tables or at least I did not hear any announcement. People started getting food and others realized food ready.

The food was good and hot or cold as suppose to be. There were a couple of different salads, rice and shrimp dish, tomato and sausage soup, potato and cheese bake, vegetable medley, rolls, mushroom ravioli and salmon cakes. Most of us at our table didn’t care for the soup, various reasons. Everything else was good. Desert was sort of simple compared to what we had at the picnic, very nicely decorated cupcakes.

The no announcement thing happened again when the musician guests started playing. All so loud hard to tell when the music went from recorded DJ to the live musicians. The room barely quieted. I felt sorry for the performers with that competition. Cider Sky was the first to perform and then Iko. Both groups only played three or four songs as part of concert. To me it was more dinner theatre than concert, but I’ve been out of live music performances for long time. After the live performance the music went to karaoke. The only song I recognized was “Proud Mary”. There were children in the group and at least one song had explicit language warning with the words. A lot of the young women there were wearing outfits that covered about as much as Tina Turner’s outfits usually did and maybe still do.

The Hoh Rainforest trip, costume contest and arm wrestling were arranged by the Stephenie Meyer Day group and the party was part of the Forever in Forks package. FiF also had a showing of both parts of Breaking Dawn that started at same time as Bella’s First Hunt. There was another party held by the Stephenie Meyer Day 2013 group that had The Hillywood Show ladies as a guest. I was going to try to make it over there too, but didn’t. I didn’t stay at the party for the raffle or to see if the Hindi Sisters made it to that party too. Apparently Eric Odom and Jack Morrissey showed up to both parties. He played Peter in BD2 and Jack Morrissey is Bill Condon’s partner. I did not see either one of them. I stayed as late and as long as I could take the loudness.

SMD Olympic Coven Pictures Saturday and Sunday

First a couple of Emmett arm wrestling a fan.

Then at the group photo in front of Forks High School.

Bella and Edward were a little late getting there. Wonder what they were doing?

The coven in front of the collected fans.

At the Hoh Rainforest Hall of Mosses Trail

James stalking the humans while Alice and Rosalie take a break.

Saturday night's Forever in Forks party Jasper and karaoke.

Sunday at Nessie's Birthday party at Miller Tree Inn aka Cullen's Home

SMD Olympic Coven Pictures Day 10, Friday Picnic

These were all taken at the Forever in Forks picnic at La Push on Friday 13 September 2013.

Edward talking to someone's friend that couldn't make it.

With Stephenie Meyer, not a good picture but sharing anyway

Trip to Forks Day 10: Stephenie Meyer is here!

Friday 13 September 13. Scary day? Not so much here. Cloudy all day, good weather for our vampires to be out and about. Started off with walk to Tillicum Park to check in and get breakfast for Forever in Forks group. 

It was heavy misting or light rain for most of the walk. Not unpleasant, didn't get soaked at all, just a little wet. I was one of last ones and good thing walked as no parking available. There wasn't enough seating available either. Met and chatted with a few ladies, in line and at table. The good bag was fun - drawstring backpack style with Bella's engagement ring, TWS inspired soap sample, FiF landyard, sunglasses, slap wrist bracelet, FiF button, Twilight postcard, instructions for scavenger hunt and a hard back book, The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa. 

The rain stopped before got to the park and hadn't started up again so dry walk back to motel. I stopped at the Chinook Pharmacy and General Store to look around more than did the other day. Interesting place. Fabric, toys, over the counter meds, gifts/souvenirs - sort of felt like back in Old West general store. 

Then to First Beach and picnic lunch with Olympic coven. 

Looks a little different from two days ago with thick fog couldn't see the islands at all. They are much closer than thought they would be from pictures of the area. 

The Olympic Coven was delayed getting there because Stephenie Meyer came to town more or less unannounced. She was at the Chamber of Commerce/Visitor info signing and meeting the Olympic Coven. Lunch was good, more meeting and chatting with different folks. Stephenie came to our area but stayed away from the lunch site...word got around. Didn't have a chance to talk with her, but did see her and cried about it. I don't know who the other lady is.

She said that she would be back. She had to go meet with Mayor and open SM Day. Apparently she hadn't been here for several years for this yearly event. We were richly blessed. I ended up leaving for a break since no specific time for bon fire and S'mores. Didn't make it back to First beach for the bon fire and SM visit for variety of reasons. 

Went to the Roundhouse for the music fest for a few minutes. Talked with the Hindi Sisters from The Hillywood Show. Then to the FiF fan fiction discussion. Interesting discussion about stories never heard of and from sounds of won't likely read - sounds like most would be M rated. Back to Roundhouse to see the end of Eclipse parody and then the two Breaking Dawn ones. Hilly and Hannah answered questions after that. Getting tired and had to update this, so I left after a couple of questions. Heard that SM was suppose to show up at the Roundhouse, don't know if she did or not. The Hindi Sisters met SM for the first time during their meet and greet at Sully's Burgers. 

Tomorrow is visit to Hoh Rainforest - aka Bella's First Hunt trip. So off to bed for me. 

Forks Trip Planning Update 2

Not much happening this past week. My SMDs T-shirt arrived Monday. There are some nice details on it that don’t show up well in picture when ordered. There is a red pawn, white queen, a red nearly torn ribbon, some claw marks, Cullen lion and feathers floating around the logo. Hopefully the Forever in Forks T-shirt arrives soon. I found a purple polo shirt rather than a T-shirt on sale for Mrs Cope costume. Bella doesn’t mention what slacks or skirt she was wearing, so I can make that up – conservative or outrageous. The books about Forks that I ordered from the Chamber of Commerce arrived late last week. Some enjoyable reading and pretty pictures too. Speaking of pictures I ordered a digital SLR camera and lens. I finished my thank you letter and added my 'Solace' poem and got that in mail for the Project Thank You. Found some fancy paper to put the poem on, ended up looking nice.  I’m still working on setting up meeting with some people about doTerra. Once have that the schedule can be settled. 

Forks Trip Planning Update 1

One month to wait for Stephenie Meyer Days (SMDs) in Forks Washington! Making my lists and checking them twice or more.

Recently found out there are actually two local Forks organizations that put on different aspects of SMDs, so a total of three organizations. It was something of a shock to see The Hillywood Show announcement and check things out and discovered a different schedule. Exchanged some emails with SMD and got things cleared up. The names are similar and wondered if a site got hijacked or something. Neither Twilight Lexicon nor Forever in Forks had mentioned the other organization and events. [Wonder if some bad feelings between the groups. Seen that among our local science fiction community.]

There is the Forever in Forks (FiF) group, web site:  http://www.foreverinforks.com/  . They are the group that plans an annual event in different places. This year they are working with Stephenie Meyer Day to coordinate various activities over the weekend. Last year it was in LA in conjunction with the BD2 movie premier. They pick places associated with the Saga in some way. They do a poll to see what the people’s preferences are. By the time I found out it was decided in Forks Washington for SMD. Last month they had a poll up with location and weekend choices for next year. You pay for a ticket to all of their events or just the big party night. At least for this time there are a few meals included in the price. I decided to do the whole thing for a variety of reasons. The price actually seems reasonable for all that you are getting, better deal than the special gold packages CreationCon usually has at least in my opinion. The movie viewing is the only thing I’m not really interested in. At the party there is an auction and raffle to raise money for a charity, this year it is Stand Up 2 Cancer. They recently announced that there will be an acoustic concert from some of the artists on the soundtracks and one of the actors, Cider Sky, Iko and Tinsel Korey. They are asking for donations to the auction and raffle. I’m thinking about donating a couple of items. I am trying to downsize my collectibles. That night I will really need to keep that in mind.

There is the Stephenie Meyer Day (SMD), web site: http://stepheniemeyerday.com .  This year they are working with the FiF group and coordinating events. This group offers a more immersive experience into the Saga world. To help with that they work with a group of actors to recreate the main characters, The Olympic Coven. Most of the events are free; actually so far the only ones that cost money involve meals and the prom. I’ve already volunteered to help them during the events on Thursday and Friday. It will be nice to have something to do at the prom since I don’t dance. Volunteering will also be a way to really meet people. I told them of my local science fiction experience volunteering and that my job is customer service and cashiering. The volunteer supervisor mentioned having buttons for us – chaperon for the prom. That got me thinking of doing a Mrs Cope costume, old enough and might be kind of fun. I may get a chance to flirt with Edward as a bonus, all in keeping with the characters of course. I will need a bad red wig and need to read Bella’s initial description and see if I have the appropriate clothes. Staci, the lead organizer, has been very patient in answering my questions and explaining things and offering help to make sure I have a good time. I’m looking forward to meeting her. Maybe we will have a chance to sit and talk about our differing experiences in running events.

The third group is Stephenie Meyer Days 2013 (SMD13), web site: http://www.stepheniemeyerdays21013.com  Their mission is to provide events honoring Stephenie Meyer and spotlight local businesses. With the similar names, hopefully a little understandable how one might think something funny with one or the other. The events are more like what I think of as street fair happenings. There are some duplication of events, costume contests and they have at least their own Alice and Bella for photo ops. The Hillywood Show ladies will be their guest. I am looking forward to seeing the Hindi ladies again. There are some other fun events that I may have a hard time juggling time between all the happenings.

The Hillywood Show web site: http://www.thehillywoodshow.com     

The Olympic Coven portion of SMD: http://stepheniemeyerday.com/#!/?page_id=2 

The next thing to talk about is The Forks Motel, http://forksmotel.com  They are the official motel for the FiF group. I called in early July and all the rooms were reserved already, not surprising. The gentleman that I spoke with took my name and number and requirements for their waiting list. I didn’t really expect I’d get a call, figured there were a fair number already on the list. Then out of blue there was a message left for me from Sherry – a reservation had been cancelled for a three queen bed with full kitchen. The price was only $10 more a night than the reservation I had in Port Angeles and it was in Forks and worth it. We chatted a bit and mentioned didn’t have confirmed roommates and likely only one, but three beds and kitchen would be useful. Two days later Sherry called again…there was a two queen beds room available at a big savings over the suite. WOW. I am really impressed at the service level. There was additional savings. I really need to send them a San Francisco gift, maybe some sourdough bread or Ghirardelli chocolate.

This past Saturday I heard back from both of my possible travel companions and neither can come. Good thing the room was changed from three beds to two. I’m kind of sad that I won’t have a traveling companion. Neither one being able to come was not a total surprise as I had begun to think this whole trip is something that I’m suppose to do alone – something of a quest or walkabout, to walk by faith with practical preparation done ahead of time. I am trying to keep myself open to possibilities. I am at peace with this so far, so I must be walking the path the Lord intends. I do not intend to share much more of this personal aspect of the trip. I have a written journal for that. I plan on posting to this blog on a daily basis once the trip starts. Those postings will be to share in the adventure part of the trip, pictures, places stop, other exciting things. I need to try out posting pictures. I am thinking of a Flickr account to download all the photo’s each day and post the better ones here. Check back for update and link for that if decide to go that route. Three weeks and counting for this wonderful trip to begin.

With Faith in the Lord Going to Forks Washington for Stephenie Meyer Day

The end of June I started thinking, praying, and looking into going this year to Forks Washington for Stephenie Meyer Day 12-15 September. Things started coming together, Sunday at church I got a really clear answer to prayer about it….good to go. There are actually two things going on this year. Forever in Forks (FiF) is having their annual big weekend there 13-15 September. They change location and weekend every year. A nice idea so one may have a chance to not travel so far. The City of Forks has Stephenie Meyer Day (SMD) around Bella’s birthday of 13 September. They have their first activity on Thursday 12 September and end on Saturday the 14^th. Web sites for FiF, SMD, Project Thank You and Forks Washington are at bottom.

Forever in Forks announced back in March the dates and motel arrangements, so you know by now all rooms are taken in Forks. I did call and ask to make sure and checked motel reservation on-line sites for availability. So picked a place in Port Angeles and made reservations. FiF has a ‘looking for roomie’ tab. Sent some messages out…replies came back with roommates already found. So room will be bigger expense than would like, but…still going. One person is still a remote possibility. One of my usual pre-readers is a possible travel companion.

I am planning on two weeks total. Plan to take long slow drive along the coast as much as possible. Taking cameras and will likely stop lots to take pictures. Pre-reader suggested looking for agates at one place…sounds fun and different. I’ve never been rock hunting that I remember. So my pre-reader, if she can make it, would join me for the travels not just SMD and Twilight sites. I’ve told her I’m flexible on plans to be shorter for her part if need to be for the trip to fit her schedule. It would be fun to have a travel companion for any part of the trip.

Meeting people is one reason for deciding to go whole hog and get the full FiF package deal. A number of meals are included, so think it will be worth it. I’ve not actually read about any past SMD events for how many people are there. Figure lots. The FiF seems like it might be a little more controlled and limited number of people at one time. Big crowds tend to put me into shy observe mode. I want to meet and talk to people who are fans of Twilight and Stephenie Meyer, not observe them. Even with fewer people I’ll still likely need to get out of my usual reserve self. ‘Party Abby’ will need to be there.

One reason for going this year is the 10 year anniversary of Ms Meyer’s dream that became Twilight. It seems the perfect time to go. It has only been 3.5 years since I first read the books and discovered fan sites and fan fiction. My interest in Twilight isn’t waning, but I am reallocating time spent on Twilight and spending more time on other interests. Being forced into early retirement from my primary profession, I have the free time if not a lot of money to go this year.

Having a good digital camera would be really nice for the trip to download daily and see how doing as go along. It would also save money on processing film and printing pictures. My little compact point-n-shoot digital doesn’t always give me the picture I want or the one I think I’m taking – my eye focus is the part of the problem, looks good on the screen, but full size on computer not good at all. The camera auto-focus isn’t focusing on what I want it to or think it is focused on. I am starting to think it is time to upgrade to digital SLR where I can really see and make sure focus on what I want.

In an effort to clean out condo / downsize collectibles and help finance this trip and camera upgrade I will be selling some of my collectible items – Star Trek movie poster set in silver, large Enterprise model, several Christmas ornaments. 

There are lots of reason I should not be going on this trip and other things I should be doing and other things I should be spending money on – lack of funds in general due to forced early retirement, family history project for nieces and nephews, cleaning out house, learning about alternative health options especially essential oils and building doTerra business. There is one reason to go – it just feels like the right thing to do, spiritually and temporally. Maybe that is one of things to get out of Twilight: sometimes it does not matter what you should do, more important is what feels right to do. With faith in the Lord, I am proceeding with this trip.

http://www.foreverinforks.com/

http://stepheniemeyerday.com/

http://stepheniemeyerday.com/#!/?page_id=915   Project Thank You

http://forkswa.com/