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 Day 9

As end of day 8 post stated, I started today out working on the pictures posts and day 8 post. It was cloudy all day and comfortable temperature. About noon I got out and started Twilight tour with a stop at the Chamber of Commerce. There are two red trucks in their parking lot. One is movie version and one the book version. 

Their door sticks a little and person on other side helped out...Jacob with Nessie. Victoria and James were there as well. All looked good. Actor Jacob a little too short and young looking for the character. Victoria had a real edge to her and kind of constantly looking around for escape routes. Got the info needed from the CC. Looked into the lumber museum. Had a nice chat with lady there. There are two hiking loops. One is about half mile, no mileage given for the other one. Will have to go back and do at least the half mile one. There are some old machinery on display by the museum. 

Then went hunting for a new chain for glasses as one broke. Thiftway didn't have any so the lady called the local pharmacy store and yes they had some. So off to visit there. Chatted with one of the pharmacy staff. Then over to the Native to Twilight store. Found a nice dark grey zippered jacket with native design on the back. It is lightweight jacket replacing old one that has seen better days. Also found some huckleberry candy. Jacob, Nessie, James, Victoria, Esme and Carlisle were also in the store. 

Then time for the Meet and Greet Olympic Coven formally at Mill Creek Bar and Grill.  They were late. Busy place, food available. Closed in with lots of talking so kind of loud. Hard to hear when tried chatting with a small group. Left to find food elsewhere. Not really comfortable in bars. 

Had dinner at Sully's Burgers. Good salmon burger, not what I ordered, but good. Wanted the Bella burger, meat with pineapple. Drove around to find a couple more spots didn't see in earlier drive. Found the "Cullen home", Swan residence, hospital, park, high school, police station, city hall. 

Left car at motel and walked to where the prom was to be at to help with decorating. Blew up balloons, separated strings of lights and helped put them up. Wind came up so had to herd the balloons back together. Moved tables and chairs out to prom area. Oh, the prom was held out doors. 

Never got back to room to change into fancy clothes. Stayed in Mrs Cope outfit - black slacks, purple polo shirt. Actually got cool once sun set. Chatted with a local radio station staff person around to cover the event while wait for further directions after lights strung up. After about an hour of prom I decided to come back to room. I was in observation mode, not interact mode. The coven folks all looked good. Edward arrived without Bella initially - crossed signals getting the actors together before arriving. 

Tomorrow Forever in Forks events happen - breakfast and then picnic lunch at La Push with SMD La Push adventure after the picnic. SMD2013 events start up in town. They finally published a combined schedule on Tuesday I think. Did find out that the two local groups do indeed not like each other and do not necessarily play nice together. Sad. It would benefit both to work together and still provide both types of experiences. That's all for today. Good night. Take care. Wishing I had some of you with me. 

Trip to Forks Day 8

Hiking day for 11 Sep 13, Day 8 of trip. Gwen and I planned to meet up in the Sol Duc Hot Springs area. That didn't work out as planned. We missed each other and then lost cell service. I enjoyed some hikes and views along the way to the hot springs. I stopped at the Salmon Cascades Exhibit. Nice little hike to get closer to water. 

The ranger said that some salmon have been spotted here, but none around when I was. The next stop was the Ancient Grove loop. The trail head was a little hard to find, but well worth the hike. 

New trees growing out of old ones.

 Beautiful overhead canopy.

I stopped and looked around at the Ranger Station. Picked up a better map of park and book on easy day hikes. Then to the springs. Sulfur smell hit you when first walk in. Then drive a little further to get to the Sol Duc Falls trail head. Magnificent falls at the end and some little ones on creeks along the way. 

This last one is a little creek falls along the way. Ate lunch at the end before hiking back to car. Chatted with some folks from Wisconsin on the way back. They are out visiting National Parks. 

Went out to La Push and First Beach before returning to motel. Finally saw some fog and cooled down. Sequim was warm to hot. Today was warm. Even under tree canopy it was comfortable without a jacket of any kind. 

Chatted with the Twilight tour guide. Thought about doing that in the morning. Instead I stayed in and updated the blog. I had dinner at the waterfront restaurant. Very good clam chowder. Went to Thriftway to pick up snack stuff I've run out of. Evening spent updating this blog. Now I'm all caught up, so time to get out there and see stuff. Take care. 

Forks Trip Pictures Day 7

On hike at Dungeness Spit

Bright orange mold on hike

Almost to the beach

Thought of the meerkats from "An Unexpected Woman" by Sandi Layne

Blackberries

My friend Gwen

Lake Crescent reminds me of "Emeralds to Rubies" by Katmom

I made it!

Forks Trip Pictures, Day 1, 2, 6

Day 1 Pictures

Day 2

Mount Shasta before hidden by clouds.

Day 6

Busy Bee in Port Orchard

Wall art in Port Orchard

Just interesting looking at Shine Beach after crossing Hood Canal

Another just interesting looking pattern on drift wood at Shine Beach

Tacoma home

Forks trip day 6 and 7

Monday 9 September was day 6 of trip. This was day to see a bit of my past. I recently found some old photographs including one that had written on back "Our first home 1948" and the address in Tacoma Washington. This would be the home that they were living in when I was born. Dad was stationed at Ft Lewis and I was born at the base hospital. There are some pictures of me soon after mom and I were home from hospital and then at 18 weeks old inside the home. 

I sent a postcard to the current residences saying I was going to be in the area and would like to take pictures to go with the old B&W images. I had no trouble finding the place. Currently painted yellow, Mom would like that. She would like the pink flamingos in the yard too. There is a garage and a large tool shed that wasn't there. I knocked on door and let them know I was here and make sure no problem taking the pictures. As I was getting ready to leave, so were they so chatted a bit. It is their first home. Fireplace hasn't been used in 30 odd years, but otherwise in good shape. They had just moved in three weeks ago, about the time I sent the post card. The previous owner had been there for 35+ years. So at least one other owner between my parents and the current couple. 

My parents moved before I was a year old, Dad was transferred to Korea in October 1950, Mom moved to Pasadena California to be closer to both sides of family. I didn't expect to feel anything about the house. It was interesting seeing it live in person. 

Before leaving Tacoma I called a friend that now lives in Sequim. She offered her place to spend one or two nights. I told her had to stop at Port Orchard and be in Sequim in the late afternoon. On the road again.

Crossed over some large expanses of water. The second one was the Hood Canal. Significant in fan fiction story "What Drives Her" by Virginia May. The image in my head from her story was lots different from reality. Say canal to me and think of Venice, Italy or Florida developments with canals to give river access to more homeowners. The real Hood Canal is wide and big with long floating bridge across it. 

Port Orchard was quaint and nice. The part I saw was nothing like Cedar Cove as shown on the Hallmark Channel series. I can see where Debbie Macomber would be inspired by the location and maybe the books match up with reality better. Port Orchard has much more of a marina and more than just personal boat marina than Cedar Cove has. Glad I stopped and looked around and had lunch. 

Made one other stop at Shine Beach, west end of Hood Canal bridge. Driftwood and sea shell pictures. Then on to Sequim. Had a good evening with friend Gwen. She borrowed New Moon from a neighbor and we watched it in the media room, maybe 50 seat theater with big screen monitor. 

She has a small one bedroom apartment in a senior complex. The couch was comfortable enough, but not wide enough. I fell off when turning over during the night. So when got up called Forks Motel to see if arrive a day early and acceptable - apparently I had forewarned them I might do that. Once Gwen was up, we went to Dungeness Spit. Nice hike to beach and along the spit for a bit. We did not go to the lighthouse. This was another case of image not matching reality. Gwen had mentioned beach and shops, that got mashed together in my head and I wore inappropriate shoes for what we had. More driftwood pictures. We walked back via the longer horse trail. 

We went to a U-Pick farm after that. Gwen wanted some blueberries. I got some interesting pictures of blackberries. They had vines for raspberries and huckleberries too. You could pick corn and lavender also. Nice set up. 

Lunch and back to apartment for me to leave and Gwen had a memorial service to go to. We agreed to met at the Sul Duc hot springs area tomorrow. On to Forks! Drive was good and easy to start. Beginning to wonder about the winding roads...that started by Lake Crescent. The lake reminded me of "Emeralds to Rubies" story by Katmom. Long and narrow. Stopped a couple of place to take pictures. And then there was the flag man with one way traffic somewhere ahead. Never did see it the one way traffic and any construction. Maybe our group was the last one for the day?

Now there is construction going on the Calawah River bridge right before enter Forks that requires you to slow to 10mph crossing the bridge. Not best time for that to be happening with big crowd coming in over the next few days. Stopped and took picture of Welcome to Forks sign. Found the Forks Motel and got a nice ground floor room away from highway. Spent evening unpacking looking for ankle braces to wear hiking tomorrow, instead of writing these updates. 

These post are going up with only me rereading them once or twice. If any errors or something not clear please let me know so I can correct. 

Trip to Forks Day 4 and 5

Saturday 7 September was day 4 of trip and spent driving to Bellevue Washington for a seminar on an alternative health business, more on that at some later date maybe. It was an interesting drive. The people I was staying with mentioned the traffic being a problem even on a Saturday. It was at least 1.5hr drive. They did not mention nor did my friends that use to live there ever mention fog being a problem. It was foggy and really thick in places. Got to Bellevue and missed the exit...off next one and backtrack. Got there in plenty of time. The seminar was interesting. Heard lots on things, most still settling into brain to really learn it. Chatted with some nice folks at lunch. Drive back was equally interesting. Forgot I needed gas before got on freeway...warning light reminded me, only the second time in four years. Saw a gas station on corner where I got off the freeway, but no way to get there from where I was....so down one street and two U turns later at the station. Stopped for dinner before getting back to Chehalis. Lots of "fun" driving today. Really be glad to get to Forks and stay in one place for a few days with minimal driving I hope.

Sunday 8 September was day 5 of trip. Went to church with folks staying with. Home for lunch - grilled hamburgers and corn on the cob! Good salad to complete the meal. We played three games of 'Sorry'....he won all three. Light evening food and bed kind of early. "Exciting day", much needed after all that stuff on Saturday. 

I am in Forks Washington!!

I made it! I am in Forks Washington! Stephenie Meyer Days starts on Thursday at 1500hrs. I have good internet connection, so I will be able to update the missing days and daily with all the Stephenie Meyer Day events. This will be last post shared on Facebook. I will update missing days later, need to get settled some. I'm in Forks Motel if anyone needs to call me. As always comments on this blog are always appreciated. Take care until later. Abby

Forks Trip Day 3

Found my way to home of a friend of friend, I met them once a few years ago. Nice drive from Springfield, Oregon to Chehalis, Washington. Wednesday and Thursday saw lots of cattle, today it was sheep. Flat farm lands became higher rolling hills to mountains. Stopped at Outlet Mall in Woodburn for camera store. Picked up some accessories for the new DSLR and my film cameras. Nice chat with the store person. Did not stop at all the rest stops today. Most not so interesting scenery anyway. They seem to be closer together than use to going in southern direction. 

The stop for lunch also had three bus loads of high school students stopping. Traveling for Friday night football games I guess. With all the girls from the buses I decided to use the rest rooms away from main area. It was a nice walk. There was a solar equipment area in that back area. Interesting set up. 

Driving through Portland was interesting. Lots of traffic. Direction sign were clear and made the drive through less stressful. Some really interesting buildings. Much more mountainous after Portland. 

No plans to post tomorrow. I will be attending a seminar for alternative health business that I'm looking into becoming more active in doing. It will be long day with long drives. Take care.

Trip to Forks, day 1 and 2

Things got a little crazy the last week before leaving...computer internet connection problem and the camera I ordered on line was being delayed in shipping. As a result I didn't post a planning update as I had originally intended. Wouldn't have said much beyond getting car checked up, hair trimmed up and the two problems. According to tracking data, the camera was delivered today, two days later than they guaranteed. Saves me the restocking fee. I went to local store and paid more but have a new digital SLR camera - Nikon D5100 with 18-200mm lens. So far really nice. So now on to the trip.

Day 1 started at home, ended up in Mt Shasta City, Finlandia Motel. Got off later than planned, partially due to me packing like 'Alice' when allowed and with no one sharing ride I'm allowed. We'll see how much I actually use and wear. It is one aspect of traveling that is hard for me - trying to decide what I will want to wear so far in advance. Weather and exact activities require choices to be available and when traveling choices means need more space. I also like to bring my special pillow along. 

It has been a while since I've driven up I-5 north of Sacramento. Traffic not bad, lots of trucks. Passed lots of orchards and vineyards. There is a wild life refuge area that I may check out on way back. The Central Valley is one of the migrating bird fly zone if I recall correctly. Later in September might have it more populated.

Met up with a Twilight friend, Karen, in Redding. We had good lunch at a local restaurant, Cheesecake Unlimited. We've IM'd and exchanged emails, but never met in person. Fun chatting about TWS, Harry Potter, other fandoms, fan fiction, etc. 

North of Redding started getting higher rolling hills and then into mountains. Eventually spotted Mt Shasta. There was road construction which closed out some vista points :-( ...one especially had a nice view. Decided to stop in Mt Shasta City for the night. Found a local motel. The bedspread was a red plaid pattern, but the curtains were like SW Indian weave pattern. Both very nice individually, but a little odd together. Was not able to get computer connected to their WiFi. Nice view of mountains across the valley. Got some nice sunset pictures.

Day 2: Up and on road again. Spending tonight in Springfield Oregon. Stopped at the Visitor Center, lady there looked at me funny when mentioned TWS and going to Forks...oh I'm wearing my Eclipse T-shirt. Pretty mountain scenery continued. Mt Shasta was cloudy. Pretty in its own way, but can't see much of mountain. Stopped at nearly every rest stop, taking pictures, stretching legs. Drove through clouds at 4300+ feet elevation. Kind of thick in couple of place and on curvy mountain road that was interesting. Only saw one logging truck all day, well maybe 1.5 - the half had completed product not the raw trees. Would have thought there would be more. Lots of places for runaway trucks on the down side of mountains. Wonder how often that happens. 

The waitresses at lunch today really liked the T-shirt. Regional restaurant, Black Bear Diner. Good lunch, didn't leave room for huckleberry ice cream though. Also had a S'mores shake or sundae. Maybe on my way home. As I was leaving saw a man in a UoA T-shirt. Cool. It started to rain right after I got back to car from lunch. Saw some fields with sprinkles still going. Skipped stopping at rest stops while it was raining. Really pretty drive through the mountains and the valleys between. So many shades of green.

In Oregon you get your gas pumped for you. The young man even washed my window. It was kind of funny because for some reason I'd been thinking about service stations way back when they provided service, not just gas. Bad part was no excuse to get out and stretch...time for a rest stop break. Decided Eugene/Springfield a good place and time to stop for the night. Staying at Shilo Inn. Had problems getting connected again...third room was the charm. So able to get this posted. Take care. AW

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.

Happy Anniversary Bella and Edward!

Happy Anniversary Bella and Edward!

Sorry for being a day late.

Big news in honor of the anniversary – the boxed set of movies will be available 5 November 2013. It will be a nice early birthday present. Here is Twilight Lexicon’s announcement: http://www.twilightlexicon.com/2013/08/13/twilight-ultimate-box-set-heading-your-way-in-time-for-christmas/

There is a follow up post with details of the extras: http://www.twilightlexicon.com/2013/08/13/special-features-listing-for-the-twilight-saga-complete-box-set/

I never got the BD2 DVD having decided to wait for the boxed set. Unlike more devoted fans I only intended to get one copy of each of movies even though different versions were available from different retailers. I did inadvertently pick up two copies of a couple of the movies and already passed them along. Some of the features will be new to me. Do kind of wonder at no deleted scenes from BD2. They have said there were done and that the scenes didn’t work so not going to release, but us fans don’t really care if work or not. Those of us interested in ‘make of movies’ those scenes would be of interest to see why didn’t work and hear why director thought they didn’t work.

And in one month we have Stephenie Meyer Days in Forks Washington! Making my lists and checking them twice or more. An update for trip is being worked on too.

The delay in this anniversary post is due to stumbling across the first couple of episodes of Castle yesterday. Nathan Fillon was especially cute in the first couple. During the day I was out shopping, partly for the trip.

Richly Blessed - Forks Trip Update

I've been richly blessed this week. Monday I got a call from the Forks Motel. They had a cancellation for SMD weekend, was I interested? Three queen beds and kitchen. Cost is $10 more a night than the room in Port Angeles, so....yes! Reservation confirmed for Thursday to Monday. Now to find people to share it with. 

Talked with one person here in California....still a maybe. Hope she can join me for the whole trip. Need to send message to one of ones on the FiF roommie list. 

On Tuesday I found info on an old employer retirement account that indicated it was still open. I thought I had closed it earlier this year. So called them and faxed paperwork this morning to close out the account and get cash into bank account. That will cover the trip and new camera. Also donated to a couple of Kickstarter projects. 

Really feel the trip is coming together well and is meant to be. I'm not even being my usual down side person and waiting for 'other shoe to drop'. Staying here and enjoying the time. Praise the Lord! for the attitude shift. Want to get another project stage 1 done and then go look for digital SLR.

Excited!

Review of An Unexpected Woman by Sandi Layne

This was a very delightful read. The cover picture really fits the story. The two main characters, Shelley and Mark, laugh a lot together and with other characters – Semper Gumby and TDH. They have their serious moments too, but joy in life is the prevailing feeling. They are both people of faith and that faith is shown in the way they invite the Lord into their daily lives. There are prayers in their hearts and minds as they go about their work a day lives. This is how so many people of faith that I know go about their lives and it is great to read a novel that shows that aspect. It is also great to read a modern romance novel where the characters keep to a higher standard in their relationship. They do run into a bump in the road of romance and it points out how Mark was a bit unbalanced in his faith at least in one aspect of his life – relies too much, too far on the Lord forgetting how we need to do all that we can to prepare and rely on the Lord for the rest. It is then that Mark realizes who Shelley is to him.  The final sexy scene is the best! Well worth the price of the book.

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/

Reasons for negativity around homosexual marriages

This was prompted by a friend on Facebook asking why the negatively around homosexual marriages. I posted the numbered comments in the comments under her post. Earlier in the day I had posted the other three items as my status. This all after the Supreme Court said DOMA and California Prop 8 were unconstitutional today. 

Under my friend's status: First let me make it clear I am for the same and equal rights for homosexual couples as heterosexual couples have. This issue would best be solved by changing the word ‘marriage’ in all legal documents to ‘civil union’. Current marriages would be grandfathered in and all new ones would have to have a civil union and then have the religious marriage. The negativity around homosexual marriage is 

1. a belief that marriage is a sacred union ordained of our Heavenly Father to be between man and woman only. Marriage is a religious ceremony, a religious covenant between man, woman and our Heavenly Father.

2. sexual intimacy is only proper between married couples.

3. assumption made that homosexual couples that are married will be engaging in sexual intimate activity and that behavior is wrong.

4. with homosexual marriage legally sanctioned we are being forced to accept a behavior that is wrong to be ok. ie white is now black and black is now white.

5. concern of what some homosexual activists will do to a church that believes a homosexual marriage is wrong and refuses to perform said marriage. Do not doubt that it will happen. Making homosexual marriage legal is an infringement on religious freedom.

6. if this was an issue of only same and equal rights, then they should have been fighting for a change in language from ‘marriage’ to ‘civil unions’. Forcing acceptance of a wrong behavior is a part and a goodly part of the issue.

Please see The Family Proclamation   http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation

My status posts, first one:

So what happens when a gay activist couple decided to sue a church for not performing their marriage because the church believes it is a sin? And do not doubt for a minute that there is a couple out there right now that will do that. This is and will be an infringement on religious freedom.
It still seems to me that the best solution is to strike marriage from all laws and replace with civil unions that everyone has to get. Leave marriage to be a sacred religious union. That would give everyone the same legal right.
There is nothing wrong with being any sexual orientation. But our Heavenly Father has made it clear that marriage is a sacred union between man and woman and that sexual intimacy is only proper within the bounds of marriage. It is the behaviour not the being that is wrong.
I know there are those that will disagree with me. So be it.

Second one:

If the same sex marriage issue was about legal rights, then they should have been working to change the language to civil union in place of marriage. It is my recollection that at least one European country uses civil unions for legal definition and then the couple can get married in a religious ceremony. To me this issue or at least a goodly portion of it is about forcing those of us who believe homosexual behaviour to be wrong to accept it as right -- ie that white is black and black is white. I don't try to change other people's beliefs. I wish other people would not try to change mine.

Third one:

A couple of links about family and same sex attraction.

http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation
http://www.mormonsandgays.org/

Bella should be with Edward

Bella should be with Edward, no ifs ands or buts about it.

A recent exchange of emails with LJ Summers (links at end) got me thinking about just why do I have such a strong reaction to Bella being with a member of the wolf pack. I thought about this as I went about daily tasks and came to a couple of conclusions.

To me the pack is a bunch of male chauvinist shape shifters. They need to protect and take care of their people and especially their imprint if they have one. The other tribe members are mortal humans and need protection from supernatural beings that only they can provide. It is as if the other tribal members are victims or possible victims already and need protection and taking care of. Now, fortunately their legends apparently instill some sense of duty, burden, humility and ground them so they are not arrogant and acting all superior to rest of tribe. 

The imprinting compulsion seems to be tied to mates for making better wolves or at least continue the gene. They don’t like the fact that there is a female shape shifter able to take care of herself and others. However grounded they may be, it does seem to me that their mentality is ‘keep their mates pregnant and barefoot and in the kitchen’. To me that is part of the reason why Rebecca and Rachel Black left, with only Rebecca being totally successful.

The idea of thinking of others as possible victims is one thing that bothers me in regards to Bella staying human and a mate of a pack member. She is so much stronger than that, not physically but inside. Would a mere human go to a sadistic vampire to try to save her mother? No. But Bella does. She has the strength to face James, even terrified as she becomes she still faces him. If Bella stays human with Edward or a pack member, physically she would need to be protected. She would be stuck being a victim, needing to be rescued at times from her own clumsiness or supernatural beings. That is degrading her strength. If with a pack member, she would be limited by staying on the reservation or in Forks. She would not be able to become all that she is capable of. That is so wrong!

Bella with Jacob has some additional problems for me. He is two years younger than her, no matter that he looks older once starts shifting. He manipulates her. He physically attacked her. They really don’t have much in common. He really is a better friend than anything more.

Is my perception of the pack accurate or fair? Maybe yes, maybe no, but it is how I see them from just the original books. Am I giving fan fiction stories with Bella staying human and with a pack member a fair chance? Likely I am not, but I’ve not been able to get around my strong feelings for a strong Bella to read much more than a few one-shots like LJ Summers’ Do You Remember? There are enough other fan fiction stories to keep me busy reading.

She deserves to be a supernatural being herself. With her ‘silent mind’ she was meant for Edward. With her inner strength she was meant to be a vampire with the physical strength to match. No, she won’t grow and change, but she will learn and experience a lot more as a vampire. She will find a way to make use of that knowledge. I personally think she’ll have all of the Cullens out of school and working more often than not.

LJ Summers has written a number of fan fiction stories. She has a series under Imprinting: the Mating Imperative. She kindly responded to some questions I had about the series after telling her I won’t read them. I’ve read a number of her other stories. We already agree to disagree about this issue. Those exchange of emails is what got me started thinking about my strong aversion to Bella with a wolf shape shifter. She helped keep my mind busy the other day. Thanks for that and by extension worked up enough to post on my blog again. Here are the links for her fan fiction profile and the first story of the Imprinting series and the other story mentioned. A warning that bittersweet is her favorite flavor and some ironic twists and endings really fit bittersweet.

http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1965916/LJ-Summers

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5208316/1/The-Hardest-Part

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5351456/1/Do-You-Remember

Breaking Dawn Part 2 Movie experience

I went to see the TWS marathon starting at noon on Thursday 15 November 2012. The line started forming about 9am. I got there closer to 10am. Chatted with folks standing or sitting around in the line. Had my picture taken in front of the BD2 stand up display in the theatre lobby. I wore my Twilight Mom workout slacks, TWM necklace, silver wolf earrings and BD1 T-shirt and silk thermals to keep warm - really glad I did, they were needed.

They started letting us into theatre about 1045hr. We got pink wrist bands and a nice lanyard as we went in. The lanyard had a placard with TWS Marathon BD2 15 Nov 2012 on one side and small images of all the movie posters on the other. Nice. I found a seat in very back row in corner next to projection outcrop, so could stand up if necessary during film. They did not check bags to confiscate outside food.

The same “First Look” was shown before each movie – boring after the first time.

Shown before each film was a short clip of Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone and Elizabeth Reaser talking about their Twilight experiences associated with each film. Nikki was really intense, Jackson really laid back, Liz the ‘interviewer’.

There was about 15 minutes between end of credits and start of “First Look” which gave us about 30 minutes between films.

I had a good time, chatting with neighbors off/on between films and just enjoying the films again. It was nice to see all on the big screen for one last time. There was about 45 minutes between BD1 and BD 2 – previews before BD2 started at 2200hrs which did not include The Host, did include The Hobbit and Mortal Instruments.

If you have not yet seen the movie and want to remain spoiler free, read no further. If you have seen it and really enjoyed and liked it and don’t want even a sprinkle of rain on your happy parade, read no further. I have already been hit up side of head figuratively for sharing why I have a different opinion when it wasn’t wanted. I hope my apology for that sharing will be accepted. From the comments that I’ve read on Twilight Lexicon about the movie, my opinion is a very small minority opinion.

Details about the movie and comparison to the book, some good, some not so good. My general disappointment level is decreasing as time passes. Posted today, Monday 19 Nov, on Fanfiction.net is a story that gives an acceptable explanation for movie/book reconciliation that has further decreased my disappointment level  by Camilla10 http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8716970/1/Seeing-the-Wolves.

BD2 movie was good. I enjoyed it overall. The special effects were good; young Renesmee maybe was a little strange. Bella’s first hunt was terrific. The difference between book and movie is acceptable for better visual effect. Her meeting Renesmee the first time was good. The differences between book and movie again are acceptable for the visual effect – her dragging Jacob out by neck almost better than book.

The trip to cottage and vampire sex was well done.

The scene where Jacob reveals his secret to Charlie was ok. Why have the wolf snarling as appear? Yes, anger is the emotion that triggers the shape shifting, but Jacob was suppose to be very controlled. Eventually they did have the Jacob-wolf lay down at Charlie’s feet.

The scene teaching Bella to appear more human like was good. Edward remarked about Bella feeling like hot poker iron down her throat to Jacob. I don’t recall seeing his remorse at putting Belle in pain with Charlie’s visit. Then Charlie’s visit – Big mistake in movie was having everyone abandon Bella while visit with Charlie alone. Gross over confidence in her control. If her thirst had overcome her, no one would have gotten to her in time. Alice would not have had warning to help prevent disaster. In a Twilight Lexicon review it is stated that she couldn’t think of things missing from book to movie. How could she not remember how painful and how nervous Bella was and how supportive her Cullen family was by staying there during her visit with Charlie? Instead they discount her nervousness and show their support by leaving her alone like Edward did in New Moon? Would it have been so difficult to have had Edward at least stay with her?

This scene threw me out of the ‘suspend disbelief for movie’ mode and brought back all the skepticism I had about this movie and the battle scene resolution, still to come. For those that have only seen the movies, this is likely not a big deal as Bella’s concern about seeing Charlie was not expressed in movie.

The arm wrestling scene was good. Missed Renesmee being there and laughing. Bella seeing herself in sun first time was ok. Would have liked it to been closer to book with her holding Renesmee and standing next to Edward as he sparkles too – missed that smoldering gaze between them. 

It took Bella a while after Alice and Jasper left to find the second message Alice left specifically for her. The J Jenks scene was good and the difference was acceptable.

I did not like Edward, Bella, Jacob and Renesmee going to Alaska.  No explanation was given as to why they left to get the Denali clan. Who was home to welcome other visitors and nomads? Scene was well done, just could have been done at the Cullen home to be closer to book and even make sense within context of movie.

Benjamin making water dance was nice. You could tell that there was some tension already between Amun and Benjamin. Showing Zafrina’s power was good. Kate’s showing Garrett her power was great. Alister’s comments were well placed.

Our first look of the Romanians was different from book and kind of fun. It could have happened as that scene in movie takes place before they show up in book. Vlad and Stef were part of the great comedic relief in the movie. Jacob was also part of comedic relief with some really good snarky lines.

Loved the ‘Redcoats are coming. Redcoats are coming’ line from Garrett.

Liked the Romanians saying the Volturi will not give up.

The way they get Charlie out of the area was nice and maybe better than the book.

The scene where Bella lowers her shield to Edward did not take place until Springtime in the movie, kind of a too long delay. It was very nicely done as a tribute to all the films. Seeing all the movies together noticed it was also done while Bella burned. Taking place in the meadow was a nice way to bring back to beginning and the dream that started it all.

Now for the Cullen / Volturi confrontation. The cover of BD is a chess board with a red pawn and white queen – representing Bella’s journey. The cover and then Alice using the Merchant of Venice book as note paper foreshadow the fact that the confrontation is going to be between two mind readers and likely more courtroom drama than physical battle. Yes, there is a statement from Edward about how the battle would have gone if there had been a physical battle in the post confrontation wrap up, so the battle in the movie is not out of line with the book.

I was very disappointed in the book to movie reconciliation that TwilightLexicon had reported fit and was satisfactory. Those comments raised my hopes up that it would be ok. It wasn’t. My expectation had farther to fall after being raised, making the disappointment greater. In New Moon movie Alice states that she can’t see the wolves. Yet in BD2 the battle is her vision that she shares with Aro. The battle shows the wolves fighting and Jacob taking off with Renesmee, who she can’t see either though that is not stated in the movies that I recall. Jacob even fights and destroys a vampire chasing him with Renesmee on his back.  All this is Alice’s vision. NO! NO! NO!  Did everyone conveniently forget that Alice cannot see the wolves and Renesmee? Only saving grace was after the Bella / Charlie alone scene I was already out of the ‘suspend disbelief for movie’ mode.

If they had only shown the vampire on vampire fights, that would have been acceptable for Alice’s vision. If they had shown the battle as someone’s nightmare or fearful thoughts, that would have been acceptable. If I can come up with those ideas, how is it that the much more creative people involved in making the movie couldn’t? If they did, then why did they not go that route instead of the very wrong Alice vision? Easy and convenient and less expensive?  Why could SM, BC, or MR not have provided Camilla's acceptable explanation as part of the movie?  Thank you Camilla!

Characters die in her vision on both sides. Volturi – all the big wigs. Cullens - one gasp surprise starts it all and lots after. It was well done. Just the wrong reconciliation!

Bella’s shield effect was nicely done, but it was not played as the important factor that it was in the book C/V confrontation resolution. Instead it was Alice’s vision that saves the day and gives Aro reason to retreat, Alice becomes the queen not Bella. So not right! And Alice in the movie knows it…I’d like to wipe the smug smile off of her face at the end – and I like the Alice character and Ashley Greene playing her.

Overall I enjoyed it. Overall I liked it. Still I am very disappointed in it. The parts that are wrong are big parts of the book saga and an important part of Bella’s journey. Maybe they are not so important or maybe they fit and make sense for someone that has not read the books. I know that books are not going to translate to movie well. I accept that and all the changes made in the previous TWS movies. For me these two scenes are too big and too important to the overall saga; and could have been done to fit the book more closely without lot of effort.

It could have been worse. The battle could have been real and there could have been real character death during that or some other time. But it could have been better so easily. For me the movies ended on a flat note, not a satisfactory note at all.

In seeing all the movies together, I was reminded there was a fight in NM movie that  wasn’t in the book, the fight in Eclipse movie between Edward and Victoria went way different than what was in the book, there was a fight in BD1 that wasn’t in the book. Why all those fight scenes? To satisfy Hollywood box office needs? At least they were not a major part of movie and did not change Bella’s journey as the battle being Alice’s vision did in BD2.

As stated earlier, my level of disappointment is decreasing as time passes. I think that with these major changes this second part will remain my least favorite of the movies. It would be nice to get an answer from Stephenie Meyer and / or Bill Condon as to why they went with Alice’s vision.

The actual ending of the movie and the credits were a wonderful way to wrap up the TWS movies.