PK's Harvest Ramblings....

[PokerKitten]

With staying down in London for longer than most, you already have access to reports and sorta transcripts (already noticed some inaccuracies in some of those though!). So you're gonna get my meandering rambles this time, not a strictly business report.... and where better to start than the journey down, on Thursday!

Some of you guys will know Marilyn, Travis, Sali and I were on hot pins because the bus we had been expecting to turn up at 11-00 am-ish was still nowhere to be seen by 1-00pm. We are all so ditzy that we hadn't exchanged mobile numbers with the McArdles - doh! - and so couldn't find out what was going on. But Sali's hubby kept us updated with travel reports and when we heard about the serious delays en route we began to realise that they hadn't infact forgotten us and sailed on by straight to London! Every time we heard an engine outside that sounded un-carlike (lol) we bounded to the door to investigate!

Then yay, the SpikeMobile arrived, complete with cut-out Spike standing guard at the rear window. It was a lovely roomy bus so we were all able to sprawl in unladylike fashion (oops, Travis aka monkeyboi is no laydee, but you know what I mean! ) and the noise for the next leg of the journey was pretty intense, lol. ;D Lots of introductions, reunions and gossiping! As well as M, T, S and me, other Bloody Spikers on the bus included Ditto and Ladyhawke, Emz and MadAz! (Maggie and Daf, get your asses signed up pronto!).

Our driver opted for the scenic route *cough* from Worcester to London and BLOODY HELL!! It took HOURS! Not helped by toilet breaks turning into Alcohol Opportunities But the buzz was kept going by the sugar rush induced by Marilyn's handing out of all manner of choccies and evil foodstuffs throughout the journey (I am such a saint and abstained from such over indulgence).

And when we eventually hit London, Dear Driver didn't have a clue where he was going and we also got snaggled up in early evening traffic... we seriously feared for the Scala gig at this point (more of which in Musical James). Lost count of the number of times he climbed out to ask for directions But Maggie saved the day by claiming the seat next to him, with her trusty map, and got things moving again!

Tired, dirty and emotional, we checked in, hauled ass to our rooms and tried to work out what to do about the gig. Hehehe, caught out my roomie NL - she was just about to clamber into the shower as we arrived banging on door 905 so she had to answer in tiny white towel... good job we had all just met the Saturday before or it could have been a very intimate and revealing first meeting, lol! ;D

We made it to the gig.... Bloody Spikers rock!!

End of part one.

[PokerKitten]

Have to say, I really liked the Paragon as a venue, and a comfortable place to stay. The entrance lobby was spacious, cool and comparatively tranquil and reception staff helpful and smilie (more than can be said for the surly guys on the concierge's desk.... one of my exes was a concierge at the Waldorf and he would have been ashamed of them). The room NL and I shared was comfortable and the bathroom excellent. And the cleaning staff were unobtrusive and superb. Restaurant was pleasant and the brekkies excellent - we also had a meal there one evening and it was not too pricey for a London hotel, and the food very tasty.

The main hall where all the Q&As took place, the charity concert etc, and later mega large autograph sessions, was air conditioned and huge - a very posh version (nice carpets, chandeliers) of the aircraft hangar at SFX ;D The rows were numbered according to ticket order (and most people sat in their correct row, although not always - grrr!) and there was an area to the left of the stage and alongside the first few rows for the walking and wheeling wounded, which of course included Az and myself. We could also have one "carer" sitting with us, which was cool and the wheel and stick brigade didn't seem to abuse this special area.... but others did. This is where some stewards not being so friendly and polite actually was useful in sending them packing! The downside to the area was that a few stewards - one in particular - chatted too loudly to each other throughout Q&As and I was starting to feel twitching in my stick weilding fingers.... Sali almost had to be held down at one point, or an act of violence would have been perpetrated on the obnoxious steward in question. But big shout out to Elizabeth (Elizard) here, because she was calm and sweet natured throughout her main hall stewarding, and made many of the photo and autograph session announcements in efficient and clear fashion. And Liz, your accent in lovely, so there! And thanks for your concern over my foot!

Registration was also straight forward and quite speedy and made us quite hopeful that everything would go well over the weekend.... *cough* Oh dear...

HOWEVER, some major problems in other areas of the hotel, and this was down to lack of planning and thought. The dealers rooms were in small separate rooms on the second floor with no room to swing a cat, let alone wield a credit card in anger. People would zoom up in the elevator, only to be sent straight back down again because of the bottleneck and queues. It was also hot up there and folks were getting understandably tetchy. Again, there was one steward up here who stood out from the rest - didn't get her name but she had a difficult time at her station, trying to keep the lift area moving and funnel people through to the dealer rooms, and then also autograph rooms. She was very helpful to us.

I managed to get to one dealer room in pursuit of a photo of James Leary for signing - as the merchandise area downstairs by the main hall for guest photos was not in proper action on Friday. Believe it or not, the folks staffing it said that although some of the photos were there they had no idea how much they were supposed to be so couldn't sell them.... And JCL's hadn't turned up then anyway. But the rooms were too crowded and you kinda lost the will to dig around on the tables and spend. Travis managed one or two good quick shopping trips when everyone else was in the main hall hanging on to James' every word, lol! And big smoochies to him for finding (and treating us all to) the excellent Spike Lives! bumper stickers! ;D

When we went up to get cast autographs it had all gone horribly pear-shaped and people were being sent down hotel corridors to queue, passed people's rooms and right down to where the hotel admin staff were trying to work. They were making NL wheel me down there too which was not very sensible as the corridors were narrow and body strewn. When we reached the end, one of the hotel managers was having a right strop over the chaos and having a go at the queuers, but hey, not our faults! NL kinda shamed him, and when she and I were rather late in the day summoned back to the head of the queue to avoid the hours of waiting he opened his office door to let us perform the tricky turning manaouvre! NL is quiet but determined, oh yes!

Enf of part two.

[PokerKitten]

More negative stuff, and then I shall move on to the fun and GOOD times! ;D

So, some bad planning re rooms and queueing. Some surly stewards. Friday especially, no-one - including the stewards - knowing what the hell was going on.... what else?

Well, we were all expecting maybe a little more than a b&w badly printed/photocopied little booklet for a programme.... and apart from our name badges that is all we got in our "welcome" pack..... There were no schedules til late Friday either, which meant that important stuff was happening, like photo and auto sessions that some people missed! There was only one sligth change from the schedule that had been posted at s3events site, but hey, not everyone visits that board... far from it.

When the photo sessions started, the stewards had not been told what was happening, what to do with the queues, what to do with people's bags, where they would exit etc, so they were making it up at the last minute and it took a wee while to iron out . Then there was the debacle with the autograph queuing, already mentioned.

The photos themselves.... every one I have seen is off-centre, and part of the "star" cut off.... WTF?!

The lack of info coming out at this point was staggering. The girl who tried to make some announcements on stage was very nervous, getting her notes muddled, very hesitant.... felt sorry for her but it didn't help any! By Saturday they had roped in a more brash and confident guy who spoke clearly and tried to liven things up and adlib. He was a bit cringe worthy at times, but he was sorely needed so thank gawd for him!

My major gripes coming up NOW - what happened to the scheduled screenings each day?! Instead of anything Buffy related, we were subjected to endless Cirque de Soleil videos on Friday while we waited to find out what the hell was happening. I think they even gave up on those later in the weekend.

What happened to the discos?! Some people had taken a lot of trouble with their costumes etc (and I know from the message board had been really psyched up for them). Friday night the disco "broke down", although I gather restarted later but by then folks had lost enthusiasm... On Saturday and Sunday the hall closed at 12-00, putting an end to proceedings, when infact the discos were supposed to go on til 2-00am. "Someone" hadn't sorted out the licences, had they.... .

What happened to the Charity Auction?! ANd what was charitable about the concert on Saturday night?! We were not asked for contributions, nor was any charity mentioned to my knowledge.

And what was that shambles of a Cocktail party?! It was for the first 150 ticket holders, so they knew exactly how many people were invited... and yet they had only organised about four round tables, and the rest of us were left with a line of chairs against the wall! Being bolshie sorts, we formed our own circle of chairs, and then when it looked as if only those few tables were getting the promised nibbles (crips and olives, I had to be held down or my excitement would have overwhelmed everyone... ), some of our group nipped into the storeroom and nicked a table! LMAO! Which the hotel staff very kindly covered in a nice tablecloth. And as for some of the guests... well, they didn't find their way to all tables (there were some honourable exceptions and they will receive credit in the GOOD part!) and some only stayed a very short time.... Colossal let down and damp squib.

End of part three.

[PokerKitten]

Okay, let's get to the [glow=red,2,300] ;DGOOD STUFF!! ;D[/glow]

Two major factors made this an enjoyable weekend no matter what - great guests, and great company! ;D

How cool was the Spikemobile down to London?! Meeting up again with old friends, originally met at boards like this and then "in the flesh" for the first time at SFX last year, or maybe meeting for the first time this weekend after chatting for ages.... Pride of place in the name checks has to go to my "handlers", LMAO! My trusty Minions who made so much possible and helped me have a fantastic time! Marilyn, monkeyboi, NL, and Sali Marilyn, my feet have just about recovered from your unique steering and distance judgement, lol! And NL, can I post the pics I took of you sleeping in earplugs and eyemask... hehehe, just kidding! No such pics exist. Cookies!

But how great to see Bloody Spikers Twistie and Will, Ditto and Ladyhawke (Deb is so cool, you guys! I may have been a chatterbox in one to ones with the guests, but Deb was asking all the right questions with such confidence at the cocktail party and the sleazy Sunday "alternative" party! ) again. And meeting Az and Emz, Miss Kitty and two of her daughters, for the first time... missed them all at SFX last year (although Az tells me we met I have no recollection, lol! That has been remedied now!). And Lozz (and her friend Bev), even though I had to demand a hug from her when none was forthcoming! Only met Buddy on Tuesday morning as we waited for the SpikeMobile to turn up, which was kinda remiss. I'd like to sign up Maggie (Allseeingeyes) and the baby of the McArdle family, Daf (aka TC... don't ask... at least, not here, lol! ) as Bloody Spikers too. ;D Snow and bluejean from the "official" board hung out as well, both really nice girls. Snow is still in London, going to The Scala tonight! Beat me with birch twigs if I have forgotten anyone I spent time with.... You know I like it!

End of part four.

[PokerKitten]

Look, I said it was my Harvest "ramblings", and if nothing else I am a woman of my word ;D But y'all wanna know about James now, right?! But which one?! Okay, okay!

Other folks have done Q&A transcripts and paraphrasing so I'll just pick up on the bits that particularly interested me. And hey, this year I did it, I swallowed my discomfort and misgivings about the whole celeb photo thing and bloody well did it.... er, didn't actually have much choice, actually. There I was, enjoying Danny, Adam and Tom's Q&A when I was forcibly removed by a Minion, lol! Suppose I could have put my brakes on but I'm a novice at this wheelie game, you know Oh, WTF, secretly I suddenly WANTED to do it! Goddamn, the truth will out!

As the Con gathered momentum, wheelies and stickies were given priority in some things (probably so as to not be in the way, but hey, it got me where I wanted to be and when! ). And so I was ushered towards the head of the queue. Gives you less time to think, that's for sure! There was a dragon marching up and down (no, not JCB!) barking at us that we weren't allowed to give James anything (fair enough), or so much as speak to him... oh, EXCUSE ME! so as we approached JM and he stood up, said hi, how are you etc, I smiled and said with a definite trace of PK sarcasm "We're not allowed to talk to you" by which time I was in position, minion had retreated and he was smiling and saying "Really? Well, let's break the rules!" So he settled back onto his stool, shook my hand (warm, moist, very soft... er, HIS, not mine, lol!) and started chatting! Lol! Said he was having a great time, that his band were touring the country - so I told him I knew and had seen them twice. Cool! Er, but I started to lose my cool a little now because fuck it, I was having a conversation... with JM... yikes! So his next coupla comments are but a blur! And then I giggled and said "We're going to get into soooo much trouble!" And he smiled and said "Okay then, let's go" and then woomph! He was suddenly leaning right down and into me, very cleverly disguising the wheelchair with all his bits and pieces ;D Much appreciated, as he did it so naturally and quickly. His hand rested on my arm, other hand was round the back covering up a handle, but a couple of fingers curled round onto my back, his right leg was round the front, left leg pressing into my back... oh hell, although I look like a madwoman, you'll have to see for yourselves! JM&PK

Then he was saying thanks, I said it was nice to meet him, we shook hands again and I was wheeled off into the sunset.... hehehe.

Short convo #2 happened with the autograph on Saturday. Again, I missed out last year even though I HAD wanted to get one. The organisers nearly fucked up again as they were setting up the signing tables on the stage...er...?! A partner of a wheelie went up to a steward and started asking about the disabled contingent, to which the reply was "Oh... we'll manage..." Methinks they hadn't thunk... but NL went and asked too and then they started setting up another table on our level so all was well. JCB was now swinging into action and yes, kudos to her because someone needed to but I could see that we would have the most enormous fight if locked in a room together... that, or get on like a house on fire, I suppose, because *wince* I am a bossy, opinionated cow too. ;D Anyway, we were lining up, the guests were getting ready and JCB was ranting about being quick and blahblah, and would the handicapped - at which my eyes flashed, my face went stony, I nearly leapt outta my goddamn chair... I know you US guys still use that word all the time, but we don't and we HATE it!! Kudos again because she did quickly add "disabled" - folks get ready...

EDITING TO ADD THAT I JUST PICKED THIS UP FROM ROCKGODDES

James highlight of the weekend: watching James ask JCB politely, casually and gently if perhaps she thought it might be a good idea if we re-announced something about autograph lines and numbers and such on Saturday to help make sure all the disabled people there got their autographs.

*mmmnghffffLOVE'IMmmnngf*

So, here we are again, James saying "Good to see you again" and shaking my hand. Signed my pic - I am stikll totally mad with myself that I forgot to take my "Winding Roads" poster to get signed, but NEXT TIME! - but was chatting again, so who am I to stop him (oh yeah, I had stopped him earlier! lol!). Some guy in the Q&A earlier had said something quite startling about how he thought GOTR's playing had really come on between the Garage gig and The Scala, and this had stopped JM in his tracks at the time and he hadn't seemed at all convinced, lol! So I told him I had been to both gigs, and I thought the Garage was the better, even though we had enjoyed both. Prefered the venue, good atmosphere - even though The Scala had had a good buzz, er..better... er... we both said "sound system" together and laughed! He looked so relieved and put his hand up to his heart and gazed at me. "I'm so glad you said that!" He went on to say The Scala sound had been real bad and he was thinking about complaining (they'll be going on stage in about an hour from now in their second Scala gig, and I shall be VERY surprised if reports don't come back saying it has improved!). A few more polite thank yous and stuff, and *poof* it was over again!

But he makes a minute or two seem like a long time, in a GOOD way, and hey, talking about music is not as good as discussing politics, but it is a darn sight better than doing a goldfish impression, so I was happy!

End of part five (this report is endless... )

[PokerKitten]

Just a teeny bit from the Q&As as it has already been said by other folks. What bliss to have both James boys on the stage at the same time for the first one - woohoo! ;D They obviously get on well and see each other outside of work sometimes. JCL was teasing him, pulling faces and stuff when he was maybe getting a bit serious. And for his part, JM was keen to say what a great actor JCL is, how he did a much better English accent than he himself did, that he had been to see him in "Noise" and was obviously impressed. JM spoke a little about the dysfunctional character JCL had played in it, and how he had really nailed the very particular accent (Black Country). With this little lovefest going they lowered their voices and I couldn't quite catch what JCL said to him, but JM flashed back something to the effect of come on man, you KNOW it's true!

JCL was asked about Clem maybe motoring on over to LA and both James's seemed keen on the idea, saying we should let the PTB know (JM was nodding vigorously, no doubt as a result of having seen the power of fans at first hand in recent months) IF YOU AGREE, GO CHECK OUT THE JAMES LEARY THREAD IN THE GENERAL SECTION!! - JCL said he had a wife and son to feed! Lol!

Something slightly sad... can't quite remember how the question was phrased, but I thought it was more than just what made them happy, more what couldn't they live wihtout... Anyhoo, JCL answered quite quickly and sincerely - his wife and son - and there was a general murmuring of awwws. JM was hanging his head and was quite hesitant, but eventually he said food, water, music/his guitar and something else which he couldn't talk about.....

I may be getting muddled here, and mixing up two questions and their answers - in the presence of either one of the James boys I can just about keep my brain in gear, but both at once was a huge challenge and I'm afraid I failed miserably! - but my recollection is that someone later asked a vaguely similar question and JM talked about his niece, taking care of her and knowing she was safe. And he referred back to his answer about there being something else but he wanted to keep that private.

Other JM answers that interested me from both Q&As - he was asked how he managed his time between acting and the band and he admitted it was difficult. The arrangement had been to give two wekends a month to GOTR, when filming Buffy, the other two being for family. And he praised his management team, and manager Steve in particular, for helping him juggle all this stuff. He also said it was a very strong possibility that the band would go to Japan to tour next year (waaaah! I don't like sushi! Lol!).

When asked if he considered himself to be a Christian man, coming from his Christian background (dad was a minister), he considered his answer carefully. He said he is a very spiritual person, but not in a "religious" way. He has said before how he loves the Discovery Channel, and so hearing him say he had been learning more about the historical Jesus through history and archaeology programmes on Discovery was no surprise. He believes he existed and was a leader, and he admires his teachings and message. (Okay, there are bound to be things we do disagree about....hell, some of his views on Spike for starters! But in this, as with so much else, we are in total agreement..)

He revealed he had spent Saturday night in his room, with a meal and the vid of "Shakespeare in Love". He hadn't been able to watch it properly when it came out because his then girlfriend was very jealous of Gwyneth Paltrow He had also been going through all his presents and letters received that day, and said it was one of the best nights he's had in a long time. I can believe that - quiet time to himself, with only good things. He particulary mentioned a couple of crosses he had been given, and that he had been reading Dylan Thomas (another gift) that morning over coffee. He said the reactions and love he had been receiving from fans in the last couple of years had helped him through some difficult times and also helped him be more honest and open about himself (and we've been noticing, sugar). James then asked if a certain lady (I'm not giving her name) was in the hall, that he had read her letter and he felt that they had had similar experiences and that he'd like to meet with her. He was very discreet about exactly what it was, and he seemed very sincere.

Oh, and he doesn't wear aftershave! He said so! Lol!

For most of the session with JCL, they sat in the middle of the stage together, but I prefer it when JM roams around (gives better photo opportunities for one thing, but also I am deeply shallow - heh! - sometimes and just enjoy watching him move!). So the Sunday session started more promisingly in this respect, with him moving from one side to the other, depending on which mic was being used for the question. But he brought StuntSpike Steve up to join him part way through and so they both sat in the middle again.... until their mock fight... ;D Which, as others have said, was glorious! They had been going through their moves in their hotel and with all the crashing and banging, someone was called upon to investigate that everything was okay ;D

It started off with Steve lightly punching James' arm a few times over the course of some Q&As, and then JM getting mock pissed and clocking him back. From this we had the full scale brawl, with Steve being "sent" flying off the stage at one point. We were loving it, and they looked as if they were too! Ooooh, JM standing over a downed Steve in aggressive fashion, waiting for him to move.... *gulp* I am ashamed! Getting off on violence, even mock violence, is BAD!! Repeat after me! Violence is BAD! When JM crashed on his knees into their chairs they called a halt to proceedings and the baying crowds went wild! Lol! Again, JM was very gracious in wanting everyone to know what a great guy Steve was and how he had been in a ton of martial arts type movies as an actor, alongside the likes of Jackie Chan. For his part, Steve was eager to say that the James we saw, giving and attentive, was like that all the time, at work too. And that he sometimes pretended he wasn't feeling up to doing some action stunt or other so that Steve got more to do. JM quietly and matter of factly said well, he (Steve) gets paid more when he is on screen.

End of part 6

[PokerKitten]

[glow=red,2,300]SHAKESPEAREAN INTERLUDE[/glow]

At the close of James' Q&As on Sunday, having turned us down earlier when begged for a song - no guitar, tsk - our sortov MC asked if he would round it off with a little bit of Shakespeare.... thankfully JM obliged. Anyway, Steve absented himself from the stage to let JM do his thang, clapping along with the rest of us. James said he wouldn't do Macbeth, always does Macbeth (um, but we LIKE it, don't worry!), so (like at a recent US con), gave us a short speech by Caliban, in The Tempest. I love Caliban, he almost makes me cry *sniffle*

With a voice filled with innocence and wonder he began:

Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices
That, if I then had waked after long sleep,
Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming,
The clouds methought would open and show riches
Ready to drop upon me that, when I waked,
I cried to dream again.

*shiver*



NORMAL SERVICE WILL BE RESUMED SHORTLY WHEN PK'S SHAKESPEAREAN JOLLIES HAVE SUBSIDED

[PokerKitten]

jumping now to [glow=red,2,300]SUNDAY NIGHT WITH STEVE SELLERS[/glow]

Wot, no Sunday night party/disco?! Oh well, that can't deter Bloody Spikers and other assorted naughty people We had US artery-hardening snacks and bottles of booze and were determined to have a good time ;D So we hunted down a cosy alcove in the 1st floor bar and completely took it over. It was very hot and so we opened the narrow window at one point, only for hotel staff to have to close it a while later because of complaints from other guests - apparently we were being a tad unruly And later, when one nice steward came to tell us the party had actually started downstairs (around 10-30), we were quite happy where we were! Mixing Hurricanes in plastic bags and coke cans is something of an art form, and Deb has perfected it - the drunkards got through two large bottles of rum that night It's no fun being a non-drinker when all around you are five sheets to the wind and sliding down in their chairs.... at least, not after a few hours. It's great fun to start with ;D

Anyhoo, Mr (I have always thought this smilie looked like Steve Sellers, lol!) was spotted by the bar, and Heather was sent as emissary to invite him to pay us a call.... which after a little while he duly did (the first of a number of visits! ). I know he does a fair bit of surfing (net not waves), and on the remote chance that he would ever find this whilst in pursuit of GOTR write-ups I don't want to embarrass him, so I'll stick to the edited highlights of what I saw and heard myself when he visited with us.....

SS was pretty wasted when we first saw him, and progressively more so as the evening wore on, lol! Not judging, just saying But he was a sweetie, regardless. Pleasant and obliging, if a little bemused-looking at times. Well, we can be quite hard to understand when we are babbling... First time, he made himself at home in a seat opposite me and finished his own drink before partaking in a specially mixed Hurricane... he seemed to like it The last I saw of his original glass, Deb had it! He talked Robot talk for quite a while. He was very unhappy with the Scala sound too, telling us that he had soundchecked James' mic himself, singing and playing guitar, and he couldn't hear anything! Was unnecessarily defending James, saying he has a great voice (we know, and we understand what goes wrong). Revealed that sometimes soundmen didn't exactly do their best for some bands, and they often bunged whoever was doing the sound $100 or so before a gig in the States to get them onside. Common practice apparently. And he said he was pretty sure they'd be playing the House of Blues (in LA?) in a couple of weeks.

Waxed lyrical about Aaron, and who can blame him?! *PK bows down in supplication before the Demon Drummer, before tousling his adorable poodle hair* Steve first saw him play when AA was about 14/15 and he knew he was going to be great. Steve was mad with James for blabbing about Aaron's having to leave to go on a mission. Seems like he is still trying to work something out *PK lowers voice and looks around cautiously* and get him out of it, to stay with the band. But if he did go, he had another drummer lined up. When he was asked to move on by a girlie, he slowly made the rounds of our large table, with handshakes and kisses. He leaned round the pillar I was sat against and said he couldn't bend down any further, I had to kiss him... bloody hell! I obliged, with a reluctant peck on his smooth left cheek (these guys def all moisturise, and good for them!).

When he returned later, more soused than before, he stood back to the wall, lol, behind Miss Kitty and gratefully snatched one of her offered Lambert and Butler's (I would never do such a thing *cough*). Deb swiped the butt and took a long drag - not being a smoker I don't think she was impressed! Lol! But she preserved the remains anyhoo! By this time he appeared to have moved on to pretty drinks. I took his glass and gave a good ol' sniff - seemed like a pina colada to me! Heather then pinched his straw, and Sali nabbed his twizzle stick *ooooh!*

He was somewhat mobbed this time round, what with the Spiker contingent having imbibed mightily by then too! Felt a wee bit sorry for him as he was pressed to sign napkins and stuff, and pose for pics, but he gamely obliged. Marilyn was eleven sheets to the wind by then.... And apparently she had caught sight of the waistband of his underoos as he was moving about.... so having an enquiring mind she proceeded to lift up his tee shirt and revealed a few inches of Calvin Klein boxers... oh, the shame! Someone else, was it Heather, was lifting up the sleeve of said tee to see his large tattoo of a nekkid woman on his left arm

Emz had been getting us to sign a large poster of Spike and she asked Steve to add his sig to it. He declined, very politely and reasonably, and I totally agreed with him - he said it wouldn't be right. James had worked very hard to get where he was as an actor, that he really respected him for it. He got a kind of wow expression on his face like we do, lol, when talking about when James quotes Shakespeare and how it makes him go all *insert spine tingly gesture* ;D It was at this point that Marilyn let rip with "You're so full of shit!" OMG! Poor Steve looked quite bemused! And Travis was moaning loudly from the other end of the tabler and using expansive arm gestures to Steve... "That's my mom, man..." and he wasn't bragging, LMAO! Soz Marilyn

I made my exit at about 2-00 am and left the drunken crew to it. Approaching where Steve was now sitting he leaned back and held out his hand as if asking for a high five... well, a medium five as I was in the chair, lol! Thinking that was cool I went to give him one *cough* only to find he actually wanted to gently hold my hand, aw bless! Sali got a kiss on the way out AND on the way back in too apparently!

And I shall now draw a veil over whatever else happened that night... but there was about another three hours of drinking after I left.....

End of part seven

[Ditto]

OMG PK, I forgot about his bare knees! His knee is right next to your elbow. I freakin' love that man. You look lit up.

Er PK...sleazy? ;D ;D ;D

[marilyn]

Lmao....thanks for the memories, PK.....I had......ahem....forgotten some of the details.....

[PokerKitten]

A likely story.... Part Eight of The Neverending Story will continue with the Cocktail Party from hell and the Lovely Learys (and other JCL goodness ;D), when my hand can take the typing strain!

Okay, on with the show!

Jimmy Leary helped me over my "posed celeb photo" phobia, without realising it! Having been bullied into buying photo opps with the two James boys I had every intention of ducking out of it when the time came, but was given no choice! NL whisked us to the head of the queue! There was a lot of confusion amongst the stewards about what to do, but being first, it didn't really bother me. I'm sure they sorted themselves out later. This was shortly after noon on the first day, the first guest encounter and the first meaningful event of the con - good start! ;D

I had heard just a little while before that JCL had missed the GOTR gig at The Scala the night before, arriving at the end, lol. So I had something to babble to him about! Gave him a mild rebuke for missing the gig and we had a brief discussion about it. He is very friendly, smiley and natural, good with the handshakes and hugs, and consequently I am grinning like an absolute loon - even more so than with JM - in our pic, so no-one will ever see it! (Apart from the gals who were at our table for the "charity" concert!).

Later, after the autograph queue debacle and getting in to the signing room, he remembered our chat and personalised his sig with

To Erica
Keep rockin'!!

;D ;D

I also managed to pass on good wishes from Tom of Clem's Corner, and he was pleased Tom is proving such a doting dad! He does visit these places, and knew about the baby.

And I have already moaned about the cocktail party from hell... well, he and his lovely wife Stacie were the only ones - bar Robin Sachs, who did come over for a polite two or three minute chat, and Robia who said hi and bye on her way out - who bothered to visit our (stolen) table. Beer in hand, he chatted for quite a while, leaning on the handle of my chair (and later across the back of NL's seat, which she kinda liked! ). Their little boy was staying with JCL's mom for this trip, and Stacie positively lit up when talking about him, aw! We weren't impressed when some "ladies" came over and almost had him trapped against the wall... Stacie didn't look so impressed either. His voice changed - he was polite but no longer relaxed. Silly girls!

And he gave great Q&A with George on Friday, and as I have already mentioned, James on Saturday. Such a nice guy - hey, get writing those postcards!

End of part eight

[Elizard]

PK,
That was lovely. Thanks for sharing your ramblings. I'm glad you had such a good time with the Jameses.

Elizabeth

[Ditto]

Postcards! I've done letters. I didn't know it had to be postcards.



Tsk! Lol! I explained about the letters - security an' all that ... PK

[lozz0900]

oh wow PK, u brought back some nice memories there, and shared a few stories of things i missed.....

[PokerKitten]

Thought it was about time I finished this off! I forgot a coupla moans earlier!

The Opeing Ceremony was a complete farce... nervous lady reading out the names of the guests, expecting them to walk on stage.... nothing happens... when she is halfway throught he list, they start appearing, hang about on stage for a coupla minutes, say hi... then off they go. And that was IT> O....kay... and NO closing ceremony at all....

I thought I had missed David Fury's Q&A, and was kinda disappointed. But learned after the even tthat he hadn't turned up...

The concert that didn't seem charitable was much fun, however. Largely because the Spikers presented me with my wonderful album. But JCB was okay - I had heard she was real good, and I quite liked her voice. Unfortunately, the songs were kinda samey... maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it. But I sure was in the mood for the truncated Co-Ro! Bloody brilliant! Monkeyboi leapt into personal shopper action and acquired their latest CD for me, which he also got signed, and a badge. Sparks were flying off Adam and Eric!

Apologies to JCB and GH, but I wasn't motivated enouhgh to attend their indivdual Q&As. But I did catch everyone else, I believe. Jane and Danny were great together, and Jane seemed disarmingly honest and sweet. I enjoyed the husband and wife team's take on writing genre fiction and non-fiction, and they were a good contrast to the confident performers. I thought Tom was a bit snippy about fanfiction, implying that peopel should be original or not bother. And sorry, I know everyone loves him, but he is too Andrew (minus the sci-fi nerdism) for me! But Adam and Danny are fantastic! (And how hot is Adam in those glasses... ye gods!)

All in all, The Harvest was mega, despite itself! Friends and guests carried the day! Next please! (althugh not an s3events-run one, lol!)

[Ditto]

PK, I thought Tom was more Andrew than flipping Andrew. Really nerdy lol. He moves like a Thunderbirds puppet. ;D Cute though and you can't blame him about the fanfiction, if he's read any of it, his toes probably curled, he usually ends up on the bottom afterall....

Adam...cor cor cor cor cor .. Common Rotation are to die for. Flaming brilliant they are.

Really looking forward to the next con, but do not think I'd risk one run by you know who..... ;D Unless James is willing to risk it? Don't think it would have been such a success without JCB. Must write her into a fic, can just see her in thigh high boots and flexing a whip!

[azazel]

Great report Pk. I cant wait for next one, but lets hope theyre as organised as me then again maybe be better if they are organised well ;D Im hoping that next con we have as many great guests as TH, because if one thing S3 got right was the guest list