Delete if needs be PK. And apologies in advance for all the mixed tenses, I know it'll drive you daft PK. Heh!I’d left everything till the last minute including my hair so it was all go! And my hair turned out black not red. It said Crimson on the packet ::sues::
Decided to get a taxi to Piccadilly as I didn’t want to get all stressed out. My daughter insisted on coming with me, she doesn’t think I should be out by myself.
We arrive in good time and before long DeeDee and PurplePauline roll up. It was hugs all round coz we’ve not seen them since Milton Keynes. Daughter got off then…I think she was overwhelmed by the geek.
Ladyflame turns up last and before boarding we all hotfoot it over to BurgerKing for a light snack, I had a Whopper with large fries.
We get on the train to Cardiff asap as I think it was just about to go without us! Nice train as well, plenty of leg room and stuff. So we’re sat all nice and quiet on the train which seemed to take forever this time for some reason. A really tiring journey. We must have been running on adrenaline last time, with the floods and everything. Anyway, we’re chatting quietly and either PurplePauline or DeeDee mention re James starring in Dragonball and Ladyflame just SCREAMED! She’s a huge fan and into the art and all that and she just couldn’t believe it. She gave us the rundown on the character so now we’re all looking forward to seeing James with pink shoulders.
The lady with the buffet cart manoeuvred her way through and we were forced to partake of more victuals. I had crisps and a pure orange and was then stuffed full for the rest of the day. We then all proceeded to nod off. Finally arrive in Cardiff as it was going dark. So pleased to be back. I like that little station and the art deco lights but they wouldn’t let us out the automatic doors which weren’t. Some peeps crawled under which was very amusing but there was no way us lot were gonna fit under and then they opened anyway. Sara arrives and we get a taxi able to take a wheelie asap.
Back to the Future Inn same as last time which is a lovely hotel but they tried to stiff us the bla’guards. Still, DeeDee and them sorted it out and we got lovely rooms again. Saraz on the second floor, Alicia on the third with PurplePauline and Ladyflame sharing a room on the third as well and me and DeeDee sharing on the fourth. I’d rather be lower down as I’m frightened of heights and if there was a fire I’d never survive jumping that far but never mind the view of Cardiff was splendiferous.
The hotel was full of Irish football fans all talking like Father Ted. I love that accent. They were very amusing as well except for that one incident with Ladyflame which I’m not even gonna repeat though unless asked and then she went and told the whole thing to James at Collectormania and he laughed!!! We settled in the rooms and DeeDee had another go at the room internets which is virtually impossible, so fiddly and slow. We gave up till later and after a bitty rest we went down to the lounge and the restaurant ‘Thomas’ where we had a delicious meal. We can highly recommend this hotel and especially the food and service which were first class.
The hotel was buzzing and packed with peeps. The Irish lads were very funny. Like when we were getting out of the lift they’re all ‘don’t go, don’t go’ lol, must be desperate then! We went back up to the rooms ostensibly to watch David Tennant on Children in Need but really coz we were shattered…well I was for sure. I just managed to stay awake for David Tennant and Peter Davidson in an excellent sketch and John Barrowman singing with Mylene on the piano…both superb. He’s multi-talented that JB.
After that I couldn’t keep my eyes open and was asleep around 9!!! We gallivant off down the country and instead of going out on the town and living it up we go to bed! Bet Teebs, NightNurse and them were living it up something rotten tsk.
Woke bright and breezy the next day and all piled down to breakfast which we don’t usually have, making do with the hot chocolate and shortbread biccies provided by the hotel but we had a long day ahead of us and knew we’d need adequate sustenance. Oh but before that it was a major disaster! DeeDee was in the bathroom when the room phone went and I was forced to answer it. I hate phones! A fella was on asking for her so she came asap and it was the hire car peeps saying a mistake had been made and the minibus to Manchester wasn’t £148 or thereabouts but £500!!! Noooo, what will we do?! We won’t get there in time to see James if we have to get the train!
We went down to the lounge/restaurant where it's free internets and PurplePauline and Ladyflame had been up half the night chatting and were definitely up since 5am so they’d had their brekkie earlier and were on PurplePauline’s ‘Spike’ laptop and I shall definitely bring Deb’s laptop next time. We sat to have our breakfast at a nearby table while they surfed. The breakfasts were as scrummy as last nights’ meal had been. I like this hotel and you get a huge double bed all to yourself.
Saraz later joined us and we told them the news re the mini-bus which wasn’t good. All were thinking what to do but first we had to get to The Point so we phoned the usual larger taxi for the wheelchair and it was a lovely fella who agreed to take us tomorrow and for a decent price! Yay. Smiles and relief all round then. All’s well that ends well. I knew we’d be okay though, it’s James, fate or something always gets us there like last time with the floods…we got there against all odds coz it’s James and we have to see him. Actually it’s more like DeeDee always gets us there.
We arrive at The Point and spy the queue whereupon the excitement kicks up a notch. We all pile outtov the taxi and Teebs is there! Hugs all round coz not seen her since Collectormania, Milton Keynes. She loved her flight down, her first, and was looking happy and well and cool with shades. She gave us all a nice surprise which I thought was a Crimbo card but wasn’t. Thank you for that NightNurse.
DeeDee paid that nice Asian taxi driver and he agreed again to take us to Manchester tomorrow so that was a load off yay. He was a nice fella who was sympathetic and had two pins in his hips after a nasty accident back in the day. Then we all mill about and stuff (we milled about a lot this weekend, drove PurplePauline crazy) and then sauntered over to where we could see tons of fen lining up to go into The Point.
There were lots of old faces which was great but lots of new faces too. I like when James gets new fans. So we say hi to various peeps and chatter a bit and I wandered after Teebs to the end of the queue and then Twistie, Willowwood and Mr Twistie walk up! It’s lovely to see them after so long. More hugs. I never used to hug pre-James. In fact I’d run a mile if anybody came near me really. Now it’s hug and be damned. I asked Mr Twistie what he was gonna find to do all day while Twistie and Will were enjoying themselves
ogling visiting with James? I was a bit worried about him, but he said there was a betting shop around the corner.
I joined DeeDee and them back at the front of the queue. I don’t mind lining up for James events, s’all part of the fun. I was a bit embarrassed when Gill took the trouble to come over and say hello coz I don’t have anything to say! I never did social skills…must have been away that day especially when I know someone’s erudite and intelligent and stuff. Apologies to her.
Then…then…JAMES! I’m never ready. Every single darned time he catches me on the hop. He just materialises in front of the queue every time! It was the same back in the day at Forbidden Planet. We waited all day for him from 9 till 3 and then he just walks down Oldham Street, Manc like an ordinary peep and I nearly missed seeing him until he was inside the shop For goodness sake! He should wear a bell and a collar!
He was just there looking gorgeous and everything settled into place. All my worries about being past it and silly and stuff…gone. He stood and did his hand in the air, fingers splayed wave oh my!
Had to take a few deep breaths... We were let into the ex-church not long after that…it was different being at the Point during the day. The light was wonderful and I love this building. It was the same set-up as last time with Steve and the JMLive girls selling merchandise and pic/autograph tix near the back stairs which lead up to the loo and the balcony. They were doing a roaring trade I think..well I certainly spent a fortune I didn’t intend to spend.
I was only gonna get the ‘Like A Waterfall’ CD but ended up getting another autograph ticket for James and an extra ‘Jamesalone’ pic ticket. It’s all DeeDee’s fault, she’s a bad influence on me not that I need much persuading when it comes to the man. I also bought more James pix when I said I never would coz I’ve got loads but they were gorgeous, just had to have them. I love his look now. I was telling PurplePauline that from when I was twelve I had this idea/picture in my head of the perfect man and James, how he looks now, is that exact picture and DeeDee nodded. Me and DeeDee are soul sisters.
The chairs were all laid out like in a church which it is lol. We were all on the front row! Except I moved to the end of the second row coz I didn’t want to be all overcome with James being RIGHT THERE. DeeDee, CarolM, Alicia, Merce and Ladyflame sat in front of me and PurplePauline was a bit over to my left with Az near the central aisle.
Everybody else was let in then and some nice German girls sat next to me. Teebs, Twistie and Will were nearer the back. I think they were all good seats though, I’m sure everybody could see just fine. There was one empty seat right next to me after everybody was seated and a few empty seats dotted about so Lisa from JMLive got up on stage and said peeps with standing tix only could quick rush up and grab any spare seats but me and DeeDee were busy looking for Wistful to come sit next to me. We didn’t see her till later though, when she joined us. It was lovely to see her. Her hair is black now which is probably why we didn’t spot her first off. She’s really brave coming all that way from America on her own.
The atmosphere was fantastic. I was sat there watching the big screen fanvids…my fave is the ‘Whatever!’ one. I was lollygagging and daydreaming about James and there was much buzz and chatter and excitement. I never move from my seat unless I’m following DeeDee. I’m frightened of getting lost.
Then it was JAMES! He was right there on my right-hand side and Gareth too, with the photographer.
Us ol’ crock peeps had our pics taken downstairs first which I was glad of coz all the pix taken later upstairs weren’t that great. There was something wrong with the lighting or the developing or something. Not that I’m bothered, it’s not the actual pic it’s the moment with James that matters, though a nice pic is a bonus. James always looks fabulous just like this time. I’ve never seen a bad photograph of him yet.
Anyway, the pics taken downstairs were much better. I was dithering and asked Mags, that JMLive gel with the long hair, should I have mine taken here or go upstairs onto the balcony and she said to go here so I did at the last, still dithering like a fool. So someone eases me forward towards Gareth and he’s all self-deprecating and stuff and about to move away in case I don’t want him in the shot, but I say “YES” all staccato coz of nerves, and he seems diffident and surprised (the little cutie) and he stands next to me nicely and James turns and sees me then and he’s such a professional, lays on the charm all smooth saying ‘Nice to see you again’ or whathaveyou (JamesFog) and I’m the usual coy patheticness and grasp his hand like usual thinking ‘don’t squeeze, don’t squeeze, don’t squeeze’ in case it’s his bad hand but it was okay as he had that hand on my shoulder I think ::checks photo:: yup.
I’ve been having my photo taken with James since SFX 2002 and it doesn’t get any better. Still get the collywobbles. The shakes were really bad by Sunday evening at Collectormania. I’ve got to get a grip! It was all over in a minute and I thank them I think and then rush off to sit down. Goodness knows what they must think. I mean really. I sat watching other peeps have their pix taken with them and smiling like a fool coz James is just so nice to everybody and it’s all very happy.
So then that was the end of that and the photographer went onto the balcony upstairs and took the rest of the photos there against a blue screen. I’m not keen on blue screens really, there was a lot of shadow. Photos were still being taken of the other peeps while it was time for a half hour Gareth Q&A which Lisa introduced. He’s lovely is Gareth and very entertaining.
There was then a short break and we could get eats and drinks at the bar. I was sat there perusing the goings-on (there was always something going on) and someone comes up and gives me a big sideways hug! It was Twistie, how forward!
Her and Willowwood always bring me lovely prezzies and this time was no exception. She gave me back the picture Deb, Daph and I had taken with James last time we were at Collectormania, MK and it was all framed gorgeous and stuff. So then of course, I needed to purchase another James’ autograph ticket just so I could get it signed. Thank you girls, it’s going right up on my wall in the lounge, soon’s I get home. It’s one of my fave pics as well. (It dawned on me after that coz I got him to sign the glass I’ll never be able to dust it or his signature might wipe off!!!)
Lisa later said peeps could purchase another James photo so me and DeeDee discussed risking the stairs and it was a foregone conclusion really…so we queue up then to go upstairs behind Gill who advised us re leaning against the wall and stuff. Take the weight off. The JMLive girl with pearls came by, she’s always smiling. I’ve never seen her without a smile I don’t think. I think I’ll wear my pearls next time! We managed the stairs fine, I was just a bit breathless three from the top and anyway we paused then to peruse the Jameses at work. Everybody happy and smiling. He was on top form this weekend, posing and charming peeps. We made it right to the top and a beautiful mixed race girl was having her pic taken with a fantastic pose and as she walks away he’s asking if that was alright and she’s all falling about and ahhhh and overcome and he chuckles and says “No?” knowing very well lol. We all laugh and know how she feels.
Then it was DeeDee who did two fantastic poses as well! I wish I could do that. I was just gonna do my usual 'stand like a tree while he grabs hold of my hand and I squeeze it to death' pose like usual but he wasn’t having any of it. If everybody was getting a hug then I was getting one too, just like at Coventry. I love that man.
I walked up not really seeing him, it’s always a blur, and he says something…come here? And he puts his arms right around me and hugs and I hug him back and feel his back through his shirt, I come over all unnecessary and then we face forward again and it’s the worst photo of me ever but I look like the cat that got the cream I think which is how I felt.
We descend the stairs all excited and happy and I nip to the loo saying “This isn’t good for my blood pressure." When I came out DeeDee was sat on the step resting and chatting to that JMLive girl again…Mags is it? The one that was very nice to Echo and the other disabled peeps on the Queen Mary. She tells us “You’re missing Gareth” and so we hoof it back to our seats very pleased with James and ourselves.
There was another break then it was time for the Gareth, Cath Tregenna and James Q&A. I think it was this Q&A that DeeDee asked the first question and it really broke the ice and started the ball rolling. Lisa introduced them with admonishments for us to ask them all questions, not just the boys…”Be thinking of your questions ladies!” She’s great is Lisa. She does a sterling job. I can’t imagine now what it was like before JMLive took over.
::thinks of the Harvest and JCB::
Oh yes I can. Cripes, thank goodness for Steve Himber and JMLive!
The Q&A’s were fabulous. Gareth, Cath and James all positioned themselves in a row onstage and I was a bit worried in case she’d be sat there like a spare rib but James said only Torchwood would be talked about moreorless and then the audience all directed their questions mostly to her which was great. Sometimes my fandom makes me proud. Well a lot of times really.
::is proud::
At one stage (I have JamesFog, this may be all mixed up) Gareth insisted James is addicted to playing guitar and it’s pure torture for him being unable to play. I love the camaraderie between James and Gareth. They are very naughty boys..allegedly. The day flew by so fast and it was all vastly entertaining as you can read in other reports much better than mine with transcripts and stuff. I dunno how peeps remember it all! I seem to only remember the highlights. It’s all one gorgeous blur.
Later James had his own Q&A which I didn’t realise he was going to do. DeeDee thinks James’ character on Torchwood will be killed off and PurplePauline thinks he will be coming back and I think at the end of this series he will do a Darth Vader and spin off into time or something with the option of popping back at any time he likes with any luck. James says he’ll be coming back to Torchwood and Cardiff if they’ll have him. Yay! He says Torchwood is better than BtVS which I don’t agree with but I’d never tell him that. It’s pretty great though as is DrWho. James thinks Russell is the bees-knees.
He said it was all arranged to go out somewheres but when they went for Lisa she was in her hotel room refusing to move as it was DrWho and she was ensconced in front of the box for the duration so James schlepped back to his and watched it for interest sake and was hooked! He’s then knocking on Steve Himber’s door wheedling for a part in DrWho and Steve is all ‘Go away James, it’s not the time or the place’ but they do ask eventually though DrWho isn’t right for James with the way it’s set up (and with the 9 o’clock watershed imho) and everything but they say "would you fancy Torchwood?" and he says "anything that Russell’s in on" and so he’s now on Torchwood yay. How’s that for fate, that our beloved boy ends up in one of our fave progs? It’s karma and meant and stuff. Thank you Lisa.
When it was James on his own Salchi asked if he was cut or uncut I was quite taken aback. In fact I was taken aback throughout the whole Q&A! James might not get embarrassed but I nearly did.
James said he was Jewish! Lol. He said Salchi was the only one that had ever embarrassed him, not here, but at a past Q&A somewheres. James couldn’t remember the question though. I can’t imagine James embarrassed…he’s incorrigible.
Then he was asked his favourite position and he was all ‘thinky’ and the audience were all ‘oh yeah, we’ve got him now’ and then he says "the Nail outtov the Kama Sutra" and asks if she knows it! He must have studied that pop-up Kama Sutra my sisters gave him that time at The Harvest.
She obviously didn’t know it and neither do I! Everybody was lol and then he dumbs down because he’s sympathetic like that and says the Missionary can be good coz you can get the girls legs right up there and pound away and see each others faces. Oh my! ::hides under chair:: And he says doggie is good too!!
Re the CD. He was gonna call it ‘Girl With Feathers’ because Patricia likes birds and stuff, all cute, which is nice really, but when he tells Steve Himber he refuses to take the name and says ‘sleep on it James’ and so he tells Patricia and she agrees with Steve, clever girl, very astute, and she asks him what’s on the cover and he tells her and she says ‘James do you really want that title printed next to a pic of you’ and so he goes with ‘Like A Waterfall’ coz it reminds him of her hair. He is such a romantic.
When he talked about Dragonball he mentioned that the character is all ripped and he said he was little. Aw. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard him refer to his height I think. He says he’s gonna get all ripped and we won’t be able to believe it. I can believe it. Like in that magazine when he was lifting his own weight on the bars. I am so hoping that they will get James back for the two sequels as well. Steve thinks this movie is gonna change his life and that’s why the studio peeps have been making him go to meetings on how to handle the press. Wow. I hope he doesn’t forget us when he’s mega famous like Tom Cruise.
When it was time for the autographs they put James with a helper and Gareth with Lisa onstage with Cath near the entrance which was a big mistake imho. James always gets put with peeps and it’s not fair to the peeps like that time at Collectormania MK when he was next to Alexis who is gorgeous and talented but half the time had nobody queuing and James had thousands! Agh always please put James by himself. I’m sure Gareth would have been much happier down below with Cath and them.
While James was signing autographs Steve came onstage and said he’d been asked lots of questions about the writer’s strike in LA so he’d try and explain a bit which was great coz I’d been wondering what the heck it was all about. I’ve seen peeps with SGA icons on LiveJournal so knew it must be something of import. Steve was obviously agreeing with the writers like you would but said he wasn’t going to take sides, well not to us anyways. It’s obvious to me after this explanation that everybody should be on the side of the writers.
Alicia had her photo taken, well lotsov photos, she always has a few goes around with James and who can blame her. I would too if I could afford it and wasn’t so nervous. She was very very upset though with somebody who she felt was unnecessarily harsh to her and came to sit down in tears during James autograph session. DeeDee and them chatted to her and eventually she calmed down and Steve Himber came and offered her and five other peeps replacement photo ops. She went off to have more pix taken and those were much better.
I didn’t want the afternoon to end!
ETA forgot this bit...which had me with eyebrows raised lol.
All were sitting down facing forward and I'm right behind them and James comes around passing with JMLive peeps right in front of the first row and he pauses slightly and goes ...
BOO!
ROTFLMAO! The guy's a nutter!
;D
