riskinghearts: (Magnus - desert explorer)
2009-11-23 07:30 pm

AT4 "Reflections" - Convention Report

There isn't a fan event that quite captures the spirit of giving than a Gabit event. Just as 'sanctuary for all' is not an empty motto, neither is 'conventions are about people'. If you want a convention experience that keeps on giving long after the curtain call, go to a Gabit event.

AT4 is my third. And what a third! I thought nothing could ever top AT2... and then AT3 came. And again I came to believe that there wasn't anything that could be done to make a better Gabit...

... clearly I should learn to ignore my beliefs!

This was a weekend filled with so much strength, friendship, generosity, and laughter. Even as I sit writing, I get bowled over by the memory of the emotions at this event. Three Gabits ago I was overwhelmed because I was getting to meet the fantastic Amanda Tapping for the very first time. She was a hero to me at a time when I really wanted a hero. And there were tears of joy and amazement, and disbelief that this was actually happening to me.

And now three Gabits later, not one memory has left me. But there is so much more. Amanda Tapping, through Gabit, has allowed me to cement amazing friendships that I've almost forgotten were born by a common admiration for an incredible actress and person. When I'm lost, when I'm down, when I'm scared, when I'm excited, when I have news, when I've achieved, when I'm dreaming, when I'm planning, or when I've simply run out of blue jello - these friends are here comforting, hugging, bouncing, sharing, congratulating, advising, and giving.

And I am so honored and so blessed to have these people in my life and to have shared this incredible weekend with so many of them.

Continued this way... )
riskinghearts: (Default)
2008-07-21 12:03 pm

Amanda Tapping 2 - A Weekend With Her Fans

Up until now I've kept 2 livejournals. The first is kept open purely to house a con report. I am now moving  my AT2 con report to this journal. 



Photobucket

Saturday 18th November 2006

I had set my alarm for five a.m. I know me, I don't do well without a morning shower. Plus, y'know, I didn't want to meet Amanda for the first time wearing yesterday's hair! Of course, instead of being woken by the bird chirp and musical interlude that is the alarm on my cellular phone - I was woo hoo wide awake at 04.15. It did occur to me at this point that I should just crawl my way to the bathroom and get started... but I live in England, and England is dark. There is nothing on this planet that could drag me out of bed at that hour without due cause. Only the gravitational effects of a black hole would do it, and there weren't any around.

Five AM. I figured I would be out the door by 06.30. I figured wrong. Missed the bus, and opted to walk to the station. Took two hours to get to Heathrow. Time check - 08.40. Time Gabit said things were kicking off - 09.00. Okay, no panic. No clue where the hotel Hoppa Bus is. No time to get a clue. Drag suitcase and self to the taxi bay. Seven pounds later, arrive at the Renaissance Hotel. Time check - 08.50. All praise for Marriott hotels, from my race through the entrance to the Check In desk, the place looked smashing! Bless too, the nice man at the counter for a most speedy check in, and the concierge for so graciously relieving me of my luggage when I all but threw it at him. Run to registration like a bat outta hell, momentarily recognise that it is Kay aka Mumsey sitting behind the desk, and the sigh in huge relief that I've arrived safe and sound with zero point two seconds to spare.

 

read on for the full con report... x--x )