Celebrating the True Geek Fan and Collector

The crowds at San Diego Comic-con and pretty much all "Cons" are enormous! And the purpose & goals of every attendee is different.  Every person's experience and memories are tailored to what their interests are & it's absolutely fabulous and exciting. The perks to being an attendee is the assortment of free swag and exclusives that different companies and genres offer their fans.  For instance, for my brood, Lego is tops!  Every year has the potential to change, but typically, Lego offers Brickhead exclusives that one can hope to buy via a lottery ticket system AND exclusive Lego Minifigures.  In order to score any of these "prizes", one must wait in line & cross your fingers that the tides are in your favor & you hit the "awesome" button which means that, yes, you got it!!  And the lines are long.  The wait is long.  And more often than not, the wait is uncomfortable---in the hot sun squeezed in between people.

There are times when we question our sanity.  But I believe a true fan finds the payoff absolutely worth it.  For my guys, the acquiring of an exclusive Minifigure to add to their collection makes up for any hardships along the way.  It's kind of like giving birth....the labor is painful and sometimes the would-be mother questions why she consented to do it.  Then that baby comes out & the whys are answered.  It's all worth it. As a Mom, I can completely relate to this analogy.

My happy guys scored the first Lego Minifigure exclusive: Deadpool Duck!

Thrown into the mix, unfortunately, are what we call "flippers" or scalpers.  They are mixed in with the genuine fans & collectors, acquire the prizes and then turn around & sell them at exorbitant prices--I mean, literally 400X what they paid for it.  In fairness to them, memorabilia retail is a true business.  And since they suffered and waited in the long lines, they earned the right to do whatever they want to do with what they acquired (as long as they do everything legally). And frankly, sellers can't sell without willing buyers.  So, if you're willing to pay $400 for a Lego Minifigure, that is your insanity (or not) to live with.  I can judge all day, but what is will continue to be what is. And it could be argued that these buyers who are willing to pay car payments & mortgages for these items are also true collectors themselves who just couldn't be at these events.  I'm just sorry that you have to pay so much (unreasonable, in my opinion) for things that you value & love.  

Congratulations to my guys for acquiring the second Lego Minifigure exclusive: Vixen! She's awesome looking!

I celebrate the true fans! I applaud the true collectors--the ones that appreciate & love the freebies and memorabilia that are given in the spirit of true geek fandom! For these geeksters, it's not about the money--each piece of merchandise is priceless.  It's part of a collection showcasing their love of their genre.  I proudly live with three of them!  They are what make Comic-con a place of excitement and wonder! My wish is that these amazing conventions and events are filled with more authentic true fans than flippers. There.  I put it out into the Universe. XO

Cosplay is King at SDCC 2017!

This year's San Diego Comic-con was as it always is--jam packed with pop culture galore in all shapes, sizes and disguises.  It was a feast for the geek soul & my family and I had an absolute blast & memories that will stay with us for a lifetime! There were so many amazing cosplay outfits and the Huz especially had a fun time taking photos with some of the best ones! Here they are....

This was one of my favorites as well as the Huz'. It's the Walking Dead crew! There's Rick, Alice and Carl! Notice the chocolate pudding prop...diehard fans would recognize that from an episode.

The Huz with Disney princesses/female leads!

This amazing dude is the "Hip Hop Storm Trooper" & he's built quite a reputation as a cosplayer. Everyone knows and recognizes him.  So, of course, I had to snag a picture.

This is a great couple cosplay of Tarzan and Jane.

Link (my youngest) and a cute cosplayer Young Link.

My teenager with a couple of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The boys loved this cosplay of Link that bought the DLC.

This is a fabulous Speedy cosplay.

There were a few Reys walking around & this one was by far one of the best we spotted.

These Storm Troopers would not tolerate The Huz' shenanigans. LOL!

What can I say except, you're welcome!?! 

At least the boys can say they caught two!

and the last one I'll be sharing is pretty special and appropriate...

My AFOL and a Lego guy!

We have so many more pictures of a really wonderful few days! If I shared them all, this entry would simply be too long! LOL! Comic-con 2017 will be in our hearts and memories for years to come.  I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to share such wonderful experiences with my family. Celebrate you & never be afraid to geek out! XOXO

 

 

 

 

Embrace Your Reading Addiction

Here's three more contemporary romance novels to check out!

Can't Shake You by Molly McLain

Josh has a two rules in life: never mix business with pleasure and don’t date women his friends have dated.  But rules are sometimes meant to be broken especially when it involves Carissa.  Yup, the dude breaks BOTH of his rules.  But Carissa is a great girl and it’s worth it, right? And Carissa can’t help herself when it comes to Josh—it’s an undeniable pull he has over her. And keeping their relationship a secret to avoid hurting others can only go on for so long.  And then to complicate matters, there’s a vandal around town trying to sabotage Josh’s work and maybe even try to hurt it.  Life is complicated and if you doubt that, read this book.

One With You by Sylvia Day

This is Book 5, and the ending to the Crossfire Series, so make sure you check out the first four books to get the whole story of Gideon and Eva. I’ve been so engrossed in their love story and their intense romance (big stress on intense).  Both their pasts are enough for a lifetime of therapy and it’s pretty mind boggling.  I still can’t believe that all 5 books span only a few months!  And some reviews are very upset at how it ends.  I’m just upset that it can’t go on.  The author leaves it open ended because it’s going to be a crazy road for these two (off pages…unless we can convince Ms. Sylvia Day to write more).  I agree it’s not enough, but isn’t that kind of a good thing? Start reading the series…if you dare. 

Becoming Us: College Love Never Hurt So Good by Amy Daws

This is a story about Jake & Finley.  They meet & become best friends.  The problem is Finley has a huge crush on Jake so it becomes a sort of unrequited love, just-friends relationship. While reading, I thought this was the direction that the story was going to go, but then enters Brody.  He adds a whole ‘nother dimension to the layers that is the full story of Finley.  Just when you think it might be headed one way, it makes a turn.  I was rooting for her the whole time & that’s what makes a great story.  This story is part of a series and does have a “To Be Continued” ending. Look for “A Broken Us” as the follow-up. 

I've embraced it!

 

Thank you, Shakespeare, Sir! 

Books make me happy.

Read on everyone! XO