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

 

 

Do You Agree to the Four Agreements?

Author & spiritual leader, Don Miguel Ruiz, famously created what are known as The Four Agreements to Change Your Life. On the surface, they're pretty simple, but when broken down & analyzed, it can truly be a life challenge.  Speaking for myself, it's something that I'd really like to work on. So I'm sharing it in order to keep myself accountable & hopefully encourage & inspire others to take it on in their lives as well.  So here we go....

Be impeccable with your word.
Words are so powerful. Everything that comes out of our mouths can potentially impact others.  I know as a human being with many flaws, I've participated in talk that I'm not proud of.  And I've also been on the other end of unkind (not to mention untrue) gossip.  Staying true to the principle of the impeccable word, I will definitely be working hard to make sure that I improve myself in the words that I choose to represent the person I want to be. 

Don't take anything personally.
This advice sounds so simple, but how many times have I ignored it? I'm a sensitive person, so I've let myself get hurt by unkind words and actions.  And I see that sensitivity passed on to my kids, especially my first-born.  But this is something I truly want to work on... being "immune to the opinions and actions of others..."  I think conquering this agreement is probably really close to being a fully enlightened person, which I inspire to be.

Don't make assumptions
I think that this agreement is incredibly important especially in forming lasting relationships.  In a marriage, communicating is key.  With my husband, I never assume.  I ask and we talk pretty much about everything. Our ability to express ourselves with one another is one of the keys to our strength as a couple.  As a parent, I've made great pains to make sure my kids can talk to me about everything--even if I've had to stifle my own personal cringy reactions.  As far as the outside world goes, I make it a point to go to the source if I feel it necessary, especially if what I "heard" is about a friend.  I refuse to make judgements or assumptions without hearing the full story. And even with what seems like a "full story", there are always several other sides to the full picture.  So, yes, I will not make assumptions.  Ask. Reserve judgement.  Avoid drama.

Always do your best
This is advice I give my kids all the time. It's incredibly subjective though & hard to quantify.  So, I guess, just "do your best".  Simple.


Everyday is a gift.  It is also a chance to be a better person than we were yesterday.  So, if these agreements help improve your life & outlook, give it a shot. You are worth it! XO

Use Social Media to Impact People

I love Social Media! I use Facebook to connect with friends I know from the past & present, as well as get updates on the latest news from around the world.  It's also a great tool to get a feel for what matters to people in politics, arts and entertainment, & other genres of pop culture (I mean, there are some amazing recipes on Facebook!)  Twitter offers much of what Facebook offers, but more fast paced and in a more broader sense.  Campaigns are easier to start on Twitter and one's reach can be limitless due to hashtags and retweets. Tumblr has fun posts.  And Instagram is a place to showcase one's creativity through photographs and captions. There are loads of other social media out there that I personally choose not to join, but I know people enjoy them.  

But like the above meme points out, make sure your intention is not to impress people but to impact them.  It's something that I always want to have in the back of my mind.  I want to share information that matters to me and spread happiness and positivity.  I want to share the things that make me happy, but I don't want my posts to express arrogance or hurt people.

Keep looking for inspirations in everyday life, on & off the internet.  And spread positive thoughts & kindness always! ♥

 

 

ERetail LLC

The First Elephant Prosthetics

Dr. Therdchai Jivacate is a loving orthopedic surgeon who used his talents & knowledge to improve the quality of life of an elephant named Mosha, who lost her leg in an injury caused by a landmine. This story makes me feel pride for humanity, knowing that there are amazing people out there who have compassion for all living things.  It's beautiful story.

For me, kindness, integrity & happiness are the ultimate goals.

Reality is Cutting Into My Reading Time 😄

Even when life gets busy, I'm thankful to have a love for reading to help take stresses away. Here are some great Contemporary Romance titles to check out. These selections are for adults only. 📖 

Underneath It All by Kate Canterbary:  I feel the need to express a warning on this one: For adults only!!!  It's the story of the courtship of Lauren and Matthew. But with the story is a very descriptive expression of their passion for one another. And it’s hot! But what I appreciate more than anything are the feelings: Matthew is a great lead character.  He is focused on his career as an architect and the drama with his family, but he falls for Lauren hard. And he doesn’t hold back how he feels.  Lauren has strong feelings for Matthew also but is more inclined to stay in denial.  She doesn’t see that there could be a balance between focusing on her career (starting/building a school) and her growing feelings for Matthew.  She pulls away many times and it was frustrating as a reader.  But I loved it too.  If you enjoy literary romance with highs and lows, I highly recommend this one.

Beautiful Oblivion by Addison Moore: Another warning on this one: steamy scenes ahead. Adults only! This is a story of young love. Reese and Ace have known each other since they were kids and have always carried a torch for one another.  They forge a strong friendship with each other believing that the other one just wants to remain friends.  One particular summer, they may a pact to have a summer fling—but promise to never let go of their friendship.  But Reese has familial commitments she feels trapped with, and feels she needs to let them go in order to be truly happy.  And Ace, well, he just loves her.  Lots of feels in this story…and it’s a roller coaster!!

Unwreck Me by Kate Dawes: Kate had a lot of life plans in place when life decided to derail them.  Her ex-boyfriend betrays her trust in one of the worst ways possible. Kate puts up a wall around herself which can be visible only to those looking very closely.  Namely Drew, who has personal issues all his own, but finds a deep attraction & connection to Kate which of course, she feels as well.  They become close rather quickly and as in life, things must move forward, change & decisions have to be made. But first, let’s add a little more life-twists just for good measure.  This one was a mellow read for me, but I definitely felt some feminist emotions.  Check it out.  

The inspiration for the title of this post, this sweatshirt completely fits into the life of a busy person who would just like to read & get away from it all. Funny yet true. 😊

Losing & finding....

 

And stories....Yes, I do!

Thankful for all creative authors & writers! XO