I attended my first science fiction fan convention this weekend. It was really fun. It started with a RapidReading with some broads from Broad Universe. We looked harmless, but actually, we were a pretty creepy bunch of women. (In a totally cool way, naturally!) I can't say exactly what I expected (maybe more Star Trek or Star Wars costumes), but I didn't expect so much variety or so much fun.

On Saturday morning I attended a fandom 101 class, just so I'd know what people were talking about. Good thing or I'd never have known about LARPS and furries and that would have been a pity. 

I also met Martha Wells, who writes some of the Stargate Atlantis books and she signed a book and gave me hope for the upcoming season. She's seen the first episode and said it rocks. Oh and Teyla had her baby, both character and actress (it was a boy, congrats!).

I also bought some art and some new books by authors new to me. One was a new author, K.M. Tolan, who wrote Blade Dancer. I was able to download it when I got home. In addition to the Atlantis book, I bought one of the guest author's books. Alan Steele. Probably all sf readers know him, but he was new to me. Looking forward to both books. :-)

And I bought some art. Did you know they have art at SF cons? Because I didn't. It was really interesting to see and i was tickled to find something I could afford. The dealer's room was cool, too. Favorite thing? A bumper sticker that said:

"We brake for things you don't believe in." (Or something like that.) I thought that was great.

It goes great with my dragons (if you look closely, you can see my dragons are "making a wish--using a little "hero." I know, I'm dark!):


I planned to take some pictures, but didn't for two reasons:

1. There was a warning in the program about not taking pictures in certain places. Being new, this intimidated me, since I didn't want to be escorted off the premises of my first convention.

2. I forgot. That's right. I forgot. I would have had some amazing shots, too. Possibly award-winning. Really.

What I think I liked the most was that everyone seemed to have a sense of humor about themselves and the experience. There was a real sense of fun (with the exception of a couple of panels, but hey, there are always a few people who take themselves way too seriously, right?) What's really sad is that this convention has been around for FIVE years. I've lived in Houston for SIX and I never heard about it! 

If you've followed my adventures (mostly misadventures) with the TRS Diva contest, then you probably realize by now that I won't be a diva. My home state will be happy, since they don't approve of anyone being a diva, particularly a native. I have, however, posted the excerpts I wrote for the contest, so you can read them if you've been dying to find out which ones I wrote (which you have, right? I mean can't sleep at night dying, right? Oh well...mildly curious then...)

Other than a bit of reading, a bit of writing, a bit of convention going, I've been....twittering. That's right. Twittering. It's called micro-blogging and I got into it researching social networking for the promo book that Jamie Engle and I are writing. My mind has truly been boggled at what's out there. I didn't join everything, because I don't have enough life left for that, but if you're curious, look for me on your favorite site. I might be there. :-)

Happy Fourth of July! Thank you, thank you to our troops, their families and to those who helped secure our freedom!
Gratefully, perilously yours,
Pauline

Was it just me or did April seem really long? It was like most months, some good things, some not so good (like taxes). We flew to New York for the marriage of one of our daughters. It was really nice. The weather was perfect. Our other daughter lived there, so we got to see her, too. 

The wedding was on a yacht, very swish and sassy. The hubby was feeling sassy, too. We were posing for a picture and he decided to jazz things up a bit by pinching my tush. Only he missed. I'm not saying what he got, and I'm not posting the whole picture, but I think this picture says a lot. (evil grin)



I thought the look on his face was priceless...and says more than I could. Well, we can see my expression. Not my best look, but certainly apt for the situation.

Is anyone else watching Top Chef? Son and I are enjoying it very much, though I still wish the phrase would be, "Take your knives out of everyone's back and go home." I like Stephanie the best, but if she doesn't get her act together, she's going to be the next to go home. Two bad weeks.

Was sorry to see Brooke voted off Idol. I liked her a lot. Lost track of Dancing with the Stars, while waiting for my brain to catch up with me after our trip, but managed to see The Big Bang Theory this week. That show is SO funny!

Can you tell I haven't been reading? I've been writing, actually, though unfortunately not on the novel. :-( I'm in a non-fiction time crunch, but trying to write my way out.

And don't forget, The Romance Studio Diva Contest starts Monday! The voting is blind, but I'm in there, so if you're in the mood, stop off and read the excerpts and vote, vote, vote! 

Happy May one and all! May it be a month filled with flowers, great books, chocolate and time for family!
Perilously yours,
Pauline