A few weeks ago, local super organizer Val put up event notices at a number of local clubs regarding Illuminares 2009. We had gone with a group two years ago and had a great time but I don't recall missing the action last year until the new event was posted.
For this year's event, I decided that I would not be left out without a lantern so I set out to create one but with my limited skills, it was not quite as easy as I expected. With a plan in mind I headed to Michaels in search of crafting supplies and $30 later, I was ready to start building. The result, as you'll see in a minute, is pretty spectacular (if I say so myself).
On Saturday afternoon we headed out to Trout Lake to find our trusty band of sci-fi buddies and by 6 o'clock, we had a nice crowd of folks hanging out waiting for darkness.
Conversation was animated. Folks came by, noticed the banner and stopped to chat. We even made a new friend, a gentleman from Academie Duello who was doing a demonstration later in the evening. I was lucky enough to get a first hand mini lesson though I feel sorry for whomever decided it was a good idea to give me a sword to play with.
I quite like this sword but there seemed to be too many rules on how to use it correctly. Admitedly, I much prefered this sucker wich I could swing freely:
See the big smile? Definitely having a much better time!
The evening was winding nicely, more folks were showing up and it was getting a little dark, perfect for lantern lighting, when the thunder started. First it was just kind of cool but then the rain started. First soft little droplets which quickly turned into a downpour. It was an ugly sight. We quickly packed up and took refuge under the nearby trees to stay somewhat dry. I was so concerned about keeping my lantern dry that I completely forgot to take any photos. Thankfully, Dale came to rescue with a few awesome photos. Bonus points to whomever figures out where the quote is from.
I love this next image which features the beautiful Serena completely enjoying the rain shower. I secretly wish I had just brought myself so I too could be this comfortable:
A few folks continued onto a nearby coffee shop but we were completely soaked through to the bone and decided to call it a night. I was disappointed that I didn't have a chance to light my lantern but it wasn't a complete loss. When it got dark at home, I set up the tripod and shot a few photos of my lit lantern in the comfortable dry darkness of my kitchen. The lantern is essentially square with one image per side but for the sake of keeping this short, I've cut all four sides into one image.
Spiffy eh? Not sure how well things would have gone if I had to include "Midnight Sun"...
I did manage to take a few more photos before the skies parted and you can check those out at the usual spot. And if you're interested in more details about Illuminares from the folks that are responsible for the event (along with some insights from attendees - including me!) check out this great article by Janaya Fuller-Evans at The Vancouver Courier.
It still managed to be a fun (if short) evening. Thanks again to everyone who came out and Val for organizing us all. What we'd do without her is beyond me. I hope the event manages to live on for another year! Would love to do it again next year! This time, without the rain!
Anyone that knows my taste in movies is probably aware that I have a soft spot for teen flicks and, in particular, ones with a whole lot of dancing.
I popped into Rogers Video yesterday to pick up a couple of new rentals. They didn't have what I was really looking for ("The Last Winter") but I did pick-up "Paranoid Park" and walking down the rows of new releases, I gave into the craving of "Step Up 2: The Streets". If you've seen one of these you'ver pretty much seen them all but as per usual, I had a good time talking to the screen.
Common curses:
"Are you serious?"
"Like I've never seen that before."
"You've got to be kidding me!"
"OMG."
I do give the movie credit for the excellent dance sequences, particularly the closing sequence which tops the ones before it. It's raining. It's dark. The lighting is perfect. Just the kind of thing you'd expect. Thankfully, there was enough good stuff to be satisfying. You can pretty much skip it (though Channing Tatum does make a small appearance and Robert Hoffman looks something this side of smoking hot in a pulled down hat) but you simply must take a look at the final dance sequence which blew my socks off.
Autum in Vancouver wouldn't be complete without rain. Unlike some years when we get a few weeks of dry yet cooler weather, this year the skies decided to open up and let it all out. The rain has been around for a few days now and, honestly, I'm ready for it to stop. You HEAR ME RAIN????? GO AWAY! It's not that I hate the rain because I actually find it quite refreshing. What bothers me is trying to lug all my shit around from home to work and back while trying to stay dry. I have yet to find the *perfect* bag that will allow for this. I WILL find it. I'm going to start looking this weekend.
The other thing I hate about the rain is that it always gives me a feeling of melancholy. I'm not necessarily depressed or unhappy but the drearyness and the wet make me kind of sad. But on a good note, I've been feeling pretty good lately. The little illness that was bothering me last week and over the weekend appears to be subsiding which is making me a very, very happy girl. My major concern now is trying to catch up on some reading for the Book Discussion next weekend.
So the results are in for the "Celebrity that makes you puke up a little in your mouth every time you see them." Paris Hilton won that challenge with a landslide 60%. The best comment about the whole thing was "Paris Hilton was redeemed in my eyes when South Park did a whole episode dedicated to the STUPID LITTLE CRACK WHORE." Thanks to Colleen Prime for that tidbit. It had me rolling on the floor.
I think today is going to be really quiet - YEY! - more time to catch up on a few things like writing a review for The Last Kiss which was really, really good (quite the writer eh?).
To finish off today, I'd like to share this picture with you:
This is a picture of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan. This was taken last week shortly after the birth of their first male grandchild. There are actually a couple of great tidbits of history about this family. To read more, you can check out Wikipedia. To learn WHY this grandchild is such a big deal, read this. The reason I posted the picture is because they're SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO adorable! Seriously! Don't they look like two cute little dolls?
