Friday, August 30, 2019

FUN AT FAN EXPO

Rob, Tariq, and I with a few Star Wars characters. 
Rob and I both booked Friday off last weekend to attend Fan Expo Canada. We hadn't been in a few years and were both looking forward to going. I was thrilled to hear Rob's long time friend, Tariq was going to meet us there as it's been years since I'd seen him too.

We didn't do any celebrity photo-ops or panels, but chose to browse the exhibits and displays. We both enjoyed watching a number of children get sorted into their houses by the "Sorting Hat" in the Family Zone.

This Hufflepuff is ready for Hogwarts!
Without a doubt our favorite part of Fan Expo and Comic Con's are the cosplayers. I love seeing the fans dressed up, and so many of them put in such hard work to making some unbelievable outfits. I also love that cosplay organizations like the 501st Legion and Ontario Ghostbusters set up elaborate displays and raise money for charities. 

I found a friendly Storm Trooper!
We met Violet Love in 2014  (click date) when I almost ran her down, I got overly excited when I saw her, as she was dressed as Vampirella, one of Rob's favs. She now has a huge fan base and a booth of her own at these shows, and we are always happy to see her. She remembers us fondly, as it's probably not often a wife is throwing her husband at her for photo ops. LOL! 

Rob with Violet. She makes all her own costumes. 
Tariq was happy to meet "Wonder Woman". 
The Lego creations at this years event were amazing!

Aqua Man!
Rob inside the Millennium Falcon cockpit.
You never know who you are going to see "cosplayed" at these event's and the following are a few of my favs from Friday.

We both thought "Fat Thor" from Avengers's End Game was awesome and unique!
First time seeing a Ghost Rider at one of these events, I was thrilled!
We've seen these Hobbits before, but what an awesome costume!
It was a long day with lots of walking, but so much fun. New discovery this year was Deadly Grounds Coffee which provided a much needed afternoon boost. The blends we tried were wickedly good, and we plan on visiting their cafe when we are on vacation next month.

I also scored a couple original Sabrina comics for my collection! Looking forward to next year, maybe I'll even dress up!


Wednesday, August 21, 2019

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION


I'm one of those people, that when I fall in love, I fall all the way. Head over heels, passion and excitement fill me. This isn't just for people (my hubby), but also true for my favorite bands, books and movies. Def Leppard, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings to name a few.

One of the great things about getting so excited about things is you never know when it's going to happen again. Like last Friday, I was home alone, as Rob was still working and I was scrolling movies on Netflix. I noticed The Shawshank Redemption. Rob has mentioned this movie to me numerous times over the last 15 years, but for one reason or another I had never watched it. Time to change that.

I didn't know it at the time I was watching the movie, that a five and a half hour drive away in a place called Mansfield, Ohio, the 25th Anniversary of the movie was taking place. That's where the movie was filmed and still celebrated. You can take the Shawshank Tour, not just on the anniversary weekend, when cast members are there and special events taking place, but any time of the year!

The movie is actually based on a novella that Stephen King wrote in 1982 titled "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption". It can be found in his collection titled "Different Seasons", which I know I will be getting a copy of.

I fell in love with this movie. Rob and I watched it again together Saturday evening. It's a great story,  full of great lines and Morgan Freeman is incredible in his role.

If you've seen the movie, I know you are hearing this in Morgan Freeman's voice! LOL!

I've already told Rob I want to take a road trip in the coming year to do the Shawshank Tour. I want to sit on the bench with him where Brooks fed the pigeons.

Brook's Bench, where I hope to feed some pigeons next year.


This movie may take place is a dark, dreary prison, where horrible things happened, BUT it's also a place where friendship blooms, good wins, and hope never dies.