I talked about going on more adventure and making memories in my last post.
Guess what?
I went on an adventure!
In short, I went to a city a few hours away and got my picture taken with some people. It doesn't sound very adventurous, but to me it was more than that.
I spent 3 weeks beforehand staring at an opportunity, contemplating whether or not I should go for it. A week before the event, I pulled the trigger and bought tickets to go to my first ever "comic-con" style convention. I drove three hours there by myself, blasting music with the windows rolled down the whole way. I probably spent about 4 hours waiting in lines. Waited in line to get in the door, waited in line to get my wristband, waited in line to get my picture. The picture itself was a second of my time, three seconds at most. As soon as I got what I came for, I drove three hours home, with more music.
Was it worth it?
It was to me.
The picture-taking process goes so quickly. It has to with the number of fans they work through. I was probably their 1,000th picture that day and there were still 500 people behind me. There is a short moment where everyone present looks up to see the next person in line.
In that second, all those familiar faces look at you. It feels like walking into a room and seeing all your old friends again. All the memories come rushing back. Every scene. Every line. Every smile. Every tear. (I've watched LotR extended edition a few times.)
A flash and that moment is gone. All I could do was smile at them. I didn't have time to thank them. It wasn't even enough time to say hello. I went home that night and pondered what I would have said to them, if I had the chance.
I would have told Miranda Otto she did not age a day. Her fierceness, courage, and beauty have outlasted and outshone every elf I know.
I would have told Sean Astin that Sam was always the hero to me. Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam. Everyone needs a Sam.
I would have told Billy Boyd his songs still inspire my writing even today. I would like to hear him sing more.
I would have told Dominic Monaghan that Charlie was my favorite. Had I been clever, I would have written Not Penny's Boat on my hand.
I would have told John Rhys-Davies he was an excellent Gimli and excellent Sallah. He is a strong favorite of many.
I would have told Craig Parker that Haldir didn't deserve to go down like that and the movies did not do his eyes justice. They stood out like blue beacons in person.
I would have told Lawrence Makaore his portrayal of Lurtz, Gothmog, and the Witch-king of Angmar have inspired several epic battle scenes.
I would have told Sala Baker he made an excellent Sauron and action movies wouldn't be what they are without bad guys and stunt performers.
I hope, somewhere along the line, someone would have said these things to them.
This post is not to glorify these people beyond what they are. They are just as human as I am. They are actors paid specifically to look and talk pretty. They sit and smile for hours and talk on panels about movies they played in 20 years ago because they still get paid to. If an actor is good at his job, would you even know? What I do know is all humans are mortal and I wanted to see these humans before we lose any more of them.
It was just a picture. But it was more than that. For one second, I wasn't awkwardly standing next to a group of strangers. For one second, I was in the Shire. I was in Rivendell. I was in Lothlorien. I was in Rohan. I was in Gondor. For one fleeting second...
I was THERE.
It was worth it to me.
I wish I could have said thank you.
Maybe it was good I didn't have time to think about it. I would have started crying. The convention was still enjoyable, in spite of the lines. I got to see tons of amazing costumes and cosplays. I got to hear funny stories from the other people in line with me. I got to chat with an author. I went on an adventure and had fun.
If you're wondering if my social skills have improved over the years at all, here's how the chat with the author went.
I'm walking around the vendor booths when I see someone wave at me. I think, "Oh, that kinda looks like my friend Isaac." I walk over and realize it is not Isaac, but a total stranger who asks, "Do you like to read?" (At a comic-con? Chance in a million.)
Um. Yes.
"Would you like to hear about a book I wrote?"
Um. Yes.
And he goes on about his story of a were-otter that protects earth. (???????)
But I think, "Hey, this is the perfect opportunity to mention that I write and maybe he has tips of how to get from first draft to selling printed books at comic-cons."
I bring up NaNo and how I have a full first draft done and he says, "Cool! What do you write?"
Fiction.
That's it. That's all. Fiction. Did I mention mirror realms, portals, young adult adventure, fantasy, superheroes, clones, time travel, or alternate versions of people? No. I said Fiction.
Joke's on me, I walked away with a new book and spent the next 3 hours trying to figure out how someone becomes a were-otter. Someone better help me with my elevator pitching if I ever get to marketing.
I don't know what to tell ya, friend. The guy had a strong opener, looked kinda like my friend Isaac, and his story about were-otters saving the earth is 100% something Isaac would have come up with.
...
Hang on...
Did I find an Other?
~ Always Hope ~
