Well, Fan Expo is officially over, and I think I feel I can deem it a success, at least in terms of all the truly awesome people I met, books sold, and new friends made.

Today started out with a portent of how great it would be when An and I were cut off on our way to the convention by an older man in a convertible Turbo S. I responded, as most drivers would, by yelling at him. This yelling turned into ridiculous screams of "Oh my g-d! This is awesome!" when we saw the driver toss his hair and turn the corner. It was Christopher Lloyd.

Once at the Expo, we got to our booth and set up. Sales went well, and I met some great people who expressed interest in stocking The Strings of the Violin in their stores. I will definitely keep you up to date on that! At 1:15, I went to meet Norman Reedus. I entered the picture room and got a hug as he greeted my by saying "Hey Sexy." I think I melted a little and blushed. (Don't tell Brian.) Afterwards, I went back to my booth.

The rest of the day seemed to fly by. I got interviewed by a fun sounding pod cast. I'll tell you when it's up. Links will be posted. The day ended and we packed up our stuff. I guess now I plan for Word on the Street. But first, PICTURES!

I'm combining yesterday and today into one post, mainly because yesterday I was too tired to do anything when I got home. There really wasn't anything to really say here. Books were sold, I met some really fantastic people, and saw some truly awesome cosplayers.

Today, I really hit my stride selling The Strings of the Violin. People seemed to really respond to the book and I actually net some fans who brought it with them! You guys rock! I love you for your enthusiasm! Also, I got some fantastic art based on my book, and expect more tomorrow, which I will definitely share. Tomorrow is also the day I turn into a total fangirl, because I'm meeting Norman Reedus from The Walking Dead!!!! Yay! Anyway, much still to prepare. Now some pictures!

Yesterday was the first day of Toronto Fan Expo, and it was exhausting and amazing all at the same time. I thought it would be easier than the Pirate Festival due to the fact that there was no tent to set up and it was indoors. This was so wrong. I did not take into account the crowds, the longer hours, and the sensory overload from so many exhibitors and happenings all around. In spite of this, it was an amazing experience, and I can't wait for today to start! First, check out The Strings of the Violin art made by some of the artists around my booth:

So yesterday I took the boys for their first full haircuts. We went to a place at the mall that specialized in children's hair under the impression that they would be more comfortable there. I mean who wouldn't want to sit in a rocket ship while someone pampered you?

This way of thinking definitely worked for Joseph. He was calm and relaxed as his stylist sprayed, combed, and cut his hair. Phillip on the other hand wanted nothing to do with any of it! He screamed. He cried. When Joseph was finished he watched his brother's carrying on with a bemused sort of look. He just couldn't understand what the big deal was. Eventually it ended, and I now have two kids who no longer look like babies. Part of me is sad, but it needed to be done.

In other news, Fan Expo is in two days! Yikes! I have so much to get ready. I'm also confirmed for Toronto Word on the Street on September 23. On August 30, I'm also being interviewed on the Tony Zee Show on Reality Radio 101 at 7:30, so check that out as well.

Now see the final hair product:

So the Pirate Festival is officially over. I found it to be an amazing experience. It was exhausting, and a lot of hard work, but ultimately, it ended up being a ton of fun. Day three went a lot more smoothly than the first two days. For once, Mother Nature decided to cooperate. There was no rain storm, no extreme heat, just a nice clear blue sky and warm breeze. This meant that there were many more visitors to the festival for us vendors to chat up and meet. Several people took interest in The Strings of the Violin.

An and I started our last day by having breakfast at Wimpy's in full costume. I give our server credit for not looking at us oddly as a couple of pirates sat politely at our table watching the olympics on the television. I wish I could say the same about the other patrons. They certainly gave us some weird looks as we ate our eggs and toast!

Brian came that day with Joseph, Phillip and Hailey and their bubbie Barb. His Uncle Harry, Aunt Susie, cousin Amy came as well along with our cousins Behr, Lucie, and their son Liam all the way from France. The kids loved the pirates, and Joseph loved trying to lock his siblings up in the brig. He also cheated in the children's maze by climbing under all of the walls. The people running the maze laughed at this, telling me he thought like a real pirate.

When the day ended, the actors playing pirates kept the entertainment going, playing sea shanty's and dancing around in the tavern, as we vendors dismantled our tents and packed up. I was sad to see it all end. Definitely considering doing it again next year. This time with two books! Until then, only two and a half weeks until FanExpo!

So Today did not go as smoothly as yesterday. We arrived on site to find that our neighbor's tent had blown over in the night and had become so mangled that it was unusable. Thankfully, mine had remained intact. Mother Nature then proceeded to kick our butts with rain and wind for the majority of the rest of the day. Things I learned from this: people don't like to by books when they have nowhere dry to put them. Also, rather than despair over the lack of customers; dance a jig in the downpour. You'll feel a lot better that way.

The day ended up alright. I still made some sales once the rain let up. An was awesome once again.

Now some more pictures, then to bed!

Well, I'm home and exhausted. Today was the first day of the Pirate Festival in Milton, and An, it cannot be said enough how much I appreciate your help. Guys, she was at my house at 6:00 am to help me get to Milton, set up and stayed all day helping me sell books.

We got to our space, put up my tent's walls and set up my displays. Then we waited for the festival to begin. Today went alright. One slight issue was that it was over 30 degrees Celsius outside. With the humidity it felt like 45. And we were in full period costumes. As the day went on, our chemises became short sleeved ones. My boots were replaced with my Toms. My skirt became bloomers. We ate three snow cones apiece. Yet, we did it all with minimal whining and sold some books! Tomorrow we start in what we ended in costume wise. Also, it's going to rain. I say "bring it Mother Nature."

This should be fun! Now to bed. I'm totally beat.