A week has already come and gone, but I’m still all smiles when I think about my recent trip to Chicago for Cyphan. Such an excited and welcome bunch, and a really well organized convention all round. I’m pretty sure everyone in attendance came away with some fond memories, some new friends and probably some fun new toys. I didn’t get a chance to look around too much, but the dealers room had some really neat things – I even borrowed some steampunk goggles from Julie (she’d bought them for her son, hope he didn’t mind). They also hired a professional crew to come in and recreate the Star Wars Cantina – seemed to help all the storm troopers feel right at home.

One of the highlights was a somewhat random and serendipitous occurrence… With everyone in full costume and full swing the night of the Browncoat Bash, there happened to be a wedding reception down the hall in one of the other banquet rooms; all ties, updos and fancy dresses. As it turned out, however, the bride and groom were huge Star Wars fans, so they boldly requested that the gaggle of Storm Troopers, Sand People, and even Darth Vader escort them down the aisle. Amazing right? All can say is I wish I could have seen the looks on their grandparents’ faces as they entered the room under the glow of light sabers. I can’t even imagine how awesome that must have been, especially for the bride and groom. Definitely not your typical wedding album. Even though I couldn’t see, the roar and applause echoed down the hall and turned my anticipatory giddiness into the embodiment of: “That was f’ing awesome.” So yeah, that was cool. What was also cool was the enthusiasm of all the people dressed in costumes (I know some of them are not comfortable, but they’re a dedicated crew). One guy dressed up as Civil War Royalty held my tea for me while I took pictures, and he held it with such regal authority, I started to feel bad, like he was above such a chore. Luckily there were some lowly deckhands around to ask for future favors Anyway, here are some fun photos from the con. I hope more of you can make it out next year. And if you have any more photos, please post ‘em, either here or on my facebook fan page.

"the wedding party" waiting to make their grand entrance.

me and kitty zombie, so rad

check out kitty zombie’s site: body of a killer. mind of a puppy. sweetest and most playful zombie you’ll ever meet. and the guy inside is just as sweet…

those eyes look frighteningly familiar

i was admiring some photos i’d seen of his character, a really beautiful photo essay of him with a little girl. so he later presented me with my own print… and even signed it. i just love it. thanks again kitty!

not your typical tea for two

hanging out at the Browncoat Bash, i have no idea what that expression means

chillin' with my new buddies... i think i miss my little bro

dancing up a storm, likely to some 80's tunage. no big surprise.

check out Joan Varitek’s website, she’s super talented. i was lucky enough to get my own print of this one too. thanks Frank!

awesome cartoon of the dirty mechanic duo

before I left on Sunday, my dear friend and fellow Sci Fi veteran, Julie Caitlin Brown, ventured into Chicago for a “taste.” Literally, we went to this massive event called “the taste of chicago” where local restaurants set up booths and sell you their token dishes. There wasn’t a huge selection for me, being vegan, but I managed to find some yummy veggie tacos and watermelon ice. We were melting in the heat, but at least got to see a few sites.

oh how i miss 'married with children'... um, not!

these kids killed it! next dance move to learn: hand stand scissor kicks.

julie walks way faster than me. and looks way more like a movie star.

Alright, that’s all folks! Have a happy 4th a July!!!