When Phoenix Comicon announced that this year’s main event was going to be the cast reunion (for the 20th anniversary of the show) of the television series Babylon 5, I was stoked, and not only for seeing Bruce Boxleitner again, but for seeing the whole cast back together again. Yes. I was enthusiastic about the one and a half hour panel with the surviving cast members. So, I scrimped and saved and checked airline fares daily, until I found a good deal. 

I’m not going to lie, but I was disappointed and saddened when Bruce Boxleitner canceled last week, especially with the money I spent. Yes, I understand that actors need to work, but still feel he could have come down for at least the B5 panel, especially when he tweeted he was not doing anything over the weekend. (And it’s not that long of a flight from Vancouver to Phoenix). I was also not happy when he tweeted, “work comes before cons.” Way to alienate your fanbase! 

Now, that I got that off my chest, I really did have a good time at Phoenix Comicon. I had an uneventful flight to Phoenix. (There is a reason I am discussing my flight – just wait until the adventure home begins). On the plane, I read one of Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove novels (the series being filmed for the Hallmark Channel and the reason why Bruce could not attend the con). First, I wanted to get a sense of the characters and setting and second, to see if I enjoyed her writing style. The books are very much character-driven, which is okay, but feel there are too many people and too many plots and reads a bit soap-operaish to me. Nevertheless, I think the series will do well on the Hallmark Channel, and I didn’t dislike the book (or I would have stopped reading) and plan to read more. 

Although, I am a little miffed and sadden Bruce Boxleitner will not be attending the 20th Anniversary of Babylon 5 at Phoenix Con this weekend (that man keeps alluding me), I am happy he's going to be back on television. He has been cast as a series regular in Hallmark Channel's Cedar Cove, based on Debbie Macomber's "Cedar Cove" books. 

A little bit of irony, Cedar Cove is a fictional town based on the town on Port Orchard, Washington (where Debbie Macomber is from) and just a few miles from us. I know at one point producers looked into the possibility of filming the series here locally, but choose Vancouver, British Columbia instead, due to cheaper production costs. Shot! Now I really wish the series was being filmed here. 

>>>A little nod to Star Trek and William Shatner and just play-on-words regarding comic conventions or what most of us attendees just refer to as cons. I know I have said it before, I never expected to ever attend a con, let alone enjoy it; however, I have had some great fangirl moments and memories that will last until. . . umm. . . the fall of the Empire.  Yeah, that will work. For me, I did not think I would comfortably wear the persona of fangirl, but now I wear my badge with pride. 

Ever since Star Wars came out in 1977, I have been hooked on sci-fi. I, of course, loved the three original Star Wars movies (bur don't even get me started on the prequels), Tron, Star Trek and the continuing sagas, Battlestar Galactica, Quantum Leap, Babylon 5, and the Stargate-verse. I also love the Back to the Future movies and the television series Sliders and Voyagers. I am even going to throw Chuck into the mix, since it had the elements of science fiction. Yes, I am a sci-fi geek and I don't care who knows it! I thought it would be fun to touch on some of the highlights of all the cons I have attended over the past few years. 

DragonCon (Atlanta, Georgia): Billed as the largest on the east coast, it certainly lives up to the hype. Total geek chaos, but in a good way. Lots of cosplay and a large parade in downtown Atlanta. Met Bruce Boxleitner, Dirk Benedict, Richard Hatch, Peter Jurasik, Bonita Friedericy, and Dwight Schultz.  Attended several panels including; A-Team, Battlestar Galactica, Patrick Stewart, Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner, Chuck, Buck Rogers, and Babylon 5 (which Bruce Boxleitner missed because he slept in - but still was fun listening to Peter Jurasik, Steven Furst, Claudia Christian, Julie Caitlin Brown, and Tracy Scoggins). Mine and my sister's favorite panel was Chuck with Bonita Friedericy. She is nothing like the character she plays and she is a little stick of dynamite. Her husband, John Billingsley (Star Trek: Enterprise), emceed the panel. Laughed so hard, I had tears running down my face. I also attended a couple writing workshops. Ran into John Schneider and Alan Ruck walking through the hallways.Alan Ruck nodded and said "hello" to me and all I could do was stand there slack-jawed and star stuck. No, "I loved you in Ferris Bueller's Day Off" or anything. *Facepalm* However, I had a terrific time at the con and it was also great getting the chance to hang out with my baby sister for the extended weekend. 

Emerald City Comic Con (Seattle, Washington): The first year I attended, I went with my oldest son, Michael. He really wanted to meet Stan Lee. Spent most of the con, standing in line waiting for his autograph. Michael then had the opportunity to meet him and get his picture taken. I waited in line to meet Leonard Nimoy (although, I saw him in Atlanta, I did not get a chance to get his autograph there). We also attended Leonard Nimoy's panel. The second year I attended, I went with my friend, Elaine. I was only able to attend the one day, and we spent it getting autographs from Bruce Boxleitner, Brent Spiner, and Jonathon Frakes. We spent several moments talking with Bruce before and after his autograph session. We then attended Jonathon Frakes and James Masters panels. The third year, I volunteered as a minion, although I did have time to get Adam Baldwin's (Chuck) autograph, do a photo-op, and attend his panel. My oldest son came with me to meet Summer Glau the second day. Had a great time being a minion that year, although, I only volunteered that one day in the photo-op area. However, it was great "seeing" Christopher Judge, Adam Baldwin, Jason Momoa, and Lia Thompson walk right past me as I stood guard near the door. Lots of fangirl moments. :) I "minioned" the con again this year, mostly dealing with crowd control, but did get a moment to get autographs from Christopher Lloyd, Michael Shanks, and Jim Cummings. For more details regarding the adventures of being a minion, click this link. In addition, I have already been asked to return as a minion in 2014. 

Pop Con LA (Los Angeles, California): Had a FANtastic time attending this con, although I felt bad for the actors, because it was poorly attended. However, it was great for us fans, because we had a lot of one-on-one time with the actors. I have already blogged about this con, so click on this link for more details regarding the weekend. Highlights included Cindy Morgan, Richard Anderson, and Bruce Boxleitner. 

Wizard World (Portland, Oregon): Also already blogged about this con and again click on the link for more details. Highlights included Henry Winkler, Dean Cain, and Bruce Campbell. 

Phoenix Con (Phoenix, Arizona): Looking forward to attending this con next weekend in Phoenix. I have never been to Arizona and look forward to some sun and fun, but hoping it is not TOO hot. Also super excited about the 20th Anniversary of Babylon 5 - most of the cast and J. Michael Straczynski will be there (except Bruce Boxleitner, who has a filming conflict). My girlfriends and I will be getting a photo of us and the cast. Also planning on attending the Lantern City panel, as I would like to learn more about this project. Also, looking forward to visiting with the lovely Cindy Morgan again and hanging out with my fellow girlfriend 'groupies.' :-) Ready to get my inner geek on!

A new "Little Lee" story, Unexpected Beginnings. 

Summary: Lee faces up to his punishment when he gets in trouble at school. A nod to Cheryl (Soapie) for the story idea and to Beth for proofing and the great title suggestion. 

Having a pity party, I guess. Wondering why I bother? Why do I write? Does anyone read my stories? Does anyone care if I ever write another one? Which lends to question (brought up by a fellow writing buddy): For whom do you write? Your pleasure and edification or the 'fans'? To be honest, I don't know. Both, maybe. Or changes from day-to-day depending on my mood, hormones, the planets aligning, etc. 

However, I did write one short challenge story this month and started another one. I'm struggling a bit with the second story, especially in the direction of how I want the story to end. My concern is, I'm afraid I am getting preachy with the story, and that was not my intent. Think I might have to go back and break the story down section by section until it 'works.' Do other writers experience this conundrum? 

In addition, I have not abandoned the season five project, but also have not been working on it. I've done some brainstorming for episode eight, but have not visualized the scenes and until I can 'see' it in my head, it does not end up on paper. Maybe a nice trip to Arizona in another week will help clear my head and put things back in perspective. 

To those who have asked if I will brainstorm or beta read or edit, I am still willing, ready and able. . . and love it! Also hoping to jump back into collaborative fiction soon (but I think I will wait until the next project). 

The Riener family tree goes back to the time when they were living in a region not far from Vienna, Austria, which is now part of Hungary. Both my husband and I have tried to emerge the boys in German culture to help them better understand their heritage. 

Steffen is taking German this year in high school and plans to continue taking German all four-years. One of his classroom assignments is making an authentic German dish. I am not what you would call a 'master chef' and stumble around the kitchen with the best of them, but it's been kind of fun, preparing dishes with him. 

This week, we made German Potato Salad. It was easy to make and tasted good (although, I admit it had a strong vinegar odor and not like the American potato salads I am used to). We found this recipe on Food Network. 

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
  
• 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon
  
• 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
  
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
  
• 1/4 cup sugar
  
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 2 tablespoons minced chives, for garnish
  

Directions:

Place the potatoes in a medium-size pot and cover them with enough water to extend 2 inches above the surface of the potatoes. Salt the water and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Continue cooking until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and slice into 1/4-inch rounds.

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once crisp, place on a paper towel-lined plate and crumble into small pieces. Pour off the rendered fat, reserving 1/4 cup in the pan. Turn the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook until translucent and just beginning to brown, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Whisk in the vinegar, sugar, mustard, and salt and stir until thick and bubbly. Add the sliced, cooked potatoes and toss to coat. Top with the crumbled bacon and garnish with the chives. Serve warm.

I came across this today while reorganizing the computer room and had to share. It's a Mother's Day card drawn by my youngest son from a couple of years ago - my favorite Scarecrow and Mrs. King scene, from my favorite episode, "Stemwinder." So cute!!!