Fandom Friday: Crossovers That Would Cause My Heart to Explode

As always, thanks to the Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick for Fandom Friday!

I actually had a REALLY hard time with this prompt! But here we go...
Basically, the answer to everything is "Supernatural"... In fact, earlier this year, actor Stephen Amell (best known as Oliver McQueen/the Green Arrow) revealed he pitched an idea for a Supernatural // Arrow crossover: Supernatural Arrow Crossover Plan, because he's a fan and close friend of Sam Winchester, himself!

I don't know that it'll ever happen, but it'd be kind of awesome if it did! And now that Arrow has John Constantine, it'd be kind of funny if he and Castiel were to meet and just be like "Hey.. nice trench coat.." Ha!

Here are some other t.v. shows that I think could use a touch of the Supernatural:



5) Supernatural // The Vampire Diaries

the photo that sparked the idea

 There had been playful banter from Jensen Ackles before, about how he and Jared (as Dean and Sam Winchester) should visit Mystic Falls and "wipe out" all the vampires living there. (And maybe the witches and whatever else, too!)

This past SDCC, the lead actors of both SPN and TVD finally met and all I could think was "PLEASE make this happen on t.v.!!"  Honestly, all I can think about is the Winchesters showing up with the intention of getting all the vamps, but the Salvatores convince them that they should work together. Dean begrudgingly accepts, and finds that he actually kind of sort of gets along with Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder).

Really, I just want a scene with Dean and Damon sitting at a bar, bitching about life, and getting old, and their 'annoying' little brothers. And Sam and Stefan (Paul Wesley) sitting off to the side rolling their eyes and exchanging funny stories of their irritating older brothers:

Sam: "Does yours sing loudly along to classic rock, too?" 
Stefan: "No - mine DANCES to it"

.. HA! Look at me. I'm writing a fanfic!!

* BONUS photo: remember that time I met Ian Somerhalder/Damon Salvatore's brother at the SPN Convention?!? *

4) Supernatural // The X Files

Nevermind the fact that Walter Skinner of the XFiles (played by Mitch Pileggi) is also the Winchester boys' grandfather, Sam Campbell on SPN, but since the boys are so adept at pretending to be FBI agents, I need to see them work together with Mulder and Scully.

Can't you just picture Dean freaking out over aliens being real?!


3) Supernatural // Dominion




Dominion is a fairly new t.v. show on the SyFy channel that I enjoy watching. (I'm obsessed with angels!!) It's currently in it's second season, and it's basically about Angels coming down to Earth after "God" disappears.. hey wait a minute, wasn't that already a Supernatural plot line, once? Why, yes it was! However, it's a vastly different world altogether. In Dominion's world, we have a human named Alex who is told he is the Savior of humanity itself. And the angels Michael and Gabriel are SO not the same ones that we met in Supernatural.. But it would be so awesome if these two shows crossed over: Castiel urging Dean and Sam to meet him in Vega (formerly Las Vegas) to help his angelic brothers in a post apocalyptic civil war to save humankind.. I love the wings they give the angels in Supernatural, (virtually invisible shadows), but the ones in Dominion have actual black, feathery wings. Give Cas some of those! It'd be lovely :)


2) Supernatural // American Horror Story: Coven

I  realize AHS: Coven has already ended it's run, (and I've only recently started watching it on Netflix), but I would LOVE to see the Winchesters intervene and fight these nutty teenage witches! Also, one wish I've always had for Supernatural is that I'd like to see at least ONE episode filmed/take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, (where Coven takes place). They mention it from time to time, but have never actually stepped foot in it. For all the magic and hoodoo/voodoo that NOLA is known for, I think it's past due timing for a certain black Impala to make it's way down there and stir things up ;)


1) Supernatural // Doctor Who

Of course, I have to leave the best for last. Imagine one day, Dean and Sam are just sitting in their parked Impala, reviewing some new cases when all of a sudden a blue phone box appears in front of them. They both think they're losing their minds, but the crazy British dude who emerges from the box insists that they aren't. Can't the Winchester brothers be the Doctor's companions for ONCE??

It would burst my little fangirl heart into a billion pieces!! 


BONUS: Face Off // Project Runway (... and Supernatural?!?)

Ok, I realize that Face Off and Project Runway are both 'reality' shows, but it'd be perfect for the competitors of each to team up on a challenge: the Project Runway designers have to design a fashion-forward outfit for a new breed of monster, the Face Off artists are in charge of making the model into the monster.. and then set the made-over models/actors loose into the filming of an episode of Supernatural where the Winchesters have to hunt them! Whose 'look'/creation will stand up to the test?! Tell me that wouldn't be amazing!!!



And that's about it, for me.
What do you think? Do my ideas sound logical?!

Can't wait to see others' responses!


Until next time,

G.

Fandom Friday: Four Fictional Cats + One Dog I'd like to Adopt!

As always, thanks to the Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick for these prompts!


5. K-9 (Doctor Who)





Let's start with this cute little robot-dog. He's kind of clunky and old-school, but he's sweet and smart, and LOYAL!

And apparently very good at chess!




 4. Jiji (Kiki's Delivery Service)

Every good little witch requires a black kitty companion, right? I loved little Jiji.. but I can't remember now whether he talked or not..?? It's been a while since I watched this movie!



3. cat from the Coraline movie (I'm not sure he had a name..?)

Coraline called him "wuss puss" at one point, but took it back when she realized how mean it was, haha. This one definitely spoke, though! When Coraline was in the "other" world, he warned her against the dangers she was getting herself into and ultimately helped her escape. Poor thing did get the raw end of the deal, but he forgave Coraline!




2. Salem (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)

Was anyone else as obsessed with Sabrina the Teenage Witch as a kid, like I was? Holy cow, did I love this show! Here's another talking kitty! He could be kind of a troublemaker at times, but at least he was someone to talk to!


1. Hello Kitty

my wonky crochet Hello Kitty from this post

Does she count? Yes. Why not? This one definitely can't talk, since she has no mouth, but she's still ultra sweet. And she and I could share hair bows. Love you, Hello Kitty!



Honorary Mention: another dog, (well, technically a Direwolf). Jon Snow's Ghost, from Game of Thrones. Because how awesome would it be to have a direwolf named GHOST for a pet?  I mean, come on.



If you'd like a look back at my previous Fandom Friday posts, here they are:

October 3rd 2014:  Five Fandoms that have made me Who I am Today
 October 17th 2014: Five Characters I'd love to dress as for Halloween 
October 24th 2014:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies November 7th 2014: Five Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better
November 21st 2014: Five Characters I Would Invite to my Thanksgiving Feast
December 12th 2014: Presents I Want Santa to Bring Me
January 2nd 2015: New Year's Fandom Resolutions
January 16th 2015: Conventions I Wish to Attend
January 23rd 2015: Albums that have Changed my Life
January 30th 2015: Favorite Fandom Accessories
February 6th 2015: Favorite Monster High Dolls/Characters
February 27th 2015: Characters I Would Name My Pets After
April 3rd 2015: Five Times I Shamelessly Fangirled
April 10th 2015: Five Times and Places I would Go if I Owned a TARDIS
May 8th 2015: Favorte Fictional Moms
July 24th 2015: Five Fictional Vehicles I'd Love to Travel In



Until next time, G

Fandom Friday: Five Fictional Vehicles I'd Love To Travel In

Why, hello there Fandom Freaks! Long time no see! Today's post sounded like a lot of fun, so I wanted to join in! It's been a while since I've done a Fandom Friday post...

As always, thanks to the wonderful the Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick (and the contributors) for these weekly prompts!

So, I had to think long and hard about 5 OTHER 'vehicles'/ships that I'd like to travel in BESIDES the Doctor's TARDIS, and the Winchesters' '67 Impala... (although that one isn't really 'fictional'..) here's what I came up with!


5. Bill and Ted's Phone Box

Y'know.. that OTHER time traveling phone box! I used to LOVE the Bill and Ted movies/cartoons as a kid. There's not as much elbow room as the TARDIS, but it's still cool!

4. The Magic School Bus

Another cartoon I was quite enamored with as a child! You can't tell me you didn't dream of one day showing up at school to find that your regular teacher was replaced by a new one named Ms. Frizzle who announced that you'd be going on a FIELD TRIP! I'd be scared of getting 'carsick' on this bus, but since it's magic, then maybe I wouldn't feel it.

Also, I might want to skip out on field trips involving shrinking down so small that bugs end up being larger than life... ew. The inside of a human body might be kind of cool, though.. maybe!

3. The CAT bus

Another magical bus, but this one is shaped like a cat! If you haven't already seen Hayao Miyazaki's "My Neighbor Totoro" a million times (like I have), then we can't be friends.. Seriously. Goodbye.

Ok, ok, I'm kidding. But you know about the cat bus, right?! He just seems so SOFT and cuddly and warm!  MEOW!

2. Star Trek USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)

Specifically, this is the later version of the star ship: the one commanded by Captain Jean Luc Picard on Star Trek: the Next Generation.  It seems so roomy and luxurious! That '10Forward' bar/restaurant where you can sit by the window and gaze at the stars? And that fabulous HOLODECK where you can have the computer create any virtual world you can dream of! I'd never want to leave!

1. Aladdin's Magic Carpet

Does this count as a 'vehicle'? Well, it does now. I like the idea of an 'open-air' method of transportation that you can fly into the sky on.. I suppose a magic broom (like Kiki's from Kiki's Delivery Service or Harry Potter's Quidditch broom) could work, too!


That's it for today!
Share your vehicle ideas with me, below!

If you'd like a look back at my previous Fandom Friday posts, here they are:

October 3rd 2014:  Five Fandoms that have made me Who I am Today
 October 17th 2014: Five Characters I'd love to dress as for Halloween 
October 24th 2014:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies November 7th 2014: Five Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better
November 21st 2014: Five Characters I Would Invite to my Thanksgiving Feast
December 12th 2014: Presents I Want Santa to Bring Me
January 2nd 2015: New Year's Fandom Resolutions
January 16th 2015: Conventions I Wish to Attend
January 23rd 2015: Albums that have Changed my Life
January 30th 2015: Favorite Fandom Accessories
February 6th 2015: Favorite Monster High Dolls/Characters
February 27th 2015: Characters I Would Name My Pets After
April 3rd 2015: Five Times I Shamelessly Fangirled
April 10th 2015: Five Times and Places I would Go if I Owned a TARDIS
May 8th 2015: Favorte Fictional Moms



Until next time, G

Fandom Friday: Favorite Fictional Moms

Mommies! Who doesn't adore them?! My own mom happens to be my best friend. She feeds me and takes good care of me and listens to me when I need to talk and we love to make each other laugh. She also enjoys geeking out with me on everything I'm into! And I love her for it! Here is a list of some equally awesome mommas from movies and t.v.  Which one is your favorite?

As always, thanks to Super Space Chick and the Nerdy Girlie for these #5Fandom prompts.

5. Jackie Tyler (Doctor Who)

Mrs. Tyler was not perfect, but she genuinely cared for daughter, Rose, and worried herself sick every time she would run off with that pesky Time Lord...  better bring her back safe, Doctor!!

4. Mrs. Weasley (Harry Potter)

How many kids, (exactly) did Mrs. Weasley have, again? I always lose count. But even with all the kids of her own that she had, she still took in poor little orphan Harry Potter as if he were her own as well. She even made sure he had presents on Christmas, and tried to protect him from evil, nose-less, you-know-who...

3. Marge Simpson (The Simpsons)

This one. I don't know how she does it. The biggest troublemaker of a son, and the least helpful of spouses. But she still manages to keep them all on the straight and narrow, gives wonderful advice, and loves them unconditionally.

2. Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)

Definitely the 'coolest' of the list, probably because she was essentially so young. But she raised an awesome daughter and was always there for her through the ups and downs. Love her.

1. Margaret (Jake and Finn's doggy mom from Adventure Time)

Similar to Mrs. Weasley, here was a mom who found a poor defenseless, abandoned human baby in the forest one day, picked him up, and gave him a BIG KISS. She took him home and raised him, and I think she's the main reason for Finn being such a great hero ;)

Fandom Friday: Five Times I Shamelessly Fangirled!

Happy Fandom Friday! I know I've been missing out on these Fridays, (and blogging in general) lately, but I do miss them and am trying to get back in the fandom saddle. Today's prompt has me so excited because "FANGIRL" happens to be my middle name!

The following are five true life accounts of occasions when I let my Fangirl-Flag fly. (There's even photographic proof for some!) I hope you find them humorous and entertaining! Can't wait to read everyone else's!!!

As always, THANK YOU to the Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick for these prompts!

5) "GET IT RIGHT."

 

I wear my band love on my jacket! MCR forever!

 

This one is pretty recent, so that's why I'm starting with it. I was having a conversation about My Chemical Romance with a coworker the other day, and at one point he called the lead singer "Jared Way", and I immediately cut him off and yelled "It's GERARD! Get it right!"... he was like "Jeez, alright. Calm down."

No shame.

4) and 3) 

"Umm.. I made you somethingbutitreallysucksbutitwouldmeanalotifyouacceptedit"

This is one of my favorites. Two different moments, but with the same dude. I've seen one of my favorite bands, Kill Hannah, in concert three times. On two of those shows, I got to meet the singer, Mat Devine (whom I've blogged about here), and give him some handmade gifts. The first time, I gave him a notebook filled with fashion sketches for a collection I designed inspired by his 'muse'. I remember being way too shy/frozen in place while he chatted with and took photos with other fans, and I just stood there until he was literally about to walk off and my friend shoved me towards him and so finally I was like "Wait!" and handed him the book, and my friend took photos while he looked through it, and then he hugged me!

he's holding the notebook!

 I think he was genuinely pleased. (Hopefully, anyways).

The second time, (a year later), I got more ambitious with my gift for him. I knew he was fond of wearing military style jackets, so I applied some of my clothing construction knowledge and attempted to make him a jacket! I was so incredibly nervous when I showed it to him, but he immediately tried it on and my heart kind of sank when I realized it didn't fit properly, (after all, I had to guess what his measurements are), but he kept insisting that it fit "perfectly" and he posed for a photo and he even kept it on the rest of the night. It was, hands down, one of the BEST experiences of my life. I got to live my dream of designing for rockstars for a night! I will fangirl about that forever!

before the show

and after :)

 

2) "Say 'hi' to your mini me!"

I've already mentioned this from January: I got to meet my first ever ACTOR: Jensen Ackles (better known as Dean Winchester from the show Supernatural) at #HousCon, and I had made a doll version of him to complement my cosplay. I held it up and showed it to him and said "Say 'Hi' to your mini me!" when it was my turn to get a photo with him and he smiled/laughed at it. If making a doll of a character you love, cuddling it for dear life, and showing it to the actor who plays that character on t.v. is not the definition of a "fangirl", then I don't know what is!

me: sandwiched between TWO Dean Winchesters!

1) "I'm going to die."

I saved the best for last, because this is the ULTIMATE fangirl-moment. Like.. textbook definition. Making a fool of yourself in front of someone you admire can be embarrassing, but at least it makes for a story to tell!

I once had the privilege of meeting the members of the band Placebo at an autograph session for an outdoor concert tour they were a part of. A once in a lifetime experience, because this band is huge and virtually inaccessible.

Asking for photos with the guys was not allowed, since they needed to keep the line moving quickly, so I just held out my hand for each of them to shake, and when I got to lead singer Brian Molko, I literally blurted out the phrase "It's Brian Molko. Oh my God. I'm going to die", while holding his hand and I wanted to smack myself. What kind of thing is that to say to someone?!

However, being the sweet and awesome guy he is, he clutched my hand tighter, looked me straight in the eye and pleaded "Please don't die!".

This is the back of my once-fuschia-ish head right before I fangirled in front of Brian Molko (the guy in the black hat and shirt!) - forever thankful to my partner-in-crime Tina for sneakily capturing this moment!

I dare someone to top that story! ;)



And that's about it!

Share with me your favorite fangirling (or fanboying!) experiences!




If you missed any of my previous "Fandom Friday" posts, check them out here:


October 3rd 2014:  Five Fandoms that have made me Who I am Today

 October 17th 2014: Five Characters I'd love to dress as for Halloween 

October 24th 2014:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies

November 7th 2014: Five Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better

November 21st 2014: Five Characters I Would Invite to my Thanksgiving Feast

December 12th 2014: Presents I Want Santa to Bring Me

January 2nd 2015: New Year's Fandom Resolutions

January 16th 2015: Conventions I Wish to Attend

January 23rd 2015: Albums that have Changed my Life

January 30th 2015: Favorite Fandom Accessories

February 6th 2015: Favorite Monster High Dolls/Characters

February 27th 2015: Characters I Would Name My Pets After

Fandom Friday: Characters I Would Name My Pets After

I've only ever been the proud owner of one pet: a cat that was named Tommy... such a human name! My Tommy has long since gone, and I've never gotten another pet. But some day I'd love to have more kitty cats, and maybe a doggie. Here are some of the names I like:


1. Vader

I dream of having a black kitty companion named after Darth Vader. Yes.

2. Luke Skywalker

If it could be possible to get a father/son cat duo, I would name the father Vader and the son Luke. Naturally.

3. Sophronia

For a girl kitty.. Sophronia is the main character of Gail Carriger's "Finishing School" series, which I've blogged about here and here.

4. Cersei

I don't really like the character of Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones), but I love the sound of this name! I think it would be good for a regal kind of girl cat ;)

5. Crowley

Demon from Supernatural (and also the demon from Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's "Good Omens"). This could be a good name for a dog - a little hellhound ;)




~ As always, thanks to the Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick for these awesome Fandom Friday themes! 
I can't wait to read everyone's responses...






If you missed any of my previous "Fandom Friday" posts, check them out here:


October 3rd 2014:  Five Fandoms that have made me Who I am Today

 October 17th 2014: Five Characters I'd love to dress as for Halloween 

October 24th 2014:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies

November 7th 2014: Five Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better

November 21st 2014: Five Characters I Would Invite to my Thanksgiving Feast

December 12th 2014: Presents I Want Santa to Bring Me

January 2nd 2015: New Year's Fandom Resolutions

January 16th 2015: Conventions I Wish to Attend

January 23rd 2015: Albums that have Changed my Life

January 30th 2015: Favorite Fandom Accessories

February 6th 2015: Favorite Monster High Dolls/Characters

Fandom Friday: Favorite Monster High Dolls/Characters

Since I don't currently own any of the super adorable and amazing Funko Pop figurines that we're *supposed* to be talking about for Fandom Friday today, I have to improvise and tell you about my favorite Monster High characters! (Since I own, like, a billion of these dolls!). I have seen some of those Funko toys in stores and I do like them, but they're a little overpriced, in my opinion, for the size that they are, so that's why I haven't bought any yet. But I do like them! And with all that said, I am LUSTING over the Funko Castiel (from Supernatural) figurine, with the little wings! I'll be on the lookout for one!

As always, thanks to the Nerdy Girlie and SuperSpaceChick for these fun themes!

5. Draculaura  

 

 She's always been my favorite MH character because she's a) a vampire, b)she loves pink and black, and c) her clothes are the BEST. I own four different Draculauras, but my favorite has always been this pig tailed one that came in a set with Clawd Wolf, because of her outfit.

4. Spectra 

 

 My favorite color is purple, and this was the first Monster High doll that was made entirely in purple! She also has a different face from the rest, so she stands out even more. And I just adoooore her see-through appendages!

3. Skelita Calavera 

 

Since I happen to come from a Mexican family, it only makes sense that I include Skelita as one of my favorites, because she's like me!! The only thing that I don't like about this doll is the fact that she is indeed, literally, a skeleton. It makes her legs too flimsy to bend, and kind of makes her clothes look weird.. but it's still a neat idea.

2. River Styxx

 

The latest addition to my collection is the lovely pastel-hued River Styxx, (the daughter of the Grim Reaper)! I wanted this doll specifically for the colors... I'm obsessed with pastels. And, like Spectra, she has see-through limbs! And her little bows are to die for! (*Gulp*, not literally, of course!)

1. Trystana - the Dragon Queen - My OWN MH creation!

This is the first (and so far only) "repaint" of a MH doll that I've done. I used a green-eyed lizard girl from one of the "create a monster" sets and repainted her eyes blue, with silver eye make up! I designed and made her entire outfit by hand, and I also painted her scales silver and added black swirly tattoos. I originally posted about her on my old blog, (on my official website), but I've since taken that post down. I'm still so in love with her.. I think she's so cool.


And that's about it! Until next time! -G

If you missed any of my previous "Fandom Friday" posts, check them out here:


October 3rd 2014:  Five Fandoms that have made me Who I am Today

 October 17th 2014: Five Characters I'd love to dress as for Halloween 

October 24th 2014:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies

November 7th 2014: Five Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better

November 21st 2014: Five Characters I Would Invite to my Thanksgiving Feast

December 12th 2014: Presents I Want Santa to Bring Me

January 2nd 2015: New Year's Fandom Resolutions

January 16th 2015: Conventions I Wish to Attend

January 23rd 2015: Albums that have Changed my Life

January 30th 2015: Favorite Fandom Accessories

Fandom Friday: Favorite Fandom Accessories I Own

Happy Fandom Friday! This week's prompt is all about our favorite fandom-related accessories that we own. I actually don't own as many as I thought, if you can believe it! But here are some of the most notable ones:

As always thank you to the Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick for these awesome Fandom Friday themes!

5. Socks!

Who doesn't love a good pair of socks?! I've always loved printed ones. Monster High from Toys R Us, Foster's Home for Imaginary Children from when I worked at Hot Topic (years ago), and the My Melody ones are from a past Kawaii Box!

4. Pins!

A photo posted by Gaby (@ghouliegaby on Twitter) (@whimsyandnoir) on Jan 8, 2015 at 1:37pm PST

  Like socks, you kind of can't ever go wrong with pins. These are just SOME of the ones I have. I love them. They decorate my backpack and just about anything.

 

3. Kiki's Delivery Service nametag/lanyard

 

 This is a recent addition - I saw it at Hot Topic and just had to have it! (Honestly: Hot Topic is the best place to buy fandom stuff). I wear it every day at work, as it holds my nametag. It adds a bright touch to my day :)

 

2. TARDIS teapot and Doctor Whooves figurine

 Ok, so these aren't really "accessories", but I love them either way! They're HOME accessories, so there ;)
I also have a mug in which the TARDIS magically disappears/appears, but it's not in the photo!

 

1. My DIY Dean Winchester doll

He made his first appearance at the Salute to Supernatural Convention this past Sunday, (see my con recap blog post here!), and I'm so smitten with him and how he turned out that I just want to carry him around everywhere!


How about you? What geeky accessories (fashion or otherwise) make you happy???

Until next time,

G.

If you missed any of my previous "Fandom Friday" posts, check them out here:


October 3rd 2014:  Five Fandoms that have made me Who I am Today

 October 17th 2014: Five Characters I'd love to dress as for Halloween 

October 24th 2014:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies

November 7th 2014: Five Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better

November 21st 2014: Five Characters I Would Invite to my Thanksgiving Feast

December 12th 2014: Presents I Want Santa to Bring Me

January 2nd 2015: New Year's Fandom Resolutions

January 16th 2015: Conventions I Wish to Attend

January 23rd 2015: Albums that have Changed my Life

Fandom Friday: Albums that have Changed My Life!

Friday again! You ready for this one? It's gonna be fun!
I've always loved music, and while there are plenty of songs that evoke memories or have "changed" my life in some way or another, it's mainly been entire albums that have been the most life altering. Back in November, I posted a list of 5 Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better for one of the Fandom Friday posts, so today I'm changing it up and listing my top 5 ALBUMS that have changed my life, instead! And guess what? I included Spotify links below each title in case you'd like to check something out! ;)

**As always, thank you to the Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick for creating these awesome themes! **



While there are a ton of albums I could list, these particular albums I'll be talking about are the most nostalgic. They're the ones that I discovered when I was in high school or my early college years: the years when everyone really starts to get a sense of who they are and what they're into. They each speak to me in a different way and evoke a different, indescribable feeling.

5. Waking the Fallen (Avenged Sevenfold)

**click here to listen to this album on Spotify

I'm starting with this one because it's kind of a random story of how I discovered this band, (and how they tie into two of the rest of the bands on this list)... Since I can remember, I've always had a strong taste for darker/gothic fashion. Naturally, this led to also trying out 'darker' styles of music as a teen. One day while flipping through a heavy metal music magazine there was a feature for a "new" band named Avenged Sevenfold: Not to sound like a shallow fangirl, but what drew me in the most was how these dudes were dressed. While the rest of the bands mentioned in this magazine were all grungy/long haired/dishevelled looking, here were five guys with neat haircuts, neat black nail polish and some (yes) guyliner, and the lead singer even had his black tshirt tucked into black trousers. I was like "WHOA - if their music is anything like their sense of fashion, I think I'm going to love them!" And love them I did. For quite a while.

(The drummer in this particular photo I mentioned of Avenged Sevenfold was also wearing a tshirt of the next band I'm going to list, and back when they were starting out, the band that's number 1 on this list was their opening act. That may not mean anything to you, but it meant EVERYTHING to me, back then).

These guys are still around, still making new music and putting out new albums, but I don't actually listen to them much anymore. A few years ago the drummer passed away, and I did feel really sad about it for a while. This album is my favorite out of all of them, and it willl always hold a special place in my heart, even if it doesn't fit in with my tastes anymore.

4. Sing the Sorrow (AFI)

**click here to listen to this album on Spotify
 
I can't remember exactly, but I think I discovered this one a little bit before Avenged Sevenfold. But it was definitely in the 10th grade!

Do you remember the glory days of MTV and other music channels? Back when they actually showed music videos and music related stuff? This was also back when "rock" music filled the airwaves, (and not teenybopper pop/rap/COUNTRY/whatevertheheck like THIS day and age... Did you ever watch Steven's Untitled Rock Show on FUSEtv?? THOSE WERE THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE, (music-wise...).

Anyways, I remember one day seeing a fun anime-inspired music video featuring one really pretty dude with really pretty long black hair for a song called "Girls Not Grey". The band was AFI, and the album this song appeared on was Sing the Sorrow.

It may have been the album that launched AFI into the mainstream world, (as they had already been around for quite a while before this video), but it is still my all time favorite. Every single song on this album is beautiful.. this entire album is poetry. It spoke to the dark child in me, inspired me in so many ways, and I still listen to this album on cloudy days. It never ceases to take my breath away every time.

3. Origin of Symmetry (Muse) 

**click here to listen to this album on Spotify



I had a super cool friend in high school named Naomi who had the best taste in music. However, it really wasn't until she moved away to another country and I lost touch with her that I went back to all the cd's she had given me and really listened to them. I have to credit a lot of the stuff she introduced me to as helping to create the geek I am today. Muse was one such band - there was a time when this mega superstar/arena-performing band was actually very much unknown, (at least in the States). My friend Naomi knew who they were before they made it big, (that's how cool she was!). Origin of Symmetry is one of Muse's earlier albums, and it's still my absolute favorite of theirs. Not one single song disappoints, from the tinny fairy-like beginning of the opening song, to the hurricane that builds up after it... Words simply cannot describe the genius behind them. And some pretty epic guitar riffs, might I add. 

2. The Alternative (IAMX)

**click here to listen to this album on Spotify
 
IAMX was another artist introduced to me by my friend Naomi, and I am especially grateful for this one.

The discovery of Chris Corner came at a perfect time in my life when I was in need of a male fashion muse, for all the crazy stuff I so desperately wanted to design when I was a senior in high school, anxious to start fashion school the next year. I actually was introduced to IAMX through a song from the album that came before The Alternative, but as a whole, I dig this one just a bit more. Chris Corner/IAMX is still one of my favorite artists, and he will have a new album out soon!

1. The Black Parade (My Chemical Romance)

**click here to listen to this album on Spotify
 
 Saved the biggest for last. But I actually don't think I can accurately describe what this album means to me or how it changed me. I've talked of My Chemical Romance many times before and they are still probably my favorite band of all time.

I can remember being the most inspired by this album when I was already in my second or third year in college/fashion school. The overall look behind the Black Parade inspired my designs a lot, and I remember I even took the actual cd/album to class one day to show everyone the artwork during a presentation of something I made, and my professor thought it was so great. One of my biggest dreams back then was to one day get hired by MCR to design their stage outfits or something, but alas, the Black Parade is dead, and My Chemical Romance is no more... ;)


If you missed any of my previous "Fandom Friday" posts, check them out here:


October 3rd 2014:  Five Fandoms that have made me Who I am Today

 October 17th 2014: Five Characters I'd love to dress as for Halloween 

October 24th 2014:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies

November 7th 2014: Five Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better

November 21st 2014: Five Characters I Would Invite to my Thanksgiving Feast

December 12th 2014: Presents I Want Santa to Bring Me

January 2nd 2015: New Year's Fandom Resolutions

January 16th 2015: Conventions I Wish to Attend

Fandom Friday: Conventions I Wish To Attend

It's Fandom Friday again!

In my last post, I mentioned that I've actually never attended a convention (yet!). But for my birthday present to myself this year, I did buy tickets to my very first convention happening in less than two weeks, (see item number 1 on my list, below!), and I'm excited about it! The other four on this list are cons that I wish I could also attend. If only time and money weren't issues...


As always, thank you to the Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick for these Fandom Friday themes.

*CONVENTIONS I WISH TO ATTEND*

 

5. Hello Kitty Con

The very first ever Hello Kitty convention happened just a few months ago, last year! If you knew me in real life, you would know that Hello Kitty happens to be my Spirit Animal. I've been a diehard Sanrio fan since grade 3, and I always will be! So yes, I hope to be able to attend this convention at least once in my life! *Somedayyyy*

4. Dragoncon

I've dreamed of attending Dragoncon since I first found out about it years ago in a feature in Gothic Beauty magazine. It mainly focuses on pop culture in the sci fi and fantasy worlds, but it looks like it's attended by a huge variety of geeks from all tastes!

3. SDCC

The big one. The one. The only. San Diego Comic Con.  I'm jealous of all of you that religiously attend every year. One day I'll get there! 

2. Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

I'm not sure if this really counts as a 'convention', per se, but it's a weekend-long event that offers opportunities for some AMAZING costume creations! I super love the movie Labyrinth with David Bowie, so how magical would it be to attend this?!? Furthermore, why does California get all the fun?!?

and finally...

1. Salute to Supernatural

I am proud to announce that this will be my first ever convention! I already have my tickets and my (casual) cosplay outfit all planned out, (I just need to finish one "prop" that I'm currently making!) This is also apparently the first year this con is being held in my hometown here in Texas, so I really feel it was meant to be ;)  (Also, the two stars of Supernatural happen to BE fellow Texans, so I'm extra proud!) And just to make things EXTRA sweet, it's happening five days before my birthday, and I'm thrilled to be celebrating it this way.

Honorable Mentions:

• Fiesta Equestria:  A My Little Pony themed convention that still seems to be fairly new.
• Faerie Con - because who doesn't love the world of Faerie?! How fun would it be to dress up all magical and pretty???

How about you? I can't wait to hear about other people's convention wishlists!

Until next time,

G.

If you missed any of my previous "Fandom Friday" posts, check them out here:


October 3rd 2014:  Five Fandoms that have made me Who I am Today

 October 17th 2014: Five Characters I'd love to dress as for Halloween 

October 24th 2014:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies

November 7th 2014: Five Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better

November 21st 2014: Five Characters I Would Invite to my Thanksgiving Feast

December 12th 2014: Presents I Want Santa to Bring Me

January 2nd 2014: New Year's Fandom Resolutions

Fandom Friday: New Year's Fandom Resolutions!

Happy 2015!!! I'm so excited to start this new year fresh, and while I don't like to set my expectations too high by setting strict resolutions, (or beating myself up for not sticking to them) I do like the idea of seeing them as motivational ideas! The point is to at least try new things, right? And if they end up not working out, oh well. On to the next thing! As always, thanks to the Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick for these fantastic Fandom Friday themes!

*FANDOM RESOLUTIONS FOR 2015*

1. Read/Discover MORE graphic novels and books

One thing I want to try out this year, in general, is MORE reading! I don't have a specific numerical goal in mind, but I have an ever growing list that I need to get through. Aside from regular books, I really want to continue to search for and try out more comics and graphic novels. I plan to keep up my "what I'm currently reading" monthly blog posts, as well. Maybe even go more in depth with them! Recommendations are always welcome!

2. Watch shows recommended to me

Whenever discussing my geek loves with other fellow geeks, they inevitably always ask "oh! have you seen so-and-so?!" and most of the time I have to answer with "not yet!".  This year I'm going to try to finally read/watch things that are recommended by people whose tastes I trust, haha. For example, the show 'Firefly' has been suggested to me several times by different people, now, and it's been sitting on my Netflix queue for some time. No more stalling! Gotta get watching! ;)

3. Support Favorite Artists

This is something I've always done, but I'd like to be even more active with it. Whether it means contributing to crowdfunding campaigns for new albums by musicians I admire, or buying copies of books by writers I like to support independent entrepreneurs and artists, I'm all for it.

4. Try Out Cosplay

Disclaimer: I've actually never attended a convention... (so shameful! I know!), so I don't necessarily mean the kind of cosplay you'd see at one of those. I mean, I'm *hoping* I'll get to finally attend one later this month.. (and I will blog about it when it happens!), but I've always loved the idea of dressing up as a character you admire. Even without going all out with the crazy prop making and wigs and all that, (that would be great, but it depends on what I'll be doing/where I'd be going), I think that even a casual/everyday cosplay-inspired look can be super fun. So the goal is to reflect my fandoms more in my everyday outfit choices, and incorporate geeky things. We'll see how it goes!

5. make more art inspired by things I love

I love doing anything creative and MAKING things. I know how to sew and embroider, (although I haven't done either in a while), and I'm trying to learn how to crochet so I can jump on the amigurumi bandwagon! Endless great opportunities exist in all of this to really get inspired by the characters/shows/movies/things I love and enjoy my hobbies that much more by making things inspired by them. I have Pinterest boards full of ideas that I'd like to try out, so I want to actually DO these things throughout the year, rather than stare at photos of them. I just have to find the time! (Also, this could especially apply to resolution #4, above, as cosplay seems to involve a lot of diy!)


What goals do you have for 2015?!

Hope it's a great one for you ;)

-G


If you missed any of my previous "Fandom Friday" posts, check them out here:


October 3rd 2014:  Five Fandoms that have made me Who I am Today

 October 17th 2014: Five Characters I'd love to dress as for Halloween 

October 24th 2014:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies

November 7th 2014: Five Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better

November 21st 2014: Five Characters I Would Invite to my Thanksgiving Feast

December 12th 2014: Presents I Want Santa to Bring Me

Fandom Friday: Presents I want Santa to bring me

So I have to admit something. *At the risk of having glass ornaments and rocks thrown at me...*

I'm not the most 'Christmas-y' person. Call me Scrooge, if you want. The entire months of November and December always kind of bring me down. This year especially,  the holiday season has a huge dark cloud hanging over it for me, since it will be the first Christmas since losing my grandfather.

Not to put a damper on anyone else's spirits, though! I know that this time of year is a special one for lots of people, and I hope it continues to be so, always. I just ask for a little bit of forgiveness and understanding for those of us who can't always join in the enthusiasm. We have our reasons. Trust me. And I'm not completely hopeless: the ONE thing I look forward to every year is the Doctor Who Christmas Special. Yes!

Also, I dug deep into myself to pull out a smidgen of holiday cheer to make this little doodle and write up this post for this week's Fandom Friday! Hope you like it! And as always, thanks to the Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick for creating these themes!

Check out my Xmas wishlist, below, and tell me about yours! Everyone loves getting presents, (right?!), but I just feel I should mention that I don't actually expect to receive any of these, (or anything, really), from anyone! I'm just thankful for the love I get from my family and friends the entire year. That's all I ever want.

And that's enough talking ;)

(clockwise from top right):

1) Band Merch

Official merchandise items from my favorite bands (or tv shows/movies/books) are always a nice thing to be able to give or receive. I'm particularly coveting this My Chemical Romance pullover sweater. 

2) New Computer

Ok, so this one's really a long shot. I know for a fact I won't receive one of these things, but I just need one so badly!  I'll probably just wait until my birthday to try to buy myself one. But boy, do I wish Santa really granted wishes!

3) All the Supernatural season dvd's

I already own Seasons 1 and 2, so I need the rest! Hopefully I will receive a couple of these! I'll also accept box sets for Orphan Black or Doctor Who.. or anything, really ;)

4) Art Supplies

Any and all kinds! I rediscovered my artistic side this year, and I want to continue to play and try out as many different mediums as possible.

5) Monster High or Ever After High dollies

I'll gladly accept any that I don't already own. (Or even if I do already own them, I'll still take 'em! Ha!) This new MH River Styxx one is especially high on my list.. just look at that gorgeous pastel color scheme!



And that's about it! Thanks for joining me, and wherever you are and whatever you believe/don't believe, I hope that the rest of 2014 is magical and happy for you :)


Until next time,

G.

Fandom Friday: Five Characters I would Invite to my Thanksgiving Feast

Where does the time go?! November is almost over! It hasn't been my month for blogging, but I was so looking forward to this date's Fandom Friday theme.  I even doodled something just for today! (just a quick silly little drawing! There was no time to perfect/color/scan it, but I'm happy with it, either way!)

Also: I'm thrilled that the Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick extended these Fandom Friday ideas into 2015. They have been so much fun to write up, and I'm thankful to have met so many awesome fellow geeks and bloggers because of them! (see what I did there?) ;)

a Whimsy and Noir Thanksgiving

From left to right:

5. Sam and Dean Winchester (Supernatural)

I recently (and finally) jumped on the Supernatural bandwagon a few months ago and can genuinely say I'm obsessed.  I think it would be awesomely hilarious having them over for Thanksgiving dinner, especially along with all the other characters!  Notice that I strategically placed not one, but TWO different pies in front of Dean? Yeah. The man loves pie.

4. "No Face" (Spirited Away)

No Face likes to eat, so it makes sense that I would invite him. As long as he doesn't lose control and start devouring my guests, I'm cool with him. (Also: It's not 100% visible, but I did draw the Winchester bros' old EMF detector in Sam's hand, and it's obviously going off the hook, thanks to No Face. What's a good Thanksgiving dinner without a little ghostly drama, eh? Just play nice, boys!)

3. Edward Scissorhands 

Again, it makes sense to me to invite him. I gotta have somebody to carve up the turkey, don't I? Maybe he can also give us all hair cuts after dinner! (Can you imagine what he'd do to Sam's long locks?)

2. Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter)

I needed a fellow female, so I chose Luna. She's calm and sweet, and I think she would get along famously with the other guests. She's also a fan of pudding, so hopefully she brings some magical kind to share.

1. Data (Star Trek TNG)

He's my favorite character in Star Trek: the Next Generation! I've always loved how badly he tries to act like a human, so having him over for Thanksgiving would be a great learning experience for him. He can also entertain us with his violin playing while we all eat!


And at the end of the table, there's me of course. Sitting back and enjoying the scene of my dream Thanksgiving feast... I just hope Dean Winchester saves me some pie!

How about you? Who do you want sitting at your table this Thanksgiving?  Tell me!

If you missed any of my previous "Fandom Friday" posts, check them out here:


October 3rd:  Five Fandoms that have made me Who I am Today

 October 17th: Five Characters I'd love to dress as for Halloween 

October 24th:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies

November 7th: Five Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better

Until next time,

G.

Fandom Friday: 5 Songs that Always Make Me Feel Better

Fandom Friday time! Since I'm not much of a 'foodie', I took some creative license with this week's theme and instead of talking about 'comfort foods that always make me feel better', I'm going to be listing some songs that I consider 'comfort music'! (Because music really can heal!)

As always, thank you to the eternally awesome Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick for these Fandom Friday prompts, and please do check out their blogs if you're not familiar with them by now!

5. "Songs that Saved My Life" - Kill Hannah

 I had to start with this one because the name of the song sets the tone for this post. Sometimes, when nothing else feels like it's working, shutting out the world by putting on headphones and listening to music is the only thing you can do. This is, essentially, a song about that. I always take comfort in knowing that someone else out there has felt the things I've felt, and that I'm not alone.

Click here to listen to a sample or download this song (on Amazon)

4. "Battle for the Sun" - Placebo

Placebo is a band that has been around for yeeeears... (Cool story: I got to meet them once! They are SO NICE, it's not even funny!) I still consider this particular song to be one of their "newer" ones, even though it was released in 2009. But I consider anything they've put out since original drummer Steve Hewitt left to be "new", or at least just a slightly different sound than the Placebo I was used to. But ANYways, this is kind of a song that pumps you up!  You can sing along to the words and just sink into that feeling of "I'm not letting (insert bothersome thing here) bother me anymore!"

Click here to see the official music video for this song

3. "It's Not a Fashion Statement, it's a _ Death Wish" - My Chemical Romance

Ok, so this is probably the most "emo" song on here, but it's just so good!  In general, the band My Chemical Romance itself has always been credited for "saving lives" not only with their music, but their overall message of "it's okay to be messed up".. (and unless you're a complete stranger to my blog, then you already know I'm their number one fan!) I can clearly remember turning to this song to get me through a 'rough patch' when I was in high school, (involving some jerk who hurt my feelings), and to this day, every time I listen to it, it just makes me want to throw my fists in the air and scream with joy! The line "I will avenge my ghost with every breath I take" is everything.


Click here to listen to this song on Spotify

2. "Eye of the Storm" - The Cruxshadows

 This entire song's lyrics are like a poem from start to finish. It's hard to describe, but every single line is very beautiful, and the overall message is uplifting and positive. The lovely violin parts just make it all the better. If you only get curious about one song on this list, let it be this one. (And listen to the rest of the album if you like dancing!)

Click here to listen to this song on Spotify

1. "Invincible" - Muse

 There are actually several songs by Muse that make me feel good, but this particular one is just so beautiful. Like "Eye of the Storm" (by the Cruxshadows, that I just listed above), the lyrics are very encouraging and just give me a warm and fuzzy feeling all over... It's like getting a big bear hug. And that's why it's number one on my list!

Click here to listen to this song on Spotify

*BONUS SONG*

"Butterfly Cry" - Kerli

 I couldn't hit "publish" without including at least ONE song by a female artist! So here's an extra. This is kind of a slow song to listen to when you're feeling particularly sad. Kerli's sweet voice feels like somebody stroking your hair and wiping your tears away, and the lyrics gently remind you that it's all going to be okay. Comforting, indeed!

Click here to listen to this song on Spotify



So there you have it. I truly hope you enjoyed this post, because I really enjoyed writing it! I love music so much, and I would love to know if there are any songs that YOU guys listen to when you need a pick-me-up. Please do share with me, okay?

If you missed any of my previous "Fandom Friday" posts, check them out here:


October 3rd:  Five Fandoms that have made me Who I am Today

 October 17th: Five Characters I'd love to dress as for Halloween 

October 24th:  My Must See List of Halloween Movies




Until next time,

G.