Irrevocably In love with him

It's been a long while...

2009-10-02T12:14:00.001-07:00

Whoa, who put the brakes on this blog? Oh, yeah...I did. There's a lot of pressure on me lately, and although I don't like feeling overwhelmed, I'd rather be too busy than not busy enough. So, allow me to vent here, my beautiful blog, to help relieve the stress of my daily woe's.

Today I'm thinking about love. As in..."All you need is...".

I want love like it is in the movies. The good kind. I get made fun of for my sometimes-love of chick flicks. So, here are a couple of quotes from some I've seen lately...or some that I just love in general:

"BECAUSE I SAID SO"
Milly: You and my mom have been totally scheming. And...and...and...and now I know exactly why she pushed me on you because she was voting for you. She found you.
Jason: Yeah but that doesn't take anything away from us. What matters is that we did meet, and how good this is between us. And the truth of that...
Milly: The truth. Where is the truth? Where is the truth, because you've been living a lie and I've been lying to you, Jason.
Jason: Yeah, but that doesn't change anything.
Milly: How does that not change...everything?
Jason: Because you're here. I think you already made your choice. But if it helps I'll say it. Stop seeing him. Then you and I can get closer. Close enough to spend the rest of our lives together. I knew I had you the day I met you.
Milly: How could you know something like that?
Jason: Because you were so nervous you laughed like a hyena, in that beautiful polka-dot dress of yours.
Milly: Really? I'll tell you one thing though. You did not have me the moment that we met because I wasn't even sure I liked the fact that your staff talked about you behind your back at the dessert table. And excuse me, but truth be told, I didn't like anything that you ordered for me on our first date...except the calamari. And ok fine, yes, it was nice to not have to think for a change, but who wants someone that doesn't think? And look! And sometimes you laugh when I cry, and you say "huh" when I make perfect sense. And never ever in my life have I burnt a chocolate suffle until now, and that in and of itself... oh my god...should have told me I don't feel like myself around you. And I would have decided that a long time ago if it weren't for my mother. Because who wants someone who laughs like a hyena in a polka dot dress that my mother made me buy?
Jason: I love that dress.
Milly: Take her out.

Milly: See that's the fun of the Tuna Pasta Toss. Because it's fun and it's easy. And when you're cooking for one, it's really important to look forward to the end result. You know?
Johnny: What if you want to make it for two?
Milly: It's a little bit more complicated, but I think it can be done. Um... I see some of you have already gone ahead and added your carrots and your pickled relish and remember that some people like dill.
Johnny: Even before I met you I had an instinct about you. Once I saw you were a woman with profound static cling I wanted to be that force around you.
Milly: Personally I love dill. I think it's not used enough and very underated, sorta like mayonaisse and I also really love olive oil for tuna.
Johnny: I love that when I breathe you in you smell like cake batter. And I love that you have this insane way of talking in circles that makes perfect sense.
Milly: [shocked] I do? Cause sometimes I feel like nobody understands me. But...
Johnny: Me. I get you. Cooking Class Student: That's wonderful, but you know my bladder is about to pop.
Johnny: Can you hold it for a minute? Cooking Class Student: [shrugs]
Milly: [laughs nervously] I'm sorry, I'm sorry guys. Where were we? With the tuna pasta and the tuna noodle doodles. And the tuna sandwhiches, tuna...
Johnny: [takes Milly into his arms] I love your eyes. I even love... your mother.
Milly: [smiles. Kisses Johnny. Rest of class pairs off and kisses as well]

"THE HOLIDAY"
Iris: I've found almost everything ever written about love to be true. Shakespeare said "Journeys end in lovers meeting." What an extraordinary thought. Personally, I have not experienced anything remotely close to that, but I am more than willing to believe Shakespeare had. I suppose I think about love more than anyone really should. I am constantly amazed by its sheer power to alter and define our lives. It was Shakespeare who also said "love is blind". Now that is something I know to be true. For some quite inexplicably, love fades; for others love is simply lost. But then of course love can also be found, even if just for the night. And then, there's another kind of love: the cruelest kind. The one that almost kills its victims. Its called unrequited love. Of that I am an expert. Most love stories are about people who fall in love with each other. But what about the rest of us? What about our stories, those of us who fall in love alone? We are the victims of the one sided affair. We are the cursed of the loved ones. We are the unloved ones, the walking wounded. The handicapped without the advantage of a great parking space! Yes, you are looking at one such individual. And I have willingly loved that man for over three miserable years! The absolute worst years of my life! The worst Christmas', the worst Birthday's, New Years Eve's brought in by tears and valium. These years that I have been in love have been the darkest days of my life. All because I've been cursed by being in love with a man who does not and will not love me back. Oh god, just the sight of him! Heart pounding! Throat thickening! Absolutely can't swallow! All the usual symptoms.

Iris: I understand feeling as small and as insignificant as humanly possible. And how it can actually ache in places you didn't know you had inside you. And it doesn't matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends... you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood. And how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door. And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new. And you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade.

"LATTER DAYS"
Christian: God I hate the snow.
Elder Aaron Davis: What are you doing here?
Christian: I came after you. How could you just leave without saying anything.
Elder Aaron Davis: It's not my choice, I am being sent home in shame. And I'm probably going to be excommunicated.
Christian: For a kiss? I mean it was a very nice kiss, but come on. We didn't even get to use our tongues.
Elder Aaron Davis: You wouldn't understand.
Christian: I'm sorry, I'm not very good at this. See, I've never made a fool out of myself in front of anyone before. But I've never felt this way before about anyone in my entire life.
Elder Aaron Davis: What for just some guy you can't have. And next week you'll be on to your next conquest?
Christian: But what if you're not? Huh? What if everything in my entire pathetic life, which I happen to love, has led to this point? Right here, right now. What if you're the blinding light in the middle of the road that strikes me like that guy, the guy in...
Elder Aaron Davis: The Bible?
Christian: Yeah.
Elder Aaron Davis: Paul.
Christian: Yeah. And what if everything has changed like that... and lions lay down with lambs and colors mix with whites. What if you're the one that I've been waiting for my whole life and I let you go?
Elder Aaron Davis: You have no idea what I'd be giving up.
Christian: Damn it! What is wrong with you? You want revelations engraved in gold and angels trumpting down from heaven? But what if this is it instead? Me, telling you I love you, right here, in the snow? I think that is pretty miraculous. But if you don't... I'll go. I'll walk and you can pretend that this was just some coincidence. You can pretend there wasn't some reason that we met, and that you're sorry I ever walked into you life.
[Christian walk to the door, but it won't open]
Christian: God, I hate the snow.
[Aaron grabs him and gives him a passionate kiss]

"Never Been Kissed"
Josie Geller: I've kissed a guy. I've kissed guys. I just haven't felt that thing. That thing, that moment, when you kiss someone and everything around becomes hazy and the only thing in focus is you and this person and you realize that that person is the only person that you're supposed to kiss for the rest of your life, and for one moment you get this amazing gift and you want to laugh and you want to cry because you feel so lucky that you found it and so scared that that it will go away all at the same time.
Cynthia: Damn girl... you are a writer.

"Meet Joe Black"
William Parrish: Love is passion, obsession, someone you can't live without. If you don't start with that, what are you going to end up with? Fall head over heels. I say find someone you can love like crazy and who'll love you the same way back. And how do you find him? Forget your head and listen to your heart. I'm not hearing any heart. Run the risk, if you get hurt, you'll come back. Because, the truth is there is no sense living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love - well, you haven't lived a life at all. You have to try. Because if you haven't tried, you haven't lived.

William Parrish: I want you to get swept away. I want you to levitate. I want you to sing with rapture and dance like a dervish.

Disney's "Pocahontas"
John Smith: I'd rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you.

"Les Miserables"
Jean Valjean: And remember, as it was written, to love another person is to see the face of God.

Smile, Kellan!!!

2009-08-24T10:50:00.001-07:00

john-ashley-kellan, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

These actors stand in a teeny-small room and thousands of fans shuffle through to get their pictures made with them. THOUSANDS. This was Kellan and Ashley's second day of photo shoots, and I can tell you first hand...smiling for extended periods of time HURTS!!!!

Cat and John

2009-08-24T10:46:00.001-07:00

john-and-catherine-for-web3, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Again with Cat. She is infectious...

Jumping for joy

2009-08-24T10:45:00.001-07:00

john-and-catherine-for-web4, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Catherine Hardwicke. Very, very cool.

Ashley Greene

2009-08-24T10:44:00.003-07:00

johnashley2, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

So, so beautiful.

Peter and John

2009-08-24T10:44:00.001-07:00

john-Peter2, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

So, Peter Facinelli is a very sweet and funny guy. Click on the photo to go to the full size version...and you can see exactly what brand of underwear our favorite vampire doc prefers...

Kellan and John

2009-08-24T10:41:00.001-07:00

johnkellan2-2, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Here Kellan is holding his hat before he signed it. He wanted to put it on, but he waited to do when we were backstage.

John and Kellan

2009-08-24T10:39:00.001-07:00

johnkellan1-2, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Yeah, he was kind of shocked to see "his" hat...

Peter, John, Billy

2009-08-24T10:38:00.001-07:00

john-peter-billy, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

My Two Dads...

Bella's Green Floral Burn-Out Hoodie

2009-08-19T15:01:00.001-07:00

Green floral hoodie, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Here is a picture of the hoodie in outdoor lighting. It's more of an olive green than grey in person, and the use of special lighting in the film makes it appear different colors. See pictures from the film below.

The Twilight Costume Collection

2009-08-19T14:58:00.001-07:00

Bella's green floral hoodie, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

My most recent addition to The Twilight Costume Collection is Bella's green floral burn-out hoodie. This is a very important piece, as it's worn in the film longer than any other top. First seen in the "I have a date with Edward Cullen" scene, Bella wears this hoodie to the Vampire Baseball game and subsequently at her house as she packs, the Cullens foyer & garage and finally in Carlisle's Mercedes as Alice and Jasper take her to Phoenix. Here are screen caps of Kristen Stewart wearing the top in all of the featured scenes. Click on the image to see the pictures in a larger format.

I loved Edward Before The Movie...

2009-08-18T13:34:00.001-07:00

I loved Edward Before The Movie..., originally uploaded by jhartnow.

I just felt like posting this bumper sticker that I made when I first heard that TWILIGHT was being made into a film. o_O

Twilight dolls

2009-08-18T13:32:00.003-07:00

Amazon-Edward-Prom2, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

By far, the Robert Tonner TWILIGHT dolls are reigning the market over all other Twilight figures and collectables. Last years release of Bella and Edward was followed recently by "Hungry" Edward, a limited release of 300 dolls at the San Diego Comic Con. Just announced was Tonner's Edward and Bella in their prom costumes from TWILIGHT, available only through AMAZON.COM this October. Knowing Tonner, the outfits will be of superior quality.

In November, Mattel will be releasing their Twilight dolls of Edward and Bella, both dressed in their iconic "forest" costumes. Edward sparkles...a first for any official Edward Cullen doll or figure.

Tonner's Prom Edward

2009-08-18T13:32:00.001-07:00

Amazon-Edward-Prom1, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Click on the photo for HD Photo options.

Tonner's Prom Bella

2009-08-18T13:31:00.001-07:00

Amazon-Bella-Prom2, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Click for larger HD photo options.

Tonner's Prom Bella

2009-08-18T13:30:00.001-07:00

Amazon-Bella-Prom1, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Click on the photo for larger HD options.

Mattel - Bella Swan

2009-08-18T13:29:00.001-07:00

Twilight-mattel-Bella, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Click for HD picture options.

Edward Cullen - Mattel

2009-08-18T13:28:00.001-07:00

Twilight-mattel-Edward, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Click for HD picture options.

Love Song

2009-08-14T14:30:00.001-07:00

The-Him, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Head under water
And you tell me to breathe easy for a while
breathing gets harder, even I know that
You made room for me but it's too soon to see
If I'm happy in your hands

I'm unusually hard to hold on to
Blank stares at blank pages
No easy way to say this
You mean well, but you make this hard on me
I'm not gonna write you a love song
'cause you asked for it
'cause you need one, you see

I'm not gonna write you a love song
'cause you tell me it
Makes a break in this
If you're on your way
I'm not gonna write you to stay
If all you have is leaving I'm gonna need a better
Reason to write you a love song today

I learned the hard way
That they all say things you want to hear
And my heavy heart sinks deep down under you and
Your twisted words,
Your help just hurts
You are not what I thought you were
Hello to high and dry
Convinced me to please you
Made me think that I need this too
I'm trying to let you hear me as I am

I'm not gonna write you a love song
'cause you asked for it
'cause you need one, you see
I'm not gonna write you a love song
'cause you tell me it's
Make or breaking this
If you're on your way
I'm not gonna write you to stay
If all you have is leaving I'm gonna need a better
Reason to write you a love song today

Promise me that you'll leave the light on
To help me see with daylight, my guide, gone
'cause I believe there's a way you can love me
Because I say
I won't write you a love song
'cause you asked for it
'cause you need one, you see

I'm not gonna write you a love song
'cause you tell me it's make or breaking this
Is that why you wanted a love song
'cause you asked for it
'cause you need one, you see
I'm not gonna write you a love song
'cause you tell me it's make or breaking this
If you're on your way
I'm not gonna write you to stay
If your heart is nowhere in it
I don't want it for a minute
Babe, I'll walk the seven seas when I believe that
There's a reason to
Write you a love song today

Xavier Roberts

2009-08-14T12:07:00.001-07:00

john-xavier-2, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Many of you who know me know that I've been an avid collector of Xavier Robert's LITTLE PEOPLE and CABBAGE PATCH KIDS since their inception in 1978. Here I am with Xavier at the 25th anniversary birthday launch of the original Coleco Cabbage Patch Kids from 1983 at Toys R Us in Times Square. Xavier is a great guy...he even wrote a small forward for my children's book that came out in 2002.

Caren Marsh-Doll

2009-08-14T12:02:00.001-07:00

John Caren Kiss, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Caren and I have worked together at Oz conventions for the past 3 years. She was Judy Garland's stand-in and co-choreographer for the 1939 film and is still amazingly gorgeous. She stand (barely) 5ft tall in heels, and radiates the Golden Age of Hollywood with every breath she takes. She signed her blue and white checked dress from the film, and also put on her ruby slippers...which she hadn't stepped into since 1939. Check out her autobiography on amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Hollywoods-Babe-Caren-Marsh-Doll/dp/1593931077/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1250276467&sr=8-1

Broadway Bears 2007

2009-08-14T11:58:00.001-07:00

sebastian-John-Stephanie, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

With Elphaba herself, Stephenie J. Block, and her husband Sebastian Arceles at Broadway Bears 2007. Steph was on hand to auction off my ELPHABA bear and Sebastian auctioned off Maureen from RENT. Sebastian played Roger in RENT on Broadway in 2005.

The WICKED bears

2009-08-14T11:55:00.001-07:00

CIMG2520, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

All of the WICKED bears reunited for the unveiling of "POPULAR" Glinda, the 2008 Broadway Bear from WICKED. All of the bears pictured were designed and created by me, to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The bears make their annual debut at The Wizard of Oz festival in Chesterton, IN. To date I have single handedly raised nearly $50k for the charity!

The Twilight Costume Collection

2009-08-14T11:41:00.001-07:00

CIMG3089, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Here is the costume collection that was on disply for TWITOUR. Several pieces have been added since.

The cover model meets the costume guy...

2009-08-14T11:40:00.001-07:00

CIMG3032, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

There is a lot of downtime during conventions, so here Kimbra and I replicate the cover of the Twilight novel. We were bored...but had a blast just shootin' the breeze.

Kimbra Hickey

2009-08-14T11:37:00.001-07:00

john-and-kembrahickey, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Who is Kimbra Hickey, you say? Well...she just happens to have the most famous hands in all of literary history! Kimbra was the model for Stephenie Meyer's first novel, TWILIGHT. The symbology of the hands holding the "forbidden fruit" has become synonomous with the Twilight franchise, inspiring apple jewelry, clothes, candles, lotion and perfume.

John Henson to Costume "NEW MOON" parody

2009-08-14T11:26:00.001-07:00

hillywood, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

The Hillywood Show has become extraordinarily famous for their spoof of TWILIGHT on YouTube. The 2nd film in the Twilight Saga franchise is NEW MOON, due out in theaters on November 20, 2009 from Summit Entertainment. Shortly following the theatrical release, The Hillwood Show will premiere their NEW MOON spoof. On board to produce and reproduce costumes from the show is costume designer John Henson, who has a list of credits that include working with costumes from Broadways RENT, WICKED and LEGALLY BLONDE. His personal passion for Twilight lead him to curate the worlds largest TWILIGHT SAGA costume collection, featuring screen worn costumes and exact reproductions. Check out The Hillywood Show TWILIGHT parody on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MKz0gkcgAo

And the teaser for the NEW MOON parody:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_ufeNd3OO0&feature=channel

My two dads?

2009-08-14T11:18:00.001-07:00

john-peter-billy, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Peter has always been very hug-gy with me...but Billy was pulling his tough-guy pose here. In "real" life...these guys are proud dads and normal, every day joe's. Not to mention that Pete is married to Jenny Garth...only one of the hottest chicks from my adolecent years.

"Is that my hat?"

2009-08-14T11:14:00.001-07:00

John and Kellan. "It's only a game!", originally uploaded by jhartnow.

It's only a game...

I see a man...a man with no product in his hair.

2009-08-14T11:11:00.001-07:00

johnashley, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Alice's visions are subject to change, but she sure saw me coming without any hair gel. Ashley Greene is radiantly beautiful. Why on earth did they dumb down her features for Twilight? It's a complete contradiction.

Dr. Cullen, I can see your underwear...

2009-08-14T11:09:00.001-07:00

john-Peter, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Would I love Peter Facinelli any more if his underwear weren't showing in this picture? Probably not, but I have to give props to the man for taking his vampire-status with such an aire of humble-ness.

Kellan Lutz

2009-08-14T11:06:00.001-07:00

Kellan and John, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

What can I say about this guy that hasn't already been said? Kellan is a great guy. Besides being incredibly gifted in the "looks" department, homeslice is a great actor. You know how Stephenie Meyer wrote about how her vampires are hard as stone? Kellan's abs fit that bill perfectly. We're backstage here and he's modeling one of his baseball hats from TWILIGHT. Kellan is featured in the remake of A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, playing the role that Johnny Depp made famous. In all the movies that Kellan stars in...he either dies or is already dead. What's wit dat??!! Kudos to you Kellz, you're a trooper for entertaining thousands of girls at these conventions...

My time with Catherine Hardwicke

2009-08-14T10:52:00.001-07:00

John with Catherine Hardwicke, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

So, being involved with curating the TWILIGHT SAGA film costumes has put me in contact with some pretty groovy people. Cat Hardwicke was the Indie genious behind the first TWILIGHT saga film adaptation, and is a very mellow and talented visionary. For all of you nay-sayers who think the film wasn't good, I suggest you look at how influential the casting, sets, costumes and art direction, in general, has impacted the Twilight fan community. She's currently working on an updated version of HAMLET starring Emile Hirsch.

Kate Shindle auctions off Elle Bear

2009-08-14T10:45:00.001-07:00

kateshindlelegallyblondebear, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

Here's Kate Shindle (Vivian Kensington)from Legally Blonde:The Musical auctioning off my Broadway Bear of Elle Woods at last years BROADWAY BEARS auction. Here's a nifty article that featured the bear, but only mentioned my name next to the Glinda bear. Interesting...

http://www.broadway.tv/broadway-features-reviews/clay-aiken-sir-robin-top-broadway-bear

OMIGOD, YOU GUYS!! Legally Blonde news...

2009-08-14T10:37:00.001-07:00

legally-blonde-costume, originally uploaded by jhartnow.

You all know that Legally Blonde is a favorite movie of mine, and subsequently went on to be one of my favorite Broadway musicals. I was fortunate to work with the costumes for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS last year, creating Elle's "First Day at Harvard" costume. I was fascinated by her pink leather coat (faux, of course!) that Gregg Barnes designed. To my delight, I now own one of those pink coats, and it prompted me to post the new LEGALLY BLONDE costume that's coming out in time for Halloween this year. Based on the pink pleather suit that Reese Witherspoon wore in the film, the three piece replica looks to be made of polyester or a poly spandex (Typical for cheap(er) Halloween costumes). They did pay close attention to the cut of the costume, though, right down to the slits in the sleeves. I like the "LB" zipper pull that's on it. Very cute.

The Last 5 Years...

2009-08-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

August 3, 2004...5 years ago to the day...I was a different person. I can't believe so much time has passed and how, at times, it's gone by at both light speed and a snail's pace.

Amazing things have happened in these five years. I was in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. I continued my work with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS with the Broadway Bears, working on both RENT and WICKED. I travel(ed) far and wide to Oz festivals promoting the WICKED bears. I was diagnosed as a Type II diabetic. I became obsessed with TWILIGHT and subsequently the costumes, which has lead to displays at TWILIGHT conventions and a gig costuming the upcoming NEW MOON spoof by THE HILLYWOOD SHOW. Most recently, I was hired as costume designer for Trustus Theatre's RENT. Dad sold his beach house and moved back to Columbia.

I haven't been the most social when it comes to meeting new people, but I have been on some dates. I even dated a guy for 10 months...to no avail. "Cages or wings, which do you prefer? Ask the birds..."- Jonathan Larson. I suppose that, when and if I meet the right person, I'll think about settling down. I was spooked by a Stevie Nicks interview this past weekend. She's never been married. She's never had a long-term partner. She's never experienced it because nobody will commit to such a BIG and PASSIONATE person. It's crazy. She'a 60! We all crave companionship...and even if you're a little loose around the belt and have rendez-vous' galore without commitment...it's still your way of working out the need for company. Unless you're doing it for money...and just the money. Then you're a ho.

On the TWILIGHT side of things...you all know that I've always leaned heavily on the TEAM EDWARD side of life, and that NEW MOON nearly crushed me (emotionally). And don't judge me by this statement...I know it's not Shakespeare, but I related. Give a boy-man a chance, aight? Looking forward to NEW MOON. As far as the films go, the character of Jacob is growing on me. So, Team Edward or Team Jacob? Or should I say Team Rob or Team Taylor?

I'm going with Team Threesome. ;O )

Consumed...

2009-06-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

So, the last few weeks are sort of a blur. There's been mention of how time goes much faster when you get older. Several times, in fact. Too many times. It's making me wish that time would slow down and stop making me feel so...old. Everything has been eating away at me lately...very slowly. But, that's just me: neurotic, obsessive, spontaneous and always seeking immediate gratification.

I had a great conversation with Jan last week about true art. Well, true artists. It made me feel more like a man with a few cheap tricks under his sleeve. Her work is so beautiful and emotional. She thrives on it, and I'm sure that if I were to make a living with my art...well, REAL art...I would probably be a little more in tune with what a true artist is. Nevertheless I feel like a sham. And I'm still paying for it. Literally.

I got hit with the "Oh yeah, I'm single" bug last night. Amanda and I ate at Zorba's Express, and picked up some groceries at Publix on the way home. There was a display of Toasted Head Cab Sav. It wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't just seen the boy-toy bag-boy, but it just hit me. It's like...I go for weeks without feeling the lonely vibe, and then...WHAM...brick wall. I think that running out of money has something to do with it, too. As long as there's no money...I can't buy stuff. And when I can't buy things like art supplies...craft stuff...cloth...anything to pacify my time, then it's just me, a subway spicy italian on honey oat and reruns of Gilmore Girls. Yeah, I know...Gilmore Girls. Rina used to be obsessed with the show. Then my friend Lisa raved about it. So, I tried the DVR out on it...and it's not half bad. The writing is witty...it's a dramedy that's pretty fun to watch. Fun...if you like that kinda stuff.

We had a good time on Edisto last weekend. Jimmy and Sue rented a beachfront house and brought their friends Erica and Geoff...and their 2 year old, Martin, with them. They were down the whole week with dad, but Amanda and I couldn't make it until Friday evening. The Boston crew had to head out on Saturday morning, but we had the house until Sunday. The sea was our backyard for two short nights. VERY short. We still had a great time.

So, if you haven't heard, I'll be displaying my Twilight Costume Collection at the Twilight Convention in Atlanta. Here's the link. I encourage any Twilighter to come out if you've got the resources. It seems as if it'll be a VERY memorable 3 days:

http://www.creationent.com/cal/twilight_ga.htm

So, Elle Woods is singing "SO MUCH BETTER", which means I'll end this blog on a high note...without breaking my vibratto. "I feel so much better than before..."

Ciao for now,
John

Edward Cullen

2009-05-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

So, anyone who saw the film TWILIGHT would recognize Edward Cullen from his grey wool peacoat. Since I began collecting costumes and props from the movie, it's been an ongoing quest to find the same coat, which meant I would have to have it made. The coat that Robert Pattinson wore as Edward were all constructed for him, based on classic peacoats, with a modern twist. The coat(s) I had made (one in Robert's size for display and one to fit me!) were made with endless research to ensure that it would be 100% screen accurate, down to the same grey wool tweed from MOOD FABRICS in LA. No detail was spared, no seam left un...seamed. The coat appears to be many different shades of grey throughout the movie and promo shots (due to so many lightint aspects), but the actual color has an overall pewter finish with a blue satin lining and leather straps on the sides. Although I am no Edward Cullen (or Robert Pattinson) for that matter...this coat absolutely rocks!

Here's Robert in the coat:

And here I am...in the peacoat!

The picture above is made to my measurements. The next picture is an exact duplicate, made to Robert's measurements. Although it fits me, I can't button it!

Back detailing, showing seams across back and middle of coat. Don't mind my boggy Lucky Brand jeans...I'm in the process of losing some weight. ;O )

"How about love? You ever been in love? 'Cuz if you have you know that love never accepts a defeat..."

2009-05-09T22:58:00.001-07:00

Elle Woods. Blonde. Popular. Pink. President of Delta Nu. She followed her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School just in hopes of winning him back. In the end she realizes that being true to yourself is the most important thing of all, despite the pigeon-hole that people tend to generalize. What a role model!

Every blue moon I meet someone in public; a person who I make a connection with. I cherish those moments, because making a connection (in an isolated age!) with someone so quickly is uber rare. On these few instances they've been completely attached straight men. Before I start a "whoa-as-me" diatribe about how I never get the good guys, I think it's time to THANK these people who have appeared and attributed their personal wisdom in my life, whether they wound up becoming my book publisher, a super nice guy at the gas pump or a totally zany book seller. These are people who have open minds and open hearts. It makes me a little sick that these absolutely wonderful men are unobtainable (which, according to Andrew I'm a romanticist and thrive on wanting things I can't have). It lends credence to the fact that "all the good guys are taken or straight!". But, to be fair...most of these guys are men that I don't even know well...it's just a surface relationship that I internalize and turn into some sugar-coated wunder-love. You know...the kind in the movies where you meet your soul-mate at the top of the Empire State Building...which is a total farce because the cut-off to get to the observation deck has been 7pm for years. Or maybe it's 9pm. I can't dismember. Anyway, so I'm completely laying my heart on my sleeve right now. Yes, I'm a hopeless romantic. It's too bad that at the age of 33, my previous experience with guys has been less than fruitful...and I always seem to have such rational and realistic expectations. I can honestly say, it's not me...it's them. I just happen to have a super big personality. I may be hard to relate to, but as most of you know I'm completely devoted to making something life-long and lasting. St. Jude, patron Saint of Hopeless Causes...hear me now more than ever!!! LOL.

The theme that reoccurs in my life is this: I meet someone who is cool, we get along and things seem groovy until the red flags start showing up. You know...you start feeling like the guy is a little sketch because he doesn't call you back when he says he will. Or he cancels plans at the last minute. And the biggie is when you're not completely convinced that he's not over his ex. But, as the theme unfurls...by this time, usually someone completely AMAZING turns up in my life...like a savior. It's totally my own personal butterfly effect. Just when you think it'll never happen...it does. The only thing about this pattern that is dodgy this time around is that I've met a totally smashing fellow...who happens to be straight. So, who said that I can't cultivate a completely platonic relationship with a beautiful man, both inside and out. And if you guys know me...I can be hard to get along with. I'm flighty. I'm spontaneous. I obsess over things like art and music and costumes and my charity work and collecting my various and sundries. I'm a big personality, and sooner or later, when and if I find a partner...it'll have to be someone who compliments me by grounding me first and foremost. And on the contrary, at the same time I need someone to unlace this corset I've been stuffed into for so many years. Someone to help me let loose and be a little more laid back with life. Oh, the irony speaks volumes, eh? I mean, the Clonapan can only help so much. ;O )

So, Elle Woods...you are my hero(ine). I need a bracelet that says WWEWD, as a constant reminder that, no matter how bad things get, there's always a stellar pink Hermes Birkin bag at the end of the tunnel!

Fresh Meat

2009-04-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, a few random tidbits.

1. THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT was good. By my standards, anyway.

2. I've finally located the makers of Bella's prom dress from "Twilight". It's a MAX & CLEO frock. Unfortunately, the only color that's still available is "SANGRIA". Still pretty, but not blue.

3. Well, there really isn't a 3 right now. 3 is not ready. Check back later.

What good is sitting alone in your room?

2009-03-31T07:03:00.001-07:00

Last month I backed up my hardrive with an external. I thought I was being all smarty pants techno-geek. Hey, I used to LOVE Star Trek. But when I did a clean and install on the mac, I lost most of my music and movies. It REALLY sucked to be me. Since then, I've built up another library of music and movies...some of which were the ones I lost in the fire, but not as impressive as the original. It's going to take a lot of work. Anyway, I've been dreading hooking up the iphone and ipod to itunes, since I knew I couldn't keep the media that was there. I bit the bullet last night and started with the iphone. Guess who didn't backup his contacts? Yup. That's right. My entire life is...WAS... stored in that stupid, wonderful little box and I lost everything. So, now it's back to the beginning. Asking people for their phone numbers. If you're reading this and you know me...I need your contact information. Basic stuff like name, number(s), address, blood type.

The Twilight DVD Midnight Release Party

2009-03-30T20:54:00.001-07:00

So, as fortunate as I've been to acquire the bits of Twilightdom as I have, I had the pleasure of displaying a few costumes at the Columbia, SC HOT TOPIC store for their DVD release party, held March 20th. Maggie dressed up as Victoria and I was sort of a "Culmination Cullen"...which translated into a hot mess. But, I have to say, being pale and sparkly was the best way to pick up chicks. If, um, I was trying to. Iminlovewithrobpattinson. Ahem. Or was that Amen? So yeah, pale and sparkly...and women...teens...girls...want you to pose for pictures biting their necks. Here are a few photos from the night...

A few of the costumes on display. Alice's "Meet the Cullens" dress, shrug and leggings. Bella's complete "Ballet Studio" costume (the coat was used in other scenes as well), Edward's grey "Crash" jacket from the van scene and Bella's prom dress and sweater.

I really love this jacket:

I swear that I'm not in love with Robert AS Edward. I'm in lust with Robert as Robert. Period. Double period.

The first-edition paperback book I donated as a raffle prize for the evening, signed by Rob, Kristen and Stephenie Meyer. Among other hot items to be given away were a life-size cutout of Edward and a poster signed by Taylor Lautner.

The "refreshment" Table after the party was over at 1am. Nestle Crunch anyone?

As a bit 'o fun after the party was over, I let the HOT TOPIC employees try on some of the costumes. Trey is 6'2...Robert Pattinson's height. He fit nearly perfectly into his size M G-Star jacket from the "Crash" scene in the film.

Excuse me while I zip you up...and button you up. Can I bite you?

Yeah, Trey put the HOT in Hot Topic. I think it was the BEATLES belt buckle. What a swell guy, that Trey.

Lynn wearing Bella's coat from the forest, meadow and ballet scenes.

The days seem to merge seamlessly together...

2009-03-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

As my blog title suggests, and at the risk of sounding trite, I'm completely and utterly...irrevocably...in love with a fictional character. I am proud to say that I was a Twilight fan before the hype. Before the movie. Before Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart became household names in every t'weens home. I'm also proud to say that my obsession with making the Twilight world a very tangible thing around me has come with great ease, a little bit of persuasion (also one of Jane Austen's best tales), and money that I didn't really have. Like they say, all things come to those who wait...and to date I am curating the largest private collection of original Twilight film costumes and props. Of course I've bought into all of the "hype". NECA has been a major ball buster on the pocketbook front.

Speaking of which, my newest TWILIGHT prop is Bella's leather handbag, used by Kristen Stewart throughout the film. The original was made by a lovely artist named Angie, who maintains a website called thecraftydevils.com. It's majorly cool. She explains how the initial bag was bought for filming and then a duplicate had to be made ASAP for Kristen's double. She's now making a limited number of these bags, so if you're totally keen on owning a piece of the Twilight film, here's your chance.

The first post...

2009-03-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

So, there's much to say but it's the wrong time and place to do it. Just making a mark on blogger, seeing as I haven't had an account here in ages upon ages. I'm thinking that this will be quite cathartic, since my trite and sometimes banal verbose meanderings can be put out into cyberspace instead of dumped on some poor unfortunate soul through email. Good times, good times.