Category: Outlander Events

Posted on

2020 Wizard World New Orleans

Last week, I boarded a jet plane in Greensboro, North Carolina, and hours later flew into the new, Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) for 2020 Wizard World New Orleans (WWNO)!

This was my first visit to WWNO, held in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. I swear, this building was a quarter of a mile in length! (Note: a fan has since informed me this building is 1/2 mile in length and 1,000,000 sq ft!)

Checked into my room and snuggled under white cotton sheets and fluffy comforter!  Sorry about the toes! 😜

My roomie was the lovely public defender, Antoinette Simmons. I love her Jamaican accent! 🤗

Next day, registration! My badge. Hey, isn’t this Jamie at Lallybroch with the buttered bannock? A fav blast from the past. Wink! Wink!

We took a little time in the afternoon to head for Frenchman Street – locals sent us to this site for an authentic New OAR-linz experience!

Soon, we found ourselves at The Spotted Cat Music Club – where we shared garlic French fries. I had my fav, a Cadillac margarita! 😋

The four-man entertainment was delightful!

We were also treated to a bit of “gumbo tap” by one of the musicians!

Evening found us at a Platinum event where Maria Doyle Kennedy (MDK) was the surprise guest!  I filmed the first half of her Q & A but not the rest because my cell phone battery died and my charger was in my hotel room!  🙄 Grrrr!

You can read about the part that didn’t get recorded in my earlier post on MDK! (check out her cute red tennies!)

Next day, I was frisked at security! Courtney Williams, creator of Outlanderbts, demanded  it – she says she knows a criminal when she sees one! 😜

Waiting for Sam, I gave gal-pal, Catherine (Cathy) Toomer, M.D., the finger!!! 😱 The index finger that is!  Although it looks rude, I was actually showing her my new DNA ring, a Christmas gift –  the double helix.

Into a side room and rock star, Sam Heughan entered!  Everyone was delighted as we each got an autographed photo of him plus our own!

Mine! (hee, hee) He was a snuggler that day. Hence, my BIG grin!

Rats! Turns out, I had to share 😉

Later in the day, we went to the Sam panel.  The auditorium filled up fast!

The MC  called the meeting to order and announced Courtney Williams was moderating!  Who knew? We are supposedly her bff and she didn’t tell us!  😈 That Courtney can keep a secret!

I was so proud of her. Courtney did a lovely job managing Sam, Ed, John and Maria. They played a fun Outlander quiz. Score: audience = 100 – cast = 0! Sam couldn’t even recall how many women Jamie had known in the Biblical sense! 😜

The next two videos, parts one and two, show the panel in its entirety. Had to stop filming to turn off Twitter notifications, then started anew.  Here is part one. Hope you enjoy!

so sorry! This video will no longer load. Please watch on my You Tube channel, Outlander Anatomy.

 

And, part 2!

A bit of cosplay in the hallway.  I asked these fans if they were Arch and Murdina Bug but they said they were just playing a Scottish couple. Great costumes! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Later, we scurried to the main hall for more photo ops with Sam. Here he comes, surrounded by some very braw body guards!!!

Next day, back to the convention center for a 40 minute meet and greet with Maria Doyle Kennedy.  She was gracious, elegant and candid.  Her intelligence shone through her thoughtful answers. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment we spent with her!

And, here are those fearless fans who enjoyed the delightful interaction with Maria!

Maria was followed by the dread pirate, Ed Speleers! His meet and greet had a very different tone. One woman said his eyes intimidate her but he responded that wasn’t his intention. He does have a rather piercing gaze.

Honestly, Ed seemed very comfortable as the only man in a room full of women!

He decided early on to be an actor. He loves being a pirate in Outlander. He is very proud of his children.  I was impressed to hear he traveled to Ireland to ensure a correct accent for Bonnet. And, he was very coy about whether or not he appears in S5!

And finally, a drum roll: the pièce de ré·sis·tance – the Outlanderbts Fan Panel!

We four ladies of the Outlanderbts Fan Panel messed with each other and the audience. Listen as attendees offer up piercing comments and observations. A lively discussion was had by all with lots of audience participation.  We had a blast. Hope you enjoy!

Had a wonderful time at WWNO and hope to attend next year.

I close with this image of the fearless four!  Oops, make that the fearless five!

The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

Follow me on:

Photo and Video Credits: Sony/Starz, Wikipedia, Outlander Anatomy, Courtney williams

Posted on

2019 SiWC & Outlandish Vancouver, Day 3

Hi Outlander fans!

Last day at Surrey International Writers’ Conference (SiWC) and Outlandish Vancouver; things to do at both events.

I arrive early for Diana’s SiWC workshop, Managing a Mob, and take a moment to get my microphone set up. I am very excited.

This workshop was scheduled for 2018 SiWC, but was cancelled  when Diana was called to NYC for the PBS’ Great American Read. You may recall, To Kill A Mocking Bird took first place. Outlander book took second place! … beating out Pride and Prejudice. Puir Mr. Darcey! <G>

But, good news! SiWC rescheduled Herself’s Managing a Mob workshop for 2019, and the presentation was worth the wait! I recorded the entire session including Q and A, and share it (with her permission). Here it is in its entirety. To listen, click on the white arrowhead and wait for it to load. So, grab a cuppa and enjoy! 👍🏻

A quick lunch with Diana. She accommodated my request to photograph her beautiful nails. These are not gels, but regular polish. Love the electric violet! They also don’t interfere with keyboard work as she “types” with fingertips (I asked 😜).

What did we talk about? Nails, femurs, medial condyles, grandchildren (her little grandsons are gorgeous!), Season 4, Season 5 (she is enthusiastic)! Yay!

I gifted Diana with one of my beaded pieces.  This “Queen Bee” honors big book nine, Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone. A queen bee can be recognized by its elongated abdomen.

You may note that the upper left wing is upside down. I didn’t notice until it was stitched in place. I started to correct and then changed my mind  – only the Divine is perfect! 😉

A quick hug, goodbye, and off to meet Courtney Williams of Outlanderbts. We drove together to the final Outlandish Vancouver event, Cocktails with the Cast!

We are bound for the Native, a paddlewheeler on the beautiful Fraser River, New Westminster, B. C.

Diana and all the invited cast members, except John, were able to attend. We missed ye, lad!

Here are the guests, up close and looking, oh, so fine!

Paddlewheels start turning and we are off!

After drinks and hors de oeuvres, there is a splendid moment: Diana officiates in renewing wedding vows for this Texas couple! I am sure many of you recognize them as they are devoted Outlander fans. Few dry eyes as Diana recited “Ye Are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of My Bone!” Congratulations to Mark and Tina on 40 years of wedded bliss!

My view from the upper deck as the sun is setting. A tug tows log booms behind it. Then, the tug sounds its horn in greeting! (Pardon the fingers 😜)  Stunning!

Later, Koko informs us that Diana is helming (not driving) the boat!

A beautiful moment for her, I am sure. Diana does a seamless job as pilot – we didn’t know Herself was skillfully guiding us through the water. The next is one of my all time favorite photos of Diana! 🥰

Being petite, she cannot see over the wheel, but between the spokes works!

After docking, I grabbed Courtney and we scurried back to Surrey! She called me later that night to ask if my refrigerator was running? Silly girl! 😜

Just so you ken, Outlandish Vancouver is the brain child of Koko Pipkin. In the photo below, she is surrounded by the cast (she is also petite).

I don’t believe I have ever been to a fan event that ran as smoothly as this. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and organized.

Case in point: As I was shaking Mark’s hand, a small plate slipped out of my hand and shattered on the deck of the Native. Gah! 😱 Koko was there to pick up the pieces before I even bent down. Thank you, Koko!

Next year’s date is penciled into my calendar. Plan to be there come heck or high water!!! 😁

The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

Follow me on:

Photo Credits: Outlander Anatomy, Starz, Outlandish Vancouver, DWPhotography