NYCC – Outlander Anatomy

Good day, all! Apologies, this has taken a week to get to you! 😜

Sunday, October 9, was the final day of 2022 NYCC and, for me, it was the best!

Each morning walking to Javits, we were greeted by a “herd” of pigeons waiting for treats. Roomies, Jody and Jim, point to the feathered army! Usually, they were perched on the power lines reminding me of the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film, The Birds! 😳

Inside the Javits, more cosplay.

Don’t know who this is but I’ll wager some of you do? It is a fab costume!

And, this intricate tableau…..

Anyone know? Wow! 😮

Onto the show floor where Jody quickly found her fav store, Tokidoki!

Next, Jody, Jim, and I were overshadowed by a huge Maga character!

Soon it was time to find a seat at the “Tea with Two Highlanders and A Lord” panel…. although, the title should have included “THE Lady.“

And, who might that be? Herself, of course! 🥰

I videoed the hour-long panel. My apologies for its homemade look. Occasionally, I had to switch hands and I also had to record most of it from the Jumbotron because I was too far back to capture a good stage view.

The panel was great and will speak for itself.

Enjoy!

(Psst….I never got any tea!) 😉

Afterward, the panelists retired behind the curtain for official photos. Then, as pre-arranged, Diana and her publicist emerged through a side door and I greeted her with a big hug!

She looked beautiful in her dramatic red cape, although this photo was taken sometime later. 😉 (It was a chill and windy day!)

I should mention, her splendid cape is made of warm wool with a tartan-lined hood. The sterling silver clasp appeared to be of Celtic design. I asked if it was from Scotland and she said, “I think so.” 😊

Pretty woman!

Then, we headed for lunch. It had been almost three years to the day since we shared a meal together and it was wonderful to see her again!

Her publicist took us down a private elevator to the basement of the Javits Center. I was intrigued by all the workings, supplies, and stuff in the “bowels of that building!” 😜

We hopped into golf carts and were escorted to the far end of Javits.

This is a video of our “zip ride.” You can hear me saying to Diana, it feels a bit like “James Bond.” 😆

We were driven to a door that opened street-side and walked to Hudson Yards to enjoy a quiet lunch.

We took a moment to admire the beautiful ”Vessel” at Hudson Yards.

Fortunately, no fans took notice, and we snuggled in for a quick lunch.

She was gorgeous, as always, with her beautiful big smile and thick black hair. Red is my favorite color on her!

Her nails were beautiful, as always – a glossy, cornflower blue polish (I am sure someone knows its name). And, she happily posed for a photo.

Her very strong nails are a gift from her father. She doesn’t wear gels, just regular nail polish! I always admire those lucky people who enjoy sturdy nails. 🤗

What did we talk about? Well, lots of things:

- Children
- Grandchildren (new photos of her darling grandsons)
- Nails
- Her brain 🧠
- Her corpus callosum
- Everyone’s right and left brains
- Scientists
- My anatomy lessons and FF using Sam as model
- Titans of Fantasy panel

The following is a bit of what we talked about.

I complimented her for her splendid performance at the “Titans of Fantasy” panel. Her responses were thoughtful and informative which held my attention. Made me proud!

I shared how her explaining her scientific journey to audiences delights me. Not everyone grasps what it means to be a scientist or the rigorous work entailed in becoming one. I think she helps people appreciate what science can contribute to a person’s life skills.

We talked about how science trains the left brain for details and analysis and how she patently trusts the intuitive side of her right brain.

I reminded her that the last time we met, I said she had an admirable corpus callosum because she clearly engages both sides of her brain.

Her very logical response was, “Well, why would you only want to use one side of your brain and leave the other side behind?”

To which I replied… “Pulling it along like a dog on a leash?” 😜

This may seem weird talk to you, but we always discuss things that others might find odd. (I make it a point not to press her for Outlander info. She is my friend.)

As a note of explanation, the corpus callosum is an area deep in the brain which allows right and left sides of the brain to communicate. And her sides communicate very well, indeed!

Forty-five minutes flew by and suddenly, it was time to go, she had another panel starting in minutes. This time it would be solo with no backup if she were to be late!

We headed back toward Javits, stopping at the Equinox Hotel where her ride awaited her. Her publisher was also waiting and took this photo of us, which I absolutely adore! ❤️

Then a quick hug goodbye and I returned to the Javits Center to grab a seat for the “Diana Gabaldon Spotlight’ panel.

Unfortunately, seating was very close so this was the best video I could shoot. Apologies to the lady in front!

Which part of her panel was your favorite?

I loved hearing the excerpt from book 10! ❤️

But, in addition, I enjoyed learning about her writing Outlander on her husband’s garage computer! 😮

“Who’s Jamie?” 😂😂😂

If only he knew at the time what a juggernaut her “practice book” would become!

That evening, I joined members of the FB group, Hudson Highlanders, for dinner. It was wonderful to meet these lovely ladies, two of whom I had only met via Zoom (L to R: Tonise, Lynn, Gwen, Susan)! 🤗