We arrived on Thursday afternoon, a day before the convention started. We checked into our hotel room and were absolutely in awe and amazed at the beautiful view we had from our room. As we looked out the window, we saw a beautiful, naturalistic landscape... Lake Ontario!
Later on that evening, we went out to explore the city of Toronto! But first, we had to check out where the convention was being held. So we crossed the bridge that connected the hotel to the convention center where Leah and I met up with the rest of our "minion group"!
-Left to Right: Stacey (Me); Rachel; Jennifer; Lynn; Leah. (Veronica & Mel, MIA)-
Later on, as we made our way to dinner, Mel did join up with us! Here I am pictured with Jennifer, Leah, Rachel, and Mel...
There was some type of World Olympic meeting going on during the weekend as well, so the hotel had this AMAZING car (covered with several nations' flags on it) parked outside!
As my fellow TorCon buddies had to go register their admission tickets during pre-registration, I decided to venture downtown Toronto to find myself a Subway to eat at. Then to my surprise, the CN Tower was all lit up: a magnificent purple color! I fell in love, haha!
FRIDAY - 1st DAY
Friday, the first day of the convention... I truly had NO idea what to expect! I got down there early to get my wrist band for admission, and then I just stood in line waiting for the doors to open by my lonesome self. My friends were GOLD (so they didn't have to wait to rush to an empty seat. And Veronica, I couldn't find, but she did have an assigned preferred seat so that wouldn't have mattered anyhow). Friday, I got pretty decent seats. But you have to remember that there is NO Misha, Jensen, or Jared on Friday so that is why there was so many empty seats in the theatre. A lot of people just attend the karaoke on Friday night.
The theatre was massive! Much larger than I was anticipating! What I truly loved were the huge banners they had hanging on the walls. The banners had each of the actors' faces on them that were in attendance. My four favorite banners are listed below!
Of course the banner that was attached to the stage that had all the actors profiles together was epic!
Before the Friday events started; Leah, Jennifer, and I went out and were taking pictures of our photo op tickets (corny, I know!) and just giddy with joy of what was to come! Leah and I posed by a couple of posters and indicated that we were at our very 1st con!!!
The theatre also had the Supernatural sign projected onto the wall so I also got a photo with it. Just so I remembered that this was a Supernatural convention!
As you entered, well right before the entrance, of the theatre doors, they had these "Angel" and "Demon" poster stands that pointed to opposite directions. ;)
Then there was one more neat poster that presented the actors of Supernatural!
The next two pictures are me sitting inside the theatre minutes before the convention started. The next picture is a photo of my FAVORITE photo op of the convention... MISHA COLLINS!
P.S. Richard plays the Trickster/ Angel Gabriel!
Richard was also a blast because he kept making jokes about the "no government in America" because at that time, our lovely country was experiencing a very controversial government shutdown... Oy!
Next, came the lovely Samantha Smith (she plays the original Mary Winchester). Samantha is such a lovely woman. She is as kind as "her" Mary is portrayed but is witty and fun! Her panel was hilarious as Richard attempted and succeeded to get the panel a bit on the juicy side. ;)
I was also lucky enough to get a picture with Samantha! I'm straight. But I must admit that Sam is a very beautiful woman. I was taken aback by her beauty. I went up to her, during the photo op, and told her how much I loved her dress. I really did! Now, I was wearing stretchy sports pants and a Penn State sweatshirt... nothing spectacular. But Sam looked at me and said that that color blue really looked good on me. What a sweetheart!
P.S. She was my first Supernatural cast member photo op!
Next came death... I mean, the actor who plays Death: Julian Richards! He was a last minute replacement for an actor who couldn't come due to a personal emergency. Julian has a fantastic personality and has quirky humor. But he is such a sweet man! I am fortunate enough to have attended a convention that he was able to make. His facial structure is so unique... it's amazing! And his voice; his accent... it's so much more epic in person.
Again, I was fortunate enough to get a picture with him. Leah and I decided to join forces and split the cost of his photo op as we didn't want to miss this opportunity. Leah and Rachel had done a fun pose before ours (Death killed Rachel and Leah is there smiling as her friend dies... =P ). So when it was our turn, I went up and was like "Can we do a nice photo?". It came our wrong, haha, and Julian picked up on that. He's like, "A nice photo? Was the one I just did a bad one!?" I'm like "No, I just mean like a normal one!"
Hence I look the way I do because I was totally embarrassed, haha! I tend to speak before I think over what I'm about to say. My brain just blurts out words, sometimes; I swear!
Next came James Patrick Stuart, who plays the lead Leviathan on the show (Dick). I had no idea, or I hadn't put 2+2 together, to realize that he had been an actor on All My Children. A show my mother watched daily when I was a child growing up. That means I grew up watching this man on that soap opera and now I was watching him, again, on a beloved show of mine.
James is freakin' awesome! He's sweet and funny and quite a caring soul. How he plays bad guys so well - I don't know. It's the opposite of his true personality. What a phenomenal actor!
I couldn't pass up his photo op. I, last minute, bought a photo op ticket for this amazing man. When I got up there I was shocked to see how he stuck out his hand for a handshake. He introduced himself; ask you who you were and if you were having a good time. What a sweetheart. Then I told him how my mom watched All My Children and how I probably grew up watching him. He was impressed!
Once the panels were over, I didn't have anything to do. My friends were waiting for autographs... I had nothing till karaoke a few hours later. So I decided to go back to the room and recharge my battery in my camera and recharge my cell phone. On the way up, I had a bit of fun in the elevator!
Time flew by quickly and before we knew it, Leah and I were back in line waiting for the doors to open for karaoke. A nice group of girls took a picture of us as we waited!
As we waited I noticed Clark Kent was there! (Just a fellow SPN fan) But I'd been on a Smallville phase leading up to the Supernatural convention, so I felt it was fate to take a picture with CK!
I mean, really.... I'm at a Supernatural convention... Who would've thought that two of my favorite fandoms would clash!?
SUPERNATURAL
&
SMALLVILLE
Next up was Karaoke Friday Night!
I had no idea what to expect for karaoke night. I'm not a party girl so I thought I would be completely out of my element. Boy,was I wrong! =)
Leah and I had put our names in for a chance to get called up to perform a song during karaoke but we did not get chosen. Oh well... We still had a blast! We stood with our friend and roomie, Meg.
If I didn't love the Supernatural cast already, I would have fallen in love with them that night. Richard is hilarious! Karaoke night for Supernatural is all about the "Karaoke Kings" which consists of Richard & Matt. However, when he is in attendance, the duo kings become the "three musketeers" consisting of Richard, Matt, and Rob!
When karaoke started that night, it was only Richard and Rob. I was so worried and a bit disappointed that Matt wasn't there and feared he wasn't going to make it. Though, the crazy and hilarious antics of Richard and Rob certainly made up for the lack of Matt for the first half hour or so. Let me tell you, Rob Benedict is a FANTASTIC singer! I was super impressed.
The lovely Rob (on left) and the lovely Richard (on right).
However, my heart started pounding and a grin never left my face once Matt showed up. I have no idea what it was about this convention but I fell head over heels in love with Matt!
HUGE, FREAKIN' CRUSH on him now!!!
Richard of course insisted that Matt explain why he was late and nearly missed karaoke night for TorCon '13. His story was NOT what I was expecting. And to be honest, I feel so bad for him!
Matt was flying into Toronto from LA after an audition. Well his plane was delayed because of braking, mechanical issues. Now you must remember, Matt isn't an easy flyer... not his favorite thing to do. The pilot of the flight announces, "The brakes are good ENOUGH now to continue on with the flight." ---Now... regardless of who you are, would you be in your right mind knowing the brakes of your plane were just "good enough? Hell no!--- Needless to say Matt was already quite tipsy when he arrived at karaoke as alcohol became his best mate on that plane ride. Poor guy!
With all three of the amazing musketeers on stage now, karaoke night felt complete!
The entire Supernatural cast made Karaoke Night a huge success! So glad I was a part of it!
Although, the night would not have been as enjoyable to me if Matt wouldn't have been there. He's such a sexy cutey pie! ;)
This was my first KARAOKE KINGS photo op! I'm in LOVE with it!!! =)
Matt swept me off my feet and Richard decided to pretend to "bite" my ankle. I won't even try to attempt to explain Richard's behavior as both of them were quite plastered during the photo ops!!!
SATURDAY - 2nd DAY
As most people know, Richard is the host of the Supernatural Conventions and starts off the con each day of the weekend. Well, Matt and Richard have a game that has become tradition. Every Saturday starts off with a Richard/Matt panel to start off the day. Matt comes out on stage as "Richard" and starts off the con, then Richard follows as "Matt" as they start off the day. These two are so funny!
After the introductions were said, they brought out Rob to join them in the trio panel. All three were very hungover from the night before (Karaoke night). However, Rob's behavior (sluggish, massive bad headache, staying seated most of the time) actually was due to an oncoming medical problem that occurred one night later. I will explain that at the end of the TorCon postings.
But here is Richard introducing Rob!
The three musketeers wasted no time messing around with each other on stage; telling funny stories!
Seriously, if you weren't cracking up while these three interacted on stage then you have no sense of humor. I hadn't laughed that hard in a long time. The chemistry and brotherhood these three have is absolutely amazing and a beautiful thing. Three wonderful guys!
The hysterical & kind Richard Speight, Jr.!!!
The sexy & compassionate Matt Cohen!!!
The sweet & brilliant Rob Benedict!!!
His story will be told at the end of the TorCon '13 posts
The Three SPN Musketeers!!!
(Richard, Matt, Rob)
Of course I got the opportunity to get photo ops with these amazing men. The photographer, Chris, is truly brilliant. He manages to capture the moment at just the precise moment!
This one is Matt and myself. He is so darn delicious! Very firm and a wonderful hugger.
This next picture is of Veronica and myself. We told Matt and Richard we wanted them to be spontaneous. Well, Richard lined us up as Matt said "Let's jump!" Ironic enough, Matt is the only one NOT jumping haha. But I look horrible in this picture. I had Richard yanking my arm up as Veronica was pulling me down, haha. But look at Richard's air in this photo. It's epic!!! So glad Veronica and I got this! =)
Then right after the picture with Veronica, my other friend/roomie and I got a picture with Matt and Richard! We asked them to hug us from behind and got this beauty. Love them!!!
Leah got her Richard and I got my Matt! =)
Now Misha hadn't had his panel yet but he had two photo ops beforehand. The first one was with him and Richard. This photo is awkward, but hey it's Misha... it can't be that bad! ;)
The second photo op with Misha (before his panel) was with Jim Beaver. I wanted to do a Charlie Angel's pose. Well apparently with our first attempt, Misha checked to make sure the photo came out and did NOT like it. Chris called me back in and Misha took my arm and pulled me over.
Honestly, in his "Castiel" tone, he told me seriously, "You did the pose wrong."
I was confused, "Really? I'm sorry."
I heard Jim laugh as Misha pulled me back to the middle and turned me so I was facing forward. I went to do the same pose but Misha put his hands on my shoulder and stopped me. He took my wrists and (literally) yanked my arms straight up in the air.
His dialogue went like this, "No, no like that. Like this. Put your arms straight up in the air and put your hands together. There you go!"
His dialogue went like this, "No, no like that. Like this. Put your arms straight up in the air and put your hands together. There you go!"
"Keep them like this!" Misha said, exasperated.
Then he got into his posing position and the RIGHT picture was taken, haha!!!
First Pose --- The Pic Misha Disapproved
Second Pose --- The Pic Misha APPROVED
When I was leaving, I looked back and saw Misha giving me a smirk, haha! =)
So after the exciting first photographs with Misha, it was time to settle back into the theatre and wait for Ty's panel to start. He is absolutely amazing and I was laughing the entire time!
Before his panel officially started, Ty brought up his brother and little nephew. His nephew is precious!
I hadn't known this but Ty is famous for calling people out who try to to leave his panel for whatever reason (may it be a bathroom break, ect). He's a kind-hearted person, so full of life!
I can't wait to meet this man again! I'm not sure where he's from, but he has a cross of a Southern/English charm!
I did get a picture with this beautiful man. He's so nice too. He shook my hand, asked me what my name was and told me he hoped I was having a great time. What a gentleman! James did the same as well! So I asked Ty for a hug; he's an excellent hugger!
Next was Jim! Before my photo op with him and Misha, I got to hug that man. He's a great guy! His panels (he had one Saturday & Sunday) were so wonderful! He absolutely adores and loves his daughter. She is definitely the light in his eyes... so darling to see! And he absolutely respects Jared, Jensen, and Misha. What was fun to learn was that there is no father/son type of relationship on set, but rather a brotherly relationship between those guys!
And next came the panel I was waiting for Saturday --- MISHA!!!
However, before his panel started, he came out and judged (picked the winner) of the Castiel cos-play costumes. He chose the black-winged Castiel!
Misha had a panel with Mark P (Lucifer in SPN).
I need to give Mark some love! The poor guy... nearly 95% of the questions asked, during the panel, were directed at Misha. But let me tell you, Mark let his fans know he appreciated them when those few gave Mark a question. He stood up and walked over and hugged them. Mark's a good sport, but it had to be awkward to be on stage when the majority of the audience was mostly interested in Misha.
Let's give Mark P, our lovely devil, some LOVE!
You know that Supernatural has destroyed any sense of morally right and wrong when you lust over the devil... ;)
One of the questions insinuated that since "Sam and Castiel" don't share a profound bond that Jared meant that he and Misha don't have a good friendship in real life. Misha put on a pouty face and acted like his feelings were devastated. Then Mark gave Misha some comfort to cheer him up, haha!
Here is a picture of Mark reacting to a question directed to him! Misha couldn't help but laugh!
Now it's time to give Misha some LOVE!!!
-He looked amazing in his outfit... kind of a sophisticated Southern look!-
-He loved his Junior Mints that day, too!-
I just can't get over how sexy this man is. Best part is, he's an Eastern boy... Boston raised!
Next came my picture with an Angel and the Devil!
I, of course, had to have Castiel protect me from Lucifer!
While in the never-ending line for Misha, I got a picture with a demon!
So, as the line slowly moved; Misha and Chris (the photographer) needed a bathroom break. Me, and a few others, had the idea to scream out to Misha when he exited the bathroom. He was a good sport!
Me (and others) yelled to Misha: "Did you wash your hands?"
Misha replied, "No, I licked them off!" =P
Then here's a close-up when Misha walked by me, post his bathroom trip!
So in all honesty... I forgot I had THIS many pictures with Misha on Saturday... but here are my photo ops with Misha Collins!
A typical hugging pose!
So that ends the first half of my very first ever Supernatural Convention! So far, a huge success!
SUNDAY - J2 DAY (3rd)
For a little bit on Sunday, I got to sit with my friends in the Gold section. We weren't quite ready for the picture, but sometimes they make the better ones!
I'm going to go a bit out of order, with the events, as I am saving J2 for last.
This first picture is of Richard, Rob, and Jim reading off a winner of the last video contest.
Now before the J2 panel, Rob was scheduled for a solo panel. Well for the majority of the time Richard stayed for Rob's panel. But we got a grand surprise when Misha and Ty crashed it!
Ty and Misha were hilarious when they lifted Rob upside down!
Richard, Rob, Misha, and Ty are amazing together! So glad I witnessed this! I love the brotherhood they all have with each other!
However, Misha didn't stay for long. Ty stayed a bit longer...
Now for what I have been waiting to share.... J2!!!
Jensen was all smiles this con, despite his stalker being there, and it was a nice sight to see!
I was so giddy when Jared wore his beanie; his hair was also a crazy character itself!
So I have absolutely no idea (as I forget the conversation going on during this photo), but just look at Jensen's face... PRICELESS!!!
Jared seems to get a serious expression when he's answering questions. But I love that he always looks you directly in the eye when he is answering. Too SWEET!!!
And of course, the fact that they are unbelievably sexy makes for wonderful eye candy!
What I fell in love with and truly admire is how well Jared and Jensen feed off each others' energy and help the other become "alive" again if the other one is losing concentration... They really are brothers at heart!
Honestly, these two do NOT fake their chemistry. They are amazing together. Until you see this relationship in person... you can't really appreciate how deep their friendship runs. It truly is a beautiful thing.
P.S. Their southern, Texas charm is beautiful... love me those country boys!
Now I wasn't able to get anyone's autograph but Misha's at TorCon. But I am so glad I got his.
Let me tell you my story...
I went near the end of the line and just rehearsed, in my head, what I wanted to say to Misha when I got up to his table. Well, I got up there and didn't freeze though I did stumble a bit.
I started off, "I wanted to thank you..." At this point, Misha glanced up from the picture but looked back down again.
I continued, "Eight years ago when I was 15, I lost my mom..." At this point, Misha paused what he was doing and held my gaze. So I continued (still had his eye contact), "Your character (on SPN) gave me faith. And I just wanted to thank you for that."
At this point I saw a cross of sympathy (and a bit of pity) flash in his eyes. He looked like he was contemplating something. He signed my autograph. It almost seemed like he wanted to give me a hug but his handler wouldn't allow it.
Instead, Misha said, "That really means a lot to me... thank you." Then he shook/held my hand (very firm, meaningful grip) and said, "That is very tough to lose your mom at 15."
I just said, "Yeah, it really is." Then we both gave an understanding gaze to each other and I said, "Thank you." before walking away.
I guess now, I will move on to the photo ops from Sunday! =)
Claudine and I got a photo with Richard and Rob! We asked Chris to think of an idea. He took the "umbrella" looking thing off of the flash box and Richard used it as an umbrella!
Now let's move on to my photo ops with Jared!
First, we did the hug pose!
Then we did a Charlie Angel's pose! (I look so short!!!)
Now let's move on to my photo ops with Jensen!
First, we did the hugging pose!
Then I told Jensen I wanted to do a fun one; he came up with this!
Then there's the J2 Sandwich photo!!! My first ever!
So, I gave in and bought another Misha photo op...
I had really wanted a "birthday kiss" photo... as my birthday was 1 week prior to that day.
I had forgotten to ask him on Saturday. So I walked up to him and he greeted me with a warm smile and a polite "hello". He clearly recognized me.
He put his arm around me as I explained to him, "My birthday was last weekend and I was wondering if I could have a birthday kiss on the cheek?" (No idea how I managed to get that entire question out!)
Misha smiled and said, "Of course."
Feeling his hands on my face then feeling his lips and warm breath on my face... absolutely amazing and unforgettable.
Then after the picture I thanked him and again, reveled over the feeling of his hand on my back as he guided me away towards the exit.
Probably my most treasured picture yet...
I also gave in and bought a trio op...
Seeing all three of them in the room... my heart skipped a beat. It's beautiful...
Now let me explain Rob's story....
This picture was taken a few hours before Rob experienced a stroke.
It terrifies me how quickly a life can change in just a few hours...
During TorCon, Rob suffered a minor stroke. Sunday night, supposedly Rob started having trouble speaking. (Saturday morning after karaoke, he appeared sluggish and something seemed off... not because of a hangover). Rob and Richard are very close friends, and Richard saw the changes in Rob. So on Sunday night (after the convention had ended); Richard, Jensen, and Jared took Rob to the hospital and stayed with him. It was discovered that Rob had suffered a stroke.
Rob attended BurCon '13 ( November) and said he is in therapy and only has a slight speech problem.
I am so thankful that a nice, kind, amazing man is on the road to recovery. If it wasn't for Richard, Jensen, and Jared getting him to the hospital in time... circumstances could have been very different.
All in all, my first con experience went amazingly well!
I can't wait to attend more in 2014!
Thanks TorCon '13 for a FANTASTIC time!!!
