Category Archives: #am writing (and all things writing related)
I will wear my robes
I will wear my robes
Hi all, this is my first of a series of posts on my visit to ‘The Making of Harry Potter – Warner Brothers Studio Tour’ on 9th April 2012 (and that’s another item off The Bucket List).
I’m going to start by being a tease and not telling you anything about the tour itself (don’t worry that is to come but it will take longer to write up).
After the tour was over you spill out into the gift shop – and what a gift shop it is. Now, I was hoping to buy an ‘I solemnly swear I am up to no good’ mug but they had been so popular they have sold out. I was informed by one of the lovely staff (more on them in later posts) that they are hoping to have an online shop open by Christmas so I hope to get one then (if not in a repeat visit in August *I am grinning as I type this).
So, I just had to buy something else. My first item chosen was an authentic 35mm film minicell of Emma Watson from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I chose it also for the accompanying pictures of the three main cast members.
My megageek purchase though was my Hufflepuff robes (Pottermore sorted me into the house of the badger). At £74.95 this was not a throwaway purchase and my sister very calmly asked me when I might wear it. When put on the spot my response was quite feeble with not many options. But now I have had time to think so here, Sissy Poo, is my plan (looks like an evil plan based on the shot below) for robe wearing.
1. When I got home and was chilling and looking at my souvenirs.
2. It was quite comfy so generally around the house (though I have to be careful climbing the stairs).
3. When I return to the studio tour in August (a few days early birthday treat with a fellow Hufflepuff) so I can re-enact my broomstick flying but in house colours.
4. When I eventually go to ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ in Florida.
5. At a Harry Potter themed party (I may have to throw one myself).
6. At most ‘open themed’ fancy dress parties.
7. At Halloween.
8. At a Harry Potter convention??
9. At the Quidditch World Cup (it would be so cool to go one year – or play).
10. Potentially for a teaching session?? (Hmmm, I may have to work up to this one).
11. At graduation?? If they forget to order my OT degree robes again and there are no OU robes on standby (now I admit this is unlikely). I could wear under my PhD robes (assuming I complete and pass) and then have a few ‘alternate robes’ pics or I could work towards another OU degree and do as suggested with PhD robes. There is even an OU Children’s Literature course where you can actually study Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone!
12. When watching the Harry Potter films (I could make this 8 events ;o))
13. When reading the Harry Potter books (I could make this 7 events ;o))
14. When reading the extra Harry Potter books, e.g. Tales of Beedle the Bard, the Comic Relief specials etc.
15. When investigating Pottermore (thanks to Stacey for this suggestion of making it a more immersive experience).
16. When playing Harry Potter boardgames (I currently have none but hope to rectify this at some point).
17. When playing Harry Potter games on the Wii.
18. When playing Harry Potter games on the iPhone/iPad.
19. Maybe on my future Harry Potter themed wedding day ;o) (If I can find a potential groom who agrees with this).
20. When being interviewed about ‘my influences’ when I finally get my WIP finished/published.
21. When watching TV and using the magic wand remote control you bought me for Christmas.
I think I will stop there but can anyone else think of other situations when this outfit would be required/recommended/appropriate?
And the coolest thing about the robe in my humble opinion. The fact that it has an internal wand pocket!!!!!
Share this on Facebook, Twitter and Google+
H is for… (#AtoZChallenge 2012)
H is for Hand-to-Hand Combat
(Post 8 on my WIP)
Everyone needs to know how to protect themselves and the trainees of the time police academy are no different.
Sergeants Loughlin Hall and Diana Knott are responsible for developing the trainees’ fitness and physical skills, putting them through a gruelling circuits test (which most of them fail on their first attempt) and teaching them specific techniques to use in hand-to-hand combat or to deal with grabs or attacks with hand held weapons when they themselves are unarmed.
The two trainers aptly demonstrate that size isn’t everything and that everyone can use these techniques with success.
I have selected Dwayne Johnson to represent the ‘built like a brick shit house’ – well over 6’ Loughlin and Kristin Bell, at 5’1” as the petite Diana – and believe me she doesn’t need that gun to be scary. She was closely involved in investigating the serial killing case involving Angela. Working undercover as a ‘homeless teen’ she became extremely close to the killer’s third victim.
The trainees complain of having to practice these techniques so frequently but I know from clinical practice that it is so easy to forget them if you aren’t using them regularly. They are told in no uncertain terms by Diana, ‘You use it or you lose your life.’ She wishes that she had taught her friend these skills and plays the ‘what if’ game far too often.
On a side note I remember having ‘Personal Safety’ lessons at school with Phil Norman of UK Gladiators fame (Yes, really) where we learnt some useful breakaway and ‘floor’ techniques, some of which I vaguely recollect, such as carrying your keys between your fingers, using a personal alarm and as soon as you can running as far away as possible.
Of course in some situations using de-escalation strategies would be just as important – they are taught these in Communications by Sergeant Graham Brand who I’ve decided could be played by Martin Freeman.
Now hands up who wants to be first to tackle Loughlin or Diana?
Share this on Facebook, Twitter and Google+
G is for… (#AtoZChallenge 2012)
G is for Gabrielle Sanders
(Post 7 on my WIP)
Gabrielle has already introduced herself on this blog – here.
This is what we overheard her saying to her groupies, Linda and Jessica.
Jane is not an academic rival. I know I’m far superior to her in almost every subject. I also know I’ve had to work hard for that achievement, and she seems to waltz in on the back on nepotism, maybe Commander Trainer should review ethical principle one.
The hottest guy in the class Kyle seems to have fallen for her and is attracted to her for some reason. He is so my type. He’s asked for help with his assignments so I think he might like me too. I’m sure he’d have no problems completing them himself but I’m happy to help and get to know him better.
Character wise Gabrielle shares similar character traits with Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, is Kyle her Chuck Bass? (Image from imdb.com)
Also, I’m after your help for my Q post which will be on ‘Questions Answered’ – please head over to my Facebook Page if you’ve been inspired to ask me anything and then come back on Thursday 19th April for the answers. Of course I’m still more than happy to receive your comments on today’s post too.
kirstyes 