A Weekend Away

It's been a long while since Liz and I had a 'Mom's on the Loose' trip, so this past weekend we took time away, leaving our families behind to enjoy their guy time. It was awesome!  Lots of sunshine and warmth, laughter, singing in the car, visiting with friends, trooping as Jedi, audiobooks, serious discussions, capturing it all with many pics, spending time with my mom - I'm so grateful for the opportunity we had.

We spent a couple of nights in Spokane, my hometown - I refrained from getting overly excited at everything I recognized this time (mostly).  Our goals were to troop with our costuming friends at Spocon - the con itself wasn't that great, but we had a great time with our fellow geeks!  We also took a side trip to Couer d' Alene, Idaho for photo ops - it was lovely.

On our way out of town, on Sunday, we took time to look for my grandparents' grave and snap some pics for my ancestry project.  We drove along the Spokane River stopping to take in the sights at a couple of spots.  Then, it was on to Idaho to visit my 90 year old mother enjoying the wheat fields, the incredibly high hills along the Clearwater River, and the rush of the water going by us on the way.  We got Mom laughing so much we wore her out!  Unfortunately, we were all so wilty from the heat (I'm NOT complaining, mind you - I loved it) that we didn't take any pics with her this time.

Then on home yesterday taking a new route just to see something different - lots more wheat along with garbanzo beans, high prairies, several small, picturesque towns, and stopping a few times to stretch our legs...




*disclaimer - not all my photos are really worth sharing this time except to show where we traveled.  


You can get a far more detailed and interesting sum up here, here, here, and here along with some awesome pics!  

Troopin' Time

Today, after a long hiatus, Master D'bu and I trooped with our fellow costumers for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Seattle.  We couldn't have asked for better weather or nicer folks to spend time with early on a Sunday morning.  We joined friends from the 501st Legion, the Mandalorian Mercs, and other Rebel Legion folks like ourselves.

Con Time

Masters Sparhawk and D'bu

Yesterday, we had the privilege of hanging with our costuming friends at Emerald City ComiCon. It's been several months since we really trooped. I have to say that we had a great time connecting with friends and people watching! Here's few pics from our time:

Troopin' Again!

This weekend, Master D'bu and I had the opportunity to get costumed up and troop with our friends once again. Now, we haven't trooped in several months, so despite the heat, we were eager to help out with this event. As is our custom, we had a great time!

What this time, you say? Well, we joined up with Disney Fans for the second annual Mouse Meet up in Lynnwood to add a little variety to their event. They, in turn, donate to some of our local charities.

Here are my favorites from the day:

Love that Trooping!

This past weekend, Liz and I had the opportunity to attend our first Emerald City Comicon in the Seattle Convention Center. I have to say that we've never experienced crowds like these in all the trooping events we've done so far.

Wall-to-wall describes it well for the first day at least. Of course there were celebrities like Leonard Nimoy (we saw him from a distance - but no pics allowed by the common con-goer), Lou Ferrigno (the original hulk), Stan Lee (sorry, Joshua, we were not able to get his $40 autograph - but we took a picture of a picture of him just for you!), and a few others whom we failed to recognize.

If you're into comics and graphic art, this is the con for you - we especially liked seeing some of the artists in action and the work of our favorite graphic artist, Shannon Potratz - he created a banner for a friend - you'll see it in the slideshow!

Once again, we enjoyed hangin' with our costuming friends from the 501st and the Rebel Legion - we participated in the usual photo shoot for a local charity. We met several we hadn't trooped with before including some Jedi from the Portland, Oregon, a trooper from Canada, and our favorite Tusken Raider from Spokane.

Can you believe we couldn't walk more than a couple of steps without someone wanting to take pics of our Tusken? We walked the floors spotting for him as he worked his way through the crowd, you know. I have to say he was awesome!

My words cannot really give you a clear picture of this troop, so here are some pics taking you through the weekend:

Just for Laughs!

Just found this in photos of a friend on Facebook - it just made me laugh... thanks, Sven!

You'll have to click on the picture to read the funny part.

Book Review: Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover

Okay, I've been rereading Episode III, Revenge of the Sith. I have to say that it's amazingly better the second time around... maybe I'm way more geeky than the last time!

I'm fascinated by Matthew Stover's skill at drawing me, the reader, into the characters' minds and hearts to see what's really there.

I've been sharing tidbits on the sidebar here for a few days now, but this one just needs more space - the scene is the bridge of General Grievous's ship where he's captured the three, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Palpatine (ooohh, he's beyond evil!). Oh, to have such calm and assurance in the face of whatever events my Master brings me to - that's my aim and maybe a little more of why I love being a Jedi.

"The Force flows over him and around him as though he has stepped into a crystal-pure waterfall lost in the green coils of a forgotten rain forest; when he opens himself to that sparkling stream it flows into him and through him and out again without the slightest interference from his conscious will. The part of him that calls itself Obi-Wan Kenobi is no more than a ripple, an eddy in the pool into which he endlessly pours.

He is all these things, but most importantly, he is still Obi-Wan Kenobi.

That is why he can simply stand. Why he can simply wait. He has no need to attack, or to defend. There will be battle here, but he is at perfect ease, perfectly content to let the battle start when it will start, and let it end when it will end.

Just as he will let himself live, or let himself die.

That is how a great Jedi makes war."

Then I have to post this one here for posterity:

"This is Obi Wan Kenobi:

A phenomenal pilot who doesn't like to fly. A devastating warrior who'd rather not fight. A negotiator without peer who frankly prefers to sit alone in a quiet cave and meditate.

Jedi Master. General of the Grand Army of the Republic. Member of the Jedi Council. And yet, inside, he feels like he's none of these things."

I'm sure I'll have more to say as I get further into the book!

A Star Wars Extravaganza!

Last night, Hendel and I had the privilege of trooping Star Wars in Concert in Seattle along with our costuming friends. We had a great time trooping as an added bonus to the fabulous concert! I must say that though the halls were packed with fans, I suspect that the two of us were the geekiest there - lol!

I managed to get just a few pics to commemorate our evening - enjoy!




For a nice, complete review and more pics, check out this link HERE

Just a Taste...

Tonight, my Jedi master and I have the privilege of attending 'Star Wars in Concert' in Seattle not only to absorb the music but to also 'troop' with our fellow costumers. Just in case you didn't know, we are a little beyond the average Star Wars geeks.

Well, this morning, I was drawn to read a little of 'Revenge of the Sith' by Matthew Stover (he is a master at his craft) as I prepped for the event. I just had to quote this little bit as it gives a taste of what draws me to this obsession:


"This story happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. It is already over. Nothing can be done to change it.

It is a story of love and loss, brotherhood and betrayal, courage and sacrifice and the death of dreams. It is a story of the blurred line between our best and our worst.

It is the story of the end of an age.

A strange thing about stories --

Though all this happened so long ago and so far away that words cannot describe the time or the distance, it is also happening right now. Right here.

It is happening as you read these words.

This is how twenty-five millennia come to a close. Corruption and treachery have crushed a thousand years of peace. This is not just the end of a republic; night is falling on civilization itself.

This is the twilight of the Jedi.

The end starts now."

Doing the Mundane - Spocon '09 Report

*photo credit - Liz

This year's trek to beautiful, sunny Spokane was not quite the same as last year. I must say that the con was not really worth the drive (poorly organized to say the least). However, we did end up having a fabulous time (when don't we!) hanging with our friends Urrrk (Tusken Raider), TD9993 (sandtrooper), Darth Vader, and an imperial officer whom we just met this year. I must say that we haven't laughed so hard in quite a long time! We helped man the 501st table talking to fans who actually found us (tucked away as we were) as well as just sitting back to watch and listen to those walking by (not that many really).

We also drove around Spokane looking at some really cool architecture, found a letterbox or two, and walked the downtown park area talking with those who asked about our attire (it was in the triple digits...).



Now, for some soundbites:

"Have I told you about our raffle? You really want Han's face in carbonite on your office wall, don't you?"

"I'm gonna kill you again, Vader" (from a small irritating boy)
"I don't let my son point guns at people." (from our Tusken)

"Let's hear it for pain!"

"Dork."

"Can you use the force on my girlfriend. Really, I want you to use the force so she will be my girlfriend."

"We're not nerds, just geeks!"

"Don't touch! This is a prop; do you know what a prop is?"

"You should've come to my healing dance panel!"

"Do you sell many of these pink, fuzzy handcuffs?"
"Oh, yes - they're really easy to get out of."

"I just wanted to know what you're taking a picture of - there's nothing really worth a picture here." (a dealer about her own booth)

"I'm glad someone enjoyed this." (speaking of the opening ceremonies)

"You have to come hear my filk song! It's about Star Wars! It's my first one ever!"

"Those corsets are sooo comfortable - custom made and worth $400..."

"I use these as my barbarian boots when I'm not a Tusken."

"I just threaten to come to my daughter's school in my storm trooper kit - works every time."

"Hey, Shannon, bring your head!"

"So, TD, did you take the stairs?"
"No way, I took the elevator!"

"Urrrrkkkk!" (translation - you won the raffle!)

"Sure, it's only 100*, let's go outside with 4 layers and add a wool robe to it!"

"... and I brought my rabbit friend..." (A trekkie holding up a small stuffed rabbit with fangs)

"Wow... never seen a Jedi robe over a medival tunic and long, green fuzzy eyes on someone's head before... Hey, he has green feet with yellow claws, too."


**disclaimer - these quotes are sorta paraphrased...

I Just Love Trooping!

Yesterday, Hendel and I got to march in the Snohomish Kla ha ya Days parade (photo compliments of Hendel - awesome shot!)! We had such a good time with our fellow costumers - Chuck, the CO of our part of the Rebel Legion, did a great job organizing this event for us. The audience was so enthusiastic as were the folks we passed before and after on the streets of picturesque Snohomish. I had the honor of carrying our banner - designed by Chuck.

We heard some pretty funny things, too! Like "What's that button on your lightsaber? It turns it on? I don't want you to turn it on!" That was from a little girl who glommed onto Hendel as we left the parade route. Our Darth Vader started singing 'Matchmaker' from Fiddler on the Roof once he had his helmet on!

It's so satisfying to be around people who appreciate our costuming efforts from our fellow costumers to those enjoying all of us marching. I can't wait till our next opportunity - Spocon! It's an up-and-coming Sci-Fi Fantasy convention across the state.

For a different perspective and a cool slide show of the event click on this link!

Ruminations from the Temple


And, this video is just too fun - I think we look pretty good!

On Being a Jedi - Yep, I'm a Geek!

As I sorted through some Jedi quotes looking for the one for today, I came across a reference to the Book of Practical Lightsaber Technique. So, being curious, I googled it and found this cool site, Angelfire, with lots of Jedi philosophy to ponder. Reading through it brought a smile to my face as I see how closely it ties in with my pursuit of living out Torah. Okay, so this is really geeky - deal with it and enjoy!

(taken from various text in the aforementioned book)

"Long ago, those who studied and practiced manipulating the Force gathered together to establish the Jedi Knights, an order dedicated to protecting the galaxy from evil. The Jedi helped bring order and strength to a galaxy plagued far too long by conflict and fear. Their deeds became famous. Aided by the Force and armed with their unique Lightsabers, they came to be respected and honored throughout the galaxy. They were known as scholars, warriors, and philosophers. They were all those things-and more. The Jedi spread across the galaxy, protecting the Republic and watching over its many systems...

"A Jedi cannot force people to be just and decent. They must allow such qualities to arise from within. If a Jedi forces these qualities on an adversary they will not be learned permanently. However, with patience the Jedi can use his power and knowledge to guide an adversary's actions and thoughts leading him to what is right and good...

"A Jedi must never use the Force with the intention of attacking and defeating his opponent. The Force is only to be used in defense and protection of the user or of another who is unable to defend him/herself. Also, the phrase "The ends justify the means" does not hold as an excuse for a Jedi to do whatever he wants to succeed. A Jedi should not rationalize a wrong action as good just to be able to do it...

"A Jedi must keep constant watch on his actions and thoughts for the dark side of the Force is quick, easy, and seductive. Anger, Fear, and Aggression define the dark side of the Force. A Jedi must never use these emotions unless he is calm and at peace and has the utmost control of the emotion. If a Jedi becomes reckless in his actions he endangers himself and others around him. Complete concentration and patience are essential to a Jedi. A Jedi should not try to sway the Force to his own purposes, but rather allow the Force to guide himself...

"A Jedi should not make the use of his saber his first option in a conflict. He should exhaust all other options with the opponent before making use of his Lightsaber. This should be a weapon of defense and protection. But when forced to use it, a Jedi should act quickly and decisively...

"All life throughout the galaxy is unique in its own way and each being deserves the same amount of respect as any other. Each being of life serves a purpose to the common good of the galaxy. The Force binds all life together. The Force creates life and thus a Jedi should seek to preserve life at any cost. A Jedi should show unconditional love to any life form...

"Jedi also respect the uniqueness of life. The cloning of life is not approved by the Jedi. A Jedi must never clone himself just to create another being like himself. It takes away from the precious uniqueness of life and is not ethical...

"The Jedi live their lives with a code of honor. Material wealth holds no meaning to a Jedi and though it is OK for a Jedi to possess money, it holds no personal value to him/her. A Jedi only leads people; a Jedi does not rule over people or command them to do anything against their will. A Jedi does not do anything for the glory of it. Winning a battle should not be followed with arrogance by a Jedi. A Jedi cannot take part in any profit-making enterprise. One cannot profit from their protection."

Gettin' Excited!

Next week, Hendel and I will be costuming up for Norwescon joining, an annual Science Fiction convention held in Seattle every year, joining the other geeks who love it all almost as much as we do.

As you know, we just love any opportunity to indulge in our obsession. So, I've been gathering all the pieces making sure they're all ready to go - ironing tunics, sewing a loop back in place on a pouch, tightening screws in my belt, putting shoulder pads in my undertunics, working on walking with that Jedi 'attitude' and making my robe 'swoop' just the right way, packing all the little odds and ends into my bag, practising with my saber... well, I'm sure you get the idea!

First to make it through our annual Passover seder to make it through - and that's no small undertaking (that list is even longer and more involved!).

What is it that I love about Star Wars?

Up till just a few years ago I wasn't that much of a Star Wars fan. I'd watched the original trilogy a few times over the years and liked it, but it wasn't something that I was totally into. I was even one who thought of it as filled with eastern mysticism and, therefore, something less than wise from a spiritual standpoint. So, why am I such a geek now?

I'd have to say it all started one Hanukkah a few years ago when many of us in our synogogue were gathered at a particular house celebrating the festival. Now, that always involves a great deal of schmoozing throughout the evening. I found myself deep in conversation with Liz - this was in the beginning of our friendship - about the prevailing 'Christian' view of the Chronicles of Narnia and then Star Wars. She was challenging me to take an objective view of what I'd been taught and examine it to see if it was really true - my arguments didn't hold water. Well, that was the beginning of my journey into what is now something of an obsession you might say (as well as a truly wonderful friendship).

From there, it's just grown into something that's now a part of who I am - I watched all the prequel movies, bought them, rewatched them, got into reading the novels (as I'm an avid reader) - all the while having many a conversation about the Jedi philosophy and how it fits so well with Torah. Liz and I do enjoy those deep kinds of conversation, you know.

Then it progressed to costuming. Now, I'd never in my life even thought about costuming let alone doing Jedi, but I found myself wanting to try it out as Liz got into it. I have to say that I've had a fabulous time putting together the costumes and props - you know, lightsaber, utility belt, comlink, holocron, robe, tunic, boots and all the rest of it. We've also gotten to 'troop' with fellow enthusiasts at Science Fiction conventions, the Puyallup Fair, and other charity functions dressed as Jedi. I love it all!

So, what's the draw for me? I've always liked a good story where righteousness wins out despite overwhelming odds. Lots of action, worthy heroes, a strong moral stand with a philosophical twist - Star Wars certainly fills the bill for me. The costuming and all adds a creative element and has introduced us to a group of people that has been a pleasure to get to know as well. We call it our 'happy little bubble' as it's a pleasant escape from our daily routines and responsibilities.