Find Us!

As mentioned before, Firefly cargo Bay can unload at Dragon*Con in aisle E tables 27 and 28. So... where is that?

RIGHT HERE:


And that- of course is in the BASEMENT of the Marriott Marquis. Although please stop by the lower lobby levels and see teh Bedlam Bards in the Exhibitors' Halls with the Southeastern Browncoats , who are also giving home to the Browncoats: REDEMPTION crew. Somewhere up there as well is the Austin Browncoats who are shiny shiny people. Be sure to make your rounds!

Until next time:
"I'm a business man, see? Roots in the community"

We have a Docking Bay!

I just got the official local letter from the good folks at Dragon*Con and Firefly Cargo Bay will be in aisle "E" in the basement of the Marriott hotel. The tables numbers are E27 and E28 but that won't much matter. You just need to find aisle E and then look for the banner with the FFCB logo on it.

SHiny stuff for sale! Big stuff, little stuff, Browncoat stuff, Dr. Who stuff, Whedon stuff, Princess Bride stuff, LOTS of STUFF!

So, 24 days from now, stop in at the 24th Dragon*Con and say Ni Hao!

But Who's Counting?

I am in the midst of painting the most current batch of Kaylee-Esque parasols (the yellow is drying now) and it has occurred to me that I may be hitting a milestone. I never numbered the finished ones as I went along, but boy, do I wish I had done that now! I think after I finish this batch - 6 in total, for I have found that doing 6 at a time is a good amount for me- I will have hand painted over 100 Kaylee Parasols! By my math with the quantity and number of time I've ordered it's got to be around there. I do have a tabulation of all that sold through the website, but then there are the ones sold at shows, or donated to charity auctions and such. So I really don't know for sure, but I've got to be close, if not over the triple digits.

When I first started making them I was so uptight about it. We had a computer printed spiral as a template. Too mathematical. I ended up pausing the dvd and tracing the pattern off the still image on the screen! Then I had to transfer it to the parasol and paint over the lines so they wouldn't show. One parasol took me hours to do and I was never happy with the results. Some of those first ones were a lot different looking!

It was during this frustration that I finally hit the simple answer that was in front of me all the time. I was griping that I was putting all this work into replicating something that some prop person probably just whipped out fast without thinking much about it. Yep, that simple- Kaylee *would* have done her parasol freehand and with a light attitude. So I put myself in a Keylee frame of mind and have been much happier with the parasol results ever since.

I also remember the first time I ordered the supplies- I thought getting enough for 12 parasols was going to be too much. I'd never sell 12 of them after all! Hee!

So, here's to the next 100!

Until next time:
"Everything's shiny Captain!"

Off to Mary-Land

I'm beginning to think that a post is nothing more than something that holds up a power line. It certainly doesn't apply to this blog, 'eh? Another month has gone by and no updates.

Because I've been BUSY! That's a good thing for FFCB followers! Mostly, I've been pulling stuff together for various Can't Stop the Serenity screenings around North America. Want to know what I've been doing? Then head out to the Toronto showing or the one hosted by the Seattle Browncoats or even Whedonfest 2010. Actually, attend any of the 2010 CStS events and you'll see FFCB represented. This is due in part to my undying love for, I mean working relationship with the Browncoats: REDEMPTION team.

Incidentally, just as a FYI, the Toronto Browncoats have taken phone bids in the past on auction items if you've got your eye on that parasol signed by Jewel. Contact them to learn more.

Okay, what else.....? Oh! Shipping!

I have been working with a wonderful woman in the local Canadian Postal Outlet and she's helped enormously. They all recommended the card for small business discounts, but that doesn't help all that much- maybe a buck here or there once a month or so with what I ship. But lovely Jan analyzed *why* things were costing so much and was able to make suggestions. By cutting my boxes ONE INCH smaller they qualified for the cheaper price bracket, thus saving about 5 dollars EVERY SHIPMENT! What does that mean? Well, the shiny news is that FFCB can now LOWER its shipping charge! Yea! Win for everybody! Oh, and to my American readers; Do NOT let your postal system go private. You have NO IDEA how great and wonderful the US Postal System is. Seriously, I lived there 27 years and here 15 years and I still use the USPS whenever I can.

Also, I have solved the problem of things getting stuck in customs for over two months (do you believe that? Neither did I!). Turns out, all I had to do was switch packaging. I noticed the trend that it was only the Kaylee-Esque Parasols that were being delayed. I went on a hunch and changed from mailing tubes to rectangular boxes. Sure enough, no more delays. What customs has against mailing tubes I do not know, but now I no longer need to know. So, as far as I can tell, delay problem gone! Shiny!

I wish this was the end of the post and happy news just continued. Sadly, Jan was diagnosed with and died from cancer all in one week in mid April. That's 2 people I've lost to the disease in less than 3 weeks. Dear Death, you suck. ANYWAY! She was a good business friend and I will think of her any time I ship stuff out to you shiny Browncoats. She will guide your orders to you I'm sure.

So, next up is Balticon! with Tanya Huff as GoH. Tanya is a great writer, friend and all round lovely lady. She'll be wearing her writer hat, her musician hat (in the filk circles and such) and her crazy-hyped-up-cause-we're-at-a-con hat this weekend. Such fun! All the merchandise for the Firefly Cargo Bay booth is safely (I hope!) sitting at the hotel waiting for my arrival. Squee! Come see the shinys!

Now, I've rambled long enough. Time to pack! I'm putting more merchandise in my suitcase and I hope I have room for clothes. If not, I'll certainly be able to go through the security screening at the airport much faster!

Until next time:
"Yep. That went well."

NEW SHINYS!

Okay, get your squee-ing voices ready! I have just added the latest products to the page at Firefly Cargo Bay and they are gorram shiny, if I say so myself!

There are several QMx products there including the new Atlas of the Verse as well as the wave card sets, BDH poster sets, Bank Heist Money and there will be more official QMx items to come. Scan down the page to fin the header "QMX ITEM!" to find them all

Also new to the secret stash are items that can't be fond anywhere else. I've already shown you the cool, if somewhat creepy Fruity Oaty Dolls. Joining them is a new item I am absolutely thrilled about. These genuine leather wristbands are not available ANYWHERE ELSE. The designs are browncoat specific and are engraved right into the leather. They come in brown (with "Browncoat" and the independent emblem on it) and red (with "Serenity" and the chinese for serenity and an outline inspired by a very familiar ship)

Oh, there's also a second version of the serenity necklace that's been in the shop for a year or so. This one is a little more elegant, so I'm calling it the Companion Necklace.

Check out all the new shinys to be found in the secret stash!

Until next time:
"Oooh! Look at all the pretties!"

Bringing the Bards to Toronto

You may remember, this fall we have Bards Without Borders Deux coming up. Those crazy Bedlam Bards choose to live in Texas, which, as you know, is a long way from Toronto! It's going to take some considerable amounts of cashy money to pay the expenses to get them up here.

With that in mind, Firefly Cargo Bay will be holding monthly raffles in which you can win shiny shiny stuff not available anywhere else. And since today is my birthday, I decided to start the first one now!

Here's how it's going to work. If you'd like to enter the drawing, paypal the amount to paddison at kos dot net and you're in. Simply put "March Raffle" or Bards without Borders Draw" or something similar in the subject line or somewhere on the transaction. You need not give me postal information or anything other than your email and the amount. Please note that this raffle is being conducted IN CANADIAN FUNDS. Two weeks from today (Mar 26) I will take all the entered emails and draw one at random and that person wins. I *will not* be using these emails addresses for anything other than the draw- no worries of spamming here (I don't have time for that kinda crap anyway). I will contact the winner for mailing address and post here the results. Then in april we'll do it all over again with shiny new prizes.

I will verify receipt of the transaction via email and keep records of the accounts. The Bards Without Borders ledgers will be posted periodically, and will be available anytime on request. Any moneys raised that exceed the costs of bring the Bards back to town will be donated to Browncoats: REDEMPTION

Tickets cost 3 for $5.00, 10 for $10.00 and 30 for $25.00. Wanna know what's up first? How 'bout a set of Fruity Oaty Dolls!
This is a set of 3 hand made (and I mean HAND- I don't own a sewing machine!) rag dolls inspired by the wild commercial in "Serenity". No subliminal message comes with these dolls however. You do get a little foam Fruity Oaty Bar though! Each doll stands over 19" tall (from toes to top of head).

So what do you say? It's not mandatory, but these dolls could all be yours!

The Bards are Back in Town!

Well, okay, not yet- but they're coming! Cedric and Hawke, better known as the BEDLAM BARDS will be back in Toronto come November for "Bards Without Borders Deux"!

They will be appearing the weekend of November 19-21 at SFContario, Toronto's newest science fiction convention, celebrating the best of science fiction and fantasy. SFContario will include the content of literature, media, and visual arts, the educational and academic aspects of science and culture, and the participatory and social aspects such as costuming, gaming, filking, fanzines, online fandom, and other fannish activities. The con will have 3 days of activities will focusing more on creativity, both content (books, art, and media) and fan activity (filking, costuming, gaming, etc.)

The Bards will have a full concert in the main convention room as well as hosting panels, workshops and maybe even some hypnosis sessions throughout the entire weekend. Other Browncoat specific activities will be going on as well during the con. Plus, if you clearly put somewhere on your membership form "I AM A BROWNCOAT" you will receive a special goodie bag at registration!!

Oh, and did I mention Firefly Cargo Bay will be in the dealers' room with a full 2 tables of shiny stuff for sale? The whole new 2010 product line which also features some gems from QMx!

So, what are you waiting for?!?!?!? Get on over to SFContario and get yourself registered! Don't forget to include "I AM A BROWNCOAT" on your membership form! Free shinys, after all and that's quite a discount, because 10% of nothin is... let me do the math here... nothin into nothin carry the nothin.....

CONfirmed

Ni Hao!

I've been busy scanning the airline web pages trying to figure out the mystery that is best air fare rates. So far, I'm losing.

ANYWAY, I'm doing this because of the six cons I decided to work this year, I'm definitely in for four of them. The are, in timeline order...

Norwescon. I'm working this big con on my own, so if you're in the Seattle area and planning on attending, please be sure to stop by the booth! And bring food ;)

FilKONtario. My filk related merchandise will be in the interfilk bazaar being sold by the wonderful FKO volunteers. I'll be around the con itself actually taking part! Yea me!

Confluence. Returning to my home town with a full FFCB booth at this great con. Come to the 'Burgh and see all the new shinys I have!

Dragon*Con. Back for our 3rd big year! A full FFCB booth and the release of Browncoats:REDEMPTION Why would you *not* be there?!??! (psst: there will be more than a few shiny BC:R items available at the Firefly Cargo Bay booth in the Marriott dealers room-- BOTTOM floor!!!)

Also on tap, but not confirmed are Balticon with wonderful author GoH Tanya Huff. I should know by mid-March if they're letting me in the dealers' room. I'll post when I know for sure.

The last con of 2010 will be hopefully, SFContario. This is Toronto's newest scifi convention and looks very promising. They do have a music track and this should be of note to Browncoats in the area because we are working on (hush hush now--) BARDS WITHOUT BORDERS DEUX!!!!! That's right, ladies and menfolk, we're planning on getting the Bedlam Bards back through customs for music and mayhem! Hhmm.. and now that I've just broadwaved that I guess I really HAVE to make it happen now.... Well, I've never been known to be one not to overstep boundaries!

ON A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT TOPIC TO DISTRACT YOU FROM MY PREMATURE ANNOUNCEMENT :)

I have completed the sequel to my (I'm so proud) very popular Youtube video Motivated by Firefly and am thrilled to present Still Motivated by Firefly. Enjoy!

Until next time:
"Some people juggle geese!"

A SHINY New Year!

Ni Hao!

Just a quick post to let you know that the NEW SHINYS for 2010 are starting to make their way into the Firefly Cargo Bay! Some are original items I'm making myself, others are exclusive items I'm having produced and some are from those 'verse lovin' folks at QMx! All very squee worthy and all coming in the next few weeks.

Watch this space for further details!

Until next time:
"Oh! Look at all the pretties!"

FFCB is *IN* At Norwescon!

Just got the word today that FFCB is confirmed for two tables in the dealers of Norwescon33 in Seattle April 1-4. And can you guess what I'm going to say...? Yep-- SQUEE!

Now... I will post more about this later, but for the moment I'm looking for someone to help me work the booth, as my usual lackey will most likely not be able to make it. You will need to find you own accommodations, and transportation, but membership to the con is covered.

Let me know if you're interested.

Until next time:
"Ladies and Menfolk, we have a job."

Not Quite Back, But Working Anyway

Ni Hao and Happy (almost) New Year!

I'm back at the ol' Cortex keyboard and working on getting Firefly Cargo Bay's line up of convention attendances going for 2010. As mentioned before, we are confirmed for Dragon*Con in Atlanta for Labor Day weekend. Other possibilities are:

Norwescon 33 in Seattle April 1-4 (waiting on acceptance or not)
FKO Toronto April 9-11 (will have the filk related items at the interfilk bazaar, but not a separate FFCB booth)
Balticon Baltimore May 28-31 (awaiting response from organizers)
Confluence Pittsburgh July 23-25 (undecided if I'm attending again this year)
Dragon*Con Atlanta Sept 3-6 (we're SO there mei mei!)
SFContario Toronto November 19-21 (not applied yet, but will most likely have a full booth here of all the shinys)

That's all on the line up for now. I was going to attend Conflikt in Seattle at the end of January but my Permenant Resident card won't be renewed in time to leave the country- and be allowed back in!. I also scratched Orycon from the list although it pained me to do so. This has con has come highly recommended by some filkers who love it, but there aren't that many flights from here to there, and I'm having trouble working out the logistics. Plus, I found out that to get to the dealers' room, guests have to go outside the hotel to the exhibit hall. Going anywhere away from the con (even if it's at the far end of the hotel inside) doesn't bode well for dealer sales. I learned that the hard way at DucKon.

So, that's what's in the works at this point. Six is a good number and they are spaced out in time and local a bit, too. I'm thinking if I don't get in some places I'll add other cons to keep the number at six. I'd like to do more, but I haven't found that man from Gallifray to help get me and my stuff all the places I want to be!! (yes, I know, wrong fandom! But the TARDIS could get me to so many more cons than Serenity could-- even ones I've already missed!)

Now... you're up to date!

Until Next Time:
"I may not be a fancy gentleman like yourself, with your very fine hat. But I'm here for business."

Closed for the Holidays

Browncoats! Go forth and celebrate whatever it is you celebrate! And if you don't celebrate anything.... then party on someone else's behalf! It's cold and dark out there gorram it- gotta party just t get through!

I will be closing the Cargo Bay doors until next week. Any orders that come in during that time will be processed in the order they were received once I get back (Monday). Until then, Happy Holidays!

Until next time:
"Dear Buddha, please bring me a pony and a plastic rocket."

OOOOO Ficial!

Got the official "yes you paid for your space in Dragon*con 2010" letter in the mail today. It's on their letterhead and everything, so, woot! Firefly Cargo Bay is confirmed for 2 tables in the dealers' hall again! *squee!*

Naturally there is no location of said tables yet, as it's not even '10, but WE'RE THERE!!!!!!!!!

Damned Allied Postal System

Ni Hao!

You may or may not know that the hub of operations for Firefly Cargo Bay is located in Canada. Now, I love living here, but running a small business from Canada when 99% of your customers are located in the States is not always the easiest. My main problem of late deals with shipping.

Now, things usually take about 2 weeks to get from me over that invisible line to anyone in the States. That was bad enough, but tolerable. See, they would always clear customs at Detroit or Buffalo or where ever the package crossed. Once they made it through there, they would be delivered to the person the next day.

Since September they all seem to go to a bulk processing post office in New Jersey (I know this because we had a long heated discussion about these policies with Canada Post recently). There it can sit until they damn well please. Seriously. Both countries' post offices say to us, "It's Customs, they can do whatever they want." Are you friggin' kidding me??!?!?

Now, I've discussed the matter with Ma Cobb to see how she handles shipping. She sends her stuff regular air mail and she says for the most part things arrive okay and in a timely manner. I'm a little leery of doing that because it doesn't come with a tracking number. Therefore if it doesn't arrive I A) don't know where it is and B) can make no claim on it. Unlike the Postal System, I do not like having to tell customers "oh well, you're S.O.L!"

So, where soes that leave us? I'm not quite sure. I'm looking into starting to ship UPS because the cost is not that much higher. HOWEVER I have no way of knowing what the brokerage costs would be and if the customer would have to pay any duty or taxes and such. I've looked into the next highest up method for the post office because they say the guarantee delivery in 6 days. When pressed, the postal agent admitted that was guaranteed to the customs point. And then again, it could sit forever.

I do not know what I want to finally do about all this at this point, but I am telling you it all because I want to let you know I am aware of the crappy situation. I am not happy about it in the least and I am working to rectify it. *Sigh* How come it never goes smooth?

Anyway! Hang in there with me please. I'm sure we'll get it all sorted out in the end. I'll keep you posted. No. Wait. If I keep you "posted" you won't find out anything for over a month! I'll keep you informed! :)

Until next time:
"Things always seem to get a little more complicated, don't they, sir?"

Browncoats Beware!

I got this email from a customer who told what happened after he flew his Browncoat Independence Flag outside his home:
"We ran the flag up the pole and had a police officer visit to ask if it was a terrorist flag. As a terrorist expert that was a new one on me." ~P.C. Tuscon, ARIZONA. I, myself don't know what to make of that, but got a laugh out of it just the same.

Annnywaaaay...
In other news, I will be out in the Black at the end of the week attending OVFF and will be unable to process orders until I return on Tuesday (Oct 27). Please note that I will be filling orders up until and including Wednesday, and will even ship them from the States if I have to. All others will be processed as soon as I return, and in the the order they were received, as usual I'm-away-at-a-show procedure.

You may have noticed I said I was "attending" OVFF and not "working" it. Yep, I scheduled in a working vacation- just going to check out the show and see where I can spread my Browncoaty Goodness! Yea me.

So, stay shiny and keep flying all you wonderful Browncoats! See you in the world.

Until next time:
"I wasn't planning on any dirt-kissing, Sir."

Someone Took my September!

Wait? What? Last week of September? No no, it couldn't be- I just got back from Dragon*Con! Whoa! That went... well, WHOOSH!

Okay, I will spare you all the fangirl squeishness that was Dragon*Con for me this year and just give you the bottom line: It was a huge success! After last year's shipping fiasco that cost me more than I could have ever made, I was hoping to bring in about the same amount of sales as last year just to be on par with expectations. Well shiny Browncoats must have been saving their coin for D*C because sales were almost double what they were last year! (It also helped that we were in a slightly better location and that we had 2 tables instead of one).

What does this mean for all of you? More shinys! Yes, my con and merchandise budget is based mainly on what happens at D*C. Because sales were so phenomenal (and I'm not repeating it to brag- I'm repeating it to stress how stunned I am!) Firefly Cargo Bay will be able to go out to the black and hit 5 or maybe even 6 cons in 2010! And I'm aiming for some new ones this year (hit some of those border worlds I haven't seen yet).

It also means that I can afford to purchase or have made or buy the supplies to make brand new shiny goods for the the secret stash including some more of the official stuff from QMx, since I am one of their official retailers after all. Believe me when I say that I already have ideas aplenty for new shiny stuff!

On the down side, since Dragon*Con was so good sales wise it means my on hand stock is pretty well depleted. So far this has not had an impact on web site sales (after all, the Cafe Press site is usually always in stock of whatever you want) as everything that's been ordered since D*C I had extras of here. Rest assured I am working on filling up the crates again with all the Browncoaty Goodness I can.

There are some things that are going to be pulled out of the Cargo Hold however. Some sizes of the flags just didn't sell as well as hoped and have not had good enough sales to warrant a reorder. The remaining 16"X 24" Independent Flags have gone on clearance sale and when they're gone, they're gone (price reduction is now/ will be shortly evident on the FFCB products page for all clearance items). Same story for the Browncoat Car Flag. There has also been a price drop on the books Finding Serenity and Serenity Found. Check out all the new updates at the FFCB site.

Unfortunately, until further notice, the Companion Fan will have to be pulled from the site. My supplier only offers the fans in green and navy now instead of the Inara-ish burgundy. I have been looking for suitable replacements, but as yet have not found one of high enough quality.

So, okay, I think I've rambled long enough here. I need to get back to work updating the FFCB web site and restocking and getting my gorram butt in gear on working on those new items! Updates when things progress (or I remember to blog about it- whichever comes first!)

(Oh, and BTW I have reserved my spot for next year's Dragon*Con already- paid in full and on file- so FIREFLY CARGO BAY WILL BE AT DRAGON*CON 2010!!!!!!!)

Until next time:
"It's good to have cargo. 'Course that makes you a target for every other smuggler out there, but that can be fun too."

Are We There Yet?

In under 72 hours now I will be on my way to Geek Mecca! Yes, it's Dragon*Con time once again! *SQUEE!*

I'm very excited about all the secret shinys that will be previewed only at the Firefly Cargo Bay Booth in the BASEMENT of the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta this weekend. They're so new I don't even have them in Secret Stash yet! Naturally, there are the new buttons, but also at least 3 other items that have not been offered before.

OKAY! I can't wait! Here's a hint:


There- I feel better. And I didn't *say* anything! Oh, hey, I also have free Kaylee Strawberry Candies to give out, so, stop by for sure.

I'm packed, got my tickets and the shinys and pretties are already in the Marriott's storage locker. JUST GET ME THERE ALREADY!

Until next time:
"Don't usually see you two planetside"

Cleared for Docking

Ni Hao!

Great news- I've gotten official word from the folks at Dragon*Con and I can announce that Firefly Cargo Bay has a home in the dealers' room on the BASEMENT LEVEL of the Marriott Marquis. We have a *little* better location than last year. That coupled with the fact that I have two tables this year instead of one should make it easier for all you shiny Browncoats (and other geeks that I love so much) to be able to find us.

What else do you want me to do? Draw you a map? Um..... Okay!

The "enter" highlighted in orange is the only way in and out of the dealers' room. (right at the base of the down escalator going to the VERY LOWEST LEVEL). You will find FFCB pointed out there in the first of the short rows.

As I said, I have 2 tables this year, and a banner with my logo and I'll have my parasol up that reads "Kaylee Parasols Sold Here" so you should be able to find me this year. When you do, be sure to say hi! I'll be there for most of the open hours.

You may have noticed that I have stressed that the dealers' room is on THE LOWEST LEVEL of the hotel on the BASEMENT floor several times now. That is for 2 reasons. First, the floor above us holds the two exhibitors' halls. They look very much like dealers' rooms and the same sorts of things go on there. Many folks told me last year they couldn't find my booth. Then we discovered that they were on the wrong floor and never made it down to the dealers' room at all. This brings up point number two- the elevator of the hotel doesn't go to the basement level. Really. Nice way to make it difficult for us, 'eh? So you have to get on the escalators and keep riding them down until you can go no further. Walk off that one, show your badge and enter the dealers' room.

I'll see you in 21 days! (*squee!*)

And speaking of squee worthiness, Ma Cobb's Hat Shoppe is featuring the buttons I supplied her with as her August/September Free Give-Away!! These were the first button designs I worked with when I got my button making machine. Since then I have added lots more in each theme and more themes as well. These will all be at Dragon*Con as well, so come check them out there. They will also be up in the Secret Stash right around the time of, or shortly after Dragon*Con. Thanks to Ma Cobb for showing them off so beautifully!

So, hey, exciting stuff! But now I must get back to getting ready for my trip to Geek Mecca. Only three weeks away! See you there!

Until Next Time:
"Don't I usually stay with the ship?"

Back from the Black

Ni Hao!

Sorry it took so long for me to post, but I sold out of the last of my available Kaylee-Esque parasols and have been busy painting shiny swirls on 2 dozen of them to replenish. But I had a wonderful convention in Pittsburgh, and would like to share (no pictures yet, as my minions have not sent them to me)Here it is! The Confluence report! Contain your excitement.

I'm back from Confluence now and WOW what a weekend! So much fun! Faces and voices new (to me) and old and lots of good music and eats (and sales- the business woman in me goes *whew*) A full report after I get resettled a little but now some highlights:

Cedric !!! Yea! Awesome concert with great reaction from the people who hadn't seen him before -- ever (I rarely get to be in a crowd that doesn't know his and the Bedlam Bards stuff well!)

Friday night filk-- I ended up sitting by Toyboat; unintentional groupie *blush* Also singing along with "Ladies Don't Do those Things" (one of my favorites!) in an impromptu trio (granted there were only about 8 people left in the room at that point anyway)

breakfast at Eggs n' At- it's a Pittsburgh thing... and so am I! :)

hearing someone describe my booth as "a geek's wet dream!"

dinner at Permanti Brothers (again, a Pittsburgh thing)

"The Girl in the Firefly" musical play-- SO squee worthy! L-O-V-E-D it!

More Difficulties concert so enjoyable! I heard "Cranes Over Hiroshima" for the first time there (remember- I'm still *really* new to filk here!) I had a hard time with it because a 10 year old neighbor was just diagnosed with leukemia this month, and the song- and the fact that it was being signed as well- really got to me.

adding to my filk cd collection some more *bounce bounce*

being in Saturday night's filk circle with the Fictitious Husband- first time ever! Got confirmation that Eric Coleman is a dangerous man behind the guitar! I think I believe him when he said we were all lucky his songbook was upstairs. Also discovered that Mark Bernstein LOOKS like a nice guy, but is really an evil, evil man (ask him to perform his Punfinished Symphony if you dare!) Plus, Blind Lemming Chiffon performed his "I am the Carpenter" which delights me to no end.

Got to catch the Heather Dale concert- although due to a failure to communicate, the Fictitious Husband and Thing One and Thing Two did not. My children did have people singing to them, though later- in the dealers' room, in the elevator and at the afternoon filk circle- they totally are hooked now! (and have I mentioned how great I think it is that a sci fi convention is being held in Moon Township?)

On Friday I got up and ready and went to breakfast. When I came back I organized things for rapid set up of the booth the minute I was allowed in the dealers' room. This was at noon. We set up in the best booth location ever! (the guys next to us brought homemade brownies and were happy to share) We had an hour before opening, so we went across the street for munchies/dinner. We worked from 5-8 and the booth got a good reception and decent sales.

On Saturday I had breakfast with sister, brother-in-law and Cedric at Eggs n' At . I went to work at 10, but snuck out to catch the Power Salad concert at 1. I left that at 1:15. It was already too loud and he kept telling the sound guy to turn up the music track. Either I wasn't in the mood, or he wasn't my style, because i wasn't enjoying it. I went back to the booth. We worked until 6 and then got dinner at the Primanti's location there. Still good food, but it just taste better with the atmosphere of The Strip. Soon it was time for the play and we waited in the lobby with, I think, everyone else who attended the con, under disapproving glares from hotel staff. I was very much looking forward to seeing "The Girl in the Firefly" and the Parsec players did not disappoint! I had a wonderful time and enjoyed the mash up of Doctor Who and Firefly immensely.

Sunday I was back at Egg n' At for breakfast and then to work. By 1 I started the inventory and packing the booth up little by little. At three I began getting it all together in earnest and we were done by... 5? I hauled the stuff up to my room to seal it all up and label it for the next shipment which is (*squee*) Dragon*Con in a mere 25 days!

I had a wonderful weekend and will most likely be back again to Confluence in 2010

Okay, so enough rambling here! I'm happy to have a good con report to share and sorry I inflicted such a long one on yinz guys! In short, Firefly Cargo Bay is back on track so the financial future is looking a little less scary at this point.

And that? Well, that's just shiny!

Until next time:
"Yep. That went well."

I Can Haz a Button Maker!

I am now the owner of a new-to-me button machine. Am I happy? Can't you hear me squee-ing from there? Why am I so happy? Because I always have all these fun ideas for designs and if I put them on shirts to take to a show, I have to take 4 or 6 of each size and hope they sell. If I get them on buttons they are much more easily transported. We all make out, because the customer can get a fun design for 2 bucks that they don't have to worry about how to get home, and I don't have to haul around big boxes full of shirts!

I prefer being fun flighty artist designer person, but if I want to keep doing that, I've got to pay the bills. Thus, I am phasing out the t shirts (at shows) and moving into 2 1/2" buttons... along with the bookmarks and fans and coasters and flags and all the other fun- transportable- stuff I already do.

I'm not sure what designs to do first on the button maker... but I'm going to have fun playing with it. Ya gotta love new toys!