Geeking Out: My Salt Lake Comic Con Experience

If you've never been to a Comic Con, you need to.

They are an amazing spectacle to behold.

I had my first experience at the Salt Lake Comic Con a few Saturdays ago.

And since it was my sister's birthday, we both dressed up for the event.

She went as Princess Bubblegum, and I went as a soldier.

I knew it'd be an action-packed, fun day, but it was even better than I'd expected.

Hoards of people, most of them wearing costumes.

Tons of booths for comic books, animators, and companies.

A whole lot of short films, celebrity panels, and movie star meet-and-greets. 

There was so much to see that we actually had to make the conscious decision to eat lunch.

And we didn't eat until mid-afternoon (because we forgot until then).

I could write quite a long post, but I think I'll let my pictures and quick captions do most of the talking.

Had to get a pic with Star Wars peeps

We totally thought this was the real actress from DS9

Hey, look! It's the Fonz!

An expert photo-bomb by the Doctor

The 501st Legion had some pretty impressive costumes and a great booth

Ah, good ol' Evil Dead the Musical

Dean Cain is such a good guy
He even gave my sis two birthday hugs!

Fun finding my friend Deena Marie in the main hall

And my talented artist friend Brandon Dayton was there, too

I'm so glad Megan's friend Carrie (dressed as Apple Jack from My Little Pony) joined up with us

It really was an incredible day, and I am already looking forward to next year.
Maybe I'll even put in more than a week's thought/work on my costume next time.

Did you go? What was your experience?
If you've been to multiple Comic Cons, I'd love to hear how they differed and which you liked most.

Walking on Sunshine

I had an excellent Monday night.

Even if you have no idea what I'm talking about, I hope you're happy for me right now.

Flashback Friday: Early Childhood Bedtime Books

My siblings and I loved having our mom (and sometimes dad) read to us at bedtime.

Here are a few that still stand out in my mind as the very best reads from my youth.

Shel Silverstein
He wrote some fantastic poems for his A Light in the Attic book, including the 'Quick-Digesting Gink' which I recited for several poem-sharing assignments. The Giving Tree is also one of his most famous works, and its film is embedded herein.

Dr Seuss
There are so many great Dr Seuss books, but I believe the Smyth favorite was The Sneetches and Other Stories, which included 'Too Many Daves', 'What Was I Scared Of?' (a.k.a. the pale-green pants story), and, of course, 'The Sneetches'.

Strega Nona by Tomie de Paola
I know I mentioned this one in my birthday post to my mom last year, but it deserves repeating, because it's a family favorite.

Calvin and Hobbes
Yes, this came a little later on, but few comic strips or books of comic strips can rival the genius and hilarity of Calvin and Hobbes. I've included a couple, but you can see plenty more [here].

Taught me to 'fake it til I make it'.

Taught me proper TV-watching form.

Those were simpler nights and I miss that simplicity.

What books/series did your mom or dad read to you as a child?

Flash Gordon ≠ the Flash

Far too often, I mix up "Flash Gordon" and "the Flash" in conversations.

It's an understandable mistake, right?

Maybe blogging on them will hammer the difference into my brain and I won't have to hesitate quite so long while I decide which one I am intending to reference (almost always "the Flash").

Flash Gordon

Polo player (changed to a football player for the 1980 movie) who traveled to the planet Mongo to save Earth by defeating Mongo's ruler, Ming the Merciless.

Bonus fact: the 1980 movie soundtrack was done by the band Queen

The Flash

Police scientist with super-speed and matching reflexes. Gained his powers by getting splashed by a case full of chemicals which were hit by lightning. Fights crime in Central City, especially against the Rogues.

Bonus fact: there have been many versions of the Flash, including a grandpa, father, son heritage

Let's hope this info sticks and makes it easier to distinguish between Flash Gordon and the Flash.

Now we know, and knowing is half the battle!