Moonlight Rising Convention
by LesleyI went to Moonlight Rising this past June and it turned out to be one of the best weekends of my life. I got to meet James Marsters. It was very cool because besides being one of the most gorgeous people to ever live, James was also a very nice guy.
James only appeared at the con on Sunday, so the first chance that I had to talk to him was during the photo shoot. There was a lady there from the con staff who was taking purses and whatever else you were carrying around that you didn't want in the picture. She was also asking each person their name and introducing us to James as we walked up. When it was my turn she got sidetracked with something else, so I just introduced myself. I was so surprised at how calm I was. I told him that I was happy to meet him and he said that he was happy to meet me too.
Then it was time to take the photo. I was back pretty far in the line, but this turned out to be a good thing. I wasn't sure if I should just put my arm around his waist or if it would be okay to get a little closer. As it turned out, closer was okay. I noticed, though, that James just went along with whatever the other person wanted. I saw one lady who was very obviously nervous who just put her arm around his waist and James did the same with her, but it was okay if you were like me and wanted to cuddle and get a bit closer. James was very flirty, but not in a bad, obnoxious way. I think he just really seemed to be enjoying himself. As I said, I was fine, not very nervous, but that all changed right before the picture was taken. As soon as I felt his cheek against mine, that was it!!! My mind was instantly, totally, and completely blank. I did manage to say thank you after the photo was taken and I think he said something to me as I was walking away, but I'm not sure. I was in a bit of a daze by that point, but at least it was a very happy daze.
The second time I got to talk to James was during the autograph session. I had printed out that Spike collage that I put together on my computer. He seemed to really like it. Then he started joking around, saying what an ugly guy he is because all of the pictures I used for the collage were of Spike with his vampire face on. Then he wondered what the hell Spike was doing in the sun. (Some of the pics showed Spike out in broad daylight.) This was funny not only because he said it, but also because I was thinking the same thing when I put the collage together. I guess great minds really do think alike.
Then after James signed it, I asked if I could have a hug. He said sure, got up, and motioned me toward him, and then we both leaned across the table and he hugged me. For a moment or two, I thought he wasn't going to let me go. He's a very good hugger.
This was awesome, not only in that he was willing to give me a hug, but also because it was the second time in one day that I was cheek to cheek with James Marsters!!! Yay for me!!!
I can safely say that all of this, along with some things he said during his Q&A, made me a James Marsters fan FOR LIFE!!!! I haven't been watching Buffy or Angel for very long, but I was a Spike fan. After meeting the man, I can definitely say that I'm an even bigger James fan.
