There And Back Again

I miss it. I left my heart there. I haven’t been the same, since returning. Something has changed. I’m becoming haunted by my memories.I still think about it every day. And my desire to return is just as strong today as it was, my first day home. I think it was like lightning in a bottle. I now know what that truely means. Every element, every aspect was exactly how I dreamed it would be. You know, I haven’t watched the movie once, since the return. I normally watched one of the three films religously at least once a week before then, or listened to the music to and from work in my car. But no more. It’s almost like, I’m afraid to face it. The Trip is over! And My life has changed. There is a scene at the end of ROTK, where the hobbits are having a pint at the Green Dragon, everyone around them is, dancing and singing, and making merry and the hobbits look at each other, and know that life for them has changed. The Twins and I re-anacted that scene, when we got home! Life imitating Art!! I think I know why my life is different, and I’ll share my thoughts.

 THE. TOUR. WAS. PERFECT. Finally I was with a group of people of all ages, who loved and were obsessed with LOTR, like me. I could be myself and not stand out, like I normally do. People from all over the World joined with me on a quest and an adventure that changed our lives forever.Different people from all walks of life, all ages, and different countries. Coming together to enjoy a common bond.  Unknown to us,and especially to me,  our journey echoed in some small ways, the journey the fellowship took. We had adventures climbing, snowy mountains, crossing freezing streams, meeting great characters along the way.  Funny thing is, all of us mirrored that Fellowship too. We met Tom Bombadil and Goldberry. We had our own Aragorn and Borimir. Faramir and Eowyn traveled with us. Also Two Hobbits on a quest and of course, Gandalf was there guiding them. We were very far from home, but we had worked so hard to get there and to accomplish this task was monumental and very rewarding.

Also My Boys were with me.  At a time were they still thought I was the coolest person in the whole wide world. I so wanted them to be proud of me. And to learn that no goal or dream is out of reach. Sometimes I would look into their eyes and see a gleam or a smile would break on their faces and I knew, This was everything! And everything was worth it. They are everything to me! 

I know every journey has a profound effect on the people making it. This one did! And someday I will go back. I so much want to see the lakes, and streams and mountains of Middle Earth again.   And someday we will.. Namarie Max

Hello There,,

This july the entire family is meeting up in Buffalo New York, for my Dads birthday. We are going on an aircraft Carrier there, the USS Sullivan, which was named in honor of the Sullivan Brothers, all of whom lost there lives in a naval battle in WW1. The Fighting Sullivans is my Mothers all time favorite movie,, Its a family tradition to watch this movie with her, as we were growing up. Because of these brothers, the US enacted a law, which doesn’t allow brothers to serve in the same branch of the service. Thank God, I would hate to think I had to be stuck with my brothers in a War! Kidding. Anyway, it’s only going to be 4 days, hopefully we won’t kill each other.  Max

Hello There,,

  Tomorrow we leave for Orlando. Michelle is so excited, she has called me every night this week, I think she is more excited, than me and the boys. But then again, she hasn’t been away in a long time.  Our first day is going to be a day of relaxation, Only thing to do is meet with with Vivian, and have dinner with her. We met her in New Zealand, on the Tour.  Friday and Saturday, we are going to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, from 09:00 am till closing. Sunday is Seaworld, until around 5:00, then we have a plan to catch at 07:30. Not much time down there, but it’s action packed. We haven’t been in Orlando in 8 yrs, The twins were really little,, so this should be fun. They promised to go on all THE BIG RIDES, including rollercoasters.  I wonder which one is going to crack first!!!!  Max

Hello There,,

  Ok this months trip is Orlando. The whole crew is going, Me , Michelle, Robbie. Timmy and Tommy.  Just for 4 days, on Memorial Weekend, but we are still excited. Its been a long time, since we’ve been down there.  Our first day, we are visiting with a friend , whom we’ve met in New Zealand, Vivian. She is sooo excited, she claims she has prayed for this day, because she misses us. How nice. we miss her too.  Then the next 2 days, we are going to be at the 2 Universal Studios Theme Parks. I love them. Our last day is going to be at Seaworld. And then back home, actionpacked 4 days, but I know it will be fun. Pics will be posted soon… Namarie Max

Unbelieveable Day for Fans!!!! Battlestar Galactica, Harry Potter, Star Trek and Silver Surfer I met them all!!! What a wonderful weekend, I look like Hell,, with all the running around back and forth, getting this autograph and that picture! Wow. Jamie Bamber, Lee Adama (Apollo) and Katee Sackhoff -Starbuck from Battlestar Galactica. I had her laughing, I used the ol Gyrion Charm on her, and it worked, we had a nice chat, I think he was afraid of me. But he’s so handsome in real life, seriously , but short. After a pic and an autograph, I had to run back into the auditorium to meet Doug Jones, he plays the Silver Surfer in the new Fantastic Four movie this summer. He was also Pan from Pan Labrynth. Very nice man, had very kind words about the Twins, because I got his autograph for them. shh don’t tell them. Then from there back into the auditorium to hear The Weasley Twins and Viktor Krum talk about the new Harry Potter movie, unfortunately I didn’t stay the whole time, becuase Chief O’brien from DS9 and TNG was at the photo op booth. Plus My friends who are fans of Harry Potter will be disappointed with me also, I didn’t get a pic or an autograph from them. I didn’t have the money, it adds up people !!!!But my mojo worked for them too. At 1000 pm. I was walking my friend john to his car and whom do I run into in the ELEVATOR, but the Twins,,, John had no idea who they were,,, it was hysterical. But alas I didn’t have my camera on me. Sue, Laura and all Harry Potter fans that I know,, don’t be hate’n. hahaha. At least I spoke to them,, very nice Boys. Check out my pics,, I look awful, dark rings under my eyes, I don’t think California agrees with me, I cant sleep at night, Maybe I’m just wound up from all this excitement, I dunno. Sadly I leave in the morning,,namarie for now Max

Star Trek extravaganza!!!! Stars, Stars and more stars!!! I met and took pics with 3 of my favorite Stars from the Star Trek series. Na Na Visitor, Robert Duncan Mcneill and Connor Trinneer. I was in Heaven. Except for bad scheduling on the handlers of This convention, It was a great day. These people were extremely gracious, funny and kind. They were very pacient with all these crazy and weird Trekkers. AndI consider myself one, but i’m not half as weird as these people. Unbelieveable. I had some very nice conversations with the stars and it was fantastic, A real Dream come true. I alslo meet with Wayne Pygram. He played Scorpius from another show I love, Farscape. John took me to Santa Monica Pier and there I meet with 1/2 of the Hippies , winners of last years Amazing Race. He was very funny and was nice enough to pse for a pic,, esp since he busted me sneaking a pic,, it was really funny, I think I embarrassed john,, He is not used to me Stalking famous people. ButI wasn’t done there,,, We drove down the beach to Famous Venice Beach. walked along the boardwalk and who do I see there? none other than Bill Paxton, of Aliens, frailty and Twister fame,, My camera was out of power at this time so I couldn’t get a pic. John was truely amazed, I told him i always meet famous people and now he believes me.
Don’t forget to check out the pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/max-tim-tom

Now this what i’m talking about!! Much better day. After a very restless night. I got up early, and went to sign up for the Weekend pass, The weekend pass allows me to come and go as I please, I get a reserved seat. And what a seat! i’m 10 rows back but center aisle, I’m very happy. I set up my tripod and have an unobstructed view of whomever is on stage. Today there really wasn’t an stars I wanted to meet, so i decided to get my seat and try out my camera. And boy i’m glad i did, I tried everything and every setting, to try and firgure out the lighting. I think I got it right now, hopefully,, Tomorrow and Sunday is when my favorites hit the stage. Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica. But I did have a pleasant surprise today, I wandered into another room, and turned around a found myself face to face with Virginia Hey. She played Zhaan on Farscape. One of my favorite shows. I was very nervous to speak to her, but she was as gracious as she is beautiful. Then I ran into Walter Koenig who played Checkhov and George Takei and introduced myself, can you beleive it!!!! they were very nice,, I couldn’t take a pic, because its against the rules, I’m going to wait outside and try and snap pics there,,. john is going to take me out to dinner tonight, bust I have to be up early for Connor Trineer , Trip from Enterprise,,, How exciting !!!!! Namarie Max

My first day was interesting. I landed in Burbank at 10:10 local time. Made it to my hotel which is across the street from the Airport about 10:45. And I was Bored !!!! I’m not used to traveling alone. I usually have 2 traveling companions following closely behind me and believe it or not it was a little disconcerting not having them around. I called my Friend John and let him know I arrived and he told me he was going to try and get out of work early. So I took a nap and waited. He unfortunately could not get out early and with traffic being really bad due to some bad windstorms and California fires, he didn’t get to me till around 6. With check in for the Convention starting at 8, we didn’t have time for too much. I asked him to take me to Hollywood, I wanted to see Chewbecca and Graumanns Chinese theatre, at least we could steal John Waynes foot prints (I love Lucy reference). But guess what, They were having a movie premiere there!! Traffic was horrible! We pulled up in front, and I started snapping pics like the papparazzi. I didn’t care who was there. I think I have a pic of Randy Spelling, hahahah, big star, and One of Rod Stewarts sons. John felt terrible, he told me, traffic usually isn’t this bad. Oh Well. We went back to my hotel so that I could sign up for a weekend pass, and guess what, They wouldn’t let me!! Claiming registration wasn’t until Friday. But They at least let John and I into the Convention so I could sign up for autographs and photo ops with my Favorite Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica Actors. ($325.00 ) And I got a few free gifts, so The night wasn’t a complete waste. John and I, had dinner at the Hotel Restaraunt and had a really nice chat. He hasn’t changed a bit. I’m still waiting for my house in the hills with a beautiful swimming pool. He promised that to me, when he moved out here 5 yrs ago. I told him that i’m only going to give him a couple of more yrs. Thats all for now. I’m preparing myself for some major time crunching. I feel this convention isn’t set up right. I’ll explain that latter.
Namarie Max

ps Don’t forget to link with my flickr page to see some pics,, !

Yesterday was my Birthday and I just wanted to say, That I have the Greatest Friends and Family in the World! They have gone above and beyond to make that day special and memorable. Sue you are truely a Godsend to me. I didn’t think anything could top last year, but you did it. And I will never forget, but unfortunately I could never repay your kindness, love and Brilliance, But I vow to try every day of my life!!! Kari and Threse are just as special and wonderful. I’m not used to being treated this good from people, believe it or not, people just haven’t been that nice to me in my life. So To meet and become Friends with you has changed my life.

This last year of my life has been the most rewarding and Happiest time. Everything Has changed. I’m more Happy today than I have ever been! I went on an Adventure of a lifetime with the loves of my life, and have come to realize that I am so loved by so many people of all walks of life. And that has given me the confidence to move forward and come out of my shell and go on more adventures and meet more people {something I’ve NEVER wanted to do!} I now know That I have a wonderful life, its reflected by the people in it !! Thank you . 

April 12th, I leave for Los Angeles. I havent been there in 14 years! Hasn’t it changed? probably not too much. I’m attending a Star Trek/Battlestar Galactica Convention with a little Heroes thrown in for fun. It should be a good time. I will also get to visit with my buddy John, whom I haven’t seen in way too long. If plans work out, the twins and I will be back in May to attend the 30th anniversary of Star Wars. Now thats a bash, I don’t want to miss,,, I’ve been secretly buying us costumes to wear!!!!!There will be a Jedi Master, and his apprentice and a Sith Lord!…Can’t say too much, in case they read this, so long for now

 Namarie