KAUFMAN STUDIOS, NYC

Yesterday I was fortunate enough mosey on into Astoria, Queens to go to the Museum of the Moving Image and make a way-side stop at Kaufman Studios -home of Nurse Jackie! I had some great fun with Laura.. we're absolutely ridiculous and just wing everything. Best way to do NYC is without schedules... and that's exactly how we do it!

Got to NYC had lunch at Untitled.. FRIGGIN' FANTASTIC! I cannot say enough good things about Chef Chris Bradley and his staff. They are all amazing!!

We left Untitled and immediately hit the subway got on the N and 15 minutes later we were in Astoria. We walked 10 minutes and then we saw Kaufman Studios!

I thought it would be hustle-bustle with 20,000 people milling about. Wow what a nice surprise. We were walking down looking for the museum and I saw Arjun Gupta standing there talking to someone. I recognized him right away and after he was finished talking I said hello and he was surprised that I even knew who he was. I was surprised that he would be surprised as he plays Sam, an RN on Nurse Jackie. He was a lot of fun to talk with. We joked around and he was great to take a pic with me!! I accidentally had it on video and we both started to crack up!

A few minutes later, Rob DeFranco showed up. I was surprised to see him as I know he was suffering the night before from a stomach flu. Was nice to see him again, wished him well and sent him on his way when his car came. Poor guy was so pale... he needed to get back to his bed asap!

Arjun went in to get Peter for us and Laura and I headed over to the Museum of the Moving Image to use the bathroom. The museum is nice... but it's completely lacking something. I think it's the stark white atmosphere that just leaves you feeling empty. The Muppet exhibit was well done but the museum as a whole was just missing something.

We headed back over to the studio just to see Peter going back INSIDE. *UGH* We had missed him by a mere moment. Cest la vie! The trip was not wasted... Meeting Arjun was awesome and we also got to meet Edie Falco and a few of the set technicians. One of the sound mixers talked to us for about 15 minutes. I wish I had gotten her name, she was so nice and gave us a little idea about her job. I had no idea the amount of people it takes to successfully pull off just one episode.

Just another adventurous day in NYC !!

Film Critics.... WTF!!!

Why do only "professional' Critics opinions count??

I'm going to go completely political here with this. I am a little bit annoyed and that will probably show as you read further into what I'm doing. I am really miffed that the only opinions that seem to count in the eyes of these film makers, actors, producers, etc are the opinions of 'professional' critics. How is the opinion of someone who's not even familiar with your work, your vision, your characters or your story even RELEVANT?? WHY do you care that Joe-schmoe thinks this or that about your film when millions ... yes MILLIONS of fans are standing around screaming praises all over the world? WHO GIVES A FUCK about 'joe-schmoe's' snarky critique? Joe-Schmoe has not read the books, Joe-Schmoe does NOT know the story, Joe-Schmoe has no idea about the storylines beneath the obvious. Joe-Schmoe simply is a shock-journalist with a big-ass mouth.
Sure, it's nice to see a good review in the paper. I bet it strokes the ego quite nicely and while I know that some people NEED to hear a professional critique before they will consider spending money to see a film, others will take the opinion of a fan much more seriously than some big-mouth journalist with no idea what the hell he or she is even talking about.

BOTTOM LINE:
The fan's opinions ALWAYS outweigh the 'film critics' opinions twenty-fold
JUST SAYIN'

A bit blurry but a great shot just the same! I'm VERY fortunate to live in an area that Peter Facinelli frequents with @Twi_tour conventions as well as filming Nurse Jackie and doing meet and greet events for Alex's Lemonade. Since 2009 I have attended many events and have had a lot of personal time with Peter because of the private meet and greets. He's an amazing humanitarian who is as genuine as he appears. His heart is on his sleeve, he's caring, selfless and very humbled by the devotion of his fans.
I wish each and every one of his fans could have the experiences I've had. I am fortunate to be in a position location wise & financially where I am able to see him quite frequently. I am grateful to have found some of my closest friends because of Peter. If it was not for him I wouldn't have these amazing people in my life!! There's a song by John Denver called, 'One Man' which describes Peter .. well at least to me. It makes me think of all the time and donations he gives to Alex's Lemonade. Just one man being selfless & giving so much of himself for a cause.

He's definitely a hero in my eyes.

BALTIMORE! 8th & 9th OCTOBER 2011

Me, Peter and Ellie

Really had an amazing time spending the day with Peter Facinelli!
We did the brunch then the private meet and greet, then Peter's Q & A then it was time for photos! 2 different shoots! One solo and one with "wolves"

Melissane's mysterious, short, pale and handsome escort!
He enjoyed the brunch until he was manhandled by Kiowa and then

by April! LOL!

@Laury_Meraz @Melilulu @Fool4Fach @PFach_Forever99
All dressed up and ready for the Ball!

@Pfach_Forever99 @Fool4Fach and @Going4Greatness

Trio of Craziness!

Me and @Fool4Fach being wacky... it's what we do best!

BooBoo, Peter, Chaske, Tinsel, Kiowa & Tyson

Poor Tyson was so NOT used to this kind of thing...

he was visibly uncomfortable the entire weekend and looked pretty much overwhelmed and miserable every time we saw him. I feel bad for him. I think he's incredibly shy.
Girls were asking him to dance and he'd disappear! LOL
Poor kid!

I don't know most of the people in this.... Looking at the photo... I'm on the left Peter's center I dunno who that is on the right..
Dani is to the left of me and Tiffany is in pink to her left.
Bottom row.. far left - is April and I don't know the other ladies' names! :(

Lacey, me and Sarah!

(@Fool4Fach top)
(@Pfach_Forever99)

(@Going4Greatness)
(@YouDazzledMe)

Julia @Pfach_forever99 and Paula @Fool4Fach won Costume contest...

Kiowa was in his usual "crazy" form. If he had a Native American nickname, it would be "Crazy Ass"

Ellie had the best time! This was her 4th Con experience and it seems that each time she is more and more eager to go back! She's already asked when we're going to the next one and when's the next time we're going to see BooBoo!

Countdown to Baltimore... we're under the 2 week mark!

Photo by Julia Orsini

The look on his face completely priceless, we were both cracking up just prior to this photo being taken. Peter's comment was that the Carlisle doll had better luck with the hair stylist than he did with the first hair syylist for Breaking Dawn! 

Parsippany Twilight Convention July 29, 30 & 31 2011

It was a GREAT convention!! I was sad that Peter Facinelli had to cancel but the panel of guests that they had were AMAZING and I would not have traded the chance to see all of them for ANYTHING!!


Ellie and Charlie Bewley (Demetri of the Volturi)
ALL of the extra hugs he had for her throughout the weekend she will NEVER FORGET! Thank you Charlie for all the time you spent with Ellie... you are her absolute favourite and she asks me every single day, "When will we get to see Charlie again?"
We're in a constant state of counting down to the next Convention that you'll be attending!


Ellie and Billy Tangradi (Randall Nomad - Breakin Dawn)
Ellie had a great time the whole weekend getting to see the various guests. They were SO good to her and made all the effort in the world to spend time talking with her and seeing to it that she had memories she'd never forget.


Ellie and Guri Weinberg (He's one of the funniest most charismatic guys I've ever had the pleasure to meet!


BooBoo always captivates his audience with his beautiful smile and polite mannerisms. He is a TRUE gentleman!


Gil Birmingham and Chaske Spencer lit up the room with their humor and charm. They were up there cracking themselves up! They were really entertaining!


Jodelle Ferland (Bree Tanner of Eclipse)
VERY shy girl but very professional and well versed in her art. She has done a LOT in her 16 years! Ellie LOVED her!


Hillywood! They ARE the highlight of these Twilight Conventions. I love these 2 girls as does Ellie! We always are greeted with a smile and they know how much we appreciate all their hard work to bring us the fun parodies they do! Thanks HILLYWOOD!!


Chaske Spencer (Sam Uley - Twilight Saga)
His charm and humor always light up the room!


BooBoo Stewart and Julia Jones (Seth & Leah Clearwater - Twilight Saga)
These 2 gentle souls are amazing on stage together. They play off of each other so well, nothing is forced. They are so relaxed and comfortable around each other it's very easy to see why they were cast as brother and sister.


Charlie Bewley - Always captivates the room. LOVE his stories about teasing his sister as a child and his shopping trolly mishap!!


Guri Weinberg (Stefan of Romania)
He just emits charm. Love the heck out of him!!

Hartford Connecticut Twilight Convention May, 2011

@monkeyvix and I went on an epic road trip up to connecticut to see @PeterFacinelli !
It was an amazing day full of excitement, fun and surprises!!
We actually got to see @RobDefranco as well as @PeterFacinelli !
Here's my pic with Peter! I LOVE THIS!!

Charlie Bewley (Demetri of the Volturi) Twilight Saga
With Ellie my 7 year old at @Twi_Tour Parsippany, NJ July 29, 30 & 31 2011

Count down to Hartford!!

@monkeyvix and I will be at the Hartford Twilight convention on Sunday, 14 May, 2011 !

Creation itinerary as follows:


SUNDAY MAY 15, 2011
9:00 am: TWILIGHT STAR BREAKFAST & CHARITY AUCTION. Not part of any package, tickets must be purchased separately, details soon!
10:45 am to 11 am: VENDORS ROOM SET UP/ Vendors Only
11 am to 6 pm Registration and Vendors Room Open for all
11:00 am to 6 pm Theater Opens for events, guest appearances, panels, exclusive videos, autographing, photo ops and more including The Costume Competition with a $250 gift certificate first prize.



Can't WAIT to see PETER FACINELLI AGAIN!!



Tinsel Korey will be there as well as Boo-Boo Stewart, and Bronson Pelletier!

I will be sure to have pictures and a full report upon returning home!

What One Man Can Do

What one man can do....



It's because of you that some of the most creative, amazing & strong individuals have come together to forge friendships that span the course of the globe. You stand on stage at a Creation convention and see rows of seats, most of which are filled with individuals with their best friends seated at their side. The Alex's Lemonade mall meet and greets you do with Stephen Gerard, again, you stand up on stage and see, literally, 1000s of ppl standing, cheering, waiting to see YOU.. with their best friend at their side. So many of these friends met because of your work. Is it even fathomable that you realize the difference you have made in so many lives?
I dunno if you know or not or if it's even possible for you to see it but it's real and I am living proof of it as are so many others who have found their best friends on EARTH solely because of you.
Thank you for that.

Peter hits New Jersey!

March 5th 2011 was a busy day! I woke up at the WDW Dolphin Hotel at 5:30 AM, quickly got ready, finished packing and was in the lobby at 7:45 AM where the limo driver was waiting! The drive to the airport seemed to take forever because all I wanted to do was be in New Jersey already!! My 3/5 Crew were all at the Quakerbridge Mall already waiting to see Peter!
Everything went smooth at the airport and we were quickly tthrough security just in time to get the kids some food and board our flight!
Needless to say, JetBlu got us safely to Newark where our driver was waiting and thankfully all of our baggage was waiting when we got to baggage claim! We rushed to the limo and I just kept texting Paula & Jenn telling them, "Don't leave! I'm coming now!!"
We arrived home, tossed our stuff in the house and Ellie and I took off for the mall. My hubby and M'Kayla opted to rest at home and go get the 2 weeks worth of mail from the post office. I was 1/2 way to the mall when i realized that I forgot MONEY!! They don't accept credit cards for photos and autographs! I called my Hubby and told him to hurry!!
I got to the mall just as they were closing the till!! I had to pawn my drivers licence and credit card to secure a spot in line! I was the last person in line!!
Hubby was not there yet and the Alex's Lemonade people had closed their cash boxes and were leaving!! Thank goodness for amazing friends!! Jenn, Paula, Larry and Julia all lent me money so I could get my license and credit card out of hock!!
Hubby showed up not 5 minutes after that so I was able to reimburse everyone immediately!
Sadly Jenn, Sam and Larry had to drive back to VA right after that. We were barely able to say hello before we had to say goodbye!!
The line moved quickly as I hung out with Paula and Julia!
Peter saw me in line and shouted out to me, "Hey Gabi!"
He was really happy to see us! He gave Ellie lots & lots of hugs and spent a long time talking with us.
It was great to see Stephen Gerard again too! I freakin LOVE him!!
Here's my photo with Peter!