Collectormania Glasgow!!

Okay, haven't posted in a while but thats more to do with not having had much to say than anything else. However, today I went to Collectormania Glasgow so I thought I'd write about it.

Travel there was fine (I know the route well so no problems there). I had to change buses at Glasgow which gave me an opportunity to buy Amber a present. Yes, I know, sappy but hey, I think Amber is worth a little present. She is a good person who despite my massive inferiority complex and insecurities and fears puts up with that and treats me nicely and that, as far as I am concerned, warrants a present. I had presumed Amber would get lots of cuddly toys so instead I bought her a book, something quintessentially Scottish. Complete works of Robert Burns, complete with helpful addenda in the margins to aid transaltion.

So I arrived and found Amber's queue which, due to being quite early, wasn't busy which was good as I didn't want to hold up a queue. I then met Dorothy from the Twitter Board (Hi to Dorothy if you are reading this). She very kindly gave me a present of an old digital video camera which was extremely thoughtful of her and was a very nice way to start the day. I thanked her for her kind gift and went over to meet Amber.

For the last few days i have been posting on Twitter and Facebook about my excitement at meeting Amber and my terror, terror caused by my insecurities and low self-esteem. I always fear that others see me with the same low opinion that I see myself and that, given that I do answer a great many of her Tweets and Facebook posts, I might be perceived as a pest. I try not to be but it is forever nagging at my mind. I mention this so you can appreciate the state of mind I was in.

Amber immediately recognised me, which was a mixture of "cool" and "Oh no!" in my head but she put me immediately at my ease. She had seen my tweets regarding my fears and although there was no vocal re-assurance that I was welcome, her tone of voice, demeanour and body language suggested that I was not unwelcome, which was a weight off my mind. I handed her my present which she was very happy about. I know Amber likes books and am hoping that, with the aid of the addenda, she might enjoy this one. A bit of Scotland to love. Anyway, she happily signed my copy of "Death's Daughter" to me and the DVD of "Once More With Feeling" for my daughter as a Xmas present. We spent a few moments talking about this and that but I didn't want to hold up the queue that was fast forming behind me so we exchange pleasantries and that was that.

The stalls were nice and I did manage to find the Buffy Top Trumps deck that I've wanted to get my daughter for some time so that was bought and I made my way to get my professional photo taken with Amber.

Amber was very nice with everyone but due to the size of the queue and the lack of time there really wasn't much chance to say anything other than "Thank you".

I wandered round the stalls some more (Some great stuff but a little too pricey for me) and then proceeded to the talk area where Amber would giving her Q & A.

Amber didn't disappoint. Rather than run off tangents she opened it straight to questions and there were the usual array of subjects. I even managed to summon up the courage (God knows from where) to ask a general question about DVD distribution using "Strictly Sexual" (superb movie) as a segue. At the end of the talk I crossed paths with Amber as I headed out and she was heading back to her signing booth and she gave me a very nice smile and wave which was unexpected and nice.

I went back to the photo area (by this time 2 hours at passed since the photo was taken) and saw my 2 photos with horror. "Beauty and the Beast" definitely sums up the two photos (with Amber very much Beauty). They are nice photos and very professional but I look so ugly in them I feel sorry for Amber having to stand next to me.

All in all however it was a good day. Amber was her usual approachable and friendly self and I certainly enjoyed myself, I just wish my pictures weren't so terrible on the eye.

On the off-chance that Amber sees this blog (as she saw one previously) may I remark the following:

Firstly, thank you for reassuring a highly sensitive, insecure guy that he isn't the stuff of nightmares (I know that may come across as funny but its how I genuinely view myself). It meant a lot that you were eager to put me at my ease. it is a kindness I will not forget.

Also, you mentioned in your talk about if you were more mean and sarcastic in life you might get more villain roles. I think your decency and compassion are amongst your greatest qualities and it would be very sad to lose them as there is so little of it in this world. It is the lack of imagination on the part of the writers and producers of shows/films that you don't get the villain parts (as "The Inside" clearly shows you can play them with real conviction) and not down to your ability or personality.

I had so many questions I wanted to ask you today and didn't have the courage in front of an audience or the time. Maybe one day I will, with your permission.

Again, thank you.