Mad, bad, and dangerous to know

Nooo, not that kind of Ho ... down, down, all of you!

This is My Azkatraz post, and this year I am taking a ROLL CALL,
As We want to make sure We get to spend some time with everyone.

While many of you will be sorely missed this year and are under Malfoy Orders to show at Infinitus next summer, the list of fiends coming, old and new, is overwhelming, in the best possible way, so ...

If you're coming to Azkatraz, please comment below, if only to say yes ... but of course The Malfoys want to know what costumes you are wearing, if any, what you will be doing, any events or meetups you are presenting, organizing, and/or hoping to attend, basically whatever We should know.

Feel free to include a favourite photo if you wish. Surprises or anything you don't want public but want Us to know, feel free to PM Me, because you know, Malfoys don't like surprises, We must know EVERYTHING.

Hell, comment even if you aren't coming, so We can, errr, toast you, roast you, and generally be smug, or whatnot ... :-P

******

We're flying in for a Thursday arrival, right on the heels of the Tuesday/Wednesday Midnight premiere of Half Blood Prince back in Boston.

This could not have been more perfectly timed, nor could this half month vacation that begins TOMORROW afternoon; the ministry of medicine is in shutdown mode for upgrades and cleaning, with restart times coinciding perfectly with my return, but We shant think so far ahead, there is too much to enjoy immediately in these coming two weeks - the first HP-MA meetup Sunday, Half Blood Prince with barbossas_wench as a guest, Azkatraz, two of Our special Anniversaries, and Draco's Birthday(!)~ Bring it!

We're really excited about this con, and though My latest costume is aiming for perfection and as such won't be ready until Infinitus, Draco has a new one and We've many upgrades to Our Malfoy act, and Draco does have a deliciously evil surprise for the Ball. We cannot wait to spring Our evil Selves on the Potterverse yet again.

Siriusly though, as We get to know more of you and the rhythm of these cons, We get better and better at staying essentially in character whilst managing to hold side conversations and even joke about, and We'll be doing some more of those much loved slashy and less canonical photos and reenactments, all sorts of special requests as well, on demand, it's how We keep things fresh and fun after all these years, so do not be afraid to ask, that's why We're out there.

******

Just so it's clear, please read or reread, one day, I won’t have to say this. Azkatraz will be a NO drama zone.

Civility, pride, and dignity are important to Me; if I am pushed far enough, I will be as nasty as I have to be, in character or out, if only to keep the unpleasantness and the riff raff away, but The Malfoys keep an aura of civility about and - gasp! - sense of humour intact, I find it makes it a lot easier getting on in the world and being taken seriously.

At My age I am happy with who I am and don't have the need to prove anything or be liked by everyone. If you don’t like Us for whatever reason, We should thus be a nonentity, as you are to Us, I can assure you that We don't give a damn. The more you mention Us in gossip, in journals, or to others, the more you make up stories, wish Us ill or dead or whatever, it becomes more and more obvious that We are very important to you, that you are still compelled, jealous, and obsessed, and that We own you in some twisted way. If you cannot control your verbal diarrhea and melodramatic need, well, as I am wont to say, friends do not let friends make arses of themselves.

I don't like everyone I meet, some people are downright obnoxious and loathsome in my eyes, some people have been horrid to Us, but I will always be civil in public, and expect the same in return. It's not that difficult, and it signifies an adult in a world teeming with overgrown children. I love to paraphrase niphaeriel here, as I am ever amused by her turn of phrase ~ "Rudeness shows a certain lack of control, that one cannot keep their emotions or mouth in check. We are not 6 years old, no one is recording our bowel movements on a clipboard."

Peace, and We'll see you on both sides of the lens.

Doesn't it figure that VNV Nation AND Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are playing here in Boston while We will be in San Francisco for Azkatraz. le sigh

I am incredibly busy these days, what with only 2 weeks now until Azkatraz(!), so I am going no further with this, but I liked the questions and the questionner, and will open the door to answer any you may wish to ask in comments. Anyway, here are the questions posed by pennswoods

1. How did you first meet alabastardragon

We found each other in a Deatheater community,
This is where it all began

Something powerful pulled at My cold black heart that evening, especially when I first saw His photos, such loneliness, such sadness, inside this beautiful light around Him; I felt that I'd always known Him, and yet who was He. The conversation begun so naturally on that evening continued nightly until He came to live with Me, and it continues still, always will. He IS the missing piece to My puzzle, My definition of Home.


2. What drew you to embody Lucius?

I've always been the type to remind others of characters, the most common one in My life being Lestat, and I was glad to comply, as I've always enjoyed acting and embodying characters with whom I could identify, as a way to explore and challenge different sides of Myself.

At the time of the film Chamber of Secrets, I was constantly being called Malfoy and Lucius. I had not yet read the books - I considered them for children, but people kept mentioning the resemblance, in looks and persona, so I watched the film and had to concur, the character - as portrayed by Jason Isaacs, was PERFECT.

I then devoured the books in no time and was hooked. Of course, I'd passed on "The Witching Hour" in Salem, but that week I was at a restaurant with friends and was accosted by a group in wizard wear who just had to know why Lucius Malfoy had not shown at the Witching Hour. I was amused, but didn't quite realize the breadth of these cons, and it was not until meeting Draco in December 2005 that I began to really embody the Lucius, but it was a natural fit, as I was older now and not so much into the elaborate period outfits of Lestat, wanted something more streamlined, and that included My hair, and Draco, well, He WAS Draco as well, a perfect fit.

We decided to bring Him over to do LUMOS together, with no idea what to expect, as Our arrival was heralded widely with many blathering on about the "two British FREAKS who think they're the Malfoys". the reception was amazing, beyond anything We could have expected, and since then We've been The Malfoys everywhere and have enjoyed so many amazing times and met so many wonderful friends. Though the wank persists, we see the humour in it, how it boosts our cred, to their rabid frustration. It was such a natural fit, for both of Us, the Malfoys, and it's more and more fun the longer We do them, the closer We get to the ideal.

3. I understand that in the past you used to be a dancer of some sort. Could you tell me a little about that?

I have always wanted to be a dancer, but it was not something open to me as a child, so I'd opted for Kung Fu and Gymnastics, as I am a very physical person who craves movement. When I was in my early 30s, however, needing a distraction from a very stressful situation, I began dancing in a local nightclub, and I found it to be a spiritual experience, one I needed in the deepest part of my soul. Eventually the nightclub was not enough, and I asked a teacher for a few private ballet classes, and before I knew it I was taking 13 classes a week at many different schools, ballet, flamenco, and modern, it had become a passion ... I was soon performing, and I enjoyed a 6 year long mini career before my knees gave out. I've gone back sporadically since, but My knees will never be up to it, and if I cannot dance all out, I find it confining, though the idea of doing pas de deux and some strength/balance work with Draco does intrigue. I would still love a dance space, I miss the highs of losing oneself in the music and letting the soul and the body meld into the instrument.

4. What is the most wonderful part of having alabastardragon in your life?">

The unconditional love, the wonder of having a best friend, family, and soulmate all in one. Not in My wildest dreams did I think a love like this could exist, but here I am living it. It strikes Me as especially significant that We can spend so much time together, I've always needed alone time and lots of it, but We're so perfect together, I am utterly at home anywhere with Him, and He with Me, and I miss Him terribly when We're apart. It boggles, really, but We just fit THAT WELL. He doesn't try to change Me, nor Me Him. When it's right, it's just right.

5. If you could choose, what is your favorite moment at an HP con?

There are so many it's nearly impossible to choose, the utter shock of the attention We got at LUMOS, showing Draco some of the French Quarter, people running out of elevators in fear when we would get on at Phoenix Rising, doing Peacock Calls and DE shenanigans at Portus, the snake and the elegant hotel standing in as The Manor at Terminus, snake day and looming over the crowd at LeakyCOn, so many, yes, but there is a common thread in each con that I remember most fondly of all ... the Masquerade Balls, entering the Ballroom arm in arm with Draco, greeted with camera flashes, press, curtseys, and adulation. I always feel like We're hosting these grand events in the Manor, and all of Our guests are so beautifully dressed and totally in the spirit of their chosen roles. Best non con moment, but how will I ever be able to forget the Book 7 release, We were mobbed and photographed from the moment We ascended from the subway, and I shall never forget seeing masses of people thronging toward Us as We stood on the stairs as if We were TF and JI themselves.

******

Rest in Peace Michael Jackson. I could not care less about most celebrity deaths or the sordid details of their lives, but Michael Jackson, such a powerful talent inside such a fragile person, he was surely not meant for this jaded, greedy world. Michael, rest in peace at last, may your music be your legacy, your legend is immortal.

I loathe the the tabloids, the rabid media, and blind judgment, and I've found in my long experience that we all live in glass houses and really have no business judging others. As two who end up always visible and "on stage" no matter what We do, Draco and I have experienced in a small way the perpetual spotlight, the gossip mill, and I've seen the worst of people in many scenes - gothic, music, dance, theatre, horses, HP - lets just say that the word freak is not unfamiliar to Us. The easy conclusion is seldom the reality, but human nature ... sigh.

alabastardragon found this online and posted it on a community, I think it deserves to be seen.

I find it sad that Michael Jackson, the king of pop, died this week and most of the news surrounding his death is about his financial life...how much his estate dropped in value, speculation of his net worth, how much debt he had accumulated and who will get what.

It's tragic that this remarkably talented man, who contributed greatly to the world of music and dance, died at such a young age. And all people have to talk about is his net worth? This is oddly ironic.

If anything, Michael Jackson serves as a powerful reminder to us all of how little money matters in the end. For even with all of Michael's success and money, it could not buy him what he seemed to have wanted and needed most: love and happiness.

Michael Jackson serves as a reminder to us all of what money cannot buy:
Money cannot heal a broken childhood.
Money cannot protect you or make you feel safe.
Money cannot make you feel good about yourself.
Money cannot make you feel whole and beautiful.
Money cannot give you a sense of self or self-acceptance.
Money cannot heal the pain you hold or the loneliness you feel.

I think it would be great if we all took a moment to reflect on and honor just how much
joy, beauty and music Michael Jackson brought into our lives...in spite of the pain he held.

God bless him and may he now rest in far greater place of peace.

This big Anniversary week has been wonderful, thank you all for your beautiful words and support for these three years. I am still reading and rereading the beautiful tribute alabastardragon posted for Our Anniversary.

Our dear friend Tarcissa tatiana422 got married yesterday, We're so happy for you Tara, and may your lives together, your beautiful new family, be blessed and filled with love and the best of everything.

Today is Father's Day, The Lucius is pleased. Today is also the Solstice, We're going to the seashore to celebrate our way, at low tide, so we can play about in the tidepools, finding sea glass, shells, and crabs.

RI Pride was yesterday, in Providence, and what a great time it was. They moved the festival to the field above the river basin, in front of the Providence Place Mall, which turned out to be a good decision and a beautiful setting. We'd decided to walk along the river to get "clown cream" (TCBY rainbow frozen yogurt) before walking back to the festival, but the festival had moved and We didn't have to walk back at all, it was right there below the Mall, so in We went.

The Drag Queens were fierce and fabulous, though none of the other acts stood out, but that's ok, they weren't awful and made for a festive musical soundtrack to this giant lawn party. Rain threatened all day but all we got was a trickle at the end, for the parade, ideal weather for Us. We met a vendor who'd spied us many times at Waterfire, we finally got the chance to talk at length, she's of Gypsy heritage and had a wonderful energy about her, and her work was excellent. She also had some some amusing but somewhat horrifyingly paedophilic experiences with some of the slimiest people I've ever met, in the Boston Goth scene of course, so we had many laughs about that, then mostly talked shop. She's a designer of clothing, jewellery, makeup, just an all around great artist who makes her living with her work, and deserves a little pimping ...

DESIGNSBYVIOLET.ETSY.COM
MYSPACE.COM/DESIGNSBYVIOLET

She told us that we had quite the fan club at Pride, many who've been watching and wanting to meet us for two years now, Our fame has spread ;-) This crowd though, they were very friendly, fabulous, and celebrating the day, celebrating themselves. It was like at the cons, We couldn't walk ten feet without a photo request, everyone had to meet The Vampires, which ultimately led to a very interesting series of conversations with a couple of new friends that I will detail in a soon to come locked post, as it is of a spiritual nature.

RI Pride should be commended, the crowd was wonderful, wild, and colourful, the event well run, it was one of the best times We've ever had, anywhere. Hopefully some photos will trickle down to us, but as usual we took no photos Ourselves. The food was carnival crap though, they should really consider one healthy option, but I guess the looming mall was good for that. We brought little money to spend, as Azkatraz is looming, and I just bought flights for three this year and have the hotel and incidentals to think about, what with Gypsy still unsold and medical bills still to cover, finances are going to be very tight until August, but We did spy a gorgeous little black and silver Sea Toidle ring, how could We not, it was a steal.

We were asked to be photographed for an up coming portrait book, though I will keep the details to Ourselves for now, until it comes out. We posed, and can't wait to see the final result. This will be the 3rd book we're in together, this one looks really really nice.

The parade was at night, just after sunset, starting under the majestic statehouse, beautifully illuminated in rainbow colours, and though it was too short, the marchers made up for it in elaborate floats and enthusiasm. We then bid farewell to our new friends and took a nice walk along the river to Our car and drove home, happy but exhausted.

I was so proud to be there with Draco, He's so ethereally beautiful, and as was said yesterday, We are like one soul that was somehow split and reunited at last, and people will always try to split Us up or get between Us, they cannot help it, but they will be destroyed by their efforts, for nothing can separate Us now.

As I don't have any photos from Pride, here are some late shots from LeakyCon ...





This magazine cover, courtesy of media mogul lesetchka:

Lucius, fashion icon, by Lesetchka

( 2 more from LeakyCon )

Opening up and letting people in doesn't come easy for Me, I've always been better suited to the illusion, I've always been to others the sum of My adventures and experiences. This was instilled in Me every time I opened my heart and home only to get burned because I let people in too close, all they ever wanted was the illusion, the game. I learned, and I played the role, perhaps too well for too many years. I wasn't unhappy really, in these roles, I fixed things, I was invincible, the distant, powerful Vampire, Lord, Guardian, Father, but when things went wrong, I was blamed and turned on with the venom and melodrama of a disillusioned child, with this I'm more than familiar.

Call it vanity, but I've always dreamed of someone like Myself, someone to whom I was the world, someone I could love ... the proverbial needle in the haystack, friends kindly told Me this, and knowing this, not once had I given My heart. Rather I protected it inside a fortress of cold steel and personality, which grew stronger and stronger, with every disappointment, with every friend I valued who destroyed the fragile threads of trust by inventing fictitious "relationships" with Me or whatever character they saw in Me, with every role I had to play to get what I wanted in life, with every betrayal of a confidence or trust. Did it hurt, hell yes, but I was accustomed to it ... whatever doesn't kill Us makes Us stronger, love was for the weak, no? That's what I'd come to believe, that's how I lived. I'd always managed so well, alone, surviving things most can only read about, but with every passing year, I was aware I still had no place to call Home, again preparing to leave for a new shore, a new life, to start over again, this same old dance, the only one I knew. Maybe this would be "home"?

Then I found the truth. Home is not a place.

Home was revealed to Me on an HP related LJ group, in the form of one little Dragon who fearlessly marched right into My heart and took up residence, someone so much like Me in so many ways that the conversation that commenced that night, December 19, 2005, never ended. It continued every day without interruption, in spite of some serious and desperate efforts to interrupt Us and destroy what We had. Two souls found HOME that night, and six months later, two souls embraced for the first time, becoming ... one soul with two beating Hearts, two like Minds to face the world, anew.

Draco, three years ago today You came home to Me and gave My life new meaning, showed Me unconditional love was no myth and that I could have this dream. Every day with You is a gift, a gift no one, nothing will ever take away, a gift worth more than anything this world could give Me, a gift I shall treasure as long as I exist. We've been put through many trials, We've won every battle, and We've seen betrayals that would have buried lesser loves and lesser souls. We've lost beloved friends to jealousy and bitterness, and We'll lose others along the way, but We never lose sight of each other. Our bond is unconditional, pure, and obvious to all. Infinity is Ours.

This song is still the one that says it best. Thank You for the best three years of My life ... and three years is just the beginning.

I love You Draco.



Soon We'll be off to the beach to see the sunset in as We did three years ago, in this favourite photos.

With every con, We like to see improvement. Anyone in a costume at these cons will get plenty of attention, but We want to go beyond and allow the characters LIFE through Us, the transformation is done from within, with energy. The attention, notoriety, and reactions We get are all the feedback We need, though We are never really satisfied and always striving to get closer, always making tweaks here and there while still enjoying Ourselves ...

I admire the skill of those who create the magic and wonderful illusions with prosthetics, makeup, and props. I used to play with those, but I have skin sensitivity issues and they make me claustrophobic, so I leave it to those who do it so well. There are as many approaches as there are brilliant costumers. Magic is magic, and each is known for what he/she brings to the illusion.

What We do, a total immersion in role, comes from within. It's a very different approach than most, and can take a lot out of Us, thus we'll often disappear for a recharge when the energy wanes.

What we do, it's Our thing, We're (in)famous for it, and We absolutely love doing it, it never gets old or boring, it's never the same twice, it's living improv. Once in a while people may take it too seriously or too far, but aside from a few, the reactions we get are downright amazing, the energy flow can be likened to a dance, especially with others who get it and can give as well as take, it really makes a difference.

After years of doing this, I've gotten to the point where I can turn on and off the Lucius inside Me easily, subtle yet dramatic, and it shows in person, and surprisingly in My writing. Though We do costumes from different films, and a few canonical costumes of Our own creation, My Lucius lives - perpetual and immortal - in the realm of Chamber of Secrets - book and film - so expect the 'tude ;-) I do not acknowledge book 7 Lucius, or do broken, or defeated at the cons *smirk*

I love to see friends progress as they get better and better with each time out in their various incarnations, every bit as much as I like to see it in Us.

We made many new and wonderful friends at LeakyCon, introduced some to the addictive world of "cosplay", and look forward to introducing these newer fiends to the old guard ;-) either at Azkatraz or Infinitus.

Azkatraz! Thankfully We still have many weeks to prepare and enjoy, what with Pride celebrations and a very special anniversary coming up shortly.

Here are My first batch of Photos from LeakyCon. lechatnomade, who usually plays Bellatrix, stepped beautifully into the role of Narcissa when there were none about, joining niphaeriel as the Black sisters. lesetchka is Evil!Snape, and droxy was Ollivander(!), Snape, and Bellatrix, whew! thedarklords and darklord_rising were a very lovely Bellamort couple in their first con. The Twitter meetup, cursing Cho Chang (Stacy from the very Slytherin act Swish and Flick), was great fun, jennilind, shipchan, and xhollowxlies were right in there front and center. ;-)

******

Here We are the night before the Con, after the chant service, this is pretty much Our everyday wear.

Coming back from the chant Wednesday

This is the photo shot by amydmartin, who was the mastermind behind Us walking up onto the Balcony above the band and looming there for a song. The cheers and flashbulb assault was pretty amazing, and We've seen so many versions of that shot, including an artistic shot I will post another time, but Amy's orignial shot below is still My favourite.

The video is going to be posted on alabastardragon's upcoming LeakyCon post.

AMYM photo~ Malfoys and Snape looming

Behind the cut are 12 of My favourite character photos from LeakyCon. In a subsequent post I hope to post others, shots with and of friends/fans,in character and out, just waiting on permissions.

( 12 Favourites from LeakyCon )

	Looming on the balcony behind Swish and Flick

Just click to enlarge.

I am sure there will be another photo post or more to follow as they photos trickle in. I am going to try leave out names outside the housemates, as there were simply too many fiends to list here, and I would not want to miss anyone, each of you helped make this con the raging success it was, and we had a great time holding court, meeting up with old friends and finding new friends, standing for photos, and receiving visitors both with the con and locals who just came down to see us. This is why we do these cons, because of the friends we make in this fandom, you people. yes YOU *leers*

The LeakyCon report.

Thursday:
Though we had stopped by the hotel Wednesday evening to visit with the Puma (thanks for the lovely gifts Puma!) ... We didn't really "arrive" until Thursday. We were not checking into the hotel until Friday, and it was a blistering 93 degrees outside, so we spent lots of time strolling about the mezzanine and holding court in the front of the Swan Lounge in the lobby. I hadn't been in the Park Plaza in ages, and I enjoyed it much more this time around. Our room was small, but I knew they ran small in that hotel. It was clean and comfortable, with a good view of The Castle. The Welcoming feast was held IN the castle, done up Great Hall style, directly followed by Evil Night, a Slytherin tinged Wrock show.

As usual, We spent most of the time standing for photos and socializing with fiends new and old. The first band was Swish and Flick. Halfway through, Our friend and photographic buff Amy came over and requested our presence on the balcony behind the band for a photo shoot, with special permission from the building owner. Of course We did, Yours truly evil, alabastardragon, and lesetchka, who debuted her fabulous Snape and is already becoming infamous, what with her Detention slips and fine acting. We remained there for one song, to a surprisingly big round of cheers and a barrage of flashes going off. Look above for the photo, We are looming there in the dim lights above the band. Swish and Flick were very entertaining, and I loved their DeathEater ensemble to start their set, and the Slytherin Cheerleaders.

LeakyCon did attract a different crowd and We weren't sure how We'd be received, but that reception dispelled any doubts. Some of the people did remind Me of the reactions at LUMOS when nobody knew Us and people were oh so politely asking for a photo, almost running to get out of Our way, and yet others just ran up and asked for hugs and effused over Us, two total extremes. I think the hugging took Me most off guard, LOL, but We ran with it and enjoy Ourselves throughout. We wandered in and out of the Castle all night long, saw a bit of Draco and the Malfoys bluegrass tinged set (hurrah!) and then drove home after the show for one more night at The Manor.


Friday:
We took care of things at home and spent some time with the cats before leaving to check in, so didn't even arrive until 3-ish. We weren't able to make it to any programming this con, between photo ops and so many surprise visits from local fiends and con-goers alike, but as the interaction, photo ops, and people are why we do these cons, we just went with it. There were presentations I'd have liked to attend, but alas, when you're Us, it doesn't always work out. I am determined that by Infinitus We shall actually present something and be able to attend more presentations. Well, We dare to dream ;-)

Sadly, The Potter Puppet Pals had to cancel their performance, but the show did go on, and we managed to see some of it between photo shoots and friend visits.

Right before the vendor room closed, Whimsic Alley's assistant asked if I'd duel him if he dressed as Harry for a photo op, so We did for a bit, then others got involved and it turned silly, as things do at cons ... sayeth the one who instigated a deatheater kickline. Good times!

Saturday:
We apparently slept right through a fire alarm, waking only to hear the all clear message. I refuse to use an alarm whilst on vacation, and We need to sleep a bit more than most, as We are always being photographed, and don't need photos of Us looking zombiefied all over the Internet. Also, I rise at 4:30 on most workdays, resulting in severe sleep deficit by the end of the week. While not working I try to sleep as much as possible to make up that time ;-) We had another surprise fiend visitor come calling in mid morning, which pleased me much, and he, dressed as Lupin, ended up staying for the rest of the day.

Heard some unsettling news, that our friend Tweak of the infamous DH, had been rushed to a nearby hospital very ill. I found out later that she'd had to have emergency surgery but that she was going to be ok, but it was unsettling and nerve wracking for a bit, and in hindsight, a blessing that it happened while she was surrounded by friends, and not alone. *toasts the DH!*

As it was the much promised SNAKE MEETUP day, lechatnomade, aka Narcissa for this con, arrived from The Manor just after noon with three of our snakes, and after a sneak peek in the vendor room, security was getting nervous, hehehe, so we took them outside to the Public Garden, down to a lovely area by the lagoon, with large Weeping Willows for shade. Lots of people came out to see them, and we entertained a large number of non Potter folk as well. One woman was gushing over Us, and as she left, after a short conversation, she nervously told Us we were her favourite actors and how much she loved us in the films, I realized that she'd thought we WERE JI and TF, which really gave Me a kick! Gandalf, Wormwood, and Hades were thrilled, they love being the center of attention.

Came home to drop off the snakes, and found this message from a local LJ friend "I just saw you on Channel 7 news! They were doing a segment on the con in Park Plaza, and there you were, regal as anything, in the centre of the screen." Wish We'd seen it!

We returned and retired to the room to refresh and dress for the Ball. The Ball was packed, and many arrived dressed to the nines, in robes, Ball gear, or costume. We stayed for most of it, alternating between standing for photos outside and inside. We didn't get to dance, as the floor was always packed and The Malfoys were hoping for some ballroom music sprinkled in or one of our special songs. We may glow, but We never, ever sweat. Perhaps at Azkatraz We will bring along a few special requests. I was given the GRIM by a wonderful Trelawney, sniffed at a fantastic Hagrid, talked politics and power with Fudge and Umbridge, and talked shop with Droxy!Snape, Book!Snape (welcome James!), and film/Chemarin!Snape, and so many other wonderful witches, wizards, and characters. McGonagle was superb, and I had the pleasure of conversing at length with her as well ... turns out she is a friend of crazeeladee54 It was great seeing Tom and Bella, darklord_rising and thedarklords, getting so into it their first con, with Tom's sister as well.

Sunday:
Closing breakfast. I came down before 10, the earliest I'd been down all week, protein drink in hand as I am not fond of continental breakfast foods, and I was soon joined by Draco and Chemarin, where we again held court and said goodbye to many fiends, took some final photos, had a brief video, and said goodbye to Tweak via a video as well.

Overall it was a raging success, and a different experience for Us. There was much less costuming and much more Wrock than any of the other cons, and some of the younger people didn't really know what to make of us, but we had such a good time, and a special thanks goes out to Our friend Sue Upton and the staff at The Leaky Cauldron for working so hard and being great hosts, We received the royal treatment throughout. It's your first con, and We will definitely be at their 2nd in 2011.


"Forty is the old age of youth, fifty is the youth of old age." (Hosea Ballou)


Onward to AZKATRAZ!

Once in awhile,
Right in the middle of an ordinary life,
Love gives us a fairy tale.
~ by Anonymous ~

alabastardragon has already said it all with a beautiful poem on His LJ, linked here ~ The Alabastardragon ~ but I cannot let the day pass without thanking Him for all that He's been for Me.

My life IS a fairy tale in so many ways, blessed am I to be sharing this earth and every day with My soulmate, I know how rare that is, every day is a gift, and I will not take even one for granted. We've shared Our lives now three years, well, one month shy of three years ... and I cannot imagine life without Him, nor do I ever want to ... The sea is where We will be tonight, with lesetchka to complete the family. We're a formidable family, and I know I've found My home, no matter where We live.

I want to send a special shout our to Our HP family as well, you know who you are, both near and far, and you've made Us feel so welcome and given Us so many wonderful memories and friendships, and we can't wait to see you again and make more, wish we all lived closer.

Here are photos I treasure, Us at the sea together shortly after He arrived on these shores, photos taken by Our beloved friend and fellow Malfoy tatiana422.







******

The Malfoys are ON and ready for LeakyCon, bring it on! We've only booked a room Friday and Saturday, but We'll be driving in and there Wednesday evening and all of Thursday, just coming from The Manor. Wednesday evening We'll be donning the Quidditch World Cup suits, visiting with the Puma, and hopefully the other early arrival fiends. If you want it, email or private message me and I will give you my cell #. Thursday through Saturday will be alternating between the Pimp(!) CoS robes and the GoF DE Robes, and some extra special finery for the Ball. lesetchka's Snape Robes will be ready by then as well, for her HP con debut. I've seen her practicing, and she channels canon Snape chillingly well, not that I am surprised, She's definitely one of Us.

As already widely rumoured, We will be bringing the Malfoy Alabaster twin snakes Gandalf and Wormwood in for a Meet and greet at some point as yet determined, I figure we'll set the time once we're there and know when people are free to play with them. They are used to people and they love to visit and show off, We take them everywhere, to the beach, to parks, even bicyling, and they are fearless and stunningly beautiful alabaster snakes with grey eyes.
They are also nigh inseparable and always together, which goes against what they should be, but almost everything about is unusual, they are truly the Us of snakes, here they are ... the first pic is Gandalf the White, and the 2nd pic is the pair in their usual waterbowl pose.

( See The Malfoy snakes here )

Unlike the Chicago Hotel, the Park Plaza is not pet/snake friendly, so it will be outside, likely in the Public Gardens just a block away from the Park Plaza, which is gorgeous and shady with Willow Trees surrounding a Lagoon, Tulips and flowers everywhere, and a gorgeous and romantic footbridge in the center. A beautiful river park is just beyond as well, and the center of Boston is but a short walk in any direction from the park. Here is a teaser behind the cut, it really does look like that, and I often take detours en route to places just to walk through and take in the beauty, especially at night under lights ...

( Boston Public Gardens )

We are on DREAMWIDTH. It's been so hectic this week I have totally lost track of who is on there and who isn't, so I am hoping you fiends will see this and go add us. I'll get on and work on my profile and settings when we return tonight, see just how it works and what I want to do with it, but first We're going out for a bit. New toy!

~ I'll even make it easy ~

alabastard

alabastardragon

******

So much to write, so little time, that's been the month of April, so most of it will have to wait for another day.

The house looks so different, the old lounge is now the Library/Music Room/MiniGym, and We've got a new lounge with wonderful energy, just from shuffling things around and getting rid of dead weight, I love working on the rooms, arranging according to the energy I feel, and it's really coming along. It's home in a way I've been wanting it to be, you can almost hear the house breathing easy, the energy is so good.

lesetchka rocks Our Malfoy world, We all laugh so much these days ...

Sometimes I wish I didn't live in this area, reading through My flist, but then I remember I have this wonderful house and the best friends any man could have, right here, and it all fades away, more and more insignificant as time passes. In time, in time ... but for now, I am here, and in the right place, for this spring the HP cons are coming to Us ~ LEAKYCON!

We are gearing up for LEAKYCON(!), if you are going to be there, I'd love it if you chimed in here, I want to be sure I get to see all of you, even a little more than just see ;-) We've got a few small tweaks to our look, We like to get better every time out, and I feel more ready and excited than ever for this year's cons, and have been reliving the best moments of past cons in My head a lot, a good sign.

It will be lesetchka's first HP con, and She's got a killer Snape ensemble in the works, and darklord_rising and thedarklords will be making their con debut as well as Voldemort and Bellatrix. Quite a posse already, then add in all those I've been missing so terribly who are coming, some all the way across the country. It will be difficult to wait, but I do need the time.

Good news on the new costume front, on track for Azkatraz Methinks, though I will remain Mum on it for now ... for there is still so much to do this summer, what with Our big Draco's-been-here-for-three-years! Anniversary coming in June, along with Pride MA and Pride RI ... the new HP film opening here at Our own favourite, the Reading IMAX, Azkatraz, and even more possibilities in the Autumn.
I plan to enjoy every moment, We've certainly earned it.

Oh yeah ... Obie Wan Canobie Lake Park is now open on weekends!

May is here, Celebrate, and those of you going through rough times, we have your back and are sending you our best.

It's the Queen's birthday *insert royal wave to all of you*, along with Robert Smith (The Cure, for those of you living under rocks or at The Burrow). I know I've missed so many of your birthdays, and for that I apologize, I've only barely been able to keep up with the fiend list and ninja a comment here and there, and the names I keep on little scraps of paper, well they tend to get lost...

Now, however, I would like to wish a very happy birthday to the one, the only Tarcissa ~ tatiana422, as it's just about the 23rd now ... So much to look forward to this year, your wedding to a wonderful man, Azkatraz, cannot wait to see you again.

We now have dreamwidth accounts under these same usernames, so go search us, though they won't be fully active until the end of the month and I will probably use Mine about as often as I use those other alternatives ... but got to keep the name sacred ... and mark some very important events just passed.

******

It's been so busy of late I will just hit on the highlights, else I will never catch up. I've put a lot on the shelf that I can now begin to tackle, one at a time, decisions to be made, spring cleaning of all kinds going on, just trying to free up some time so that I can give everything proper attention and thought.

Spiritualism workshop

We attended a seance workshop just before Holy Week with a well respected physical medium who is moving to this area after becoming engaged to one of Our favourite Reverends, the Rev. Kathleen Hoffman of Onset MA, the woman who did a spirit portrait of My Mother that was eerily accurate, who brought her through and allayed some concerns of Mine. Rev. John Lilek is an ordained Minister, certified Medium and Healer from Toledo, Ohio and moving now to MA, lucky Us. He has served and taught at churches across the country where he has demonstrated his marvelous gifts of clairvoyance, clairaudience & transfiguration. It was a magical experience, not scary at all, not at all what I had expected either. We're delighted he's coming to this area to stay.

Before the seance We had a private reading, as he's new to Us and doesn't know Us, and the heart of his message was this ...

One big circle, there are multitudes of high spirits surrounding you. Record your meditations as you get into them, words will come too quickly to write or capture, and the recording will capture the passion from the higher source, the passion is key. Reading, meditation is key as you zero in on the picture. Master Teachers had their own tests and torments, tortures, it is how we get stronger and mould ourselves. Remember, when negative forces are at their strongest, something good is just around the corner, so turn to the light. Your guides are strong and evolved, many are sages, 1000s around you.

People will be drawn to you, people of like mind and deeper intelligence, better than the common ones who cannot appreciate you. Be wary of the latter, oil and water. Be very selective about those you let into your inner circle and your life, you can be too trusting. Protect each other, be each others’ eyes and ears, you are one. Ask – is this the right person and go with your first impression. Trust yourself, trust your instincts about people and be selective of whom you allow close to you. Negative thoughts and expectations attract negative people and they can only hold you back. Lose bad teachers, they probably are so because they feel threatened by you ... and do not dwell in the past, live in the present and for the present.

Lastly, ask yourself, are you big enough to offer healing to your worst enemy? This in itself is healing. You get healing by giving it, and this is how you grow, build power, stamina, by challenging yourself.

This is a very difficult challenge for Us, but I do believe We are strong enough to take this path without giving anything of Ourselves to the insignificant or anyone who would seek to harm Us or hold Us back, forgiveness will be even harder but let's cross that bridge when We come to it. ;-) Our strength always shows Us through, and strength is not rigid but flexible.


Anniversary

That together We shine a powerful light has been told to Us so many times, a light that draws people to Us, but it is the same light that can illuminate others in a light perhaps best unseen and cause people to turn, go sour, really sour, or merely fade away ... for our not being what they want Us, assumed Us, to be, Us reflected through their filters is not who We are, We are so much more, and it all meshes beautifully if allowed to breathe.

I'm not a people person, I think that much is well established and We often joke about it. Right now it doesn't take much for Me to pull My heart away, but friends are different, "friend" means a lot to Me. Perhaps that's a flaw or weakness, but it is what it is, and I ask only that friends take Me for who I am now, not who you want me to be or who you think I am or was. Allow Me this, and I will return the favour, and more. It's that simple. I look around today and I really like what I see, around Me, in My arms, and in the mirror. Finally.

I want to thank you friends for being real, making a difference in Our lives, for standing with Us through the hard times ... for not letting Our love and good fortune sour you, but letting it inspire you, for celebrating along with Us. We've just had Our monthly Anniversaries, and again it was for Us a wonderful reminder of just what We have, and how lucky We are that We, as soul mates, can share a life on this earth's plane. In two months Draco will have been here 3 years ... 3 of the most wonderful years I've ever known or could have ever imagined, even with all the hardships, they've only served to bring Us closer, and make Us stronger. We never lose site of this, or take anything or anyone for granted. Love to you all, and happy Anniversary to My dream come true. I love You.

******

CARNIES!

The carnival comes to Wakefield this weekend ... fun and so close to The Manor, as this carnival carries some poignant memories for Us, We always make it a point to visit and ride.

******

Holy Week, All Saints

Holy Week was incredibly beautiful at All Saints. The music, such a major part of each service, was glorious; the choir is one of the finest I've ever heard and I count both amateur and professional choirs in this. Sometimes, rather than sing along as we are invited, I prefer stillness, just to listen, other times I have to sing and be a part of the beauty.

Palm Sunday was spectacular, the music divine, with full procession around the church, well worth getting up early. The Wednesday Taize service during holy week was extra special, there was a wooden cross laid in the middle of the Guild Room as a reminder, for silent or sung prayer or meditation. The service was followed immediately by the TENEBRAE service in the church's side chapel area, a service of spoken Lamentations, imagine a wake for Christ. The church was in darkness but for the candles which were snuffed out one by one as the lamentations and prayers were read, Draco and I alternated lessons in one of the readings.
In the end there was total darkness and the congregation left in silence.

Good Friday continued in the solemn vein, the cross that hung before the altar was swathed in a black cloth, the Passion (John) was beautifully sung in plainsong, polyphony by Tomas Luis da Victoria, by members of the choir, and it was incredibly beautiful, as was the rest of the service.

Easter Vigil brought another procession with a courtyard bonfire to light the Paschal candle and all the individual candles, and we all brought bells to ring at the appointed time to mark an end to the solemnity.

Easter Sunday capped everything with a celebratory service high in ritual and formality, beginning with the clergy and choir in procession around the church as all sang. This coming Sunday is a special service for new members, and We've taken over the musical aspect of the Taize chant services on Wednesdays at 6:15, which is rather exciting. We're starting simple and it will evolve to what it will be.

All in all, it's been a magical experience and We're looking forward to more. It's a good place.

The Manor

Lots of changes here at The Manor with the opening up of the adjacent room, which has become Our lounge and craft room, it came together so naturally and it's a wonderful, relaxing space, and We've been in dire need of space for too long. It's costing Us nothing, as We've got so much that has been essentially in storage for lack of room and too many people coming through this place. The first floor lounge is being turned into a Library/Music room, and We've got Our little mini gym in there too, and even the kitchen is clean and elegant now. The snake room has been remade as well, to better use the space, and the snakes seem to love their new views, as do the cats.

Phew, The Pod is calling, as work comes early, followed by the Taize chant service, so busy day ahead ... night all.

Our email is down at the moment, Comcast is working on it, and hopefully it will be fixed by the time We get home. Big changes here at Malfoy Manor, exciting new space opening up, and fiends now in the basement apartment below, so for the first time in a LONG time, there are no strangers / tenants here on the property. To say I am thrilled is a gross understatement.

I've included a video at the bottom of this post, in case the subject does not interest you, but it's something I need to express, as I've had many curious questions on the subject of faith, something I feel is personal and don't write about often, but I will share a bit below.

Last night, amid a much appreciated spring thunderstorm, We went out for a bit with lesetchka and housemate lechatnomade and her visiting fiend from CA, it was very enjoyable, wish there was more time for visiting, do have fun in Salem and Boston, you two!

We're headed now to a Spiritualist Seance workshop this afternoon, and tomorrow is Palm Sunday, which will find Us at the Anglican Church for a procession, bonfire, and service with full choir. We are nothing if not eclectic ;-) This coming week through Easter is going to be very busy, but also very fun, filled with ritual, meditation, ceremony, and music, both in the privacy of the Manor, and at Our two favourite churches.

Wednesday's Taize chant is followed by Tenebrae service, then Easter Vigil and Easter high mass. In a couple weeks We will assume charge of the Wednesday night Taize chant service music, coming in early to set up and light the candles, dim the lights, and set the proper atmosphere. We love the chanting and meditative energy, ceremonial bent of the services. The Taize tradition reflects music as prayer, notably chants and icons from the Eastern Orthodox tradition, sung in many languages. The music emphasises simple phrases, usually from Psalms or other prayers, repeated and sometimes also sung in canon. The repetition and haunting melodies enhance and aid meditation and prayer.

I will never preach and I speak only for Myself. I’ve felt this call strongly for a while now, but I had to be sure it was the right path, and that We could find a place to call home. There is so much I do not like about organized religions, so many who call themselves Christians are anything but, but I will spare you the litany I am sure you’ve heard before, and speak only for Myself. One’s relationship with God, spirit, the universal powers that be, whatever you choose to call this, is intensely personal, and cannot be diminished by any religion intending to homogenize its congregants.

Draco and I are soulmates in the most literal sense of the word, and We are bonded and linked spiritually so very closely, We’ve had this confirmed so many times by well established mediums and healers who broke protocol and made it a point to come over and tell Us that We’ve been together forever and are infinitely bonded, and surrounded by spirits and guides. We feel each other’s pains and joys, We heal each other in a way that is uniquely Ours, We know We are not for everybody, and that's just fine.

We had to find the right place, where We would be not only welcome, but spiritually fulfilled, spiritually free. I think that for now, We have found a couple of such places.

The thinking that there is but one way to God or spiritual connection/development is as weak as the hate and negativity which should have no part in this. Those who live in hatred and negativity weaken themselves drastically, for hatred and judgment grow out of weakness. It takes strength to admit that there is something bigger than us out there, and faith to actually connect to it, to realize we are all part of a bigger thing, this universal tapestry with endless energy existing on different planes. Religions that prey on ignorance and fear take away responsibility and encourage people to be sheep, to exclude and judge, even to hate that which they deem evil.

There isn’t much I fear, outside of losing the ones I love, losing My faculties, the physical, mental, and emotional ability to LIVE and take care of them, but My faith in this is far greater. I can explore evil in fantasy and in concept because I live in light, am quite comfortable with My dark side, understand the balance of light and dark, and We are connected to something bigger than I or anyone could ever be.

I’ve known so many people who claim to be powerful dark magicians and Satanists of all paths, but I have never met a Satanist or so called dark magician with any real power. So many get caught up in the ego of it all, the heady rush of initial gains that are more universal law than magic, it’s too easy to end up at the mercy of something truly out of their league without any means to escape, and they learn the hard way how small they really are. I’ve been able to study demonology and the darker side of life because I’ve always been able to call upon the protection of the universal light.

The universal laws are the basis of all real magic and spiritual growth, and we can connect to and draw this energy to us and within us if ego doesn’t get in the way, but we’re merely part of the whole fabric of life, immortal though because of this. Those Satanic LaVeyan books are written on a 5th grade reading level for a reason, it’s simple hedonism, which is fine in itself, but there is no power in it, and it can only take one so far.

Yes, we are the masters of our lives, but to deny that there is an energy out there bigger than us is short changing the entire experience of living. Call it nature, spirit, God, Goddess, there is no reason why it cannot be all of them, for God/spirit is everywhere and in all living things. I see no contradiction in my spiritualist/medium leanings and My Christian beliefs.

******

This piece was inspired by the lady_karelia, who possesses wonderful taste in music and posted this on her LJ, the perfect music to greet the day.

How can I not dance? The art, so many fantastical views I'd love to see out my window right now, not to mention it brings back a view of the world that I once had, when I was the perpetual traveler, when everything WAS that beautiful and simple.

Thanks to alabastardragon, I sometimes get glimpses of that mindset again.

Wishing fiends darkfish, quickpixie and saeryn777 a very happy birthday.

First day of Spring tomorrow.

Today, as You should know, is a very special day for Us. Three years and three months ago We found each other in this life. As alabastardragon mentioned on the 16th, We mark each special day, to remind Us and everyone reading to never take your loved ones or those special moments for granted, you never know when you might lose them, so take every chance you get and make every moment special and passionate. Make your memories NOW.

Draco, as is written in Your info page, yes, Popularity Breeds Contempt, it also weeds out the true friends from the chaff, so We don't waste another minute in frustration, futility, or pulling daggers out of Our backs. For every door that shuts, others open, and We're seeing that this spring as things fall into place, spring is a great time to let go of that which can only hold Us back, revel in the love, the family, and the friends that surround Us now. We have lesetchka,Our family, We will always have each other. I love You. XXXXXXX

On a related note, I wrote this almost exactly a year ago. It begs to be re-posted today.

I was reminded yesterday of something that wakes a cold disdain within Me faster than just about anything. I am more than aware that some have in the past made a big deal of calling Draco a fake, or lazy, when it comes to His CFS, His yet undiagnosed but serious heart condition, His light sensitivity and migraines, dizziness. Of course, these are without exception some of life’s saddest and most obvious losers, but even so, it still burns Me, because I see how hard He fights, because His health is anything but a laughing matter, not to Me, not to all the friends who know Him and care.

Walk in His shoes first, in Our shoes ... Then you may judge. Yes, I am protective of Him, I know Him and I know His heart, how big it is, even after all the hits it has taken, and I love Him more than life itself for being Himself in a world that would make Him anything else.

I'd give anything to take on those shoes FOR Him, I see the pain firsthand, and gifted with ridiculously good luck in the health department, I have a whole new appreciation for My own health.

No, it's not dramatic, most of the time you would not even know He was suffering, but I do. I am there when the "lights go out" all of a sudden, and He’s figuratively "on the floor" after being fine, cold and shaking, unable to see but outlines, I hold His hand, lead Him to safety, and I hold Him until it passes. I see His skin literally burn under fluorescent lights, under sunlight, His eyes burning with the flashing lights and the pain of the migraine that usually follows. I am there with Him through the awful chest pains and palpitations. I sit with Him as He cries out His frustration of not being able to do things He used to do, the things He wants desperately to do. He doesn't produce His own melantonin, and sleep sometimes just doesn't happen naturally, for days, until exhaustion takes over.

Yet He is out there fighting, when He can, dancing, singing, creating oils, incenses, scrolls, cards, in His inimitable and beautiful calligraphy, by My side in Our roles as the notorious Malfoys at conventions, in books and newspapers, at HP related events. He does so much around the house, so much to make My life easier and this house a home, all with this cloud over His head, the shadow of the unknown. Every medical appointment seems to come with the phrase "wow, I've never seen that before", and another round of tests, but He presses on.

Yes, sometimes We have to leave events early, or miss out altogether, sometimes it seems We've disappeared, it goes with the territory, but He's worth it.

We're no strangers to betrayals and disappointments, but He has shown Me what it truly means to be alive, to love, to be vital, to see what really matters and to make the most of life. He's beyond brave, the way He faces an often scary unknown and life, day after day.

I dare anyone to ever say it again, in person, in front of Me. Breaking you in two would be too kind. No, I will bore a hole into your head with My eyes, and wish on You with every fiber of My being a taste of what it is to walk in His shoes, and I will laugh, for then you *will* see. I don’t think I know anyone that stupid.

******

I don't know if I am amused or horrified, but ( This travesty has been all over the local news )

Watching BlowDry, which we are watching because of Alan Rickman, but which in a weird coincidence also features Natasha Richardson, who is reportedly near death if not already brain dead from a skiing accident. I loved her work in "Gothic", she was quite a talent, presence, what a tragedy. Too much death already this year, an LJ friend's cousin killed by a drunk driver so recently, a longtime LJ friend dies of a long time illness, a work colleague and friend from a few years back killed in a car accident leaving a new baby and young wife... David Prowse (Darth Vader) is battling cancer...

I think about this from time to time, I don't want to go suddenly, from an accident, though many would prefer that kind of exit. If I MUST go, I want to die in Draco's arms with enough time to say goodbye, though preferably We'll go together someday a long time from now, into Our eternity together ...

... Anyway, to lighten the energy of this maudlin post, here are photos of the Sea Toidles We saw yesterday at the Aquarium. lesetchka took the photographs.

The first is one of a little Toidle coming up to "shake" Draco's hand, they were very inquisitive. There are four in the giant tank now, ranging from the giant 550 lb monster We call Thunderwings to a (relatively) small pale one who We saw just waking from a nap, yawning, then flapping his way to the top for some air. They are awfully adorable, these shelled reptiles, We could watch them forever. I love Jellyfish, and of course MADE Draco and Chem look at them with Me, though they were trying to get away, as they for some odd reason hate them ... *puzzles* ...

We walked through Fanueil Hall afterwards, but it was crowded and still cold and windy, so We made Our way home on the subway soon after the museum closed. The Boston subway leaves much to be desired, but it's better than parking in downtown Boston on a cold day.

Tomorrow is the chant ceremony, really looking forward to this, and the Thursday a special anniversary. I am hoping that the coming of spring awakens the sleeping spring weather.

aquarium Draco and Sea Toidle shake hands

( SEA the rest here )

Draco, My alabastardragon, at midnight it will be two years and nine months since You risked everything to come here in a giant leap of faith. Thursday the 19th marks three years three months since We found each other in this life.

I promised then that I would never let You down, and I promise this to You today. Where others would fear and wibble and make excuses, You were brave and refused to settle for anything less than Your dream, to be loved for who You are.

There were painful lessons in spite and jealousy that could have destroyed lesser beings or made them in turn spiteful and bitter, but You are very special, better than that, and stronger than You know. In Our fashion, We've made the journey into a dance, a dance that I want to dance with You forever

I am so proud of You, so proud to call You Mine, to spend My days with You. You've always believed in Me, as I believe in You and love You, as I will into eternity.

Spring finds Us in a very good place, this house is going to be the home We've wanted it to be since You came, and I can't imagine a day without You in it, and I pray that day never comes.

I am thrilled that tomorrow I have the day off (!!!), and that We'll be visiting Our friends the Sea Toidles in the afternoon as a special way to mark a very special day.

Thank You for always believing in Me, for always being there for Me, being My best friend and My soulmate here on earth as You are in the eternal. You gave this song to Me, and I listen to it often. I want to give it to You, You know what it means to Me. I love You, and I will love You, take care of You, and protect You forever.




******

Today We ventured back to the Spiritualist Church after a year, and the reception was amazing, they'd really missed Us, and I was glad to again bask in the energy generated in that beautiful building, I'd really missed it. It was great to see the Reverend M in her resplendent purple robes, and another favourite Reverend K was there as guest speaker and medium today, and as always she was glad to see Us and We talked at length. She is newly and delightedly engaged to another gifted Reverend medium and healer, who is coming in April for a very rare demonstration of physical mediumship, so We signed up for that of course, as it was filling up fast. D and O were there also, a beautiful lesbian couple who are now working closely with the church in place of someone whose constant negativity was the reason We hasn't returned after taking the summer off, though apparently We weren't the only ones, and these two have really lifted the overall energy. Their work is rooted in Native American spirituality but it transcends all genres, they are incredibly sensitive and powerful, the last time I'd seen them was in a trance workshop, where O told Me that something for which I'd been praying would come to be, and it did at the end of last year.

We're going to alternate between the two churches, as We still feel called to Spiritualism - that church in particular, as well as the new place I spoke of yesterday. As I said in My previous post, yes, We can have it all, there is no reason to have to choose, together these places meet all of Our spiritual needs and desire for knowledge, understanding, and connection with things greater than Us ... Wait, I am Malfoy, can that even BE???

You know what I like, I like when people dress up for these services, it denotes respect for the ritual, dignity, which is why I like when clergy dress in the robes and finery. It need not be showy, but elegance is so very powerful and it lifts the energy of a ceremony, for all.

This is a year of focus and growth, continually shedding and letting go of that which no longer serves or adds to life, that which is negative and holding Us back, to free up time and energy for that which adds to Our lives, of which there is so much, and so many of you.

******

You want to know how I moonlight to make all this money???

It's been a long, cold, busy week, and I'm exhausted but beyond relieved to be home at The Manor. I've got various bits of great news, the kind I just don't feel like sharing with the entire world these days, so I'll post a locked update soon enough, but for now, it's Friday, over 50 degrees, and tomorrow promises to be even warmer, which pleased Me to no end. Winter and I are definitely ready to part ways, so let the melting begin. Daylight savings time ends this weekend, about which I have mixed feelings, but it's another harbinger of spring, along with the return of the Manor Mourning Dove and the mystery bird I have yet to identify who sings "eee-ooo eee-ooo eee-ooo" outside Our window - if anyone has any clues as to eee-ooo bird's actual identity from that vague hint ... peep away.

*******

Most of you know that I always have theme music running in My mind, and that the Imperial March should be played behind Me in certain public situations ... so here is a themed post of some interesting variations on the piece that I've decided is not just for Vader anymore, The Malfoys have claimed it too.

First, a short funny you MUST watch ... as Darth Vader joins the church.




Aphex Twins remix, I love this version, and have already choreographed in My head a dance for it as danced by the Malfoy Family, with spinning cane work far better than boring glowsticks or the poi that's ubiquitous these days. I love poi but everybody's doing it now, swords and canes for Us.




Different and well done techno remix with cool video clips to go along.

southernwitch69 sent Us some CDs of the music of Midnight Syndicate, and it's really great mood music for The Manor, We've been listening to it all evening, as We relax here, safe from the nasty snowstorm that is supposed to dump a foot of snow here overnight has begun, and I am trying not to think of the hell tomorrow morning will be.

Church was interesting and fun, not as formal and ritualistic as I prefer, but the people We met are fabulous and We're going to be singing there as well as possibly being invited to participate in some theatrical readings at the end of Lent ;-). The music director does music of all sorts, from hymns to Loreena McKennitt is very fond of hymns in the minor keys, which suit Our voices beautifully, and her twin sister is named Trelawney (for real), likes Harry Potter, and lives about a block away from Us. I still miss the Spiritualist Church, but We'll be going there too when possible, definitely on March 15th to see one of Our favourite speakers/mediums.

We've been having laughs tonight with lesetchka and watching nostalgic videos of Steve Strange and other New Romantic icons, and coincidentally bloodcicle posted a photograph on facebook of Me sometime waaaay back in the mid-nineties, all Vamped out Lestat style. It's one I haven't seen before, so here it is, with a few other older photos of Yours Truly Evil from those Lestatian days behind the cut. Yes, I can (still) get My leg up 180 degrees, and will do it for you on request just about anywhere ;-) Sigh, if only alabastardragon was around in those days, they'd have been so much happier ... but He's here now, and that makes all the difference in the world.

Lestat on his pedestal, Kris Paukstys photo

( a younger Me )

We enjoy the Spiritualist church and will certainly go when we can, probably a couple times a month, but the mid morning hours are an issue when I have to rise when I do for work, We need those weekend morning to catch up on sleep. I get so much out of the energy, the ritual, and to see friends, but we've wanted a bit more, we've been looking at other churches, and while I won't elaborate in a public post, we may have found something, we'll know better after the weekend. I will always have my pagan and spiritualist leanings, will always do what has worked for Us, I don't see the contradiction, that is a man made limitation, it is not from God. I've not needed ritual for ages, but I want the ritual, I crave it, I want communion with, to tap into the energy that calls to Us, to the eternal in Us. I want all this without the judgment and narrow thinking I see in too many so called Christian congregations. Asking a lot? Perhaps, but perhaps you only have to ask, to find.

I don't post often about religion, and I am often short on time and a frequent offender when it comes to skipping long videos, but every once in a while I find something I am incredibly glad I took the time to watch, and I hope you do the same, or bookmark it to watch when you can, it's worth it.

belluthien posted this link to a sermon, a sermon I've been waiting a long time to hear. This leader of a church with a congregation of about 15,000 speaking in this way on a usually taboo subject was inspiring, and utterly surprising. He has the guts to ask people to look at how they think and judge their fellow man, to question Leviticus by highlighting the bits no one ever mentions. To think that he thinks that way himself, he chooses to not go the easy way, he challenges himself and his congregation. Bravo!

http://www.cor.org/worship-sermons/sermons/show/sermons/When-Dealing-with-Sinners-Anti-Homosexual-Judgemental/

******

If you are having trouble, the link does work, it did for Me minutes ago, but it seems to be intermittent at the moment, possible logjam of viewers at this time of night, please try again at your convenience, but do try. I am going to bed now.

******

In the same vein that he taps above, here is this little gem that's been making the rounds for years.

Dear Dr. Laura: Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to follow them.

a) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

b) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbours. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I slice them?

c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.

d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death.

Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

f) I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

g) Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?

i) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really
necessary that we go to trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev.24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging. Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.

Happy Birthday tomorrow pumagrrl!

Threadless Tees is a great online t-shirt shop and stupid_drawings has a shirt up for voting .... I like to pimp the talented, and she's an artist I find well worth pimping, so go vote, and rate it high or ... I shall hex all your families ... or something *mutter mutter*

Yeah yeah, shut up, some of you would love that, but ... do it anyway, and seek out all her work under the name wrinkledhermit, or else *preens evilly*



Typetees is another part of that site, and she's got some good work there as well.

******

Yesterday was a wonderful day in various shops helping lesetchka decorate Her new room at The Manor, and I am most pleased to know that the Burlington Mall has a slew of cool new shops after years of being under construction, including a brand new LUSH!!! I was in a non spending just window shopping mode today, but we hied up to the shop and as usual the LUSH people were great, they always have the best employees, one is a big Harry Potter fan, so we told her about LeakyCon and will be back for their grand opening next Saturday for all the giveaways and fun. Of course I cannot remember her LJ name, as my blonde brain was fading by that time ...

***

Comment to this post and I will give you five subjects/things I associate with you. Then post this to your LJ and elaborate on the subjects given. Feel free to give me other topics about which you are curious that I can answer in the comments if you wish.

I was given these three sets.

By gavinworld:

1. Horses: I have loved horses since childhood, when they were like bicycles are to today's children, I went everywhere on horseback, they were wonderful companions to this loner child. I've had various odd jobs related to horses, stunt rider way back when, exerciser (training gallops on the beach!) for a steeplechase stable, intern to a breeding operation, but oddly enough, in all these years I still have never ridden in a real horse show. I love best the big majestic feather footed breeds, Shires, Clydesdales, old style Friesians, Percherons. Riding these gentle giants down the trail, on the beach, or cross country is a slice of heaven.

2. Working out: Strength is important to Me, being strong is My security. Weight training is a wonderful addiction, I love being able to sculpt my body through strength training, to feel and see the muscles working together, it is partly pride and vanity, partly control, but it just feels good, I get high from a good workout, and it's pure effort and great stress relief, throwing heavy iron about.

3. The color black: Goes with everything and accentuates My ghostly translucent white skin ... and hair. It's a touch of convenience, and pure vanity, black looks sharp and dramatic, and sets off any colour worn with it beautifully.

4. Harry Potter: The book series and cultural phenomenon that literally changed My life, just when I needed a change. I wasn't interested at first, as I thought it was strictly for children, but I finally read the books out of curiosity as I was being called Lucius and Malfoy all the time when the CoS film came out. I devoured the books, and shortly after I found Draco on an LJ Deatheater site, and now We are The Malfoys(tm) at cons and events and it only gets better each time, We've been in books and papers, have Our photos taken nonstop when We're out, and now that people know Our thing, they come interact with Us. Most of all, We've met so many wonderful friends through the HP fandom, I really can't imagine life now without it, definitely not without Him.

5. Snakes: I've loved snakes since childhood, but I moved around too often to really consider keeping them. I love having snakes in my life, they are relaxing to Me, the calm and deliberate way they slither about, I can watch, play with them, endlessly.


By lady_karelia:

1. Lucius - My alter ego, a name I use and answer to as freely and frequently as my very similar given name in some circles. One of My old nicknames was Lucifer, and Lucius is the closest fit since Lestat in name, looks, and personality. I enjoy using and inhabiting Lucius as a muse, it goes beyond acting, it's channeling a major aspect of Myself, one that really wants to be expressed, why fight it? We'll be speaking more through writing, maybe music this year, I hope, there is an awful lot to say.

2. Love - Ahhh the elusive love, how little I knew about love, how could I when all I'd experienced was love as a manipulative tool and word tossed about too casually, always conditional and easily lost, there was always a price ... then I found My alabastardragon, who showed Me the purest, strongest love, love without conditions or expectations, it blew My mind and heart wide open, and I am a stronger man for having this love in My life. It attracts and inspires some, repels others, often for the same reason they were first attracted, because they cannot quite touch it, but it's a light that always highlights what needs to be seen, and I know it will always inspire Me to carry on, no matter what.

3. Dance - Dance is in my blood, it's prayer, meditation, trance, emotion, seduction, celebration, dance is magic, pure energy channeled through the language of ballet, flamenco, swing dance, tango, waltz. When I hear certain music it's really difficult not to dance, and I miss having that outlet. Class is fun, but it's nothing like letting the music pulse and speak through the body. Someday ... just not likely here.

4. Cosplay - While I know it is a general term meant to cover all who dress up in character or costume for various fandoms, I'm not too fond of the term cosplay. To Me, it evokes those who make and don the costumes as the end result - people for whom the costume IS the end result, who do multiple characters/costumes, whether or not they actually look or act like the character, bring it to life, they are not concerned about acting or portraying the character beyond the costume. Cosplay is fun and fine in itself, I have a lot of friends who Cosplay very well, but We take it further with an acting focus, the character is essential and the costume the adornment, though We're perfectionist in that regard as well. We do only a few characters, those naturally most suitable, but We do them to great depth.

5. Massachusetts - The state in which We live. I have a love / hate relationship with MA, it truly is a wonderful state for so many reasons, and I am here with My chosen family, but I don't think it is my real home, the weather is too drastic and ever changing and the social climate much the same ... lets just say that if not for the wonderful home, family, and job, I would not be living here. Luckily they are more than enough for Me right now, and I have carved out a nice little niche here.


By droxy:

1-acting background. I want the details. Movies? Plays? Support? I did stunt work for a bit but as far as I know none of My work ever made it into a feature film, it is a futile fast of the work We did, knowing most of it would be cut and if not they'd make it so difficult to tell if it was even you, which ultimately is the point. As for plays, the highlight of a rather run of the mill acting resume was a year playing Hamlet whilst touring high schools. The people made that year bearable. The last experience I had with stage theatre was quite the opposite, everything went wrong and it was one of the worst experiences of My life, it was not the gentle, slow return to acting for which I'd hoped. I wanted to do Dangerous Liaisons, but My wish was overridden by the overambitious with a Shakespearean monster I didn't even want to try but was talked into, and I was left holding the bag by people I trusted when my friend the director walked out and then blacklisted us, the aftermath was soul rape, to put it kindly, and I try not to revisit those years, for hindsight is 20/20 ... In the performing arts, at least for Me, who doesn't have to eke out a living that way, I did what I thought was the right thing at the time, but the right people do make all the difference in the world, a lesson burned into My soul. Doing the Malfoys, the Ricean Vampires, it is wonderful fun again, and I am adamant about finding the good people and sticking by them. I'd love to do scenes from the books on stage or in front of a live audience. For now, what We do is enough, I kind of lost the stage acting bug.

2-what are the discoveries you make on your job or what is important about it to the rest of us. Mostly We work on rare medicinals in My division, but the Ministry has a division for cancer research division, Cystic Fibrosis research, burn and skin re-grafting therapies.

3-what do you want to learn that is creative and fun?
I'd like to learn more about the visual arts, from Photoshop manips to oil painting, now to find the time ...

4- how did you meet your love? We found each other in a DeathEater group, I had recently joined and commented to a post He had written about the Dark Lord in the film GoF, and He asked if My icon was Me, and well, here it is, the link to make a long story short ...
http://community.livejournal.com/death_eaters/45263.html Of course, the icons are different now, but I was using the one I have used today.

He was well known already over there as Draco, and I was wanting to do more with the fandom and costuming here, but needed a Draco and Narcissa for My Lucius. I got a whole lot more than that, My life was changed and wonderfully so, what a wonderful ride it's been so far.

5- why don't you use special effects makeup when you are so darn good at cosplay!
I have used special effects before, as I had a friend who was studying film special effects and makeup years ago and We loved to experiment. If I were to portray someone like the Dark Lord I would definitely use them, but My skin has become very sensitive to some makeup, let alone the stuff required for special effects, so I find I prefer to portray characters I can do without the special effects, using what I already am and have, and perfecting the details through makeup technique and character channeling, projection.


*******

Now for some fun links ...

fmylife
This is hilarious, and it updates all the time, if you ever feel like your life is crap or futile, a read here and you will feel, well, a little less crap or futile.

The HP Claymation version of Deathly Hallows that everyone is talking about.
that ubiquitous Claymation HP thang

*****

Lastly, True Friendship Malfoy Style, pirated from sbrande, it's not just for Aussies ;-)

1. When you are sad - I will help you get unsad and the we shall plot revenge against the bastard who put you there in the first place.

2. When you are blue - I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile - I will know you are thinking of something that I would probably want to be involved in.

4. When you are scared - I will ridicule you about it every chance I get until you're NOT.

5. When you are worried - I will tell you stories about how much worse it could be until you stop whining.

6. When you are confused - I will try to use little words.

7. When you are sick - Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall - I will laugh at your clumsy ass, but I'll help you up.

An amusing look at one of my pet peeves, well worth the silly mood snake ... people who socialise in rest rooms. Watch all the way through.

This month and next month contain Friday the 13th.

Friday the 13th and the eve of Valentines Day, good luck all around.

I want to wish all the fiends out there a Happy Valentine's Day. As alabastardragon so eloquently said, even if you don't have a love in your life right now, you can still love yourself, for genuine self respect and love is a surefire attractor. Who knows what this year will bring, so get out there and make your presence known. Remember also, love comes in many forms.

In addition to Valentines Day tomorrow, Monday We will celebrate Two Years Eight Months since Draco came to live at The Manor, and Thursday marks Our Three Years Two Months Anniversary since We found each Other again and I found My Heart, My soul mate in the truest sense of the word.

In these past few years We've overcome so much, so many mines and mountains thrown in Our path along the way by the bitter and the jealous, but We just kept going, kept Our heads up and refused to stoop. We held close to each others through everything, and let Our light and strength break through every obstacle, and found Ourselves on top. It does feel good to be King, with My Prince right by My side.

lesetchka has just moved in, the family is together at last here at The Manor, which is really starting to be everything it could be, so much more a home than just a large house, a home where laughter is heard again, and people care to keep it that way.

Draco My Valentine, I love You more and more every day, You are in inspiration to Me and a joy to be around, thank You for opening My heart and teaching Me to smile again, to trust again, and thank You for just being YOU. I love You. XXXXXXX

We were truly meant to be.




This song will always remind Me of eternity and Our unbreakable bond.



and now to get you all dancing ...

I am actually not in a silly mood at all, but the mood theme snake is so fun to watch ...

Azkatraz rooms are booked from the 16th to the 22nd at the Parc55, the reservationist was very accommodating, bet We get another kick arse room, I hope so, it's so important to have a place to retreat as We're in character the entire time We're out at the cons. Might be boring to some, but We need and love the peace. Now all We have to manage is the flight to San Francisco and start work on the new costumes, and I'm hoping the tax return will be able to help with this.

******

lesetchka moves home tomorrow, I cannot WAIT! The weather promises good things all weekend - hovering around 50 degrees, which is downright tropical in contrast to the deep freezes and snowfests we've been having. Having Chem here is going to be so much fun, and just what this snowy old house needs.

******

2008 is starting out a bit cruel. First an old colleague died in a car crash, then Lux Interior died, but I am especially disheartened to hear that an LJ friend who has been on My flist for years, carouselrose, has died. I knew that she'd been sick for a while, that she was using an oxygen tank and her heartbeat was irregular. She was in the hospital earlier this year ... and it seems she got the flu and could not shake it. Jan, you were so very private and proud, but you always had a kind, thoughtful word, and wrote beautiful essays on love, longing, and life. You loved your little dogs, and I hope they were with you when you passed so that you didn't die alone, and that you have found your peace wherever you are.

I think this year's lesson so far is appreciate that which you have in the here and now. The future is unknown and the past is over, the present is all we really have, all we really can change.

******

It was around 12 years ago that I began studying ballet, both to rehab an injury and because I had an affinity for it that I needed to explore. Those years were for Me very isolated, dark, and lonely, and I threw Myself into the training, taking from 6 to 13 classes a week, anywhere I could find a good class, many at levels that took everything I had. I'd hit the gym beforehand, take a class or two, and hit the dance clubs after, and this regime got Me through and gave Me the strength and focus I needed when those around Me were doing their best to tear Me down. Eventually, after a six year mini career, My knees gave out and after a few injuries, I stopped, as it just wasn't needed or fun anymore, but the strength it imparted has always remained, deeply ingrained.

We tried a studio last year, a lovely place run by a fantastic teacher, but he taught only the intermediate and beyond classes. The experience soured as the elementary class instructor increasingly forgot or changed steps and sequences midstream, the entire class was a confusing mess of stops and starts. The studio was small, crowded, and the students had little awareness of personal space and movement, there were too many distractions and near collisions as a few flung their bodies about in a misguided attempt to dance "big" while others moved small and haltingly, causing traffic jams and frustration. The entire class was in desperate need to go back to the basics. The one everyone followed, obviously a long time student who thought rather highly of herself, had good knowledge of the steps, but lacked strong basics and was literally tone deaf and constantly off the music, confusing everyone, but she never received a correction, no one did, and so no one ever improved. It was one of those feel good classes filled with students who were more interested in dancing pretty steps and being ballerinas/dancers than actually working on the difficult and dirty basics of technique. Like the martial arts belt factories, this does keep them coming and paying, but it's frustrating to the serious students. We also had to pay by the month with no flexibility if you couldn't attend every class. Thus, We didn't go back this year when classes resumed.

However, movement helps immensely with some of Draco's health issues, and He loves to dance and has such a gift for it, so I have been hoping for a better situation. Serendipitously, a new Boston Ballet studio just opened nearby, and oh my lordy it is gorgeous. Three spacious sprung floor studios, one of them as big as any I've used, live pianists, and wonderful teachers. We're doing their well recommended adult beginner's course, so Draco can have a proper foundation and I can refresh My technique and start again slowly. Ballet is exquisite torture, fast or slow, if done right every muscle in the body is working hard with the added artistic challenge of making it look easy. There really is nothing like it for the body - just have a look at most male dancers - and the soul. Many football and high level athletes take ballet for the conditioning benefits, though the less secure call it something else. ;-) I live to perform and create, and ballet leaves Me feeling strong and alive.

******

I know it's long, but I've put a lot of thought into this, so bear with Me...

I was tagged by the lovely madam_minnie and then subsequently so many others both here and on Facebook ... where it's grown from 16 to 25 things. Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you.

( Here it is )