Scrapbooking

[teddy_radiator]

I'm just going through a few files on my PC and filing them on the external HD and came across some lovely goodies by hechicera. She's really not on LJ much anymore (it's been about a year, I think), and I miss her amazing talent and wicked sense of humour. Hech, if you are around, just know you are missed, girl.

Writing my first sshg_exchange fic for subversa was just a dream come true, and I still remember how thrilled and excited I was to be part of it. I felt like a minor leaguer getting the chance to play in the World Series. I also played Bingo that year for the first time, and won some spectacular gifts, including these documents from Hech, based on my fic, Father Figure



The first is based on the fantasies Severus asked Hermione to write out for him, and the instructions he gave her. I love the embossed 'S' on the letter, and the thin silver bracelets and key (all parts of the story). On the game board, the details are simply stunning, from Lucius' wine stains, to the little nervous dotted blob of ink on Hermione's written answer. I love the worn and slightly discoloured edges, and the crease on the upper right side. All these little details that bring it to life not only as a real game board, but a magical one. It's so in keeping with the world that JKR created, and the movies perpetuated.

And as if these weren't just the most amazing thing in the world, this incredibly talented woman actually CREATED the game itself, complete with cards, game pieces, answer sheets, Recognise-me-not quills and dragon's blood ink, all in their leopard skin-lined copper box. This was probably the most unexpected gift I have ever received, and one of my most treasured possessions. My friends and I still occasionally play it, but it's really too beautiful to mess with.



The thing is that this is just a small sample of the many wonderful and appreciated gifts I have received from friends in my short time in this fandom.  I never thought anything like this would happen to me in a million years, and it is thrilling. Fandom is not just writing fic, or drawing art, although those are important for me in my little corner of the HP fandom world. It's friendships, and kindred spirits, and tolerance and support and love, coming from all over the world. These gifts, as precious as they are in and of themselves, tell a much bigger story of our fandom world.

One day, and I hope that day is very, very far into the future, the art and the fics will eventually stop, because no one will care to read or write or draw them, but the relationships will always be there to celebrate that fandom is so much bigger than the sum of its parts. I find it so incredible that what brought us all together has created something far more important than the thing itself.

Comments

[gelsey.livejournal.com]

There are some of my fandom friends who I never get to talk to anymore, who I simply miss dreadfully sometimes. But it was good while it lasted, yes. I'm forever grateful to fandom for giving me some of my dearest friends.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. I've made friends through the fandom who, though we are many miles apart, are my closest friends. They are as dear to me as my own precious family.

[dreamy-dragon73.livejournal.com]

I hope people will continue to create in this fandom for a long time, but I hope even more that the friendships we forged will endure.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Oh, so do I! I haven't been in the fandom very long, and I'm not in any hurry for it to go away. I realise that the output is nowhere near what it used to be in years past, and many have moved on to other fandoms or other priorities, but the friends I've made here have been the most enriching of my life.

[ex-logospil.livejournal.com]

~It's friendships, and kindred spirits, and tolerance and support and love, coming from all over the world. These gifts, as precious as they are in and of themselves, tell a much bigger story of our fandom world~

I so agree ♥

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Dear one, meeting you at MISTI is one of the highlights of my life. You've been an inspiration and a comfort in so many ways.

[ex-logospil.livejournal.com]

Shucks, thank you so much for your kind words :-)

I hope with all my heart that you'll be joining us at MISTI 15! I would so love to see you again there.

[lynnylou.livejournal.com]

I have meet some amazing people through various fandom that I would have never meet otherwise so I am thankful for that. Those are some fantastic gifts you can treasure of a lifetime.

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

That is exactly how I feel. The acceptance and support I have received here have been more special than I can say.