Spring Fever Part 3

[caliente_uk]

Third stop - JamesFog Dinner with James

There's been so much written about this already (including the wonderful report by sueworld2003 which she's posted in her LJ), so I'm not going to repeat it all by going into great detail here. This is just going to be my own impressions of the evening, including a few snippets of conversation I've remembered that sueworld2003 hasn't written about in her report. Anyone expecting to read any gossip or negative impressions of JM are going to be sadly disappointed. James was exactly as I expected him to be - a genuinely nice guy, who was friendly, relaxed and very much at ease in the company of a group of women he didn't even know. None of us could have asked for anything more. :)


It was a memorable experience from beginning to end. From the ride to the restaurant (apparently K was sitting in James' favourite seat); to listening to James talk about everything from Spike and Drusilla to blisters on his fingers; to spending time getting to know and (eventually) chatting with a lovely group of women who were just as nervous as I was. Believe me when I say I know how lucky I was to have been there...and how grateful I am that K was allowed to come with me.

As I'm sure you all know by now I'm a naturally quiet and shy person, so much so that I've been given the nickname of "wallpaper" by sueworld2003 as she's known "noisier wallpaper than me". *g* So I didn't contribute a great deal to the conversation, especially in the early part of the evening. I may not talk a lot, but I do observe people and listen to what they have to say. For example, the lady who was sitting opposite K (and next to James for the first half of the evening) looked petrified the whole time. She was a lovely lady but so, so scared. I think she spoke even less than I did...and that's saying something! ;) Luckily, there were a good mix of people there. Some (like sueworld2003) were (at least outwardly) perfectly at ease with talking to James and asked him some wonderful questions. Others (like me) were quieter and happy to let the more talkative ones take the lead. I think it worked out well, as James was able to relax and talk, making the conversation flow better than it would have done if we were all trying to talk at once. :)

James seemed perfectly at ease and relaxed with everyone from the minute he arrived. He sat at the end of the table closest to us to start with (next to K), and then moved to the opposite end at around the midway point saying "I wouldn't want to be accused of being unfair". Aww! He also pointed out that the other end of the table had been dominating the conversation up to that point anyway, and that if he moved he expected us to join in more. I said something about there not being much chance of that happening, to which he replied, while looking me straight in the eyes "I'll be sure to look exclusively at you if you do" *melts* I still didn't, though. :P

One of the advantages of sitting so close to him was being able to observe (such a chore LOL!) just how good he is looking these days. To those of you out there who thought he was looking old, let me tell you that up close and personal he is looking better than ever. He has the most beautiful skin (and so soft...something I felt for myself at the photo shoot in MK) and while, yes, he is starting to age (he's 44 after all), he's wearing it well. Extremely well. :)

sueworld2003 has already talked in great detail about the majority of the dinner conversation, so I'm just going to add a few extra bits that I've remembered.

He talked about everything from Star Trek James: "Stop me if you're not a fan, this could get boring", to which I replied "I'm a fan of the old series". James: "That's good, so am I"., to Firefly (which he hadn't seen) and Serenity (which he had seen, but thought you needed to have seen the series to really appreciate). He talked about how much he loved working with Juliet Landau on BtVS and what a good actress she is...and a liitle bit about the sex scenes between Spike and Drusilla (imagine sitting that close to James while he's talking about sex :P). One of the ladies asked James if his smile got stuck at meet and greets to which he laughed and said he had learned to only smile when he is genuinly happy, so that made it less painful. The same lady also said that she felt he would make a great Dr Wo and that he had the same quirky manner. He said he hadn't seen it yet, but would try to watch it (which he had by the time he got to the Q&A in MK). She also mentioned that she'd seen John Lee Hooker perform live and that he'd said the same thing as James had said about the blues (that it wasn't from the devil) which seemed to please James a lot - he almost jumped out of his chair. LOL.

When it came to the end of the evening (just as everyone was getting ready to leave) I asked James if I could take a photo of him and K together (I think my sudden yell of "James!" made him jump a little and he said "Yes!" almost like a naughty schoolboy caught doing something wrong. I'm surprised he didn't say "Yes, ma'am" *g*"), to which he replied "Sure thing, darlin'". So I did. :) The happiness on K's face in that picture says it all! She had such a good time. :)

And then it was time to leave. I got another lovely hug and a kiss on the cheek, and somehow managed to touch the hair at the nape of his neck. It felt lovely and soft. *melts* :)

After that everything is a bit of a blur. I vaguely remember telling Lisa (from JMLive) what a wonderful night it had been and giving her a hug. I also think I remember hugging Steve (Himber). I have a feeling that the JamesFog had gone to my head by that point. ;)

And so ended one of the most memorable nights of my life. :)

Comments

[spikereader.livejournal.com]

A lovely recollection Cal - thank you for sharing. An evening full of memories for you and K to treasure for ever.

It was a joy to see you so happy back at the hotel (and I hope people didn't think it odd when you dragged me off to the toilet with you *g*).

*hugs*

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

It really was a night to remember, Carolyn...and has had such a positive effect on K. *hugs*

I was rather happy back at the hotel, wasn't I? *g*

[sueworld2003.livejournal.com]

Oh what a lovely report of the evening love. It's complimented what I wrote beautifully, filling in gaps that had slipped my mind completely. The John Lee Hooker' conversation for a start.

"I'll be sure to look exclusively at you if you do" *melts* I still didn't, though. :P

Oh you lucky old thing you! See that's a hell of a lot better then being called "pushy!"

You should post this up on Moz and CDS love.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Sue. I'm sure there are some things we've forgotten, but between us I think we've covered most of what happened that night. :)

Oh, I don't know. I think he liked you being "pushy". And at least we got some great conversation because of it! *g*

[bendy1.livejournal.com]

Aw, glad you had a good time :D

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

It was fun! :D

[gillo]

Lovely account - thank you for giving so much detail. I'm so very glad you and K had the opportunity to do this.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thanks for reading, Gill. We had such a good time! The whole experience has had such a positive effect on K. :)

[kindredspirit75.livejournal.com]

What a lovely report. I'm so glad that you have this beautiful memory of James to keep with you forever.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It really was a night to remember. :)

[kazzy-cee.livejournal.com]

Heee - it's lovely that two of my f-list got to go to the dinner because you both complement each other so well with the accounts of what happened. It really feels like I've had an 'inside' view!

Oh - and btw - there's a little something just for you on my Lj Cal!

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Between us I think we've managed to give a very accurate account of what happened that night. It was definitely a night to remember! :D

As you can see, I loved my icon! Thank you. :D

[fenchurche.livejournal.com]

Oh so lucky! What a wonderful evening!

And thank you for the sharing!

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

We felt lucky. And it really was! :D

Thank you for reading!

[deborahw37.livejournal.com]

Aww that made me feel all warm and fuzzy, what a wonderful report of what sounds like a great night

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed it, Deb. It really was a night to remember! The whole Spring Fever experience has had such a positive effect on K. I couldn't have asked for anything better to help put her in the right frame of mind for her surgery next week. :D

[tamakin.livejournal.com]

nawwww thanks for that lovely lil recap of your evening hun! *swoons off the chair* sounds like you had a big dreamy blast :D
and mmm yeah i was blown away by how soft his hands were during the autographs.. *happy sigh*

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thanks for reading! It really was a night to remember. Glad you enjoyed the report. :D

[seductivembrace.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time, Cal! James sounds like such a wonderful guy in the retelling. *cue gushing*

I've never understood why people attend these things just so they can badmouth James. *shrugs* If you don't like him, his music, etc. why go? Meh!

But, anyway... I'm so glad this was such a positive experience for both you and K. *hugs* Thanks for a glimpse into the event. ^_^

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed it, Kat! James was lovely. :D

*hugs*

[euro-fics.livejournal.com]

Ooooh! Thanks for the report! I always like hearing good things about my favorite actors being good to us nutball fans. *g*

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thanks for reading! *g*

[jamalov29.livejournal.com]

Another heart-warming and very lovely account of an evening to remember.:)
Thank you, dear Cal.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thank you for reading, my dear Caroline. *hugs you tight*

[kathyh]

So glad you had such a wonderful time and thanks for the lovely account of the evening.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It really was a night to remember. :)

[spikesnn.livejournal.com]

What a lovely report Cal ...I was so happy when I heard you were going and would be able to take K *hugs*

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thanks, NN. It really was a night to remember. It's had such a positive effect on K! *hugs back*

[http://users.livejournal.com/mad_brilliant_/]

I'm here via Sueworld's LJ. I think I got a pic of you and your daughter talking with James at the reception. Thought you might like to see:

http://pics.livejournal.com/mad_brilliant_/pic/000s65gx

If that is you, I've gotta say that you two look more like sisters than mother/daughter. :) Thanks for sharing your dinner experience. Sounds like a wonderful time was had by all.

[aa-eve-aa.livejournal.com]

*waves* Hi, you don't have by any chance some more pics of the reception? I'm looking if I may find a glimps of myself making a fool in front of James. Thanks and I love the other pics I saw.

[(Anonymous)]

Thank You for the report, Cal. We have to hear ALL the details, Sue covered the most of it, but you filled in the gaps. That must have been a very special evening for K too, I know how happy she always looks at the concerts, and to have dinner with James must be SOOO much more!

You 2 really deserved it!

Well, I´m pretty happy/crazy about my photos from Rich mix, have them on

http://www.pbase.com/uih/james_marsters_spring_fever No spamming, nope! LOL!

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Between us, I think we covered more or less everything! :D This has had such a positive effect on K. She goes into hospital on Monday, and we couldn't have asked for anything better than this to help prepare her for it! Meeting James has had such a big impact on her. :)

Thank you so much. *hugs*

Ooh, I'll definitely check your photos out! :D

[uih.livejournal.com]

And why was I suddenly anonymous? Stupid computer or LJ

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

I hate it when that happens!

Thank you for reading! It really was a night to remember, and we felt so lucky to be there. Glad you enjoyed the report. :)

[cryssiemarsters.livejournal.com]

thank you so much for this great, detailed report. Compensation for us who weren't among the lucky ones.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thank you for reading, Cryssie. It really was a night to remember, and we felt so lucky to be there. Glad you enjoyed the report! :)

[aa-eve-aa.livejournal.com]

What a lovely report (found my way over sue's link) and I'm really happy for you that you and your daughter had such a great time. Sounds like an amazing evening. Thanks for the report!

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for reading! It really was an evening to remember. Glad you enjoyed the report. :)

[spikesdeb.livejournal.com]

Wonderful, Cal! Thanks for sharing your special moment. Sounds like he's exactly what I always thought he was, and I'm so happy. :) Maybe next time I see him I'll tell him I have two Star Trek uniforms...*giggles*

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

He really is exactly as you'd expect hime to be, Deb. Just a genuinely warm and friendly guy. :) I think he'd like that! *g*

[ukchrisp.livejournal.com]

What a lovely report...I noticed that he only tends to look his age when he's tired, he looked a bit that way during the autograph session on saturday I thought,(although the lighting there was harsh and he'd had a few days of gigs)but sunday and monday he looked much brighter and youinger -he'd obviously had some sleep and felt more refreshed.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Chris. :)

I couldn't get over just how good he was looking! He wears his age so very well. I thought he looked exceptionally good on Sunday at Collectormania. I can't believe it was over a week ago already!

[cordykitten]

Thanks for sharing again! Time flies when you have fun...

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thank you for reading! :)

[shapinglight]

Thanks for posting this, which was great fun to read. And I agree with you about James - he wears it very well indeed.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Thanks for reading! Yes, James wears it very well. I couldn't get over just how good he looked. :)

[empresspatti.livejournal.com]

I really had fun reading this post. Thank you!!

This is my question - how on earth does a dinner with JM happen? I'm assuming you all are not close personal friends that got together when he was in London....

I have no experience with conventions - or seeing him in concert - I just don't understand how that translates to dinner!

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading! :)

Everyone who attended the Spring Fever event at the Rich Mix had their seat numbers put into a draw. The first eight numbers drawn won the post-show dinner with James. Luckily for me my daughter (who is disabled) was allowed to come with me. I wouldn't have been able to go otherwise. :)

I hope that answers your question! :D

[deborahc.livejournal.com]

I said something about there not being much chance of that happening, to which he replied, while looking me straight in the eyes "I'll be sure to look exclusively at you if you do" *melts* I still didn't, though. :P

::shakes head in disbelief:: Is he crazy? If that had been me he'd looked right in the eye and said that to, what ever small chance I might have had of being able to say anything remotely coherent during the evening would have dissolved right then and there. 'Cos, I wasn't already self conscience enough, right? (that was sarcasm)

I dunno... I suppose that for a fangirl, what you and K got to do and experience is as good as it gets - the stuff that fangirl dreams are made of. It's just that what you described seems so...performed - like the tongue and the lollipop thing he used to do. Ridiculous I know, to expect that strangers, people who pay to see him - we, his adoring fans - would get to experience...just James - how he is when he's not working, not "on." While I do believe he enjoys interacting with his fans and basking in the love, he is working, which means working the crowd. I just wonder about the contrast in his manner and conversation in a dinner with a large group of people who aren't Fans. A moot point. Don't mind me. I just felt vicarious embarrassment when you related that remark of his to you. We're fans. We're not his RL friends. And we're damn lucky that someone we're so sweet on, and fascinated with, and obsessive about, is so decent and gracious and considerate to us. Don't mind me, please. I'm tired and must get away from the computer and go to bed. I don't mean to diminish the thrill and excitement of that night. It's just that for me, being a fan always carries an element of embarrassment - not among other fans of course, but when I'm in the presence of, sort of thing. Very much an *Us* vs *Them*.

This doesn't feel like a good stopping place - I feel as if I should say something more, but I don't know what, other than I hope that you're not upset with me for saying something negative about your big night. Because I was just imagining myself in your place there, and how I would have reacted and felt. Out loud. In your LJ. I hope that's not being presumptuous, insensitive and rude of me, because I certainly don't mean to be.

[caliente-uk.livejournal.com]

I have to admit to being a bit taken aback by this comment and not quite sure how to respond to it. To be honest, I don't understand why that one simple comment out of what was otherwise a very interesting and intelligent conversation has upset you so much. You have absolutely no need to be "embarrassed" for me, as I certainly wasn't embarrassed by it at all. It was a very relaxed and informal atmosphere, and one that I was very comfortable in. Not one person who was there behaved "fangirly" towards James in any way, and I can honestly say that I didn't feel that James "performed" at all. As I said before, James was very relaxed and at ease in our company and seemed like a genuinely nice guy. And that's all he is after all - just a guy. Did he behave the same as he would with his own family and friends? No, of course he didn't! But I doubt anyone who was there did. None of us knew each other after all. :)

Am I upset by your comment? Not at all. You're entitled to your opinion. All I can say that I know what James was like that night, and he came across as very genuine to me. He was exactly as I expected him to be. But then again I wasn't expecting him to be some sort of infallible hero. I was expecting him to be what he was - a far from perfect, genuinely nice guy - and that's what I got. :)

{{Deborah}}