My weekend in Chicago (Vividcon in brief, Lollapaloooza, family)

So, I went to Vividcon over the weekend. It was fun. I met many of interesting people and learned a hell of a lot about the history, culture, and aesthetics of vidding. I also had the pleasure of hanging out with the lovely soundingsea for three days. (This is brief–I will probably write up a more detailed con report later.)

And then I went to Lollapalooza and saw Soundgarden–despite arriving late and missing their first four songs, I managed to get to the front, about 15 rows back, without, y’know, shoving anyone or being a jerk. It was loud and muddy and hot and FUCKING AMAZING, you guys, Soundgarden!!! Although I do have to admit that I’m not sure how much of my joy is organic to me at the moment and how much comes from imagining how happy my 14-year-old self would be. But whatever. Soundgarden! They played “Mailman” and “Like Suicide” and “Fourth of July”! And the view of the Chicago skyline was beautiful. I am happy.

Then I walked back to my brother’s apartment and hung out with him for a little while because he was generous enough to let me sleep on his couch. He has a fantastically swanky apartment–one of those condos that was built to sell and has gone rental due to the recession. Huge, new appliances, beautiful view… not that I’m jealous or anything. :P Although he’s going to have to move once the economy picks up, which is not something I’d want to deal with.

His dog, Darth, was the family dog when I was a kid. Darth is now thirteen, nearly blind, totally deaf, and with a funny little white beard. My brother communicates with him in sign language, which is actually pretty amazing to see–Darth clearly understands everything my brother is telling him and is just as enthusiastic and impatient as ever. It’s also funny because even though he’s ancient and tottering, he’s still the same old Darth, sweet and happy and totally opportunistic when it comes to food. I’m glad I got to see him again.

So then I managed to sleep for two hours, got up, went to the airport, caught my 6:30am flight (which due to delays ended up taking fours hours), slept very uncomfortably crammed into a middle seat, came home, slept all day, and am not adjusting so well to the return to work grind. *sigh*

VVC report and recs post coming soon!

Originally published at rusty-halo.com. You can comment here or there.

Recs! (Inpired by Vividcon)

I bring recs! All inspired by conversations or vids at Vividcon.

As I was telling several people, the story that had me in tears at the corner of Third and St. Mark’s was For Keeps For Good Forever by candle_beck. I guess you’d say it’s a darkfic–I found it creepy but also very lovely in a haunting way. It’s basically season three if Sam never found out about Dean’s deal. (And also if they were having sex and if Sam didn’t notice his own encroaching dark side.) I was listening to the podfic, which you’ll find here–I’ve been listening to all of her recorded Supernatural stories and so far every single one has been fantastic.

And now my favorite vids of the con (with the caveat that I skipped a bunch of vidshows so I may discover other favorites later):

( Vid Recs! )

I came home from the con desperately wanting to see more Supernatural vids, so if you have favorites, please share your recs. :)

Originally published at rusty-halo.com. You can comment here or there.