Gathering of the Gods...

I know that last time I posted I was oozing about how excited I am for NaNoWriMo, but there is something else huge looming on the horizon even before November 1st...

http://thehouseontherockjournal.blogspot.com/

Neil Gaiman American Gods Gathering

The House on the Rock has long been known to fans of popular fantasy writer Neil Gaiman. His 2001 novel, American Gods, depicts the World’s Largest Carousel at The House on the Rock as a portal into the mind of Odin, the “All-Father” and a central figure in the story. Over the years, Neil has had to repeatedly explain that The House on the Rock was not a figment of his imagination but really exists; in fact, he "had to tone down [his] description of it and leave things out of the book in order to make it believable." Since the book’s publication, countless fans have visited The House on the Rock to relive the scene.

As announced in Neil's blog, The House on the Rock is planning a special celebration for fans of American Gods. On October 29th and 30th, join Neil Gaiman and other American Gods fans for literary panels, talks, presentations, a limited number of chances to ride the World's Largest Carousel, and a costume party focused on all things American Gods. Watch this space--The House on the Rock's new official event blog--for updates.

Yeah, so it's only the coolest thing ever. The Mister and I bought our tickets back in APRIL. I've been practically salivating over this for months. We've got our hotel booked for Friday and Saturday night, we've got driving directions, I'm working on a new mix CD to commemorate the event, and we're gonna start packing tomorrow night. HOLY CRAP IT'S ALL HAPPENING SO FAST. AGH. THERE'S GONNA BE A COSTUME CONTEST, A SCAVENGER HUNT, AND NEIL GAIMON IS GONNA SIGN MY BOOK YEEEEEEEEE!!! Ooh, I wanna ride the carousel SO BAD. pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease--

*Ahem*

On the subject of the Gathering, I love Neil Gaimon's writing. I own almost all of his books. American Gods is probably my second favorite text ever (after William Gibson's Pattern Recognition). If you haven't read it yet, GO. Get out right now and check it out from a library, buy a copy from the bookstore, whatever. Just go read it. If you enjoy stories about mystery, action, intrigue, strange prophetic dreams, comedy, tragedy, mythology, old gods, new gods, wars, love, grifters, or any and all of the above, then you will enjoy this book. Incredibly interesting and fun characters, an engrossing plotline, and fabulous prose make this one an all-star winner. Seriously.

((Czernobog is my favorite character. Even if it is only because of his awesome name.))

Okay, I'm done gushing. I am just SO PUMPED for this weekend. Not only will it be an incredible experience, but it's the perfect way to rush myself into November. I'll be so electrified from The House on the Rock that my creative juices are gonna spill all over the place. I'll be taking a ZILLION pictures. Those alone will be my muse throughout the coming month. I'm literally making a face like: =D

You can't even imagine that. My face looks exactly like that. Whoa.

We've still got plenty of planning to do (food, what to wear, itinerary, etc...), not to mention the pile of homework I've got shifting unsteadily on the table beside me, PLUS last minute NaNo stuff, so the stress is starting to wear me down. I'm coming down with a cold...but I went out and bought a bunch of vitamins, I'm making an effort to cut back on WoW in order to get enough sleep, and I'm getting James to play therapist in order to keep the stress under control. Nothing will ruin this weekend for me. NOTHING. Dammit.

This Halloween is going to be unforgettable.