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Masterpost - Amanda Tapping, GABIT INSP 2022
I’m at the airport, waiting for my flight back home, and realize the high from the last three days hasn’t worn off yet.
I MET AMANDA TAPPING!!!
That alone is a dream coming true.
But most importantly, I met some wonderful people, some I already knew from here and new ones from all over the world. We had a fantastic weekend with amazing conversations and a hell of a lot of fun. And definitely not enough sleep.
During the Q&A sessions I took extensive notes, took some pictures and already received pictures from others. So, I will write down my experience and preserve it for all eternity. It will probably look like this:
part I - cocktail party here
part II - Q&A sessions 1 & 2 from Saturday here and here
part III - the auction here
part IV - Q&A sessions 3 & 4 from Sunday here and here
part V - closing ceremony and personal thoughts here
But I still need more time to reflect, and, unfortunately, I am too busy on the job the next few days.
I promise to start this project during the upcoming weekend.
And I hope the smile on my face will last for a few more days.
What absolutely gorgeous and lovely women!! What a fab weekend!! Just over £35,000 raised for Hearing Dogs and Nepal Orphans’ Home. It may have been the last GABIT but it won’t be the last time we all see each other, I know it.
Also loved Amanda talking about inclusion and wearing clothing from a company that specialises in genderless/queer/lgbt themed clothing!! (Bottom two photos)
Amanda giggled at the TFLN with Sam in the lower left corner while Julia pointed at the Helen one and said, “That fits.”
Mission accomplished.
GABIT INSP 2022 Part IV - Q&A session #4
The fourth session started with a bang when Amanda said, "I look fat." A murmur went through the room, and everyone wanted to immediately jump to her side and say that's not true, that she is a beautiful woman, but she stopped us. "I didn't say that so you guys could convince me otherwise. I have gained weight. It’s a fact."
GABIT INSP 2022 Part III - the auction
I will give a non-chronological overview of the items which were auctioned off for charity and maybe an anecdote or two.
a Stargate SG-1 watch (which went for £ 2000 if I remember correctly)
a few hand-made blankets
GABIT INSP 2022 Part II - Q&A session #2
The 2nd Q&A session started with Suanne and Amanda after the lunch break.
GABIT INSP 2022 Part I - the cocktail party
Full disclosure: I got the invitation signed by Amanda during the autograph session.
Anyway, let’s get the party started!
As a newbie, I was equally excited and anxious as I had no idea what to expect and worried way too much about “Dress code is formal/smart”. What did that mean? I changed my outfit a few times the week prior to the event when, in hindsight, I should have relaxed. Though they were officially not allowed, I saw some people running around in sneakers.
When I arrived at the hall, I was seated at a table with seven other lovely people. We introduced ourselves and started talking to each other. Some of them could be considered veterans, having attended many conventions, and they calmed my nerves a bit in anticipation of the hours ahead. One thing we had in common was our love and admiration for Amanda, and we were looking forward to meeting her.
Each attendee got a charm for the wine glass, fitting their name, personality or hobby. Mine was a steering wheel. XD
The table’s centerpiece was a beautiful Ferris wheel with pictures of Amanda. At the end of the evening, one of us took it home.
The food was okay, nothing special, just a buffet where everyone could choose for themselves.
While we ate and waited, the raffle of "Champagne with Amanda" took place. @ginges-stuff got one of the lucky numbers. It was wonderful to see the mixture of shock, awe, and joy on your face that evening.
Finally, the moment had come and Amanda entered the room. Immediately, she had attracted everyone's attention. And caused a small short circuit in my brain, because her aura was simply indescribable, so bright and kind-hearted. She looked fabulous with her wavy hair and the flower-patterned dress that flattered her figure and reminded me of a warm summer evening with friends.(Out of respect, I only took a picture from a safe distance. It turned out grainy. 😂)
Next: waiting, waiting, waiting.
After what felt like an eternity, Becka came to our table and reminded us of the does and don’ts while Amanda would be seated with us.
My heartbeat quickened.
And then the Grand Empress of Sci-Fi sat down across from me, and I didn’t forget to breathe. It was remarkable how effortlessly she put everyone at ease within a second.
She said she was glad to finally be here with us. Someone asked about "Motherland - Fort Salem," and since I can't find it anywhere in my Q&A notes, she told us that shooting season 3 was a nightmare for her as executive producer. While the filming of season 2 went smoothly (the safest set at the time), the filming of season 3 was constantly interrupted by people getting sick with Covid. In March of this year, she became ill herself and experienced fatigue. In the end, she was able to meet the looming deadline, but had to rearrange a lot of things. I can't imagine how stressful that must have been.
The rest of the small talk I can’t remember because my brain was totally drooling over Amanda.
Before she moved to the next table, John, the photographer, took a beautiful group picture.
And that's it with the retelling of the evening.
God, I love this woman.