I'm not a writer, or even a real blogger. So this little pile of words will not do justice to what this event was about.  My hope is that I can convey the love that was felt February 19th 2017 through my craft. 

In case you were under a rock last summer, on June 12th 2016 there was a shooting in an Orlando nightclub called The Pulse.  I'm not going to go in to details about the tragic event. I was not there, I did not lose anyone, nor was I directly affected in any way.  You can use Google or go here for more information. 

However, I was in attendance to the benefit Makeup and Creative Arts LLC hosted to raise funds for The Pulse Memorial. 

The other night I got to see a community of people come together to show support. Straight men put on dresses and wigs. They let professional make up artists put make up and eyelashes on them, they glitter bombed beards and pranced around in high heels. 

Money was donated at the door, shoved in breastless bras, buckets...a leprechaun came around with a green pot. It was a crazy night, it was fun, it was full of love. 

There was laughter, singing, dancing, and playful banter between the hilarious host, Dustin, the audience, and performers.

I don't know what kind of response I'm going to get from this little blurb..if anything.  I could get a pat on the back, or I could get some passive aggressive note in my newsfeed of what a horrible person I am to support this cause. Heck, maybe both, maybe none. It doesn't matter. People's lives were stolen, families were torn apart and I got to witness LOVE come out through it...despite it. People gathered to support those affected, that is a great show of humanity, and I hope I captured it.

For the last 3 years we have gone to this local convention called Syfy Bartow.  It's a free event with vendors, food, contests, car shows, and costumes.   It's become a family thing. This year my husband and son entered the costume contest as Borg and took home 3rd place!  

For the last year my husband has worked on these costumes. He fabricated from the ground up between work, over time, travel, home repairs, and day to day family life.  He made a lot of items by hand and took parts and pieces and re purposed them.

I am very happy for my husband. He had so much fun doing this.  He did not expect to place, but looked forward to the fun of cosplay.  He and the boy already have plans on next year's costume. My house will go another year full of foam, parts pieces, and the fumes of adhesives.  If my family can put up with my passions, I suppose I can put up with theirs.  Good job boys, I'm very proud of you.

It's actually a website with groups. I am in The Lakeland Shooter's Club.  Once a month (or more) I get to meet people local to me who share my interest.  Sometimes we do a photowalk (it's exactly what it sounds like, walk and take photos) sometimes we have models, and sometimes we shoot each other.

I usually learn something when I go. This past meet up was a model one. I typically don't go to those ones (just a preference), but I went to one last weekend because a friend of mine was hosting. I wanted to come and support. I was able to bring a gorgeous model. (See her up there? hehe)  You've seen her before if you've follow me at all anywhere on the internet.  Our challenge was "One Light Portrait". For some reason (my hosting friend thinks I'm more talented and knowledgeable than I really am) I was assigned to teach...Luckily my buddy, and one of the group organizers, showed up. 

My buddy, Ken, knows the technical terms, the whys and the hows...Me? I do what looks OK and keep trying till I get it. So....I'm very happy he was there. He taught technique, and the why. He's a natural teacher..I can really only teach the basic exposure triangle to people I talk to on a regular basis.  Outside of that I'm not so great. 

Ken, Dick, Jervaris, Luis, Sheryl, Hanif, and others have become what I consider friends. We get together and do something we are passionate about. We vent our frustrations with the craft, we talk gear, we talk light...It's nice to have something in common with other souls. Something separate from home and work.

 Browse meetup.com. Search your hobby and interests. You might find people you have something in common. Use good judgement, meet publicly, and just be smart all the way around with it. 

My hubby was at it again. He made some wicked cool looking guns by modifying Nerf guns.  I got some aliens from a couple of Deviant Art artists, a few kids, and borrowed some space from some good friends. .

My husband built a Borg costume for the better part of last year for Halloween, and has built another for my son. They are wearing them to the local Sci-fi convention this month. So Sci-fi has been on the TV, and in our conversations for a while now. I just had to get it out of me. I wasn't being creative in the subject at all.  Once I decided that was the project I was going to do, I asked around for models. My boss had some kids on hand and they were very willing to participate. 

This was a very fun project.  I can't wait to start another. I actually have something in mind for this month...