All Is Well

It has been 5 years since the final Harry Potter book was released. I could write a long, emotional blog entry about my life post Potter but I won't. When the books were all read I clung to the movies, then when the movies were all seen I was certain the great Harry Potter ride was at it's end. I noticed the 5 year anniversary was approaching as well as the one year anniversary of the last movie's release and I couldn't believe so much time had passed so swiftly.

                   

I was asked on the 5 year anniversary of the final Harry Potter book if life post potter was as depressing as I imagined. Honestly, it's not depressing at all. Looking back and even looking ahead I'm realizing that what I thought was ending is something that will actually never end. Ever. The world of Harry Potter has come to life in ways I didn't imagine 5 years ago. The fanbase only got stronger. Not only is there a book series for me to relive, there's movies to watch over and over again. There is MuggleNet.com. There are Quidditch leagues. There is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Orlando, Florida. There is LeakyCon. There is Pottermore. There are more ways NOW to get a Harry Potter fix than there was 5 years ago. I didn't believe her 5 years ago, I thought everything Potter would disappear in time. But I'm now finding comfort in JK Rowlings final words to us, "All was well." Everything Potter is immortal. Indeed, all is well.

Deathly Hallows Midnight Release Party
Barnes & Noble 2007



Deathly Hallows Midnight Premier
July 2011

                                 


 

 

I never thought I'd ever taste real Butterbeer.

Frozen or cold? Both, delicious! Also, I'm a big fan of Pumpkin Juice & Pear Cider.

Owen @ Honeydukes, wrapping up my cauldron cake and pumpkin tart.

Hogwarts @ Universal Studios

Many people have never heard of the annual conference bringing Potter fans, authors, Potter themed live bands & even celebrities together. Different city every year.

                              

                                   Yes. Evanna Lynch. At LeakyCon. 2011.

 

    Annual Quidditch World Cup. NYC.

 

After months and months of pushing back the date, JK Rowling finally released
 Pottermore to the public in April 2012.

<3

Born and Raised

The buzz I get from a John Mayer concert is a buzz like no other. There's something about seeing him with my own eyes, hearing his voice not coming through a speaker and knowing that at any moment anything can happen. I live for that.

The new album was set to release on May 22. I'd been waiting for it. The spring tour dates were up and I knew the summer tour dates would be up in a matter of weeks too. This was going to be a good year! I needed another Mayer show. It's been 2 years.

But something was wrong. John's throat granuloma returned. This meant more surgery and long periods of vocal rest. So obviously the tour was canceled. If that wasn't bad enough he announced via Tumblr that he must give up live performing indefinitely because there was no way of knowing when (if at all) he'd be better. I was devastated and still am.

                               

John's 5th studio album was released on May 22nd as planned. One song in particular melted into my heart on the very 1st listen; 'Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967'. The rest of the album wasn't love at first listen for me. It was very different than any previous Mayer. After a week though, I did come to love the new album. Very much. It's full of guilt, acceptance, forgiveness, hope and those wise words I need to get me through the day. And after my love for the album grew, another song tugs at my heartstrings more than any other; 'The Age of Worry'.

                           

Life sets hurdles for us all. Our idols are no exception. The disappointment and heartache I feel at this sad news was probably 10x worse on his end. But I think John Mayer is indeed bigger (and stronger) than his body (and most people) give him credit for. So I have all the faith in the world that he will return to us and one day I'll hear him sing 'Walt Grace' and 'Age of Worry' in person.

Until then I will reminisce on the 1st time I ever saw him live (MLL #5 See JM Live), the last time I saw him live (Camden, July 2010) and every show in between (At the Today Show).

                           
So JM, if you're out there, if you can read me, if my good vibes are reaching you at all, I'm wishing you a speedy recovery. Not just for the sake of seeing you on a stage, but to see you well. Half of my heart is with you, and half of my heart is, as always, waiting to see you again.

            


"Even if this album slides off the charts in a month, it doesn’t make it any less special to me, and we should all be digging this music together, like we would have (and will again) on stage.
Stay tuned…
with thanks and love
John"