A. Cook's Books

I’m dealing with the quintessential convention hangover today: tired, but the good kind of tired; missing all the wonderful people I saw, met, and hung out with; checking all the social media platforms for posts about the con to relive every moment as much as possible. No con crud (that I know of) yet, which is good. I’m bummed it’s over, but so happy to have had the experience.

A little context for you: almost a year ago, after my friend (and fellow mom, writer, and cosplayer) Rhonda and I had finished and worn our “Once Upon A Time” costumes to Gen Con, we discovered a company called Creation Entertainment was going to throw a huge convention devoted entirely to our favorite show. Our mutual friend, Meagan (also a mom, writer, and cosplayer who happens to love the show too), jumped on the bandwagon with us, and we decided to have a much-needed girls’ weekend in a Westin hotel in Chicago. That weekend just happened. It was glorious.

I can barely string two words together today, so I’ll let all these photos I took tell the story of our time together.

When we got to our hotel, we discovered the ice bucket makes a great wig stand.

Putting on the Evil Queen makeup makes me feel like I’m getting ready for a stage performance.

My crew ready for the convention to start. (Rhonda as Snow White, Meagan as Belle, me as the Evil Queen)

Ursula won the costume contest. She deserved it.

Best Anthropomorphic Story Book I’ve ever seen.

Two Evil Queens walk into a convention…

Prince Eric, Happy, and Grumpy

The Blue Fairy and Princess Jasmine

She’s behind me, isn’t she?

The Costume Contest finalists

We got our picture taken with Hook–minus his eyeliner and the leather coat.

Belle

The real Regina/Evil Queen held my heart. She said I looked amazing. You had to be there.

Hook

Regina/The Evil Queen

Happy serenading us before the convention concert.

Almost all the actors had amazing voices, especially Granny and Prince Eric.

The Blue Fairy

Happy and Granny

Princess Jasmine

Prince Eric

Our last day!

Zelena, the Wicked Witch of the West

Prince Eric and Princess Jasmine singing “A Whole New World”

Princess Jasmine

It was the best, most epic of times. We saw so many incredible costumes and met the loveliest people. All the actors from the show had thought-provoking, fun Q&A panels. And the karaoke night and concert were both super amazing. I’m running out of superlatives. Anyway, as if you can’t tell, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

For now, this mama needs a little break.

Thanks for reading.

A. Cook