Junior League: The Final Countdown

Name: Twilightish
Power: The power to fangirl on a daily basis in front of perfectly normal people I work with and not feel ashamed of doing it.


Okay, so the Junior League post on Twitrovesies got me thinking about how Twilight has changed me this past year. It has been almost exactly a year that I became a TwiFan and I remember this being one of the first Twi-blogs I started following and I couldn't help but notice that you girls have changed quite a bit too as far as your preferences go.

For example, I remember ALL of you being all about Robert Pattinson and some of you not really liking Kristen Stewart, but now things seem more balanced. Most off you have switched to different teams (Team Jacob, Team Kellan), have ventured deeper into different hobbies (Twitter, Role Play, Fanfiction) and some have even embraced the Rob/Kristen relationship and even Kristen herself (myself included).

I thought it would be fun to go back and think how we all started as TwiFans and how we may or may not have changed. Are you the same TwiFan that you were a year ago?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

sidebra: Should this be the post where we announce that Christmas Eve is our last?

sidebra with red & green tassels: I don't know. Maybe - it might be more honest that way instead of a surprise on Christmas Eve. Thoughts?

sidebra with jingle bells: I think it's the perfect platform for announcing our ending.

sidebra with mistletoe and holly: OMH, I am gonna lose it... I need another beer... *sobs*

sidebra with flashing christmas lights for nipples: **hands Spank another beer** Spank, you're bringing tears to my eyes.

sidebra with two eyes made out of coal: I am really going to f*cking miss these sidebras. I think they should be extended to Twitter.

sidebra with two turtle doves: I agree.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am nowhere near the same TwiFan I was a year ago. A year ago I was infatuated with the story and the idea of a love that never seemed real to me. A year ago I was also introverted, shy and anxious in my daily activities with people. A year later and I realized that Twilight "is my life now." By that I mean through this book series and putting myself out there each day for the past year I have found the most amazing friends a girl could ask for - who enrich my life daily with a shared humor and appreciation for the random, quirky side of life. I realized that I deserve a storybook love and found the strength to stand on my own and not settle. And finally through the Twiworld I found that special someone who I always believed either did not exist or surely I did not deserve. ME! In sum, I came into my own this past year and Spank, a character created for The League, ultimately became a slightly exaggerated representation of the person hiding inside of me for so long. And it has felt so good to let her be free.

A year ago I was re-reading the Twilight Saga again and again. What started as an obsession turned into being a part of a community where I have made so many great friends, many of whom I've met in real life, some of which will be lifelong friends. I have had a great time, laughed so much I cried, and loved so much it hurt. I'm proud of what we've done this past year in Twilight-Headed and the connections we've made. I wouldn't trade this year for anything.

A year ago I was thoroughly infatuated with Twilight, although I had no idea why. (Come on, it's a book about chaste vampires. I mean, really? *grin*) Like many many stay-at-home-moms I longed to discuss something other than diapers and formula. When I found the girls who later became the League, I found something other than laughs. I found that you can connect on a very real level with people who don't live anywhere near you. I found that there is a whole world of people out there who appreciate my sense of humor. I found that I was not the only person completely devastated by Stephenie Meyer's refusal to complete Midnight Sun. But, most importantly, I found an outlet for a passion that I'd thought I had lost: writing. So, while I may not be curing cancer or saving the world, I get to create new ones in my head and share them with you. I wouldn't have had the courage to do that without this blog, these girls who stand beside me, and you - our readers. So thank you. It's been one hell of a year.

A year ago I had read the Twilight saga straight through twice, and was starting on my third time. I will not reveal how many times I had seen the movie (because I lost count) but I was also keeping busy googling "Rob Pattinson" and "Twilight" on a daily basis. And then of course, forwarding what I'd found to all my Twi-hard friends. I have changed a lot in the past year in terms of my preferences (Go Team Kemmett!) and my view of Robsten (awwww). But, the thing I love best about Twilight has not changed - the community. I have loved being a part of this crazy Twi-obsessed world. I've made true, amazing friends in the process and I love meeting new friends based on our mutual obsessions. Basically, I've had a blast this past year with all things Twilight. I would not trade it for the world. Well, maybe for a night with both Rob Pattinson and Kellan Lutz...*thinking*... but probably not.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To all our friends and readers, we request the honor of your presence at Twilight-Headed tomorrow for a very special farewell message from The League.

Junior League: NewMoonward

Name: Bella Cullen
Superpower: the ability to self deprecate inordinately and not have Edward ask for a divorce

First of all, I want to thank you ladies for the opportunity to talk about something that has really been weighing on my mind. The League is part of my extended family, and I can't think of a better place to talk about this. I....went to see the new movie based on my relationship with Edward...or "saga," if you will. Morbid curiosity always gets the better of me...obviously. I was prepared to be absolutely devastated all over again, reliving the worst months of my life....October....November....December. What I wasn't prepared for...what nothing in all of my experience could possibly have prepared me for....is what they did to poor Edward's face in "New Moon."

Why, @HolyGod, WHY is he wearing crimson lipstick?? I thought it was bad in the first film, but it was like the makeup department went out of their way to make it look freshly applied in every scene. The more disturbing part? It seems to change with his mood. I like to think of him as "mood ring NewMoonward." In the beginning, the lipstick is nice and red because he's happy(?), and then turns into a more brooding crimson when he needs to leave...me. In a surprising turn, when Edward shows up under the clock tower in Volterra, the lipstick has been removed entirely and replaced with some sort of tan, ashy powder. Does depressed Edward lose all color in his lips? Is this the secret to reading Edward's mind, his feelings, because if so I could have used this tip like six years ago. Or is the makeup department trying to make me punch through the seat in front of me? Because I can actually do that. This was an extremely difficult period in my life, and then I have to sit and watch Edward depicted this way. Do they KNOW he's still around? He didn't die in Volterra. They could have visited us and maybe, I don't know, looked at him! Also, are they clear on the fact that he's a vampire? Truly? Because part of being a vampire is the fact that you NEVER CHANGE! Edward's hair never changes, his skin is always hard and cold, he always looks flawless, yet, somehow..someway..he's a disheveled hot mess with tan lips in Volterra? No amount of brooding can change his appearance--HE'S TRIED!! *shaking my head* Sorry, ladies, I got overemotional. I hope I could set the record straight a bit.

Your friend,
Bella Cullen




If Edward's lips change colors with his mood who wants to place a bet that Jasper is behind ever changing the crimson red lips...?







Think Alice makes Jasper change it so that his lips always match his outfit?







I thought it was because he hadn't eaten lately - like his lips were stained red normally because he drinks blood, and he hadn't eaten much due to his heartbreak. But, then his eyes would have been black... and they weren't. Yet another #fail for Suckmit!

And Bella, could you please tell us if the real Edward's chest is hairy? Or if his nipple is wonky? Because I put those things in the #fail category as well.




Oh yes, Rain! Edward's hairy chest is just one more reason why I'm Team Jacob.







Psst... Rain, quit trying to make sense of the poor makeup choices. These are the same people who approved the aforementioned wonky nipple.

Junior League: Vampengill

This week's Junior League Member is: @SweetLikeSandi

Superhero Name: Summer Eve

Superpower: The ability to spot subliminal product placement in a
Saga film adaptation.


Are our heart rates regulated enough at this point to draw attention away from the near-pubescent boy and his pack of waxed pecs? If so, I'd like to draw your attention to the most disturbing part of New Moon. There we were, enamored with Aro's maniacal laughter, awestruck by Felix's strength, trembling with fear as if we didn't know what would happen in the Court de Volturi, and the voice-over ran through my head. "Does Bella ever get that not-so-fresh feeling?" Enter Alice's vision of a newly-changed Bella...set somewhere in Amish country where it's acceptable to frolic with Edward in calico and khaki. Seriously? The Burger King product placement outside the Face Punch theater was enough. Are they trying to market the new line of feminine hygiene products? Once our TwiMom medicine cabinets are stocked with Vampax, will we all be rushing to the nearest Hot Topic
to find Vampengill?

Sincerely,

Summer Eve




Actually, I think it is in fact a subliminal message as well -- that Edward is a douche bag for leaving Bella in the woods.







Bwahahaha! Maybe Edward and Bella of the future have developed an open relationship. I'm guessing she'd need something along those lines after a weekend with Jacob. (Okay, so I read a LOT of fanfic.)






Maybe they're actually going to market a line of modesty clothing for the Mormons. It makes sense, you know.







What, isn't that what vampires do together? Frolic in the forest wearing clothes from a film being adapted from a Henry James novel? *rolls eyes* Let's be honest, if Bella was wearing the hot, skin-tight ice blue dress that we 'saw' in Breaking Dawn, and Edward wasn't dressed like a... well, a douche, then I think this scene might have worked. Or maybe not.

Junior League: Twitroversies

This week's Junior League Member is: Addy

Superpower: "The ability to make a Twilight reference out of literally anything."


First, I'm a huge fan and I want to say thanks for all you do to entertain me and everyone else on Twitter and your blog. Seriously...love you.

As I was walking to work this morning I started reflecting over the past six months or so and I thought it might be fun to explore all of the craziness the Twi-fandom has gone through over the past half year and potentially laugh at ourselves a bit. You know, basically a review of all of the stuff that divided us, united us, and generally helped us wait (very) impatiently for New Moon to get here. So I'm talking about things such as Victoriagate, the black Volvo controversy, KStew's hair massacre, the general David Slade fear/apprehension, the elevation of PFach to general all around Twitter Twi-God and patriarch, the day RPatz was almost mauled by rabid fans, and I could go on and on.

Thanks for making me giggle daily!!



I think ultimately what the past six months has shown us is that we've all completely lost our minds. *thinks for a moment* Oh if you'll excuse me, I need to go talk to Jasper on Twitter. It's amazing how technologically advanced vampires are these days! You can even talk to the Volturi on Twitter. *grabs her glass of Kool-Aid and walks away*




Yes, this past year has proven to us that we don't need to live in reality. Cause reality is not nearly as fun.







Good question Addy! It really is funny how seriously Twifans (myself included) have taken all the decisions to date by The Powers That Be. I can't speak for the others, but I can go through how my initial reactions have evolved into the way I feel now. For example, I remember being shocked that Summit chose to go with a different director. I was all "They can't do that! Catherine gave us ROB!" But now? I ♥ David Slade with big puffy hearts that burn with the intensity of a million suns. I mean, have you SEEN the CGI?? Guh. In fact, even Victoriagate has cooled in my mind. I was all set to hate Bryce Dallas Howard (even though I loved her in The Village) but then I've read really nice things about her in recent cast interviews. So the bottom line, for me? As long as the movie doesn't blow and they never replace Rob, I'm happy. Except for changing the Volvo. That's just moronic.




I'm still not over the Volvo. I mean, I'm starting to follow look at black Volvo SUVs and all, but it's just so not the same as the stupid, shiny SILVER Volvo. And, after seeing New Moon, I'm even more sad that they replaced Rachelle LeFevre because she rocked it. And she is gorgeous. #girlcrush

But, what I do love about all of this is how passionate we (and this includes all of Twi-dom) are about all things Twilight. Seriously, we are some crazy, obsessive, but truly loyal fans.




*mutters to self* "stupid, charcoal, shiny volvo" You're right. Doesn't quite have that same ring to it, does it?

Yeah Rachel rocked it... for someone who didn't have a single line in the movie and what... one line in Twilight? (wicked curve ball) I'm excited to see what Bryce can do with the role. Although if they NEEDED a new redhead I'm sure they could've gotten me to play the part for cheaper. What?




Hey, I'm not crazy! By the way... did you see that the guy that plays @Felix_Guard in New Moon has a Twitter account now? What a poser! *mixes another batch of Kool-Aid*

Junior League: Camp Twilight

This week's Junior League Member is: TwilJediKnight


Superpower: Luring ordinary women into Twilight obsessions through the use of gratuitous pictures of Rob Pattinson as Edward Cullen.



Do you think it was a conscious decision on the part of Chris Weitz to incorporate some cheesy, campy fun into New Moon to keep the continuity with Twilight? Because Chris Weitz just doesn't seem the type to do cheesy, campy fun on his own free will. He is like, a real director or something.


Which leads me to my second question: Didn't you feel, overall, that the actors felt better directed in this one? That they had real direction to work and seemed much better this time around with as opposed to Twilight where it was every man for themselves? Not hating on Catherine Hardwicke. But she is pretty laid back, one of the kids, do what ever as long as it has a blue aura. And I think that shows in both the overall mood and style of Twilight and the actors themselves.




I love cheese. Cheese makes everything better. Ok maybe not chocolate cake, but I digress. As far as the direction, I think Peter Facinelli said it best when he compared both movies, saying Twilight was done like an Independent Film, while New Moon was done like a box office hit. Plus Catherine Hardwicke has a case of severe ADD. Drove Mr. G nuts when he was working with her.




I personally loved the cheese bits, and since I now believe that Chris Weitz is a demi-god, I'm going to say he kept them in for continuity. And to give us something to talk about until June 30th, 2010. But I definitely feel the actor's performances were partly a result of better direction. They all seemed so much more comfortable in their roles - but that could be a result of them being more comfortable with each other? So maybe it is a combination of both.




Twilight was camp, especially when compared to New Moon. I think direction had a lot to do with it. I also think the actors are more comfortable with their characters. However, we have plenty of funnies to keep me going. I am already working "what a marshmallow" into daily conversation and who among us isn't going to think of flying pizza the next time we're at the mechanics?




Or how about Jessica Stanley's "My cousin had leprosy and it wasn't funny at all." Still trying to figure out how to work that one into conversations.






Well, seeing as how I JUST SAW NEW MOON and am still high on Cherry Coke and Edward, I have lots of thoughts about all of this. (Hey, Jr Leager, you asked. You have no one to blame for my outburst by yourself.) I'd like to make the following disclaimer: I adored New Moon. Seriously. It was wonderful. It was pretty, and sad, and hopeful, and suspenseful, and it had Edward in it. Are we good? 'K. Because you only TRULY mock the ones you love... *wink*

I'm with Rain. I think that the campiness was a purposeful inclusion on Weitz's part because I've decided that he can do no wrong. Except for allowing a blind wig-maker free reign on the set. But even that I'm going to forgive. What other POSSIBLE explanation is there for Alice's "Bella is a vampire" vision? It HAD to be camp. Unless she was envisioning 5,000 years in the future, during which time the machines had risen, been destroyed, and mankind reset itself without technology. In that case the fact that their clothes looked like they were hand-sewn prior to the industrial revolution would've been a statement about our reliance on technology. But without technology we wouldn't have movies and he wouldn't have a job. So, like I said: camp.

As for the humor, I LOVED the humor in this movie. I mean, Eric crying at Romeo and Juliet? Priceless. Virgin Airlines? Even more priceless. Although, sad. I mean, come on. They can give Jasper a wig that makes him look like he's been playing with forks near an electrical socket but they can't alter the script a teensy-weensy bit and have Bella hook up with Jacob for revenge-sex? Pfft.




*sets out on foot to find the wig-maker for New Moon to personally annihilate her for my having to defend the dishonor of Jasper's hair*

Junior League: New Moon Deal Breaker

This week's Junior League Member is: @secondglantz:

Superhero Name: Goddess of Grammar

Superpower: Ability to convert writers to the Oxford Comma, one sentence at a time.


November 20, 2009. The date I’ve been counting down to for 339 days. Conflicting emotions are raging through me as the date finally approaches: Will I be able to stop sobbing when Edward leaves me Bella? Will the wolf pack’s 8 packs turn me into the cougar I’ve been trying to deny? Will Dakota Fanning give me nightmares for the rest of my life? And which of my favorite scenes will KStewpid eff up?


One of my favorite interactions in the book is when Edward explains to Bella what his life was like without her. If when RPattz says that his “life was like a moonless night,” KStew responds by biting her bottom lip (which will undoubtedly be the hundredth time she’s bitten it in a five-minute period), I cannot be held accountable for my actions, which may or may not include running toward the screen with a pair of scissors and then going home to comfort myself with The Vamp hidden behind the ice cream.

So which scene from New Moon is sacred in your mind that you’re terrified the movie might desecrate?




I have always said that the key scene for me that they better not screw up is The Vote. Who among us doesn't want to see that all play out? I cannot wait for Edward to bellow at Bella, "No! No! NO! Are you insane? Have you utterly lost your mind?" The whole scene is a chess match ripe with fierce determination, gripping tension and even a little bit of emotional chaos. Oh, and the dog-hater in me also wants to see Edward say to Jacob, "I'm here until she orders me away" and Bella following that up with "Never!" Eat that, dog.




I really want to see Carlisle's philosophical side as he's stitching Bella up after the party. I think it not only underscores his role as the paternal force guiding their family, but it tells us why Edward feels so strongly. Hearing him say that he believes there is a God and that they retain their souls gives us (the viewers and Bella) license to imagine a "happily ever after." Which makes it all the more terrible when Edward leaves.




Oh that's right, Edward breaks Bella's heart. I guess it could be said that Edward is heartless.







I'd like to add spineless and brainless to that list. But now we're starting to sound like the Wizard of Oz...

I really want to see the part where Laurent almost kills Bella. Because then I can close my eyes and pretend the wolves never arrive, that he's successful in his quest and I'm there to comfort Jacob afterwards. *takes sip of the kool-aid*





Since I regularly skip New Moon, this is a hard question to answer... I can say what I don't want - and that is how incredibly LOOOOONG it takes Book Bella to figure out that Jake is a wolf. I'm hoping, based on the previews, that Movie Bella either figures it out quickly or just sees it happen and doesn't take FOREVER to understand what is glaringly obvious.




Yeah and I better they leave out the six pages worth of Bella thinking that she is dreaming when she sees Edward in her room after they get back from Italy. *rolls my eyes*






*glaring at Spank* I liked that part! *looking out at readers* So what part are you praying they won't mess up? What are you hoping they do? Tell us!