Welcome to the a Special Episode (Episode 040) of the Once Upon a Time Fan Podcast First Thoughts about “We Are Both”. This is a podcast dedicated to the hit ABC TV show, Once Upon a Time.
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The podcast is hosted by Jeff and Colleen Roney, a married couple from Orange County, CA.
The goal of the episode is for us to give our first thoughts, warts and all, so here it is.
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Work is getting crazy for us
Ima’s trip report from Steveston
Photo credit goes to @imafreebish
Once Upon a September Day
by Marissa @shortndsweet15
cont’d
My sister and I then headed to Bloomingdales, where that day the store was unveiling their OUAT window display. Furthermore, the savior herself, Jennifer Morrison, was going to be doing an autograph/picture session for fans! My sister and I made the walk to the famous shopping center (funny enough, we walked down the exact same street that a certain yet to be identified stranger would walk just days later in OUAT’s Season 2 opener!) When we arrived at Bloomingdales, I was completely mesmerized by the absolutely beautiful windows showcasing my favorite show. There were 6 windows total, each celebrating a different part of the show that fans around the world have come to love so dearly. The windows included one featuring Emma battling the dragon, another dedicated to the town of Storybrooke, one with Snow and Charming and the iconic glass coffin, another featuring Rumplestilstkin and Belle, and of course one featuring The Queen. The detail in each of the windows was incredible, and I could have easily just stood there for hours admiring them. I hope the display will remain for a while so that as many fans as possible can see it.
When we got inside we hung out for a while with many other fans who had come to see Jen. Right next to the area where Jen would soon come out there, was a display featuring Bloomingdales new OUAT-inspired clothing line. They had Emma’s famous leather jackets in both red and brown, a beautiful white dress inspired by Snow’s wedding gown, and a black/gold evening dress, no doubt a tribute to Regina. After a while, the staff lined us up in anticipation of Jen’s arrival. Entitled “Happy Ever After Hour”, we were served lemonade, sparking water, apple martinis if desired, and some tasty hors d’oeuvres. It was definitely a lot fancier than I was expecting! Tons of photographers and members of the press were surrounding the table where Jen was to do the signing, and before long, she came out to a thunderous applause from the store crowd. The cameras flashed away and Jen then did a quick interview, which for us was out of ear shot because we were right behind her. It was really exciting being surrounded by so many fans, and you could just feel the energy in the room, and with the premiere just 3 days away, everyone’s excitement was at an all time high. Then one by one, each person got to meet the famous Storybrooke Sherriff. It was really nice because each fan got the chance to meet and talk briefly with her. When it was my turn I got a big smile and a wonderful hug. This was my first time really being able to speak with her; I told her that OUAT had truly changed my life, and that I had gotten the chance to see some filming in Vancouver, and how it just made me have even greater love and respect for the cast and crew. She was so lovely and seemed so appreciative, and said she was so excited for me and everyone to see Season 2. She signed my poster, we took a quick picture and then said our goodbyes. My sister then followed and we sadly had to rush out of the store to catch our train home.
It was definitely a most magical Once Upon A Time day! I will be forever grateful for the getting the incredible opportunities that I did. I have been so lucky in so many ways ever since Once Upon A Time came into my life, and I am beyond blessed. The show, and the wonderful people that bring it to life have truly showed me the fairytales can come true!
Once Upon A September Day
By Marissa @shortndsweet15
Last Thursday, my sister Nina and I had an amazing Once Upon A Time filled day. It started out as hoping to be able to see Lana’s guest appearance in “LIVE with Kelly and Michael”, but never could I have imagined the magical experience it would turn out to be.
We had to get to LIVE quite early (5 AM to be exact), because we didn’t have tickets and had to wait in the standby line. It wasn’t a guarantee, but we wanted to give ourselves our best chance. And when it comes to Lana, I’m always looking to support her in any way I can. Thankfully we got into the show! The wonderful Sara Ramirez from Grey’s Anatomy was first and then Lana came on with huge cheers from the crowd! Absolutely beautiful as always, it was so fun to see her talk about some of her favorite things about being home, and what’s in store for Regina in Season 2, including how we’re going to see a more vulnerable side to her this season. They then showed the sneak peek involving the mob scene at Regina’s house. During the whole clip, which I of course had watched endless times, I instead watched Lana as she watched the scene herself. It was so entertaining to see her watch herself on the screen. She had these priceless facial expressions, especially after Regina says “You wanted to see your Queen?”, where she had this amazing Cheshire Cat-like grin. Even in those quick moments it was so easy to see just how much she loves what she does, how much fun she has with this character, and how absolutely excited she was for others to see the magic that Season 2 was going to be. I can only imagine how incredible it would be to watch a full episode of Once Upon A Time with Lana, a thrill I can only imagine 🙂
Following LIVE, my sister and I left the studio and walked down the street. Lana was to film her guest appearance on “The Chew” that same day, and it was only that morning that I found out that the studios for “The Chew” and LIVE were right next to each other. Because we were in the audience for LIVE we couldn’t try to see Lana (as many others did) as she arrived at the studio. So we were hoping that maybe we’d be able to catch her as she went in for “The Chew”, which was to start fairly soon. While my sister and I were standing outside, Michael Symon came out briefly. I was completely caught off guard when he came out, and he looked distracted so I didn’t say anything. But my sister and I must have made some impression on him because he would mention to Lana on “The Chew” about the shaking Evil Regals that were outside! Apparently I wasn’t as composed as I thought I was! I’m also glad that at 24 I still look about 16-18 😉 Shortly after Michael walked back in, a car pulled up and who walks out but Lana herself! She immediately saw me and gave me such a huge smile and wave. She had several people with her, including her niece, and she was being escorted into the studio, but being the incredibly sweet person she is, she immediately asked them if she had a few free moments. Even though I had seen this in Los Angeles at Paley Fest, and again in Vancouver while filming, her willingness to take any time she had to spare and spend it with fans once again blew me away. It’s one of the many things that I love so much about her, and one of the countless reasons why I have such tremendous respect for her. She truly loves her fans with all her heart and she is so appreciative of the (well-deserved) love that she’s received especially since OUAT began. Furthermore, my sister is a big fan of Lana’s and had never met her before so I was thrilled for her to finally get that chance . Lana talked with us for a few wonderful minutes, and was as sweet and as kind as ever. She then had to be rushed into the studio, but not before turning around and asking us if we’d be there afterwards. I was once again floored by how much she wants to see her fans and how she wants to spend time with them. The two of us grabbed some lunch and returned to the studio. We were joined this time by two other excited Evil Regals hoping to see Lana. Lana soon came out and talked with us for a little bit. She said how filming “The Chew” was so much fun and that we all would love it. One important person who was missing was my Evil Regal Sister Paige, and while I talked to Lana, my sister got Paige on the phone and Lana was sweet enough to talk to her and say hello…I was so happy that worked out 🙂 Lana then took the time to take a quick picture with us, give me an amazing love-filled hug, and then had to get on with her very busy day. She gave me another huge smile as she got in the car. I was so incredibly grateful for the moments my sister and I had with her, moments that’ll last a lifetime. With grateful hearts, Nina and I ventured on to the next part of our day.
Keep checking back for Part 2
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