Tent City Warriors Part 1 - Say Goodbye to Reality and Proudly Wave the Twilight Freak Flag

If you think I told many people that I know in “real life” about my plan to live in a tent for a week crammed into the center plaza of a downtown LA entertainment complex with hundreds of other people just for the privilege of watching some young actors (whom I may or may not actually get to talk to) walk into a theater to see the premiere of a movie about vampire and werewolves (that I may or may not actually get in to see), well, then you would be wrong. I made all sorts of vague excuses to friends and clients as I packed up my Sharpies, Poptarts, and Edward blanket and escaped reality with my little gang of 14 warriors.

Camping out for the premiere was both an exhausting emotional roller coaster and an exhilaratingly awesome celebration with friends of all things Twilight. True, there were a few dark times that I passionately wanted to hurt someone, but I still consider it to be one of the best weeks ever. Once we got past the ridiculously unfair wristband distribution process (believe me, Summit heads should roll for that) and finally settled into our cozy little campsite, life was good. We were very bummed, though, that part of our group got separated from us in the wristband inquisition and we weren’t able to camp right next to each other.

Twi-daughter Megan, Twifixx, TwiloveSue, Twi-daughter Nicole, 17foreverLisa (yes, that really is my tent with the Edward sheet draped over it. Don’t judge.)

Because the premiere was scheduled on one of the two weekends per year it actually rained in Southern California, they built huge tents over the three Tent City camping areas for us.

Home Sweet Home (I spy Twi-daughter Nicole, do you?)

Over the course of our time camping, there were surprise visits from 12 cast members and other people associated with the movie. Every single one of them was very friendly and gracious, taking time to meet and thank us for our support of the movies.

Tinsel Korey with TwiloveSue

… and with Twi-daughter Nicole

On the first night of camping, Kellan Lutz brought 40 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts to hand out to fans, but the Nokia Center security wouldn’t let him because they said it was some sort of a food violation. They must have feared that either he was going to try to poison us or the crowd would be overcome by a sugar rush and attack.

I think ZAnyMouse looks awfully comfortable here, don't you?

Kellan was making such a funny face in this picture with Twifixx and Twi-daughter Megan that I had to include it.

Doesn't our gang look cozy? Each night we got to watch a different Twilight movie on the Nokia Center screen. It was hilarious listening to all the comments people were shouting out, but I could have done without the drunk hockey hecklers when the game got out at the Staples Center. I'm sure most of us have watched the movies more times than we'd ever admit even to each other, but believe me, the cafeteria walk and parking lot strut on the big screen never get old.

17foreverLisa with the lost portion of our posse: Bethth1, Mama_Cougar, TatooMickey, and Papa_Cougar

Kiowa Gordon showed up late at night to play a little acoustic music with his band, but we were so tired after being up for over 24 hours that we slept right through it (even though he was apparently right next to our tent for a little while). I'd like to think, though, that I would have sensed Rob's presence and awoken even from a coma.


The absolute coolest surprise was when Stephenie Meyer showed up to pass out autographed books and pose for pictures. She took her time to personally give a book to each person and thank them for being there. It meant so much to me to be able to thank her for the great impact she’s had on my life.

TwiloveSue and Wyck Godfrey

On the second night, we were treated to a concert by six bands from the Breaking Dawn soundtrack and emceed by Charlie Bewley. Charlie is one of those people who have personality plus and he was very entertaining, as always.




I don’t know why I think this picture of Charlie pretending to hang himself is so funny. There’s just so much wrong here.

You know the rule, every post ends with an awesome picture of Rob to send us merrily along our way with a smile on our faces and a song in our hearts.

TwiloveSue XOXO