At last! The Borders Picspam of Ungodly Wonderfulness! Cue epic soundtrack now.

Just kidding. The following is a play-by-play of my birthday festivities and the art show, and I'm so pleased to share this with you guys, since you've all sort of been a part of the preparations. Although my tendonitis slowed down my artwork, I'm still going to finish the canon art winners because Borders has invited me back to display at the midnight release party. Now, who's comin'? :D

In any case, on with the picspam! :D Major thank-yous to kirleyfries for being an amazing event photographer!

( Mah Birfday! )

First off, my apologies for not having written this uber Thank-You sooner. My family just let town today and from the moment I bid them goodbye, it was off to pick up the confetti and cake and get back into the swing of things before I go back to work. Luckily, I had some time during the wee hours to do some perusal of the flist and... well, here's what I really think.

This weekend proved that I'm the luckiest person I know. Seriously, I'm not sure there are words apt to express just how much your encouragement, your birthday comments, your gifts and cards and LJ posts have touched me so deeply. This weekend was the culmination of a LOT of work - to say I was a barrel of nerves is the understatement of the year - and to have my own cheering squad on and off the flist just seals the deal for me. I am so utterly blessed to have you in my life. Yes, you.

More specific? Okay. (And seriously, click on those links. I've never cried so many happy tears.)

For my lovely livejournal profile gifts, thank you penny_sieve and hpmomma!

For this beautiful background that I now have on my laptop, thank you ahewlett!

For an absolutely INCREDIBLE rendering of Snape's Worst Memory, thank you wolfenm! (*wishes she had a DeviantArt account so she could comment*)

For the Ron/Hermione NC-17 story, "So Very Lost", so zomgawesome it'll make your toes curl, thank you lunalovepotter! (Part Two\Part Three)

For the PG Ron/Hermione story/art collaboration that made me weep like a child - and no, I'm not kidding, I was bawling - thank you, shocolate and reallycorking!

For the wonderful basket of chocolate goodies (the gift that keeps on givin'!), thank you madeof_stars, and thank you, belladonna_tb for your beautiful card (again - total waterworks)!

For her absolutely heartrending depiction in words of Ginny and Harry after Dumbledore's death, thank you lyras!

ETA: For this hilarious R/Hr comic strip, thank you cambryn!

For your posts, comments, and overall wonderfulness, thank yous and hugs to the following: [UPDATED]
( FLIST LOVE. )

Lastly, and certainly not least, I want to thank the following people for attending the event at Borders and reaffirming for me once again how absolutely wonderful and kind LiveJournalers are in real life (I only wish I'd had more time to spend with you guys!):

bennmorland (extra thanks for 1632, which I can't wait to read!), belladonna803 (ZOMG you gave me a chocolate bar called Sirius. That makes you awesome.), nutnatz (you are coming over to my place and we are SO watching "Thunderpants", r_becca (Dude, you're coming too. I'm leaving you in charge of salsa for the Tostitos), jocap (your children have clearly inherited your sweetness and brilliance, Joann!), and paetonsrider (we're going to draw together! AHHHHH!)

And EXTRA EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS:

To pennswoods who journeyed from Philadelphia, dressed up as Luna Lovegood, and shared her infectious enthusiasm for Harry Potter with everyone around her and added exponentially to everyone's fun and excitement. Also, she is gifting to me a Trevor shirt. Again. No words. Shannon, you are incredible, and among all the things you contributed this Saturday, you reminded me that my art means something to people, even if it's only fanart. I can't thank you enough for that.

Finally, to cauldroncakebkr, I'm not sure if there is a way for me to describe my astonishment and gratitude for your friendship let alone the magnificent cakes you so generously gifted to Borders and to us. I feel I hardly deserve it - you are among the most giving people I have ever known in my life. It goes without saying that your cakes were as delicious as they were beautiful, but more significant to me is how much love you put into creating them. I share in your sons' worship and admiration of what you create, and I must add that your boys are so sweet that it must surely be a testament to the noble character and brilliant spirit of their wonderful mom. Thank you so much for being my friend.

And to almond_joyz, I hope you had a wonderful birthday as well!

Pictures and more recap to come! :D