When we last heard from Robin, she was whistling at a 100 Monkeys concert.  Let’s see what happened next…

Alex Meraz, who plays Paul in New Moon

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Saturday was the big celebrity meet and greet at TwiCon, and my only chance to get a glimpse of anyone else starring in the upcoming sequel to twilight, new moon. Along with Jackson, Peter Facinelli (Carlisle), Kellan Lutz (Emmett), Alex Meraz (Paul), Billy Burke (Charlie), and Christian Serratos (Angela) attended the Con. As I said, I didn’t get a ticket to any of the signing/photo events, so I didn’t hold out a lot of hope.

Peter Facinelli, who plays Dr. Carlisle Cullen

The stories started filtering out from the sessions, though, and we all giggled hearing them. Ninapolitan, another fanfiction author, was greeted by Peter with a kiss on the cheek because she (as a devoted Carlisle fan) helped draw hundreds to follow him on twitter (ed note:  we helped with this, SLT fans!) – and he recognized her name! I don’t think she’s washed that cheek since, and I don’t blame her. Another friend, texbelle, did run into Peter on an elevator, and he didn’t even hesitate when she asked to take his picture. Very cool. Okay, I was getting jealous.

Christian Serratos, who plays Angela Webber

Confession time. I love Carlisle’s character from the books, and when I heard how much research Peter Facinelli did to get into the roll in the first movie, I was extremely impressed. He even did an interview in character (on the twilightMoms website if I’m remembering right), and I thought that was fantastic. Meeting him would have been great. But I didn’t go and hang out at the elevators, but another friend, vjgm, did see Kellan there, too. (She caught him again at the airport on Sunday. She’s just a Kellan magnet! No pics, though.)

Billy Burke, who plays Charlie Swan

I did manage to catch the last half of the Celebrity Q&A. Again, it was Peter who stole the show, explaining how he practiced for the scene where he stitched up Bella’s arm by sewing pieces of raw chicken together. He made us all laugh, but I’m sure it was part of his serious prep for the scene. From what Peter said, his stitchery didn’t impress Kristen.

Facinelli, blonded up for the role of Carlisle

My heart goes out to Alex Meraz. When he fielded a question, he was greeted by screams of “take off your shirt!” The poor guy turned red – I’m sure he’s got nothing to be embarrassed about, but he’s an actor, not a pin-up. Peter made him a deal – if Alex took off his shirt, Peter would take off his shoes – and Alex got even redder. Welcome to the world of twilight, Alex! Thankfully the questions went on, and Alex remained fully clothed (darn it).

Werewolves, including Alex Meraz

The panel became the Jackson and Peter show. They bantered about how, to prep for the scene where Jasper viciously attacks Bella, Jackson had asked Peter for advice. Peter taught him the “birthday technique.”

“Just imagine it’s your birthday and no one knows,” Jackson explained. “Now, add another layer. Imagine it’s your birthday and everyone knows, but isn’t doing anything.” We’re all laughing by now at the faces he’s making – this clearly was a long-running joke. “Now, add another layer. Imagine that it’s your birthday, everyone knows, and they’re giving your cake to her [Bella].”

When I watch the trailer now, all I can hear is Jackson explaining how he’s mad that Bella’s getting his cake, and it cracks me up. By the way – the fact that the scene happens to have a cake in it, is purely coincidence, which makes it an even funnier story.

Rathbone as Jasper

Toward the end of the question period, Kellan (who I wish I’d heard more from) threw a paper airplane out into the audience. Of course that was followed by a round of screaming as the lucky girl caught what I heard was a drawing of a teddy bear. I assume it was signed, too. But this initiated kind of an airplane war up on the stage. Both Billy and Christian made their own airplanes, but theirs didn’t fly past the security barricades and received a concerted “Aw” from the audience.

Peter (did I mention that he’s my fave?) then stood up with his own paper airplane high over his shoulder. Instead of throwing it, he jumped off the stage and ran through the crowd to the very back and handed it to a girl in the back row! And didn’t get mobbed! By the time he ran back up to the front, he was panting and making promises to get into the gym, but no one could hear him by then over the roar of the crowd.

Peter fielded a question about comparing Carlisle to a new roll he’s playing: Coop on Nurse Jackie. The only commonality between the characters is that they are doctors. I don’t remember all the details, but Coop could only be Carlisle’s evil brother – you can check out a bit of the pilot for Nurse Jackie HERE.

Facinelli as Dr. Cooper on Nurse Jackie

The Q&A ended after that, and the cast headed into the gauntlet that was the autograph session. I headed back to my hotel…I can only imagine how exhausted they were when their day finally ended. The lines were long – the last I heard there were still people in line waiting…and the Con ended Sunday. No, it wasn’t quite that bad, but I know it went on for hours and hours.

The Q&A was the highlight of the weekend for me. Seeing the actors come out and give it all for the fans was excellent. I was already planning to be at the midnight showing of new moon on November 20^th, but if I go again on the 21^st, it’ll be because of Peter and Jackson.

And yes, I screamed when Peter ran toward me down the aisle. OMG! HE WAS ONLY 30 FEET AWAY!!!!

But don’t tell anyone, kay?

Robin