A year ago, a good friend of mine introduced me to the novel, ‘Gabriel’s Inferno’. It was originally written as a fan fiction, but recently it had been updated and published. The book is set at the university in Toronto. As I was headed there to visit my friend in a month, I thought it was perfect timing for me to read ‘Gabriel’s Inferno’. The love affair between the brilliant, handsome, yet dark Professor Gabriel Emerson and his sweet, innocent student, Julia Mitchell held my attention from beginning to end. I finished reading the novel on the plane to Toronto. During my visit, it was great fun to take the ‘Gabriel’s Inferno’ tour to see all the different sites. The sequel to ‘Gabriel’s Inferno’ is to be released soon. We recently caught up with its charming author, Sylvain Reynard and gained insight into both his writing process and his novels.

Questions:

1. When did your passion for the written word begin? Did you write as a child or start as an adult?

Allow me to begin by thanking you for the invitation to join you and the readers of the Pattinson Post. I’m glad to be with you. I wrote as a child, but somehow stopped when I became an adult. “Gabriel’s Inferno” is my first novel.

2. The professor has such a fascination with Dante and his love, Beatrice. Was this something you were fascinated with prior to writing this book?

I’ve been interested in the story of Dante and Beatrice for a while. You can’t visit the city of Florence without encountering their history. I’ve always wondered what Beatrice’s view of Dante was, since we hear very little from her in his writings. If readers are interested in their love story, they can find it in “La Vita Nuova,” which can be read here: http://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/Italian/TheNewLife.htm.

3. When I was in Toronto, a friend of mine gave me a tour of the key places in your book. It was great fun seeing the sites where the professor and his love spent their days. Have you gotten feedback from your readers that they have done the ‘tour’?

Several readers have written to me saying they’ve taken the same tour. Of course, the city changes constantly and so some of the places have changed, but the Royal Ontario Museum is a constant. It will always welcome friends of the Professor.

4. You have music that accompanies your story on your website. What drew you to the music you listed?

I’m drawn to the melody and lyrics. Sometimes, I’m drawn to the rhythm. In all cases, it’s about expressing the mood of a scene and perhaps offering insight beyond what is expressed on the page. I’m a fan of Mozart, Diana Krall, Dave Matthews and Matthew Barber, and so their music is well represented in the soundtrack.

5. Your second book in the series comes out soon. Will that book complete the story?

Yes. There’s always the possibility of more, but I think the sequel ends at an appropriate place. We’ll be revealing parts of the cover on Tuesdays over the next few weeks. Another, larger teaser will be released soon, as well.

In the meantime, I can offer the prologue…

“Florence 1290

His beloved Beatrice was gone.”

6. Do you have other writings in the works?

Heather Huffman and I have been talking about writing a romantic comedy together and donating the royalties to charity. I hope that this will be my next project. (Heather is the author of Throwaway and is an anti-human trafficking activist.)

Readers’ Questions:

@Krystih asks: How do you juggle writing and editing with your other responsibilities?

I try to write every day. I carry a notebook with me in case I need to jot down an idea or a piece of dialogue. But balancing writing with work and other responsibilities is challenging and on some days, I don’t have time to write. On those occasions, when I have a minute to myself, I’m usually thinking about a story.

@debb24601 asks: What is your writing routine like? Do you have any quirks or superstitions? And, how do you combat writer’s block?

I write on my computer in a quiet space. I don’t listen to music or background noise, because I need to hear the words in my head. (The voices are friendly).

My goal is to get the words out on the computer screen, even if it’s rough. Then I spend the majority of my time revising.
Writer’s block is tricky. Sometimes I’ve beaten writer’s block by switching to another chapter or project. Sometimes I need to do something else and return to writing when the Muse is more cooperative. She’s a fickle mistress
.
Our final question for Mr. Reynard – You regularly support many charities. How do you choose the charities you support?

And thank you, especially for asking about my work with charities. I’m glad to have the opportunity to speak about it.

I’ve been involved in various charitable fundraisers in the past and I also use my Twitter account to highlight the charities I support, in an effort to use social media for good. Some of the charities, such as Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep or WorldVision, are organizations I’ve supported for some time. Others, such as Not For Sale or Project Liberty, are charities I’ve recently begun supporting.

In general, I favour charities that fund causes related to the abolition of human trafficking, cancer research, the homeless, the eradication of child poverty, and micro enterprise in the developing world. I try to support a combination of domestic and international organizations.

When it comes to charity, it isn’t about the money. Charities need volunteers and goods and services as much as they need monetary donations. I’ve been blessed to have a readership made up of people who are generous with their time and their money, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to draw awareness to their good work, as well, and to encourage others to join them.

Mr. Reynard has been releasing Teaser Tuesday pieces of the book cover for the sequel. We have included a piece of the cover for you.

You can view the other teasers and learn more about his book, charities and characters at http://www.sylvainreynard.com/.

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We met a lot of the cast at the cocktail party for Water for Elephants put on by the lovely ladies who ran the WFE fansite (@H20forElephants).

We had a chance to meet author Sara Gruen, who signed posters and charmed the guests at the cocktail party. When she heard that fans had been waiting in line in the rain for hours to get a bracelet to catch a glimpse of Robert Pattinson on the Red Carpet, she went outside herself and talked to the fans and signed autographs.

The next day, we watched Rob patiently move through more than a block of screaming women, signing and posing with his devoted fans. We had a blast covering the party and the movie Premiere on our website and through our social media.The next day watched and then, met Rob at The Today Show (photo courtesy of The Today Show).

Since then, we have made many friends throughout the fandom. We have interviewed a wide range of actors, authors, musicians and artists and covered countless events (Toronto Cosmopolis road trip, Comic-Con 2011, 100 Monkeys concert, Twi-Tour Boston) for the Pattinson Post, most recently the Red Carpet for the Breaking Dawn Part 1- Los Angeles Premiere.

Really, this past year would not have been possible without the help of a lot of people. So, we’d like to thank the following people who have made this first year a great success. With great excitement and anticipation, we look forward to the next year!

Thank you to our founders @SabrinaInc and @AppEditorJen – for their ideas and continued hard work!

Thank you to @HoboHope and @Twisted_TF for their relentless behind the scenes and location help!

A gorgeous photography thank you to @gwphoto38 and @DanCutronaPhoto for the beautiful photos this past year!

Funny, giggly hugs and thanks to our wonderful team @Bostongirl1212 and @Krystih with thanks to @creationsjules for the gorgeous banner!

Thanks for your behind the scenes help @TracyC25 , @stephanie37S , @Stefter and @hisconcubine

A musical thank you to these talented musicians @sleepingatlast @LeeMacDougall @imperialmammoth and @100MonkeysMusic for great interviews!

Thank you for the fabulous interviews @MarlaneBarnes @JanelleFro @AyannaBerkshire and @nathanfuja !

Looking forward to next years interviews coming up soon with @ToniTrucks @sylvainreynard @samueltwitt1 and @GuriWeinberg !

Thank you to the awesome Rob , KStewart and Kellan Lutz blogs who have been fabulous affiliates! And, the great Twilight sites for support!

Thank you @TwilightCougar1 for your amazing graphic design help!!

Big beautiful thank you to @socalmom2four and @MelbieToast for their lovely work.

A Canadian thank you to @Stefter @debb24601 @Call_Me_Jammers @Suziekew @sandyel for your awesome hospitality & mad road adventures!

A fun adventure thank you to @H2OforElephants and @cosmopolisfilm for the support and good times!

A hearty thank you to @twi_tour and @Twilightish for the opportunity to cover the Boston convention!

Thank you @17foreverlisa for her fabulous photos and insights into @Comic_Con 2011!

Thanks to @adawnn1 , @_yay_ and @E_L_James for their book reviews and writing inspiration!

Thank you @larry411 @courtjustice @FashionOffice @altfilmguide for your insights and tweet chats!

The last and most important thank you goes to our funny, gorgeous, talented muse -Robert Pattinson!

Here’s to another year of fun, friendships and covering Rob Pattinson in all of his endeavors.

I think Bostongirl and I were both in a state of shock. We watched the trailer on a continuous loop for nearly half an hour just trying to make sure we really saw what we thought we just saw. Of course, as usual, we were attached at the bluetooth while we were watching this and I swear the entire conversation was filled with nothing but gasps and a slew of…

“Did she just… Was he really… Did you see… Did he just… Was that a… Oh my god was he… Did he really…Whoa…!”

After our extended repeat viewing, we still didn’t have the answers to any of our questions. We needed more. We needed screen caps and gifs. Patiently, we waited for them to hit internet. Ok, that’s a lie. We’re never patient when Rob’s involved.

When they finally arrived and we had the entire trailer spread out before us, in a lovely arrangement of Eric Packer snippets, broken down frame by frame, we could really inspect, dissect, and get a true picture of what was before us. But even with thousands of still frames confirming what we were seeing, we were still sort of in a state of denial. Each still frame was even more outrageous than the last.

There were gunshouts, and limo sex, and urinating, and rats, OH MY!

This, this is good! Shirtless Rob is always a win.

Bostongirl: I think I need a wider screen shot of this… and moved down… a little… to the right, just sayin’.

Krysti: Wider? Why? Oh… OH!! Yes, down and to the right. Yep, that would be a nice angle.

But then things started to get crazy. There was a bar, a gunshot through the hand, some crazy limo sex and then this… what the hell is this?

Bostongirl: Well, THERE’s something I never thought I’d see Rob doing.

Krysti: There are a lot of things I’ve imagined him doing with that in his hand, peeing in a limo isn’t one of them.

Bostongirl: I wonder if he peed on the floor of the limo before or after they had sex in it.

Krysti: Ewww!

This wasn’t in the trailer but I had to put this in because this makes me see that he definitely is “… playing one of those masters-of-the-universe types”.

Bostongirl: When I look at this, I can totally see Fifty and Mrs Robinson.

Krysti: Oh yeah, Fifty with the crisp white dress shirt, those smoldering eyes and that naughty smirk… wait, did you say Mrs. Robinson? Oh, I didn’t even notice there was a woman in this picture. I have a Rob track mind.

Krysti: There are two things in this world that truly scare me, rats and Rob getting a bad haircut. This scene was the cause of my real life nightmare… The Comic Con Hair Debacle of 2011.

Bostongirl: I know this movie’s not supposed to be a tear-jerker but I think I better bring box of tissues. This scene alone is going to have Krysti in tears.

Krysti: I think you’re right. Just seeing this picture is making me want to cry.

And if all of that doesn’t entice you to see this movie, this definitely should. What better way to get people to the theater than to put Rob’s beautiful face on the movie poster. Lookin’ good, Mr. Pattinson! Lookin’ very good!

Honestly Rob, we can’t wait to see this movie. We’re sure it’s going to be very sexy, totally outrageous and even a little scary but don’t worry, not even rats and bad haircuts could keep us away. We’d never miss one of your movies. Just like always, we’ll be first in line on opening night. We fell madly in love with Edward, you’re the ONLY Jacob we could ever adore, and we can’t wait to hop in a limo and take this crazy ride with Eric.

Honestly,
The Devoted Duo

*All photos courtesy of www.cosmopolisfilm.com!

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Were you familiar with the Twilight series before you got the part? How was it for you, as an actor, to come into the last movie of the Twilight series?

I actually was not! I’m always the last person to know about things in pop culture. But, before I auditioned, I read synopses on fan sites and watched the first two movies to get to know the world. When I was actually cast, I was floored. I mean, it’s such a huge franchise and the fan base is so involved that I did worry at first that I wouldn’t be what everyone was hoping for! But, then you just have to trust the production team and yourself and do your best.

What was it like working with the director, Bill Condon on Breaking Dawn?

Bill is a very sweet, intelligent, and considerate man. He was great to work with, because I really felt like he was invested in everyone’s experience and input on the film. He created a collaborative environment on set, which was great considering how many of us were new to the franchise. I also loved the direction that he took Part One, so I am very excited to see Part Two!

What can you tell us about the Irish coven vampires, especially your character Maggie?

The Irish coven has seen and experienced a lot. Literature speaks to the Irish as a people who have a huge history of enduring and suffering oppression. They are also big on family, so I chose that Maggie had once come from a big family. Even though she doesn’t remember a lot of it, she has a lasting impression that it is something worth fighting for. So, I felt very strongly that she would be committed to helping the Cullen’s stay together and be very suspicious of any peace offering from the Volturi. I also felt that she was newer to being a vampire than Siobahn and Liam. They had seen and been through even more as a pair. The Irish coven is definitely a brave and resolute group – they do what they came to do and then they make their exit!

Your blog has some fun information on your design work – is that another direction you see your career going toward?

I see design as more of a hobby for me right now, because it’s something I do to relax and I wouldn’t want it to feel like work. Plus, beyond my own little home-improvement projects, it’s hard to find time to commit to another art form regularly enough to do it justice. But now that you ask though, I have had a little dream of fixing up and reselling some of the great Craftsman style houses in east LA – with the help of a professional of course.

Did you start your social media account as part of the Breaking Dawn promotion or have you been doing social media for a while? Do you like social media as a tool to reach your audience?

I actually got my name on Twitter a few years ago, before Summit released the info I had never really used it much. Now, it’s such an easy and personal way to connect with everyone- I have really embraced it. But, I am still learning about what makes a good tweet!

Did you enjoy the Red Carpet experience for Breaking Dawn Part 1?

I did! Because it was my first red carpet, I was anxious about everything coming together. I was amazed at the number of choices I had to make. Once I was there, I felt an instant connection with the fans and especially the interviewers who were from fan sites. A couple of them were even from the very first fan sites I had looked at to learn about the series, like Twilight Lexicon. I got to have my own little “Oh hey, you guys are great!” moment.

What are your upcoming projects?

I have an independent feature shooting this summer called “Stuff It”. It’s a horror-comedy about a boy named Wally who begins to taxidermy an entire town, because he thinks his dead father wants him to. I play his fiancée, Mattie, who has big dreams of her own and has no idea what is going on! I am actually also working on a young adult supernatural historical fiction book of my own, based on a play I wrote in graduate school. It’s about a girl in 5th century Ireland. The fact that I was cast as an Irish vampire after having already spent a lot of time learning about the culture was pretty amazing! Not to mention that my boyfriend’s family is from Eniskillen, Ireland. I think Ireland and I are not finished yet!

Did you have a chance to work with Rob Pattinson during filming? What were your impressions of him?

We all spent a lot of time around one another for this shoot. Both onset and off I really got the impression that he is a very sweet, earnest guy who has a lot of interests. He also wants everyone to have a good time! He and Kristen both made it a point to go to the crew wrap party in Baton Rouge, for all the locals who wouldn’t be moving on to Vancouver. I think that says a lot about their team spirit and gratitude for all the work that goes on behind the scenes. I was really glad to have met both of them.

We saw some of your tweets about saving shelter animals. Can you tell us a bit more about that?

When I realized the plight of companion animals in most county shelters, I had to help. Some of them live in terrible and lonely conditions where even puppies and kittens are killed, after the state mandated holding period of only three days. I got involved with an animal rescue organization called The Lange Foundation here in LA. I am now fostering a dog named India for Big Dawgs Little Kitties Rescue out of San Diego. She will be up for private adoption soon! For those who would like to learn more about these important issues, you can go to www.nathanwinograd.com.

Red carpet photography produced by Sabrina Inc for the Pattinson Post. Photo copyright Dan Cutrona 2011, All Rights Reserved.

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Pattinson Post: What is your background in art? Did you grow up doing art as a child or come to it as an adult?

Nathan Fuja: My mother was an artist and she taught me to paint as a child. It was a wonderful experience to see the world in a different way at such a young age. I worked with watercolor and pencil at the beginning, now work with acrylics and pens.

PP: How do you choose your subjects? In particular your celebrity subjects, what drew you to Kristen Stewart and Natalie Wood?

NF: I choose subjects that move me. If they have a compelling story or their body of work speaks to me, than I am drawn to them. Kristen Stewart was a combination of her beauty, her choice of roles and how she is able to breathe life into a character and make it her own. It’s more than acting, it’s becoming and when someone is able to do that it ignites something in me. Natalie Wood is a part of a film royalty with her roles in Miracle on 34th Street, Rebel Without A Cause and West Side Story.

PP: On your website it talks about your screen printing being a fairly new medium for you? What other mediums do you enjoy expressing yourself with?

NF: It is (a new medium for me), before I would paint something and that would be the end of it. Being able to make multiples of something that I love and I want to share is wonderful. Screen printing allows me to do this and for the result to be handmade and just as great as the original. I’m addicted to photography, always looking for moments to capture.

PP: Social media has been a great place for you to share your work- do you use Facebook and Twitter?

NF: I mainly use Twitter, it’s more interactive and people are more open and to the point. Twitter is a butterfly and Facebook is a bird, both can take your message out into the world. The bird might be able to go further, but the butterfly does it more playfully.

PP: Have you been able to show your work in galleries near you or is it largely via the web at this point?

NF: Just the web for now, eventually I want to show in a gallery if a gallery would have me.

PP: You mentioned you are doing a portrait of Rob. How did you decide on a photo and what is your process like when developing it?

NF: It’s just something I feel, it’s hard to explain other than that. As for the process, I will look at it for a few days or weeks until I see how I want it to be. Then, I get out my brushes and get busy!

PP: You shared on twitter that you had a dream about the Rob and Kristen prints holding hands? Can you tell us anymore about that?

NF: The screen prints were next to each other on the wall. They reached their arms from the paper and held hands. No words were spoken; it was simple, beautiful and elegant.

PP: When will you have the Rob print done?

NF: The Rob painting is done, but it hasn’t been made into a screen print yet. There are actually two versions- one that compliments the Kristen print…the other is hard to describe.

We will tweet and Facebook when Nathan has his Rob print ready. In the meantime, you can keep updated on Nathan through his social media.

Website: www.nathanfuja.com
Twitter: @nathanfuja
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nathanfuja (profile- not a page!)

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This weekend, Lee begins his third tour in the United States. He will be traveling the country with both private and public shows.  It is no surprise to us that Lee is finding a steady growth in crowds and sales. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening with him. Here’s our interview with Lee from February 28, 2011. Following the interview, you’ll find follow-up questions that Lee answered for us before he started his tour at SXSW this week.

What are your impressions of the United States so far?

This is my first trip musically- I’ve always loved the US. I came here a lot as a kid. Once I started performing, it became my intention to perform in the US. It’s very clean and everyone’s so friendly.  (Lee had only been to NYC and Cambridge at this point).

Are there any American foods or lagers you can’t wait to try?

I heard the clam chowder in Boston was supposed to be excellent, so I’m going to try to have that.  I pretty much will try any American beer that will fit in my mouth.

What bands influenced you when you were younger and learning how to play your guitar ?

When I was a teenager, I really got into Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. Then, Tom Petty and his great storytelling ability appealed to me. And of course, the Beatles; my dad was heavily into the Beatles, and also, Alice Cooper and David Bowie. Who your parents listen to effects who you’re listening to.

What lead to your decision to study music at the University?

I actually studied music engineering. I couldn’t study music composition, because I don’t read music. I’m self-taught. I was hoping I could study the engineering and then, sneak into the recording studio to record. I was able to do that and I used those songs to get me down to London.

You had a fascinating start as a member in a heavy metal band. That is a far cry from your current style? What was that about?

I was in this band and we were invited as guests (to China) and headlined a musical festival. It was great with all the people there and with 50 million people watching on television. But, nobody buys music in China so we made no money. But, we were famous there! (laughing) I left the band when I was 20 years old and trying to find my feet. I was really into lyrics and when you’re in a heavy rock band the lyrics get lost behind the drums and guitars. I just started playing open mic night at pubs. The reaction I was getting doing that was better than the response I was getting with the (heavy metal) band. With the band, there are too many cooks in the kitchen and it spoils the broth.  I like the freedom to be my own boss. When you’re singing by yourself, you are able to connect with people in the audience. I can cry my eyes out when my girlfriend dumps me and gain sympathy. My mum groans and wonders why I’m sharing all that. (chuckling) When I write, I don’t like to make things up. I write observational songs and songs about real things happening to me or to my friends. I like to have a message in what I’m doing.

You released some of your songs on your MySpace page. What effect has social media had on your career?

I released my music on MySpace without expectations. It was received very well. Facebook and Twitter have gone really well. I haven’t had an official release, so all of my attention has been through word of mouth. It’s so real. You can’t make people like you, but if they do through these then it’s real. Tweets speak directly to you. There are so many rules that come with the record deals. There is a great freedom to be able to tweet with friends or fans. In New York City, people would say, “Oh, you tweeted me two months ago” and I’d remember that interaction. I hope (it progresses to the point that) if I get the big label behind me then, the sky’s the limit.

Questions submitted by Lee MacDougall’s fans:

What is your favorite song to play at gigs?

I really like doing ‘Falling in Love for the Last Time’. I just really like singing that one.  Then, there’s a new song called, “Hindsight” that I’m really enjoying performing.

What musician would you love to collaborate with?

I don’t really have any male singers I want to sing with, but if I could do a duet with a female singer, Laura Marling. I’d really enjoy that.

What singer influences you the most now?

I really like a guy named Paolo Nutini. He’s an acoustic guitar player and I really enjoy his stuff.

What’s the craziest thing a fan has ever done?

I was given an iPod filled with music for my birthday. Then, once I had a fan wearing a t-shirt of my face that said, “I Am Lee MacDougall” and that was pretty strange. I also got a harmonica given to me which was great, because I wanted one.

You have a song called ‘How to Be’ that is the same name as the movie Robert Pattinson starred in. How did writing ‘How to Be’ come about?

I was speaking to my friend, Rob and he’d just been through an audition for a movie. He was telling me about the movie and telling me about this guy (his character) who was a complete loser and a failure. He wants to be a good musician, but he was rubbish. Rob thought the character was quite funny. I thought he seemed like a cool character. The film starts with the guy in a queue at a job center and ends with a guy in a queue at the job center; most of the actors and musicians in London are similar to that. I told him I was going to write the theme to the movie. I spent two days on my bed writing this song- I initially had a bit of writer’s block, but then it came to me. I took it back and played it to him and his family in his kitchen. I gave him the CD and said to play it to the producer and director. Then, Rob came back and told me that they had already picked out the soundtrack for it, but that it was a really good song. I thought to myself- ‘not to worry’, so I kept it and started playing it and it’s worked out really well. It’s not supposed to be about me, but everyone always assumes it’s about me. And, I think…. really?! Am I that much of a loser? (laughing)

We caught up with Lee this past weekend and he graciously answered a few follow-up questions for us.

This is your third tour in the US in just over a year. Do you approach your tours any differently now that you’ve had the experience of performing here?

I don’t really approach the tours differently.. I guess I am just better prepared now as how to survive on the road. I mean, Denny’s every day is not a good idea- haha. I have learned to pace myself now.

What is the one venue that you have not performed at that you’re looking forward to on this trip?

I have played most venues before, but I have quite a lot of private events that are new that I am really excited about. They are always a lot of fun and a great way to get to meet everyone that has been so supportive of my career so far.

Is there a favorite US venue for you?

The Bitter End in New York has a really special atmosphere and so, too does the Hotel Cafe in LA. And, SxSW is going to be awesome again!

Do you have a new cd coming out with this tour?

I released two 10-track CDs last year, “If Walls Could Talk” and “For a Few Tales More”, which is 20 songs and quite a lot to put out in one year. So I decided to leave it a little while before promoting another new release. This tour I’m pushing t-shirts and homemade guitar string bracelets- haha!

We highly recommend you go see Lee MacDougall when he comes to a venue near you. Here again is his list of tour dates- Lee MacDougall Tour Dates

Photography produced by Sabrina Inc for the Pattinson Post. All photography copyright Dan Cutrona 2011, All Rights Reserved.

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1. They do not have a release plan yet for how far and wide the theatrical release will be.

2. They do not have Canadian distribution rights to Bel Ami, but are assuming that somebody will pick those up.

3. Bel Ami is definitely going VOD first on May 4th, before the June 8th theatrical release.

Stay tuned for updates as we get them on the exciting U.S. release of Bel Ami.

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A few days later, our photographer Dan Cutrona captured these gorgeous photos of Kellan at the LA premiere of ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1’. Here are some of our favorite shots of Kellan.We are releasing and sharing these with our affiliate site, KellanLutzOnline. Enjoy!

Photography produced by Sabrina Inc for the Pattinson Post. All photography copyright Dan Cutrona 2011, All Rights Reserved.

The word retrograde means to “back up”. While the planets do not actually back up, it does bring a time when issues in our lives function on a different time frame.

An example of a retrograde planet is easy to visualize. Two trains might pass each other, both traveling in the same direction, and one moving much faster than the other one. The train moving more slowly will appear to back up, but it’s just an optical illusion. The train does not back up, but it certainly does appear to do so. The planets do not back up either out in the heavens, but the effects of their “backward or retrograde” time brings very interesting effects into our lives.

When planets are retrograde their usual energies are not as powerful in our lives, but we can use the energies of the retrograde planets to go within, and create a vision. Then, when the planet turns direct, we are ready to move ahead, with a well thought out plan of action.

As Mars will be in the sign of Virgo during the entire retrograde period, we may find ourselves being far too analytical, criticizing everything and anything. While we won’t want to miss any little detail during this time, we also don’t want to drive ourselves or anyone else around us into a frenzy of perfection. The message here is to lighten up, make your plans, and then, wait with as much peace and dignity as you can…it will pass!

When a retrograde planet turns direct, it releases the energy and we are able to finally move forward. When the retrograde planet returns to the point where it went retrograde, it activates that point, degree and sign, and we are sure to see something manifest depending on what degree and sign it is in, and other detailed aspects that it might make to your natal chart. This is a good time to call your professional Astrologer, as it is very complicated this year, and we want to get the best, and the most from the ups and downs of the retrograde and direct times.

On February 7th, 2012, Saturn turned retrograde at 29 degrees of Libra, and then turns direct on June 25th, 2012, at 22 degrees of Libra. As Saturn rules lessons in life and 29 degrees is what we call a “critical degree”, (critical degree: 29 degrees of any sign),  it is a highly important time when we need to focus upon the energies of the planet which it rules.

As Saturn is in the sign of Libra, ruled by Venus, issues ruled by Venus will be noticed. This means that love, creativity of all varieties, and money are at a very high point of importance to us- far more so than at other times. You should come out of this time with a new and deeper understanding of love and money in your life. If you know where any of these retrograde or direct times happen in your transit chart, you are sure to use these times with greater wisdom.

On March 12th, 2012, Mercury turns retrograde at 6 degrees of Aries and remains there until April 4th, 2012 when it turns direct at 23 degrees of Pisces. As Mercury rules our thoughts and ideas, we will all start this time period with a very powerful mindset. As Aries is a fire sign and rules entrepreneurial venture, use this time to launch something new, and adventuresome.

Take advantage of all of these dates, write them down on your calendars and put your ideas into motion at these times. With Mercury in Pisces, our minds turn to spiritual communications, meditation, creativity, music, art, and dream work. Ask that your psychic abilities be heightened, and then stay tuned. And, as they say, be careful what you wish for this year- as it will arrive.

One of the best ways to use the energies of these times is to find a professional Astrologer, see where these retrograde or direct points fall in your chart, and make a plan for the year ahead based on ancient wisdom. With this kind of rich information supporting your life plan you simply can’t go wrong.

Venus turns retrograde on May 15, 2012 and returns to direct motion once again on June 27, 2012.  As Venus rules those things we hold nearest and dearest to our hearts, (love, money, music, art, etc.) we can’t help but notice its effects.  Venus rules the sign of Libra and Taurus, so these Sun signs will feel it most of all. The signs that oppose (Aries and Scorpio) and square Libra and Taurus may also notice stressful effects. (Note: Rob’s Sun sign is Taurus- this retrograde occurs two days after his birthday!) Mars turns retrograde every three years for approximately 60 to 71 days, while Venus stays in retrograde motion for 29 to 44 days. The time of retrograding depends on how far the planets are from our home, the Earth.

Neptune turns retrograde on June 4th at 3 degrees of Pisces, and remains retrograde until November 11, 2012, when it returns to direct motion once again at zero degrees Pisces. As Neptune rules spirituality, and the highest forms of art, music and psychic connections, it will be an amazing time to take classes and learn some way to make a connection to a higher source. Or perhaps, you could learn to paint, dance (Pisces rules the feet), write, or even write down your dreams in a journal.

Whatever you do with this energy, turn your head upward, and speak to “God” in whatever sense you have, as this will allow you a new and divine, inspired connection. This is an auspicious time to create your vision board, and watch it manifest.. What will it be for you personally? Open your mind to new horizons, and ask for manifestation. This should be an amazing year, with all of us surprised by its outcome, especially if we do our work.

For more information from Whitney visit her website: www.visionsbywhitney.com or email her at visionsbywhitney@aol.com.

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