Birthday wish list

So my birthday is coming up a little later this week, and my family has been asking what’s on my wish list.  In order to help them out, as well as anyone who might feel inclined to give me stuff, I thought I’d post it here on my blog.  Some of the stuff might be reaching a bit, but what the heck, might as well throw it out there.

Item One: Signed First Edition Hardcover Copy of Legend by David Gemmell

This is the ultimate gift of all time for me.  It is my life’s goal to obtain a signed copy of Legend, which is made all the more difficult by the fact that David Gemmell passed away in 2006.  He is, by far, my favorite fantasy author, and this book is my favorite of everything he’s written.

I don’t expect to fulfill this life ambition on this particular birthday, but in the unlikely chance that it lies within your power to help me obtain a copy, know that I will be your slave for life in exchange for this priceless gift.  Literally.  With chains and everything (or caramel topping and whipped cream, if that’s your preference).

Item Two: Göttmann Dress Cap

Specifically, the Dallas-2 design pictured here.  I have no idea how or where you’d get it, but that’s what I want–specifically from Göttmann Caps and Hats, in Germany.  I’ve got a similar cap right now and it’s pretty spiffy, but it’s from Ross so the quality is pretty cheap.  I need an authentic writerly cap like this to give me x2 pretentiousness and +5 charisma.

Item Three: Kant Stop The Music T-Shirt

This one’s a little pricey for a T-shirt, but I absolutely love the design.  What better way to combine your love of music with your love of 19th century philosophy?

Item Four: Beginnings, Middles, and Ends by Nancy Kress

Nancy Kress is one of my favorite people to listen to at a con, and I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book.  If you want to get me a book on writing, this would probably be the best one (or, alternately, either of Orson Scott Card’s books: Character and Viewpoint or How To Write Science Fiction & Fantasy).

Item Five: Anything by Hiyao Miyazaki

You simply can’t go wrong with this awesome Japanese director.  I already own Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Castle in the Sky.  Even though it was done by Miyazaki’s son, I wouldn’t mind a copy of Tales of Earthsea either. 

Item Six: Interstella 5555

My favorite anime ever!  Now out on Blu-Ray!

Item Seven: Mirage: the Remixes by Armin Van Buuren

Recently, I’ve really gotten into trance & progressive music, and Armin Van Buuren is one of my favorite artists.  I skip lunch each week just so I can listen to his radio show, A State of Trance.  His latest album, Mirage, is really good, and so I’d like to pick up a copy sometime of the remixes.  Alternately, you could get me the Imagine remixes album, or anything by Cerf, Mitiska, & Jaren.

So that’s pretty much my wish list.  Of course, if for some reason you’re not in a position to get me any of this awesome swag, I’ll take a gift card or a sweater or a homemade whatever <grumble>.  But if you do get me a gift card, please make it an Amazon gift card, so I can buy more books and music.  And if it is within your power to get me a signed hardcover first edition copy of Legend…let’s just say, I’m only partially joking about the slave thing.