I know many of you had been waiting for a story from me about my experience of having dinner with Paul Wesley and Torrey DeVitto. I’ve been reluctant on posting something for the mere fact that the dinner itself was an intimate dinner and setting and much of the conversation, I felt, was personal. So with respect to the other winner Michelle, Paul and Torrey, I chose not to write a detailed account of the evening.

What I can say is that I had the experience of a lifetime. Those 3 hours with Paul and Torrey were incredible. We had fantastic conversations, an incredible meal, drank some wine and saw a budding friendship blossom.

It was especially a treat getting to see Paul and Torrey the following week in Chicago for the TVD Creation Entertainment Convention. The little nod and wave from the stage from Paul during his panel and the massive bear hug from Torrey during our Meet and Great made it feel like I was meeting up with old friends.

Today I’m pleased to announce that Global Roots has launched their new contest for next year already and it’s going to be a hell of a party! With a donation of $250 (100% going to Global Roots and if you are in the US, it is tax deductible), you could be the lucky winner (just like I was this year) and go to ITALY to enjoy a dinner and conference with Global Roots.

How cool is that?

Now let me just quote something from Global Roots‘s website to tell you a bit about who they are and what they do. I’m sure you’ll find this impressive:

Millions of abandoned children face the same problem: emotional neglect + hunger = vulnerability. Vulnerability + exploitation = angry children who completely lose the ability to love or be loved FOREVER.

Global Roots has found a solution: we work with local humanitarians in distressed places to create “children’s gardens” — havens of tranquility where traumatized children can learn, heal and feel love.

A Children’s Garden, however, isn’t just about vegetables. Our gardens and chicken egg farms eventually blossom into vocational schools, medical clinics and foster centers. In East Africa, we have seen that families once too poor to take in an abandoned child suddenly do so if the child arrives with vegetables, eggs and a solar array (see below).

Global Roots is a “human-based” charity. No community leader has ever turned us away (we are one of the few western aid outfits currently active in both Gaza and Afghanistan) because we bring aid to children in the name of humanity – not politics or religion. We never talk God or Peace – we only SHOW love.

Please help us protect our planet’s most important asset: its children.

You can donate to Global Roots via paypal, which is the safest, most secure way to donate online. You will find a paypal button on their website, which is right here: Global Roots.

You can find more details about the Italy contest right here at Paul & Torrey’s Corner.

I’ve committed to continuing my own work with Global Roots, not just because of Paul and Torrey but because I firmly believe in their cause. Anyone who knows me knows that I love animals but I also have a very soft spot for children. I am from a military family so the devastation in other countries was certainly brought to my attention from a Father and Brother who have served with the Canadian Forces overseas. The things they witnessed in other countries are things no child should ever have to face. And Global Roots is working hard to ensure that these children have a safe haven and a place to call their own. Someplace to feel safe and loved.

I hope you’ll join with me in supporting Global Roots and their endeavor to bring a little bit of sunshine in some of the world’s darkest corners for children and their families.

I’ve finally gotten a hold of HQ episode stills of Do Not Go Gentle, Before Sunset and The Departed and they are now all in the gallery! Enjoy!

We all had an outrageously entertaining weekend at the 2012 The Vampire Diaries Convention in Chicago and we’re happy to announce we’re on the way back to this wonderful city on April 6 and 7, 2013 and you are invited to join the non-stop fun!

The big news is our three already booked superstar celebrities: Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley! Our stars will be joined by additional guests to be named as we move forward: expect a spectacular line-up of celebrities and special events, it is going to be a time to remember forever!

Today we have put on sale the top of the line, most upscale way to attend the entire convention: the Gold Weekend Packages. They include lots of amazing benefits including a special exclusive panel with Ian and Paul on stage together and in-person autographs from Ian, Paul, and Nina as well. And, of course, admittance to our famous Decade Dance, Cocktail Party and Centerpiece Contest. This party was a smash hit in 2012!

The Gold Weekend Tickets for the 2012 show were an early sell-out so don’t miss out… the earlier you reserve the better seat you can select!

read more at creationlists.com

Do NOT watch this UNLESS you want to know what happens in tonight’s episode! There are massive, major, crazy spoilers in this video!