I was looking forward to this convention with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
Everybody assured me I would do fine including my father who called the night before with a pep talk and sharing his experience in giving speeches I was still a nervous wreck
Don't laugh
While I rushed through the prep, packing all my props and outfits, setting out food and entertainment for the cat during my absence
Didnt really notice that I had left
While I was in transit and getting my hair fixed thought raged in my mind
"What do I say?" "What to do?"
"People watching me I feel like I'm back in high school forensics"
Yes silly I know....
So I arrived on the scene at Holiday Inn and got a glimpse of the amazing costumes
And gadgets
and got more nervous
So I decided to take tea time in the parlor. And even the delicious nibbles and robust peach tea did nothing to soothe my nerves
"I might be sitting on a panel with some of these people...How do I even measure up?"
Well the staff and my fellow panelists put my fears to rest. Even praising my work which was unexpected. I met the leader of the Meetup group I'm associated with. We had met briefly hi and bye at DragonCon parade but after getting to know him, we became fast friends.
He along with my fellow panelists boosted my confidence and reassured me. The audience warmed to me and I even gained more fans. Though only two panels, this experience is making think I can do this. And I'm ready for more!
Yep Con Season that period of time beginning in February (late January for some) stretching throughout the year peaking May - September where geeks, gamers, fans and cosplayers wake from hibernation, stretch, and start that rush to the fabric stores and hobby shops or put those finishing touches on costumes they've been working on since end of last Con season. Where we start marking on calendars our respective conventions of choice so we can plan our lives and day jobs accordingly.
Sound like you?
Well I know that's me. Especially now. I've coined a new phrase : Project Lockdown
Where I literally lock myself in my house to work on my costuming projects from Friday to Sunday evening with breaks in between for all necessary functions including rest. Taking this a bit seriously aren't I?
This is what my weekends have consisted of, that and going to the store for more materials- I call those supply runs. Trips to get something to eat are called food runs....
Yeah I know silly?
So here is pretty much a rough list of the cons on my dance card. AnachroCon 14 Feb 14 ConTemporal 27 Jun 14 MomoCon 23 May 14 DragonCon 28 Aug 14 AWA Atlanta 28 Sept 14 I'm either going to be adding or subtracting from this as the year wears on some more definite than others but for now I got my hands full trying to plan for these. Start your engines!
