What I learned at Convention 2005

This year the Convention was a much needed break from reality. My offline existence has been plagued with drama and as a result, I almost didn't attend the convention at all. I was looking forward to seeing friends once again and making new friends, but the drama was weighing me down. I wasn't certain I would be able to put it behind me and enjoy myself this year. Determined to try, I put on a happy face and headed for Pennsylvania.

The drive was uneventful until I was close to the hotel, then two serious wrecks tied up the roadway, slowing down my progress. I wasn't annoyed, instead the delay helped me to focus on the blessings in my life. The people in the overturned van were hurt badly. The roof collapsed when the van flipped and the emergency services personnel were working quickly to pry the metal away from the occupants. I said a prayer as I passed the accident and continued my journey.

The second wreck was only ten miles past the first. A tractor trailer jackknifed, blocking the roadway in the opposite direction. A combination of nosy motorists and construction slowed the traffic to a crawl so I had time to observe the people waiting for the wreck to be cleared. Most were out of their cars, some irritated, others patient. One man was sitting on the hood of his pickup truck playing a guitar. A small audience gathered around him, swaying and clapping to the music.

Further up the highway, two little girls hooked hands and spun in circles. Their parents sat in lawn chairs next to the car watching the girls burn off some excess energy. The laughter of the children carried on the wind to my car, bringing a smile to my face. It amazes me how some people are able to cope with adversity. It was hot out, yet this family was making the best of the situation. That inspired me to make the most of the convention. I knew I'd be surrounded by friends, some close enough to be considered family. I vowed to enjoy the time with them.

I arrived at the hotel in high spirits. I walked in the front door, hoping to avoid my friends until I had a chance to use the restroom. My bladder was screaming for attention and it couldn't take the hugging and jumping I knew was coming! I tried to check in, but was told the room wasn't ready so I used the hotel facilities and then dragged my suitcase back to the car.

Back in the hotel, I took a deep breath and headed for the Convention Lounge. I was nervous. I'm always shy in large groups, even when I know everyone in attendance. Adding just one person I don't know into the mix can render me speechless. Peeking into the room, I was happy to identify several people I knew. This put me at ease and I jumped into the Convention with both feet from that point forward.

I learned a lot this year at the Convention. Not only about myself, but others as well. I learned that one of my close friends, Beyond the Cloud9 can sing like an angel. I knew she could sing, but I had no idea how well. Her lyrics, full of love for her daughter, brought tears to my eyes. She was accompanied by Zoo - Salted and Roasted on the guitar. He played like a professional, picking the chords to not only Sherri's song, but some of his own. These weren't the only people who challenged themselves during Open Mic night. There were a lot of talented folks braving the bright lights on stage to deliver an evening of entertainment.

Prior to the convention, I was dreading Open Mic Night. Due to a brief moment of insanity, I was scheduled to read a poem to the audience. I am terrified of speaking in front of a group, much less reading something I wrote. The last two conventions found me in the audience, clapping and cheering for those on stage. This year, in a moment of stupidity, I challenged the man behind the website to write an advertisement about tushie toning and read it in front of the Convention attendees. He in turn challenged me to write a love poem to myself and read it at Open Mic Night. I would have refused, but this was for a good cause, raising 500,000 gps for RAOK. After speeding through my poem and bungling my part in The ScaryMaster 's advertisement, I was able to settle in and enjoy the rest of the performances.

The formal masquerade ball also offered many opportunities for learning. I was amazed at the talent and creativity exhibited during this event. Many attendees brought homemade masks and rented costumes for the night. I didn't go all out, knowing I didn't have the time or patience to work on a mask! I bought one for the night, but left it at home so I was forced to bid against elizm446 for one of the masks made by The StoryWitchress . Both were beautiful, but I wanted the gold and black mask. It matched my black dress and I knew Mia would look better in red anyhow! The bidding war was fun and both of us were able to wear a unique creation for the night.

For the first time in a while, I felt attractive. My dress fit perfectly, contouring to my curvy figure. My mask was made by a talented hand and suited me. I was complimented on my appearance and for once, I didn't dismiss the compliments as false flattery. I drank, I ate, I danced, and I flirted. That evening I learned to be free again. I learned how to live in the moment, savoring every drop of happiness.

The convention didn't end there, but I wish it had. Saying goodbye to my friends the next day was hard. We laughed and teased, but behind the smiles there was a growing sense of sadness. We would never have this moment again. Soon we would travel to our own corners of the world. We would be back in our daily lives, dealing with the problems at work and home. Yet something had changed. We would log onto Writing.Com and give each other virtual hugs as always, but this time we could picture the expression of the person behind the keyboard.

I learned many lessons in this all-to-brief weekend. I learned online friends are able to sense when you need a hug, even offline. I learned to live in the moment, because it's really all you have. I learned that if I challenge myself, I could fail, but then again, I might not. I cherish the friendships made and renewed at Convention 2005 and hope to be able to do it all over again in 2006. I hope to see you there.



Note: It's been suggested I link the poem I read to the Convention attendees so readers don't have to dig through my port to find it. For all interested, here it is: "Love Ballad"  [ASR].