A few precious moments linger in one’s life, the still frames that define us, or perhaps, define a portion of us previously out of focus. These moments, sometimes, are experiences one might expect: birth of a child, diploma day, loss of virginity, a first fiction sale. Sometimes the experiences come later in life, unexpectedly sweet.
Yes, my friends, I have experienced my first con.
Granted, Balticon hasn’t the turnout of a Worldcon: yes, this much I concede, but when friends gather and such guests present — Charles Stross, Kurt Miller, Scott Sigler, and the ever elusive, Edgar Allan Poe — well, numbers in attendance don’t seem to matter so much.
With Stephen Segal as my guide to Conning 101, we set up a Weird Tales table then made our rounds. Sadly, my search for Poe proved useless, but I did have the opportunity to meet and hear a lovely reading by Hugo recipient, Catherine Asaro, the work, her newest release, Diamond Star. I made new friends, among them, Donna Lynch and Steve Archer from whom I bought two Lovecraftian oils and an Ego Likeness CD, The Order of the Reptile. I can only describe both mediums as hauntingly sultry with a kickass beat. Particularly delicious for me was the purchase of my first Steampunk hat, a tasty accessory I’ve been lusting over for quite some time now.
Walking the halls and dealer rooms, I enjoyed disembodied women with clockwork abdomens. I giggled at crocheted aliens, listened to Samurai Chewbacca playing bass to Dune: The Rock Opera. Truly, I was amongst the geek “eclectica,” and all I could think as I traversed the crowd was, Honey, I’m home.
After Chinese and sushi with Sean Wallace, Stephen and I finished the evening with the Masquerade Extravaganza, a mix of novice and master crafters strutting their wears, emceed by Marty Gear — a founding president of the International Costumers’ Guild and director/MC of Balticon since 1979.
Yes, I am indeed hooked and looking forward to Readercon in Burlington, Massachusetts this July. Happy conning, and see you at Readercon.
1 • Cat Rambo said:
May 26th, 2009 at 2:42 pm, permalink
Glad you enjoyed the con!
2 • Rae Bryant said:
May 26th, 2009 at 5:08 pm, permalink
Yep, I’m hooked! Of course, I had a fantastic group with whom to share my first experience.
3 • Rae Bryant said:
May 26th, 2009 at 5:19 pm, permalink
I wish I could remember the name of the hat crafter, alas . . .
Ego Likeness Official Site: http://www.egolikeness.com/
Steve Archer’s Blasphemous Horrors are running at Weird Tales: http://www.weirdtales.net/
4 • Jonathan Rock said:
May 26th, 2009 at 5:19 pm, permalink
I know how you feel Rae. My first Con was ConFusion in January. It was a positive experience all the way around (aside from an unfortunate bethonged spanking I witnessed) and I got to meet Cat and Wayne!
5 • Rae Bryant said:
May 26th, 2009 at 5:23 pm, permalink
Whew! I’m not sure I want to ask about the “bethonged spanking,” though it sounds like a good story.
6 • Rochita said:
May 27th, 2009 at 4:01 am, permalink
I loved reading this account, Rae. My first con is in the planning (for next year). I’ve decided it will be Wiscon 2010
I know, I know…it sounds like a long way off. Looks like you had a lot of fun.
7 • Rae Bryant said:
May 27th, 2009 at 8:49 am, permalink
Thanks, Rochita. Yes, I wanted to make it to Wiscon this year, but alas . . . I’ll definitely need to make it up next year if you’re going to be there.