Finally! My thoughts on BronyCon 2014.

Hello, everyone. I know I said I would have this out several months ago and I'm sorry it wasn't done sooner. Life has been throwing things at me since I returned and it's taken a while to get re-motivated. But, better late than never, I hope.

First of all I just want to say 'Thank You' to everyone. I'm sure there won't be many who will remember me from BronyCon but I just wanted to say how very much you all contributed to me having the best time I've ever had anywhere! I was very worried for many weeks before that I might not be welcome or accepted at this event. I really wanted to get to know this fandom and the people that are a part of it. I just hoped they would give me a chance and not think of me as odd or creepy. It was refreshing for me to find that everything I had heard and read about our fandom was true...and even better than I had hoped! I was genuinely and warmly welcomed into the 'herd'; I have never felt so accepted and appreciated in all my life, especially by folks I didn't even know. I was speechless and so filled with emotion by such a warm and passionate welcome. It began with the staff and was continued with every soul I met. I was simply moved to tears of happiness! It was, without a doubt, the best three days I've had in years. And it was because of the people, our fandom. Thank you all, once again!

I also had the distinct pleasure of meeting a FimFiction author Not So Subtle, whom I will give a shameless plug here......read his story! He is a terrific person and a superb writer. We had arranged to meet during the con at one of the panels and afterward spent several hours just talking about his story and many subjects besides. I very much enjoyed our conversations over the next three days (hope I didn't bore you, by the way!) as well as enjoying his company. A special thanks to you Subtle, for just being awesome! You are a true friend!

The first day was actually the afternoon before the con started. I arrived at BWI and took the light rail straight to the convention center and checked in.....wow, so many folks with great costumes! But what impressed me most and continued to show it self throughout the con was how enthusiastic and polite everyone was! Everyone I met was just so nice and so happy. It certainly was contagious has I was still smiling three days after I returned home! I went to bed that night wondering how much better it could be. Just being accepted was more than I really hoped for and the staff and everyone I talked to really made me feel comfortable with being there. I determined that the first day would be great.

First day- started out great even though I almost missed the opening ceremony, thanks to a slow bus. But the enthusiasm of the previous day hadn't waned as I entered and was once more embraced by Pony love! I had decided to attend the panel ' Surviving your first con'. It was very informative and a little surprising. I guess I had forgotten how in the rush to do and experience so much that attendees might actually forget to eat, sleep or wash! It never occurred to me that there was so much to see and do in so short a time that I might forget these basic things! I did forget to eat one afternoon, though! The information on where basic services and how to find the staff was very helpful and much appreciated. The gentlemen conducting the panel were very prepared and funny, too. A very worthwhile panel even for someone of my age and experience.
The next panel was ' The Ponies Court'.....OMG this was soooo funny and very well acted! Princess Twilight was presiding over three cases brought before her for judgment. The audience was asked to participate as well at various points in the hearings. Each of the cosplayers performed magnificently and played the characters to a 'T'! Twilight was my particular favorite and I was able to speak to her and a couple of others afterward. Very nice folks and a well done production!
The third panel of the day was 'Friendship is Manly'. This was a very well thought out discussion on how the fandom is perceived as sometimes less than manly due to others perceptions of our actions and interests as fans of Friendship Is Magic. Many of the situations and comments I had encountered were mentioned during the discussion. The main idea I came away with was that it is very difficult at times to be open about being a brony, but we are here for each other and we all have a great set of values. We also support not only each other but so many good causes and the ideas of acceptance and tolerance. Perhaps it isn't we who have a problem, after all. Not So Subtle met at this panel as well and shared many of the same laughs and perceptions during the panel. He and I talked for at least three hours afterward until he made his way to join the other authors at the Salt Block. As I said before, he is a wonderful and patient person. He is also a great friend whom I'm looking forward to seeing again at the 2015 BronyCon.
I then went to the meet and greet with Michael Morones and Grayson. After reading about these two young men, I really wanted to met them. When I first heard about Michael and his family I was so angry about what had happened. I was impressed with both Michael's progress and how much he seemed to be aware of everyone and everything going on. He seems like such a nice kid. He and his family are real heroes in my humble opinion. I couldn't do what any of them has done. Grayson was also just so positive. He walked right up to me and introduced himself in a more grownup fashion than some adults I know. He was just so upbeat and positive. It was just hard to imagine way anyone would have bullied these two wonderful guys. I continue to admire them and wish them the best of everything in life. They deserve it!

The final panel of the day was 'A Brony Tale'. This was a great discussion from someone who had no idea what our fandom was about and was open-minded enough to learn bout us. I was fortunate to briefly met Mr. Brent Hodge and have enjoyed watching his film several times. I t is a part of my collection and will always be treasured. I also had the privilege to met Dusty Kat that evening as well and he was kind enough to sign an autograph for me although he was exhausted from his trip. I enjoyed hearing both of them discuss their part in making this film during the panel and it was terrific meeting them both. Our fandom seems to attract some wonderful people!

That was my first day....sorry I wrote so much! I'll continue tomorrow with the next two days. I have to work tomorrow and my bed is calling me. Hope I wasn't too wordy.