I Hugged a Plum, and I Think I Liked It - BronyCon 2017 · 3:03am Aug 15th, 2017
But first…
Hello new folks. I expect most of you were lured into this oubliette by the RCL’s feature of “Ten Seconds”, but regardless of the circumstances, I’d like to thank you for the vote of confidence. As those who’ve hung around these parts will attest, this is the place where I ramble on various topics, which may or may not be of interest to sane people. This one should be a bit pony relevant, as it is about my time at BronyCon 2017.
The first time I went to BronyCon was in 2015 which I documented in this old blog. To summarize, I left the convention with ambivalent feelings, the me-not-you excuse, and indeed, that was and has remained true. Overweight, anxious, and in pain, it wasn't easy to enjoy much of anything, yet alone do it in an environment where I wasn't sure I fit in, one where I didn’t feel like I could fit in. So I was left with little desire to go back, spend a bunch of time and money and not really enjoy it. The decision to not go in 2016 was easy because schedule conflict and preparing for the hip replacement: I talk about that a bit over here.
Before I could get the hip replaced and make a successful recovery, I had to lose weight, a lot of it, something difficult to do at my age even if I could engage in strenuous workouts, which wasn't possible or safe. Running and weightlifting were right out, bicycling was painful, and swimming difficult to fit into my schedule. Depression intensifies, inappropriately soothed by overeating. Nice job brain. But, through a bit of serendipity, and the fact that my brother is an physician with weight issues, I ended up on medication which not only let me lose fifty pounds, but aided me in dealing with long standing anxiety issues which had brought my life to somewhat of a standstill. In no way has it cured my ailments, but I can function reasonably well again.
After nine months of pill popping, I was ready. My surgery was a success, my recovery swift, and by this summer my life was different and almost pleasant. Still I remained wishy-washy on returning to Baltimore this year.
Then I got a nudge from an unexpected source. Olden Bronie said he wanted to meet me, and because of that, my attendance would have some purpose. I'd be able to convert the picture of a sleepyhead, coffee slugging Applejack in a real person. Last time, 2015, I could not bring myself to enter Quills & Sofas, but to rendezvous with Olden Bronie I would have to. So it was with a tad of unease, I stepped into a room full of strangers, and before Friday afternoon had passed, I managed to have a conversation with a most forthright, outgoing, and extraordinary person.
Although our ages are the same, I’d say we can’t be more different. Our appearance, hair especially, our speech pattern, our mannerisms, backgrounds are radically different, and because or despite these, I enjoyed our conversation. Much of our revelatory conversation is private to both of us, but suffice to say it was far ranging. We conversed several times over the weekend, and on Saturday night, rather late, we talked about what we really like about going to BronyCon. It is you folks. Watching so many energetic and creative people doing their thing, entirely uninhibited, energizes us. I guess we are a form of changelings.
I’d like to say one more thing about Olden Bronie: If the room’s on fire, he’ll be the one with the plan, keeping a cool head, making sure everyone gets out safe. Should this event ever occur, listen to him. Safe and successful journeys, my friend.
Now, speaking with Olden Bronie was a watershed moment for me, one where it felt like I might belong here, and it might have been the greatest point of the convention for me, if not for a chance meeting later on Friday night, one most unusual, which completed the work Olden Bronie began.
Upon exiting a panel, and unable to button-hole a put upon Augie Dog, I spied Archonix standing in a back row as he waited to leave. In 2015 I stood next to him as I made my pathetic and aborted introduction to Burrak-Pansa. Back then I’d left before I could thank him for all the entertainment he's provided on SA podcasts. Now this could be rectified. Another breath, a swallow, and I got his attention. I was shaking his hand, I think, just beginning my introduction, when there was a somewhat familiar voice from behind me, a strong, mellow one, jesting one or both of us.
“Looks like you found an admirer, Arch."
I turned around and found myself facing Professor Plum. Understand I am short and let's say he ain't. Looking up, the shocked fool known as me blurted out "Plum" and the next few seconds become a blur. I might have sort of cringed or crumpled or something. Most of this event is difficult to remember, therefore I must rely on my son who recalls the esteemed Professor asking me, "You are, sir?"
Knowing I could do no more than babble, I held up my badge.
"DUDE!" he bellows, and this giant of a man is hugging me, telling me how glad he is to meet me. ME?!? I’m petrified, arms latched at my sides like a small child when the mall Santa reaches to pick them up. I didn’t scream, though. Honestly, I didn’t know what to do, but I realized this was an extraordinary moment, and it was being wasted.
Don’t let it go some part of me said. Do it. I hugged him back. After that, things changed.
While still a bit anxious, I was able to deliver my in-person thanks to the generous RCL members who attended the convention. It was nice to meet you, Augie Dog; your smile is eternal and infectious. Horizon, I still cannot believe you took time to come over and speak to me! No changeling would ever do that. Or would they?
Skeeter: A total trip to talk with you, man. I was glad to real-introduce myself to you, Trick Question, rather than faux-introduce via comments. Watch out for doors, please.
Pascoite and I had a great conversation, which is reiterated in this post. And yes, I read it and I will get back to work on “Lost” as soon as Hippogriff is complete. On Sunday, I got a chance to re-thank RobC for helping us out back at TrotCon, and he kindly took a few a few minutes from his endless typewriter repair, and his lunch I think, to talk with my son about his story. Super Trampoline, Corejo, and other names too, ones I've seen for years were now real people, actual people I talked to, some for more than a minute! It was great.
Also great were the writing panels, the cheapest seminar you can go to, if you exclude travel and lodging. I won’t talk about them since I presume they’ll be posted and you can see for yourselves.
The two VA panels I saw were great. The full CMC complement one showed those talented kids are kids no more. Great things lay ahead for them beyond pony. I went to parts of BronyPalooza, and particularly enjoyed The Shake Ups in Ponyville’s performance. Gotta get back to that music...
Today, the return to my stressful, gray world has proved hard. Nothing has changed in it, well at least not for the better. But I changed this weekend, gaining a lot of confidence in what I do and what I can do, and I plan to get even better.
As always, thanks for reading.
15 & 16 August : Late night typos expurgated. 🐜
I was all over the place, once again.
I always end up talking to people I wanna talk to in such short conversations!
But meeting you was most certainly a highlight of the con. Thank you for the mention, and may we meet again next year.
~Skeeter The Lurker
Awesome! Your story reinforces my determination to make it to a pony con someday!
It was good to see you again sir. Glad it sounds like your son and you had a good time.
I'm so glad you were able to enjoy yourself this year. A shame I had not the finances this time for a second trip across the Pacific, for then you would also have met yours truly.
Also, can vouch for how awesome all those people are. I've met everyone you mentioned except Tricky.
Super cool!
It was a great and special pleasure to meet both you and your son, Grey Mane. Thank you for the inspiration to carry on, both in writing and with life. Thank you for your kind words and I apologize if I seemed to monopolize our conversations.
You are both truly great pones and I can't wait to see you next year!
4634984
Although I've seen and heard you before, great to do it even live-er than on SA. If it was short, well, I'll put you on my dance card for next time, and by then, we'll have even more to talk about.
4635020
For a traveling pony such as yourself it shouldn't be a big deal. You'll just need to see how long your layover needs to be. And please, do it soon. Looking at BC's numbers from 2015 on are not auspicious, but who knows. If this movie works, there might be a surge like in 2013, but the demographics will likely be different.
4635102
Yeah, such good times make it hard to jump back into the septic tank of real life. We'll keep an eye out for more mechanical monsters for you. My only fear in that regards is that once one makes it into the house, these nut jobs I live with won't want it to leave. Likely they won't use it much, but I'll be forever repairing it.
4635220
Man, I CANNOT figure out how you made it the first time! I'm such a freaking cheap arse bastard and I'm but six hours out of Baltimore. Every penny of these journeys is fretted over: Honest, ask my boy. If/when you paddle over here again, and if you find yourself in need in my notorious midwestern state, drop a line here or via GMail. We'll see what we can do. Oh yeah, turns out horse famous people live nearby, so I can always act as a pony Uber.
4635318
Indeed it was. Too bad it took almost five years to get to this point. And, hey, world: I think PK's monopod pony is damn cute. There, said.
4636427
To monopolize a conversation in which I'm taking part is an achievement badge, a testament to my interest in something besides, me, me, and me, especially given Friday's state of extreme caffeination. And if you feel you can, or you must, write. The advice of write what you know is so frequently given, and you and I stand at a point where so many experiences are at our disposal, both good and ill. Mechanics are learnable, or enforceable with software and people, and you can see the, erm, let us say "low bar" there is around here, for plot and characters are far more important. Self doubt and fear of criticism are the biggest obstacles, yet a single "I liked that" can drive them away for a disproportionally long time. It is one of the coolest damn things ever.
And I'll be honest, although my profession contains a lot of "creativity," in the 35 years I've been doing it, I've received but a fraction of the honest and positive feedback I get here.
I have no idea why I wasn't already following you. I was certain I was, and yet here I am, discovering this blog for the first time.
You made me laugh out loud so hard I started wheezing. It was a pleasure to meet you in person, my man.
Yep, good people are Bronycon. Just a matter of having things click so you can get enjoyment from the experience.
4751514
Erm... Because my blogging and publishing is highly irregular and peppered with typos?
I sent a PM because I'm an attention horse, senpai
I am so glad. Were my recollections correct?
Only when senility has finally taken me will I forget a greeting like the one you gave; spontaneous and utterly heartfelt. And, should we never meet again, I shall forever remember the last time I saw you on Saturday night, tottering off, alone, across the empty convention hall floor, dressed in black, headed for parts unknown. Iconic.
You and OB made the trip worthwhile. Again, I offer my inadequate thanks.
4751522
It comes so easily to other people that I am envious.
4751793
Yeah, me too. Heck, I'm pretty envious you seem to have managed it at Bronycon.