Retro Barkade, Two Days of Wonders
NB: I finally got around editing the draft, but I'm publishing the post one week later than I indented originally.
The past weekend I attended Fur-Eh, a furry convention in Edmonton, Alberta. I'm on a bus, on my way home now, yet my heart and thoughts are still with fellow animal people.
Convention
I wrote about how excited I was to return to the convention a few weeks ago. Honestly, as much as I wanted to enjoy the atmosphere once more, I also wanted to make some friends.
It's been difficult to manage expectations, or rather avoid them. I felt like I had to go meet new people with an open heart, not worrying whether they'll like my company or not. The headspace I've been trying to get into was:
- To be curious and believe people can be mindful of their own boundaries (which doesn't mean you actively seek to push them)
- Enjoy the interactions, be in the moment, and have a good time
- Try making the other person's day a little bit brighter
Stickers turned out to be a life saver for me. I ordered 20 sheets and 35 smaller pieces, and whenever I felt somewhat lost or just overwhelmed, I went around the space and traded stickers -- other furries left and picked up stickers on desks, stands, and seat walls in the Atrium gardens. Also, sticker sheets worked nicely as a small gift: most people were enthusiastic about getting them, and seemed to enjoy my silly little art pieces.
I had my Bluesky handle written on the back side, and while I wanted other furries to be able to reach out if they wanted, I hope it wasn't too much. One can just slap the sticker and discard the back paper, right?
Fursuits
I'm still yet to develop the film and see if I have decent photos It was a disaster, but making fursuit photos has been a good time. Everyone I asked was happy to give me a few moments, while I fought this faulty, always-on autofocus of mine for dear life. I'm not taking this camera to next meets -- that's too much headache. And I cracked the flash, too, lol.
Say "Hi" to Argon Fox
Next time when I'm photographing costumes, I'll ask for people's socials or hand out "business" cards -- or numbered tickets, perhaps. In hindsight, I made the task of finding suiters to share their photos so much more difficult ^^' You live and learn, lol
Therian Meet
The event I attended the convention for in the first place. Just being among other therians and otherkin, with the immense density of creaturehood per square meter, gives you that unique feeling of unity and validation.
I would love to hang out with more therians in the future. Find or build a community in Saskatchewan even? I'm sure there are others who would like to meet and connect with fellow creatures and beings.
Panels
Although they say 2nd-time con goers usually focus on hanging out with old friends, in my case, I spent most of my time at panels and meets.
I believe I was hypnotized for the first time! And then a second, and also third time, at a room party. Both panels I attended were focusing on explaining the basics, and explained a myriad of examples of furries enjoying trance in, uhm... furry ways.
As for my experience, it was all about relaxation and the feeling of coziness. And oh boy, have I ever had 5 minutes this refreshing! And the power dynamics were amazing, too.
I'll be looking more into this topic, including self-hypnosis. It's an interesting thing to explore, and I see how it can be useful, even aside from the kinky stuff. Being able to fully relax and not toss around in bed is wonderful.
Travel
Unlike the first night, after the session I slept very well. Just over 6 hours, but refreshed and full of energy to make the most of the few hours before my departure.
This was the first time I stayed in motel-type accommodations, a row of suites with doors into the parking lot. It was nice and tidy, the tech worked. Though, the fridge pump was kind of loud, and the whole building shuddered when freight trains were passing by, about 50 meters away from the hotel.
Hot water, clean towels, fresh sheets -- doesn't get better than this ^^
Onwards
I'm sure PCD will hit hard this time. I didn't want this dream, where everyone gets to be their animal -- themselves -- to ever end.
It's an odd feeling, when you had not attended either the opening or closing ceremonies. Just dropped in and left, seemingly in an instant. Makes it seem like a fleeting moment, rather than a rounded-up journey.
Maybe it's better like this?
One thing I learned, is that a convention is something created in the moment, something you can experience yet never take home with you -- only return next year to live it anew.
I hope to meet you all again. Be safe, take care of yourselves, and never give up dreaming.
Until next time,
River