Despite all my fears (Headline: Aspie takes Megabus for First Time), I made all my connexions and got to GAFilk right around 7:20 pm Friday. Missed the Opening Ceremonies but caught some good concerts. I was dead tired, but no way was I going to miss the Open Filk, and I got my licks in but good. First time since making up with Tom Smith that I got to sing “A Boy and His Dog”, and my performance was much easier and funnier. Was crying just for being there, the difference between being somewhere I’m loved and at home was too great. I got signed up for my Twofer concert, and, after the main concerts were over, got to listen to some great musicians and/or songwriters do their two songs each. I did my own “Little Fuzzy Animals” and Dave Carter’s wonderful song, “The River Where She Sleeps”. (Blind Lemming Chiffon described my performance of this song ” by the way, your interpretation of darryl purpose interpreting dave carter – brilliant and wonderful”)
Made a new friend, the Interfilk Guest Allegra Sloman. BLC just had to introduce me to her, but didn’t get to finish the introduction. Definitely a kindred spirit, very joyful and spent quite a bit of time with me during the convention. She lives in Burnaby, BC (suburb of Vancouver), which astonishingly is where my old friend and former boss, Ally Robertson, lives. And they don’t know each other (I verified that from both parties).
Danced two dances, both asked by the other… Sue and Cat… same as last year (and only Sue danced with me the year before).
Open filking again, and I got my licks in. Got a couple requests even. It got into bugs and bacteria, so I managed to play Christine Lavin’s “Amoeba Hop”. The love in the room was palpable, and my songs as well as myself were received with such warmth … it was like, you love the sun, so you go out sunbathing and don’t give a damn about the sunburn later when you have to go put clothes on.
Got to bed about 4:30 am. Had to catch the bus to go home by 11:51. Got up about 9:30 (after missing an opportunity to go to breakfast with Allegra) and went down to the Registration area to cry. Cat Faber, a lovely woman but one who does not appear very touchy-feely, gave me a long hug and sat holding my hand until I calmed down. Others came around to help out. I left about 11 to go get a Subway sub to eat on the bus. Met Josh and Lisa and another fan going out to breakfast while I was waiting for the bus, got more hugs and such.
Got to bus, train, and Megabus, and when I got to Knoxville had to walk home with all my bags… not going to talk about that. I got a long nap, a shower, and some sleep. I’m sore but ready to go to work. Getting some funny looks from Baby Girl, like she thinks I don’t belong here. I agree.
Hugs,
Me