On Friday afternoon, the con started with a big roomful of activities for mingling. There were tarot card readings, palm readings, numerology, and tea leaves, as well as a clothing swap and craft table, books for sale, and a belly dancing demo, followed by "Show Us Your Tats!" - an opportunity for anyone to show off their tattoos. I did nearly all of the above.
First, numerology done by a soft-voiced lady revealed that I am the Monk type, seeking wisdom. It was a brief reading, and I sought more wisdom in the tarot area. I was given more information in that one, and I'm glad to tell you all that I will be improving my communication skills very soon. Next, I waited for a long time in the line to have my tea leaves read by
I sat and decorated my name badge with rubber stamps of butterflies and Chinese ideograms, and fancy-edged scissors, and was invited to show up for the tattoo show, since my swirly shoulder design was visible. While waiting to show off, I watched belly-dancing performed by a blond vixen in a crimson and gold costume, but then wandered away when an instructor took the stage and started to encourage people in the audience to try learning some moves. I am not painfully inhibited, but unless there's a bit of alcohol involved I tend to avoid learning physical skills in public. I browsed in the areas where books were being sold, had some coffee and a cookie, and returned to the little stage area for the tattoo show, where a wide assortment of tats were shown; my favorite was the fresh set of raven wings on one woman's back, but there were some intricate Celtic designs, fantasy scenes, and fannish designs based on TV. During the show,
I also spotted
By the time I'd been in the blasting arctic air-conditioning of the hotel for a few hours, I was done with being out doing con things, so I skipped the first-timers' dinner and headed home. I think that next year, I'll show up at the Gathering festivities later and make a point of going to the dinner, where I'll be more likely to meet people. I will also be fracking sure to have a jacket!