MFM 2012
I would like to write a huge journal about this year's MFM. I really would. I could go on for hours, but you wouldn't read it.
MFM is an amazing con. It's not because of the programming or the hotel staff, but the attendees that make it so special.
Highlights:
-Arriving at the hotel
-Exploring new things with Nova
-Checking into the hotel
-Introduction of Derp Husky as a character
-Sleeping in the hotel
-Jello Shots!
-Doing things when I should be sleeping in the hotel
-TC's Chili
-Cold AC in the hotel
-Elevators that worked almost all weekend, with very reasonable exception (no power)
-Awesome room mates at the hotel
Pitfalls of the weekend:
-Packing at the hotel (Bastards stashed carts in the rooms!)
-Checking out of the hotel
-Paying the hotel
-Driving away from the hotel
MFM is a con that really appeals to the emotional side of me. I make it a point to be in fursuit during opening and closing ceremonies every year. The reason is because I usually tear up.... Welcome Home gets me like that... I don't know how to give a convention that kind of a feeling. I don't know what can be done by the staff to make the con so family oriented. So close...
I overheard a conversation comparing the recent Megaplex convention to MFM and it really summed it up... Megaplex is a great show. The whole production is well run, coordinated, organized, and extremely professional. Everyone there is on the same page of the script. MFM doesn't have a script, and the production is more like a non-profit community theater or a silly skit at a family gathering. Things get messed up, schedules are missed, but everyone is coming together for the sake of having fun.
The true nature and driving force behind MFM became readily apparent when the con was under a tornado warning on Sunday night. Several hundred people all confined in a hotel space illuminated by auxiliary lighting, no AC, no power, no panels... just hanging out and having fun. Board games, jokes, conversation, laughter, comfort for those who were scared... it was amazing.
A part of me changed this year. I lost a very deeply rooted flaw of mine, and am glad to be rid of it. I don't know how to explain it, but I know that it's a good thing to be rid of.
I cried a few times this weekend. Tears for happiness, tears for the pain of another, tears for my own sadness. I laughed more this weekend than I have in a long time. I connected and talked to people the way that I have always wanted to. Not putting on a show, not trying to stand out and be noticed. I was me, for once. For one weekend, I was home with my mate, my family, and my friends.
It was hard to pull out of that hotel parking lot, knowing that it would be a whole year before I would be back. At the same time, I have to wonder if the magic, the emotion, and the connection must end just because the convention has. The rest of 2012 and 2013 will be an interesting time for sure.
At least I have one solid piece of evidence that there will be an amazing year to look forward to next year. The hotel has already charged my deposit for next year.
MFM is an amazing con. It's not because of the programming or the hotel staff, but the attendees that make it so special.
Highlights:
-Arriving at the hotel
-Exploring new things with Nova
-Checking into the hotel
-Introduction of Derp Husky as a character
-Sleeping in the hotel
-Jello Shots!
-Doing things when I should be sleeping in the hotel
-TC's Chili
-Cold AC in the hotel
-Elevators that worked almost all weekend, with very reasonable exception (no power)
-Awesome room mates at the hotel
Pitfalls of the weekend:
-Packing at the hotel (Bastards stashed carts in the rooms!)
-Checking out of the hotel
-Paying the hotel
-Driving away from the hotel
MFM is a con that really appeals to the emotional side of me. I make it a point to be in fursuit during opening and closing ceremonies every year. The reason is because I usually tear up.... Welcome Home gets me like that... I don't know how to give a convention that kind of a feeling. I don't know what can be done by the staff to make the con so family oriented. So close...
I overheard a conversation comparing the recent Megaplex convention to MFM and it really summed it up... Megaplex is a great show. The whole production is well run, coordinated, organized, and extremely professional. Everyone there is on the same page of the script. MFM doesn't have a script, and the production is more like a non-profit community theater or a silly skit at a family gathering. Things get messed up, schedules are missed, but everyone is coming together for the sake of having fun.
The true nature and driving force behind MFM became readily apparent when the con was under a tornado warning on Sunday night. Several hundred people all confined in a hotel space illuminated by auxiliary lighting, no AC, no power, no panels... just hanging out and having fun. Board games, jokes, conversation, laughter, comfort for those who were scared... it was amazing.
A part of me changed this year. I lost a very deeply rooted flaw of mine, and am glad to be rid of it. I don't know how to explain it, but I know that it's a good thing to be rid of.
I cried a few times this weekend. Tears for happiness, tears for the pain of another, tears for my own sadness. I laughed more this weekend than I have in a long time. I connected and talked to people the way that I have always wanted to. Not putting on a show, not trying to stand out and be noticed. I was me, for once. For one weekend, I was home with my mate, my family, and my friends.
It was hard to pull out of that hotel parking lot, knowing that it would be a whole year before I would be back. At the same time, I have to wonder if the magic, the emotion, and the connection must end just because the convention has. The rest of 2012 and 2013 will be an interesting time for sure.
At least I have one solid piece of evidence that there will be an amazing year to look forward to next year. The hotel has already charged my deposit for next year.