Wow, what a trip that was!

I thought it might be fun, but I never would've guessed how much!
Emotional too: it's been a long time since I've really felt like I was a part of a community like this.
I felt it at Furthemore, a smaller con in Virginia, but even more-so at AC.

Normally crowds terrify me, but despite there being thousands attending, it felt a bit safer for some reason - everyone was there for similar reasons. We all had something in common.

Socialization can be very awkward at times, and that doesn't just go away, but it didn't really seem to matter so much anymore.
It felt like it was simply accepted, because we're all a little bit awkward sometimes, so why let it muck things up?

The feeling I got from meeting others who were there... it seemed like for most it is a very sincere form of expression.
Kind of a way to look on the outside like you feel on the inside.
Or at least closer to it.

It has made me rather happy to be a part of the sort of community that seems to embrace differences and quirks, rather than demanding some sort of 'normalized' standard.
It certainly feels like there's still an order to it all that keeps the peace.
A sort of code of acceptance.

I think part of it is because we're all there to be more like who we want to be, rather than how we feel we should be.
Of course, who everyone is, is vastly different than most any other, so the strange or unusual becomes simply a kindred spirit, looking for the same freedom to be as they wish to be.
I feel there's no reason to interfere with someone else looking for the same sort of freedom I desire for myself.

Did I meet some creatures I found strange? Without a doubt.
Were there times someone seemed awkward? Absolutely.
But none of that mattered - I'm sure there were plenty of people that found me strange and awkward too.
So I was in good company.

Even when someone did something like tripping over their words, or mumbling when they couldn't think of how to say something, or saying something altogether unexpected - it wasn't bad, or unpleasant.
Because I hear the pauses, or the faltering, and I am reminded of how often the same thing happens to me.
I am reminded it's okay to be like that. I'm in company that understands what it's like to not be able to find the right words sometimes.

So it gives me a freedom to connect without so much fear of ridicule.

How wonderful it is to see the unique expression of so many different individuals as well.
How much more bright and colorful a world it is, when those around me are more concerned with what they feel in their heart, rather than what they feel they should be, to fit in.

I think sincerity is a very beautiful thing to see.
And I think it's inspiring when the sincere expressions, from so many different people, can come together and still find harmony.

That sort of colorful harmony really feels like something special. It feels right.

I couldn't possibly recall every friend I made or familiar face I saw, and I would hate to forget anyone, so the short and simple of it:
There was not a single soul I met, that I did not enjoy meeting.

Maybe I was just lucky, but I didn't have to look far to find someone I could relate to in some way.

So if we met, know that I was glad for the company, simple as that!

This was nothing short of an amazing experience.
I really hope to make it next year as well. We'll see if I can.

Regardless, this will be a memory I will always hold close to my heart.
I am finding it is easier to let go of the memories that hurt, when I find ones that heal to hold onto instead.

And I have met many kind friends I have to thank for these wonderful memories.

The fursuit parade went outside for the public this year for the first time.
And thanks to the generosity of my friends, I was able to participate in this, rather than simply watch.
I had never expected to see the streets full of cheering crowds.
Or all the smiling children, lined up along the opened route, from start to finish, with their hands out for a chance to get a high-five.
Some of them even in costumes of their own, little capes fluttering in the wind as they waited for their chance to interact.

I think the spark that comes from honest expression is spreading.
It seems to get bigger every year, and I think people are starting to catch on - the freedom to sincerely express yourself in harmony with others can really be something magical.
And I think we could all use a little more magic like that in our lives, furry or otherwise.