So this past meet was the biggest yet. It's grown quite a bit from the humble beginnings with Nova and I sitting in the library sewing things exactly one year ago. I made 60 valentines and thought I'd have leftovers. But we had 74 people turn up. So I guess that's makes them more rare.

It was nice to see people relax for once and just be furry. I hope going forward we can have more maturity shown towards all members. We are becoming such a thing in that small town shop owners regularly pull us in or come out for pictures.

I do want to made one statement about friends. To anyone New who attends. We didn't become friends overnight. We don't have people who will find you, in your corner, chatting on your phone, posting how emo you are, who will jump over and demand friendship. It's a two way street and it's something you have to work on. You have to be willing and open to talking to people. Even if it's finding another person like you hiding away. I try and seek these folks out but it's mentally exhausting trying to crack a shell that has no interest in helping me, help them. And I get it, people are shy, may not know anyone, scared to make a move. But why did you bother to come if you are unwilling to take the next step of talking.

To that I will tell you a story. I am introverted and HATE large crowds. I get restless and feel I need to run away when there are too many people and I have a horrible memory. There is a fella at the meet, I had to re-meet 4 flipping times before I remembered his name. And he wears a blasted badge. " hi, are you new here?" " no Wyld, we meet last meet". Oops... but we are good friends now. Because I made the effort to meet him, every time. And he was tolerant with me to deal with me forgetting. There are wonderful people in this fandom, all you have to do is attempt to reach out.

Running my meet has forced me to face my fears and deal with large crowds. It's forced me to get out there and try and make friends. When I first moved to Colorado, I personally knew no one. I went to a few meets that I felt out of place in and kinda gave up. It wasn't until I reached out and said " I'm gonna be here at this time, I'd love to have company" that someone responded ( thank you Nova ). And my mate arrived (thank you Cloud) Now, I may not know everyone personally, but I know 74 furs in Colorado who attend Arvada Tails. I recognize them and sometimes see them around the town. And my gods that feels great! If I don't know you yet, I will in time. If you help me by saying "Hi".