I really miss AX.

Though I have to say, it was really just the feeling of going there that I enjoyed. It wasn't really the Artist's Alley, the Dealer's Hall, or even the Masquerade. It was getting to meet a bunch of people who are interested in the stuff that I'm interested in--that know what it feels like to work hard on something and be recognized for it. But besides that, everyone's just so fun. Personalities of those who thrive mostly and flourish in that kind of community is just different from the average person you walk by. Just...so open. Like everyone tosses aside their mask to be free for those days at least.

I just wish that it weren't so hard to meet you guys outside of the convention halls. After finding your niche and fitting so snugly into it, it's hard to go back and not really have a chance to converse about the things you want to. I mean, while it's true that I could yammer off to my family about all of this, but they just don't have the same kind of excitement for it like we do!

It really is too bad that I can't really find any fellows who want to get into the whole convention thing PROFESSIONALLY. I mean, like a close group who are as crazy about detail and as driven by the goal as I am. It's not so much hard to find someone to dress up with me as to find someone who will dress up in the same series as me, or even go on stage with me. Really, when people I don't even know decide to strike up a conversation with me, I kind of feel glad that they do--like I'm welcomed. But I guess we live in a different world as other people, because the rest of my group got really creeped out.

Actually, it kind of makes me happy when someone gets the nerve to talk to me. I'm not a tall person, but I suppose that because I'm so quiet and haven't quite gotten smiling to be an instinct cue when someone looks at me that I'm not really that approachable. But I love to chat with others, especially when they actually chat BACK.

Which is the great thing about AX. A bunch of people grouped together who understand exactly what I'm about because they're about it too. What could be more gratifying or comforting than knowing that you're not alone in that big cosmos called existence? In any case, I don't see being an Otaku as obsessive, which I'm certain that my family DOES see it as. I just have a whole lot of room in my heart to love more things and continue loving others without letting go.

Going to AX was loads of fun. I got the chance to experience a lot of stuff I'm not used to, and I met a lot of cool people out there, too.

Including Gaara! A shout-out to you, because you're the first cosplay buddy I made at the convention.

~Hopin' that summer will hurry up and get here!