Melissa Cynova The NWTS began in earnest yesterday afternoon. I got to spend the whole day hanging out with Jaymi Elford and getting to know Portland. I already want to move here. We had brunch at Broder’s – sent there by my Dutch friend, Margot. I should have expected trout for breakfast. It was amazing. We wandered to Powell’s, which might be the best bookshop in the world, and found Little Red Tarot! Beth joined up with us for the rest of the afternoon and she’s just as fantastic in person as she is online.
The conference has an amazing vending area, and I had to remind myself that I’m here all weekend (mostly) and that I don’t need to own every shiny rock or new tarot deck that wags its tail at me.
I got to meet a lot of new people – James Wanless (new crush), Melissae Lucia, Kate…something who is awesome. A LOT of new people. I saw Barbara Moore and Carrie Paris, but was too nervous to say hi. Maybe today?
The coolest part of yesterday, for me, was going out to a spur of the moment dinner with three strangers. Melissae, Kate and Beck. We met as the reception was ending and went out for sushi.
At dinner, one person said, “Well, I’m psychic…”, and the conversation didn’t stop. Everyone was ok with this. Everyone was comfortable with the Woo and tarot and that thing that we all have that’s weird to talk about sometimes. It wasn’t weird, which was really weird. And amazing. There is a panel this weekend about “Coming out of the tarot closet” and man, it can really feel like it. Tarot is off. Psychic is crazy. Don’t talk about this stuff in front of other people, right?
Well, this is the second time in my life that I’ve been surrounded by people who WANT to talk about this stuff. I can learn from them. I can share with them. No one is going to make fun of me. This is heady stuff, guys.
So, I’m feeling very warm and welcomed and loved this morning. Typing away, listening to music with Beth, who is “faffing about” on her laptop. This is a good conference. It’s a good place. I’m glad that I’m here.
xo LFT
