emma_in_dream

I had a lovely time at Swancon, possibly the best time in years. As the girls get older I get to do more. This year I was on two panels and did some work in the art show. Plus I got to attend one and a bit panels on my own!!! Also, we got to stay til the evening masquerade, which was great.


I would particularly like to acknowledge Margaret’s amazing children’s programming, Desiree’s art show and Brian’s IT support. I don’t know Brian but every now and then he would leap into a room brandishing some kind of dongle and solve someone’s problems.

Peral and Ruby both had a ball (with a couple of melt downs due to the overexcitement of being there for so long). Also, Pearl won the judge’s choice in the art show for the under 12 category which will hopefully boost her self esteem. You should have seen her disbelieving face when her name was called. And Ruby won second prize in the under 12 masquerade for her spirited performance of Nana Noodleman the sheep’s song from *Sing!*.

While I remember, some of my ideas for next year…


I think 2018 is the 100 year anniversary of *Snugglepot and Cuddlepie* so it would be a good time to run something in the kid’s program on that.


More parkour for kids!


Also, quidditch for kids and adults!

Having reflected, I would say that this was not only my best con for ages but also the best con the girls have had. Because they are getting older, they were able to attend some panels and enjoyed at least one (the previews of forthcoming movies for kids). Ruby really enjoyed the children’s book reading. She told me ‘I clapped til my hands hurt’.


And they adored the children’s masquerade. I think next year they might be old enough to go to the proper masquerade (gasp!). Pearl went as the Wicked Witch of the West and Ruby was the cutest flying monkey ever.

I am so happy (and amazed) to say that the Gynaecon feminist collective won a Silver Swan. This is a *really* significant award for major contributions to WA fandom, and is an unbelievable honour.
Indeed, my first response is that we have not done enough, I am an imposter, I must do more!
I am so amazed by this award.

I definitely noticed an improvement in my participation in this con, compared to recent ones. I got to three panels. Next year, perhaps even more!

The girls behaved pretty well (no widdles on the hotel floor). And they definitely enjoyed the dressing up aspects. Ruby is already planning a red dragon costume for next year.

Lovely hotel, nice program, and a very big family room. Unfortunately, I failed to organise any kind of swap with other parents so I was in the room all day. I did enjoy my long nap on the couch.

I am looking for someone to swap with tomorrow - or an adult who wants to come in for company.

Also, if there is anyone out there who could mind my kids between 3:00 and 4:00 on Sunday, that would be great. I have a presentation then.