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Jodie Boyle’s
report of a con-virgin
Brisbane, Australia Even before I left Australia, I knew the convention would be wonderful. I was so excited – I knew I’d be the most excited con-virgin in history. And I was! I flew in a few days ahead of schedule. On Thursday morning, I met my room-mate Heather, for the first time. It was like we’d always known each other. We drove down to San Diego from L.A. – passing nuclear power plants, attack helicopters and beautiful ocean vistas. We soon arrived in San Diego and I was so excited to see our con hotel. I’d seen it on the website, dreamed about it and now I was here. I took 2 steps into the foyer when I received the first of many hugs. Cathy, my friend from New York, was awaiting my arrival. Heather and I dropped our bags in our room and hurried down for wine & cheese in the lobby. With glass of red wine in hand, I began meeting everyone. When they announced the registration desk was open, I eagerly raced over and received my tote bag full of lovely goodies. It took me about twenty minutes to get from the top to the bottom of the table – everyone kept calling my name and hugging me. I’d ask their name and when I recognised them, I’d squeal with delight and hug them again! I loved "The Taming of the Shrew" – what a magical night. There I was - under the stars, watching Shakespeare, sitting with my new friends…just wonderful. Friday morning dawned with a smashing headache – no doubt, thanks to the red wine the day before and all the excitement. But no time for headaches – there was a con to go to! After the delicious breakfast (I LOVE breakfast burritos!) – I eagerly took my seat and waited for the con to begin… The convention…how can I describe these 3 perfect days? There truly are no words to adequately express them, but a few that spring to mind are joy, laughter, hugs, a few tears, an overwhelming sense of belonging and of home, even though I hardly knew a soul there. How wonderful to be surrounded by so many people who love Vincent and Catherine as much as I do. Each day of the convention was wonderful. All the activities, Beast Bingo, the "food, glorious food!", meeting new people, the con room parties, skype-ing Australia, hugging 5, 10, 100 times a day…everything was perfect. Meeting Linda Hamilton was a lovely surprise and a dream come true. I never, ever thought I would have the honour of meeting her. Linda is a beautiful, sweet, gracious lady. She shines with an inner beauty and peacefulness. I got to ask her a question in the Q & A session – yay! – and was so happy to have photos and autographs with her. She loves hugs more than me – I was lucky to receive 3 hugs and 5 kisses. What a sweetheart! I’ll always remember our meeting. I loved our Winterfest dinner. Another perfect night. Everyone looked so beautiful! The day trip to Griffith Park in L.A. was wonderful. I swear I was jumping up and day in my seat on the bus, eagerly awaiting my first glimpse of the Carousel and of Vincent’s home. I’m sure we all cleared the shop out of carousel t-shirts! The Carousel was beautiful. I loved my ride. As my black horse travelled around, I could envision Vincent and Catherine standing there. I’m sure all of Griffith Park heard me call "Could all the virgins gather round!". We had a great group photo where Catherine and Edie ate lunch together. Then to the Tunnels… There’s a photo of me on the hill, approaching the tunnels. The happiness on my face says it all. I was surprised by how calm I felt. It’s a sacred place. I loved venturing into the tunnels, pen in hand. We heard about Catherine’s Tree while we were waiting on the bus – so of course, we all had to take photos of it. I returned to the hotel floating on air. I was so happy being a con-virgin. I’m glad I survived the initiation rite in one piece - I knew that white dress would come in handy one day! When everyone surrounded us on the final afternoon saying "Come, complete the circle" – that was it – I lost the plot! I started crying, well actually, sobbing. It all was so overwhelming – the con was coming to a close. I don’t remember the next few minutes – I just went from one person to the other, hugging them and crying some more! The last night came to pass. – It was so incredibly hard, saying goodbye to everyone. Even at 5am the morning of my flight, I was trying to imagine it could last just a little bit longer. I managed to make it aboard the plane without crying – then it hit me – I wouldn’t see anyone for another year! A wailing banshee sound was heard from the back of my New York-bound plane… To JoAnn and the con team – thank you and 1 million lion hugs to you – everything was perfect. You did such a wonderful job – I can’t thank you enough. My fellow con-virgins – thank you for sharing such a special rite of passage with me. I love you all! Heather, my wonderful room-mate – thank you so much for your company, friendship, pinning the garland of flowers in my hair…and for everything! I love you and miss you. Cathy, thank you for letting me stay with you the final night and for keeping me from falling apart – love you. To all 99 of my wonderful Tunnel Family – thank you for making those 5 days such a perfect, special and brilliant time for me. My goal was to hug every one of those attending – if I missed anyone, I apologise! I’ll get you next year… Finally, to all of the con-virgins-to-be, book those flights, pay the registration fee. You are going to have the holiday of a lifetime…I certainly did. So, until we meet again…be well and happy. May many Angels surround you all and guide you safely to New Orleans in 2011. Lots of love and countless lion hugs, Jodie Boyle September 2010
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