Starting early

[altivo]

Survived the "early practice" session, fursuiting at the library's Family Reading Roundup night. I have to say, I didn't design my suit for dealing with little kids. Once they get in close, I can't see them any more. ;p I can sure feel them hanging onto me, though, which makes for a lot of very slooooow deliberate moves. Real horses have a lot of similar visual restrictions, of course, which makes it impressive that the big draft horses can be so patient and careful with human children.

The kids were shy at first, though when the opportunity to have their picture taken with me arose, a lot of them conquered the shyness at that point. The long black shag I have for feathers on my arms and legs is apparently quite "pettable" too. I hope it isn't all full of cookie crumbs now.

Slight changes to the suit this year: finally finished feathering. Added a rope halter and I kind of like the look though I'm still adjusting it. Note for after the con: time to make a new tail. The old one has three years of wear on it and is getting a bit too frizzy.

Sleep deprived already, I'm afraid. Heading to MFF in about 3 hours now, still gotta pack and feed all the critters here before then.

Comments

[luperion.livejournal.com]

Can I pat you too, Uncle Tivo?

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Sure, though I bet we could find more to exchange than just pats. BTW, I've decided I like my character Argos in this year's book soooo much that I'm going to make myself a new fursuit: white wuff with blue eyes. More about that later.

[doc-moreau.livejournal.com]

Have fun!! Take pics! (if you get around to it)
Wish i could be there.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

It was delightful, except for getting sore feet from standing and walking so much. I'm never the one who takes the pictures, but I'm sure there will be lots of them forthcoming soon. And I did have a session with the con photographer, DexCat, who will be posting in a week or two I understand.

[saythename.livejournal.com]

Its nice you do that, but I sympathize. Kids, once they get
past the shy part, tend to paw. I'm suprised your in one piece.

XD

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Heh. I'll take my pawing wherever I can get it. (Just joking.)

I did collect more hugs this con than ever before, I think, and came home positively full of murr.

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

*smiles* Sounds like you had fun... cute, very cute.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

I did have fun. The high hasn't worn off yet.

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you are enjoying it... some people should be having fun for the rest of us. Maybe someday, I'll get to have fun like that :P

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Believe me, I've paid my dues, though in smaller installments and over a longer period than you have.

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

I don't doubt it, Alt; just the little I know of you says that much. We all pay dues, I guess... I would just like to reap more of the rewards everyone else seems to get. It feels kind of whiny and selfish saying it, but it beats keeping it bottled up like I used to do... hope I didn't bring anybody down :P

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Nah. I understand. It probably doesn't help if I say I felt the same way at your age, either, but that's true.

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

Well, it's true it doesn't help... but in your case, telling me your thoughts doesn't bother, annoy or offend me. I'm not THAT selfish :P I am curious as to some of the harsh times you've been through... just been trying to figure a way to bring it up >_>

[altivo.livejournal.com]

What a strange assortment of ads this notice brings up in gmail. "Why mommy is a democrat" and "Healing relationships" and "He doesn't love me"...

Financial hardship, of course, goes without saying. Nearly everyone who doesn't have wealthy parents has to work through that. Being bullied in school, even in college, hardly counts either. Having my heart set on becoming a priest and being unceremoniously dumped out of seminary, though... That one really hurt.

Getting married only to have my wife decide to push me into the gay liberation movement and start matchmaking for me... then leave me when I was heartbroken over the guy she literally threw into bed with me... that hurt even more.

So... move to another state, try to be "gay" and find out I have no sense for it and can't make that work either because I can't read the signals and don't know how to communicate...

Well, you get the picture. Until about age 35 I was always an outsider looking in.

I still am, but I've managed to build myself a decent hut out here now.

Whoa.

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

*smiles* First off, I'm impressed at your honesty and openess.

I've never been bullied. I'm just tall enough, don't give a damn and apparently learned how to look threatening early. Had a couple of close calls, but managed to avoid it or literally fought my way out of that. But I would say it counts if it counts to YOU- if it bothers you enough, then it counts. I feel, despite the obviously different times, you still deserve kudos for not shooting up a place of learning :P

Wow, your wife... geez, that must've been... *waves it off* Ah, I'm sure you've heard that exclaimation before, so I'll skip it. Never been married, have no real desire to be. But you are a strong person to have moved beyond that mess. Why do some women think they can play matchmaker? It's seriously fucked up.

I'm happy you found someone you don't have to "act gay" around. Ousider looking in... did you know I've used that very phrase several times myself? Hmm... I think reading you use it gives me more reason to consider and pour over what you've said than anything else.

Thanks, Alt. I think I could learn a lot from you.

Re: Whoa.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Well, I think the women who try to matchmake between men are sort of doing the same thing that some straight me do who drool over the idea of lesbian porn. I'm not sure exactly what that is, but the evidence and symptoms are much the same.

Re: Whoa.

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

Oh- selfish behavior masked by false good natured intentions. Masked intentions, bleh. I am proud of you, though...

[saythename.livejournal.com]

A Con Full Of Murr

Thats a great title for a novel.

=D

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a murder mystery by Diane Mott Davidson. I think I'll take a pass on writing it.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

Yes kids can be very hands on once they get over their shyness :D
*can't resist beeping your nose*

(Excuse the lateness of this reply, I'm catching up on missed journals :))

[altivo.livejournal.com]

My nose is deliberately made for petting. ;p

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

As all horses noses should :)