Fairy glitter and cage fighting

Last weekend I found myself at two events that attracted two polar opposite audiences - FaerieCon and ... an amateur MMA fight. Obviously I felt more at ease around the fluttering faes than the screaming beer-guzzlers, but both were quite fun in their own unique way.

Saturday night Justin and I met his parents, my parents and three more friends in Harrington for Primal Fights' first show, "Genesis." Thanks to Justin, many televised fights have served as background noise when my nose is stuck in the computer, but I'd never been to a live one. I certainly have more of an appreciation for the sport now. I may have been sneaking the pumpkin and dark chocolate chip cookies I baked earlier that day out of my purse instead of drinking beer and shouting, but I did a fair amount of clapping. And wincing, especially when one particularly bouncy fellow was flipped over and dropped on his head. I can't deny the experience was exciting. I'd go to another fight, as long as I had something warm and fuzzy to do the next day to balance the energy out again.

The next morning, Justin drove us to the Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn for FaerieCon. We arrived around noon and stopped for lunch at Wegmans. It was the first time I'd been and am jealous we don't have one closer. What a neat supermarket! Then Justin helped me put on the wonderful crocheted ears I bought from the lovely Meri of Elfling Creations and off we went to the convention.

There were so many whimsical sights to behold, as I hope you can tell by my collage! Most of my photos were taken during the costume contest. Storyteller Mark Lewis was the announcer. I was won over as soon as he admitted he did three of the voices for the Pirates of Caribbean ride. But wow, the costumes were stunning! As were so many of the vendors' creations. Handmade corsets, bustle skirts, steampunk goggles and wings galore - one day I will make more of you mine! As finances are, the only purchased thing I took home that wasn't a gift was a pale blue and silver hip scarf for me to shake at belly dance class.

I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon the booth of fellow Delawarean and Fantasy Artists of Etsy member, Sarah of Toadstools N Treestump. She's the cutie in the hat to the left of the FaerieCon sign and I. Her art dolls are even more adorable in person! As usual, I was nervous to approach someone I'd never met in person before, but she was super friendly. I also got to see the very talented and sweet Giovanna Adams, whom I met for the first time at last year's FaerieCon.

I still haven't made it to a faerie ball, but there's always next year! I would love to be able to have a booth and experience the whole weekend, but I'm not sure I could sell enough work to cover the costs. A girl can dream, right?