Back to reality

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Up until now I've always hated it when the phrase, "Going back to reality," was used following a short statured people's convention. In my mind it reeked of fantasy; as though we had entered some kind of world where reality didn't exist. I used to say, "But we DO live in the real world wherever we are!" Whether we're with a group of short statured people and their families or whether we're just out there living our lives, doing our thing then wherever we are, that's real life.

And I still subscribe to that. I don't live a fantasy life. I live a real life, warts and all. It's very ordinary. So ordinary in fact that I'd even call it somewhat mundane. Get up, work, go home, eat, sleep, rinse and repeat.

But I'm not so sensitive now about the phrase, "going back to the real world" because everyone uses it. You take a break from your everyday routine and you do something different for a short while. You do it to rest, recharge, break it up a bit, have an adventure, escape, retreat. 

That's what the convention was for me. It was a chance to get away from it all, connect with others, get out of town, see some new faces and places, be encouraged, inspired, challenged. It was everything I was hoping it to be and more. 

I'm now back in the ordinary humdrum of everyday living and it's actually this existence that feels kind of surreal to be honest. I find it hard to believe that a couple of short days ago we were exploring Port Arthur and learning about our colonial history. It's hard to get back into the swing of learning MYOB and checking stationery supplies after that.

In the past, when I was a much younger girl, the end of a convention was heartbreaking. I would sob, not knowing when the next time would be where I'd be reunited with my new friends - if ever! Now it's not so hard. I know that the world today is not so small. I can hop on a plane or a train or in a car and see these people whenever the whim takes me. I can use Skype to call them. There's the instant gratification of staying in touch via email or Facebook. The world has indeed changed.

So now, the vibe of convention can stay the entire year. It is now always a part of reality. 

Quick convention thoughts.

Just a part of the crowd! Convention delegates - 2013

We've been in Tasmania for five days. They've been the most beautiful five days in a long time. How do I begin to describe the atmosphere of love and community and acceptance that characterises this convention? I can't. You have to be here and experience it to know it. This is known as a smaller convention in that there are about 61 people on site. Smaller, more intimate conventions have always, in my experience, been the best. Everyone works together beautifully, it all just flows, the children play together happily. There's no nonsense, no love triangles, no bitching, no one with their own agendas. I'll wait until I get home to write more details but here's a quick rundown:

• Monday medical day. Very informative. geneticists are on the verge of beginning human trials of a new drug treatment for achondroplasia (my type) which will hopefully mean that although it is not a cure, the complications that can be associated with the condition are lessened or eradicated completely. Very exciting! Monday night was the Cowboy & Indians disco which was complete fun and joy and this old girl was consistently the oldest chook on the dance floor but loving every second!

• Tuesday we went and visited historical Port Arthur which I found totally fascinating ...and emotional given that I visited the Pool of Reflection and paid my respects to the victims of the shootings in 1996 but particularly to Nannette, Alannah & Madeleine Mikac. I read Walter Mikac's book not long after it was published and was deeply affected by it to the point where I grieved for a long while after.

• Wednesday was the AGM and i accepted a position on National Council. Wednesday afternoon was the Short Artss workshop/Masterclass which, for the introductory session was a phenomenal success. I led the writing workshop and it was such a powerful session where stories were told, tears were shed and bonds strengthened.

• Thursday (yesterday) was a massive day. We went to the Cadbury factory, up to Mt Wellington and played in the snow (G was so excited! Her first snow experience!) and then explored the intricacies of MONA. I loved MONA in all it's arty senselessness. So many peoe were going around saying, "But what does this mean???" to which I would reply, "It's art. It doesn't have to have meaning!" I'd like to come back and spend a whole day there.

• Thursday night was the dinner dance at Wrest Point Casino. Excellent food, wonderful company and a good (but loud) band called Australian Made. I danced ALL night and went to bed completely sober but tired and happy.

• Today I've taken time out and have gone off to Richmond to poke around the shops. I'm sitting in a coffee shop with my Devonshire tea. It's been nice. I've got reception so I've caught up on emails, sent texts, updated Facebook some more and written this.

• Tim is enjoying himself in his sweet, quiet way. Georgia has newfound friends. This makes me happy.

• I am in a good place. I feel content and happy. I've felt completely relaxed this week and have let myself be authentic and maskless. The result of this has been people responding in kind. I am blessed with friends and feel very connected to this group for whom I hold genuine affection.

Peace and love.