I scaled back a bit today–been trying to do too much, and my presentation was this evening, so I wanted to have SOME energy left for it.
I’ve been toying with the thought of going steampunk, so “Steampunk on the Cheapside” called out to me. It was fairly informative if not very well organized.
I spend about 1 1/2 hours at the auction, bid a couple of times and didn’t win anything. Most of the items were going for too much–either people were feeling generous or they got carried away. Maybe both.
Diane Duane was kind enough to sign a couple of books for me even tho’ it wasn’t a “signing session.” I did attend the Esther Friesner session yesterday, and see seemed impressed (a bit) that I had “Up the Wall” for her to sign. Most everyone else had collections of short stories that she signed on the page where her story started. Ms. Friesner also accepted my assistance crossing the courtyard, since it was wet and she was wearing slippery sandals.
My plan, for my own personal amusement, was to change my appearance after the maskerade: shave off the Terry beard, trim down to a very neat goatee and dye it back to my original dark brown. I also didn’t wear the hat. Only one person recognized me as “Not Him”–sometimes even after I spoke to them. It was fun.
I’m happy to say that my presentation, “The Serious Pratchett,” was well received. I’ll post the materials to my Web site as soon as I get back. Quotes from the Dope were used during the presentation, but I don’t believe anyone really noticed. 
Saw Terry in the bar this afternoon, but he seemed busy so I didn’t butt in and try to talk to him.
I met a player, Pete, who was pretty fun, and he’s sending me some Colorado (where I live) songs that I’ll have to learn. Something about each season in the Rockies (“in the winter when the baby died we had to eat her to survive” and such). I also met a lot of other friendly folks, and made plans with some of them regarding the maskerade at the next Con–I’m assuming there will be one since this one seemed quite successful. We’ll get details on that tomorrow.
The Filk Circle was another “indulging someone else’s fantasy” in this case that people can sing. I won’t try that again. I will, however, start a campaign to be declared the Gonnagle of the Western World before planning for the next Con gets much farther. Music was weak or absent, the sound crew was trying hard but not getting much of anywhere, and I believe I can do better in both categories. All modesty aside. I’ll probably have to tase up the pipes, I suppose.
Tomorrow is a light day, of course. The only event I’m really interested in is the closing ceremony, and I can’t stay for all of that because of the timing of my flight–the last to Denver for the day, so musn’t miss it.
Notes on Tempe: I had figured the Marriott (2 blocks away) wouldn’t be a problem, but I didn’t figure with the 104 heat. Yeow! Next time I’ll book a room in the hotel even if I have to pay for it (got the Marriott on points). I love a college town (the university is about 5 blocks from here). Strapping young people of every size and color everywhere wearing not a lot of clothing. It’s…invigorating. Some very accomplished street musicians here also. Maybe it’s the weather; we don’t see that quality in Denver.
Now I’m going to go to bed at a reasonable hour for the first time this week. I might actually get some sleep now that I’m not fretting over the presentation and the maskerade and everything. I really take this stuff too seriously.