I've returned from north of Baltimore and am resting up from three days of conventioneering. It seems that it is taking me more time than usual to recover from the stresses of the weekend. This may be just because I am, uh, older, or it might be that I picked up a mild virus at the convention, or that my allergy to leaf mold is bothering me. But I am back at my day job, so whatever it is doesn't prevent me from going to work.

While at this convention, on Friday and Saturday nights, I played the role of Hostess in my room, holding what I and my friends have come to know as my "Salon." I invite them, and provide wine and tasty munchies (from Trader Joe's of course), wineglasses, and a chance to have interesting conversation. This is the kind of conversation that most of us wish we had more of in "real life," that is talk about philosophy, religion, science, or art. My Salon is not just a gossipfest! It's a chance for people who usually connect only online to see each other face to face and have a sip as well. Other Salon attendees usually bring more goodies, such as one of my Friendly Mathematicians who always brings his bread-baking machine to conventions. He brought fresh-baked bread to go with the wine and the sweets.

While at the convention I was able to sit down with another of my Friendly Mathematicians (not the one with the bread) and clarify a very simple problem of algebraic proportionality which I had not managed to understand. I didn't do that much math or physics at the convention, though; I didn't have the time. Much of my convention time was spent bringing people to the art show to see my display, and talking about my work both current and future. My efforts were not entirely successful. I sold five of the ten pieces I had on the display panel, and all of these for very low prices. Only one of the pieces I showed on the previous entries was sold, "Green Warp." The rest will be kept for the next show, whenever that is. Fortunately, with the day job I no longer depend on earnings from conventions.

I have often wondered what it is like at physics conventions, which must be much more high-powered and intense (and more abundantly provisioned when it comes to drink) than my little convention on Thanksgiving weekend. If I lived in a more spacious dwelling or an actual house, I would like to hold Salon more often. But socializing is tiring for me, and my hostess duties probably contribute to my after-convention dragginess. It's good to get back to the secluded studio, even if I haven't unpacked from the convention yet.

Posted at 3:39 am | link