At the end of a really great vacation, like the now-legendary 221B Con this weekend, there's always that moment when you realize you're going to have to go back to reality. The job, the household chores, all the obligations you manged to completely put out of your mind. And the serious, serious shit the world itself throws down outside of all that.
As I drove along the interstate headed north today, before hearing about the Boston tragedy tonight, I was remembering something Joss Whedon once wrote that I've always held dear, and it goes like this:
"Bottom line is even if you see 'em coming, you're not ready for the big moments. No one asks for their life to change, not really. But it does. So what, are we helpless? Puppets? No. The big moments are gonna come, can't help that. It's what you do afterwards that counts. That's when you find out who you are."
Big moments. They're not just tragedies. Sometimes they're a really great weekend you got to spend in the company of like-minded folk. Sometimes they're accomplishments you worked really hard to make happen. Things you knew were coming. Things that caught you by surprise. There are all sorts of big moments, good and bad, that change our lives.
And it's really true: "It's what you do afterwards that counts."
This weekend, we got away for a while, learned some new things, enjoyed the creative efforts of others, met some new friends . . . just like so many Sherlockian weekends I've had before. There's always a level of energy that comes from such things, if you get past the initial drop. The chance to use things you've learned, and follow paths you didn't know were even there earlier.
But this weekend wasn't just any Sherlockian weekend. For me, it was a big moment. Maybe not as big as some. Maybe even something that seems a little silly to some. Like everything else in life, however, now comes the "afterwards."
The ongoing investigation of Sherlock Holmes, reported from the Peoria, Illinois outpost of Baker Street's dirtiest half a dozen.
Brad, we must be psychically connected. I pondered the very same things after Sunday. I saw the weekend as a pivotal moment in the supposed balance of the elite devotees. And that is not to be snarky--it was that big moment which changed the Sherlockian world as we have known it. And I couldn't be happier.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you both. I remarked to Brad as we rode up in an elevator between sessions that I thought we would look back on the 221B Con as a defining moment in the history of the Sherlockian world. I was overwhelmed by the brilliant vision of the founders of this event, the enthusiasm and creativity and freshness of the attendees, and especially by the knowledge that Sherlock Holmes is in such good hands for the future.
ReplyDeleteBrad,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say again how wonderful it was to meet you this weekend. And thank you for the donation of books for prizes. Your blogs about the con give me goosebumps. It is great to be able to read how much you enjoyed the event and about the way things are changing (hopefully for good!).
Bill,
Thank you for your kind words. The other founders and I appreciate that the future you see for Sherlockania includes our little con.
Wishing you all the best. See you next year!
Uh... I'm from Peoria and was also there. How did I miss that you were there too? Kicking myself!
ReplyDeleteProbably because who would expect someone else from Peoria to be there? Sorry our paths didn't cross (though they probably did and we just didn't know). We're having another Sherlockian get-together in May (and some after that), so you'll get a few chances to see other Peoria Sherlock fans before next 221B Con.
Delete