I'm going to mostly write blog posts to try and process what just happened to me (in a super good way) but every time I thanked the crew they said 'please write lovely things on the forum' so I got the sense it was important to say stuff here too or it wouldn't be read.
I've never been to a con like this before. I've never had a photo shoot with anyone, and got maybe one autograph from someone I've adored on screen. I'm high functioning autistic, my joints 'spontaneously dislocate' as my GP beautifully put it, I have low blood pressure issues and some anxiety issues though they're mostly under control. I don't want sympathy, I want you guys to know I just ran the equivalent of a marathon for me, physically, mentally and emotionally. I had a blast.
My experience with Benedict was odd. 'he wont talk to you, they never do' everyone said when I did my usual 'but I need to know exactly what's going to happen next' thing. He did talk back. I muttered something utterly incomprehensible and ran away. And then spent the rest of the weekend quietly laughing at myself. He came across as a humble, thoughtful gentleman in the talk and I respected his refusal to be lured down paths he didn't want to walk down.
Andrew Scott was delightful. Sparkly, gentle, took time to talk to my friend. Louise Brealey was adorable and inspiring, gave her time and energy freely, despite I think at times finding the photos especially quite difficult. Loved her and indeed all the Ladies fo Sherlock. That was one awesome talk.
Meeting the Vertues was amazing. Both listened to me burble, heard me, talked to me, and understood. I have a book signed by them, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat that will be treasured til the day I die and I'm not one for getting attached to random objects, believe me.
I got to greet Mark Gatiss with 'hello Mr Government' which made my Sunday. He grinned, it was lovely, the photo as a result is of course lovely. Ditto Lara Pulver - our photo has laughter written all over it.
I didn't expect the guests to be so...lovely. Not that I expected horridness but I think I expected everyone to be like Mark was by 4:30pm Sunday - aloof. He was clearly exhausted, I didn't take it personally, it was fine. But that everyone was so...free with their time, energy, kindness and answered my sometimes random questions without thought, and in some cases genuine joy and interest was just...
I can't say thank you to the crew, volunteers and guests (and my friends and helpers/PA's who were superheroes) enough. This show has meant the world to me for various reasons I wont go into. The con was a beautiful extension of that.
