Today I head west three hours to Grafton, Illinois, for an annual four day midwest UFO Convention, my first in many many years. I was attracted by this notice, in February, and sent it to my old friend Joan Bird, who lives in Montana, asking her if she might be interested. She was! Correction: she IS. Here now. Arrived late Saturday, and we spent all of yesterday catching up. Heading out to Grafton right after my 1-2 pm nap today.
Here’s what caught both our eyes:
Joan and I began to attend UFO conferences back in, what was it, the year 2000? Earlier? She and I had met at a Dances of Universal Peace event, and immediately clicked. That first conference, in Laramie Wyoming, and geared towards “experiencers,” those who have had personal contact with ETs, hooked us both. I thought I was there merely as an observer, interested for sociological reasons. Who are these people who attend such events? Well, it turns out all sorts of people, young and old, of myriad political and cultural persuasions. Those with opening minds. And yep, Joan and I were both “hooked,” fascinated by all that breaks just about anybody’s Overton Window.
So we began to attend other conferences together, some of them of not only regional, but of national and international import.
Joan got to wrapped up in the subject, she even authored a book:
Montana UFOs
So, when she agreed to come and attend this midwest event with me, I was both thrilled and surprised. It’s been many years since we’ve been with each other, and . . . here we are!
I am taking this computer with me, and will try to document my reflections. If time runs away with me, I will save them until later.
Following the conference we will then spend two more days on the road, traveling down the Mississippi to check out Cahokia before she flies back.
