gerisullivan | If you're still packing for ConQuesT....

I've been wanting to go to ConQuesT for a few years now. Their GoH line-up this time around includes my very dear friends

debgeisler and

tnh -- the time and opportunity were ripe. I'm KC bound.

As is my usual habit, I over-packed and then some. Among the very last items I tucked in are a pair of gloves. Not the latex or vinyl gloves for safer party prep food handling, but white, ladies gloves -- the kind I've never taken to a convention before.

The occasion? Tea. Really quite remarkable tea. Thanks to

docinghair and

papersky, this weekend

pnh and I will be tasting and serving eight different kinds of First Flush and Second Flush Darjeeling. And, yes, I'll report back on the favorites. There may even be cucumber sandwiches with no-crust bread cut into interesting shapes with ruffle-edged cookie cutters. Little paper coasters with pansies and a brief bible verse printed on them. Flowered napkins. Yes, there just may be something along those lines, too. Did I mention I over-packed?

Time and location are still TBD. Sometime Sunday after noon and before evening looks most likely. My best tea hats don't travel well, but I do have a recent find from Brimfield tucked into my bag. And a funky, vintage purse from Brimfield, too! My ensemble also features an embroidered, flouncy skirt and hand-knit lace shawl.

So if you're still packing for ConQuesT, feel free to tuck in hat, gloves, and related finery. Being in fandom means never having to ask, "but where will I ever wear this?"

(Rest assured, hats and gloves are not required! If you're interested in joining us for tea, please ask me for the details once we're all in Kansas City.)

Posted with a tip o'the tipple to my fellow Pinheaded Puritans from a certain Minicon of yore. I think that's the last time I wore such gloves. ("Many moons pass. Buffalo cross great prairie....")

(Advance warning: I'm already thinking of a reprise at Boskone. I drive to Boskone; I can bring my Candlewick party service. The crystal cups would be lovely for viewing the color of each tea, and I even have matching flower vases. And a carnival glass deviled egg tray!)