Second Chances

Here was another chance to see the Book of Games.

There is a certain thrill in being asked to present a paper at an international conference. When I received the invitation, I felt almost vindicated for the years of work I had put into traditional games.

Its lonely sometimes studying a subject no one else does. Most people wonder why you do it. You convince them with your passion and persistence and then they appreciate what you do… almost like indulging a child. As a parent I have said to my children, “Oh how lovely,” when I am wondering about what on earth they are doing. It’s quite unnerving to hear the same tone when people talk about my work.

Then there are the many who support you. They come for your talks or read your articles. They are happy and proud. But they honestly don’t know why one talk should be different from another. They simply cannot understand the wide scope of the subject.

There is another group that loves the games but don’t care about its history, culture or anything else. They are happy to just play.

It’s rare to find a person who truly appreciates your work and genuinely understands what you are trying to do or at least tries to do so. Then you clutch at them with both hands and talk nineteen to a dozen till they become a true believer … or run away from the crazy person you have become.

So, when you get a chance to meet with and talk with a group who works in the same area, its truly exciting. When you add a trip to Madrid and a second chance to catch a glimpse of the Book of Games… it is perfect.