Harrisburg Alpaca Show

I've never been fond of competitions, particularly in a professional context. I was 16 the last time I went to one. Couldn't tell you what networking meant. But I quickly learnt what schmoozing meant. There was as much friction in the clenched butt cheeks as there was in the pleasantness between direct competitors. It didn't feel much like a community. I wanted out.

This is the first time I've returned to any kind of contest, even as a spectator. Hundreds of alpacas under one roof was more than an incentive for me. In support of my dream my husband, mother-in-law and sister-in-law joined me. I feel like the alpacas and promise of an obstacle course helped.

Within minutes of arriving at the show we started talking with a breeder. No butt cheek friction. No holding back. Just enjoyment of each other's  abundant passion for these creatures. Like Donna, he answered my questions honestly and made me all the more excited to have my own farm. I felt like part of a community. We all enjoy this lifestyle and only wish more people knew how satisfying it can be. After talking with other breeders I realized how much Donna has taught me. How this has become a life choice.

My husband fell in love with a silver grey rose. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law got friendly with a few. I was captivated by every alpaca I saw. Shapes, colors, personalities, size, wrinkles, curiosity, the puffiness of their wool. I watched them stand in front of their fans, their ears angles back in the breeze, stray fibers dancing.  I observed their group dynamics. I watched how they interacted with humans. I laughed at them contorting their bodies to scratch an itch. I loved them all.

I was conscious that I'd been making doe eyes at alpacas for some time. I felt like no one in the room could be enjoying themselves nearly as much as me. I ushered my family to the alpaca obstacle competition, this was definitely going to be fun for everyone. Especially since I'd been trying to convince my sister-in-law that they would be jumping through rings of fire! I was surprised at what I did see in the arena. Children. Each of them had a visible bond with their animal and handled them expertly. When the opportunity to be part of the obstacle course arose my hand jolted up like it was attached to a pulley system and the sandbag was dropped. I was one of two petters. We had to pet each alpaca in the same way so the judges could see how they responded to human contact. I was so impressed by how each child knew their animal intimately and offered comfort when they became nervous. I think there's no better way to teach a young person mutual respect.

It was time to check out the fiber arts competition to see where I stand and how to improve. I wrote previously about a Jackson pollock themed alpaca for competition. Let's just say it would not be at home amongst the soft natural pieces I saw. So I'm working on an even crazier piece for the next competition!