Get your own Free Home PageI attended my first Midrealm event on Saturday the 16th of September, in the Barony of Nordskoggin (Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area). It was an archery event, but merchants were solicited in the "Pale," the Middle Kingdom's newsletter. Nicholas and I displayed our wares, and I finished a few projects while waiting for our 2 paying customers for the day. I was surprised that attendance was no greater and perhaps even less than for Tribal Revelries. I did like the way they simulated shooting through castle arrow loops. They folded cardboard in an accordion manner and stood it up for the archers to shoot through. The folds were about 2 feet before the next fold with the entire "wall" being about 8 feet high by about 20 feet long. Arrow slots were cut in the folds and the whole thing was painted to resemble a stone wall.
This past week, I spoke with 2 gentles about the prospect and benefits of their joining the SCA. One was a co-worker, who saw our article in Saturday's paper. His wife asked about it, and he has a daughter who might be interested in dance. The other was spotted quite by accident. I was in an office, in the middle of inspecting their work, when I spied a Shaeffer calligraphy pen lying on a desk, with a sheet of experimental writing on it. I asked who the calligrapher was, and the guy whose work I was inspecting, said that it was his. I told him that I knew of a great way for him to widen his experience, and to share his work with others. He might join us.
13 Oct A.S. XXX: I begin with the commentary from the 10 Oct business meeting. I arrived about 15 minutes before the start-time of 7:00, and gave Siobhan (chronicler) an info sheet she'd included in my first (October) copy of the Screaming Herald. I gave her an ad for calligraphy night and then to Alynne, I gave a drawing she'd requested of a gopher-rampant. Nicollette gave me a sheet describing Rudivale officer responsibilities, since we'd spoken earlier via farspeaker about my assisting with her office of chatelaine. I then showed some of my month's wares to Antal (MoA&S), and the meeting soon commenced.
Items of business: Seneschal wants membership registration numbers; Tabard making is 28 Oct, noon to 5:00 at Nicolette's; Family Thanksgiving night still to be scheduled; Period armor discussion 8 Nov, 7:00, at Berwyn's; Fighter and dance practices delayed due to scarcity of sites; SCA gatherings are to be in garb; Monthly social moots pending site. They're to be like demos at which we will socialize, and they'll be held in a public place in order to attract prospective members; Rudivale will be putting in a bid to build Northshield throne boxes (40x26x14), 2 each; $1273.56 in the Rudivale coffers; Coronet Tourney and Investiture will be held at the same event, in order to save travel for the Crown; I (Ognyen) shall be, by consensus of the shire present at the meeting, assistant chatelaine for demos. Nicollette and I will work out details at a later date; A list of publications in the shire library will soon be published; Scouting meeting will be held on 21 Oct at noon, at Turtle River State Park. All are invited and are to be in garb for atmosphere, and to attract attention. Aelfgar's will be the bad weather site; Alynne (MoC) needs good burlap source; 63 were in attendance at the Un-Named event. We made a profit, though that wasn't our aim. Site fee was only $2.00, and feast was only $5.00; Friday the 13th party will be held at Jan's and Alys's place - 6:30 til whenever; 10 Feb is the Northshield New-comer's Orientation. We'll be sponsoring it, offering demos, merchanting, classes, etc. Site is Univ. of ND. Lunch by UND, and potluck dinner; We have a display case at UND for 3 weeks. We are to bring our displayables (not too valuable) to next month's meeting; Berwyn was selected as our next seneschal; After Alys finished the business portion, Berwyn finished the meeting. Alynne said "I've got a question." In a good bossly (captainly) way, Berwyn said "Make it so!" I forget what the question was; I brought up the possibility of a market event. The shire seemed to like it, and we'll iron out more details later; We were requested to assist Korsvag at a 19-23 April Renaissance Festival at the Fargodome. When we told the Fargodome folks that we'd not be able to support it until the 21st due to our 20 April Camelot event, they offered to negotiate re-scheduling the Renfest so we could help; Our photo, which appeared in the Grand Forks Herald, hit the national wire service (must've been a slow day). A Nordskoggin herald told Berwyn that he'd seen Basarab in the paper. Berwyn asked if he actually got the Grand Forks paper and the Nordskoggin herald said 'No, I saw it in the Minneapolis paper;' Rudivale is joining the North Valley Arts Council. It will cost $25/year. Besides great publicity, there are lots of other benefits like publicity flyer copying, site use, and more; Next meeting, 7 Nov, same time and site.
Tonight, Jan's and Alys's party went well. Becky and the kids attended with me, as it was an informal, family party. I enjoyed it, and it seems that the rest of the family did as well.
21 Oct: Last night's Calligraphy meeting went pretty good. I, Antal, Ulrich, Nicollette, Marie Ognyensdottir, her friend Kelly, and my other-world parents were participants. We talked about various information sources, and compared some books. Photocopied hand-outs were exchanged and we worked on different projects. It was a very informal meeting. I look forward to next month's meeting.
5 Nov: Yesterday, Ld Ian called and offered me the office of signet for the shire. He offered me the job because he felt I was more active in calligraphy, and that I was the one running the monthly calligraphy meetings. The offer was made without any pressure I am aware of. The job entails coordination for kingdom award scrolls made locally.
Today, Nicholas and I paid a visit to Christine and Jennifer (two ladies who responded to an article I wrote for the base paper). They seem most excited about what the SCA has to offer. The visit was to display some of these offerings. Nick brought some of his crafts, and I did likewise. Christine expressed great interest in vocal music, dance, calligraphy, fighting and crafts. Jennifer wants to broaden her cross-stitch, embroidery and recorder talent. I loaned them the 20 year edition of the Known World Handbook, a Tournaments Illuminated, Pale, Costuming to a T, and Period Ballads. Both Christine and Jennifer plan to attend the 7 Nov monthly business meeting in EGF(East Grand Forks).
11 Nov, A.S. XXX: On 7 Nov, Nicolette called and asked if I could do invitation scrolls for Their Majesties, for our Camelot event. I said "Yes" and for her and Kenric to get me the particulars. Later that night, our business meeting was held. I took poor notes, due to my expected receipt of the Screaming Herald (which I have yet to receive). Some of the items of business were: $976.46 in the bank; I brought up our 10 Nov Cub Scout demo and got great words of offered support; a 21 Nov meeting for recruiting and publicity was scheduled at Berwyn's at 7:00; another demo at a school which I'll have to get more info from Berwyn; a 27 Nov demo for the base Boy Scouts; a 30 Nov meeting of the North Valley Arts Council @ 5:00 @ the 1st Nat' Bank in East Rudivale; a 16 Dec demo for the base Kiddie Campus from 10-1; Ld Ian's request that I take over the office of signet was brought up and accepted by the populace present; The Fargodome Renfest is scheduled for 21 Apr from 1-9; and Northshield has a device passed of: Sable, an 8-point compass star argent, within an annulet argent, A bordure Or; Two demos were performed, that I heard nothing about. Apparently, these were on as short a notice as the one I found for us.
The 10 Nov Cub Scout demo went well, considering that I made no preparations since this was "my" first Rudivale demo. The group liked us well enough that they asked if we could do a bigger mini-Renfest-type demo for the entire base Scouting populace. Other than myself, in support was Ld Berwyn, Ld Basarab, Ly Alys and her daughters, Anneke and Marieke. (mka) Christine and Jennifer were there also, in garb borrowed from Ly Alys. I thank you all! The Cub Master (Bruce Ormand 594-6083/747-3941) opened the meeting and introduced the Shire of Rudivale. I spoke a few sentences about the SCA and, thankfully, Berwyn took over. He spoke, and then some slides of what we do were shown. Basarab showed his armor and demonstrated some of our combat as best as he could, with the handicap of being the only armored fighter. Berwyn helped by hitting him a few times to show how some of the blows are called. We displayed crafts, Alys and the girls initiated some participatory dance, at which Berwyn, Basarab, and the Valentins also participated. I played a short tune on recorder, and we opened up for questions and answers. I enjoyed the demo, but hope for a bit more notice in the future. My next planned activity is Friday's calligraphy night.
December Publicity Committee Meeting: Many ideas for getting new members were bounced about. We talked about articles, want-ads, public pot-lucks, Above and Beyond program, Adopt-a-Highway, propaganda sheets, advertise our teaching potential, and for members to learn their personae. We discussed participation in the Communiversity(?), and a dinner for the Masons as a fundraiser.
On 6 January, I attended Northshield's first Coronet Tourney. I was graced with the company of my father for this event. It was the first time I got either of my parents to accompany me. After some rounds with the merchants, and watching the last few rounds of the tournament we departed. I couldn't see keeping my dad there with several hours to wait for the investiture and court, which was to be after the early evening feast. I got to add 3 books to my collection, and got to collect addresses from merchants for our next Un-Named event, which is to have a merchanting theme.
9 Jan business meeting: Much business was discussed. Dance and fighter practices, 2 newcomers events, business meetings, Scout and Calligraphy meetings and more were scheduled through March. (see calendar for schedule) I delivered the number cards for Basarab, base papers which had a short recruiting note to Nicolette and Berwyn, and populace surveys to those in attendance and to Siobhan for inclusion in the Screaming Herald. Basarab presented me with a small gift. There were at least 18 present.
The number cards were requested by Basarab for the Regional Newcomers Event to be held on 10 Feb. They'll be used for timing of the various classes that'll be conducted. The request was for 15 cards, but I didn't like the way some of them turned out, so I made 2 extra 1s and 5s, and 3 extra 10s. Basarab also asked for 5 stamps by which to segregate the attendee in some manner. I made 12 for shire use, and 13 others. I got onto a sort of stamp-making spree. I opened Basarab's gift when I got home and discovered 2 cast metal cranes. They shall go nicely with my fen-themed accoutrements.
17 Jan: I received my Screaming Herald and Tournaments Illuminated today.
19 Feb: I missed the 6 Feb meeting due, in part, to mundane commitments, but moreso because I had forgotten about it completely until only 2 hours before it was to start. I called Basarab and gave him the information I wished to pass on, and told him that we could offer crash-space for the 10 Feb New-Comers Seminar. Much information which was once included in the text of this writing is now found in the calendar.
I have been actively attempting to recruit. I have spoken to 2 ladies from England, who work at GFAFB's Family Support Center. I left some propaganda with a family from my church. They are a home-schooling family, and he has a history degree with a strong interest in European history.
About the 10 Feb New-Comer's Seminar: Nicholas and I departed home at around 8:00 am, and picked up Christine who was indeed ready upon our arrival. (I like it when people are ready on time.) I knew snow was on the way, but it didn't look to be as formidable a system as we've had before. We set up our wares, and were ready to demo, socialize and sell by 9:00. Before noon, word was passed that my little weather system had escalated to blizzard status. My routes home had been closed. Worry was futile, so we enjoyed our day meeting new people and even selling enough of our inventory to call it a successful day. To the best of my knowledge, my routes were still blocked when we were ready for departure. Christine wished to attend the mock court, and she had arranged for other transportation home. We left seeking food, but I thought I'd check our road before buying. My road was open, though heavily iced. We passed not fewer than 16 carriages which had slid off the road. We arrived home safe, though what was usually a 15 minute drive took nearly an hour. It was a good day, and all ended up well.
The color flyer was posted at the GFAFB library, but the head librarian said they didn't need assistance with their display case, and that they had more than ample subject matter with all the different themed months and weeks. I put up a flyer along with hand-outs at the GFAFB Skills Development Center and may have interested some more recruits who work there.
On 13 Feb I delivered invitations for TM, TRH, and TSH to be sent inviting them to our Camelot event, to Alys who said she would bring them to dance practice. Also, Alys delivered a contract for building use to Berwyn for signature. I picked the contract up on the 14th.
Today, the 19th of Feb, I attended fighter practice. 5 fighters were there with armor and 4 spectators. Later, 4 or 5 more fighters showed up from Korsvag.
I had earlier spoken to Basarab about the Brotherhood of the Phoenix, and today delivered a medallion and what I had in the line of a handbook. We'll be getting together later for further discussion. I'm sure he'll make a worthy addition to our Family.
I called Berwyn this evening to schedule a reading of 1066 and all that. It shall be on 27 April at 2:00. I'll try to arrange the use of a church classroom. I called Siobhan to insure that it got publicized.
12 Mar: I got some good news from last night. Sister Sadafa called me. It was my first contact with her since William enclosed a letter of introduction when she was first admitted into our Phoenix Family. She wished that I contact a lady living in Korsvag about possibly being a missing sister. I sent the letter off today. I sent brother Garth and sister Morganna a letter with a disk of my proposed revision to our Family's Handbook. I also sent letters to Mannfred, Wulfgar and Brecanni. I invited Wulfgar to become a part of the Lost Fen, providing Brecanni concurs.
On the 4th, we held our first Bring a Newbie dessert revel. We had nearly 30 in attendance, 7 of which (I think) were new. It went well. The following night was our business meeting. Usual stuff was discussed, and when asked for assistance for the Camelot event, I volunteered to help Kenric with his quest. I know not what I'll be doing yet. Basarab and Theophano are to be married on the thirteenth of July at Turtle River State Park; the time is still pending. Not a whole lot was accomplished since attendance was low for the meeting. It looks as though Marie will be accompanying me to Camelot and to the Renfest the following day.
19 Mar: Brother William called on the 15th and I sent him more Phoenix writings on the 18th. I received a letter from bro Basarab who still sounds quite motivated for the Phoenix. I called him in an attempt to set up a meeting to perhaps make the Phoenix a visible thing here in Rudivale.
23 Mar: This evening, bro William called to speak of the things he's doing in England, and that he has been unable to locate the books I had requested. He says the book stores said my books weren't available or were over 80 pounds apiece. Both store-claims are false and I'll be sending more specific information such as publishers, ISBN numbers and so forth. The British equivilent of Books in Print lists all the books I seek and none are over 9 pounds. A little later, Parthalon called. When he spoke, I immediately recognized the voice but my mind told me "No, it couldn't be," until I said the voice sounds familiar... from Missouri. Things could be better in Lost Forest, but the stronghold still lives. Parthalon and Roseamund added an offspring to their family on the 28th of February. They are now a family of 4, the parents, a girl and a boy. I hope they have contented and prosperous lives. I'll be writing them a letter in a few minutes.
04 April A.S. XXX: I've been coordinating with LtC Davidson on Rudivale's performing at Friends and Neighbors Day (GFAFB Open House). F&N Day will be held on 29 June. The Shire is supportive and it looks like we'll be well accepted by the powers-that-be.
We've been requested to perform a demo for a Cub Scout day camp. I need to contact the camp director to find out just exactly what is expected. The demo is to be held somewhere between 12 and 15 June.
Our merchant event will be held on 12 October in Larimore. On 6 May will be our monthly meeting at the 321 MXS Conference Room. The room was amazingly simple to get. Wulfgar is our historian/librarian and requested book lists from the populace. I gave him mine at our 2 April meeting. Berwyn took Alys' place as dance master for the shire and Ulrich took over as fighter marshal from Jan.
I shall now call Scout POC for demo information - The demo will be at the lunch-time for boys, grades 2,3,4, Kids will most likely be most impressed with the fighting, but the camp's theme is "Down on the Farm." Ann requested spinning, or mentioned that she heard about a spinner in the group - (Nicolette?). They'd like to have us for 2 of the 3 days mentioned earlier. Ann also asked if we might do another demo on base for a broader scout group (Boy, Girl & Cub Scouts. The area Scout office number is 775-3189. ...is another scheduling POC. The camp is at Larimore Dam in the wooded area to the left of the entrance. They have a rain-out location, but Ann was unsure about where it is. The Scouts are having a meeting at 6:30 on the 16th of April for coordination of up-coming happenings. The office is located at 17th & Cherry (turn by SF Plaza, go past big Church and Scout office should be in sight). (I found it; no problem!)
27 April: The reading of 1066 and All that is over. It lasted only 45 minutes. I'm sure it would have been longer had anyone else shown up. Enough fussing; I need to update this writing on what's been happening.
On the 21st, I sat down and hand-scribed the following: 21 April: An hectic weekend is over. It was most enjoyable, but it's nice to relax.
Saturday's Camelot event: I hadn't heard much about anything except what happened in the merchant area, so that's all I'll mention in detail. I arrived too early, or perhaps just for local standards, which was about an hour and a half before start-time. When he arrived at 9:15, Kenric surveyed the rooms to pick the merchanting area, saying desks could be moved if needed, providing they get put back. Thinking the room would be too small, I moved all the desks to another room, leaving a clear area. I set up my things in the corner, which was the first place mine eyes fell upon entering the room. I guessed other's eyes would do likewise. My Phoenix banner made its debut and enhanced the appearance of my set-up. The second merchant (whose name escapes me) arrived and grumbled a bit about how merchants always get shoved way out of the way at Rudivale events, and about the small size of the room. She looked a bit shocked when I said there were to be four merchants here. I assisted her in bringing in a table and setting it up. A young man appeared and introduced himself as Kveldulf. He marvelled at my wares and was most friendly. He told me that his sister, Katja Stoneclaw, was here also. I thought that both their names were strangely familiar, then it dawned on me where I may have heard them. I looked in my Phoenix book at a letter sent to me from Aurora Revontulet, and lo, I discovered that Kveldulf and his sister were the children of Aurora, whom I looked forward to meeting that day. It was strange that this truly likeable kid turned out to be so closely related to Aurora. He made a good impression. I soon met his mom, who turned out to be merchant number three (the fourth never showed). They seem to be a wonderful family, and I am glad that sister Sadafa requested that I write to them. I hope they accept mine invitation to the Phoenix Family. The day was spent in good company. Later on, folks began to smell smoke, and it continued to get stronger. No one saw any flame, but Kenric called the fire department anyway. It turned out to be a light ballast burning up. All was O.K., but the smell drove most of the customers out of our area, and the other two merchants moved to the great hall. I decided that I'd pack it up for the day. I loaded all my things and put the room back together as I had found it, after sweeping the floor. We left the room in better shape than we had found it, which is always the best policy. Sales went fair, and I made enough to cover the day's costs and to finance the trip to Korsvag, Sunday, for the Renaissance Festival.
RenFest #1 for Fargo ND (shire of Korsvag): I arrived at 0820 and unloaded my wares at the North Door, as was stressed for me to do at Camelot, by the lady from whom I received my pass. I waited, and saw a couple people go down to the freight entrance and disappear. I left my things and went down to see if that might be mine entrance, and found that I could have received more specific instructions. I moved all my things down there and then to the far south end of the Fargodome to set up. The event was O.K., but I might have been spoiled by the Kansas City RenFest. It was tiny. I think this was an experimental first-time, to see if future Renfests would work for the area. I think they will. At Camelot, I was told by merchant #2 that merchanting required something like a $100 fee. That was something I couldn't afford, and basing my final decision on the sales tax problem potential (encountered at the KC Renfest), I didn't bring my wares. About 1 1/2 hours before closing, merchant #2 came by and asked "How's sales?" I said I'd sold nothing, and she looked quite surprised. She then told me that early that morning, she'd found out that the RenFest people didn't mind if we sold our wares. I was angry inside at first, but thought that it'd only make the rest of my stay miserable. I accepted the ill fate, and sold a whopping $4-worth of stuff. I had several offers on many of my costly items, but turned away the potential customers because I "hadn't gotten the proper clearance to merchant." Chainmailing was a crowd pleaser. Many were in awe that we made our own links and put the stuff together link-by-link. I gave my address and number to a lady who may want me to make her a staff, and to another lady who wishes to learn more about making chainmail. The chainmail lady is a costume designer, who is pursuing her Master's degree at UND. She was pleased to hear that there was an SCA group in the Grand Forks area. I hope she gets back to us.
On 23 April, I received a call from Ann Van Heste about our pending Cub Scout demo. She wants us to perform on the 13th and 14th of June, at around lunch time. She plans to attend our 6 May meeting to give us the particulars.
29 May: The Oslo MN Cub Scouts want us to do a demo for their day-camp. It, as well as the 13,14 June demo will be on week-days. I said it was un-likely, but I'd bring it up at our 3 June meeting. Oslo wants 25, 26 and 27 June. The representative, whose name escapes me, said she might attend our meeting. On the 27th, I finally got my tenor recorder, so now I have the range: sopranino, soprano, alto and tenor. I like the tenor and alto best, as they have a lower, more pleasing-to-the-ear tone.
Today, I got word that the Friends and Neighbors day demo at GFAFB is un-workable. Berwyn called me yesterday and gave me particulars on Friday's Special Olympics demo. It will be held at Hyslop gym on the UND campus from 10:00 to 4:00. He doesn't know how much support we'll get, but at least he and I will be there. Our function will be to serve as between-events entertainment for the competitors. I'll have my recorders and to work on: chainmail, 2 staves and calligraphy. I tried, at lunch-time, to leave a message for Berwyn on Friends and Neighbors day, but his scribe must have been on break.
3 June: Being the Summaries of the Special Olympics demo and Monthly Business Meeting. On 31 May, I arrived at the Special Olympics demo at 0930 after driving around a while trying to find a place in which to park. I settled on a spot about two blocks from where we were to set up. I unloaded four trips in the rain and began to build my display. Berwyn arrived around 0950 with Ulrich. They knew of a door from which they could unload directly into the building. (I wish I had known of it!) "Jack" and his lady arrived shortly after 10:00.
I displayed my usual stuff, except of course, the knives, considering the participants. Berwyn heralded Ulrich's and Jack's combat. He sang some, while playing his drums, and experimented with drumming on divers objects. I played some on my recorders. Kenric showed up late, then he and Berwyn commenced to juggling. Jack's lady, Berwyn and Kenric marshalled the combat.
Three of the Olympians were particularly memorable to me. One man whom I would estimate to be in his late 20s to early 30s talked with us at great length, though I could make out only about a third of what he was trying to say. He liked us so well he came back a while later to show us some of his crafts. He'd made a newspaper hat, similar to a Robin Hood hat, and a rolled newspaper sword. He made a point to show us the handguard of paper folded around and taped to the "blade." He was quite proud and happy with his accomplishment. It's almost sad to see someone his age taking such great pride in a project at Kindergarten level, but nice to see his joy in sharing it with people he liked. A lady looked over our things saying "Oooo, neat!" at everything. She petted my chainmail several times, repeating her phrase. The "Oooo neat"s started again with Ulrich's and Jack's fighting. Another young man hung around our tables dancing to Berwyn's drumming and my recorder. He talked with us for quite a while until one of the escort-type people came by and told him he needed to be over where awards were being given out. He docilely obliged.
It was great to see that many well-behaved people in one place. We packed up and departed by 4:00 at which time another group was already beginning to set up tables for their event.
Tonight's business meeting was rather eventless. Wulfgar, I, Berwyn, Jan, Alys and their offspring and Kenric were the only ones to make it. No business was conducted, though we talked a bit and set a tentative date for our next meeting. It is to be on the 4th of July, providing the Sertoma Club invites us again this year. We're looking at a potluck picnic, short meeting, and to watch the fireworks. The high-point of the non-meeting was when Kenric announced a scroll for Alys which was presented at Coronet Tourney Court on 1 June. The award was the Order of the Northstar, which is similar to a Calontir Torse for service. Business was so lacking at the meeting that I took no written notes. I mentioned that 19 July was open for calligraphy, should anyone elect to take me up on it.
9 June: I arrived in Lost Forest and made attempts at communication with Wulfgar/Brecanni, Greiggor, Manfred and Parthalon/Roseamund. I made contact with Wulfgar. He mentioned that he was still haunted by ill politics and that he's getting quite active in other re-enactment groups while maintaining interest in the SCA.
10 June: Crossed paths with Manfred. Had short talk and he told me of the business meeting to be held on Sunday, 16 June. He said that there had been quite a population turn-over. I paid Wulfgar and Brecanni a visit later that evening. Roseamund also answered my message.
11 June: Saw Parthalon and Roseamund and their 2 offspring. They seem bittersweet about SLF. It seems people still join down here for the party atmosphere. I need to find out how to recruit more selectively for when I return to the area. Perhaps I'll brainstorm with Parthalon, Roseamund, John of King's Point and the Rudivalians.
16 June: Attended business meeting. Business was not discussed, due to the late showing of the 12 after Manfred, "Newt" and myself, and Lilies burn-out. There was considerable talk of Manfred's riding into the site in armor and on his "iron steed." He says he may have seen Basarab, as he seems to remember the purple and white checked tabard. Only two of those in attendance were new to me. A good thing is that I heard no back-stabbing gossip as I had been used to with this stronghold. I spoke with Ld Duncan about my device and he said that he'd check on it again for me.
12-14 June Cub Demo: Ld Berwyn assured me that all went well. I was visiting in Calontir at the time, so did not attend.
22 June: Summerthing Demo. We were rained out on the second day, but this, first went quite well. We spoke to many potential anachronists and entertained a great many. The morning of the second day was nice for uninterrupted (except for the guy who hovered about us on the first day) socialization with the few who were senseless enough to show up.
4 July Meeting and Potluck: Again, I did not attend due to a funeral in Nordskoggin.
13 July: Wedding of Basarab and Theophano: A couple nights before the wedding, Kenric called and made an emergency request of a staff for Master John, who was to conduct the wedding. Master John is blind and the airport folks would not allow him to take his staff on board the plane. I selected about a half dozen from which he could choose. A thin one was a bit rough and I decided that I needed to de-bark and smooth it despite the otherwise ample selection. That, I did the next day before I went to work.
Kenric and John dropped by around lunchtime. This was the first time I had met John, though I'd seen him at other events. He's not hard to notice, since he seems to totally lack eyes and his arms end at the elbows with two long thick finger-like projections.
He extended his "hand" in greeting and I was unsure how to shake. I quickly thought, "Do I grasp both projections or just one, and if so, which one?" He had lived with his handicap all his life, and he quickly put me at ease by shifting his "hand" so the handshake worked for both of us. I thought his attitude was great! He didn't see himself as handicapped at all. This is the way he is and he's normal like that, just as we're normal the way we are.
He felt the various staves, inquiring as to what kind of wood they were. He checked the carved ones and the undecorated ones and settled on the last one I gave him, which was the one I stripped and sanded specially for him. He first asked if I'd finished them with lemon oil, which I had. This was quickly determined by the smell. He then appreciated the wood by a sense I never would have applied to such a material. He picked it up off the ground a bit and smacked the lower end of it. He said "This wood sounds beautiful. What kind is it?" I told him it was Silver Maple. We talked some more and they departed - John with the nice-sounding staff. I have since carved some butterflies on it, and some Biblical words of wisdom, very applicable to SCA life (Psalm 133:1), so he'll always have "eyes" when he visits Rudivale.
There's so much more to experiencing something than to just see it. I think we should make an effort to develop our other senses.
The wedding itself went great, despite the appearance of having no rehearsals. It was finely choreographed beforehand in thought and it all fell together well.
The shelter, in the wilderness area in western Rudivale, was decorated in purple and green. Basarab's party was in matching purple and white checks with gauntlets clutching rings. I believe his father made them all. Theophano was in purple. Many of the family members appeared in medieval garb, though they were not active anachronists. One little old lady was overheard to say, "OH BOY, Uncle (name unknown)'s gonna be mad he missed THIS one!" Pictures I took are in the back of this book.
Forx Fest of 27 Jul: Out of Summerthing, I made enough to get a family fishing license and from Forx Fest, enough to order copy two of 1066 and All That, and The High Middle Ages. The spectators seemed to want something different than we offered at Summerthing. I knew not what. There was a group of Irish Folk Dancers who came down from Winnipeg for the event. They were most eager to dance with us and to share their dances. We even taught them a few dances. (I use the word "we" loosely. I was and am not one of the dancers.) I thought of a good fundraiser. I need to get a Polaroid artist-in-a-box, and to finish my chainmail. Folks love to get their pictures taken in mail. We had fun. The fighting attracted crowds and Nick said my recorder was also getting attention. My crafts didn't get much looking at though. A nice day was had by all.
14 Sep A.S. XXXI: As usual, our schedule can be found in the calendar. Today, we performed a demo for the annual Arts and Crafts show at Turtle River State Park. It was a bright sunny day, but the wind was a bit nippy. We were set up in the shade and the temp, I'm sure, was in the upper 40s or lower 50s. We were all glad we had cloaks. I was first to arrive, then Berwyn and Ulrich showed up. Berwyn had forgotten or not brought his armor, so we had only one fighter. We waited for anyone else to arrive and nobody did, until around 11:00. Nicolette and her two smalls got there and we had a spinning wheel for demo along with my crafts, Berwyn's song and speech, Ulrich's song and armor. Frustration over lack of spectators and lack of SCAers ran high. We couldn't fight and we didn't have enough for dance. AElfgar arrived around 1:00, but by that time the others were frustrated enough that they left by 2:00. AElfgar and I stayed until 5:00. Day two of the demo is tomorrow and I wanted to be sure everyone knew about the demo. I ran the Phone List, and got only a definite yes from myself, a very-likely, a maybe and two not-likely-but- still-possibles. I got lots of reasons why folks couldn't come. I hope weather is good and we get more SCA support for Sunday. Saturday had another event going on in Grand Forks which was in competition with the Arts and Crafts Show.
October's Un-Named event was a merchant theme. I thought Northshield needed something like Kris Kinder, and this was it. It was quite ill attended by merchants. I was one of three. The tourneys got a good showing. Prince Conn and Princess Kassandra were in attendance as were my Mundanian parents. His Highness dropped by my table and said "Hello" and told his consort about us in Calontir and his introduction to my crafts. It's nice to have royalty look favorably on you. Court was held before feast. Here's a tip for all SCAers: Learn your etiquette, as you may have to explain the rules to a new-comer as I did to my parents. They enjoyed the day, and so did I.
29 November, A.S. XXXI: I write only to give a brief update on happenings. My family and I are nearly ready for our move back to Calontir. I've made many friends here in Rudivale, and it's rather a disappointment to have to leave. I shall miss the people.
Our October meeting was held at Nicolette's place, and we had our first snow of the year on that night as well. Brendan, on his departure, slipped on the step and broke his ankle. Luckily, there were people who knew what they were doing, and Brendan was well taken care of. November had a new-comer's seminar which was ill-attended, by new-comers and old-timers. The few who did attend, did well. The four new-comers had many of their questions answered.
On 3 December I attended my last meeting with the Rudivalians. It was held a Nicolette's (now called Guilia) home. The populace attending was a bit surprised by my being there. I passed on some artwork for the shire's and principality's newsletters, and then went on to enjoy my last Rudivale socialization.
25 December: I am now at my temporary home in Lost Forest, Calontir. Yesterday, the messenger service delivered pictures from Forx Fest and I put them together for this book last night. It was good to see friends again. I eagerly look forward to re-meeting my friends here in my old Stronghold and to meet new ones. Thus far, I have spoken to Roseamund, William "Bear" Fargath, Parthalon, Wulfgar, Manfred, and left a message with Grieggor's farspeaker scribe. There is not much going on - school's out, the holidays are upon us, and there's a hint of Lost Forest apathy in the air. The good gentles wish to correct this, and Parthalon even suggested a "Welcome back Ognyen" feast. I thought it should be just a simple feast which I would attend, rather then naming it for me. I wish so much to stay non-political.
and Thus endeth this Chronicle.
Get your own Free Home Page