The SCA was founded by individuals, noted author Marion Zimmer Bradley among them, who wanted to have medieval-themed, fantasy parties. We all know that the organization has grown far beyond those small events and has branched out in a variety of ways.
I do like to believe, however, that one of the things that has remained unchanged is that one of the primary values on which we are based is that of Chivalry. Now, I do not mean Chivalry in the sense that everyone should aspire to Knighthood. Rather, I mean that as a group we should act in a chivalrous manor - at least on occasion. ;-)
This summer I was most honored to receive a Sycamore (an Arts and Sciences award for the Kingdom of Æthelmearc). My duplicitous household told me that I had to be at Court because a fellow member was receiving an award. Dutifully, and drenched in sweat on that 100 degree day, I watched the proceedings (which despite the heat, were lovely). I was a bit surprised when I heard my own name called!
I was not only thrilled to have been given this award, but also thrilled with the lovely scroll and medallion I received.
Shortly after the event, I ran a few searches online and found an email address for the lady who made my scroll and I sent her a note of thanks. The email I got in return stunned me.
She thanked me for emailing her. Apparently, this is not a common practice. I turned to my boyfriend and asked him if it was not customary to thank the scribe who put the time into the piece of art that would memorialize your award and he said that unless you actually knew the person, or they were at the event, it does not often happen.
I was in awe. Maybe it does happen more often than not. At least, I am going to hope that is really the case. When I think about the fact that someone took the time to do illumination or calligraphy for me, and used their own supplies (which I assume is the case), I think that the very least they deserve is a hearty "Thank You"! Given that this can quite often be a stranger that you may or may not ever meet (though I was lucky enough to meet the lovely gentles who did both the art and the words for my scroll), I think a thanks should be mandatory given the generosity they had already shown me. I know these individuals do not perform their art for thanks or glory, but it can never hurt to let them know how much you appreciate their vast efforts.
I will not even mention the fact that in discussions about this with various people I discovered that there are some who are actually unhappy with a scroll they were given. Really? Someone took their time to make something special for you and you can actually publicly express displeasure? I have no (kind) words for those individuals at all...
To sum it up? Thank the Kingdom scribes, illuminators, wordsmiths and heralds if you can. I am sure they would love to know their efforts are truly appreciated!
I do like to believe, however, that one of the things that has remained unchanged is that one of the primary values on which we are based is that of Chivalry. Now, I do not mean Chivalry in the sense that everyone should aspire to Knighthood. Rather, I mean that as a group we should act in a chivalrous manor - at least on occasion. ;-)
This summer I was most honored to receive a Sycamore (an Arts and Sciences award for the Kingdom of Æthelmearc). My duplicitous household told me that I had to be at Court because a fellow member was receiving an award. Dutifully, and drenched in sweat on that 100 degree day, I watched the proceedings (which despite the heat, were lovely). I was a bit surprised when I heard my own name called!
I was not only thrilled to have been given this award, but also thrilled with the lovely scroll and medallion I received.
Shortly after the event, I ran a few searches online and found an email address for the lady who made my scroll and I sent her a note of thanks. The email I got in return stunned me.
She thanked me for emailing her. Apparently, this is not a common practice. I turned to my boyfriend and asked him if it was not customary to thank the scribe who put the time into the piece of art that would memorialize your award and he said that unless you actually knew the person, or they were at the event, it does not often happen.
I was in awe. Maybe it does happen more often than not. At least, I am going to hope that is really the case. When I think about the fact that someone took the time to do illumination or calligraphy for me, and used their own supplies (which I assume is the case), I think that the very least they deserve is a hearty "Thank You"! Given that this can quite often be a stranger that you may or may not ever meet (though I was lucky enough to meet the lovely gentles who did both the art and the words for my scroll), I think a thanks should be mandatory given the generosity they had already shown me. I know these individuals do not perform their art for thanks or glory, but it can never hurt to let them know how much you appreciate their vast efforts.
I will not even mention the fact that in discussions about this with various people I discovered that there are some who are actually unhappy with a scroll they were given. Really? Someone took their time to make something special for you and you can actually publicly express displeasure? I have no (kind) words for those individuals at all...
To sum it up? Thank the Kingdom scribes, illuminators, wordsmiths and heralds if you can. I am sure they would love to know their efforts are truly appreciated!
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