Occasionally I realize that I have totally lost my mind.  Clearly this is one of those times. 

Last year I decided I wanted to come up with a super easy, one layer sort of loose garment that I could do in linen that is more period than my typical bog dresses.  (My "bog dress" is a modified version of the typical two-flap style that involves less fabric, less bunching, and some pleats for better drape.  It is plausible, but is "inspired by" rather than based on an actual extant piece.  My instructions are here: http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/blog-my-journey/sca-standards-the-bog-dress) awanderingelf.weebly.com/blog-my-journey/sca-standards-the-bog-dress

I prefer linen at War, but the issue with linen is that its drape does not lend well to garments that have a lot of fabric bunched up at the waist.  Linen has a very beautiful crisp hand, and tends to fall away from the body rather than flow over it.  Linen is also typically a tabby weave.  Tabby also tends to fall away from the body, whereas a twill will better flow.

Both linen and wool are wonderful, as are both twill and tabby.  They, however, have very different looks and are suited to different things.  For me personally the linen tabby does not make me happy with a Huldremose or Zweeloo style bog dress because it is simply too much cloth (that does not flow well) gathered in at the waist.

I recalled awhile ago that I was deciding on what to do with some lovely mid-weight wool, twill plaid, and tested a very hypothetical garment out in that cloth.  The bulk was too much, but just maybe it would work with this mid-weight linen...
​

  
In my massive stash of books and articles I have one entitled "Visions of Dress. Recreating Bronze Age Clothing from the Danube Region".  This is by Karina Grömer, Lise Bender Jørgensen and Helga Rösel-Mautendorfer.  I tend to collect articles by certain authors, in this case it was Bender Jørgensen that is responsible for this one being in my stash.  It discusses a fantastic find from the Bronze Age in Austria and what the plausible costume construction for the fantastic (and dangerous, lol) jewelry could have been.

One of the options (Variant 4: Pustopolje type) is a very simple wrapped garment made from a rectangle of cloth.  I have to take a moment here and note that it is expressly stated in the article that "none of the recreated outfits can be considered as 'the truth'".  This is very key, they are all exceptionally hypothetical (and the methodology is laid out in the document itself, which I shall link further down).  It does, however, work amazingly well and is quite beautiful in the linen that I tested!  (There really is not enough to back this, even with this article, to give this garment enough to pass muster as an A&S project, but it certainly works for events like Pennsic, where I want to stay cool and comfy!)
​https://www.academia.edu/10762573/Visions_of_Dress._Recreating_Bronze_Age_Clothing_from_the_Danube_Regionwww.academia.edu/10762573/Visions_of_Dress._Recreating_Bronze_Age_Clothing_from_the_Danube_Region

Below are some tests I did.  This is 2 yards of 5.3oz linen, un cut and unhemmed.  I tried it with and without a belt and both styles are secure.  I can walk, climb stairs, get up and down off the ground and chase cats in it.  For this test I simply used kilt pins.  In reality I will hem the cloth and use my Crafty Celts Belt and Fibula set (which dates several hundred years after this, but I have it and it is stunning).

The only issue I have so far found at all was that the top-front (neckline) tends to ride a little high on me.  That can be easily fixed with a small brooch or fibula in the front that would serve to gather  just a bit of that fabric (pulling it a bit lower).

I know that I wanted to over complicate this exceptionally simple garment, and was pleased when I figured it out exactly how easy it was.  Below are steps to complete this look yourself.  Note that the fabric requirement will change with size and body type!  

(Warning, this is a very preachy post, you can avoid it if you prefer.  None of us are perfect, but this is, in part, also a reminder for me to think twice as much as it is anything else.  Further, this is NOT about clear cases of someone mistreating others at events, it is merely a commentary on the importance of not assigning motive to those behaviors.)
 
One of the most important things that I learned in conversations with my Laurel was how dangerous, and detrimental, it can be to apply motive to someone else’s actions.  Of course, all of this actually makes sense when you think about it, but I guess I had just never really spent the time on it until a couple of situations came up and we discussed them.  It never actually occurred to me how damning (for all parties involved, including the person making the assumptions), that applying motive to someone’s actions can be. 
 
Over the years I have seen it commonly come up in forums, these situations where people are assuming that someone shafted them for some reason (which they do not ACTUALLY know, in most cases) venting about the injustice of it.  I have also seen it in person.  I know someone who loved to vent about how she was garb snarked at an event once.  That a certain Laurel saw her kit and made nasty comments about it.  Well, the reality of that situation was that that person was behaving like a total ass at that moment, and she merely got an eye roll over the very poor public behavior (the garb in question was actually wonderful stuff, lol). 
 
So, I want to put an example out there, about how damaging applying motive can be.  Here is an example:
 
At an event Shapoopee (thank you to one of my dear dance teachers for that example name) and Shapeepee are talking to Lady Artisan about their garb.  Shapoopee and Shapeepee have only been playing a couple of years and have not yet been awarded an AoA. Lady Artisan has been around a bit longer and has her GoA for her costuming work. They know each other in passing, but not well enough to truly consider each other friends yet.
 
The three women are all in the center of a room chatting away.  Lady Artisan seems a bit distracted a few times but is carrying on her end of the conversation. 
 
Across the room, in full view by all three, is a door and note here that the room is getting more crowded as more and more people enter (perhaps this is the social area of an event, or maybe dayboard is about to start). Eventually through that door comes Laurel Costumer and Laurel Feeder-of-Masses.  Shapoopee comments on their entrance because she is in awe of Laurel Costumer's new dress. At that very moment, Lady Artisan cuts off her conversation rather abruptly, and with a quick excuse, makes haste towards the doorway.
 
Now, Shapoopee and Shapeepee are somewhat stunned by this (rightfully so) and immediately turn to each other and in hushed tones are asking each other “What the hell was that?” They are both a bit hurt about being suddenly abandoned.  They come to the quick conclusion that Lady Artisan ditched them in favor of the pair of entering Laurels.

They might tell this story to others, about how they were snubbed because they have no awards, or how Lady Artisan was trying to suck up to the Laurels.  The end result is some very damning rumors about Lady Artisan that some might hear (and wrongly) take to heart.  Another result of the chatter is that Shapoopee and Shapeepee end up looking quite petty to others.  And beyond that even, Shapoopee and Shapeepee might start avoiding Lady Artisan, which could ruin a potential friendship, or they might lose out on some wonderful information because they will now not take her classes.
 
Now, the question really is - what actually happened here?
 
Lady Artisan was distracted during the conversation because her young daughter was across the room near the door way playing with some other children.  They were all getting a bit rough and rowdy and were getting closer and closer to creating some sort of inadvertent child disaster.  At the moment that the Laurels entered the room, she saw the kids romp into a nearby table, spilling the contents of several goblets on it. Lady Artisan was dashing off to do damage control and was more concerned about the idea that the children might have damaged someone’s property than making polite excuses to other adults for abandoning a conversation.
 
The reaction Shapoopee and Shapeepee had was a natural one to being abandoned, and they missed what else happened because they were (rightfully) a bit stunned.  But the point is that, however natural the reaction might be, the assumptions they immediately came too were wrong.
 
What else could have happened?
 
Maybe Lady Artisan was just not feeling well that day.  Maybe she felt as though she was going to be sick and needed to make a hasty exit.  Perhaps, even as she was dashing out of the room, Laurel Costumer did indeed grab her attention to complement her on her work for a split second (before she could once again finish that needed retreat to the rest room).  Maybe Shapoopee and Shapeepee saw that and it confirmed their “theory” (which was still, in fact, wrong).
 
Or perhaps this?
 
Lady Artisan was actually waiting in the room within view of the door because she had been asked by Lady Costumer to make something special for a Vigil that was happening that night.  Lady Artisan should actually have left the event much earlier, as she had to get home after getting a call that the babysitter needed to leave early for some reason.  She wanted to make sure that the item got to the proper person and was distracted because she also worried about being late.  When Laurel Costumer arrived, she wanted to pass off the item and leave.  She was not snubbing anyone, and her only possibly wrong was the lack of grace she showed in her hasty exit.
 
Or what about this one?
 
Lady Artisan is at a bit of a loss on some social situations and had more than her fill of peopling for the day.  Shapoopee and Shapeepee had a habit of cornering her at every event and talking for hours (often about things well outside an SCA context).  Lady Artisan likes these women, but is not very close to them because she feels their personalities do not mesh well.  She is getting to a point where she cannot cope with the chatter and attempts (somewhat ungracefully) to make her leave to go see Laurel Costumer, with whom she is actually friends in an effort to calm down and resort her own thoughts.
 
I could go on. 
 
I could make up these scenarios all day. 
 
I could go on so long I would run out of plausible fictions and I resort to tales of alien abductions or time travel or trips on the Enterprise.  And the reality of it is, that unless Lady Artisan actually tells me what happened, I will likely never, ever know the reality of it.
 
I know that in the SCA, especially on forums where people can ask Peers questions, as well as in conversations amongst Peers about candidates that we love to discuss PLQs.  To me, it is critical to try to remove “assumption of motive” from any of these conversations, and from any angle.  It is not always possible, and sometimes, yes, there is a long standing pattern of behavior that might offer more insight.  But the reality is that we are all doing a disservice to not only the Society, but to each other and ourselves by assuming the worst when we, in all reality, cannot actually guess at the underlying cause of a behavior.

I love this event.  I love camping at this event even more.  It is so much smaller than Pennsic, but there is a wonderful vibe.  I love walking (weather permitting) in the Pennsic grass in my barefeet and visiting friends I usually only see at War on cool nights.  This weekend was no exception.

The weather ended up amazing (unlike the last two years). A bit of rain Friday, pretty much perfect Saturday. Cool temps (I could wear WOOL!) and crisp evenings.  I got to get my Beast and Boar mug early, and had a pre-Pennsic dinner with them. Only breezed through the merchants on a walk-about (which was fine as I was out of money, lol).
Sorcha and Seamus were great camping buddies. Sorcha delivered piping hot cinnamon rolls to us Saturday morning, followed by Scotch eggs. We all dined together that night on grilled fresh keilbasa and perogis.

Friday I got to take a class on basic enameling. The instructor was lovely (Dasani from the Middle Kingdom). I have only done it once before and this was two different techniques than I tried then, so it was fun. I don't think this will be my next hobby, but it is nice to experiment.  I am highly tempted by her cloisonné class though.  Maybe at Pennsic I can try that.

That night I went to (now) Mistress Gwen the Graceful's vigil. It was a lovely affair, with wonderful food and it was great to chat with people I usually see at War.  We almost did not make it to WP, but was delighted to be able to attend after all, if only for my ability to go to the vigil.  It was my first time speaking with a vigilant as a Peer, and I was honored to be able to do so.

Yes, I will point out now (again, lol) that I love the pomp and circumstance of the SCA.  I love the traditions and the pageantry.  I enjoy the processions and Court and was happy to try to live up to my role by taking part as an an advisor as did so many who chose to come to my own vigil.

Saturday started with the above mentioned breakfast and then a meeting, and then I made my way to the Artisans Playtime. I had a great time looking at the displays and talking with a few people and was really impressed with the Scribal area. I loved seeing everyone working on things, and new folks trying things out. I was talking to Lady Shirin about her display (which had some very nice work on period pigments, along with a fantastic chart) and then was asking some questions about what I would need (bare basics) to try my hand at Illumination and she sat me down with a blank she had already started and showed me how to paint it, and then send me home with the paints, the scroll and a brush!  I immediately ordered the Finetec gold to finish the scroll and that has already arrived at my office.  Hopefully I can sit down and paint some more tonight.  Not sure it will work up well enough to give out, but I am beyond excited to try my hand at this!

Later that afternoon I walked out to the battle field for a bit, and then went to retain for TRM then on to our little in-camp feast of Polish food and then Court.  So funny because I went from long-ago being someone who ran from Court to someone who very much enjoys it.  I was honored to welcome our new Fleur and Laurel and to retain, if only briefly.

After that was the best part of the evening, a walk-about to the lake to visit my Lusty Wench and Chalkman friends. Sitting there with my drink and friends that made me laugh till my sides hurt was wonderful. The walk back was brisk, but I swung by "home" (E17) and am just amazed at how sleepy it all seems right now, when I know how it will bloom to life in a few months.​

I wish I could have an event just like this every couple of months!  I think my soul would constantly be renewed and I would continuously feel inspired!

As it is, I will now lay low and catch up on the many projects (mundane and SCA), while I wait for Pennsic.  I need to finish my class materials, craft new garb, experiment with patterned beads and paint this scroll.  I think that should be enough to do between now and then!
​

Unfortunately, I have been far to busy to write about Crown before now (and even today this will have to be brief).  Suffice to say, the event was lovely (and the weather even managed to sort it self out before the tournament).

The event was full of pageantry, good fights, and closed with a lovely Court. One of the things that I found to be rather fantastic though, was how quickly people were willing to step in and help.

When I arrived on site with the goods for the hospitality tent on Saturday, Master Morien McBain was there to assist as well as a newcomer and her daughter. The truck was quickly unloaded and we were able to get things set up so that the first round of coffee could be ready for those in need.

Later that day I was enchanted to listen to Mistress Morwenna explaining Crown (and many SCA traditions) to another newcomer, who had also pitched in to help that day, and her daughter also spend much of the day helping in the kitchen.

Petra (a fairly new SCA member from my household) baked a huge amount of what was served at the hospitality tent. She helped set up and worked there all day AND was helping in the kitchen. Once we closed up that tent for the day, she dashed off to the kitchen to help clean up there. This was only her third (I think) non-Pennsic event. (I also know she spent her entire first event helping with the Queen's Lunch and then all day in the kitchen!)

Lady Rosamund also contributed wonderful baked goods and sekanjabin, as well as her camp coffee expertise to the day.

Finally, when we went to break down the hospitality event we had all the assistance we could have wanted. People who had come by several times for beverages and snacks made a point of coming to help us break down. I also had people who I never saw there stop to assist. It was very smooth. I thank everyone for the help (and that goes for the awesome Sylvan Glen set up crew as well).
​
This willingness to pitch in and volunteer (especially from newcomers!!!) is really what makes the SCA an amazing place. Thanks to everyone who made the weekend spectacular!

I was talking to a new-ish person today who is concerned about having "good enough" or "accurate enough" garb for Pennsic.

I have this conversation pretty regularly with folks and most who know me know that if you want to talk accuracy, because it is something YOU want to pursue, I will likely hit you with way more information than you ever wanted.
However, I also realize that most newcomers aren't looking for research or actual accuracy right out of the gate. The real concern is often having something that they personally like, that will also allow them to be accepted.

That is a very, very important concept.  Acceptance.  For many folks, the SCA is something totally new.  They see amazing photos on line, or hear friends in the Society talk up the magic they see at events, and they want to participate, but they are intimidated.  Worried they will not do it right, or well enough.  For some people, this worry can be so intense it might even hold them back from jumping in.

Beyond the idea of acceptance, so many people come into this having this vision of The Dress and really, really are hoping it is OK to start their journey in the SCA with The Dress, even though they suspect it might not really be "right".  For many, The Dress (or strapping on armor and swinging a sword) is really one of the things that drew them to the SCA in the first place.  It is a chance to realize some internal mythic ideal, often fueled by Hollywood or Ren Faires.  They come to the game with the idea that AT LAST they can make and wear The Dress.

You will never hear me disparage the wish for The Dress. I had it it (though my personal version of The Dress might differ from yours). There were certain costume elements that I longed for when I started - lace up "brocade" bodices, bellydancer bling, the Ren inspired "Irish dress", poofy pirate shirts, princess dresses with bell sleeves... I could go on and on. 

I made everyone of those things and loved them all. I learned to become a better seamstress while making all of those very acceptable, if not terribly (or at all) period costumes. And I have very fond memories the many adventures I had wearing them. Having those garments, that made me feel good while wearing them, allowed me to play the game while I had time to develop the research and textiles skills to do the things I do now. NOT getting overly hung up on what others thought about my accuracy let me grow at my own pace, and eventually help others to do the same.

So yes, I will gladly help push you in the deep end if you want to take the next step, but I am also not adverse to giving you my personal tips for making The Dress as well. ;-)

(One of The Dresses that I had below.)

Right now I am totally loving the Kingdom of Lochac for sharing this challenge.

Do 10 minutes of A&S for 100 days.  This is awesome.  It can help you to form new habits (and break old ones, lol) as well as digging in to those UFO piles.  

I plan to participate starting tonight.  Remember though, the point is to NOT get bogged down in self-doubt about ability to do it or worry if you slip (it happens).  It is not a contest, but a tool to help one improve habits.  Even if you make it only 5 days, that might be 5 more than you otherwise would have done.  

#100daysofAS

Full information is here:

http://artsandsciences.lochac.sca.org/2017/04/100-days-challenge/

Unto glorious AEthelmearc do Timothy and Gabrielle send greetings,


At our Coronation this past weekend, we announced our Spark Challenge: our way of encouraging folks to discover, or rediscover the magic that our Kingdom, and the Society as a whole offers. Any and all are invited to give pearls, any and all are invited to receive pearls. We distributed about 1,000 at Coronation to the landed Barons and Baronesses, the Kingdom officers and what peers we could, but that was just to get the ball rolling.


The idea is simple. Try something out of your usual range of activities. You may find yourself in love with your hobby all over again in ways you never thought possible. The things available to do are quite literally innumerable. Broaden your horizons. Never thrown axes or knives? Go to a thrown weapons practice. Are you comfortable at calligraphy and Illumination but afraid to try gilding? We are sure there is someone willing to teach you. Always curious about fighting heavy, but could never get up the nerve? Give it a shot. There are dozens of folks who would love to show you how it is done. Attend a class or a Curia. Sit through a court. Submit a device. Go to a bardic circle. Volunteer at Troll or in the kitchen. You’ll have fun, and hopefully meet new people and make new friends. At Melee Madness, Timothy will be doing something way, way out of his comfort zone (Ask any of the equestrians about Tim and horses).


At any time after Crown Tournament, please come up to us and show us your 8 pearls, and better still, tell us a story or two of how much fun you had. We will gladly present you with a token commemorating the completion of your quest, and hopefully, the beginning of a magical new chapter in your SCA career.


In service to AEthelmearc,
Timothy and Gabrielle


The Spark Challenge FAQ:
​

• Am I giving pearls out or am I trying to earn them?
Both! The spirit of the challenge is to encourage everyone to try something new and to recognize the effort that others are putting into the Society. If you are teaching a class, running an event, or organizing a marshal activity, TRMs hope that you would present a pearl to those individuals who are new to the activity or coming back after an extended absence.


• Is this for new people or everyone?
Both! New members are encouraged to explore all that the Society has to offer. However, long-time participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and try something different.


• What if I’ve already done a lot of things?

There are many different aspects of the Society. Some possible activities include retaining, teaching, taking classes, or participating in different martial activities.


• What do I do with the pearls?

Anything you want! You can add them to garb, make jewelry, give them to a special friend, or recognize someone else doing something new. Just make a point to show your collection to TRMs

There was a recent thread on Facebook about how to better say something to someone by whom you are impressed than saying "Why aren't you a Laurel?"  (Note, this could apply to any Peerage but for an example here I will discuss this from an artisan's point of view.) I think I lost track of how many people said that to me, or who introduced me to others as a Laurel about a decade ago.  I will note that I always found it to be a very high form of flattery.  It did not, however, make me self-doubt in any way, because it should not, and let me explain why below.

First, it is important to understand how Peers are recognized in the SCA.  This requires any number of things and the variables are beyond endless.  Typically, many letters are written in on behalf of someone.  People speak to the Order and the Crown about this candidate's feats.  The Order will spend time discussing the merits of the candidate and also, their PLQs (Peer Like Qualities).  Do they have the skills?  Do they have the research/knowledge?  Do they have some reach beyond their local group (remember, this is an award given by the Kingdom)?  Do they share their work and teach in some manner?  Do they inspire in others a desire to do more or strive for better?  Regarding the PLQs, do they show courtesy, even under stress?  Are they a model of the Chivalric values that the SCA holds high?  Will they represent the Kingdom and Order well?  

The Order is typically, at some point, polled to see who they think should be welcomed in their ranks and that information is passed on to the Royals.  In the end, it is a call made by TRM as to whether someone will be given a writ or not.  Someone also might be granted the honor with no polling.  It is crucial to keep that factor in mind.  This is, after all, a monarchy and that is part of the game we all play when we attend events.  

Awards and recognition are indeed part of this game, but they are not, and never should be, the entire sum of someone's worth as an artisan.

So yes, there is a great deal of consideration that goes into the recognition of a Peer.  It takes time and the factors that are involved are pretty much endless.  Know that often, there is much that also goes on that you never see.  Perhaps the person who inspired you does not often teach or share their work very much.  Perhaps they need further work on their research, which you, as someone new to that particular craft, might not understand.  Perhaps there are simply other candidates that are much stronger, more well-rounded, or more "ready" (for lack of a better term).  Ideally, the Order itself will be working with an individual to help them improve on all of these.  After all, the real purpose of the Order of the Laurel is not, to me, to sit around and poll people, but rather to improve the arts and assist growing artisans to the benefit of the Kingdom and the Society as a whole.

So, knowing all of that, there are so many reasons why someone might not yet belong to an Order.  Many of these are out of their control.  Being asked "Why aren't you a Laurel?" can be very, very awkward and it honestly is an impossible question for someone to answer.  When we ask this question though, what we really are meaning to do is to compliment him or her.  So that, perhaps is the best thing we can do when we are inspired.  Share with them what you think of their art or research or teaching. Tell them the did something that helped you learn, grow or want to try something new.  And then, at the end of the day, please go an write to that candidate's Order and to TRM.  Share the word of how they inspired you with those who might not have seen the wonderful art or acts that you witnessed.

To sum this all up:
Please don't ask why someone is not yet a Peer.  It can sometimes make people feel as if they missed a mark, when all you intended is to share with them how inspired you are.  It is also a question that they cannot actually answer.

Please don't feel lessened in any way if this question is directed at you and you do not have an answer.  It means only that the asker thinks quite highly of your skill or service.

Please do tell them they made a difference to you.  

Please do tell them they inspired you.  

Please do let them know they taught you something of value.
​  
​And, just as importantly, please do write in a letter of recommendation for them.

Recently someone asked me if they should teach a class at Pennsic.  I said to this person (who is highly knowledgeable and skilled), "Yes, you should absolutely teach at Pennsic."


But in case anyone else is wondering the same thing, here are my thoughts:

1. Do you have a class you already teach that you love to share with others? Then yes, teach at Pennsic.
2. Do you have a class in a subject that might only have a handful of people totally geeky over it? Oh yes, teach at Pennsic. Wars are likely the best place to find those others that have a common interest. It is also the best place to try to lure new folks in to your art or research.
3. Do you have things you want to share but are not ready to lead a full class? Perhaps you should consider a roundtable instead for War. Ask others with the shared interest to meet with you and have group discussion on the topic.  Another option is to set up your work at the Pennsic A&S Display or be involved in Artisan's Row where you can engage with others who share your interest.
4. Do you have a class you want to teach, but have never taught before? Well, if you have a solid base in your craft (see link to my article below), and have taken loads of other SCA classes (so that you know what to expect). Then, yup, teach at War!
5. Do you have a firm base but are not terribly familiar with classes in the SCA? For you I suggest trying to get to some local events and check out what classes are like. Talk to the Laurels and teachers around you for personal advice on this topic. Think you are ready? I recommend testing the class out on your friends or local group, get feed back and then, teach at Pennsic (maybe this year, maybe next, but yes, at some point Teach at Pennsic!).

Pennsic is not some sort of exclusive place to teach.  Classes are needed for all levels of participants from beginners at a craft to expert artisans.  We all have things to share and there are 9000 people there, many of whom might be waiting for that very class that you are sitting on, worrying about whether or not you should teach.

If you are new to teaching in the SCA, I have an article that might help you decide if it is time to take the plunge:  http://awanderingelf.weebly.com/blog-my-journey/time-to-teach
​
Don't want to teach? Can't do it now? Then GO to classes and learn pretty much anything that could interest you!  The Pennsic University system is one of the very best things about War!

I was honored this year at Pennsic to be elevated to the Order of the Laurel.  I think at some point in the future I need to make a post about what that means to me and how I hope to best emulate the amazing Laurels who have inspired my own journey.  For now though, I have to share the photos taken by my friends and campmates of the beautiful vigil that happened in our camp at War.

My campmates/Thunder family, did an AMAZING job with the vigil. I can absolutely say that I have never seen one so well and so beautifully decked out. All of the work is so much appreciated, including that from Xenophon Vaughn, Meabhdh and Rosamund du Grasse (who baked bread and made cheese) doing food, Isabella, Petra and Amy who doing the plating, Amber for being the person who was always there with a helping hand and Luiseach and Galyana for the awesome decor.

Thanks to Master Morien MacBain, Lord Dietrich Saphir and Lady Karin for managing the list and keeping things running smoothly. And thank you Morien also for the beautiful book for the list and the reminder of Walden Books! Thank you Paulette Lashley for procuring the lovely vigil book. Thank you to Ivan who opted to by my guard almost the entire night.

One of the things that I really wanted to have for my vigil was to have my Laurel cloak woven on site.  Historically, in many places, weaving was a communal activity.  It was also highly symbolic and played heavily into early myth and legend.  This was not going to be an easy thing to pull off, but with the help of many excellent friends, my cloak was woven on site and so very many new people have also been introduced to the art of weaving as they helped to add length to my cloak.  Lady Rosamund du Grasse has also beautifully produced a laurel wreath applique that will be sewn onto the cloak.  I have so much joy that this happened and that so many were willing to step in and make it so!  And to Alexande, from my household, I have to give special thanks because he so loved weaving that he finished the cloak for me after the vigil!

I was also honored to have her Excellency of Highland Foorde, Glynis, play her harp for the vigil, and interestingly enough, she also played for the vigil of Mistress Molly, who was my own Laurel.

Thank you also to those who came out that night to share their wisdom with me, and to their Majesties who trekked clear to e17 to hold Court. I am beyond honored.

(And thank you to Morien for the rather hysterical end to the vigil. lol)

Vigil photos by Heidi Muller Petty, Sharon White Hove, Beth LaScola and Annie Hamel.

Court was quite possibly the hottest, and most humid day, that occurred while I was at War.  Despite that, it was wonderful to see so many receive well earned honors that night, especially to Duke Timothy, who received his Pelican.  Their Majesties looked regal, as did the numerous others who put on a display of pageantry as only AEthelmearc can. We had someone new to Court in our group and it was adorable to see how delighted she was to see others getting awards.

My household clearly loves me so much that many of them actually put on pants twice during one Pennsic on my behalf!  I am hoping that at some point photos of the procession will surface because I would love to capture that moment with my household and my e17 family. 

And was beyond honored that Duke Timothy spoke for me as a member of the Chivalry, Mistress Rhiannon y bwa spoke as a member of the Order of the Laurel, Master Orlando was not present but sent his words as a Master of Defense with another member of his order, the graceful Countess Kalista Morganova speaking as Royal Peer, and dear Master Morien MacBain, I am sorry to say that I think everyone in the Kingdom will want him to speak for them after his eloquent and hysterical performance on my behalf. I am honored to have known you for my entire life, and to have been inspired and encouraged by you and Joe from a very young age (with assistance, of course, from Master Ral Partha, LOL).

And my own Laurel, Mistress Mary Isabel of Heatherstone, I cannot thank this amazing woman enough for being a huge part of my journey.  It meant the world to me.  As if honor enough was not heaped on me this Pennsic, I was weeping when I learned that the medallion that she delivered was from Duchess Elisheva.

Master Fridrikr provided one of those beautifully transporting moments that happen from time to time in the SCA.  Moments where we can believe that for that span of time, we can see into the past.  I do not think that I will ever have enough words to convey proper thanks to you for serving as my herald and for wordsmithing my scroll. For those not there, this was done in Old Norse.  I heard it and was swept away. The time and care that went into this astounds me and I am humbled that this was done would just to do this for me.  I understand that there will be an AEthelmearc Gazette article coming out about the crafting of this piece.  I will definitely be sharing that link when it happens.

In addition to the members of my household, I was also surprised and honored (yes, I keep using that word) to see many friends from out of Kingdom had come to Court for this occasion.  It was an absolutely magical night that I will carry with me forever.