Pennsic Moments

There were so many incredible moments that happened this year at Pennsic that I find it difficult to compile them all.  Below are just a few things that I will carry with me for quite some time.

1. After AEthelmearc Court on Tuesday of War Week I went to a vigil.  The area was lovely, food and drink were laid out, and there was a harp player providing entertainment.  People milled about in their best attire and made for a very lovely scene.  As it got dark, several of us sat in a tent, at a wooden table lit with candles hand sewing the Laurel cloak for the lady on vigil.  That moment, with a crowd huddled around the soft light chatting about the day as we sewed, it was easy to believe that I was, for one moment, living in another time and place entirely.  It was an amazing moment.
2. Given that it has been many years since I attended Great Court at War, I opted to get up early and go watch the Kingdoms process in for the event.  AEthelmearc (being the home group) was already on the field waiting to receive the "invaders" and I moved to the front hoping to be close enough to actually hear what was going on for once.  As people milled about, there was much chaos and I asked someone I had met when working Hospitality if there was anything I could do to help.  An adamant "Yes" had me retaining for the next 4 hours.  I have never done this before as I assumed you had to have an idea of who was who in the Kingdom and all of that.  It was an enlightening and exceptionally fun experience (so fun I signed up for a shift the next day as well).  I met many fantastic people and felt like I was actually doing something to help the folks who do much to provide a fantastic atmosphere at Pennsic.  (I also learned a great deal about exactly how BUSY the Royals are at War, and wow, they barely stop moving even to eat.)
3. I know that many groups of fighters use trucks to haul themselves and their gear to and from the battlefield.  I understand why, and do not blame them.  There is one group, however, that camps down the hill from us at Pennsic that every single day MARCHED, and sang as they did so, up the hill and towards the battle.  I thanked them the last time I saw them before leaving, as to hear them come (and in the manner in which they did so) really added something to my mornings.
4. A&S - there is not enough that I can say about how fantastic my arts experience was this Pennsic.  I connected with so many great people, who are working on great things (and who are willing to share them with others).  It would be hard for me to leave any Pennsic uninspired, but this year I was given artistic inspiration and food for thought that will last me well past next Pennsic!
5. This one is silly, but I actually bought one of the Pennsic mugs from Beast and Boar for the first time ever.  I am usually not up top enough to really make use of it, but this year I think it was a life saver.  I was able to refresh and rehydrate each time I passed through the market, and now I have a mug to remind me of the good times I had for the rest of the year.
6. One thing I never tire of at Pennsic is sitting in my camp, next to a fire, and listening to my camp mates sing during the night.  One lovely lady in my group even wrote a Viking song this year that I hope she continues to sing. 
   
7. Also about my group, I have to mention that it is exciting to see some people in my household exploring new things.  Some are learning to sew garb and some are choosing to explore costume from new areas and some are working to improve their general kit.  The lady who wrote the Viking song mentioned above also took the time to hand sew the edges of a Viking dress she made.  Further, someone in the market stopped her and gave her a token for making such a lovely attempt at period costume.  I love seeing people get excited about exploring new A&S outlets!
8. Teaching.  I love teaching classes and love that my class seemed to be well received.  The class during the first week started out with a fire extinguisher "incident" that ended up working out in our favor because that class was packed and we had to move to a larger tent (that actually did a much better job of holding the number of people that showed up).  I got some good feedback after the classes that should help me streamline it a bit and make me sound a bit less hyper when speaking.  I look forward to teaching again this fall.
   
9. The People.  I met SO many amazing people.  I could probably write a book about it.  But as it is, I will just say here that once again it was the PEOPLE who make Pennsic an incredible experience.