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!