Here are some highlights from war:
The people that stand out most that I met this year and their stories:
Duke
Haz - I spent a lot of time at Silverkeep getting to know people
better and feeling accepted like family each time I entered their home.
One night when I came by to enjoy some time with Sol and Kara, there
was a man there and we immediately struck up a conversation. That was
when I noticed the coronet on the table. "Uh oh... who does this belong
to?" "Oh, that's mine.." says the man. I asked if I needed to bow or
something and he laughed and said "good lord, no!" He was so relaxed and
gentle and kind. And began asking me how he could go about learning
Russian. I pulled out my cyrillic flash cards and we started to have an
in depth conversation about the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
between he and myself and Sol. Sol even began describing the differences
between now a days Spanish and medieval Spanish... in Spanish, and I
completely understood what she was talking about.
We
discussed Mussorgsky and I spoke with him about Baba Yaga, basically
reviewing my class I teach with him. He promised next year he would
bring his piano with him again and he would play me the Baba Yaga piece
since, with this information, he would be able to make in much
stronger now that he understood what she was all about.
He
is also a gamer. He makes his own war based miniatures game. We had a
lot to talk about... and I simply adored him. I am hoping we keep in
contact.
Cariadoc - Now, this isn't so much a 'going to
enchanted grounds' or 'sitting around and having hours long
discussions', but it was a moment for me and I felt I should share. I
was sitting at East Kingdom Hospitality, glancing out the door so I
could call out to anyone who appeared lost or hot and offer them to
come in, sit a spell, have some water and grapes and get out of the
sun. As I sat there, a man appeared outside looking dazed...confused
even. I called out to him with a smile, asked if he could use some
water and he thanked me and came inside. He filled his cup, and just as
he was about to leave, he smiled and turned to me. "Might I pay for
your kindness with a story or a poem?" Certainly! And he asked if I had
heard a particular story, and I said I hadn't, so he sat and told it
to myself and the guards followed by another story. Then he looked at
me, all dressed up in my full Russian, and asked what sources Russian's
had for stories. I began telling him of the primary chronicles and he
smiled brighter. He asked if there was a Russian story of birds and a
burning village to which I smiled and told him the story of Olga. This
made him grin and he offered me another story before telling me that I
should come to his camp's bardic circle. I exclaimed that I would love
to... where was it? Enchanted Grounds, he replied, and I'm certain he
saw me shrink as I quietly said Enchanted Grounds scared me a little,
made me nervous. He smiled and shook his head and assured me that I was
the exact kind of bard that his camp wanted at their fires and then
told me where it was. Just as he was about to leave, I held out my hand
and introduced myself. And after he left, I looked at the guards
confused. "Did that man... just say his name was Cariadoc?" The guards
looked at each other and then back to me and shook their head.
"Couldn't be. Cariadoc doesn't smile that much. I think we misheard
him." Sadly, each night after that it rained so I didn't get to
enchanted grounds... but I will certainly be going there next year...
and I hope to have a repertoire to make him keep smiling at me.
Volunteerism:
Casa
Bardicci - One of the most important things I wanted to do this year
was to help out at Casa Bardicci. The only problem is, I wanted to help
out a lot more than I did. Of course, there is always next year. I
think that even though I was there for a short time, I certainly proved
my worth and they will be happy to accept me back next year. Mostly I
got to sit on the roof screwing with some guy. No! Seriously! When I
entered, they were all sweet with their "Welcome to Casa Bardicci,
lovely lady. What can we do for you?" until they learned I was there to
help and the yelled out 'FRESH MEAT!' and handed me a screw gun. I got
to climb up top and screw the boards that make the roof/floor down with
another guy before helping to install the beam that holds the two
portions in place. It was a load of fun and I hope I can do more next
year. Having a kid at Pennsic can be difficult no matter when you bring
them because it always interrupts something you want to do.
Sol's
Vigil - I made baklava for Sol's vigil. I even got there early to help
with whatever I could. The kitchen was fully staffed, so I helped set
the tables and put out plates and such. I know things were really well
taken care of already, but I'm grateful that what help I could offer
was fully accepted.
East Kingdom Hospitality - I couldn't
sign up on the schedule, but whenever I had free time during the day
when things were quiet at camp and elsewhere, I went to sit in EKH to
greet people and make people feel comfortable. It was quiet, but I met
some really nice people there and, in general, had a lovely time. I
don't know if I did as well as people wanted me to since I don't really
know what I was supposed to do and the EK encampment makes me nervous
to enter, but it was good all the same.
Anne of a
Thousand Days - About a week or two before Pennsic, there was a
desperate plea for performers for the play. Singers, specifically. And
although rehearsals and the actual performance kind of killed some of
my week, it was delightful being able to get together with Sol and Kara
and Lianor and Lily and sing the songs for the play. There were only
two and the words felt off (damn you, King Henry), but that were
delightful tunes that will be stuck in my head for a year at least.
Everyone enjoyed the performance and I had many people approach me and
tell me I did a good job... and that they didn't recognize me in a
wimple and only one layer of clothing. Awkward! I was cold. But it was
all so very worth it. It is something I would like to do again.
East
Kingdom College of Performers - For almost all of Peace Week, I was
running between camps and all over the place trying to spur interest in
people in coming to the first meeting in quite some time to revamp and
breathe life into the EK college of performers. We had a really good
turn out, and I know there were a lot of people that were sad they
missed it, so I spent a lot of my war week running around places with
the charter and notes in hand so I could tell people all about it and
let people know changes that were made and how this will be different
than the old college of bards. All in all, incredibly worth all the
running around. I think we were really productive at the meeting. But
yeesh was I tired!
Places I spent time at:
Silverkeep
- So many fond memories of spending time with all the fine folk of
Silverkeep. You offered me sanctuary and hospitality in such an extreme
way that it made my heart swell. I don't think I could ever thank you
enough for all your kindnesses, but I plan to. Being invited to some of
the special moments your camp has meant a lot to me. Getting to know
you all better made my Pennsic a brighter and happier one. The love you
all hold for each other is tangible and beautiful. Thank you for
including me... and I hope to be allowed to spend more time with you
again.
Bhakail - We like people who do things... and
stuff! Bhakail, you made my time at Pennsic bright as well. Having my
son wake every morning and say 'kids! play with kids!' Allowing me to
be part of your Court of Love. Allowing me to be a Nearly Naked Russian
and enjoy 3 hours of playing with BPAL. Enjoying the merriment of
singing all together in nearly five part harmony with Greensleeves. You
are such a fun group. I wish desperately I could spend more time with
you all.
Maguire's Marauderers - My Pennsic can't nor
will it ever be complete without many stops enjoying time with the
Marauderers. Everything from bardic mischief to tea and scones to just
seeing what the latest thing John is sewing today. You are so much more
than just a pleasant pit stop on my way other places to fill up on
fluids. I'm glad you are so conveniently located that I can swing by
often. And thank you so much for the use of your ovens! I hope the
baklava was enjoyed.
East Kingdom Hospitality - I found I
spent a lot of time hanging out at hospitality. I met interesting
people. I even was able to give the King and Queen some cream puffs. It
was a good time.
Things purchased:
Books -
Mostly all I purchased were books. Can we say... research geek? I had
no desire for stuff or fabric or trim. Well, not true. I fell in love
with some trim but it was then purchased for me for my birthday, so it
all worked out. So I bought books. Three books are all (more or less)
period or SCA appropriate music. They are technically harping books I
bought from Linette, but honestly, they can be used for singing and
other instruments. Out of the rest of the books I bought, the two most
memorable are my new Russian song book with text in english and
cyrillic as well as my book on early russian literature. The later was
worth the price for the bibliography alone. I have a feeling I will
have a fantastically huge new addition to my wish list soon enough.
But, really, that was all I ended up purchasing. Terribly worth it on
all fronts.
Classes taken:
Brothel Games -
This class is only ever offered the first week and this is the first
time I had ever been at Pennsic for second week. So it was very
pleasant being able to go to the class, finally. But I was, sadly,
disappointed.The teacher mostly rambled and didn't invite anyone to try
out the games until the end, really. He demonstrated a few with his
two apprentices, but it seemed to lack... something. Probably will not
go again, though it was very informative.
Master John's
Bardic Masters Class: I went to this last year. In fact, it made me
start to fall in love with performing again. So when I was given
homework to take the Ave I had been working on to his class, I went.
When I arrived the Thursday of peace week, there was only one other
student, Pocket Bard. So she and I had a lot of enjoyable time with
Master John. I worked with him for a good...15-20 minutes. He said I've
improved drastically since last year, which meant a lot to me. It
means not only did I listen to what he said last year, but I have also
been learning a lot through my vocal teacher. I enjoyed the class so
much I decided to drag my student sister there with me next week. He
asked me to sing the Ave again before trying a new song, which I did.
He said there was marked difference just in a week and he giggled with
joy at seeing me use his critiques in my new song I sang for him
without him having to mention it. I applied something I learned and it
made him so happy! There was certainly a lot of happy with Master John,
clapping and giggling. My sister had a good time also performing and
getting some helpful critiques. Michael Alewright was there as was
Rosalind. It was so good seeing the two of them again. Such great
bards, but I don't get to hang out with many much anymore.
Memorable moments:
BPAL
- I am getting the nickname in Bhakail of the Nearly Naked Russian. In
fact, they are creating a drink for me. Why? Because I came to do BPAL
with Sabine and I had to take off just about everything I was wearing
so I actually had access to some skin to be able to do sampling on. I
had to have tried on over 20 scents and we spent three hours enjoying
the perfumes. It was a delightful way to spend a lazy Pennsc afternoon.
Guitar
- I brought the guitar with me in hopes of a lesson in positioning/how
to play. It did end up happening.There was playing and singing
together. BUT! I did learn some about how to hold the hand, finger
positions, etc.
Schmoopy night - Every Pennsic, my
household has a night where everyone says what the best part of Pennsic
for them is. This year I was invited to Silverkeep's night of sharing.
Everyone was drinking. There was a lot of love in the air. And, having
never camped with fighters before, it was a very different and slightly
humbling experience. It was enjoyable to hear. Different people,
different thoughts on life. I'm thankful to have experienced it.
Elevation
- I saw two important elevations this war. One was Sol becoming a
Laurel. Although I wasn't a peer and didn't speak to her at her Vigil, I
was really pressed by Duke Haz to write in her book because he felt my
words would be important to her. At the elevation, hearing everyone
speak for her, the love in their voice, it brought tears to my eyes. I
think I was crying after the procession, as she walked into place. It
was simply beautiful. The second elevation I saw was Cedric being
elevated to Chiv. This is the first time I ever watched an elevation to
the Chiv. It was on the battlefield and I arrived just in time to
stand slightly to the side, but behind the king and queen where I could
watch the last undefended blow being given by the King himself. The
look on the faces of the fighters made my heart swell. This wasn't a
knighting, this was a welcome home party, a welcome to the family. And
as they exchanged blows and hugs, I began to weep. It was a beautiful
and impressive thing to watch. I don't think there was a single dry eyed
knight that stood there.
Kokoshnik lost and found - I...
had just finished making my blue velvet kokoshnik that had leather
inside as a stiffener. JUST FINISHED IT! And I misplaced it on my walk
to a concert and was beside myself with worry and grief. But, thanks to
the miracles of Pennsic and a kind soul named Alexandra of Silverwood,
my hat was found and returned to the lost and found where they called
me to let me know it was home.
Concert - I was invited to
a 'invite only' amazingly beautiful concert with music of courtly love
at Silverkeep camp. It was... gorgeous with three amazing harmonic
voices and the soft sounds of tambourine, harp, and recorder. I hope,
someday, I may be able to join them in making such delicate music.
Stalker
- I had a stalker. Creepy guy with a bowler cap, leather vest with
nothing underneath, and a sunburned pot belly. He told me I was a
smoking hot pistol and he would do me in a second. Also told me he
could watch me all day and night. Just gave me the willies. Put his
description in at Security. Saw him once after, but quick moving
traffic only allowed him a nod. Glad that was all that came of that.
Parade
of Fools - So, at one point when I was helping out with EKH, the
parade of fools came by. They were offering to sell us 'secret plans of
the enemy'. It was an adult or three and a ton of kids. Gwenlianna ran
to gather freezepops for them all and when they saw her, they started
yelling 'WE LOVE EAST KINGDOM! WE LOVE YOU!' and then they got down on
their knees to grovel saying 'WE LOVE GWENLIANNA! WE LOVE EAST
KINGDOM!!!' She was blushing and laughing so hard. It was a fantastic
moment.
Dancing - Chris was only at war for three days and
I was so busy running around that we didn't do much. The only thing I
seemed to get to enjoy with Chris was going to dance on Monday night.
It was low key, a good group of dancers, good music, and some good set
lists (though not my favorite, but that's just me). I took my sister
with me and we fended off her stalker. She was super excited and
enjoyed dancing with Nate and... I can't remember what Chris and I
danced together. I know we did Black Alman and I did Gracca with Nate.
But it was nice being fancy and going to dance for the first time ever
at Pennsic.
Kara - Actually getting to spend time and get
to know my sister was a blessing I will forever be grateful for. She is
such a fantastic young woman and I really enjoyed spending time with
her. I am hoping she enjoyed my company as much as I did hers.
Shire
Social - Every year there are all these socials. This year I
wondered.... is there a shire social at Pennsic? So I enquired.
Everyone thought it would be a good idea. It was a low turn out, but I
hope next year we get more people and do it again. With so many home
brews on tap, everyone had a fantastic time. It was good visiting and
getting to know people.
Storms - Oh the storms. They came
and went and ripped through the lands with dire force that... well...
my tent never had an issue, but when the royalty started removing their
crowns at court, yeah, I was worried. But it was still fantastic! I
love storms. I love walking, ducking into a camp of friends, riding out
that wave of storm and heading on to the next place. It is a great way
to enjoy lazy times at Pennsic since no one was going to leave for any
reason.
Johann and the dirt pile - We made a raised fire
pit at war. The thing is, to make a raised fire pit, you need dirt. So
we asked for enough dirt from the Coopers to fill the raised pit.
They, instead, dropped off a huge back hoe of dirt. Bad news: mound of
dirt particularly in my walk way and close enough to the fire for
slight tripping hazards. Good news: Johann got to play in the dirt many
times a day with his cars and had so much fun. Of course, he also
needed frequent showers. And after the showers.... he got back in the
dirt.
Belt - Having gone out shopping and helping to pick
out the belts and knowing the purpose of them, at schmoopy time Tristan
presented belts to his two students. Purple belts (since it is Kara's
favorite color). Kara was so excited and happy. She put it on
instantly. It was a good feeling to be part of that.
Court
of Love - I had been wanting to go to a Court of Love ever since
hearing about them. Upon arriving, Sabine asked if I wanted to be
'lady-fied'. Okay... sure. So there I sat, next to Sabine, Baroness of
Bhakail, for a special type of court. I was given fruits and my water
was kept filled and I kept being called 'mlady'. I got to see what it
looked like for... nobility. It was.. an experience I don't think I
want to ever forget. It was a good time, though. I hope I can do it
again. I've heard word there may be another Court of Love at Pennsic
next year.
Walking around Pennsic - This year was...
strange. I'm used to people stopping me and telling me they like my
garb. But to have people stop me and say they have watched me the past
two years and just got up the courage to talk to me? Am I that scary?
But I was told I need to meet so many people. One being the Queen of
Aethelmearc. She does Russian. And some other people have told me that
Russian's in their camp have drooled over my garb for years now. I
felt... flattered. At one point someone was taking a picture of me and
noticed a loose thread. They ripped it off claiming that it was for the
'pride of the east this picture is taken' and there couldn't be a stray
hair... and took the picture.
Friends - Oh all the
friends I got to visit! Each visit was memorable! Each and every one of
them! Thank you all for being such wonderful people. Truly. Thank
you.To all those I ran into while walking, to those whose camps I
searched out.. I wish we all lived so close that this could be a daily
thing...instead of annual.
Freezepops - While in Master
John's class the first time, a cart pulled up and asked if he would
like a freezepop. he said only if he could have one for each of his two
students. He then came back into the tent, handing me a freezepop and
asking pocket bard which color she wanted. I put my hands on my hips
and waved my freezepop and said "I find it humorous that you hand me a
freezepop and then ask her which color she would like." He paused and
offered me the green one. I held my coveted freezepop closer. "No no. I
like my red. How could you tell I like red so much?"
Ave
- So, part of the fun of the Ave from Master John's class is that it
is a familiar tune to some people. Usually, though, when I sing it
everyone just claps and says it is lovely. When I began singing it for
him in his class, he shoved his fist in his mouth to hide his giggling.
The reason? He loves the song. It was a perfect fit for my voice .It
is beautiful. He was just having a difficult time not singing along
with me. I couldn't look at him when I was singing because of the smirk
on his face the whole time.
Drive-by gifting - While
sitting in camp late at night, suddenly someone ran up, quickly dropped
something, got back in their van and drove off. It was this... 2 foot
high...dwarf...clown... tiki totem thing. With a lei. And wrapping
paper. All I can say is.... WTF?!
Things I was sad to have missed:
Getting together with Murphy Blue
Getting together with Katya
Missing Casa Bardicci's hoity toity and the dancing on Wednesday afternoon
Missing two classes taught by someone I really respect and admire
Getting up to the B Blocks to see people in the evening
Registering my name and device
A zillion other things that just passed by me like ships on the ocean
