Fidelus · ad · Fineum

1. What was the best and worst part of being on the Board for you?

I think I’m a bit of an odd duck as I loved it and didn’t come out feeling burnt out at all. There were the icky things but the best part for me was being able to kick the creeps out which made me feel like I was helping to make the club a better place. Like you I enjoyed meeting folks and travelling to different Kingdoms and places. I enjoy the cultural anthropology of the SCA. Worst part was trying to be patient, I’m not the best at that 

2. Do you find the SCA too USA-Centric? Do you ever find it 'hard' to be Canadian, in that sense?

Yes in some ways. When it comes to certain policies, such as liquor and litigation the SCA in Canada and the USA are very different. The differences weren’t / aren’t so much of an issue as the perception that the differences are minor if that makes sense. I think the USA-Centric thing is much more of an issue for the groups in Drachenwald and Lochac as I don’t believe we have a complete understanding of how things operate there.

3. What was the biggest adjustment you and Nigel had to him moving to a different country?

I got off easy as he came here. Hardest part for me was just living with someone again. It was weird as we didn’t have a chance to live together at all before we were married and when he did move up we lived with friends. So it wasn’t until about 2 years in that we had our own place. I think he found the SCA adjustment to a different Kingdom more challenging than the mundane move, and to a degree he still does. For him I think the hardest thing was having to start over career wise and leaving all his friends and family behind. However I am exceedingly lucky in that he has never ever complained or regretted any of it. I have always said should the time come I’m willing to move back to the US, I think I would have a harder time than him.

4. If money was no object, what one thing would you do first?
Tell Nigel to quick work.

5. What is your favorite Canadian thing that you can't get in the US, and vice versa?
Canadian Health Care 
US Breakfast Sausage

Saturday we were off to A&S which was a good but busy day. There was alot to fit in and of course it didn't all happen. I enjoyed all the entries, some were downright brilliant and awsome. I enjoyed the Provost Challenge and the spirit everyone committed to it. I enjoyed giving out a garter which seemed really appreciated. I unfortenately got hit by a migrane which took a bit of a vacation only to come back with a vengance on Sunday.

Court was great - WE put Keja on her vigil for Laurel. I think we managed to totally surprize her. It sucked that I couldn't beg the boon but heck it isn't about me it is about her :). We are thrilled to be able to be the ones to recognize her this way. Aelfwyn got her totally by begging the boon (thanks for doing that). I am pleased we kept it totally secret, afterall that is the point right? The audiences' reaction was overwhelming and added recognition for work well noted. For those who were not at A&S you missed a fun moment but there will be her vigil and elevation to share in.

Sunday brought the revenge of the MIGRANE. Couldn't function at all. Nige was ever patient with me and looked after me being ever so not graceful hurling on the side of the road not once but several times (how not majestic). Once home the day was spent with an ice pack and trying to find a position of less pain.

This morning seems tolerable and we'll see how it goes.

Folks looked great as did the site. We had friends from a few other Kingdoms out to visit which was fun.

I am very very grateful and humbled by my friends and "household" I can say without a doubt they are proving truly to be the back bone of our reign. The boxes we gave as gifts to the participants in our Crown were made by them with Mahault driving the bus and doing a whack of work on them THANK YOU.

Berend and Mahault also participated in thier first Crown - it made us proud to have both our dependants out there. They looked stunning and I hope had a good day. Despite all their own prep they had to do, they managed to do the boxes, made us a hood so we wouldn't freeze and I am again thankful for the cloaks (ya ya the ones I was miss cranky pants about) and did so much work throughout the day including coming back and packing us up at the end of a long day.

A few of my insecurities are now swarming in my brain but they are always there and I'll have to deal with 'em. We want so much to do a good job and to also be true to ourselves. The day was also part of the learning curve for us, we'll make a few tweaks in how we plan for events and approach 'em. We need of course to find a new Chamberlain, we did have some offers- thanks.

As I noted earlier we are thrilled with the day. Only cloudy spot was a friend being unhappy and leaving without so much as a word. I think I understand but it doesn't make it hurt any less. I guess it is what it is.

Todays a new day with new adventures to tackle and I better get at 'em.

Current Mood:

thoughtful

- getting a flat tire in them Middle of Michgan sucks
- being entertained by the Road Side Players (tm) is funny
- No one drives well in Chicago
- It is fun being the red-headed step child of the Midrealm - literally :)
- D&Q are great travelling companions

I'm a bit nervous what with them cutting open my neck, moving my throat and such to one side and monkeying with my spine. I also have very low blood pressure which I have to review with the anesthetist as last time I had surgery my pulse dropped to 30 beats per minute and they had to give me drugs to keep me from having further complications.

Hopefully this will mean I'll be able to feel my left hand again and be able to do stuff, like gardening, riding and fighting.

I will have to be still for a while..........I'm not so good with that. I think I'll be borrowing some DVD series and getting books.

Current Mood:

confused

Things are starting to come together for this whole reign thing :) On the weekend thanks to Dohminal, Ceridwyn, Valfreya, Garewen, Dagmar and Jasmine we got a bunch of garb well underway. We cut out two and assembled 2 sets of outfits for the Nige and assembled the set I had already cut out. The finishing work still needs to be done but having a total of 6 pieces of garb assembled is a good feeling. Ceridwyn also did a bunch of hand sewing on a cote I had mostly assembled for the Nige. We accomplished far more than I had hoped to get done, it was awsome :) Thank you ladies :) Once the coronation stuff is done I'll have lots of evenings of hand sewing to finish them all up.

The last few nights I have cut out our coronation stuff and I have assembled the shells for both of our cotehardies. I'm pleased with the progess, and am trying to focus on what I've got done rather than what I've got left to do :)

We have champions..............yippee. Other things in the works are reign tokens, other casting, and the coronation ceremony.

still lots to do........but getting there

Current Mood:

optimistic

519-421-4588

cheers

Unto all those who profess a love of the arts of arms and the advancement of the ideals of Chivalry, are sent these words from Nigel MacFarlane, Prince of Ealdormere and Heir to the Lupine Crown.

As was the manner of our ancestors, We seek to advance the cause of Chivalry, and by Action of Arms to demonstrate Our Faithfulness and Love, both for Our fairest Lady, her Highness Adrielle, and truly for all the people of Ealdormere that give Us inspiration. To that end, and to ennoble by this great exercise all those who would answer this declaration, We declare and issue the following Challenge:

On the 19th day of September, after the hour in which We ascend the Lupine Thrones Ealdomere, a Passage of Arms shall be held to advance the name of Our Queen. The King and his companions shall hold a crossroads at the place of Our Coronation until honour is satisfied.

We hereby challenge and charge all who would answer to meet us at the crossroads, accoutered in the usual way, but with exceptional splendour and heraldic display. We will then, upon the field of honour, become known to one another through deeds of arms, that we might soon be better acquainted by the sword, in the manner of the Grand Tournaments of old.

Know that all combat is to be contested solely for honour and renown, rather than for the base spirit of victory, and with weapons of peace, using only those weapons that were used in Tournament by Our glorious ancestors.

Further, as is truly fitting, reward and renown will be bestowed for those excelling upon the field by their appearance, by their manner, and through great feats of arms.

We would have all who hear these words to know that We do not this thing from pride or presumption, but for the Honour of Our lady, and for the Love of Our people, and for the Glories of Chivalry.

Nigel MacFarlane
Prince and Heir
******************
Good Knights, noble Lords, and gracious Ladies,

The Challenge has been issued, and the Tournament is being prepared. Ready your harness and your fairest tournament raiment. Call forth your households and arrange for the journey, leaving behind only those necessary to ensure the safety and well being of your estates.

Such preux Tenans and Venans will be assembled as have rarely gathered before and when they take up arms for Our noble causes, such glorious deeds may never again be seen from this day till the ending of the world. And years from now, when our children and grandchildren speak of this day; take care that you too can say, “I remember.”

Thanks :)

There were a few low moments but there is no point focusing on them here.

There were numerous highlights.......
- being part of Garewen's vigil & elevation
- seeing friends be elevated to Court Baronacies
- sponsoring a friend in my first Rose Tourney (which sadly was horribly organized)
- being humbled by our friends from Calontir repeatedly
- the Combat of the Thirty (awsome, simply awsome)
- the congratulations and good wishes of folks who have inspired us and continue to do so.

I wish I could have been out on the field with the Ealdormere host and had to be satisfied with watching from afar and being proud of there deeds. As ever the Nige made me exceedingly proud both on and off the field (yes of course I know I am baised).

Our support folks were awsome and we cannot thank them enough. Our chamberlain and chancellor were both great and had things more than well under control for us. The Nige's squire and squire to be were also heroic in thier efforts to get up to our camp each morning (in thier armour no less) to help the Nige. Our thanks also go out to all those who were willing to give up a part of thier vacation to help us out.

Now to unloading and laundry.

We were back up and on the road again this morning at 7am and got to my mum's for a visit at 1:30 in Newmarket, then to Fabricland, picked up the puppy, grabed some groceries and home shortly after 6pm.

Tired but definitely worth it. Now next Friday we can head out right after work, get in, park the car and wander :)

Should be fun

When you feel in your skin in your bones and the hollow
Of your heart, there's no way you can wait till tomorrow.
When there isn't any doubt about it once you come this close
Cos you know and you know that you know.

You can feel love's around you like the sky 'round blue
This is how love has found you, now you know what to do.

When you know that you know who you need, you can't deny it.
Or go back, or give up, or pretend that you don't buy it.
When it's clear this time you've found the one, you'll never let him go
Cos you know and you know that you know.

And it's time you come in from the cold.
Haaa...
And you know that you know.

(When you Know lyrics)

On the sewing front I've got the better part of a new cotehardie done for Pennsic. I've also taken in some of my stuff that has gotten too big.

Hopefully I'll get some more done today and started on some more projects.

No fighting for me still which sucks but I'll be watching the Nige lots as he's the commander of the Northern forces (Max has the South).

Lilies is always good, I'm sure this year won't be different.

I was so happy with the finals and I don't mean simply because Nigel took the day. It was good to have 'new' blood in the finals. Nigel and Evander fought brilliantly, with chivary and obvioulsy had fun while fighting. There was good banter back and forth and I think everyone enjoyed it. I will say one of the highlights for me was the spear wrestling, Nigel having both spears then throwing one back to Evander - that moment was just so Nigel and made me very proud of him. The fact the day went to the very last fight was great for drama but tough to watch to say the least. Melusine handled it way better than I.

We have been humbled with folks congratulations and offers of assistance. There is so much to do and we will need help so if you want to and can please let us know and we very likely will take you up on it. We're working on confirming our staff getting a web site put together - apparently my idea of writing things in crayon, scanning and posting them isn't acceptable.........sheesh. Things which I know we will need help with are retainers, site set up and take down, sewing,champion ideas, general support and things for largess We will of course also need award recommendations and I would love to hear any ideas folks might have not just those who have done the job before (who have already been very helpful) but from everyone.

One of the hardest parts of the day, which I have been dreading since Nigel entered his first Crown was taking off my Baronial coronet. Being Baroness of Septentia was amazing and is something that I am proud of and is a big part of me. I know the opportunities ahead can be just as fulfilling but it was a bittersweet moment for me.

This weekend Nigel is off in Aethlemear with Berend and Mahault. I've been home trying to work on some stuff that has to get done. We will be travelling alot in the next year, as we normally do. As ever we're open to folks who may want to take a road trip with us :)

Guess that's it for now, must get back to the sewing table.........

So the weekend was our 6th anniversary.............wow time does fly when you're having fun :)

We headed down to Detroit/Windsor for the weekend.  Left Friday after work and got in to our hotel about 11. 
Saturday we had a wedding to go to. The Nige had a chance to wear his kilt in a dress fashion, he rented a bonnie prince charlie coat which looked smashing. I had bought a new dress and such which I hadn't done um............since I bought my wedding dress.  The Nige seemed quite taken with it so I'm happy. 

The wedding was an early afternoon affair, small and quite nice.  The bride and groom looked dashing and it was a good time. 

Afterwards we headed back to Detroit to change then met up with Brannos and Rebekka and we took them out for dinner in Detroit........went to the Mongolian Grill - yum :)   It was a nice area we went to with lots of neat sidewalk cafes and such so after dinner we walked and talked and then grabbed a coffee and walked and talked some more. 

Sunday was a fight practice - much cooler but the rain held off till the very end  :)  

Upcoming weeks are pretty busy as well..........in draft they look something like this......

April 25                      Coronation (day trip) Sunday maybe Detroit
May 2                         Home , Sunday maybe Detroit 
May 7-109                  Kalamazoo for me
                                   Baron Wars  for Doug 
May 16                       Home
May 23                       Crown 
May 30                       TBD either home or off to the Midrealm
June 6                        Pikeman’s
June 13                      Lilies
June 20                      Lilies
June 27                      Home or Border Raids in the Mid
July 1                         Trillium
July 10                       Home
July 17                       Home  or Simple Day
July 24                       Land Grab
Aug                            Pennsic



Wheeeeeeee