Into the West

[storytimewithjoe]

This past weekend found me and Giles hopping on a plane, bound for San Jose, to attend West Kingdom 12^th Night.  All the while, I felt a little pang of guilt for skipping Caid’s 12^th Night, and the Laurel meeting.  But as I learned many, many moons ago, it just is not possible to be in two places at the same time.  My main mission this weekend, aside from schmoozing with old friends that I have not seen in a while, was to drag my dear newly-relocated apprentice Adelheit to a Western event to show that it too is cool, and that there will be many a fun person to play with.  Turns out, things could not have worked out better – we spent much time sitting in the hotel lobby watching really-cool-German-outfit after outfit pass before us.  WooHOO!  Between that and the C&I inspiration that we saw all over the place, I think she will find much inspiration in every direction.  (Don’t MAKE me come back up there!!!!!)

 

Heck… *I* found much inspiration in every direction.  A rather large display of scrolls graced the hall outside of the court room.  Wow… wow, wow, wow, freaken’ wow.  One thing about this club – the level of creation is just awe-inspiring.  It is one thing to look at a scroll and admire its beauty.  Add on a basic understanding of just how long it takes to achieve such a level of detail and completion, and the admiration becomes all the more intense.  Such is the case with all of the pretty/sparkly/shinies out there.  Whether it be armor, or enamel, or embroidery, or pottery, or whatever – the modern artists who work their butts off to research, tapping into the brains of artists-from-long-ago, truly leave me in awe.  We CAN achieve accurate reproduction!  We CAN create completely new pieces that in every way reflect the designs and ideas that *could have been* accomplished in the past.  In short – SCA artists rock!

 

I loved spending time with Duke Steven and Duchess Elina.  Tobi and I have been crossing paths for… omigod 20 years!  My, how time flies!  It was a completely unexpected pleasure to run into our buddy Earl Cathyn and his lady, Bob.  (Giggle)  OK, his lady is really Elena, but still… she has a wicked, wicked, WICKED sense of humor and a mischievious smile – the kind that I have absolutely positively no choice but to utterly, utterly adore.  Cathyn, you’d better keep this one, or We Will Have Words!!!!

 

By Sunday morning, after many hugs and many “until we meet agains,” we hopped back on the plane for home.  By the time I hit the airport, I texted over to find out about the Laurel meeting that I was missing (STILL feel guilty!)  I really, really hope that Caidan 12^th Night was as enjoyable as the Western one.  I double hope that in the future, the two events are not scheduled on top of one another.  And more than anything – I hope that the weather this weekend spared all of my friends and family damage or worry.

Comments

[cathyn.livejournal.com]

I will bend my every effort to ensuring her happiness long into the future. She has captured my heart in a way I'd long thought impossible...

[joeguppy.livejournal.com]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!! That is just so freaken' CUTE!!!!!

[lifeofglamour.livejournal.com]

A pleasure to meet you, after hearing so much about you for so long...

Bob

[joeguppy.livejournal.com]

Snort!!!!! It was my pleasure. And I certainly hope it will not be long until the next time.

[squirreltot.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you had quite the good time. I'm sure I would have enjoyed that as well. My only encounter with SCA was occasionally passing a group acting out battles in a park with garbage pail lids for shields. It really didn't interest me.

However, I love going to the renfaire and for the past 5 years have picked up painting fantasy minatures. It' my own geek bent! Thanks for sharing yours. :-)

[joeguppy.livejournal.com]

We all have our geek-bents. And when combined with art, it is all the better.

Yes, the SCA has its moments of garbage pail lids (I shudder the thought!), but it frequently has moments of such beauty and grace as to leave me feeling like I have only just begun to learn.