February 2002 update

Ok, I admit it. February is my favorite month. The storms melt away, and the sun breaks through. The rain has turned the grass green, and the first of the most courageous flowers have ventured forth. Winter is not over, however. The nights are frosty cold, the skies are clear, and the wind is armed with knives. These sunny days are only a sample of days to come, and every moment is precious.

Last year at this time, I had just returned from Eastern Oregon, where I spent time with my friend, Ruth, and helped her care for the Summer Lake Inn. It had been a beautiful and memorable visit; long lazy days spent talking and dreaming of the future. There had been work, of course, but nothing terribly unpleasant. Cleaning cabins, washing sheets, light yard maintenance and answering telephones were among the duties. Taking down Christmas lights was the most nerve-wracking chore, and taking letters out to the box each morning the most pleasant.

This February has been different. No more long hours stretching out before me. Instead, I'm filling in all the little squares on the calendar with appointments and reminders, and wondering how I'll juggle all these activities. And that's not a bad thing... just a big adjustment for a chronic daydreamer.

Ironically, this hopeless daydreamer has made a surprising number of adjustments in the past ten months. Once I was happy to lie next to the creek for hours on end, watching the water skippers, and wondering at the amazing world revolving around small streams.

But now I sit behind a computer a great part of the day, writing and answering email, designing websites, discussing ASP and database dynamics with my Dad, and doing research online. When not on the computer, this stanch kitchen-evader has taken up bread making with a passion. More mornings than not find me with sleeves rolled above my elbows making sourdough bread.

And then there's sewing, a monstrous thing I dreaded only a few short months ago. But since discovering a new motivation (costumes, garb, i.e. SCA), I've rolled the old treadle away from the wall and learned how to make it hum. In a short period of time the treadle sewing machine and I have become best friends.

wintersendfeb02outside.jpg (54698 bytes)

Speaking of which, I did something everyone should do at least once in their life! On February 23rd, I went to a small SCA event called Winter's End. It was held at Camp Greider in West Salem, in a large, round hall lit with skylights and large windows overlooking grassy meadows and wintry woods.

The photo on the right was taken by Rafe Neuton, when some of the guests decided to don their armor and settle a score on the lawn. Click the photo for a closer view. More pictures of Winter's End can be seen at Neuton's website.

Much happened, but I believe this note from Lady Luaithren bean Seabcoir says it quite accurately and will give you the general flavor of what happened:

Date: Mon, 25 Feb
Subject: Notes From Winter's End

Greetings my lords and ladies. I come with news of the Winter's End event that was held this past weekend in Terra Pomaria. What a wonderful time was had by all!! Champions were chosen, sharks were fed, crustaceans and chickens were parried, and there was much rejoicing all around! First-time Autocrat Dara O'Cearbhaill did a marvelous job. All present enjoyed themselves immensly, and the day ran very smoothly. Three cheers for the autocrat!

Two tourneys were held, with the winner of the Plank Tourney (held above shark-infested waters!) being Gallant Tuirn Brecc, and the overall winner of the Tourney-within-a-Tourney being Don Simone Nicholls. Huzzah!

Court Happenings of Note:

Katherine Quhityng received a Silver Apple from the Baron and Baroness. (The Silver Apple is the first level service award for the Barony.) Huzzah!

A new Constable was installed. Rafe Newton is the new Constable for the Barony. Huzzah!

Kevan O'Rathkeale stepped down as Arts and Sciences officer, and was replaced by Gideon Finlay. Huzzah!

Gallant Tuirn Brecc asked of their Excellencies, and received, permission to marry Lady Elspeth of Glendinning. Huzzah!

And new Champions were chosen! Rafe Newton is the new Arts and Sciences Champion! Dona Bridget O'Fearghail is the new Rapier Champion! Three cheers for the Champions!

After their Excellencies--include Don Simone--had finished throwing gold coins (filled with chocolate) into the crowd (or should I say, AT the crowd!), a sumptuous feast was enjoyed by all. Three cheers for the Feastocrat!! The day concluded with a final court, where Jean-Jacques Lavigne presented a scroll of intent to compete in His Excellency's Courtier trials, Kincaid Lorkan, Cadet to Don Kendall Tempest, presented a scroll of intent to compete in Her Excellency's Gallant trials, and Roland le Brun presented a scroll of intent to compete in Her Excellency's Sargent's trials. Good luck to all of the participants!

A hearty congratulations and well deserved to Don Kendall Tempest, newest member of the Order of the White Scroll, Terra Pomaria's highest service award.

Thanks to all who came out and helped to make this such a wonderful event. And congratulations again to Dara O'Cearbhaill on a job well done. Can't wait 'til next year!!

In service always,
I remain,

Lady Luaithren bean Seabcoir, called Bard Slayer
Dance Mistress to the Barony of Terra Pomaria

It was an unforgettable day. I dressed up in an outfit I had managed to sew in double time, complete with hat, bodice and bum roll. I observed the event from several angles, socializing with the various characters ambling about. I also volunteered in the kitchen, which was a learning experience in itself.

The only problem I foresee with getting involved with the SCA is the "garb addiction." Suddenly, "mundane" clothes are no longer adequate, and you start a whole new wardrobe specifically for costumes and garb. You have this urge to design a new outfit for every event, and challenge yourself to finish it in ridiculously short time.

The picture on the right was taken as I was on my way out the door to meet my friend who was taking me to Winter's End. The quality is terrible, due to poor lighting, but you get the idea. Hopefully I'll get some better costume pictures and post them, but this will have to do for now.