Thursday, October 30, 2008
Mid Michigan Renaissance Festival
So far I have only been able to make it up for one day of the Mid Michigan Renaissance Festival. This is the final weekend and I had hoped to put in more of an attendance. Work, School and a Cold has made this difficult. I did enjoy the Saturday I spent at the Festival. I believe it was the first time I have ever fought Edmund d’Amberville and we put on a couple fights for the crowd. The Fest seems to be going well and I hope it will help result in recruiting members for Fearann na Criche and Stormvale.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Busy Lately
This has been a very busy month and I have forgotten to update my Blog. I suppose this is good and bad…I am too busy doing stuff to have time to write about doing stuff!! I will make a series of updates and post them in the next couple days to bring this current again.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Working on Armor
Robert stopped by last night (with his armor) and basically said “hey lets work on armor”!!!
So I dropped my homework (I will just have to stay up later to work on it) and we picked up the shop a little to set things up to work on his armor. He would like to get authorized as soon as possible so we are bringing his armor up to snuff (all his equipment is older and could use some TLC). His gorget was too large so we cut down the front and re-hammered the shape so it would fit better. After that was done we glued padding onto the inside of the gorget. We looked over the rest of the armor and decided to strap the legs slightly better and add a row or two to the aventail of the helmet.
He is going to stop by again on Friday and we should be able to get in a little fighting and then finish off the leg straps. I don’t think I will have the aventail lengthened by then but I will get a start on it over the weekend.
So I dropped my homework (I will just have to stay up later to work on it) and we picked up the shop a little to set things up to work on his armor. He would like to get authorized as soon as possible so we are bringing his armor up to snuff (all his equipment is older and could use some TLC). His gorget was too large so we cut down the front and re-hammered the shape so it would fit better. After that was done we glued padding onto the inside of the gorget. We looked over the rest of the armor and decided to strap the legs slightly better and add a row or two to the aventail of the helmet.
He is going to stop by again on Friday and we should be able to get in a little fighting and then finish off the leg straps. I don’t think I will have the aventail lengthened by then but I will get a start on it over the weekend.
Havoc In Hastings 2008
Over the weekend I attended the Havoc in Hastings event. It was a nice demo and a lot of people stopped by to check out the fighting area. I hopefully this will result in some new members for Three Walls.
Sir Angus Gordon was running the Authorizations. I put on my MIT hat and helped out. There were two new authorizations, one re-authorization and one out of kingdom authorization for the day. Sir Brannos did a great job of running commentary explaining what was going on to the spectators and it reminds me that we sometimes fail to do that well during demo’s. I received another signature for acting as MIT for the event and now need one more to be able to take the test to become a Marshal!! Hopefully I can get the last signature this month and try to wrap up this process.
As far as I could determine the only other members from Stormvale attending were Erevon and Eron. They spent the day shopping and at the archery field. I did not see them at the event but they had noticed me on the list and had expected me to come over and say hi. Without my glasses I am good to 75-100 feet but past that I cannot make out individuals. So they yelled at me Sunday for not being sociable but it was more blindness and not so much anti-social. I probably should have stayed for court but as the fighting was wrapping up I ended up running home.
Sir Angus Gordon was running the Authorizations. I put on my MIT hat and helped out. There were two new authorizations, one re-authorization and one out of kingdom authorization for the day. Sir Brannos did a great job of running commentary explaining what was going on to the spectators and it reminds me that we sometimes fail to do that well during demo’s. I received another signature for acting as MIT for the event and now need one more to be able to take the test to become a Marshal!! Hopefully I can get the last signature this month and try to wrap up this process.
As far as I could determine the only other members from Stormvale attending were Erevon and Eron. They spent the day shopping and at the archery field. I did not see them at the event but they had noticed me on the list and had expected me to come over and say hi. Without my glasses I am good to 75-100 feet but past that I cannot make out individuals. So they yelled at me Sunday for not being sociable but it was more blindness and not so much anti-social. I probably should have stayed for court but as the fighting was wrapping up I ended up running home.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Aventail
I am about 2 days behind schedule but I did manage to finish the aventail Sunday. Now I need to attach it to the helmet. Robert should be dropping it off tomorrow, so hopefully by Thursday-Friday it should be done.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Well it’s been a pretty slow week. I should be finishing the Mail aventail today or Friday and will attach it to the loaner helm this weekend. This should make the Helm SCA legal and let me get Robert authorized for heavy weapons.
I liked the Banner and Pennons so much that now I think it’s time to get a Standard. Someone on the Armor Archive makes beautiful Standards and I think I will give them a try. I still need to design the Standard and will work on that this weekend.
Since I seem to be planning out my weekend I might as well look at further out to fill up more weekends. Looking at upcoming events my short list will be:
Havoc in Hastings (Hastings, MI August 30-31 )
Rain of Arrows (New Lothrup, MI Sept. 13 )
Vikings Come Home (Kalkaska, MI Sept 19-21)
If possible I would also like to attend: (not sure if work will co-operate)
Harvest Days & Chivalry Tourney (Camden, OH Sept 5-7 )
This makes for a pretty busy September. I may have to skip at least one of these events between real life and work. I am duty bound to Pentamere and feel I should give preference to events in Michigan so if anything has to slip it will be the Chivalry Tourney.
I liked the Banner and Pennons so much that now I think it’s time to get a Standard. Someone on the Armor Archive makes beautiful Standards and I think I will give them a try. I still need to design the Standard and will work on that this weekend.
Since I seem to be planning out my weekend I might as well look at further out to fill up more weekends. Looking at upcoming events my short list will be:
Havoc in Hastings (Hastings, MI August 30-31 )
Rain of Arrows (New Lothrup, MI Sept. 13 )
Vikings Come Home (Kalkaska, MI Sept 19-21)
If possible I would also like to attend: (not sure if work will co-operate)
Harvest Days & Chivalry Tourney (Camden, OH Sept 5-7 )
This makes for a pretty busy September. I may have to skip at least one of these events between real life and work. I am duty bound to Pentamere and feel I should give preference to events in Michigan so if anything has to slip it will be the Chivalry Tourney.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Missing Pennsic and Chainmail
Erevon dropped by Sunday night and we had an impromptu Pennsic pity party. We both worked on our chainmail projects and generally bemoaned the fact we would not be attending Pennsic. He is not going this year due to a couple family matters and I am not going as this is my off year. My wife hates the camping and we have come to an agreement that we would attend every other year. So my August yearly vacation consists of alternating between Pennsic and somewhere my wife would like to go.
The chainmail project I have started working on is a butted chainmail aventail. Robert (my nephew) has been working with me to get authorized as a Heavy Weapons fighter. He is using several pieces of my old armor. My old barrel helm allows too much exposure to his neck so I am putting together an Aventail. I hope to have it finished this week and attach it to the helm so we can get in a more serious practice. I will get some pictures up when his loaner kit is finished.
I put to together a gorget first and that helped but there is too much gapping when he tips his head forward or back for the helm and gorget to pass an inspection. I believe a nice aventail will take care of this problem and look better than anything we could do to the helm or gorget to get it to pass. I haven’t done chain mail since the early Nineties and it brings back some memories of when the Shire of Stormvale produced a hauberk as a gift for the King nearly twenty years ago .
The chainmail project I have started working on is a butted chainmail aventail. Robert (my nephew) has been working with me to get authorized as a Heavy Weapons fighter. He is using several pieces of my old armor. My old barrel helm allows too much exposure to his neck so I am putting together an Aventail. I hope to have it finished this week and attach it to the helm so we can get in a more serious practice. I will get some pictures up when his loaner kit is finished.
I put to together a gorget first and that helped but there is too much gapping when he tips his head forward or back for the helm and gorget to pass an inspection. I believe a nice aventail will take care of this problem and look better than anything we could do to the helm or gorget to get it to pass. I haven’t done chain mail since the early Nineties and it brings back some memories of when the Shire of Stormvale produced a hauberk as a gift for the King nearly twenty years ago .
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
New Gonfalon and Pennons arrive!!!
About a month ago I ordered a Gonfalon and Pennons from The House of Dirk and Arrow. Examples of their work can be found at http://dirkandarrow.com/.
I had come across their work on the Armor Archive and was impressed. Since I have the artistic talent of a Walrus, I thought I would give them a try. I received the finished product last week and they are outstanding in quality and construction. I recommend them for anyone who needs beautiful and durable heraldic display. I am particularly impressed by the Panther Pennon. This only took a couple weeks total so that was also impressive.
I am going to save up my shekels and order a Gonfalon of my wife’s arms in September and also a couple more Pennons.
The Armor Archive can be found here. http://www.armourarchive.org/
Monday, July 21, 2008
Protege
A couple weeks ago I was having a discussion about the SCA with Melisande of Woodcrest (OP) and Balian deBrionne. The discussion went pretty far afield and included many different SCA topics. One of the topics covered was asking Melisande for some advice on some activities I could take as Regional Seneschal to help foster more communication and information sharing. Since she had been a past Kingdom Officer and Regional Seneschal for Pentamere, she could have some ideas I had not considered.
She made a couple comments at the time that I took to mean she would be interested or happy to help me if I needed any more advice on the topic. After I got home and made notes about the various topics we covered, I realized she may have been offering more than just help with advice but a more active arrangement (I have been know to be very slow on the uptake). She may have offered to take me as her protégé. About a week later I was able to ask her for clarification and she said she had indeed offered to have me as a protégé. I accepted on the spot !!!
Now I need to find out what she expects out of me as a Protégé.
She made a couple comments at the time that I took to mean she would be interested or happy to help me if I needed any more advice on the topic. After I got home and made notes about the various topics we covered, I realized she may have been offering more than just help with advice but a more active arrangement (I have been know to be very slow on the uptake). She may have offered to take me as her protégé. About a week later I was able to ask her for clarification and she said she had indeed offered to have me as a protégé. I accepted on the spot !!!
Now I need to find out what she expects out of me as a Protégé.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Resubmitted my Coat of Arms change
Well I have resubmitted the change to my registered arms!! I received the needed signed permission to conflict from THL Adela de Warren from Northshield. Thank you Lady Adela!!!!! I had the packet of material ready and after making a couple copies I sent off the submission. Now I get to cross my fingers and wait about 8 months or so to get an answer from Laurel.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
NEW ARMOR!!!
Well this will be a series of small updates to bring this Blog current.
I ordered a new set of armor. Arms and legs, both to look a little spiffier and also reduce some of the weight of my kit. This is ABS plastic covered in leather and looks very nice. I ordered these from the House of the Wolf after seeing some information about their product at the Armour Archive. I ordered this and it shipped in one week. That is outstanding speed considering most armor I have ordered before.
I have practiced in the Arm armor already and really like it. I have a small adjustment to make to the legs and also may make a quilted leg to wear underneath the armor to look more period. This will give me something to do over the holiday!! http://houseofthewolf.com/
Monday, June 16, 2008
Border War
I attended Border War this weekend and had a wonderful time. I am not sure what the overall attendance was but there were 77 heavy weapon fighters and 34 fencers who took the field Saturday. It was melee practice all day and I was able to fight about half the battles before I ran out of gas. My stamina has improved a little in the last few weeks but I need to get more serious about exercising if I am going to last longer. It will have to be back to Cardio class and the weight room!!
Thorormr (from Stormvale) and I fought together, he was a great shieldman (It’s a shame I wimped out) and lasted much longer in the fight than I did. I fought spear and he had a round center boss shield with sword. I managed to kill a couple with the spear so I thought it was a pretty good day everything considered.
Thorormr (from Stormvale) and I fought together, he was a great shieldman (It’s a shame I wimped out) and lasted much longer in the fight than I did. I fought spear and he had a round center boss shield with sword. I managed to kill a couple with the spear so I thought it was a pretty good day everything considered.
New Forester!!!
My good friend Erevon fitzGerald as inducted into the Order of the Greenwood Company during court!!!! It came as a complete surprise to him and I must admit myself. About a year ago several of us had suggested him for the award but it had not come to pass at that time. But better late than Never!!!!
Congratulations to the Honorable Lord Erevon!!
Congratulations to the Honorable Lord Erevon!!
Friday, June 13, 2008
New Armor on the Way!!!
After saving my shekels for a couple months I have managed to put together enough money for some new armor!!!! So today I have ordered a new Gorget (to use as a loaner ) and a new set of Arms and Legs. The Gorget should arrive in a month or two and the Arms and Legs will arrive in 2 weeks.
The new Arms and Legs are an ABS plastic with a Leather covering. I ordered them from House of the Wolf. http://houseofthewolf.com/ This should do a couple things for me.
First, when the Gorget arrives I should have almost two complete sets of loaner armor, if I use my current legs and arms as loaner . If I make a coat of plates I would have enough for two.
Second, I will have a lighter set of armor ( I am not getting any younger ) to fight in that will look better than what I have today and closer to the transitional 14th century look that I would like.
I will have to post pictures when the armor arrives!!
The new Arms and Legs are an ABS plastic with a Leather covering. I ordered them from House of the Wolf. http://houseofthewolf.com/ This should do a couple things for me.
First, when the Gorget arrives I should have almost two complete sets of loaner armor, if I use my current legs and arms as loaner . If I make a coat of plates I would have enough for two.
Second, I will have a lighter set of armor ( I am not getting any younger ) to fight in that will look better than what I have today and closer to the transitional 14th century look that I would like.
I will have to post pictures when the armor arrives!!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Stormvale Demo June 7th 2008
Stormvale put on a Demo this past Saturday as part of the Genesee County Autism Support Walk. I am not sure if my count is accurate but I believe 16 people attended from the Shire. Activities included Belly Dancing, Fighting, Metalworking, Henna Tatooing and showing off fancy Garb!!! At various times the Belly Dancing and Fighting had crowds of interested people asking about the activities. Several people sought out further information from Gerard about the group so hopefully some of them may end up attending a local meeting.
A rundown of the demo (forgive me if I get any names or activities wrong!! I will correct them as people let me know):
ATTENDING
Joseph, Suzanna, Thorormir and 2 daughters (don’t remember the SCA name), Ervon, Eron, Gerard, Breanna, Katy, Nikki, Silvia, Two Belly Dancers who I did not get the names of and myself. At some point I had counted 16 people but as I write this on Monday I cannot remember who the last person was. It was hot enough that perhaps it was a mirage!!!
The fighting was brutal. It was so humid that I was already tired by the time the armor was on. Thorormir and Ervon also armored up and we ran several sets of fighting with a good deal of rest in between. I had to slow down and take it a little easier (due to heat) towards the end and the bouts tended to be 3-4 sets of sparing with a rest called. I will have to work on my conditioning as it is not what it should be.
In my opinion, this seemed like a nice venue and worked better than a parade type of demo. The setting allowed people to spend some time and ask questions if they had an interest instead of just seeing some people marching around in a parade and wondering who they were. If may be worth looking for more activities like this for recruiting members.
A rundown of the demo (forgive me if I get any names or activities wrong!! I will correct them as people let me know):
ATTENDING
Joseph, Suzanna, Thorormir and 2 daughters (don’t remember the SCA name), Ervon, Eron, Gerard, Breanna, Katy, Nikki, Silvia, Two Belly Dancers who I did not get the names of and myself. At some point I had counted 16 people but as I write this on Monday I cannot remember who the last person was. It was hot enough that perhaps it was a mirage!!!
The fighting was brutal. It was so humid that I was already tired by the time the armor was on. Thorormir and Ervon also armored up and we ran several sets of fighting with a good deal of rest in between. I had to slow down and take it a little easier (due to heat) towards the end and the bouts tended to be 3-4 sets of sparing with a rest called. I will have to work on my conditioning as it is not what it should be.
In my opinion, this seemed like a nice venue and worked better than a parade type of demo. The setting allowed people to spend some time and ask questions if they had an interest instead of just seeing some people marching around in a parade and wondering who they were. If may be worth looking for more activities like this for recruiting members.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Iron Oak Demo
Last Saturday (May 17th) I attended a Demo/Parade held by the Incipient Canton of Iron Oak. It was part of the Annual Railroad Days held each year in Durand, MI . I believe 10 or 11 SCA members walked in the parade which was a mile to a mile and ½ in length. This was the first time that Iron Oak participated in the event and hopefully they will attract some members as a result of the parade.
Also in attendance was the Baron and Baroness of Northwoods Odo & Dulcinea, Lady Morgaine the Iron Oak Seneschal, her two daughters and several other Canton members. I must apologize as I had intended to get everyone’s name but discovered on the drive home that I had neglected too.
I put on my best armor including the houndskull faceplate for my Basinet and enjoyed the parade walk. I had to be careful to not run into people or step in pot holes as the vision in the helmet while the houndskull is on is almost none existent.
Also in attendance was the Baron and Baroness of Northwoods Odo & Dulcinea, Lady Morgaine the Iron Oak Seneschal, her two daughters and several other Canton members. I must apologize as I had intended to get everyone’s name but discovered on the drive home that I had neglected too.
I put on my best armor including the houndskull faceplate for my Basinet and enjoyed the parade walk. I had to be careful to not run into people or step in pot holes as the vision in the helmet while the houndskull is on is almost none existent.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Progress with my new Coat of Arms
Catch up time for my Blog….Work has been tremendously busy and I am once again a couple weeks behind in my updates.
Where to start… I have wanted to change my Coat of Arms to a simpler one to draw (since I am not an artist). In January I submitted a new design and I received word from the Middle Kingdom Heralds that it would probably conflict with the armory of THL Adela de Warren. Having spent a lot of time researching an early heraldic design (that I thought was clear of conflict) I thought I would seek permission to conflict. It took a bit of searching but I was able to get an e-mail to her and she has most graciously allowed me to conflict with her Arms!!!
If I understand correctly the next step is to resubmit my change of Arms and include her permission to conflict. Several months later I should hear if it passes Laurel level.
Where to start… I have wanted to change my Coat of Arms to a simpler one to draw (since I am not an artist). In January I submitted a new design and I received word from the Middle Kingdom Heralds that it would probably conflict with the armory of THL Adela de Warren. Having spent a lot of time researching an early heraldic design (that I thought was clear of conflict) I thought I would seek permission to conflict. It took a bit of searching but I was able to get an e-mail to her and she has most graciously allowed me to conflict with her Arms!!!
If I understand correctly the next step is to resubmit my change of Arms and include her permission to conflict. Several months later I should hear if it passes Laurel level.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
No Squires Tourney for me
Well last week I missed the Fighter Practice in Northwoods and also Squires Tourney because of an Eye Infection. I could probably have fought at Squires but it’s the driving that is bothering me. Focusing on the road for more than 10 miles or so caused my eyes to feel scratchy and tear up. I didn’t realize that this was going to happen ( I only live a couple miles from work ) and Saturday morning I packed for the event and headed out first thing in the morning. By the time I had travelled 15 miles or so my eyes had gotten so bad I had to get off the X-Way and walk around for awhile. I ended up turning around and taking back roads home. So that was a bust.
I will try again tonight for the regular Northwoods practice and see how far I get!!!!
I will try again tonight for the regular Northwoods practice and see how far I get!!!!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
April 16th at Northwoods Practice
Last Wednesday April 16th Ervon and I attended the Northwoods fighter practice. I had felt pretty good at the previous practices but didn’t do as well this time. I think it was a combination of the more practiced fighters picking up on my deficiencies quicker than I am theirs (if they have any) and not being in the best of shape yet.
The practice started out with great weapons and since it required much more effort than sword and shield (at least for me at this point) I got winded pretty quickly. I did not do so well with the great sword against polearms but I did feel a bit better when we switched to sword and shield.
Not being happy with being out of shape I have started jogging during lunch hour and am working on a workout schedule.
The practice started out with great weapons and since it required much more effort than sword and shield (at least for me at this point) I got winded pretty quickly. I did not do so well with the great sword against polearms but I did feel a bit better when we switched to sword and shield.
Not being happy with being out of shape I have started jogging during lunch hour and am working on a workout schedule.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Fighting Ramble
As I may have mentioned previously in some of my posts, I have decided to become more serious in how I look at Heavy Weapons Combat in the SCA.
A short history of my SCA fighting: I authorized in 1984 and had fun fighting but did not take it seriously until approx. 1990. Previously I had been happy to put on armor and play the game but did not care how I did. I was not out to win or get better at fighting but more simply hang out with my friends and since they fought, I fought. As my friends and co-belligerents began to improve and advance as fighters I ended up asking myself what I wanted to accomplish as a fighter. In effect was I happy being a nail or did I want to be the hammer. So after 1990 I started putting together a nicer kit, paying more attention and trying to learn how to fight better. Almost immediately I was doing better and pulled myself out of the bottom of the pack of fighters in the Kingdom to somewhere in the middle. By 1996 I was doing well enough to be in the quarter finals of some tourneys but seldom won. In retrospect I had been unhappy at looking stupid on the list field and had worked enough to become average but did not try to progress beyond that point. I didn’t want to put the effort in to win, I simply did not want to embarrass myself.
At this time however my mundane job changed and I found myself both working a lot of overtime and most weekends. I was also in effect on call and found myself unable to schedule my event participation very well. So from 1997 to 2003 I did not regularly pursue fighting practices and attended mostly local (about 60-90 minute drive) events. I kept my authorization current but made no real progress fighting. I would attend the local Stormvale practice held outdoors from May to September with some consistency. I was no longer trying to improve, I was simply attending out of habit and for stress relief. So I went through the motions locally and fought the same people over and over but no longer had any kind of a plan or direction for fighting.
In 2004 my job changed again and I began to have more free time again but had gotten into such a rut SCA wise that none of my habits changed. I continued to attend only close local events and fighting without a real purpose or plan. It was probably a year or longer before I decompressed from my IT job enough that I started looking around and taking stock in my hobbies again.
By 2006 I had increased my event participation and had been upgrading my kit again but was back to my original fighting attitude or lack of one. I was showing up more but really just phoning in the effort. It did not help that by now my family was only peripherally interested in the SCA and many of my long time friends had again retired, moved or had begun phoning in their own effort.
I hit a point in late 2006 and took stock of my SCA participation. Was I going to be serious about the SCA or just a fringe member. I decided that I did like and enjoy the SCA enough to devote the required time and effort to become a good fighter again and to step up my efforts in other SCA avenues as well. At the same time I was going through this decision process my local group started having troubles of their own and it seemed that I would have to go a bit further afield to realize my SCA goals.
After deciding I was in for the long haul SCA wise it was apparent I would need to repair and improve my fighting kit. I had also let my desk job creep up on me and I would need to improve my physical shape as well. Less Pear shaped would be a good start and I needed to work on my stamina, upper body strength and speed if I was going to take up fighting again with any degree of seriousness. So in 2007 I put together a physical workout schedule and a list of fighter goals. The physical workout schedule includes some strength training, Cardio and Yoga/stretching. I have been following the physical workout for a year now with fair results. My stamina is improving and my strength is increasing but not as fast as I had originally planned. I believe I will have to take this up to a higher level and join a gym or other venue to progress any farther on this front.
As far as progressing on my fighting plan I have generally done better. I have reworked much of my fighter kit and like how it is now working. My legs do need work still. My right leg armor will occasionally shift and get in my way. I have not been able to find the cause so I may have to make one change at a time until the problem goes away. I am now attending one practice a week at a minimum and have the first signature for my Marshal paperwork. By May 1st I will be working in a second practice per week with events taking place of the second practice when I attend an event. I have also tried to spread my practices around so as to not only fight the same people over and over. So far I have been to Northwoods and Fearann na Criche and soon hope to attend Roaring Wastes and Sarnia practices. There is talk of starting up Stormvale practices again for the summer so that may become my second practice.
A short history of my SCA fighting: I authorized in 1984 and had fun fighting but did not take it seriously until approx. 1990. Previously I had been happy to put on armor and play the game but did not care how I did. I was not out to win or get better at fighting but more simply hang out with my friends and since they fought, I fought. As my friends and co-belligerents began to improve and advance as fighters I ended up asking myself what I wanted to accomplish as a fighter. In effect was I happy being a nail or did I want to be the hammer. So after 1990 I started putting together a nicer kit, paying more attention and trying to learn how to fight better. Almost immediately I was doing better and pulled myself out of the bottom of the pack of fighters in the Kingdom to somewhere in the middle. By 1996 I was doing well enough to be in the quarter finals of some tourneys but seldom won. In retrospect I had been unhappy at looking stupid on the list field and had worked enough to become average but did not try to progress beyond that point. I didn’t want to put the effort in to win, I simply did not want to embarrass myself.
At this time however my mundane job changed and I found myself both working a lot of overtime and most weekends. I was also in effect on call and found myself unable to schedule my event participation very well. So from 1997 to 2003 I did not regularly pursue fighting practices and attended mostly local (about 60-90 minute drive) events. I kept my authorization current but made no real progress fighting. I would attend the local Stormvale practice held outdoors from May to September with some consistency. I was no longer trying to improve, I was simply attending out of habit and for stress relief. So I went through the motions locally and fought the same people over and over but no longer had any kind of a plan or direction for fighting.
In 2004 my job changed again and I began to have more free time again but had gotten into such a rut SCA wise that none of my habits changed. I continued to attend only close local events and fighting without a real purpose or plan. It was probably a year or longer before I decompressed from my IT job enough that I started looking around and taking stock in my hobbies again.
By 2006 I had increased my event participation and had been upgrading my kit again but was back to my original fighting attitude or lack of one. I was showing up more but really just phoning in the effort. It did not help that by now my family was only peripherally interested in the SCA and many of my long time friends had again retired, moved or had begun phoning in their own effort.
I hit a point in late 2006 and took stock of my SCA participation. Was I going to be serious about the SCA or just a fringe member. I decided that I did like and enjoy the SCA enough to devote the required time and effort to become a good fighter again and to step up my efforts in other SCA avenues as well. At the same time I was going through this decision process my local group started having troubles of their own and it seemed that I would have to go a bit further afield to realize my SCA goals.
After deciding I was in for the long haul SCA wise it was apparent I would need to repair and improve my fighting kit. I had also let my desk job creep up on me and I would need to improve my physical shape as well. Less Pear shaped would be a good start and I needed to work on my stamina, upper body strength and speed if I was going to take up fighting again with any degree of seriousness. So in 2007 I put together a physical workout schedule and a list of fighter goals. The physical workout schedule includes some strength training, Cardio and Yoga/stretching. I have been following the physical workout for a year now with fair results. My stamina is improving and my strength is increasing but not as fast as I had originally planned. I believe I will have to take this up to a higher level and join a gym or other venue to progress any farther on this front.
As far as progressing on my fighting plan I have generally done better. I have reworked much of my fighter kit and like how it is now working. My legs do need work still. My right leg armor will occasionally shift and get in my way. I have not been able to find the cause so I may have to make one change at a time until the problem goes away. I am now attending one practice a week at a minimum and have the first signature for my Marshal paperwork. By May 1st I will be working in a second practice per week with events taking place of the second practice when I attend an event. I have also tried to spread my practices around so as to not only fight the same people over and over. So far I have been to Northwoods and Fearann na Criche and soon hope to attend Roaring Wastes and Sarnia practices. There is talk of starting up Stormvale practices again for the summer so that may become my second practice.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Northwoods Practice on Wednesday
Wednesday April 09th I attended the Northwoods Fighter Practice. I arrived about 7:15 and was in armor by 7:30pm. The practice concluded at 9pm so I was able to get a good amount of practice in. I think there was a total of 7 people taking part in heavy weapons. The practice consisted of several three on three melees and wrapped up with a Bear Pit until it was time to pack up.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Clancy Day: Clancy goes to Japan
It was a wonderful event!!! The weather was perfect for an early April day. It must have been 65 degrees and was sunny. My wife Giovanna and daughter Saiyuke attended the event with me. Bjarky decided to stay home and go to a friends house instead of the event.
Since it is my goal to become of Marshal of the Field I thought I would spent the day marshalling and get my first signature for helping at an event. The Marshal in Charge of the event, Brutus had me look over some of the armor inspections, watch and comment on 3 new fighter authorizations and help out during the Bear Pit Tourney. I started out teamed up with Sir Ragnar from Starleaf Gate but about half way through the Bear Pit he stepped back and had me run that portion of the list. There must have been better than 25 fighters for the Bear Pit and it was very informative to spend the day watching the fighting. I had not realize how many fighters had taken up small bucklers instead of using regular or center boss shields.
After the Bear Pit ended a single sword tourney was called for 30 minutes later. It was single sword only but it could be one or two handed. I had decided to get a little fighting in and so joined the 9 other fighters who signed up for the tourney. I also had wanted to use my new Great Sword which I had only practiced with once or twice. I thought I did OK in the tourney (I believe I won 5 and lost 4).
We did not stay for the evening feast as my wife was feeling a bit under the weather by this point so we said our goodbyes and left a bit after 5pm.
Since it is my goal to become of Marshal of the Field I thought I would spent the day marshalling and get my first signature for helping at an event. The Marshal in Charge of the event, Brutus had me look over some of the armor inspections, watch and comment on 3 new fighter authorizations and help out during the Bear Pit Tourney. I started out teamed up with Sir Ragnar from Starleaf Gate but about half way through the Bear Pit he stepped back and had me run that portion of the list. There must have been better than 25 fighters for the Bear Pit and it was very informative to spend the day watching the fighting. I had not realize how many fighters had taken up small bucklers instead of using regular or center boss shields.
After the Bear Pit ended a single sword tourney was called for 30 minutes later. It was single sword only but it could be one or two handed. I had decided to get a little fighting in and so joined the 9 other fighters who signed up for the tourney. I also had wanted to use my new Great Sword which I had only practiced with once or twice. I thought I did OK in the tourney (I believe I won 5 and lost 4).
We did not stay for the evening feast as my wife was feeling a bit under the weather by this point so we said our goodbyes and left a bit after 5pm.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Fearann na Criche Meeting
Sunday March 30, 2008
I attended a Meeting, Fighting Practice and Potluck at Fearann na Criche today. I did not have time to stay for the food but I enjoyed the Meeting and Fighting Practice.
It began around Noon but I did not arrive until nearly 2pm. At that time the Meeting was taking place and included a discussion on upcoming locations for demo’s or fighting practices. As the meeting was wrapping up we adjourned to the yard and started a Fighting Practice. During the practice I had the good fortune of fighting Morgan and Jeff and a new person (who’s name escapes me) who was in armor for the first time. I thought everyone did very well and I lasted somewhat longer than I had Wednesday at Northwoods. As I had to leave at 5pm for a previous engagement they pulled out Fencing Gear and it looked like several members were going to take part in the Fencing.
The only problem was that I broke the aluminum cross guard on my sword. So I have some repair work to perform on my kit now!!!
I would like to thank John St. John and Emma for opening their home for the activities.
I attended a Meeting, Fighting Practice and Potluck at Fearann na Criche today. I did not have time to stay for the food but I enjoyed the Meeting and Fighting Practice.
It began around Noon but I did not arrive until nearly 2pm. At that time the Meeting was taking place and included a discussion on upcoming locations for demo’s or fighting practices. As the meeting was wrapping up we adjourned to the yard and started a Fighting Practice. During the practice I had the good fortune of fighting Morgan and Jeff and a new person (who’s name escapes me) who was in armor for the first time. I thought everyone did very well and I lasted somewhat longer than I had Wednesday at Northwoods. As I had to leave at 5pm for a previous engagement they pulled out Fencing Gear and it looked like several members were going to take part in the Fencing.
The only problem was that I broke the aluminum cross guard on my sword. So I have some repair work to perform on my kit now!!!
I would like to thank John St. John and Emma for opening their home for the activities.
Northwoods Fighting Practice
Wednesday March 26,
I attended the Fighting Practice at Northwoods for the first time since the last century!!! I had a wonderful time fighting. I had hoped to make the practice before 7pm but by the time I located all my armor and packed the car, I did not end up in armor until nearly 8pm. The practice ended at 9pm but it was probably for the best, since I am out of practice, a solid hour of fighting was about all I could handle. Near the end of the hour I was already dropping my guard because my arms had tired. If I got the names of the fighters correct I had the chance to spar in a Bear Pit with Berach, Etain, Rannulf & Verrix. I hope to attend many more as time and my work schedule permits.
I attended the Fighting Practice at Northwoods for the first time since the last century!!! I had a wonderful time fighting. I had hoped to make the practice before 7pm but by the time I located all my armor and packed the car, I did not end up in armor until nearly 8pm. The practice ended at 9pm but it was probably for the best, since I am out of practice, a solid hour of fighting was about all I could handle. Near the end of the hour I was already dropping my guard because my arms had tired. If I got the names of the fighters correct I had the chance to spar in a Bear Pit with Berach, Etain, Rannulf & Verrix. I hope to attend many more as time and my work schedule permits.
Lady Terryl's Artisan Guild
Catching up on my Blog again!! A couple of weeks ago Robert and I attended the Tuesday night Artisans Guild at Lady Terryl’s.
Kudo’s to Diego for teaching the class on making Pouches and Drogo for bringing extra leather that Robert could use to make his Pouch. Robert was very happy with the way his Pouch turned out.
Thanks Diego, Drogo and Terryl!!!!
Kudo’s to Diego for teaching the class on making Pouches and Drogo for bringing extra leather that Robert could use to make his Pouch. Robert was very happy with the way his Pouch turned out.
Thanks Diego, Drogo and Terryl!!!!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Fearann na Criche Meeting
I attended a meeting at Fearann na Criche yesterday from 6pm till 8pm. It was held in Auburn which is between Bay City and Midland a little closer to the Midland side. It was at the Auburn City Library and was about an hour drive for me. Fearann na Criche consists of seven counties all clustered around Saginaw Bay and is the group immediately north of my home group Stormvale. I must admit that it’s been about 8-10 years since I last attended a meeting up there. I need to get out of my local group more often.
It was nice to see John St. John, Remy and Horsa again. I met several new people including Morwena and Edmund. It was a business meeting concerning setting up meeting locations and times and what would work out best for everyone involved. Even with it being a business meeting I still enjoyed getting out and meeting my neighbors again. I wish I had the time to stay and run out for coffee after the meeting but I needed to head home after the meeting ended. Perhaps next time I will be able to stay longer.
I am going to make it a point to try to drop in on as many groups as I can manage while I am the Pentamere Regional Seneschal. I think I will have to set down and create an excel spreadsheet for as many of the groups in Pentamere that I can find the meeting information and attend meetings as I can find the time.
It was nice to see John St. John, Remy and Horsa again. I met several new people including Morwena and Edmund. It was a business meeting concerning setting up meeting locations and times and what would work out best for everyone involved. Even with it being a business meeting I still enjoyed getting out and meeting my neighbors again. I wish I had the time to stay and run out for coffee after the meeting but I needed to head home after the meeting ended. Perhaps next time I will be able to stay longer.
I am going to make it a point to try to drop in on as many groups as I can manage while I am the Pentamere Regional Seneschal. I think I will have to set down and create an excel spreadsheet for as many of the groups in Pentamere that I can find the meeting information and attend meetings as I can find the time.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Getting back on track
I have not posted much recently. I had pneumonia and spent the last week and a half of January flat on my back. I have mostly recovered now and need to get back to work on my various projects.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Changing my Coat of Arms (I hope)
I have always liked my coat of arms but have a terrible time trying to recreate it. I am not a great artist and the panther is fairly complicated to draw. I thought I would try to change to a more geometric design, so I have submitted a new device. The blazon of this new device would be Quarterly Argent and Gules a Mullet Azure. I have submitted this and will release my old arms if this one passes. I will keep the Panther badge.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Upcoming Artisans Guild Schedule
Spring 2008 Schedule for Artisans Guild:
Jan 15 Period Embroidery and Hand Sewing (Lady Eron) If you have a sewing basket or Magnifying Glass please bring to class.
Jan 22 Youth Crafts Work on Treasure Chests (Lady Teryll)
Jan 29 Crafting Time / Officers Meeting including Event Discussion (Lord Gerard)
Feb 5 Youth Fighting / Crafting Time
Feb 12 Leather Working (Lord Diego)
Feb 19 Youth Crafts type TBD
Feb 26 How to Run an Event (THL Skalla) / Officer Meeting (Lord Gerard)
Mar 4 Youth Fighting / Crafting Time
Mar 11 Ukrainian Eggs (Lady Teryll) All ages welcome
Mar 18 Youth Fighting / How to enter A&S events (Lord Diego) / Officer Meeting (Lord Gerard)
Mar 25 Arrow Making and Archery (Lord Ervon)
Apr 1 Youth Crafts TBD
Apr 8 Arrows Continued (Lord Ervon)
Apr 15 Youth Fighting / Crafting Time
Jan 15 Period Embroidery and Hand Sewing (Lady Eron) If you have a sewing basket or Magnifying Glass please bring to class.
Jan 22 Youth Crafts Work on Treasure Chests (Lady Teryll)
Jan 29 Crafting Time / Officers Meeting including Event Discussion (Lord Gerard)
Feb 5 Youth Fighting / Crafting Time
Feb 12 Leather Working (Lord Diego)
Feb 19 Youth Crafts type TBD
Feb 26 How to Run an Event (THL Skalla) / Officer Meeting (Lord Gerard)
Mar 4 Youth Fighting / Crafting Time
Mar 11 Ukrainian Eggs (Lady Teryll) All ages welcome
Mar 18 Youth Fighting / How to enter A&S events (Lord Diego) / Officer Meeting (Lord Gerard)
Mar 25 Arrow Making and Archery (Lord Ervon)
Apr 1 Youth Crafts TBD
Apr 8 Arrows Continued (Lord Ervon)
Apr 15 Youth Fighting / Crafting Time
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Guild Night Tuesday
Last night the Artisans Guild met to determine the coming Spring Schedule of classes. Many good suggestions and ideas for classes were discussed and Teryll will put together the list with dates and publish them soon.
If I understood the gist correctly, every Tuesday night will include guild activities. One week will be all guild activity perhaps with a class. The next week will be youth combat with guild work after the fighting has ended. This way if projects are not completed or fall behind, people will have time to work on them.
After that a more general meeting broke out about what the Shire should do about the webpage and a few other issues for the next couple weeks. It was decided to talk about this again during the meeting at the revel later this month.
It was noted that this would be the Guilds first anniversary and that it had had a pretty good first year all things considered. Everyone is looking forward to an even better second year!!!
If I understood the gist correctly, every Tuesday night will include guild activities. One week will be all guild activity perhaps with a class. The next week will be youth combat with guild work after the fighting has ended. This way if projects are not completed or fall behind, people will have time to work on them.
After that a more general meeting broke out about what the Shire should do about the webpage and a few other issues for the next couple weeks. It was decided to talk about this again during the meeting at the revel later this month.
It was noted that this would be the Guilds first anniversary and that it had had a pretty good first year all things considered. Everyone is looking forward to an even better second year!!!
Monday, January 7, 2008
12th Night in Cynnabar
I attended 12th Night in Cynnabar this past weekend and had a wonderful time. My wife and kids attended also and had a nice time. Alex, who is not very excited going to most SCA events, said “it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be”, on the trip home. It was good to be able to touch base with people and catch up a little.
Drogo and Kayla were very gracious and allowed us to set up our stuff at their day camp in the gym (which reminds me I have to find our chair covers or make more). Stormvaler’s in attendance were Drogo, Kayla and son. My family Giovanna, Saiyuke, Bjarky and myself. Gerard, Breanna, Laura and friend, Ervon, Eron and Teryll. I did not get a chance to speak with Teryll but did get to spend time with everyone else.
With Lady Jaelith’s help I was able to convene a meeting for the Seneschal’s of Pentamere. It was sparsely attended (in fact I had more Seneschal’s show up after the meeting had ended than during). I did get the opportunity to meet Duchess Eanor and Lady Jaelith and have them explain the ins and outs of the job. I should have a good footing for this job going forward.
After theSeneschal’s discussion broke up, I headed over to the Heralds meeting. Back in the day (the mid 90’s) I did the internal submissions for the Kingdom and did some commenting for the Middle Kingdom College of Heralds. I would like to get back into doing more Heraldry so was looking for information on how the commenting process currently worked and how to get back into it. I was advised to sign up on the Middle Kingdom Heralds e-mail list and so I have done so!!
The afternoon was spent in shopping and hanging out at the Stormvale camp. Later in the day Drogo (who was arranging the guards for the royalty room) needed a guard and I thought it would be great for Bjarky (Alex) to stand a watch. Since he is only 13 and wouldn’t know what was expected I decided to stand the watch with him. Drogo promptly stranded us for 2 and half hours : ) Needing to get dinner we snagged Ervon, Gerard and Saiyuke to relieve us from guard duty so we could grab something to eat.
I ended up running out and picking up food for most of Stormvale and due to a wrong turn ended up getting back with barely any time to eat before Court would start, so many of us ended up sneaking into Court after it had started. After Court was over it was time to make our goodbyes and head home.
Drogo and Kayla were very gracious and allowed us to set up our stuff at their day camp in the gym (which reminds me I have to find our chair covers or make more). Stormvaler’s in attendance were Drogo, Kayla and son. My family Giovanna, Saiyuke, Bjarky and myself. Gerard, Breanna, Laura and friend, Ervon, Eron and Teryll. I did not get a chance to speak with Teryll but did get to spend time with everyone else.
With Lady Jaelith’s help I was able to convene a meeting for the Seneschal’s of Pentamere. It was sparsely attended (in fact I had more Seneschal’s show up after the meeting had ended than during). I did get the opportunity to meet Duchess Eanor and Lady Jaelith and have them explain the ins and outs of the job. I should have a good footing for this job going forward.
After theSeneschal’s discussion broke up, I headed over to the Heralds meeting. Back in the day (the mid 90’s) I did the internal submissions for the Kingdom and did some commenting for the Middle Kingdom College of Heralds. I would like to get back into doing more Heraldry so was looking for information on how the commenting process currently worked and how to get back into it. I was advised to sign up on the Middle Kingdom Heralds e-mail list and so I have done so!!
The afternoon was spent in shopping and hanging out at the Stormvale camp. Later in the day Drogo (who was arranging the guards for the royalty room) needed a guard and I thought it would be great for Bjarky (Alex) to stand a watch. Since he is only 13 and wouldn’t know what was expected I decided to stand the watch with him. Drogo promptly stranded us for 2 and half hours : ) Needing to get dinner we snagged Ervon, Gerard and Saiyuke to relieve us from guard duty so we could grab something to eat.
I ended up running out and picking up food for most of Stormvale and due to a wrong turn ended up getting back with barely any time to eat before Court would start, so many of us ended up sneaking into Court after it had started. After Court was over it was time to make our goodbyes and head home.
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