A Literary Moment...

If it please you, I should happily share these words from a favored play:

A Midsummer-Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Act V, Scene I

Puck:

If we shadows have offended,

Think but this, (and all is mended,)

That you have but slumber'd here

While these visions did appear.

And this weak and idle theme,

No more yeilding but a dream,

Gentles, do not reprehend ; 

If you pardon, we will mend.

And, as I am an honest Puck,

If we have unearned luck

Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,

We will make amends ere long :

Else the Puck a liar call,

So, good night unto you all !

Give me your hands, if we be friends,

And Robin shall restore amends.

                                              [Exit.

"A Literary Moment... " is something new that I would like to add to our blog. Literature plays an important role in society and has done so from the first words penned to paper and the first story orally passed along.  It is through stories that we often best express and share our ideas and beliefs. Literature has the power to inspire... the power to expand our minds... the power to move us... the power to free us.  Through literature we can learn compassion and chivalry.  And sometimes, should we be quite fortunate, literature can simply make us smile and laugh! As hopefully the quote above does for those familiar with the antics that take place within A Midsummer-Night's Dream.

For the Baronial Champions

We are Bog
These three words are tiny but together they evoke a spirit of family, strength born of adversity, courage to be not afraid, and a joy of life, the likes of which are found nowhere else in the Known World. These tiny words bind us together tighter than any rope.
We are BOG, the family, and the friend; the Barony, the Canton, and the People.
WE are Bog! Called out in unison to be heard across the field of battle and our foes quake in fear.
We ARE Bog, The song in every raven's heart as battle is joined and let no foe go undefeated
WE ARE BOG! Let all know, together we are invincible, undivided, we are passionate, and we are strong.
To you, Our champions, We say, "We are Bog".
As you represent the Barony, remember who we are.
When you stand for us remember what we symbolize.
WE ARE BOG! Be proud of what you have done this day.

-- Mistress AElfra Long
 

New Known World Handbook

Garith and I just got our new copy of the Known World Handbook.

The handbook has been given a complete overhaul from the last edition. The cover is shiny and a quick flip through showed detailed illustrations for drafting garb patterns and actual pictures of different fighting stances. A closer look reveals careful organization and thought.

The new cartoons are cute, but I really miss the old ones. You know you've been in the SCA a long time if you hear "Carthagenian war elephant" and automatically respond "needs more duct tape."

The costuming section is very detailed. There are a number of different illustrations for making the trusty t-tunic and circle cloaks. The editors also included directions on how to make different styles of neckline (and how to finish those) as well as viking dresses and Irish style dresses. One of the best features is the section on how to take your measurements to ensure a proper fit. Attention was even paid to head wear in this edition.

The other chapters with lots of great new info is armouring, fight preparation, and chivalric arts. Descriptions of how to get started include not just concepts like "buy ye some armor and go to fighter practice," but better recommendations like "The one thing you don't want to do is buy armor without trying it on first" and "Your helm is your best friend...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not skimp here." There are directions on how to make a gorget, demi-gauntlets, lamellar, shields of different shapes, and more. The chivalric arts section describes techniques and includes pictures of a gentle taking different stances and follow through positions.

What I found lacking is the arts & sciences chapter. There first five pages are dedicated to research, documentation, and why you should want to enter your creations into competitions and exhibitions. You even find out about how work is judged and how to get involved in judging. There isn't much to inspire creativity. A couple pages on dance are provided. Other activities are skimmed over in just a few paragraphs like singing, poetry, storytelling, music and jest. There are directions for a couple games. The descriptions are dry and there aren't any instructions to get started in any of the crafts.

Those types of articles have apparently been replaced with brief descriptions of "additional past times" in that new chapter. I was reminded that we have activities like hound coursing, equestrian games,and jousting. Thrown weapons and archery are given attention in this edition of the handbook.

The SCA does need to promote the educational opportunities available to us. However, I would have preferred to be given projects that don't need much guidance to get excited about learning, instead of the somewhat daunting need to get involved in displaying my work that I don't know how to do yet. Overall, the new Known World Handbook does what it needs to do for newcomers. The history, descriptions of clothing and chivalry give a wonderful glimpse into the dream.

Pennsic

Get out your packing lists, check your tents, and buy some sunblock and a new wide brim hat. It's time for PENNSIC!

Most years, I have a routine for Pennsic. Go to some classes, watch at least one battle, head up to the Barony's main campsite for Gobi night, and relax. There's nothing wrong with having a routine...but...

This year, I'm going to make an effort to do things I've never done before at Pennsic. There are lots of gentles each year who put in a thought, effort, and time to create entertainment for us to enjoy.

Each day there are dance classes that focus on learning the steps to the specific dances planned for the balls during the week.

Artisans' Row has expanced:

"A place to craft… A place to learn… A place to share…
Artisans Rows have been growing steadily over the past half-dozen years at SCA events. An Artisans Row is usually a collection of workshop areas where artisans & scholars can demonstrate, share, and teach – preferably hands-on – their particular skills & knowledge.
At Pennsic, Artisans Row is set up a little differently. We have three tents in the Pennsic University area (A&S Tents #4, #5 and #6), and each tent is dedicated to a topic for the whole day. Artisans are welcome to take part in informal one-on one instruction, open workshop times, joint artisan/area projects, sharing, networking, and night classes. "

There will be plays to go see. "The Performing Arts Tent is at the corner of Kurdson Way and Chandler's Road, with complete facilities for performers, including a stage, lighting, and a small backstage area."

There is a classroom set aside for learning the games that were played in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, too. Wouldn't it be great to learn some board and card games to have a gaming tournament at 12th Night???

And the music...The Knowne World Choir and Debatable Choirs are going to perform at the performing arts tent. There are always wandering minstrels in the merchant area...and the lady with the hurdy gurdy.

Pennsic has the makings of being a great vacation this year!

Spring Thing: Men in Kilts... A Highland Fling

Spring Thing event this Saturday, June 4th from 10:00 am - 9:00 pm. Join us for some Highland fun!

Scottish Highlanders are known for their hospitality, and their fondness for games, food, drink, bards and men in kilts. Being equally fond of these things, we are orchestrating an event that will bring the finest legs... errr... Highlanders to our land. So, grab your gear and head to the Westland Mor for our Annual Spring Thing Event, “Men in Kilts... a Highland Fling.” We'll throw open the gates on Saturday, June 4th, 2011, from 10:00 am - 9:00 pm at our traditional site of the Flax Scutching Grounds (Stahlstown, PA - no street address). 

Learn more about the event by visiting our Spring Thing website. 

New to the SCA? Spring Thing is a great first event. You will have the opportunity to watch various marshal activities as well as the gentler arts & sciences all in one day and in a relaxed, friendly environment. The site is relatively easy to locate, and there are many trees about to provide some shade. You will need to stop by our check-in spot to sign a site waiver and pay admission. We would also ask that you make an attempt to wear medieval or Scottish garb. And please introduce yourself and feel welcome to ask questions.


Hope to see you there!

A persona by any other name....

The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is a multifaceted organization. Members are able to participate in various marshal activities, as well as a myriad of Arts and Science displays and competitions. At many events there are classes offered on a variety of Medieval aspects from food to making your own garb. In amongst all of this is something called Heraldry.

Heralds are generally recognized by their voices.  They can be heard all around an event's site calling out announcements or activities about to take place. In Royal and Baronial Courts, it is the Herald's voice that you will hear calling forth individuals, reading scrolls and leading the "vivats!" (Vivat! is a medieval way of saying hurray.)

Another equally important aspect of Heraldry is assisting members of the SCA with the development of a persona - who you would have been had you existed in the real Middle Ages. Heralds help you with the creation of a device and name. Simply put, your device is a pictorial representation of you. Your name is how you will be known to other members.

Picking a name can seem like a tedious task, but it can actually be a lot of fun.

Like trying on new garb, it can be exciting to try on a new name. However, the method used to find that name varies. Some individuals pick a land from which they would like to be from or a culture they would enjoy belonging to or even a profession (e.g., Baker, Smith), and allow the name to develop from there. Others may pick a century from which they have a particular interest, then randomly pick a name they like. Still others will climb around on their family trees for the name of a distant relative who actually lived in the Middle Ages.

All of these are excellent methods to use in picking a name, albeit some are easier to work with than others. On constant though is that all names (and devices) must meet with the approval of the College of Heralds. Their primary function is not to make your life challenging, but to 1. Make sure the name is period and 2. Make sure that no one else in your immediate area or Kingdom has already registered the identical name. If all goes your way, then within a few months you will have a brand new SCA-friendly name.

However, there is one aspect in choosing a name that is far more important than the method you use to find it, and it needs to be considered before you submit your name for approval. While the above methods are excellent ways to find a name, none of them can ensure that you will respond to that name. I encourage you to try the name on like that new garb, and make sure that it fits. Not all names come tailor made. Involve your friends. If you are selecting a name in a language unknown to you, then ask someone to help you pronounce it - what might look beautiful on paper, may not be agreeable to the ear.

When we were babies, someone chose a name for us. While some were lucky enough to like their name, this was not always the case. Now you have a choice. The power to select a name is in your hands, use it wisely.  And remember you are not alone, somewhere there is a herald eager to match you with the perfect medieval name!

Are you in a play?

Most people aren't brave enough to come right over and asked why I'm dressed funny, but I have been lucky enough to be asked, "Are you in a play?"

My reply, "I'm not in a play. I'm part of living history."

"Like the Civil War reenactors?"

"Yep. Kinda like that, but instead of reenacting specific events, we learn about then recreate the skills and activities in the daily lives of medieval people."

It always makes me smile. And sometimes...Just once in awhile...They ask for more information and the "Dream" grows.

Rose

Are you in a play?

If someone were to poll members of the SCA, I wonder what the top five questions asked by non-sca observes would be? To the unfamiliar eye, we must look rather interesting... fascinating, even.

When still new to the group, I was warned to expect the "Are you in a play?" question often. Sadly, I have never been asked this question, but I know people who have been. You know what I say? Bravo to those unsuspecting individuals with the guts to approach and ask why a person might be sporting fashionable Medieval garb! This might be a person worthy of recruiting. So, with that thought in mind, be sure to make your answers good!

So, what questions has wearing your garb in non-sca environments (such as: Giant Eagle, WalMart, Sheetz, etc.) inspired?

 

Spring is a-coming

Ok, so you look out your window and all you see is snow and ice. Spring seems a distant promise or a vague memory from the past. Yet, as Lady Elizabeth Thorne put it, the traditional consultation with Phil the Groundhog has taken place and a prediction of an early spring has been pronounced. What does this have to do with us and the SCA? With the coming of Spring comes the planning for more events, especially events that will take place out of doors and that may involve camping.  Here is what Lady Elizabeth had to say about getting ready for Spring:

Take a few minutes in the coming days to check your garb, armor, weapons, and camping equipment.

What kind of shape is it in? Do you need to replace those pesky tent poles? Would it hurt to pick up a small canister or two of propane so you have enough to run your stove and lantern at Pennsic without it killing your budget just before you leave.

Make a list of what you took last time. Make a list of what you desperately thought you needed that you forgot. Think carefully about what you took that you did not need and take that off the list.

Those who are newer...questions?

Those who are old hand at this...memories, recommendations??

War Practice, Spring Thing, 3-Day and Pennsic, as well as a score of other wonderful events, are all right around the corner. May your enthusiasm to pack your vehicle and venture off inspire you to heed our advice and begin checking your supplies now rather than waiting 'til the night before the event. After all, who wants to get to War Practice only to find out that they forgot to pack their air mattress? Or, that they will be needed to help with court, only to discover that the only reasonable outfit packed has a horrible, glaring hole! This later scenario, however, can be a good excuse to purchase new garb.

So, take a little time each day to evaluate your supplies. We hope you will go forth prepared and able to focus on the fun times and memories you will soon create!

Happy Adventuring!

 

Barony of St. Swithin's Bog's Annual Twelfth Night (1/22/2011)

Twelfth Night was delightful to put it simply.

The weather cooperated as best it could. In other words, it was so cold that not even the snow would dare to fall. But it was beautiful none the less. For from within the warmth of a building full of medieval character, we could admire a gentle world that displayed for us her best snowy white dress beaded with glittering ice.

What happened within the friendly hall and rooms of the building?  All who gathered shared smiles and conversation.  They laughed or spoke seriously of matters most important within the Knowne World.  They exchanged stories, listened to music, admired scroll work, and feasted heartily.  New friendships were made; and old friendships were rekindled. Small children delighted us old folks with their vigor and bravery. Tears of joy were shed as good friends received high honors from Their Majesties and Their Excellencies.  Embraces were made and plans were set... until next we should meet.

And this was our Twelfth Night.  I ask you, what more could one expect from an event?

Welcome To Our New Blog

Welcome Everyone!

We all grow older and wiser as we continue to age.  Why should not our Blog do the same?  Therefore, our Blog has shed its old garb - though it served us well - and taken up a new look.  The material is still of good quality (or so I hope), but the stitching will be new and strong and, with good fortune, there will be some pretty new trim to snazzy it up a bit.

So I invite you to pull up a chair, grab your favorite mug or goblet, put on your comfy garb, and sit back and relax.  You are among friends.  Let us explore the SCA together and see what we find.


Happy Adventuring!!!