Such a fun weekend!

From time spent with great friends and my SCA family, I had a total BLAST. I left Maryville with Martinus about two after knocking about town with the Monster. We got into Three Rivers around seven (early!) and checked into the Cheshire Lodge. Hung out, and got ready for the next day.

Next day was beautiful! Sunny skies, colourful trees, and with an event, perfection. Martinus offered me his spare heralds' baldric, which I thought about taking, decided not to. Got to site around ten, and by that point had met up with purplellamaboi, scooterheather, huscarl105, rhodri2112, Tadamitsu (hereunto this point denoted as Tim), Cathus and Rowan, Duncan Eardstapa, Duncan Logan, Ruaidhri, Avraham, and a bunch more. It happens at big events like this. Got kissed, hugged, squished, poked, and flirted with (again, it happens, especially at big events). I like the attention. Won't lie.

I watched a few of the fights, but on the whole talked with people I hadn't seen in forever (or in my case, Coronation. That counts as forever, right? It does). That's when things changed.

Herman and Tim were pointing around the room, calling people's names. Curious, I went over to see what was going on (I must learn to not do that at events. Really). Ingeborg said "No, I was on retinue last reign. Thanks but no thanks." Doing my best Li'l Nipper impression, Tim looked at me and asked, "so, do you want to help out?"
Me: With what?
Tim: With Court tonight?
Me: Uh....?
Herman: We'll take that as a yes. Court's at five. I'll see you in the Privy Chambers at 4:30.
Me (scratching my head, wondering what the hell just happened.): Um. Okay?
Tim: It's okay. I'll tell you everything you need to know. You'll just be helping Herman in Court. We call them Stunt Heralds.
Me (Mind coming into full realisation): WHAT?!
Tim: Oh, it's not that bad. You'll give Her Majesty medallions, hold up scrolls, hold Herman's tankard, and if Herman's voice goes out, you'll finish the rest of the court.
Me (panicked): Um. Okay. (big gulp) I better get treated nice. And I might have to kill Herman.

After my duties were explained, and I was told to go sit down and fill up my tankard so that I might be able to get through Court, I hung out more with Martinus and Tim (I poked them both. Darnit.) and did various other sort of things. Martino and Ariel becoming the new Heirs didn't really surprise me much, to be honest, but I think they're a pretty cool sort. Got my hair braided all pretty for Court (really pretty hairstyle with two modified French braids coming together at the nape of my neck and that ended in a low ponytail. I felt pretty. :D Believe me, it rarely happens. (But that's for a later entry.) Being on my best behaviour in Court was HARD. Then again, I'm used to being a brat about things. During Court, a Teletubby costume had made its rounds throughout the Populace, so being on my best behaviour was difficult, especially since all I wanted to do was laugh. And hard. And loud.

The Court itself wasn't too bad. I juggled medallions, a hood, and a scroll for the Laurelling that evening, in addition Herman's pen, tankard, and occasionally the Big Damn Book. However, I had fun. I may do it again. We'll see.

After Court, Martinus and I, and a bunch of Leatherwolf went to Grbic, a Croatian restaurant, most of us in garb. Reactions were PRICELESS! Some had the courage to ask if we were all in a play, if it was like a Renaissance festival thing, and some just stared. (Honestly, by this point, it's become a hobby. Freaking people out is FUN!) Good food, and I got to hang out with some really great people.

After that, it was off to change (I had enough of wearing garb for one day. It was time for mundane clothes), and after that, it was off to post-revel at Duncan and Simonetta's. Much enjoyable. I hung out with huscarl105 and Ruaidrhi for a little bit, and then it was off to Bardic Land. And there, I watched Ferd get his hair done by Simonetta. It had braids and ribbons and feathers in it. I took pictures. By that point, Ferd needed to make a big crash, ran out of the room, and went to acquire noisy things.

He returned with Duncan and Simonetta's silverware. And a few pans. And at the appropriate time in Old Dun Cow, the din was ungodly as all of the silverware was thrown down the stairs with much gusto. Apparently, it's a new record. For what, I don't know, as I couldn't hear it, having been rendered deaf.

About that time, I started my goodbyes. I was tired. And all I wanted to do was sleep. So, back to the hotel.

Woke up this morning around nine, and we headed back about ten. I got home around four, and right now, all I want to do is SLEEP.

Next weekend is Crystal Ball. And I'm excited to help teach.

Oh. And as I was unpacking, I found that magical heraldry elves had snuck in a certain green baldric into my luggage. Yep. I's screwed.

First off, I do apologise about not doing a follow-up on the Presiding Bishop and Diocesan Convention. I am going stir-crazy with activity. (I'm seriously living out of a suitcase for the next two weekends. Yay, events!) In fact, I'm trying to pack for Crown Tournament tomorrow. Martinus is supposed to pick me up at two tomorrow afternoon, and I still have to do laundry, shower, clean my feastgear of dust, and pack. BRWAR! Going insane! You're welcome to join me! I promise I don't bite...hard.

Anyway.

Friday dawned beautifully sunny, but yeeks, it was cold. Ended up going for abour thirty minutes without a nametag, but yet, everyone knows who the hell I am. Seriously, I realise this is Diocesan Convention, but how is it everyone knows who I am? Oh. Right. Young Adult Ministry and getting called up to speak in front of EVERYBODY at the last Convention. Yep. That'd do it. It was mostly education sessions and worship (I went to two: Little Prayerbook on the Prairie, about the history of the Diocese of West Missouri and one on reconciliation from Paul's point of view. Also interesting, but I definitely got a lot out of the history one. Understandably, being the history geek I am.) By the time the evening rolled around, people started milling about, buzzing about one of two things: the presidential election and when the PB would arrive, which she did, later that evening. I met her at the social hour prior to dinner, which was pretty nifty. Where was a camera when I needed it?

For some reason, I always get suckered into going to the banquet, which usually ends up pretty darn good. This year was no different...except I then realised it was catered by dun dun DUUUUUUUN! Aramark. Yep. I can't escape. Ever. Food was still pretty good, but I felt so bad about wasting so much of it because there was a TON of it left over from my plate alone. Conversation was great. I sat with St. Augustine's this year (which is ALWAYS a treat. Love them so much).

The Bishop's Shield awards were given out, and then the PB was called to speak. Short message about how helping the poor is our mission. I won't contest that point, but I'd like to amend that helping everyone is our call to mission. And it goes past that point to actively ministering to them. Meh. I know, I've already spoke of my theological differences with Bishop Katherine. I'll stop. Anyway. Bishop Barry gave Bishop Katherine a desk plaque with "The Buck Stops Here" engraved on it. If you know anything, absolutely anything about Missouri history, you'll know that our thirty-third President is from the surrounding area. Oh, Barry. I had to mention to our table that we had a silly Bishop. I still maintain that we do.

Saturday was filled with voting, as usual, and for once, I didn't have to count ballots, I didn't have to vote, and the deliberation process this year was oddly subdued. Not that I mind. I don't. The measures that were voted on weren't even that controversial. For once! The PB came back in from visiting with the youth, right as the courtesy resolutions were being spoken, and she sat right next to me. Blew my mind. After that, we finished with a hymn, and I went home to my parents. (There is much talk of me going to General Convention again this year, in Anaheim. We'll see.)

Sunday was the day of the end of the Emmaus Era in the diocese, marking several growths and changes for (hopefully) the better. Celebrating that with the Eucharist, the PB being the Celebrant, it was interesting. I was told I should try and process in, but as there wasn't a place for Young Adult Ministers to do so, I was made a Junior Junior Warden on the spot and told to go process with the Junior and Senior Wardens. Yay, vestry! Bishop Katherine avoided all of the weird stuff she's said in the past, and continued with what she noted in her previous address about helping the poor, even in times of uncertain financial problems looming on the horizon. (My only question is, what about the poor within our own churches? What do we do with them?) Asperges were done (rather forcefully. It felt like a good steady rain for a while), as well as a rather traditional Celebration Eucharist. Not quite Rite I, but definitely not Rite III. Like Rite II, but more sombre.

And then I went home to Maryville.

It's all I can write right now. My duffel is looking at me, empty. And I need to pack, now. (I just wish my napkins would dry faster!)

Up next? Crown Tourney! YAY! I'll be back Sunday sometime. And don't forget to change your clocks back.

ALSO.

If you ordered a geek girls calendar on the first printing, they are being shipped now. If you would like me to autograph my page for you, now is the time to let me know.

Thunderstorm rages, though not severe.

Secondly, the Calendar Geeks blog now has an RSS feed: calendar_geeks. Also, there are about ten calendars left in this printing run. If you want yours before our second run in November, get them now. :D

I am still sick, and think I have yet another relapse of EBV. It SUCKS. I hate my blood getting drawn, I hate going to the doc's office (I waited for two hours for a twenty minute consult. Tell me that isn't messed up.), and I hate not being at work. Of course, it's no secret that I hate my job, but I like getting paid. I'd rather do my job and get paid for that, than sitting at home sick.

I haven't gotten started on my Queen's Prize project, at least painting wise, but I also haven't accumulated all my paints yet. I think I may just bite the bullet and get paints from Walmart instead.

Bah. I really should get to bed, but as this storm is on the noisy side, I'm afraid sleep may not come soon.

After doing nothing on Labor Day, I went to work today after a day sick on Tuesday. I know, I know. Stop getting sick. I'm working on it.

Anyway. Today wasn't half bad. I was kept crazy-busy, which may have accounted for my lack of tiredness now. Or my sleeping for twelve hours yesterday. I haven't decided yet.

Meanwhile, Jib IMmed me to tell me that my seat at Coronation feast is reserved. YAY! Best Brother ever. I'm so excited. The downside...I miss my family on Family Day. It's all right, but I really wish I could see them more often than I do at times. Oh, well. I'll see them plenty in October, November, and December. I'm getting excited for Coronation...but I seriously need to sit down and bead. Badly. The boys picked up some beads for me in St. Joe, and some charms, including a little knight charm. I have no idea what I'm going to do with that quite yet. So, I have no excuses. I just need to sit down and bead away. Or else. I also need to make time to work on my QP project, too. Argh.

My to-do list is pretty big, too. And I have to pack my plastic tub so that it survives Martinus' pickup and the five hours up from Bethany. summersdream: I'll know by Friday the approximate time I'll be met there. It could be six or it could be eight (at night, of course.) At any rate, I'm excited.

See y'all there?

If you have not bought your calendar, dooo eeet. Nao. :P (and my spellcheckers are so hating me right now. Nice bunch of red dotted lines saying "OMG. FIX IT! And NOW!")

I saw the previews today, and OMG. AMAZING. (and for an extra bonus, I will even sign your copy. Promise.) We are a sexy buncha chicks, if I do say so myself. And, I have half a notion to sponsor a copy sent to Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, as they're both mentioned. (Stephen's birthday is even listed on my month of May! Nifty!)

Anyway. It is a kick-ass calendar, and I am totally amazed by the women who also participated. You are all amazing, no lie.

Squee.

My device didn't pass.

So, I got a few options, and decided I liked this one, better.



Azure, a chevron cotised between two mullets and a gryphon rampant argent. And yes, I know a few things need tweaked, but otherwise, I think this should work.

This one, at least according to Modar by way of Jib, should pass. I've got my fingers crossed.

Jib sat down with me online last night and we talked heraldry. And I think I may have something that I really like.

For those who speak heraldese, it's azure, a chevron between two mullets and a gryphon rampant argent. For those who don't, I'll be working up a doodle pretty soon. I may even go use Photoshop and make an icon out of it, but that means I have to get rid of one, or pay for an account, both of which I don't want to do. I think this is how it's supposed to look, so bear with me. I know heralds, I yell things, but I'm certainly not a book herald. :P I just go, "Ooh. Pretty colours," and that's it. Anyway, this is what I sat down and blazoned, on MS Paint, no less. And that's a headache.



Tada. So, once it comes back from conflict checking, I'll sit down, and get my stuff together for submission.

Well, I'm getting better. My voice is starting to go, but I can now keep food down. It's a trade-off I'll take. Meanwhile, it gives me time to work on the icon project for Queen's Prize. My current shopping list comes to $60, which just proves that I can do this inexpensively. A lot of the paints will get used for other things (other icons, mayhaps), and it's not like I'll use all of the gold leafing. At least, I hope I don't.

Meanwhile, I've been dealing ( with some unusual circumstances... )

Anyway, I'm going to go to bed. Maybe. Sleep is good.

It is official.

I am music-geeking right now.

I got a birthday present from the Bender today. Songs from the Labyrinth and The Journey & the Labyrinth. It's the music of John Dowland...sung by Sting. And it has a lutenist on it, too. Edin Karamozov. It is beautiful. And I -have- to learn this stuff. It's beautiful.

John Dowland kicked butt.

And hi. I'm Zephyr. And I'm a music geek.

I now officially love the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Byzantine Art!

If only you could see how far my jaw has dropped. I am squeeing now. And this is why I chose what I did. It purty.