baronessekat: (arms)
I went to Pennsic this year - the first one in 3 years as the last two were canceled due to the Pandemic.

So like in past years I opted to give my reports in a different way (I have done Starfleet Officer personal log, or a "Dear Martha" letter home) so this year I did it as a wildlife observer writing their field notes. So for those who are not on my FaceBook here you go:

Read more... )
baronessekat: (Default)
I am sure I will forget someone and for that I pre-emptively apologize.

This weekend was a whirlwind of emotions and I would not have been able to have done it without a great many people.

Julie Dis a sister of my heart and true friend who, despite being the Landed Baroness of the group hosting the event, stepped up and organized the before event stuff for the elevation. She kept lists, contacted and organized volunteers, purchased things and talked me off the ledge a couple times.

Patrick, who is that quiet and steady presence that provided the strength when needed and helped me process the surprise. He also made a new to him thing that is amazing - he made the chair I sat in all day during the reception.

Martie and Sabrina - my girls. These two make me proud to call them my proteges and helped where and when needed. Not only helping me make vigil tokens, both took on duties the day of the event. They helped set up the reception and get things coordinated at the event. Martie assisted in finishing my elevation dress and Sabrina kept track of who I spoke to and made sure I was taken care of throughout the day.

Lorelei, Cy, Krista all helped make over 200 vigil tokens

Drea took fabric and an idea and turned it into a beautiful dress for the ceremony. Love you girl.

Teresa - my real life sister who conspired with my friends and came to the event and helped when and where she could. You are not a member of the Society, but you have supported my weird hobby for almost 30 years and I am so glad you surprised me and that you were there for me in person.
Sherry Lemon - thank you for the beautiful girdle book. It is stunning and I will use it often.

To Melissa - my soul sister. You have been my right hand in shenanigans, protocol and too many things to list. I could not have asked for anyone better to herald me into court to receive the accolade.

Ray - my Champion. You have provided a shoulder to cry on, a source of advice and inspiration. Thank you for all your support and for grinning when I asked for the theme song for the procession.

Shea - thank you for helping me to electronically bring court to all my friends across the Known World. I am thankful for the assistance and happy that Their Majesties recognized your kind, generous and courteous acts.

Timothy - another who has provided support and encouragement. Just when I was ready to give up my art because of health complications taking skill away, you asked me to do a scroll for you and helped me find a way to work with limitations and find joy again. Thank you for speaking for me on behalf of the Order of the Chivalry.

Momma Aine, thank you for decades of encouragement, helping before the event, after the event and for reading the words Kelda sent.

Lyndsey , you were the first and only person who came to mind when I asked myself who I wanted to represent the Order of the Pelican at the ceremony. I am sorry you were not there to say them in person, but those words were read and touched my heart deeply.

Had anyone asked me a long time ago who I would have speaking as a Royal Peer at an elevation, I would never thought that one of the attendees of the First Party would be the one to send words. Master Fredrick of Holland, I am honored to call you my friend and inspiration. Thank you for the words you sent. And thank you to Loie for reading them.

Master Brandubh, you support when I was Signet has always meant a great deal to me and I thank you for standing as a Jewel of Æthelmearc and speaking for me.

Paul, your words from across the sea made me smile. I cannot wait to hug you in person to thank you for representing the Order of Defense. And thank you to Eric for reading your missive.

Gregory, by way of Arnora, your words as representing the People of the Society, made me blush, laugh and tear up. Your friendship is worth all the treasure in the world and I thank you for all you bring to my life. (both of you)

Melinda, who would think that a new autocrat and a new head cook would have ended up where we were on Saturday? I love you so much, despite you making me cry in court. Your words, as you spoke for the Order of the Laurel, will be with me a very long time. I only hope that I can one day find the words to tell you how much you mean to me. Thank you for the words, the encouragement and your friendship.

Helene- the cape you made me is STUNNING!!! And I smile every time I look at the Pelican and see my Grimmy hidden in the stitches. Your talent amazes me.

Ashlyn the medallion is beautiful and I will be very careful with it.

Samuel, Your Majesty, I am honored that you made the coronet and wreath that I will get to wear. Thank you for gifting me with your art on the day you recognized mine.

Deb, my Queen. Thank you for your support, encouragement and for holding my chain while I sat in contemplation and for finding me worthy enough to have it back.

Beth and Erik and Scott: thank you all for the amazing scroll. I love it and now need to find the perfect place to display it.

Thank you also to all those who came by and spoke to me during the reception. Thank you to those who humored me and made a page for my commentary book, everyone's art work made me smile at the creativity and fun.

Lastly, thank you to the people of Æthelmearc and the Known World who taught me art, encourage me to pursue my art and for giving me an opportunity to share my art. I promise to continue to learn, teach and share.

To all I say, go forth and make art. Make a mess. Have fun.

In service and art,
Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, O.P., O.L.
baronessekat: (Default)
Two weeks to my Laureling elevation.

Two more weeks to finish preparing and stuff.

I have decided that the pre-ceremony reception dress will be something I already own. Every time I move to cut out something new, I find myself getting distracted and doing something else. That tells me my brain just cannot cope.

Meanwhile I am working on the thank you gifts for those speaking on my behalf during the ceremony. But I look at them and see every single flaw in the painting and think "they are going to see this and totally realize I'm an artistic hack and change their minds."

I am also working on a scroll that is to go out in the same court I am being elevated in and the imposter syndrome is hitting with that one as well.

Further, I am not making my elevation dress and trying not to constantly ask about the status of it. Trusting someone who is not just down the road to make a dress out of some pricey fabric is really outside my comfort zone.

This is so hard.

whoa

Feb. 12th, 2022 07:45 pm
baronessekat: (Default)
I attended a virtual SCA event today. It was nice to sit in the social "room" and interact with other SCAdians while working on a scroll in my kitchen.

But then I was blindsided when, during court, I was issued a writ of summons to contemplate entry into the Order of the Laurel. For non-scadians, that's the highest level award you can receive for work in the Arts & Sciences. Think Life-Time Achievement award/Ph.D.

I have 6 weeks to prepare and let it all sink in.

#beholdwonder
baronessekat: (Default)
Yesterday was wonderful.

Thank you to the Barony of Thescorre for hosting Crown Tournament.

While the day started gloomy, there was a joy in the air that can only come from a group of like people coming together in the spirit of sportsmanship and community to enjoy an activity that has long been missed.

While it felt strange to be at a Crown Tournament and not be sitting/standing at the MoL table, running the lists, I got to experience an aspect of the event I have rarely done... I stood as consort for a fighter.

I was deeply honored and touched when Kieran MacRae asked me to be his consort for the day. He has been a long time and dear friend, and I could not have asked for a better Champion.
I was proud to stand at the side of the lists, watching and cheering him on. He fought well, he fought clean and he fought with honor. No consort could ask for more.

I also was touched by how many fighters and spectators came to me and told me how impressed they were with his skill and performance.

The day could not have happened without the help of my protege Simonetta who was there to constantly check on us, Baroness Juliana who stepped in to assist on the day of with Amalie's vigil so that I could stand as Kieran's inspiration, Kieran's man-at-arms Ingvar (for helping with the heavy lifting, Odriana for her blessing to be Kieran's consort for the day, to the fighters, marshals, Mistresses of the Lists, and herald for a well run tournament, and most especially to Their Majesties Gareth and Juliana for accepting our letter of intent.

I am proud to call myself a citizen of Æthelmearc and to have been the consort and inspiration for such a wonderful fighter and person.

Ad Gloriam.
baronessekat: (cuss)
SCA Post

Just before the world shut down, I had offered to a woman in my Kingdom the position of being my un-protege. She had a Peer who did not share officially but gave blessing for an informal relationship. She accepted.

The the world ended and life got hard for a LOT of people. Her included. Due to money issues, she ended up moving to another state and another kingdom.

In the last three weeks - as in the last two SCA events I have attended in person, I have been approached by several people to report disturbing behavior of the un-protege in regards to being basically a con-artist and taking large sums of money and not using it for the things it was to go towards (health care, rent, car payments, etc). These large sums were understood by the giver to be a loan, but then no indication of her trying to get a job to repay. Then she moved from the kingdom without any indication that a debt was owed (especially to those who believed they were helping her pay rent so she wouldn't get evicted - which she was).

These people who came to me indicated that they could not associate with/support people who would allow themselves to be connected to someone with such a history and reputation.

Now, if it were just me, I would be like this is all a miscommunication. If it had been one person, then I would say - bad blood here. But I have other students, other household members I have a responsibility to.

A former student, now Peer himself, had someone turn down a belt from him because they did not want to run the risk of running into her even on Facebook in comments.

So tonight I called her and we talked and I had to make the hard decision to rescind my offer to be her un-Peer and go so far as to say that in the SCA we need to break-up.

I encouraged her to seek out those who have given her money and see if there is a way to clear up communication and see who thinks she was loaned and what was gifted. Work to find a job where she lives now and seek restitution to those who feel she has wronged her.

It killed me to have to do it. But I swore oaths to protect those who are mine.

Being a grown-up and a Peer of the Realm sucks sometimes.
baronessekat: (Default)
I had taken a look at the summer event schedule for the SCA and had given thought that this would be a summer of just going to a couple events. Take it slow and easy this year. I wasn't sure how I felt about that, as I've been trying to determine my place in the group as I have felt a bit floundering.

I had not been asked to be a deputy at the Watch for Pennsic, so had volunteered to do some work with Morale, but nothing hard core. Figured I'd shadow the Admin this year some since I will have the job next year. But as far as events went, eh.

Then I got a PM from Her Highness. An offer was made to serve Crown and Kingdom and I accepted. I will be the next Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald. The Voice of the Crown.

So I will be going to Blackstone Raids, Æ War Practice, and Myrkfaellin War Practice. On top of the ones I had already planned on going to.

I suppose it's time to look into getting that ez pass that I had been debating on.
baronessekat: (Default)
Taking a small break from painting teeny tiny coats of arms on the lineage scroll (it's a new experience to do painting through a magnifying glass). Thought I would share some random Heraldic trivia I have collected because of this project.

Of the 40 reigns that are represented on this scroll, 19 are Ducal or more reigns

Of the 21 men that have sat the Sylvan Throne, 14 of them have critters on their arms.

The colors preferences on the arms (in ascending order) are:

Blue = 3
Green = 3
Purple = 3
Red = 6
Yellow = 10
Black = 16
White = 17

The charges represented (in ascending order) but not distinguished by style/type are:

Augmentation = 1 (only one has registered their augmentation)
Crescent = 1
Dragon = 1
Stars = 1
Swan = 1
Horse = 1
Lance = 1
Castle = 1
Rabbit = 1
Fleur de Lys = 1
Pile = 1
Rose = 1
Saltire = 1
Squirrel = 1
Acorn = 1
Bend = 1
Pale = 1
Canine = 2
Stag = 2
Bear = 2
Chevron = 2
Border = 3
Feline = 3
Cross = 4

Field Divisions (in ascending order) are:

Quarterly = 1
Per Fess = 2
Per Pale = 2
Per Bend = 2
Per Chevron = 4
None = 8

And we have had 1 sit the Throne with no registered Arms.
baronessekat: (Default)
War is just shy of 2 weeks away.

I have done NO sewing, thought I want to make a couple new tunics.

The only prep I've done really is pull out and inspect the pavilion and that's only because we used it at Pax for J's vigil. I did order a new tarp for under my tent and some new chests of drawers as last year my drawer unit failed spectacularly.

But I don't have a scroll that has to be done (though I have a backlog that would be nice to get done but at this point it won't). I have a kingdom gift exchange gift I have to finish because the first attempt was a fail and I promised the replacement would be delivered at war.

But frankly, I'm not feeling it this year. No real excitement or anticipation. I'm not even feeling much of a panic that I've not done as much (if any) real prep yet. In fact, I was talking with Un-Minion this weekend and confessed that if I were not Watch 2 this year, I'd give serious thought about not going for the full two weeks if at all.

I have determined that as long as I am not in the upper command staff of the Watch next year, I may take the two weeks off of work but only go down for a week (like Wednesday to Wednesday) and use the other days as prep/recuperation/me time. The following year is still up in the air as we wait to find out if Dagmar got the bid to be Mayor. If she does, I am going to have to be down for 2.5-3 weeks as I'll be the War Admin/XO.

I admit that I miss feeling the excitement. Heck, I'm not really feeling the excitement for the SCA in general. (in fact I've been feeling a whole lot of "why bother anymore" since war practice) And I miss that. I miss just feeling excited about anything, it is just more obvious to me in regards to the SCA.
baronessekat: (Default)
Over on facebook there was a question asked by one of my friends about how do we Peers help non-Peers. Ok that was not the real gist of it, but that was the underlying message I took away from the very convoluted line of commentary.

I got to thinking. Well, I have two active proteges, one inactive one, one un-protege and a handful of "not even as formal as an un-protege" folk that I kinda sorta mentor when they need it. But what else could I do? My biggest observation has been that non-Peers seem to feel like the Peers are the ones who do all the stuff and they don't know how to get their proverbial foot in the door.

Well, Ekat, I told myself, you may not know all the stuff, but there is one thing you do know (even if you are only figuring it out fairly recently)... you know a hell of a lot of people within the Society. And all those people know stuff. Really cool stuff. Some are kick ass fighters, some are such talented artists, others know how to serve. And all those people live all over the globe.

So I made a public post, offering my help to any who need, be they Peer or non-Peer, regardless of what they want to pursue. As I said in the post, I may not have the answers, but I have been blessed with connections and I'm happy to introduce people.

Two hours later, I have had people IM me with questions and I was able to either help or direct them to and introduce them to folks who would know. Others have posted their fear or question in the commentary and I have been able to watch others go "hey, I do that, let's chat", or say "that's not a silly question, let me share my experience".

I too may have become disenfranchised with the SCA, but just that little bit made me realize that there is something worthwhile there. And I can help.
baronessekat: (cuss)
Over on FB there has been a kerfluffle on someone's wall over something that happened at an Event. Specifically a dress that was made for the Queen by someone, that has no historic proof but has become popular as a style in the SCA.

OMG. The one response, by someone I know, has been mortifying to witness. Rather than saying "it's a beautiful piece of art and it looks like a lot of time went into it." and then politely offer that there is no historical evidence of that style in period, we get vitriolic attacks. First attacking something because it's not period, and then not reading all the comments or choosing to ignore the MULTIPLE comments that said that the dress was a gift from someone to the Queen and she wanted to show off the workman's ship, and then berating the Queen for daring to make something to inauthentic and then wearing the dress and promoting the inauthentic. Dayum. It wasn't until several exchanges later that the commenter finally got the "it was a gift" and seemed to grudgingly apologize to the Queen for assuming she made the dress but not for the actual attack or the way he expressed himself.

All I can say is that elitist, insulting, and down right rude and mean behavior... that's why people have painted the entire Order in a bad light.

I know they say "be the change you want to happen" but when I see stuff like that it makes me wonder why I want to be in that order and be associated with people like that, even peripherally.

Huh

Feb. 6th, 2017 02:41 pm
baronessekat: (arms)
I've been asked by a potential Mayor of Pennsic to be their Admin Assistant. I agreed. We've gotten together to start compiling all the info needed to put the bid together. Part of this includes going over bids from past Mayors in order to get an idea of how best to submit the needed information.

What struck me was reading over past winning bids and realizing... outside of Ed and maybe Morgan, I am the longest consistent working staff member. The other than Ed and Frog, I have actually put in more time at War as staff than any of the other 5 bids I read.

This still doesn't mean I want to be Mayor (though they keep hinting I should consider it). It just struck me and made me think about how one person said that I am the embodiment of the Institutional Memory of the Watch like Ed is for Pennsic and how even then I still have a strong knowledge of the operations of war in general (just know to his extent).

I never think of myself in that way. Same for people tell me that there was no surprise being named a Jewel of Æthelmearc - I just don't see it, but I guess if others do that is all that matters.
baronessekat: (arms)
I'm hearing a lot of my friends in the SCA say that they have lost the fun. And I realized I have too.

The rush of getting a scroll assignment was almost giddy. Now I take an assignment and then find doing it to be a chore. I lost the joy and I don't know how to get it back.

I loved to serve. Autocrat, hold an office, teach. Now it's all ... eh.

At last night's Baronial 12th Night I was asked if I'm teaching at 3 Ravens at the end of the month and I said "not yet, and probably not". I used to love to teach there. But lately, teaching seems like a chore. I haven't had the drive to create any new classes and any time I teach one of my regulars I've gotten slack from members of a certain order that "you teach the same things all the time." "You should let others have an opportunity to teach those topics", etc. I'd love to have others teach their versions of my standard classes. But it seems that the only way I've been able to is to volunteer to teach, then get sick and ask someone else to teach in my place. Plus the fact that every time I teach one of my regulars... I get students. If no one came I'd know there isn't a need for the class. But there are times I'm having to turn students away because there's no room or say they are going to have to audit as I am out of handouts.

I just don't know how to find the spark again. I'm hoping this is all just a symptom/side effect of a lingering depression I know I've been fighting. But still.

I miss the fun
baronessekat: (aetheltude)
Up until today... even Saturday when we turned in the letter, it was just this nebulous concept.

The last time I was fought for in a crown was 16+ years ago. And then I knew it was a slim to no chance that he would win.

But today the list was published. We are second in precedence.

Oh how I wish The Dragon would be there physically to be the strong support. Though his absence will be noted as I had always thought that if anyone were to fight for me with a chance... it might have been him. Provided the Cat and the Rabbit had approved.

Saturday will be here sooner than I know. Time to buckle down and finish getting ready for Crown.

KWH&SS 2015

Jun. 1st, 2015 10:31 pm
baronessekat: (facepalm)
Not only are there two classes teaching basically the same thing (intro to scroll wording, focusing on period sources) - mine and another woman's... They are back to back in the same room on the last day.

*sigh*

UPDATE: I emailed the schedule coordinator and asked if it was possible to flip my two classes. (I'm also teaching my flowers class). She didn't see that as a problem and the only teacher inconvenienced by the change is me. So hopefully when the schedule gets published it will show my At a Loss for Words class on Saturday and the Flowers class on Sunday.

Thoughts

Apr. 28th, 2015 07:42 pm
baronessekat: (pellicat)
My thoughts for the last couple days have been drawn to the SCA drama that has hit my beloved Kingdom. And I have been thinking of the people who have been trying to counteract it by bringing positive thoughts with the "what inspires you" game.

When I see the drama, I see people behaving poorly and feeling disappointment in my fellows, I think back to a redheaded Duke who I was sworn to for a good part of my SCA career. I and others do stop and think "What would Morguhn do?"

To be fair, the man was far from perfect. He had his own demons to battle and overcome. He was not a saint or a god. He was a man. But he was one that I and many others looked to as an example. And that is what I take away from all those years.

When His Grace saw disappointing behavior, the way he seemed to address it was to be the example of what it should be. A squire treats a lady poorly, he steps in and becomes the escort for the lady so all can see how he felt she should be treated. When apathy seemed to run through the heavy community, instead of complaining, he would don the armor and stand on the field and wait until someone joined him for a bit of fun. He stripped off the tunic and went and washed dishes.

So, rather than bemoan behavior, proclaim disillusionment and say that the game we choose to play has changed from what it was, I choose to continue forward, lead by example as I can - as a Peer, a Baroness, a Jewel of Æthelmearc, as a human being, and try to make my SCA experience what I want of it. I refuse to let the behavior of a few outweigh the glory of the many. I will run the lists. I will paint the scrolls. I will stand the watch. And if I really have to... I will wash the dishes.

For you Your Grace.
For my Society.
For my Kingdom.
For my Barony.
For my friends.
For those I do not know.
For myself.

Thank you

Apr. 14th, 2015 07:32 pm
baronessekat: (thank you)
As I work on finishing up my final reports from my term as Sylvan Signet of the Glorious Kingdom of Æthelmearc​, I look back in wonder. Through the position I have met and worked with some of the most amazing and talented artists in the Known World.

This started 5 years ago when Duncan von Halstern​ and Ilish O'Donovan​ said "Sure, let's hire her" when my name was presented to them to take over for the Retiring Gillian​. They have the first of my thanks. I also give thanks to all the Royalty that I have served under: Christopher and Morgen, Isenwulf and Rosalinda​, Andreas and Kalista, Khalek and Branwyn, Maynard and Liadain, Timothy and Gabrielle​, Tindal and Etaine; and Titus Germanicus​ and Anna Leigh. I learned a great deal from all of them and hope that they too feel that a friendship has formed..

But I could not have done the job without my various deputies. To Marija Kotok​, Giana di Aurilio, and Sthurrim Caithness, who at some point stood as my drop deads, I told you I wouldn't do it. To my education deputies Giana and Yvienne, thank you for coordinating classes for Heralds and Scribes. To my Pennsic University Coordinator Matilda Bosvyle​, you were a godsend, thank you for helping to increase the reputation of the scribes of our Kingdom. To Phil Martino​ and Anna Leigh​, who were my fund raising deputies - because of your works we were able to host the known world at Pennsic. And to Giana and Juliana Rosalia Dolce di Sienna, my webministers, thank you for the work you did to make our website better.

Also a big thank you to my Heralds, Master Brandubh and Master Kamishima - thank you for being the Yang to my Ying in making court happen smoothly and being a sounding board when I needed.

To Kayleigh MacWhyte, Marguerite Louise Gingraix​ and Augusta Weyfare​ - fellow Signets who helped me at times throughout my terms.

A big thank you to Baroness Alexandra de Campagnella, who agreed to take this job after me. I know I leave the office and its people in good hands

And finally, a thank you to the ones I could not have done this without... my scribes. I am awe at the skill, talent, dedication and generosity that you have all shared. The scribes of Æthelmearc are the Kingdom's true jewels. These fine folks have produced 1599 scrolls in the last 4.25 years. They worked under all kinds of pressure, usually short notice being the biggest. They were given an average of 37 days to make unique one of a kind scrolls (more often than not, it was closer to 15 or fewer days) to help make someone's special moment even more special. These are the unsung heroes that deserve the praise and rewards for my term. No mater how long I am gone from the office I will always think of you as MY scribes. I can only hope that I was able to serve you well.

And to the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, my home and the best Kingdom a person could hope to live and work in. Thank you for being you and appreciating the scribal arts as strongly as you do. Don't forget to thank your scribe.

Sincerely,

Ekat
Sylvan Signet of Æthelmearc, Rtd.
baronessekat: (medieval)
Last night's Barony meeting started the election process to pick the next ones to sit the Baronial throne.

I was nominated. I accepted. If I do win the election, I would be invested in December.

I will not voice my thoughts on those who have accepted nominations but, wish all those running good luck.

Based on the other nominees, I hold no illusions that I will win. I'd like to think that I would make a good landed Baroness, though.

I need to now look over, think about and write up my answers to the 10 questions I was given to reply to for the Baronial Newsletter and FB page.

So we shall see what the next month holds as, if the time line works, elections will be counted at the May meeting.
baronessekat: (arms)
All in all, Crown Tournament went very well.
cut to spare you the rambling if you don't want to read it )

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