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dwolfhunter did a post about heroes and who his are in regards to who he is in the SCA. That and a discussion that took place this weekend that included the phrase “everyone has heroes” got me to thinking.
I had never really thought about who my heroes are. So of course the first thing I do is dig out my dictionary and look up the definition. Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary Revised Edition (which is what I had sitting in my desk drawer) defines hero as: N. 1. a figure in mythology and legend renowned for great strength, courage and daring. 2. a man celebrated for special achievements and attributes. 3. the leading male character in a story or play. 4. slang a long split sandwich roll containing a variety of fillings.
I never really thought that I had any. My definition of hero tended to be more along the lines of close to worship, people you put up on a pedistal. I always thought more along the lines of teachers by example - People whom I look to for examples of how to do something or not do something. But by the second definition above I guess I do have heroes (though I may not celebrated them in the throw a party and make a big deal kind of way).
So then I sat down and gave a lot of thought about those who have, by their examples and actions and deeds, made me who I am today in the Society, and in some case, as a whole. This is in no way a complete list and in no particular order, just a quick jotting of those that came to mind instantly.And what amazed me what the geographic scope of those people.
Jennet the Gentle, Rian Gortyroyan, and Aine O'Muirghesan - It was these people who helped teach me that the SCA is a family if you let it be. I was more than just some asshole’s lady. They gave me the strength, encouragement and acceptance to be me. Truly if it were not for them, Ekat would not be here today. The person I am as a human being would not be who I am today.
Haakon Oaktall & Boris Dragons Bane - gave me my first home in the SCA. Like the above three, they gave me acceptance and a place to belong to. They introduced me to people that I needed to know, who at the time I did not realize I needed them. I have sanctuary, sanity, security and self because of them.
These 5 along with countless others helped to teach me that new is not scary, inexperience is not an excuse, and rank does not mean unapproachable.
Màiri ni Raghallaigh - (or Maria something or other as she goes by now) “Where’s the documentation”. Those words have rung through my ears on more instances, and most of that has been in the mundane world. BS only gets you so far. Eventually you need to stand up and prove your point, your stand, your actions and your reasons. Where’s the Documentation is CYA.
Cori Ghora - You do it because it needs to be done. But you can do it with a smile on your face, a laugh in your voice, and if you approach it just right, others will want to help because it’s fun. And if that doesn’t work, there is nothing wrong with grabbing another person and saying “I need your help” or “You, come here”. The other thing I learned from her... if you can't help... get the heck out of the way.
Bliss of Taine - The pretty party Viscountess of Lochac. Just because it’s a dusty camping event, there is no excuse to not pull out the pretty frock and go visiting. And when it’s hot, there is nothing wrong at all with sitting under the shade with your feet in a wading pool and letting others come to you.
Sedalia MacNare - Her Grace is the one that has taught me so much about service in the SCA, especially in regards to serving at Pennsic. I learned from her about keeping a calm head in a crisis is needed and once it is over and your people are safe, you are safe and all is secure… you can be human. Then you get up, pick yourself up and you do it again so that the turkeys don’t win.
Sion Rhys of Badon - Doing the right thing is not always easy and you may end up in trouble for it, but doing the right thing is the right thing to do.
Gregory of Loch Swan & Brusi of Dragonvale - Work without fun is damaging. There are times to be serious, but getting riled up when a dick gets in your face and tries to pull rank will accomplish nothing more than frustration, angry words and rapid acceleration to stupidity. Trust that others can do the job just as well, if not better than you can, even though you are qualified for the task at hand. If you let others do when they can, even though you technically can as well, you have time to see friends, have fun and have enough energy to deal with the crisis that springs up at 4am and leaves you dealing with the cops until 6pm the next day.
Hamish Macleod This man taught me what it means to be a retainer. And not just any retainer, retainer to the Boss. I learned the tricks from watching him. I learned how to do things right, and I also learned how to do things wrong.
Boudicea Ravenhair and Katryne of Bakestonden “if you do your job right, there will be no ovation” and “it’s not about lose or win, just be strong and stand with your kin” truer words have never been said. But as the song continues to say “it’s all right, it’s all right”.
Rowan de la Garnison - rank does not release you from obligations. If anything it brings more. But there is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes you need to take the trebuchet and endure the dress down. Sometimes you need to change into the grungy tunic and get dirty when you want to just go have fun with the rest of the kids. She also knows more about pageantry, precedence, hierarchy and protocol than anyone I know. But she was also one of the first people to teach me that people of rank are people too and are allowed to have flaws. Not to mention how to take with good humor the loving teasing that comes from being human and flawed and of rank.
Meirwen uerch Owein & Dorinda Courtenay These two women are the epitome of grace, beauty and strength. Of all that have taught me through action and deed, these are the two that I hold up as examples of “Peer Like Qualities”. I would love to be either one of them when I grow up.
These above people are my teachers.
But this list would not be complete without one key name on it. The man I freely follow, gladly serve and has taught me so much. I wear his chain with pride, his belt with honor and call him more than my Peer: be that in the capacity as my Knight, my Duke, or my Pelican. I am touched to be able to call him friend.
Morguhn Sheridan. This man has taught me more about doing what needs to be done, because it needs to be done, than anyone else I know. You do not just sit back and think “oh someone else will get up and go wash dishes. Someone will set up the list field. Someone will think to do that.” Because, you know what… you are someone. He taught me the hardest lesson of all… if you can’t be noticed and acknowledged for your actions in your own right, what makes you think a bit of regalia will make their notice valid? It will be a false honor. Strength comes from perseverence and continuing to do what you do and what you know needs to be done. Fighting your own fights does not make you weak. But at the same time, there is no shame in calling on resources when you have them.
I learned from him that you do what needs to be done, and if you believe that what you did is right, do not be ashamed of it, but be prepared for any consequences that come and give fair warning so those that may have to handle the fall out are adequately prepared. “Sir, I’m not sorry but…”
And from him I learned one phrase to be proud of… “I am Ekaterina Volkova and all that that entails”.
dwolfhunter did a post about heroes and who his are in regards to who he is in the SCA. That and a discussion that took place this weekend that included the phrase “everyone has heroes” got me to thinking.I had never really thought about who my heroes are. So of course the first thing I do is dig out my dictionary and look up the definition. Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary Revised Edition (which is what I had sitting in my desk drawer) defines hero as: N. 1. a figure in mythology and legend renowned for great strength, courage and daring. 2. a man celebrated for special achievements and attributes. 3. the leading male character in a story or play. 4. slang a long split sandwich roll containing a variety of fillings.
I never really thought that I had any. My definition of hero tended to be more along the lines of close to worship, people you put up on a pedistal. I always thought more along the lines of teachers by example - People whom I look to for examples of how to do something or not do something. But by the second definition above I guess I do have heroes (though I may not celebrated them in the throw a party and make a big deal kind of way).
So then I sat down and gave a lot of thought about those who have, by their examples and actions and deeds, made me who I am today in the Society, and in some case, as a whole. This is in no way a complete list and in no particular order, just a quick jotting of those that came to mind instantly.And what amazed me what the geographic scope of those people.
Jennet the Gentle, Rian Gortyroyan, and Aine O'Muirghesan - It was these people who helped teach me that the SCA is a family if you let it be. I was more than just some asshole’s lady. They gave me the strength, encouragement and acceptance to be me. Truly if it were not for them, Ekat would not be here today. The person I am as a human being would not be who I am today.
Haakon Oaktall & Boris Dragons Bane - gave me my first home in the SCA. Like the above three, they gave me acceptance and a place to belong to. They introduced me to people that I needed to know, who at the time I did not realize I needed them. I have sanctuary, sanity, security and self because of them.
These 5 along with countless others helped to teach me that new is not scary, inexperience is not an excuse, and rank does not mean unapproachable.
Màiri ni Raghallaigh - (or Maria something or other as she goes by now) “Where’s the documentation”. Those words have rung through my ears on more instances, and most of that has been in the mundane world. BS only gets you so far. Eventually you need to stand up and prove your point, your stand, your actions and your reasons. Where’s the Documentation is CYA.
Cori Ghora - You do it because it needs to be done. But you can do it with a smile on your face, a laugh in your voice, and if you approach it just right, others will want to help because it’s fun. And if that doesn’t work, there is nothing wrong with grabbing another person and saying “I need your help” or “You, come here”. The other thing I learned from her... if you can't help... get the heck out of the way.
Bliss of Taine - The pretty party Viscountess of Lochac. Just because it’s a dusty camping event, there is no excuse to not pull out the pretty frock and go visiting. And when it’s hot, there is nothing wrong at all with sitting under the shade with your feet in a wading pool and letting others come to you.
Sedalia MacNare - Her Grace is the one that has taught me so much about service in the SCA, especially in regards to serving at Pennsic. I learned from her about keeping a calm head in a crisis is needed and once it is over and your people are safe, you are safe and all is secure… you can be human. Then you get up, pick yourself up and you do it again so that the turkeys don’t win.
Sion Rhys of Badon - Doing the right thing is not always easy and you may end up in trouble for it, but doing the right thing is the right thing to do.
Gregory of Loch Swan & Brusi of Dragonvale - Work without fun is damaging. There are times to be serious, but getting riled up when a dick gets in your face and tries to pull rank will accomplish nothing more than frustration, angry words and rapid acceleration to stupidity. Trust that others can do the job just as well, if not better than you can, even though you are qualified for the task at hand. If you let others do when they can, even though you technically can as well, you have time to see friends, have fun and have enough energy to deal with the crisis that springs up at 4am and leaves you dealing with the cops until 6pm the next day.
Hamish Macleod This man taught me what it means to be a retainer. And not just any retainer, retainer to the Boss. I learned the tricks from watching him. I learned how to do things right, and I also learned how to do things wrong.
Boudicea Ravenhair and Katryne of Bakestonden “if you do your job right, there will be no ovation” and “it’s not about lose or win, just be strong and stand with your kin” truer words have never been said. But as the song continues to say “it’s all right, it’s all right”.
Rowan de la Garnison - rank does not release you from obligations. If anything it brings more. But there is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes you need to take the trebuchet and endure the dress down. Sometimes you need to change into the grungy tunic and get dirty when you want to just go have fun with the rest of the kids. She also knows more about pageantry, precedence, hierarchy and protocol than anyone I know. But she was also one of the first people to teach me that people of rank are people too and are allowed to have flaws. Not to mention how to take with good humor the loving teasing that comes from being human and flawed and of rank.
Meirwen uerch Owein & Dorinda Courtenay These two women are the epitome of grace, beauty and strength. Of all that have taught me through action and deed, these are the two that I hold up as examples of “Peer Like Qualities”. I would love to be either one of them when I grow up.
These above people are my teachers.
But this list would not be complete without one key name on it. The man I freely follow, gladly serve and has taught me so much. I wear his chain with pride, his belt with honor and call him more than my Peer: be that in the capacity as my Knight, my Duke, or my Pelican. I am touched to be able to call him friend.
Morguhn Sheridan. This man has taught me more about doing what needs to be done, because it needs to be done, than anyone else I know. You do not just sit back and think “oh someone else will get up and go wash dishes. Someone will set up the list field. Someone will think to do that.” Because, you know what… you are someone. He taught me the hardest lesson of all… if you can’t be noticed and acknowledged for your actions in your own right, what makes you think a bit of regalia will make their notice valid? It will be a false honor. Strength comes from perseverence and continuing to do what you do and what you know needs to be done. Fighting your own fights does not make you weak. But at the same time, there is no shame in calling on resources when you have them.
I learned from him that you do what needs to be done, and if you believe that what you did is right, do not be ashamed of it, but be prepared for any consequences that come and give fair warning so those that may have to handle the fall out are adequately prepared. “Sir, I’m not sorry but…”
And from him I learned one phrase to be proud of… “I am Ekaterina Volkova and all that that entails”.
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Date: 2007-02-06 04:07 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-02-06 08:22 pm (UTC)Truer words were never spoken "Wolf-girl". I'd like to think that the successes and the screwups balance somewhere near the middle. Mostly because my screwups are all on me, but the successes were a group effort.
As to right and wrong...a lotta times I made decisions for what seemed like good reasons, to get the job done. Sometimes through impatience or expedience I forgot that I wasn't in uniform anymore and said/did things that were OK per my training, but pretty sh*tty for dealing with friends. I barked orders and stamped on obstacles...and I dragged people on by force of will when they probably should've sat one out. I fried my brain and nearly ruined my marriage too. fortunately she forgave me. Yeah, right and wrong. Hindsight is always 20/20 and seldom pretty.
Thanks, I wouldn't have ever thought I'd be on that list. I am honored and touched that I am.