Thoughts on vigils, elevations and stuff.

[baronessekat]

So it's been several weeks since I got the writ. Since then I have done the following:

consulted with my sanity (aka dicea) on the beginnings. Came up with list of who I wish to speak for me for each of the other peerages and given said list to Boss. Though the ones for the Pelican and for the Royal Peers I asked myself. Came up with list of other "roles" that need to be filled such as Herald, keeper of the book, and a new position - bardic witness. I have passed this list off to Boss and 'dicea to contact those folks as well.

I have contacted and given documentation for garb to those who are making my vigil garb and elevation garb. Have had round of fabric shopping for elevation garb. Need to touch base with those who are making garb and see what they need from me next. Hey folks - what do you need from me?

Came up with a list of "if people ask how they can help this is what could/needs to be done" and given said list to Dicea and Boogie.

My realization so far on all this.... if a vigil/elevation is this much of a pain I never want to get married.

I have also come to learn that the time between the writ and the actual elevation is the final "test". I am learning that I do not need to be in charge of all the minutia, that I can delegate to others and trust that they will get it done. Though it seems weird to do so. I'm the organizing squire. I'm the planner, time table maker, coordinator. But I trust my friends. I trust that things will work out in the end.

Despite all that, there have been numerous times since coronation where I have said out loud "I'm THIS close to saying forget it". Or "can I have Las Vegas elevation? Go in my street clothes, stand before Elvis, say 'I will, I will, I do' and be done with it?" But that moment passes quickly.

I do have a question for all you peers (and other SCAdians) who are on my flist and do read my ramblings. If you are a peer - is there something that was done at your vigil/elevation that you wish hadn't happened or are really glad did happen? If you are not a peer, I am assuming you have witnessed an elevation or two and perhaps assisted with a vigil - can you think of anything that you saw during those that you liked or did not like?

Since I have time still and am in the planning/organizing phase of things I'm curious what others did and what I can do to make my vigil and elevation a good experience for not only myself but for those attending as well.

Comments

[keastree.livejournal.com]

There is a golf cart precedent for peerages at Pennsic.

When they did Todric's double peerage, they commandeered him from wherever he was at the time and took him to a tent in which they had placed a golf cart. His vigil consisted of people coming in, sitting in the driver's seat, and dispensing whatever counsel they had for him before relinquishing the driver's seat to the next person in line.

I think that the best part of his ceremony, after the Moritu invasion of court, was when they asked if there was a medallion, and 7 of them appeared. People in my camp made most of them in this very weird little Laurel medallion fugue, and then we passed them out among Laurels we knew who were going to be there. The look on his face as people came up, placed the medallion in his hands, with nothing more than an "I have one", really made -him- the focus of the event. It was great, and it was the whole point.