SCA

My Weekend Trip Out of the Country

I just got back from a weekend up in Canada. I know, I know. When it’s cold, most people want to head south. But the warmth of the people in Canada made up for the cold temperatures! I’m in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) and my kingdom is made up of the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the UP of Michigan in the US, and Manitoba and the western edge of Ontario in Canada. I headed up to Winnipeg for an SCA event called Imbolc, a Gaelic Celebration of Spring. The name was perhaps a bit presumptuous, as spring isn’t likely to come to Manitoba for at least 2 more months. Well, if we’re lucky. maybe mid-March will see spring.
Me & ElleWe arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba around 6:00 pm on Friday January 31, ate a quick bite, and went to the archery range where the Annual Tournament to decide who would be the Archery Champion of the Barony of Castel Rouge. Actually, I ducked out of that to meet Elle Rush, author of Beneath a Spring Moon, Those Sexy Shifters and her brand new release, Screen Idol.  Elle and I both write for Liquid Silver Books, and when you live up here in North Dakota and Manitoba, a mere 4 hour drive is like being next door neighbors. So many of my online writer friends who live in larger metropolitan areas have dozens of romance authors near by. Elle and I, on the other hand, have only a few. It was so nice to be able to meet her at last.    She is lovely. Warm and friendly, she agreed to run over to the range to meet some of my SCA friends.
Elle & I with friends (1)Two young men who were there came over to meet her, and I teased them by introducing them as Carl and Adam, two aspiring romance cover models. Actually, I think they’d be great at it! Both are handsome and well built, and seem to enjoy hamming it up for the camera. Please excuse these poor pics. We used my phone.

Here is Carl again, right after he removed his armor after fighting in Saturday’s
Me and Isobel heavy tournament. His hair goes below his shoulders, and it was wet with sweat, but he tossed it back and struck a pose while Jenna threw herself at him and tried to look up at him with an adoring expression, like an overly dramatic heroine rescued by the handsome young knight. Really, someday I’m going to have to write a story and have them pose for the cover!

christiana

 

vaclav

I had a great time at the event. One of the best things was that I got to spend time with friends. We sat and embroidered and knitted  while catching up. Lord Vaclav, one of my dearest SCA friends, wore a little rhinestone headband that I had given him as a joke for the entire day! That is even after the King

made a loud fuss about it, declaring to everyone that I had demeaned one of his fiercest and most valiant warriors. I told Vaclav a long time ago that if he dared

 

to do wear it in public for a whole day, I would make him a present of some nice silk or wool. I guess I owe him a length of nice fabric!

 

 

 

I don’t go to as many events as I’d like to, since we’ve had a lot of overtime at the day job, and because I have other stuff to do, but I’m going to have to make time to go to more. I miss having fun like this. And it’s such great fodder for a humorous fantasy/adventure story!

If the SCA sounds like something you might like, you can find out more about it at www.SCA.org.

 

 

 

Tuesday Truth 5/28/13-Silks & Needles

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Silks & Needles is a bi-annual SCA event that I autocrat (set up and run). It is a day of classes dealing with embroidery and fiber arts like spinning and weaving.  That includes wire weaving and making chain mail. In the weeks leading up to the event, which took place this past Saturday, I felt frazzled and ready to give up ever doing it again. I couldn’t update the website, teachers had to back out and the man who had volunteered to make lunch had to go and win the Crown Tournament a few weeks earlier, and the Crown Prince of Northshield really couldn’t be expected to toil in the kitchen, so a scramble was on to find a new cook.  But the day went smoothly and I had a wonderful time, so I guess I’ll do it all again come 2015. 🙂

Here are a few pics of the day.

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Happy New Year!

First, let me start off by saying the winner of the $10.00 Amazon gift card for the Naughty New Year bog hop was Jackie from TN. Jackie has received her gift card and is hopefully finding some good reading material. 🙂

2012 wasn’t too kind to me in some ways. I started the year at a job I really hated, and then in July was able to return to a team I knew and enjoyed, although at a major pay cut, like a 32% pay cut. I was sick a lot (pneumonia in May, strep throat in December and assorted other colds and flu and asthma troubles the rest of the year), and it affected my writing. Eddie’s Prize is quite a long book, and it took me literally more than a year to write.

However, 2013 is a completely different animal. I started writing Wolf’s Prize in October, and although I’m still not a terribly speeding writer, I feel good about the story. I’m at 20,900 words of a guesstimated 50,000. I really hope I can finish it by Feb 20, get it sent off to the beta readers by March 1, and have it submitted to the publisher by March 20. Then, at last, I get to dive into Sky and Rose’s story. Whoo-hoo!From this

I also plan to be more active in the SCA (my medieval history group). This weekend I’m going to 12th Night and even made a new
New Byz garb 006 (600x800) outfit to wear. This is a very generic version of what might have been worn in the eastern Roman Empire around 900 AD. It’s pretty barebones now, but later I can pretty it up with pearls and gems and some embroidery. The colors of the pic (the before pic) on the left are accurate.

 

 

I wish you all a wonderful, productive and joyful 2013.

 

Historical Costume, SCA Garb …

Before I started my second careeer as a writer, I sewed quite a lot of garb for myself and friends. I went to be part of a panel about the SCA at the sci-fy convention Core Con today, and had to wear something bling-y. That is, something eye-catching that showed off what we do in the SCA. I had a terrible time finding something to wear!

I couldn’t wear this red dress from 1550 Florence because it doesn’t fit any
more. I sewed all three layers by hand for an A&S competition years ago.

 

I couldn’t wear this blue/pink shot silk dress from 1530 Florence this because I gave it away.

 

I couldn’t wear this Indian dress because it isn’t really historically accurate. It’s the only one I didn’t sew myself.

 

This Viking Apron dress was out because the last time I wore it it got badly stained. Fine for camping, but not for a show-off opportunity.

I decided against this velvet dress from 1535 Florence Italy because it takes 2 people to get me into it, it’s an extremely tight fit and it’s hot to wear.

And this one was impossible because it isn’t finished yet. I’m stumped by it. I can’t fit the bodice no matter what and I’m too lazy to actually try to rip it out and start over.

 

 

 

I couldn’t wear this one because it’s Victorian/Steampunk, not medieval or renaissance.

 

 

So I wore this one. Purple and silver Byzantine silk/blend brocade.

You know what this means? I need to sew some more garb. Something that will wow the audience but is comfortable to wear, easy to put on and doesn’t weigh a ton.

 

13 Pix Just For Fun

Here are 13 random pix of me, friends, and stuff I’ve made.

A bit of schtick at church

The Honorable Lord Thorbjorn (Thunderbunny)

 

A reminder that one of my books was a Top Pick!Me, being made a baroness

 

 

Me, being made a baroness

Lady ArbonA bit of schtick at church

 

 

Goofing off

 

Merry Miaow

 

Owl Cup Cozy

 

Jayne hat

 

Masuka

 

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My Winnipeg Weekend

This past weekend I went up to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada for the Barony of Castel Rouge’s 12th Night event. 12th Night is a common event celebrated in the SCA. I always have a good time up there in Castel Rouge. I’ll be up there again in May for the Crown Tourney. I drove up with Tiff and Chris and stayed at Dave and Robyn’s. One of the 12th Night traditions is to give small gifts to friends. Robyn gave me this terrific bowler hat. She said I could use it for my steampunk costuming. She’s right. I thought it looked pretty nice on me:)

 

 

The theme at this event was Indian, so many of the attendees wore saris and salwar kameez. Others wore the dress of their chosen persona.

 

      

 

A marvellous (really, truly, awesome) henna artist was there to create art on hands, arms and feet. If you ever get to see Kim atwww.winnipeghenna.com, go for it! Her work is stunning. I chose a fairly simple design that went from the tip of my left forefinger to a band around my wrist. Kim sprinkled glitter over the wet henna. As the henna dried some of the glitter flaked off, but mostly it stayed until I showered on sunday night. Here is what it looks like now.

 

       

 

 

 

I had a wonderful time with old friends and made some new ones too. Here is my friend Lyndi (actually the person I based Rose Turner on) her dad Ron  and me.

 

 

During court, seeing three knights swear fealty was stirring. Someday I really do have to write some medieval historical romance!

 

 

All in all, it was a great weekend!

Thursday 13-Japanese Weapons

This weekend my SCA shire is hosting our annual event, Rhythm and Bruise. The event consists of hours of armored fighting, with music and dancing along side. This year our theme is Tora Matsuri (Tiger Festival), and the emphasis is on medieval Japan. Click the link and click again on the line in the blue square to see a list of the japanese feast. I’m serving (on my knees, literally, as was the tradition in medieval Japan) while wearing hakama, three kosode and an uchikake. (I hope I have that right!) In honor of our event, here are 13 traditional Japanese weapons.

 

Traditional Japanese Weapons

 

The Katana – Not just a weapon, but the soul of bushi.It is the
most sophisticated form of the beauty of killing.The more beautiful it is, the
more deadly sharpness it has. Katana are distinguished from broadswords for the
extremely sharp edge and the slightly curved blade.The beauty of a katana
appears on its blade and edge.Its grace form and grim beauty has been
fascinating many warriors.

The Wakizashi – Shorter than the Katana (about 68 cm), this sword
was worn indoors by the Samurai, because the Katana was too long to fight in
small rooms.

The Tanto – This is a small japanese knife from the same steel as
the Katana and the Wakizashi. This knife was sometimes worn instead of the
Wakizashi.

The Kama – Originally a farming tool to weed plants. Because the
farmers were not allowed to carry weapons they used their tools to defend
themselves. This weapon is most know for its use by ninjas.

The BO – A large staff (about 2 M) used as a self defense weapon by
the common people, who were not allowed to carry weapons.

The Jo – A shorter staff (about 1.35 M) also used as a self defense
weapon by the common people.

The Keibo – A small stick (about 35 cm) used for fighting in small
areas.

The Ebo – A very small stick (about 15 cm) perfect as a defense
weapon and easy to cary around.

The Tonfa – A nightstick with a handle attached to the side of it.
many police forces have adopted it to replace the old police baton
(nightstick).

The Nunchaku – Two sticks connected by either a small cord or
chain. Originally it was used as a farming tool to thresh grain. and the farmers
started using them as weapons to defend themselves.


The Shuriken – The word shuriken means “a dagger hidden in a palm,” so
all daggers small enough to hide in a palm were called by this name. They have
many variety in their shape and usage. Some are starlike shaped, and thrown with
spin. Some other are needlelike shaped, and thrown just like a throwing dagger.
Though a shuriken can hardly penetrate armor protection, it was enough because
ninja threw it at unarmed target mainly. Venom was used with shuriken
normally.

The Yari – The Japanese spear didn’t differ largely from that of
other countries. During the Civil War Era, spear was the most standard weapon of
bushi.

The Naginata – A pole arm with a single, curved blade on one end,
is employed with sweeping, circular motions and, as an extension of the wielder,
channels energy in a harmonious display of beauty and precision. The Naginata is
a weapon with a rich history, utilized and refined from the Nara Period (710-784
A.D.) to today. Employed initially by the Bushi, it later found itself the
specific weapon of the Sohei or Buddhist monks. It is the school of the spear
and, as such, is a shafted weapon. The length of its oval shaft varied, from 5′
to 8′, depending on battle conditions and personal requests. The most striking
feature, however, was the blade; it could be anywhere from 10 inches to more
than 2 feet, and was sharpened on a single side, fashioned in the manner of
either Sakizori or Uchizori. As with most shafted weapons, it was most
devastating when utilizing sweeping, circular motions. However, thrusts with the
blade and also the heavy Ishizuki on the butt end were acceptable tactical
alternatives.

Thursday 13 – SCA Music

One of the things I love about the SCA (the medieval historical re-creation group I’m in) is the music. Some songs are beautiful ballads, lyrical, with breathtaking melodies. Others are filks, which are songs sung to a familiar tune but with very different–sometimes mocking–lyrics. Many songs are sung a capella, others are accompanied by drums, harps or flutes. Here are 13 SCA songs sung by SCA folk, some of whom I know and see often. I am not musically talented, but I sure make a good audience. 🙂

Enjoy!

Born On the Listfield – a female fighter is made a knight

Pennsic Drum Song – funny! At Pennsic, which is the largest SCA event where 15,000 people all camp, fight, take classes and dance, the middle eastern drums pound ceaselessly into the night.

Master Daveed drumming – Master Daveed is a middle eastern drummer par excellence, and here he and Carmine are showing off their best riffs, trying to outdo each other.

My Mother’s Savage Daughter – the iconic song of my kingdom

Sons of the Dragon – One of those ballads with a great melody and lyrics

Haul On the Oars, Ladies – Viking women get bored and go shopping (aka pillaging)

Strike the Drum – A battlefield song

Beware of the Vampire Penguin – Hm. Can you say silly but fun?

Regin smidur – An actual Faroese song sung in Faroese. Great.

Mongol Doodle Dandy – Remember I mentioned filks?

Shoulder To Shoulder – Another rousing battlefield song

The Muster – Love it! What a voice!

If I Were A Young Man – Great ballad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 Thursday-Costume Layers

 

 

 

Have you ever read a historical romance where the hero has his lady out of her clothes in about 3 seconds flat? How realistic is that? I can say from experience that getting dressed takes some serious time and effort. I expect getting undressed would take less time, but still a heck of  a lot longer than a few seconds. Here is an example of what a noblewoman in England in the year 1540 might be wearing.

 

Layer 1: Chemise. shift. This is the layer closest to the skin, so it should be easily laundered (unless you’re high nobility, and then the chemise will be loaded with embroidery)

 

Layer 2: Farthingale/hoopskirt. In the 1500s this shape should be a cone, not a bell like in the 19th century

 

Layer 3: Corset. This was not intended to give an hour glass shape like in the mid-1900′s. Have you ever tried to edge your hand inside the top of a corset or had your hero do that to his lover? Not as easily done as you might think, depending on how tightly it is laced. This is an actual corset from the 16th century

 

Layer 4:  Bumroll. To make the skirt stand out from the body and take some of the weight off the hips. A stuffed half-donut that tied around the hips

 

Layer 5: Kirtle (or petticoat and bodies). In hot weather or for casual dress (or the lower class), this could be worn alone.

 

Layer 6: Partlet. A neck covering for warmth and ostentation rather than modesty. Often plain black, but sometimes richly embroidered or lined with fur, edged with pearls or other small jewels. Later in the century it evolved into the back standing open ruff.

 

Layer 7: Forepart. A decorative panel of rich fabric that was pinned to the kirtle to show through the split in the over skirt. Often matched the lower sleeves. A woman with a couple of these could mix and match to extend her wardrobe. The black an dwhite photo is of an actual forepart rom the period.

 

Layer 8: Gown. Sometimes the gown was one piece. More often it was a skirt that hooked or tied onto the bodice edge.

 

Layer 9: Sleeves. In Tudor times, uppersleeves were stitched to the dress, but undersleeves were tied on underneath and could be changed to match the forepart.

 

Layer 10: Coife. A small linen cap to protect the heavier, more expensive headdress from oil in the hair.

 

Layer 11: Head dress. In Tudor Engand in 1545, this would have been a Gable Hood or a French Hood. These would have been ornate and decorated with pearls and gems.

 

Layer 12: Shoes and stockings. Stockings would have been made from fabric cut on the bias and sewn together. Knitted stockings were still another 20 or 30 years from being introduced. Shoes wereoften a Mary Jane style, with very square toes.

 

Layer 13: Jewelry. For the high nobility, this would have included necklaces, brooches, rings and girdles (belts made from strung pearls and jewels, or silk cords). But just about every garment was embellished with jewels, from the neck edges of the dresses, the edges of the split in the skirt, to the sleeve slashes. One of these coomplete outfits probably weighed a ton! Or at least 20 pounds.

 

I think the layers would have been similar in other times. The Georgians? Definitely. The Victorians? Oh, yeah. Maybe not the Regency period as much, but still layers.

 

So after reading this,  how quickly could your hero get his heroine undressed?