Chamfron

 We attended our first in-person event since the pandemic began, and it was Crystal Chamfron, the event I started. As with all Chamfrons since I lost Aziza, my feelings were mixed; I want to support the equestrian community, and I hope to take part in it again someday, but being around horses tears my heart out all over again. On the positive side, it was absolutely delightful to spend time with friends, especially those from outside the area. A rider and SCAdian I admire sought my input on a personal matter, flattering me tremendously, and later Wylle was called up in court (twice!) to receive awards (including one that utilized one of my scroll blanks, funnily enough). Despite it being a soggy Saturday, the event was a great success. It was my favorite Chamfron in a long while.

I rode enough to keep my authorizations. I had intended to spend some time on the archery range, but that got rained out. I did, however, get my bows inspected, including the "new" Pony bow that I haven't even gotten to fire yet, so when Wylle gets the range at the farm cleared, I can resume practice. I'm looking forward to it. I am not a good archer by any stretch, but I do enjoy shooting. It is one of the more medieval/immersive SCA activities for me. There is a fundamental satisfaction about archery buried somewhere in my lizard brain, I think!

Our Barony has been meeting in person for a short while, and if things continue as they are, we will likely start attending again soon. I'm eager to return to fighter's practice. Between that, archery, and my scribal interests, I definitely have enough to keep me busy for awhile.

Post-Chamfron recovery :)

Another Crystal Chamfron has come and gone. Highlights for me were my beloved, Wylle, receiving a Baronial award for service and contribution, and myself being named Baronial archery champion. Don't get too excited-- I was the only Baronial member who participated in the tournament and therefore the only one eligible for champion. However, while I wasn't the best shooter, we were shooting tic-tac-toe and I did achieve three in a row, so...at least I didn't have to search for more arrows than hit the target. That's always a good feeling.

I also received my blue man-at-arms belt from Sir Seto. It was lovely hanging out with him, and I'm more determined than ever to get my endurance built up so I can authorize heavy.

Right now, though, I'm just recovering from a weekend-long event. It'll be a few days before I'm full speed again, but that's all right. It's the price I pay for a good time with good friends and family. :)

Wow the projects

It's possible I've over-extended myself. Again.

Crystal Chamfron, our Barony's annual equestrian event, is coming up in a few short days. I'm co-autocratting, casting the site tokens, helping make signs, and illuminating four scrolls for the Baronial champs and one tourney winner. Craziness!

Even crazier, I'm hoping to try out for Baronial archery champion. I'll be going up against some VERY accomplished archers, and I've gotten to practice once since last summer. And I wasn't much good then. ;D  Still, it'll be fun, and any excuse to ping arrows at a target is a good excuse. I really enjoy archery, and I look forward to the day I feel competent enough to do it from horseback. And being able to shoot well at a canter? That's a dream. Not quite the level of dream as having a horse again, but it's up there. And that starts with standing on the ground, pinging arrows at a target. :)

Archery, Pt. II

I think I have material for my first attempt at a belt quiver. Whoo!

Archery

I think I'd like to name my bows. I haven't yet come across anything showing that Bedouins did so, but I've just dusted the surface of my archery research. At this point I just think it's a fun idea and I want to do it. (I'm not alone in this:  I asked the SCA Target Archery community on facebook, and a lot of people are responding with their bows' names. It's been very entertaining (and encouraging).

I have an idea in mind for a belt quiver based on one I saw at Mounted War Games last year that incorporates a piece of tack hardware. I also have a lovely short sword I've had for decades that I was told was based on a Persian design; unfortunately, its scabbard has no hardware for hanging. If I can figure out how to attach straps or rings without damaging the scabbard, that might be a fun project, as well. Because I need more projects. Because the SCA.