Ups and Downs and Sideways...es

Real life has been interfering with my A&S projects for a little while, but seems to be settling a bit. I had to drop uke lessons for the time being, but that doesn't stop me from working through lesson books on my own at home. I have a lovely little sopranissimo that's just begging me to finish learning some early 20th century songs, but also a laminate pineapple that I'm hoping will work well as a portable, not-too-obviously-modern instrument for playing at events. It already has a checkered past-- I will likely never order from the seller again, in spite of a stellar reputation-- but I am hoping to make new, better memories with it. I was fortunate enough to attend Known World Cooks and Bards this year, which I quite enjoyed, and took the class "My Guitar's Persona is a Lute" with Lord Drake Oranwood. While guitar doesn't translate exactly to ukulele (baritone ukes aside), I still found the class useful and look forward to seeking out some of the music discussed.

Latest Efforts

I have a few projects going right now, and one of them is actually exciting! (To me, at any rate.) My best-fitting-- but oldest-- kamis was showing its age. My second and third, made of linen, are holding up pretty well, but the old cotton one had accumulated some marks and frays. But since it fit better than my others, I decided to disassemble it to see how I had deviated so far in my measurements over the three. I've taken what I hope are careful notes and over the next week I'll be cutting the pieces for two new ones. I also have a research paper that I'm hoping to write and polish up as an actual faire entry within the next six months or so. Whoo!

Even better than that, though, this week I started ukulele lessons. While the uke isn't period, there are arrangements available of medieval lute music for the uke. I don't know how long I'll be able to take lessons, but the first one went well and I'm hoping I can stay with them for awhile. There's a particular piece I would really like to be able to play at an event come November.

Not A&S, but still a milestone

Last weekend I traded in my man-at-arms belt for a squire's belt from my knight, Sir Seto Gesshuko. I have absolutely zero delusion that I will become a knight; with my age and disability, I am not imagining this is a path to a white belt. However, it does represent its own set of goals: to be better than I currently am, to respect where I have been and where I go, and to strive to represent myself and my households with honor.

In that regard, it is very much like my green belt. I may never achieve the "end goal" of the associated peerage, but for me, that isn't the point. Just guidance on a path to becoming better than I am is the point. As is often noted, it is the journey and not the destination that is important, and though I will never be a great fighter, I will wear my belt with pride and respect.

Still Journeying

I haven't been as diligent about my arts as I would like, but I am still here! I haven't much to share, but I will note that I am endeavoring again to learn MENAT dance...and I'll probably make an attempt at learning a few drum and finger cymbal rhythms, as well.

I have no sense of rhythm, so I've had a hard time trying to learn to dance before. But that doesn't stop me from drifting back and trying again every decade or so.

Oh, and I have beheld the power of good presentation-- I did the scroll on the left in this photo, and as usual, wasn't thrilled with the outcome. It looks much nicer matted and framed, in my opinion! (I'm not sure who created the scroll on the right, but if I find out, I'll credit them, definitely.)

Wow, I did a thing!

I got the scroll done before the event! It hasn't been given yet, so I won't post a picture of it until later. Happy happy it is done, though.

At the event I spoke with a friend of mine about becoming his protege. I will not ever be a pelican-- I have a greater chance of becoming a laurel, honestly-- but it is wonderful to have my efforts acknowledged!

And I am hoping to bring my armor to our next Baronial meeting. I need more strength, more stamina, more activity...I need to be doing more. Harumph. So I will.

Why do I say yes to these things?

Our lovely Baronial Destroyer, Briana, asked me last night at our Barony's meeting if I could create a scroll blank by Saturday. I said yes. What was I thinking? Nevertheless, I think I have found an exemplar/tutorial I can use that will result in something simple enough that I can make it look decent, but pretty enough to fit the award it will represent. I hope!

"I'm not a musician!" but...

I'm not. I'm not a musician. I have no sense of rhythm, I have difficulty sticking to anything, and I hate performing in front of people. But a variety of circumstances have compelled me to pick up my cheap, impulse-buy ukulele and start practicing on it.

Its origins are medieval, though its distinctive sound places it firmly out of period; but the lingering thought remains that with a minor (no pun intended, I swear) string swap, it can pass relatively well within the SCA setting. I have no idea if I will ever be comfortable playing it in front of the real musicians in our local groups, but it is a fun notion. As with so many of my endeavors, I will just have to push forward and see what happens!