I usually post in my blog which crossposts to LJ. Sadly I missed the domain’s renewal date. I’ve got it backordered but I have no idea how long until it’s released. Ah well, I’ll just go backwards! Start in LJ and then copy the posts over to my domain when it’s back up again. So please forgive the length of this post, since it’s made up of more than one.

PART 1

My big news is that I have been invited to join the Order of the Laurel of Caid. I am absolutely thrilled and will have my vigil and elevation at Great Western War (Caid). I have been putting a lot of thought into what being a Laurel really means. I’m looking forward to my vigil for this reason, and I am determined to step up my game in improving my art forms (dramatic performance and composition) and teaching/mentoring. My ideas in no particular order:

1. Step up my research. A friend complimented me today on my research, but in fact I feel inadequate. Anglo-Saxon and Icelandic literature are unbelievably rich sources for performance and writing, which is why I specialize in them. The body of work is far-ranging and fascinating but is also complex and demanding. I look forward to knowing much more than I do and sharing what I learn.

2. Step up my performing and writing. I am primarily a dramatic storyteller, a trait that is reflected in my poetry and prose. I would like to perform and write more often than I do now. Since I use period sources, that give me the advantage of learning more about social and literary history as I go.

3. Teach and mentor. A lot of what I do in performance is instinctual, but I can teach period material and ways to successfully communicate in writing and from the stage. My way forward will be directed by what people want to know — and I don’t quite know what that is yet!

PART 2

And now from the sublime to the… not ridiculous, but the garb-y fun. I am sewing madly for both ceremonies. I am not a costuming Laurel — or as some Laurels taught me to say today, “I’m not THAT kind of Laurel.” ;>

I admire the costuming Laurels tremendously because they always look so fabulous. I intend to look quite 12th-century fabulous for my ceremonies but it takes me 10 times as long to sew. But that’s all right! I do enjoy the costume research, design, fabric shopping and wearing. It’s just the sewing middles I can do without. Actually it’s the seam construction and constant fitting that’s not my favorite thing, I like handsewing.

Here is the plan:
Vigil — chemise (obviously), blue-green striped chainse, blue bliaut (already made), ceinture (already made), veil and wimple
Elevation — chemise (equally obviously), red chainse, gold bliaut, red-gold ceinture, braids and veil. I have an “ermine”-lined mantle that matches the gold bliaut already made so I may add it afterwards, we’ll see. Also gloves. It was cold at GWW last year!

And shoes, did I mention shoes? That’s a sore subject. I’m too cheap to buy serious period shoes but I’m nervous about making my own. So we’ll see. There are reasonable modern approximations which will probably be just fine, especially since the long skirts effectively hide them. But it would be nice.

Progress note: The chemise is done. Yea!