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Greetings TRF co-invasionites~
For the record - I had a delightful time at the invasion, and I am sullen and forlorn to be packing away the garb, knowing it will be many months before I enjoy any of your company again.
This was my first invasion, and I must admit I wasn't sure what to expect. Not having met any of you before, I was most afraid that it would be a tightly wound clique of people who knew each other, and that new people would struggle to move into the group. I could not have been more wrong! It was as if our commonalties as a group made us all instant comrades, and I felt so comfortable
I was again able to confirm that the people of AFR are as delightful and interesting in person as they are online - I just enjoyed meeting you folks so much! Wow... *gushing now* it did feel sort of like family, and I was your long lost crazy aunt Idone *snort*. One thing happened with certainty - I am hooked on invasions. It made the faire a whole different experience - especially for a foreigner such as I.
And now, for a few of my favorite moments and a round of thanks...
First and foremost... to the Goddess of Freaks, the one and only hot pink freak with a bag full of pins and a penchant for chocolate... you know who you are... thanks a billion for everything :-) You are entertaining and gracious (and, of course, a little ~freaky~) Thanks for the pin, thanks for not stabbing me, thanks for the laughs, thanks again for not stabbing me, thanks for letting me ~feed~ you chocolate *tee hee* and thanks for the introductions you made for me. Oh, and by the way, thanks for not giving me a bite of the truffle *sniff* You friggin rock.
Faireweather Griff - you have become one of my new favorite people - your sense of humor is, well, odd...but completely amusing. Also - thanks for attempting to quell the rumor that we are married (my husband would be ~most~ unamused :-) Even though at a certain point I was telling the weirdoes that we WERE married so they would scamper away. Remember - it's just the hat.
Kyleigh *hugs* - you have the face of an angel and the sense of humor of the devil - I adore you! I hope I get to romp a faire with you again some time - it was faboo:-) I'm so sorry about your pin - I hope a good soul turns it up.
Beefcake - quit lurking and post some time!! You are too sweet to hide from this group (if they only knew you like Kyleigh and I do *wink at Kyleigh*). Hope you learn how to work the 'magick stone'... keep me posted!!!
Richard "Stop bitching about my faire" Maritzer :-) Your cool, man (and much younger than I thought you would be *shrug* go figure) I didn't really mean to, um, well, tie you to a tree so I could bitch at you about girls in pants... *stuffing ropes back in pouch* I hope you do own that stage soon enough- my fingers *and eyes and various other appendages* are crossed for you.
Mirabel ~ it was so nice to meet you!! We shall have to complete that mission that never got attended to another time... (can't wait, can't wait, can't wait) :-P
Starr ~ you, my lady, are as lovely as any one ever has been :-) It was nice to meet you - although much too short. Hoping you have more time to play next time!!
Ivy ~ I enjoyed meeting you and your beautiful family! Your daughter is a delight~
Michael McDane Harris ~ I enjoyed hearing your stories of your camping adventures and of those 'scurrying things' you spoke of *still laughing* I shall wear your pins proudly :-)
I just have to say again what a great group of people was there - even the folks that I didn't get to know well enough (or forgot :-P)to mention. It was a friendly, light hearted bunch, and you all made my weekend entirely enjoyable. I hope there is a next time!
My Warmest Regards~
Idone de Clare
(who's sig line is almost finished...)
Alas, being so new to this newsgroup I am caught up short on who I spoke with and what I did at TRF this last weekend that would be of any interest. Okay, I admit, I'm notoriously bad with names. I know many people introduced themselves to me and I am very happy to meet you, but, er . . . like I said, I'm notoriously bad with names. I would like to mention a few highlights of the day, iff'n ye don't mind. . .
The Sea Devil is definitely the place to meet people. My husband and I met up with a friend of mine who I never actually met before. Yeah, confusing. Let me explain. We've corresponded via this computer thingy for about a year. It was so great to finally meet her.
I was delighted to see the "Dark and Stormy Knight" with his parents. (Check out my website to see the picture...you'll know what I mean). I know he's got a real name, but I'm really bad with names. I remember titles much better. Speaking of parents, another treat was seeing the children involved in clans. They were adorable. Great activity to get your kids involved in while they're young--really great memories for them. (See also: Dark and Stormy Knight)
I know I met a few people when I signed into the guestbook. I do remember the lady with hot pink. I think I even remember her name. . . Danicia. I do remember Michael - RenGeek - and his wife. (How's the piercing, Michael?) Thanks for the pin...it's my first.
I will be forever grateful to the young man who introduced me to mead. Believe it or not, I even remember his name--Jason. Jason happens to be the name of our youngest son. Jason, Willem and Donovan were good company...and such gentlemen, too!
Speaking of alcoholic beverages, whoever that man was that made the homemade liquor (lavender, clove, jasmine with a vodka base), honey, if ya bottle that stuff, I guarantee you'll do well. . . Put me down for a case.
All in all, we had a fantastic time, as usual. I'm looking forward to next year. In the meantime, I think I'll hang around here for a while . . .
Kirsten L.
I have to agree with Kirsten here. So many Otters, so little time. Trying to remember so many names and faces is just a bit hard but I will do my best.
Bestine. So much energy! You did make a wonderful queen.
Laura. That black dress on you was fantastic and you are such a sweet lass to boot!
TavernKnight. Many thanks for your hospatality during the day and in sharing your delicious home brew at the camp site. The dark stuff was wonderful.
Danicia. I thank you for the RenGeek pin. You are a wonderful person and I was glad to finally meet you face to face.
For everyone else not mentioned here I must say thanks for a great invasion weekend. It was a lot of fun. Hopefully within two weeks I will be able to have my primary home computer back up and running so that I might post the new photos up on my web site. This message is comming from work while I'm on break.
Having Fun,
Brett
Hmm....how to begin....
First....my heartfelt thanks goes out to my dear friends, Michael McDane Harris and his lovely wife, Lady Pamela. You guys made this trip possible for me. I owe you big time. And thankfully...I've got evil up my sleeve to show you how much...
I am still working on the pictures...I've got 95 done right now. Mr. The Dragon? If you don't like my scans..well..you can....uh ..buy me a camera...*GD&R* http://www.danicia.com/trf99.htm I'll post the URL again once I finish the rest. I couldn't quite get to the pics of the Idiot's...I teared up as soon as they popped up in my camera.
Friday:
I arrived early (Thanks Continental!) to Houston. Grabbed the Really Heavy
Garb Bags (tm) and headed out to await RenGeek..aka Michael McDane Harris.
He arrived, helped with the RHGBs and we were off! BTW...I knew we had hit
TX even before the pilot told us...my allergies FLARED UP. Ick.
We pulled into the Geek's Palace...and we find Shaggy waiting for us! I was not convinced he would get there before me...but he managed it. No tickets either! Michael shared some of his latest home brew (YUM), his modified Lokki (double yum) and we started playing "Show and Tell"...(MY garb and new pointy Lundegaard dagger, people!!!!)
SLEEP sorta happens....WAACHOOOO
Saturday....to borrow from Minstrellen..."Gate? What gate?".....as we get in about 10am...I think. I take off in a mad pace to find the NEW Fellowship Foundry BOOTH...not tent...BOOTH!!!
Before I get very far...I run into Boats. Quick kiss and hello and I'm off again. Wait...I spy a man with a leek on his head! It's Marcus aka Hawke Leekeman! You do a wonderful job!!! As we're chatting.....I turn around...and another surprise!!! Rose & Iris are beside me!!! Hugs all around and I scamper off again.
Find the Foundry......wow...what a beautiful booth. It was so nice. Big. The folks there were WONDERFUL! Grab box o' pins (Thanks Kevin!) and head out! Of course....didn't get far...again....had to run in to Pendragon and give Starr a quicky hug.
SHE'S OFF! I attempt to move through the crowd quickly...alas...being a hotpink person..well..it makes it easy for people to spot you. I said hello to many folks...:HUGS: to you all.
FINALLY! The Sea Devil. Okay...let's just say....there was a couple hours of fun/catching up/jokes/kisses/chocolate...and LOTS of RenGeek tests!!! Congrats to you all!
Oops! I need to go run an errand! We take off to go see the Bard O'Neil. She's a wonderful person and a damn fine singer. Go see her..buy her CDs. They're worth it!! I was lucky enough to meet her at Scarby, see her again at Tux and finally back again in TX. And yes Trong..I did tell her hello...she laughed quite a bit...she's been hearing it A LOT the past few weeks!
Much more running around happens and then back to the Sea Devil for Pub Sing. We attempt a group picture....only a small group made it back...*grin* We all enjoyed the faire some more...then we prepared for the fireworks show. I was...um...busy with things...so totally forgot to go sit where I could see it clearly! I did take some interesting video from the Sea Devil....just to see what my cam would do. The fireworks were beautiful...magical...special...along with the company.
We all head back to the MONSTEROUS campsite....it's amazing. HUGE...rows and rows and rows of people. Hundreds camped out....or at least partying at the campsite. Good thing they moved the damn camping area. The old one would have been way too small. Party lights, music..the biggest drum circle you can imagine...FOOD....beverages....and..cloaks. Yep. It got chilly. And no comments from the Peanut Gallery, thank you! Lot's of Ooohs and Ahhs over the Half Moon cloak. Not many people here see these things.
Jet lag, allergies catch up with me...we make off with Michael's car to go sleep INDOORS..where it's warm.
Sunday:
ACK>>>>>>Evil bad TX dust allergies throw me into a migraine. Easily fixed
with coffee and codeine. Head back to see if the camp is alive
yet....barely.....don't make gate. Wander around...today's goal is shopping
and shows!!!
Hang at "Sea Devil at Noon"...more hugs and ren geek testing!!! Huzzah to those of you who actually use ME as the answer in your questions..especially that..um...nevermind nosy people. Those of you who passed know what I mean.
Lots of shopping/playing/enjoying faire happens...
Then..on to the Globe stage at 3:30 in an attempt to find seats for the last shows of both Merlin and the Flaming Idiots. Good thing too..there was lots of energy in the air. Ran for beverages and then waited for the show to clear. Grabbed good seats....all the rennies started showing up for Merlin's and Idiot's shows.
I cannot describe the magic....the energy...the beautifulness of the moments. My thoughts were with those departing..and with the ones who will HOPEFULLY take the stage next year. (Send in your cards and letters NOW for Sound & Fury...and keep 'em coming)
After the shows...start saying good byes to all I see...head back to campsite....pack...change in the campsite in full view for the last time this year....and watch the fireworks from the camp. Head to airport....make fllight....flight was late takin off and arriving (Thanks Continental!). I arrived back at my place at 4am this morning.
Thank you to everyone. I love you guys and miss you.
Donna
I don't think that there are words to express my feelings from this past weekend. I believe that this must be the best weekend I have ever spent at faire, though. The whole place was filled with a very special feeling, and it was reflected even in the patrons.
Saturday dawned on a gorgeous day, sunny and warm. Our husbands were already out in the forest, hunting, so it was "girls' weekend at faire." Kathy and I arrived at around 10:30 and immediately met up with friends from Austin. Hugs all around, and we were on our way to "A Wardrobe In Time" for a bodice "adjustment". We met up with Kyle and MaritaBeth on the way, and Kyle tightened me up. So...onward. We stopped off at the SCA booth and gave our favorite Bartender from Hawkwood ("Evil John") a big hug and a kiss. After that, Kathy stopped to hear a group perform, as I went ahead to the Sea Devil.
Lots of otters already there. It was so wonderful to meet all of you...Griff, I love your hugs, Sugar. Michael, I concur on your concoction...superb! Thanks for sharing. Starr, that hat is fabulous on you. It looks great with your costume, even if you to have to take it off for hugs. Brett, watch where you stick that thing...*grin*. Phil, you and your lovely wife are so sweet...I really enjoyed talking with you on Sunday morning. Maritzer, love ya! Hope you are indeed a future, permanent fixture at TRF. Mandi, we're gonna miss you here in the River City. We may have to make a trip to N.O. to see ya. You and I can go collect beads...*grin*. So many friends...so little time.
Kathy took the Rengeek test, and passed! So look out you guys...you'll probably soon be seeing posts from the other Tart!
Sunday was very special too, although Kathy didn't feel well and stayed home, so I went by myself. Had to make the first trip of the day to Pendragon again, and what a sight...they were all in terribly obnoxious tights. Hugs all around. MB, thank you, Sugar. I will wear it proudly. You're such a special lady. Off for another stop by the SCA booth to give hugs to "Evil John", then went to hear "The Rogues". I just love those guys.
Back to the Sea Devil, where I was the only one there for a little while. Then everybody started showing up. Iris and Rose called me up to the stage to sing my verse to "Roll Your Leg Over". Thanks Girls! It was a total blast. Then, later, at the Corsairs' final show (in their fabulously LOUD tights), I was serenaded by Boats in front of the whole pub. Now Ladies, let me tell you...I felt like the only woman on earth at that point. What a special moment.
It was so hard to leave on Sunday. There's a sadness that is indescribable, that can only be lifted when you get to go back. But it's all worth it. I wouldn't have traded one moment of this weekend. So many wonderful memories. So many wonderful friends. My deepest thanks to all of you for making it so special.
--
Elizabeth of the Tudor Tarts
To follow an ongoing theme: WOW.
This was my first time to work at TRF, and what a year to start!! Some days at Pendragon were so busy, I couldn't even SEE out the shop, let alone actually get to walk out there.
Saturday: Noonish, I finally made it out of the shop and made my way to the Sea Devil. There I spotted the Hot Pink Freak (even before I saw the Otter banner....that should tell ya something!) and waited (im)patiently until she was available to give me my Rengeek test. I passed! I passed! Hung out there for a while and hugged all who needed to be hugged, then back to the shop to work work work! Had to be TOLD to go eat...I think everyone saw my eyes starting to sink into my skull and get a little glazed.... so off for a quick runaround and some (yum) Quesadillas. More work, sell sell sell....the patrons were in a spending mood this weekend! Every time I tried to walk to the front of the shop for a breath, someone else was holding a hunk o' leather up in front of me asking me to lace them into it.... The sound of fireworks finally! Went to change clothes, grabbed a quick bite inside at the pot-luck, then I, EvilBeard, Marita Beth and Eamon trudged waaayyy out to the patron campground to visit the Order of the Silver Ribbon Feast. Socialized for a while, then limped back to the shop so Marita Beth and I could have a wee-hours Favor-making slumberless party.
Sunday: Up very early and ready to go... gave favors, sold bodices, sold doublets, sold more bodices, sold more doublets...well, you get the idea..... Four o'clock came and I made my way to the Globe Theatre. EvilBeard was already saving a few seats about 4th-row center. Saw Kevin "Walter" Hunt's wife Mary onstage holding baby Henry and had to go get hugs and say hello. Henry loved my hat! Kept taking it off my head. Sat down again and watched the Merlin show, surrounded by otters and OSR and other friends... I thought Merlin's show was great! I remember not enjoying it much back when I worked for Puke & Snot at Scarborough....I think he picked up the pace a little bit, and the new assistants are fabulous. Does anyone know who Igor was? He looked so dad-gummed familiar. Idiots show - more in a different post, too much to say here. Back to the shop, a little more work, lots of goodbyes, then to the campground, with a quick stop by Devonshire for two more bundles of incense (gotta last 'til Scarby!). Broke down the tent and packed, then headed over to Mask Parade to see Vincent and his wife. Helped them packed up a little, talked about next year when we'll be running his shop at TRF for him (Yay!!) and then headed out for the long drive to Dallas. EvilBeard fell asleep, and I started to feel a little sleepy, but then started thinking about the Idiots, and gathering my thoughts for a possible tribute webpage. Before I knew it, the Dallas skyline was visible and we were home.
And now for the individual thank-yous:
Danicia: Thanks for the Rengeek test and the pin. Thanks for taking time out of your busy visit to come by the shop and see me. :)
Elizabeth & Kathy: I'm sorry I didn't get to see you more... we were so busy this weekend. I still have favors for you, and little pictures of Troy. Aren't we planning on doing a wine tour in Grapevine sometime soon?
Griff: It was fantastic to finally get to meet you!! You have a wonderful, twinkly smile that lights up your face. Good luck getting that English doublet! That thing is quite a chunk o' change, but I'm sure you would look faboo in it. :)
Idone de Clare: You're gorgeous! Your costume is fabulous, and it was wonderful to meet you.
Rengeek and Pamela: Fantastic to see you again, I just wish I had more time out of the booth the "hang out" and get to know you guys better. Maybe some day I'll get to sample some of your homemade concoctions!
Richard "Yummy" Maritzer: It was awesome to meet you. Thank you for allowing me to constantly sniff your neck. Hope I didn't get on your nerves too much! I'll be writing letters to whoever needs 'em in order to BEG for you guys to be made a permanant part of our faire.
James: It was great to see you as always, "Huck"! Thanks for all the morning hugs this season. :)
Ivy and family: I'm so sorry if I sounded snarky Sunday morning. I was just giving you a hard time! I was so busy, I'm so sorry I didn't get to see you more. There's always this Saturday to make up for it, right? :)
Marita Beth: I don't know if you're lurking again or not, but I still want to say thanks for letting us work for you, and making us a part of your huge group of friends. You've made us feel very welcome in your big rennie family, and we appreciate you more than we could ever express. The late-night favor-party talk was great! We'll have to do something like that again sometime. :)
BJ & Lynette: I'm glad to finally get to know you guys. You're wonderful peeps. I never thought I'd get to hold the pants of a faire celebrity in my very own hands, HAHAHA!!! Let's do dinner at Jekyll & Hyde sometime! :)
Shaggy: Great to see you as always. Wish I could have hung out more! See you at the Tipp on Friday maybe? Blarneys will be there.... don't know if we'll be able to make it Saturday for Wolf's show.
If I've forgotten anyone, PLEASE forgive me. This weekend, and the whole faire season really, was a total whirlwind. I met more people this year than I could possibly remember. I can't wait until next year when I can reenforce all the new friendships. :)
Love to you all,
Starr
Wench #668, Madame
Bard #113
RenGeek, FINALLY!!
A fitting last weekend to the end of a great faire season! I do not know what the final count was yesterday, but I know that TRF did have a record attendance this year and you could feel ALL of the energy this last weekend...
Was extra special neato keen to have Griff "I drank all of the Frappuccino" Fairweather down from KCRF, and he got the extra attractive Squeak-in-the-morning-just-after-a-shower show, complete with stumbling down-the-wrong-row-to-her-tent-action. :) Sundays are rough for me, k? Also in the neato-keen meets this weekend was Mr. Richard "minty fresh" Maritzer who turns out to be about as cool as I thought he would be. :) Phil and Ida also made a guest appearance to retrieve some monsterous amphibeous thingy and hung out and chatted for both days (well, not continuously... :) ) as well as the Lovely Tudor Tarts and Danicia and Jamie and Brett and my sister goddess Ivy and her Frederick and kiddos and uthe RenGeek and wife and of course Bestine and Iris and Rose and uh I know I am missing someone else... oh and Eric of Dark Rose and oh hell, you guys know who was there/.... :)
Thanks to all who wished Lorelei a happy birthday. She may act like it wasn't a big deal, but damnit, my 30th is coming up and it IS a big deal (gifts gleefully accepted, not expected and all that. :)
Like a dolt, I missed the last Flaming Idiots show. Time flies and all that... I got the personal recap later last night from one of the guys, but it just wasn't the same. Am just gonna have to fork out the cash and make a trip back to Austin (see other post) and see them at Zach Scot theatre, December 8th thru January.. 16th, I think.
I also want to personally send a note of thanks to the Rogues for proving beyond a shadow of a doubt, that besides being great performers, they are truely really generous guys. I am forever in awe of your collective heart.
Mandalyn aka Squeak
