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Local peeps - Renn Faire?
Sep. 22nd, 2011 05:40 pmI'm looking to go either October 1 or October 15. Anyone planning to be there, or want to go with?
weekend of new
Jun. 6th, 2011 10:45 pmIt was a good weekend :) Sometimes it takes company to get me to get out in my own town, and ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
shemhazai had some excellent suggestions:
Friday night we ate unholy amounts of Morrocan food. I'd been before, but not for years, and I'd forgotten how good b'stella is!
Saturday: local and very beautiful park that reminded me a lot of the creek near my grandmother's house when I was growing up. The smell of the water and the tangled greenery took me back to some really pleasant childhood memories. I can see going back again.
I also hiked for the first time, inadvertently jumping in with both feet! Several rocky trails were labeled "billy goat" and by mistake we started the most difficult of them. About halfway through we took the "emergency exit" back to the canal towpath, but not before we'd clambered over high uneven rocks and scaled a not-sheer-but-definitely-steep rock face. No falls, ankle twists, or freaking out over heights. I have to admit I felt kind of badass after we escaped :)
Sunday we met up withdreamtigress for conversation and sushi. It had been too long since either of us had seen her, and I didn't remember the last time I'd had sushi. A fun and filling time was had by all :)
Then we hit the U.S.S. Constellation. I'd heard of it but never gone, as naval history isn't my "thing", and I found it an interesting experience from a technical viewpoint. I think I'd have made a lousy 19th century sailor due to my apprehension about heights, depths, and small spaces, but the organization and austerity that allowed several hundred men and relevant supplies to be housed and used in a relatively small space impressed me.
I need to remember how good it is to catch up with people and "play tourist".
shemhazai had some excellent suggestions:Friday night we ate unholy amounts of Morrocan food. I'd been before, but not for years, and I'd forgotten how good b'stella is!
Saturday: local and very beautiful park that reminded me a lot of the creek near my grandmother's house when I was growing up. The smell of the water and the tangled greenery took me back to some really pleasant childhood memories. I can see going back again.
I also hiked for the first time, inadvertently jumping in with both feet! Several rocky trails were labeled "billy goat" and by mistake we started the most difficult of them. About halfway through we took the "emergency exit" back to the canal towpath, but not before we'd clambered over high uneven rocks and scaled a not-sheer-but-definitely-steep rock face. No falls, ankle twists, or freaking out over heights. I have to admit I felt kind of badass after we escaped :)
Sunday we met up with
dreamtigress for conversation and sushi. It had been too long since either of us had seen her, and I didn't remember the last time I'd had sushi. A fun and filling time was had by all :)Then we hit the U.S.S. Constellation. I'd heard of it but never gone, as naval history isn't my "thing", and I found it an interesting experience from a technical viewpoint. I think I'd have made a lousy 19th century sailor due to my apprehension about heights, depths, and small spaces, but the organization and austerity that allowed several hundred men and relevant supplies to be housed and used in a relatively small space impressed me.
I need to remember how good it is to catch up with people and "play tourist".
hills and valleys
Jan. 23rd, 2011 10:46 pmshemhazai visited last weekend, and it was the first time we'd seen each other in over a year (!) We had a fine old time museum hopping, drinking chocolate and limoncello, and talking over all the things we've not had time to talk about on the phone because we've both been busy/unavailable. She helped me rattle some of the creative cobwebs off my mind - even got me cranking on the Regency again, and together we finished taking apart the burgundy drapes.It works out that I'd kicked off a sewing jag. Tuesday ice had me teleworking, so I was able to spend my lunch hour at my own kitchen table binding the sleeve seams. They look and feel beautiful - I've been doing all the finishing by hand in part because of the delicacy of the cotton and partly because it's just pleasant to handle :)
This weekend I stayed in and mostly read a lot - finished Palimpsest (strange and beautiful) and continued Bess of Hardwick (jailing the Queen of Scots can create a huge strain on your marriage, even if Elizabeth I is your BFF).
Fencing comes and goes. I recovered from last week's overtraining and have been performing some impressively deep lunges, but I'm still struggling to concentrate and put a plan behind the power. It's frustrating both how long it's taking me to focus and how irritated I get that I can't seem to fall into "flow" as tidily as I was before the holidays.
I'm just sad at how the weather is making me more disorganized than usual. It's a combination of cold weather lethargy/SAD slowing me down and hazardous driving conditions derailing what plans I'm able to put in place. I did finally remember to register for the March NAC, mostly because it's something I can do from my desk, and set up a few reminders so I'll get to hotel/flight booking in a timely manner.
Having said that, I'm trying to spend less at-home time online because LJ, blogs, Twitter etc. suck me in and keep me from doing Stuff That Needs Done (in the time it took me to write this I was looking up flights and who does those awesome Romulan tabi boots in the Star Trek reboot in other windows. You see my problem?)
Finally finding a quiet place between now and February but March is looking like a madhouse:
- 3/6: Nationals Qualifiers
- 3/11-3/14: NAC (need to get butt in gear and register if I plan to go)
- 3/13: Costume Accessories Head to Toe, Colonial Williamsburg (probably not going - see NAC - but included for those who might want to)
- 3/17-18: Web/New Media Conference (ditto)
- 4/2: both Japan Fashion Now and Vivienne Westwood 1980-89 close; can I fit in/afford/justify a late March day/weekend trip?
thrills, spills, and wandering luggage
Jan. 2nd, 2011 10:01 pmIt's been an eventful holiday season.
I was in Atlanta for Christmas not only for the first time since I moved here, but for the first white Christmas in GA in over 120 years.
I got to see my family, in-laws, and extended in-law family for wonderful times by firesides and at tables :) Much conversation and observation was had.
In Gatlinburg (more record lows/snow) I had my first downhill skiing lesson and realized I might be able to learn the sport given a (much) less crowded bunny slope. Also learned I can fall intelligently when I have to. This is perhaps worth a post of its own.
New Year's was spent at the airport luggage carousel, only to discover that my bag (with most of my good casual clothes + Christmas gifts) hadn't made the flight. Much online tracking and irritated calls to the airline later, I've learned that somehow it wound up in London (?!) and may not get back here until tomorrow night or Tuesday (!!) Also perhaps worth a post of it's own but not the fun, exciting kind :/
I've been tweeting madly but not really able to read LJ. If I missed something crucial, point me at it.
I was in Atlanta for Christmas not only for the first time since I moved here, but for the first white Christmas in GA in over 120 years.
I got to see my family, in-laws, and extended in-law family for wonderful times by firesides and at tables :) Much conversation and observation was had.
In Gatlinburg (more record lows/snow) I had my first downhill skiing lesson and realized I might be able to learn the sport given a (much) less crowded bunny slope. Also learned I can fall intelligently when I have to. This is perhaps worth a post of its own.
New Year's was spent at the airport luggage carousel, only to discover that my bag (with most of my good casual clothes + Christmas gifts) hadn't made the flight. Much online tracking and irritated calls to the airline later, I've learned that somehow it wound up in London (?!) and may not get back here until tomorrow night or Tuesday (!!) Also perhaps worth a post of it's own but not the fun, exciting kind :/
I've been tweeting madly but not really able to read LJ. If I missed something crucial, point me at it.
From Twitter 11-19-2010
Nov. 20th, 2010 02:10 am- 00:35:24: RT @racheline_m Probably the best post I've read on the #TSA situation: http://elusis.livejournal.com/2141915.html
- 11:38:52: RT @saruzza check out Hide/Seek - an exhibit at the NPG (DC) on "sexual difference" in the US. http://bit.ly/9hBbvrn- saw it, was quite good
- 15:01:51: RT @pmhswe: Special issue of Neo-Victorian Studies on #steampunk is out! http://bit.ly/cjV8Fa (via @briancroxall)
- 15:02:20: RT @greygirlbeast: The 20th of November, 2010 is the twelfth annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance. Tomorrow. : http://bi ...
Tweets copied by twittinesis.com
post sanity insanity, etc.
Nov. 1st, 2010 10:26 pmYes! I was down on the Mall like some many of my friends and acquaintances for the Rally to Restore Sanity/Fear on Saturday.
I confess I likely would not have gone had my sister not come into town specifically for the event: I've been to large events downtown and while being there can be exciting, getting there can be inconvenient and my capacity for laziness undermines my best intentions. I figured it was an adventure for J. and I was along for the ride.
And it was a very unexpected ride. We were supposed to meet friends at 11 but once we got to the Metro station at ~10:15 and saw the lines, we knew it was not to be. Evidently a new ridership record was set on Saturday, and was the first surprise of the day.
The scene on the Mall matched that on the trains, tenfold. J. was disappointed that she couldn't actually see the show, but I think we were all glad we went and were a part of it, however briefly. The crowds were.. well, as sane as requested and advertised, and for me were far more entertaining than anything that might be visible on a Jumbotron. The signage was fantastic. And we all had a good chuckle for/with the Burning Man dragon bus.
We did not stay in town long for fear of never getting out (anecdotally, I'm hearing about people not getting home until 6-9 pm, though the Rally ended at 3). A quiet evening of chocolate cake and "Sherlock" followed.
Whether it was allergies, an impending "ick", pressing through crowds, or the combined toll of these + a week of running around preparing to have company, D. and I both crashed hard after taking J. to the airport yesterday afternoon. We woke up just in time to order dinner and start answering the door for trick or treaters while watching "Van Helsing" (yeah, I know, but it's about all our brains could process).
Today: leftover chocolate cake + assembly of exercise machine. Not doing NaNoWriMo but do owe someone a blog post in the next week.
I confess I likely would not have gone had my sister not come into town specifically for the event: I've been to large events downtown and while being there can be exciting, getting there can be inconvenient and my capacity for laziness undermines my best intentions. I figured it was an adventure for J. and I was along for the ride.
And it was a very unexpected ride. We were supposed to meet friends at 11 but once we got to the Metro station at ~10:15 and saw the lines, we knew it was not to be. Evidently a new ridership record was set on Saturday, and was the first surprise of the day.
The scene on the Mall matched that on the trains, tenfold. J. was disappointed that she couldn't actually see the show, but I think we were all glad we went and were a part of it, however briefly. The crowds were.. well, as sane as requested and advertised, and for me were far more entertaining than anything that might be visible on a Jumbotron. The signage was fantastic. And we all had a good chuckle for/with the Burning Man dragon bus.
We did not stay in town long for fear of never getting out (anecdotally, I'm hearing about people not getting home until 6-9 pm, though the Rally ended at 3). A quiet evening of chocolate cake and "Sherlock" followed.
Whether it was allergies, an impending "ick", pressing through crowds, or the combined toll of these + a week of running around preparing to have company, D. and I both crashed hard after taking J. to the airport yesterday afternoon. We woke up just in time to order dinner and start answering the door for trick or treaters while watching "Van Helsing" (yeah, I know, but it's about all our brains could process).
Today: leftover chocolate cake + assembly of exercise machine. Not doing NaNoWriMo but do owe someone a blog post in the next week.
From Twitter 10-15-2010
Oct. 16th, 2010 03:28 am- 09:20:52: #fashion tweeters: can you recommend any men's fashion/ #style blogs/sites? Office casual focus preferred. Thanks in advance!
- 10:04:59: RT @NoisyAstronomer: Beam Me Down the Rabbit Hole http://bit.ly/9QeenV #ufo #skeptical
- 10:32:38: RT @Jennison: Sharing more reflections on #Accessibility Camp DC from Mr. @kingkool68 http://bit.ly/b4V6YR #a11y
- 10:34:24: RT @AquinasWI: Are These PDFs Accessible? (from DingoAccess) http://ht.ly/2TOjX #a11y #axs
- 10:40:40: RT @fencingnet We're at the Cincinnati NAC - come by and say hello. - is there a hashtag for tweeting the NAC?
- 11:26:41: RT @danphilpott: RT @almacy: America's Next Top Techie Model http://ow.lyhttp://ow.ly/2TPbn the shades complete the outfit! #Geek2Chic & ...
- 11:41:31: Photos from #geek2chic : http://tinyurl.com/29nuob6 #fashion #style
- 12:57:30: RT @TheDailyShow: Want to know if your @rally4sanity sign is sane or not? Upload it to SaneorNot.com to see if it passes the test. http: ...
- 16:20:56: RT @racheline_m: If you use "gay" as an insult & I don't say anything? Still not funny. I'm just sick of arguing about my worth & you're ...
- 22:39:58: RT @museumatFIT: A fashion novice covers our exhibition "Japan Fashion Now" but doesn't understand it at all. Can anyone explain it... h ...
- 22:42:44: RT @brainpicker: "I don't teach my students. I create the conditions in which they can learn." ~ Einstein #feastongood
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Yesterday was just about the perfect weather to be at Faire: sunny and warm enough to be comfortable but not so hot/bright that I couldn't dress up. Also, morning rain discouraged crowds :)
I went with fencing buddy A., our mutual friend K. and A's son B. We had a pleasant, slow paced day that involved sitting in on 2 of The Rogues performances, window shopping, people watching, and eating things that are bad for us (suicide chocolate cake!)
K. shopped for and found a beautiful basic dress with sleeveless overdress, and while admiring it and other wares, it occurred to me that regular fairegoers ("playtrons"?) seem to work up a collection of separates that can combine for wear in almost any history-esque costuming situation:
A. and B. wore capes and tricorns for Pirate Day and I took the doublet out on it's maiden voyage with matching breeches, flat cap and knee-high boots. I've not had time to do the buttons yet but it pinned shut very well. No photos as I've not figured out how to get them off my camera/A.'s aren't ready yet.
It was a good day, a good weekend overall, but MAN, I'm tired. Early mornings and lots of running around wore me out, even if stays did most of the standing for me on Sunday :P
I went with fencing buddy A., our mutual friend K. and A's son B. We had a pleasant, slow paced day that involved sitting in on 2 of The Rogues performances, window shopping, people watching, and eating things that are bad for us (suicide chocolate cake!)
K. shopped for and found a beautiful basic dress with sleeveless overdress, and while admiring it and other wares, it occurred to me that regular fairegoers ("playtrons"?) seem to work up a collection of separates that can combine for wear in almost any history-esque costuming situation:
- White (or other) big shirt - works as chemise for women, shirt for men
- Big drapey pants with gathered ankles - worn long for middle eastern looks or scrunched into boots for almost any men's attire ~1400s-1800
- lace up bodice/corset (women) or vest (men) - also can do lots of time periods depending on style
- Skirt (women) kilt (men) - the latter is a recent invention but nothing says "I'm Scottish and/or I have good legs" like a kilt
- A cape, for cooler weather
- A selection of hats/headdresses - tricorn for pirate, flat cap for rennaisance, cavalier hat for 3 musketeers, etc.
A. and B. wore capes and tricorns for Pirate Day and I took the doublet out on it's maiden voyage with matching breeches, flat cap and knee-high boots. I've not had time to do the buttons yet but it pinned shut very well. No photos as I've not figured out how to get them off my camera/A.'s aren't ready yet.
It was a good day, a good weekend overall, but MAN, I'm tired. Early mornings and lots of running around wore me out, even if stays did most of the standing for me on Sunday :P
(no subject)
Sep. 11th, 2010 09:11 pmI'm glad to know that the fringe pastor in FL decided not to burn Korans today.
If I got riled up about every single thing that rubs me wrong about the wingnutty minority I'd have even more outrage fatigue than I already do, but DAMN - in a civilized society we may allow free expression through book burning, but civilized people don't actually do it.
IMHO if we become as intolerant as those intolerant enough to fly planes into buildings, then the terrorists have won.
Comments off 'cos I'm in no mood to discuss further.
If I got riled up about every single thing that rubs me wrong about the wingnutty minority I'd have even more outrage fatigue than I already do, but DAMN - in a civilized society we may allow free expression through book burning, but civilized people don't actually do it.
IMHO if we become as intolerant as those intolerant enough to fly planes into buildings, then the terrorists have won.
Comments off 'cos I'm in no mood to discuss further.
house beautiful (or, at least, better)
Sep. 6th, 2010 07:32 pmor How I Spent (Most) of the Holiday Weekend:
My frustration with book storage at last came to a head. Through strategic rearrangement and clearance/use of bookcase tops and bookends, I've managed to clear most of the books off my ersatz cutting/work table(!) and even have a few inches of spare space left over for future acquisitions (!!)
Getting on a roll, I also moved things around enough on another shelving unit that I am now storing my printer, USB record player and 3 milk crates of vinyl in the same place. No longer do I have to keel on the floor to get to a record (yes, I still have records) or worry about dust and cat dander getting on the turntable!
I'm going to attempt my final feat of rearrangement-fu after this post: refolding and replacing everything in the linen closet. Admittedly at least part of this may have to wait until next weekend.
Other activities of note:
Now, about those linens...
My frustration with book storage at last came to a head. Through strategic rearrangement and clearance/use of bookcase tops and bookends, I've managed to clear most of the books off my ersatz cutting/work table(!) and even have a few inches of spare space left over for future acquisitions (!!)
Getting on a roll, I also moved things around enough on another shelving unit that I am now storing my printer, USB record player and 3 milk crates of vinyl in the same place. No longer do I have to keel on the floor to get to a record (yes, I still have records) or worry about dust and cat dander getting on the turntable!
I'm going to attempt my final feat of rearrangement-fu after this post: refolding and replacing everything in the linen closet. Admittedly at least part of this may have to wait until next weekend.
Other activities of note:
- Gave the new residential fitness center a whirl, mostly for my upper body that gets very little work through fencing. All of the equipment is brand new with clear instructions and it wasn't too crowded. Though, IMHO, something that makes me this sore should also probably make me sweat more.
- Visited with college friend J. and his new girl D., in town for the weekend. We went out for (Americanized?) Russian with vodka samplers. Large samples led to large conversation and a good time was had by all :)
- Dyed and redyed a thrift store skirt to cover a stain. Note to self: if the garment is small enough, stovetop really works better.
- D., fed up with the constant crashing of the latest iPhone OS, upgraded us to Droids. Still getting used to the keyboard. Not as many apps but I'm liking it so far.
Now, about those linens...
Yesterday I had a pleasant catchup with dustdaughter over lunch. We chatted books and exchanged a few as well, and she was kind enough to accompany my getting lost in a nearby used book store - anyplace with outdoor shelves that say "everything for $2" is like a magnet :P
Like many of the liberal persuasion I enjoyed a few appalled and spiteful yuks at a Tea Partier's guide to DC, but didn't actually expect to run into any given that we were meeting well outside the safe zone. Nonetheless I found myself in a packed metro train full of them on the way home, with ample chance to observe.
Not much to see, really. On the whole they didn't seem any more or less tired, sweaty, and eager to get to their destinations than anyone else. Lots of American flag paraphernalia - t-shirts, folding chairs (! isn't it unpatriotic to sit on the flag?), mini-flags used as hair sticks, the odd pro-life button or large crucifix. The "restoring honor" shirts with the Founding Fathers on them bewildered me - whose "honor" is being restored, and was it really ever lost in the first place? I gather that Glenn Beck holding it at the Lincoln Memorial was an attempt to ride the civil rights movement's coattails which is laughable, but Beck is a blowhard - who knows if he actually believes the bilge he spouts?
Nah, the overall impression I got of my fellow commuters (sartorially, at least) was that they feel threatened in some way, and have something to prove re: patriotism/"Real American"ism. If the writer of the tea partier's guide linked above is representative there's a lot of fear of change and those different from themselves. What a sad, defensive way to view the world.
When I was finally able to sit I read "Girl Genius" and didn't pay them much mind - I reckon they'd be far more afraid of a liberal, feminist, bisexual agnostic than I could ever be of them.
dustdaughter over lunch. We chatted books and exchanged a few as well, and she was kind enough to accompany my getting lost in a nearby used book store - anyplace with outdoor shelves that say "everything for $2" is like a magnet :PLike many of the liberal persuasion I enjoyed a few appalled and spiteful yuks at a Tea Partier's guide to DC, but didn't actually expect to run into any given that we were meeting well outside the safe zone. Nonetheless I found myself in a packed metro train full of them on the way home, with ample chance to observe.
Not much to see, really. On the whole they didn't seem any more or less tired, sweaty, and eager to get to their destinations than anyone else. Lots of American flag paraphernalia - t-shirts, folding chairs (! isn't it unpatriotic to sit on the flag?), mini-flags used as hair sticks, the odd pro-life button or large crucifix. The "restoring honor" shirts with the Founding Fathers on them bewildered me - whose "honor" is being restored, and was it really ever lost in the first place? I gather that Glenn Beck holding it at the Lincoln Memorial was an attempt to ride the civil rights movement's coattails which is laughable, but Beck is a blowhard - who knows if he actually believes the bilge he spouts?
Nah, the overall impression I got of my fellow commuters (sartorially, at least) was that they feel threatened in some way, and have something to prove re: patriotism/"Real American"ism. If the writer of the tea partier's guide linked above is representative there's a lot of fear of change and those different from themselves. What a sad, defensive way to view the world.
When I was finally able to sit I read "Girl Genius" and didn't pay them much mind - I reckon they'd be far more afraid of a liberal, feminist, bisexual agnostic than I could ever be of them.
(no subject)
Jul. 9th, 2010 12:02 am- 12:20 My mom's biscuits are still so much better than mine :) #
- 15:12 Taking MARTA down to hotel for #sn10. Damn hot, real hot (90F+) & I'm glad I won't have to haul gear + suitcase for a few days after this! #
- 15:52 Checked in for #sn10 - can see venue from my room tweetphoto.com/31521876 #
- 15:57 Hotel elevator can only take 3000 lbs - good thing my #fencing bag only FEELS that heavy in this heat. #
- 17:05 Took LOONG way 'round from hotel to venue (pant pant) - getting roomie to room; meeting @bodhibadger for dinner. #
- 17:30 Found roomie, is cool person. Splitting cab fare or shuttle back to hotel given ridiculous heat #sn10 #
- 17:33 Saw old rave site on way down; is now "rodeo disco". Sometimes you really can't go home again. #
- 17:37 RT @MargoEve: Are you a good Kisser? Come to our "Kissing: The Eloquent Silence" class 7/13; br.org <- think this wd b gd 4 kids. #
- 19:47 Lost in Atlanta on way to Iberian Pug in Decatur. It's an adventure.... #
- 23:21 Hearty rec. of The Iberian Pig restaurant in Decatur for hungry # fencers. Delicious plus fantastically attentive service. #
- 23:22 Off to bed - I'm gonna help my Div II buddies warm up tomorrow #sn10 #fencing #
- 23:23 @MargoEve I know it's not - apologies if I wasn't clear. But still I think a class about kissing would be great for teenagers. #
balticonnery
May. 31st, 2010 10:08 amAfter many years of always having something else to do, I finally made it out for a day trip to this large regional sci-fi con.
It was fun :)
( snipitude, to spare your friends page )
Summary: It was tres cool and I had fun! I would do it again, but try fervently not to carry a purse or bag, as it's hard on my back. And I'd be sure and make more time for conversation.
It was fun :)
( snipitude, to spare your friends page )
Summary: It was tres cool and I had fun! I would do it again, but try fervently not to carry a purse or bag, as it's hard on my back. And I'd be sure and make more time for conversation.
(no subject)
May. 5th, 2010 12:05 am- 09:58 Considering day trip to #balticon if workshops look interesting. Anyone else? #
- 15:55 RT @Kevin_Church: C3PO dated pop singer Kate Bush in 1983, and it is rumored that her song "Wuthering Heights" is about him. #c3pofacts #
Lollapalooza of wool
May. 2nd, 2010 12:30 pmYesterday I went with ladyaeflwynn to the annual sheep and wool festival. I'd never been before as it always conflicted with something else, but after her offer to drive describing it as one of the largest fiber arts festivals in the region, I realized I'd be foolish not to go.
It was a lot bigger than I expected it to be! The crowd and vibe was some combination of county fair and renn faire, with lots of fair/faire food and mountains upon mountains of wool-related products - everything from raw fleece to fantastic hand-created finished products abounded. And yarn... lots and lots of yarn (jlsjlsjls, you may want to check out the vendor page!) My wallet is eternally grateful that I don't spin, felt, weave, or knit, though petting the alpaca and cashmere fibers might be enough to make me start (or nuno felting. All the hobbies I don't engage in for lack of time is a whole other post entirely).
And sheep - lots and LOTS of sheep. Sheep being shown, rather like dogs. Sheep being shorn. Sheep being hot in the summer heat (and I couldn't blame them - 80F+ combined with sun is brilliant - literally!). Sheep being herded, though I missed that (I guess the sheepdogs need time to design laser targeting systems sometime). Though they are tasty and quite dim, the presence of so many of the live thing kept me trying the delicious smelling lamb kabobs, lamb sausage etc. - I just felt guilty. But they have eerie irregularly shaped pupils, so maybe I could have gotten over that :P
While A. was getting lemonade, I got lost in one of the bigger barns and got some merino yarn for my sister. Through the valiant coordinating efforts of A.'s husband on their home phone I connected with her cell and we found each other (it that large of a festival).
I got tireder and tireder on the trip home and crashed for a 2 hour nap soon after I arrived. I forgot how bright heat can get to me!
Definitely recommended; if I'm in town I'll likely go again to pet the funny-eyed sheep and shop for gifts :)
ladyaeflwynn to the annual sheep and wool festival. I'd never been before as it always conflicted with something else, but after her offer to drive describing it as one of the largest fiber arts festivals in the region, I realized I'd be foolish not to go.It was a lot bigger than I expected it to be! The crowd and vibe was some combination of county fair and renn faire, with lots of fair/faire food and mountains upon mountains of wool-related products - everything from raw fleece to fantastic hand-created finished products abounded. And yarn... lots and lots of yarn (
jlsjlsjls, you may want to check out the vendor page!) My wallet is eternally grateful that I don't spin, felt, weave, or knit, though petting the alpaca and cashmere fibers might be enough to make me start (or nuno felting. All the hobbies I don't engage in for lack of time is a whole other post entirely).And sheep - lots and LOTS of sheep. Sheep being shown, rather like dogs. Sheep being shorn. Sheep being hot in the summer heat (and I couldn't blame them - 80F+ combined with sun is brilliant - literally!). Sheep being herded, though I missed that (I guess the sheepdogs need time to design laser targeting systems sometime). Though they are tasty and quite dim, the presence of so many of the live thing kept me trying the delicious smelling lamb kabobs, lamb sausage etc. - I just felt guilty. But they have eerie irregularly shaped pupils, so maybe I could have gotten over that :P
While A. was getting lemonade, I got lost in one of the bigger barns and got some merino yarn for my sister. Through the valiant coordinating efforts of A.'s husband on their home phone I connected with her cell and we found each other (it that large of a festival).
I got tireder and tireder on the trip home and crashed for a 2 hour nap soon after I arrived. I forgot how bright heat can get to me!
Definitely recommended; if I'm in town I'll likely go again to pet the funny-eyed sheep and shop for gifts :)
This weekend D. and I are going to a Very Fancy Party(TM). Some might even call it a gala.
This is a new experience for me - the fanciest shindigs I've been to thus far have been weddings, and this is a bit different as I'm neither a bride nor a bridesmaid, so the field of sartorial choice is somewhat less clear.
I'm deciding between two long dresses (gowns), either of which will go with silver sandals and silver evening bag. Given that sandals are involved, I'm about to go pedicure myself for the first time in....a year(?)
I even got some body makeup to cover up the worst of my fencing bruises.
I will dress girly(ish), I will look nice.
I'm curious, but nervous too. Wish me luck.
This is a new experience for me - the fanciest shindigs I've been to thus far have been weddings, and this is a bit different as I'm neither a bride nor a bridesmaid, so the field of sartorial choice is somewhat less clear.
I'm deciding between two long dresses (gowns), either of which will go with silver sandals and silver evening bag. Given that sandals are involved, I'm about to go pedicure myself for the first time in....a year(?)
I even got some body makeup to cover up the worst of my fencing bruises.
I will dress girly(ish), I will look nice.
I'm curious, but nervous too. Wish me luck.
(no subject)
Mar. 23rd, 2010 12:05 am- 10:53 Symposium: Fashion In Fiction - The Dark Side. Oct 8-10 in Philly: tinyurl.com/ygst5hb . Fashion + writing = I will try 2 attend. #
- 12:27 @daudi_g - Think you might go? #
that's (not) entertainment
Mar. 22nd, 2010 09:44 pmSaturday I had dinner with my childhood friend C. She and her husband A. are rapidly becoming fearsomely good hosts: inventive drinks, tasty homemade and healthy food on good china. It's the kind of environment that's welcoming and fun but not so posh or busy that it intimidates me.
Part of C.'s success is doubtless because she's known me for years and knows about what my speed is, but she confessed she finds it easier to plan entertainment because she no longer works full time. That struck a chord with me - I know some people have the limitless energy and organization to pull down mad hospitality at the drop of a hat, but I can't imagine how anyone could do her epic Halloween decorating after 40 hours at work and regular errands/chores on weekends.
I think this is the real clue as to why I've not had people by in an age. Even though we have maids come in once a month, I lack the energy to make everything perfect. Some stuff I can't even judge - I have two cats and a poor sense of smell, so any cat stink/lingering cooking smells I'm simply not aware of, and what if that offends someone? Will people find the stacked bookshelves and ongoing projects charming "lived in"-edness or suffocating clutter?
In short, I'm so used to my house that I'm terrified I'll guess wrong and present any potential visitors with a pig sty.
It helps that the guest room is looking more like a room and less like a closet, but I've still got a way to go.
Part of C.'s success is doubtless because she's known me for years and knows about what my speed is, but she confessed she finds it easier to plan entertainment because she no longer works full time. That struck a chord with me - I know some people have the limitless energy and organization to pull down mad hospitality at the drop of a hat, but I can't imagine how anyone could do her epic Halloween decorating after 40 hours at work and regular errands/chores on weekends.
I think this is the real clue as to why I've not had people by in an age. Even though we have maids come in once a month, I lack the energy to make everything perfect. Some stuff I can't even judge - I have two cats and a poor sense of smell, so any cat stink/lingering cooking smells I'm simply not aware of, and what if that offends someone? Will people find the stacked bookshelves and ongoing projects charming "lived in"-edness or suffocating clutter?
In short, I'm so used to my house that I'm terrified I'll guess wrong and present any potential visitors with a pig sty.
It helps that the guest room is looking more like a room and less like a closet, but I've still got a way to go.
packed weekend
Mar. 15th, 2010 09:29 pmNot without it's stresses, but it all turned out well in the end.
Saturday was a small local SCA event that was not located exactly where I thought it was :P After getting lost in the wind and rain I finally found it, and what could have been a tiring, cold mess turned into a pleasant day indoors with informal classes, chatting and sewing. Additional plus: first full day in my latchet shoes and not only do they fit like slippers, they're curiously water-resistant!
I renewed my appreciation for the place of sheep in medieval society with theladyaelfwynn's sequence of wool carding and spinning classes - it's true, past generations really used every shred of that fleece, from stuffing pillows to fine fabrics! I also managed to interline some doublet pieces. It was L.A.'s first autocratting of an event of this type, and I hope she does it again.
Saturday night was pre-game chillout and dinner at Badger's, with fantastic food (I didn't know I liked papaya and blueberries 'til I tried it. MMMMoroccan lamb...) and discussion of ebooks and favorite books - not sure if we convinced B. of the vital NEED to familiarize herself with the oeuvre of Alan Moore, but damn, we did try :P
Sunday was Nationals Qualifiers, and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been apprehensive all week - the competition was stiffer this year, and though I've improved, so has everyone else. A morning warmup lesson/pep talk with V. helped me to "come down" a bit and I arrived at the venue early to take care of registration and otherwise prepare to get my head on right.
I did surprisingly well, considering: won all (there were only 3) of my pool bouts, and completely wrecked my DE, but I know where I messed up. Given that it was a small competition and the convoluted manner in which qualification is calculated, I finished 5th of 9 and qualified for Div III. Though I'm only in one event, I think I'm going to try to go a couple of days early to support my teammates and enjoy spectating - Dallas was good but felt so rushed.
The axe of Massive Work has landed at work so landing back in the office today was invigorating. Unsurprisingly, I think my energy has finally run out and I'll have an early night tonight.
Saturday was a small local SCA event that was not located exactly where I thought it was :P After getting lost in the wind and rain I finally found it, and what could have been a tiring, cold mess turned into a pleasant day indoors with informal classes, chatting and sewing. Additional plus: first full day in my latchet shoes and not only do they fit like slippers, they're curiously water-resistant!
I renewed my appreciation for the place of sheep in medieval society with the
ladyaelfwynn's sequence of wool carding and spinning classes - it's true, past generations really used every shred of that fleece, from stuffing pillows to fine fabrics! I also managed to interline some doublet pieces. It was L.A.'s first autocratting of an event of this type, and I hope she does it again.Saturday night was pre-game chillout and dinner at Badger's, with fantastic food (I didn't know I liked papaya and blueberries 'til I tried it. MMMMoroccan lamb...) and discussion of ebooks and favorite books - not sure if we convinced B. of the vital NEED to familiarize herself with the oeuvre of Alan Moore, but damn, we did try :P
Sunday was Nationals Qualifiers, and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been apprehensive all week - the competition was stiffer this year, and though I've improved, so has everyone else. A morning warmup lesson/pep talk with V. helped me to "come down" a bit and I arrived at the venue early to take care of registration and otherwise prepare to get my head on right.
I did surprisingly well, considering: won all (there were only 3) of my pool bouts, and completely wrecked my DE, but I know where I messed up. Given that it was a small competition and the convoluted manner in which qualification is calculated, I finished 5th of 9 and qualified for Div III. Though I'm only in one event, I think I'm going to try to go a couple of days early to support my teammates and enjoy spectating - Dallas was good but felt so rushed.
The axe of Massive Work has landed at work so landing back in the office today was invigorating. Unsurprisingly, I think my energy has finally run out and I'll have an early night tonight.
