First weekend was wonderful, exhilarating and almost everything I dreamed it would be. Almost, because there were moments when I still felt just a little bit on the "outside." This was my first time actually working at Faire, after many years of attending. I loved being there as the Faire woke up in the morning, I loved getting up and getting into garb first thing. I loved being there for opening AND closing gate and especially loved not having to leave after the cannon. It was wonderful to stroll back to my campsite, change into new garb and stroll back to the Ale House after hours. Yet, I didn't have any friends to seek out there and didn't want to come off like a stalker to the one person I did know best. Still, I joined in the songs I knew when the musicians favored us with a tune and I struck up conversations with some strangers (I don't have a problem with that!) and in that way, I had an enjoyable evening, though it seemed a little like everyone knew someone else or was with someone else. (also, I am still overcoming some pretty low self-esteem issues)

The second night was better, I recognized a few faces and ended up in an engaging conversation of historical facts with a friendly pirate. The sky did begin to darken though, and I had to resign myself to the drive home. I wished the weekend could go on forever and I could keep building relationships. I don't have any good friends who are rennies, and I'm hoping that this year, working at the Faire will change that. I wish we had more than two weekends left to play! Still haven't seen everything I want to (long working hours at the booth!) but it's worth it to be a real part of the Faire!!!

For those of you who are my Renspace friends and play at the Washington Renaissance and Fantasy Faire, please come over to the souvenier booth by the Castle Gate and say hi. I'd LOVE to have to opportunity to get to know you better!

Wow, it's been such a long time since I logged on here! Summer time is the BUSIEST for me at work and I hardly have a chance to even take a peek over here.

It's only ONE WEEK til FAIRE!!! I know how much everyone can appreciate how excited I am, and this will be my first year as more than just a playtron...I'll actually get to be working and involved! Three weekends of bliss. Then it hits, OMG...I have SO much to do! Garb to repair, camping gear to sort, packing, organizing...YIKES!

Today is the start of our big Highland Games festival, which I look at as a prelude to faire. Get out the Scottish garb and start enjoying the kilts. Plus I am doing some promo stuff for Faire at the event. Yaay!!! Bagpipes and beer for me tonight!

I need a more positive attitude displayed at the top here! Since, recovery-wise, I am doing MUCH better, it's time to look forward to everything that the summer season will be offering and be thankful for all the blessings I have. I also want to express my sympathy and support to all my friends who are going through troubled times. Healing thoughts, strengthening wishes and love is being sent your way!

I am more weary than I expected to be at this point in time, but surgery last week went perfectly. Recovery is taking just a bit longer than I had hoped, but all in all, I am doing surprisingly well. Not well enough to be a part of this weekend's Ren Faire promo event, which would have included walking in a parade in Pirate Garb! I am most disappointed because I had been looking forward to this for months! Ah well! Faire in only 2 months away now, and THAT is really something to get excited about.

I've added just a few photos from my wonderful weekend in California.

It might not be AS much fun as Faire, but the annual Sunset Celebration is an event I look forward to almost as much. For the past 10 years, ever since their centennial publication, Sunset Magazine has hosted an "open house" at their corporte headquarters in Menlo Park, California. This will be the 10th year in a row that I have gone...yes, every year! Since I live in Seattle, WA..it requires a bit more planning than your normal weekend jaunt. This year again, we are heading down on Friday for a mini holiday. There have been years in the past where we've just flown down in the morning and back in the evening! I just wouldn't miss this for anything.

There are fun seminars on travel, decorating, cooking, wine tasting, gardening...lots of booths set up to shop and live music...did I mention wine tasting? Plus they build a vacation house on the proberty to tour, and you can tour the test kitchens and the gardens...and do more wine tasting!!

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for clear skies and planes that aren't overbooked!