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!