Quick check in at my old hang out/Bardic Champs
Hey everyone. I know it has been a while, and honestly, may be awhile again. BUT, things are getting better.
Update:
After Pennsic, I was still recovering when Irene hit and our basement completely flooded. The end result was about 40K in damages and clean up. This was a heart-wrenching and overwhelming task. Between that and working, I pretty much shut down emotionally, and retreated from everything.
The good news is that, the basement is finally all cleaned up. My back is MUCH better (not 100%, but no longer constant pain).
Bardic Champions.
Just before Christmas, I finally felt like doing ANYTHING again. So I decided to enter Bardic Champions. I researched and prepared two pieces in Middle English. I wrote and translated introductions for the pieces into ME southern dialect. My goal was to perform COMPLETELY in period, as authentically as possible with absolutely NO modern English. My garb was all late 14th century handsewn English garb. I had studied ME at the graduate level and this was a great opportunity for a personal challenge.
For the first round, I performed "Edi Beo Thu." Despite being fairly sick with a nasty cold and congestion, I made it through to the second round!!!!! For the second round I recited "The Five Wits" by John the Blind of Audelay. I knew it was a risk sticking to ME and performing two pieces no one could understand, but winning was not the point. I am so proud of myself that I managed two performances. I hope that I provided someone with "a moment."
The competition was tough and there were so many amazing performers. I have no idea how the Royalty managed to narrow down the field. Everyone who made it to the 3rd round was spectacular. I cannot remember a higher caliber bardic competition.
Overall, I had a great day. I am so glad I went, because it was a sort of test for myself to see if I could get back into the SCA. It was such a positive experience, surrounded by talented and wonderful people. This is why I do this.
Now I am going to have to see what is next.
Keep in touch,
Y
Update:
After Pennsic, I was still recovering when Irene hit and our basement completely flooded. The end result was about 40K in damages and clean up. This was a heart-wrenching and overwhelming task. Between that and working, I pretty much shut down emotionally, and retreated from everything.
The good news is that, the basement is finally all cleaned up. My back is MUCH better (not 100%, but no longer constant pain).
Bardic Champions.
Just before Christmas, I finally felt like doing ANYTHING again. So I decided to enter Bardic Champions. I researched and prepared two pieces in Middle English. I wrote and translated introductions for the pieces into ME southern dialect. My goal was to perform COMPLETELY in period, as authentically as possible with absolutely NO modern English. My garb was all late 14th century handsewn English garb. I had studied ME at the graduate level and this was a great opportunity for a personal challenge.
For the first round, I performed "Edi Beo Thu." Despite being fairly sick with a nasty cold and congestion, I made it through to the second round!!!!! For the second round I recited "The Five Wits" by John the Blind of Audelay. I knew it was a risk sticking to ME and performing two pieces no one could understand, but winning was not the point. I am so proud of myself that I managed two performances. I hope that I provided someone with "a moment."
The competition was tough and there were so many amazing performers. I have no idea how the Royalty managed to narrow down the field. Everyone who made it to the 3rd round was spectacular. I cannot remember a higher caliber bardic competition.
Overall, I had a great day. I am so glad I went, because it was a sort of test for myself to see if I could get back into the SCA. It was such a positive experience, surrounded by talented and wonderful people. This is why I do this.
Now I am going to have to see what is next.
Keep in touch,
Y