Piety - that thing you do without realising you do it.

As I sit and look back on this journey I wonder how much service have I truly done.  How much have I added to our society?  How have I helped?

I find this one difficult to respond to simply because I believe that this society runs on the service of its members.  One of our fellow path travelers, Magnus Eiriksson, summed it up very well recently. I don't have his exact word but it made a simple statement

 This is a hobby, a game but you get out of it what you put in.  It isn't like a football game where you show up play and leave, you have to put in to get out.

I would like to think that I have done what I can to make my small part of the society a better place.  I am currently working on a project that will ultimately recognise others for their service to the society that mostly goes unseen.  The behind the scenes stuff.  This will be me great pleasure to see it come to fruition. 

I have stepped down from my role as Chair of the SCA Ltd Board, still a very active member and will continue my service until Festival next year.  I have assisted in developing and implementing policy in that time and I would like to think that we achieved a lot in the past 12 months.

How have I served locally since this path started?

I am co-steward for the Feast of Friendship coming up in August so that is my focus right now.  I have been steward for two public demonstrations, I have also coordinated our annual Jumpers and Jazz in July decorated tree entry.  This is a hands on task that all the members of Stegby can become involved in.  We are part of a big community activity that dresses trees up for 10 days in the middle of winter.  You really have to be here to understand it.  This starts during the week before the Feast of Santiago.  And is lots of fun for the people involved.  It gives the SCA a different focus in our town.

I have facilitated some workshops for our Standard banner painting and run several classes on different A&S activities.  I have been the A&S officer for Stegby for the past year and this has often been a challenge. I am also Lists officer for the Barony, a rather simple job, but one I love.

I broke myself during set up weekend for Great Northern War so wasn't able to help as much as I wanted to at the event.  Advice, when holding on to a tent pole on a very windy day, 100% focus 100% of the time.

We arrived a day early for GNW to help out, with my arm in a cast I muddled through, doing what I could with one hand and doing a lot of supervising :-) Once we started the event I was doing my most favorite thing, List Keeper.  I truly love being a list keeper, watching the fighting, setting up the rounds, doing draws, reporting on them. I am in a happy place when I do this.  GNW adds to that because I also do the Fighter Auction, registering the fighters and their Benefactors.  It is a lot of fun.  My husband will tell you that he never sees me at GNW, I am always off doing something somewhere, teaching a class, a constab shift, what ever is needed to be done.  It is just normal behaviour for me. 

And my favorite thing to do away from an event, Heraldry.  I have assisted people to design their heraldry and submit names and devices in the past twelve months.  I love to see people happy when their device and name come back to them approved and they can start using it.  I love seeing them smile when they see the Stegby Roll of Arms with their device on it.  But most of all I love to see their banners flying in the wind, hanging on the wall  or their own personal pageantry display.  This gives me joy.  That is not service, that is simple pleasure of life.


So if Piety is service to the Society, I would like to continue to be Pious for many years to come, for Service is what I do, in some way shape or form, it makes Gabriella who she is within this game. It gives me purpose and place.  And I am truly honoured to be able to serve this society in anyway I can.

A little bit of Franchise

Always full of good intent, not always full of ways and means.  Franchise means so much more than a simple set of clothes or a banner.  I have tried to be more mindful of my language, more respectful of our game and present myself in a manner of a Lady of the SCA.  I hope I have improved somewhat in this area.

Having said that my altercation with a pole at Great Northern War has slowed me down someone in dressing to my station.  The intent is there and the fabric is cut, it is just having the wrist cooperate in the sewing that is the issue now.  This weekend will one of attempting to get started garb finished.

I have however met one challenge and am just finishing off my standard.  I finally own  a banner that I am proud of that I can fly (when suitable) at events.  Photo's will come when it is completely finished but for now here are two of the front.



Can not wait to hang this at Feast of Friendship this year. 

Ad Astra Per Aspera - To the stars through adversity.  Never let a challenge stop you giving life a go to its absolute fullest. 

Reassessing Prowess

When I started this path the ideas were monumental, the achievements were to be amazing, alas life happened.

Whilst I consider I have covered Prowess in some areas, my key was to actually shoot in an IKAC.  This was to happen this month or next, however, a marquee pole decided that I was not to do so.  Fracturing a wrist means that the IKAC will go on hold.  I am however determined to keep this promise to myself.  One never knows, I might actually enjoy Archery.

My new challenge for prowess to improve my heraldic consultation by assisting others to design and register devices that are more period accurate.  This will be an interesting challenge, particularly as it means I will need to research location specific armorials.  Looking forward to seeing where this part of the journey takes me.

Being Prudent

So, another learning for me. 

I recently had cause to find myself delving in another unknown area of our SCA world. 

Many things have been discovered reading different handbooks and I have enjoyed the learnings there (and just quietly the ability to share those learnings with others)  But I never before had taken a look of the rules of an IKAC.

So this week I learned that the rules of and IKAC and the rules of archery are the same but different at the same time.  I did not know that you could declare that you wish to shoot an IKAC at any event where you have a marshal/score keeper present.  I thought an IKAC had to be a very planned event.  If the people involved at an event agree, then no other arrow can be shot until the IKAC participant has finished. So if only one person is IKACing, then no one else gets to shoot until they are done.

I found it all very interesting indeed.

Achievement Unlocked - Prowess

It has been a long time in the making for me.  Cooking is something I love to do, and I have done often and finally, on the 9th of May 2016 I achieved Mastery in the Lochac Cooks Guild. 

This is something that I have been trying to achieve for many years.  Technical difficulties have prevented happening soon but now it is done.  I am both happy and relieved.  My passion for cooking has been shared with many.  My SCA family has tasted many a dish, some better than others and I have learned much about cooking in the medieval style.

My particular favorite is Italian food, an overlap into my mundane life as well because pasta and sauces are my signature dishes at home.

Thank you to the Guild, thank you to those that encouraged me and most of all thank you to the people that allowed me to cook weird and wonderful dishes.

Oh and I should add, a thank you to Ulfgar the Unspeakable for allowing me to be part of his kitchen way back in the 20th century and sparking this interest.

An effort in Largess

I have finally decided what I am going to do for my donation to the Fighter Auction prizes for Great Northern War. 

As the list keeper for this event it is also my role to procure the prizes which can often be a challenge.  If anyone else on this Nobles path would like to donate, I will be sure to pass on acknowledgement of your gift of Largess to our gracious Warden.

I have decided to make a couple of Sacoccia, (pockets) Most of us are always looking for some way of carrying items when in garb. These pockets are shown in late period Italian paintings and, in my opinion, are a much more convenient option than lugging a basket everywhere. 

They are worn in addition to a belt so do not take away from the aesthetics of garb, especially if they are made to match.

My Challenges

Wow, who would have thought how much impact this path has.  It has made me look at myself with a different eye that is for sure.

Always seemingly sure of myself, my friends know that that is a cover, I keep wondering where I am on this Camino del Nobles. Doubt scratches in.  What have I done, what have I changed, what has been my impact, have I made any difference?

Prudence

Well, so far I have continued this journey in reading texts and documents related to the SCA.  Of course being on the Board helps that, simply because we are regularly updating the policies and procedures in the society.  Having stepped down as Chair, I hope to leave the board in twelve months time having made a small difference at least. My major project now is to create a register of all past board members to facilitate the creation of an "Honour Roll" for the SCA Ltd Webpage.

All the people that have served on the board have had input to the way this game is played, making sure we are all legal and above board.  They deserve a little recognition for that.  I am certainly grateful for all the previous work that was done to get the Board to the point it is today.

Franchise

With my name and device registered, I am now in the process of registering a badge from said device to easily label my possessions and to display on heraldic items.  My device is rather fiddly to embroider with its three little Ankhs so I am hopeful my bordered ankh will pass muster.

From looking the part.  I am currently creating two outfits, one completely hand sewn, to enhance my wardrobe.  I am hopeful of having these both finished by Great Northern War but they will definitely be finished in time for The Feast of Santiago.

Largess

The act of generosity. Hmmm.

I have been teaching a lot over the past few months, I have never really considered this largess but I can certainly see where it fits now.  Within my group I endeavoured to get the ladies into at least one new but simple outfit in time for Great Northern War.  On the most part the methods crossed over to the men in the group as well, but only the ladies have participated in the classes by choice.  Everyone has had the opportunity to create a chemise, underskirt and sideless surcoat over the last few weeks.

To facilitate this further I have also offered space outside of the usual Wednesday nights to assist people in finishing their creations. They will have a new outfit in coming weeks which is lovey.

Piety

Stewarding of Demos in recent months has been interesting. Two very different demonstration events have occurred with one more to come. The first a demo in the park, where we did our thing for a few hours.  Coordinating people to set up and pull down, to fight and to do things publicly that we generally only do when we are only with fellow SCAdians.  Fielding questions from the public about what we do can sometimes prove challenging for people. I found that one of the key roles of a Demo steward is to instill confidence in others to encourage them to share their wonderful abilities.

The second demo was at the Local Annual Show.  A bit different for us as it was really outside of our scope.  I could not have done this one without the wonderful help of Josseline de la Cour as a static display was required for two days and none of us have the beautiful garb that she does.  Normally, when you undertake a demo here in Warwick it is just a quick liaison with council. The Show demo proved different.  This one meant meetings and constant contact with the Show Coordinator, the stress of whether everything was as secure as they said, meeting their requirements as well as our own.  Putting on a demo over two day.  There was highlights however. Our fighters got to perform in front of a 300 plus crowd in the main rodeo arena of the show for the evening entertainment.  That was a lot of fun to participate in, with the crowd getting behind every blow.

Anyway, I am rather wandering off topic now, back to it. It seems my teaching of classes come under this heading as well.  I just assume this is expected in my role as A&S officer in Stegby.  I am also currently co stewarding for the upcoming event and coordinating a community project or two that we are involved in.

Prowess

Skill sets, improvements, lessons learned.

I am still to pick up that bow, it has been a busy time for me personally and as I don't drive and hubby has been away a lot I have not been able to get to a practice.  But it is still going to happen. 

I have however learned how to do cutwork embroidery in the last few weeks, I am creating headwear, other than a scuffia, for the first time with an embroidered Italian coif in progress.  The big personal challenge I have given myself on this one is the completion of a dress, skirt and sleeves, completely by hand, no machine sewing in sight.  So far I have the skirt and the sleeve components are in creation.  I am getting a lot out of this as each piece comes together.  I am rarely proud of my own achievements but this dress is the change in that. 

Kindness

Maybe the biggest challenge of all.  What I have done to improve in this area is actually quite personal although SCA related.  It is to do with acceptance of things that you can not change, acceptance of differences and acceptance of the fact that sometimes you simply have to walk away from things.  Kindness goes hand in hand with patience, and at this I am not doing to well. But I know that I have made advances here, but I think to share this part of the journey will require a conversation rather than a written blog.  Kindness is personal, it is about heart and it is about spirit.

Courtesy - A Green Tassel

Courtesy, the act of showing respect and kindness to others.

Master Leofric Willoughby de Broke is the warden of this virtue and a true example of courtesy.


What a path this one is!  One would like to believe that respect and kindness is something you don't have to actually think about.  How very wrong!

Many know me and know that I am outspoken, how I am volubly protective of my inner circle, that sometimes I speak first without engaging thought process, without considering the feelings of others.  Time for an honest look at oneself here.  

How do I display courtesy and respect?  Well on a day to day basis I ensure that I get titles correct, in the mundane world Sir and Ma'am are parts of my vocabulary, as are Mr, Mrs, Miss, until I am told otherwise.  In the society, I endeavour to learn a persons name and the rank that they hold.  Should they be a friend I use there SCA name at all times during an event.  To me this is not only showing respect to the person but to the game that we play.  Donna is the person that dresses in the garb at home, but Gabriella is the person that goes to events.

So if I introduce you to someone at the SCA I will use a title.  "My lord, I would like you to meet The Honourable Lord Madog Llwyd ap Madog and his consort Lady Merewen of Twynham"  I don't find it respectful to say Hey this is Chris and Sue and you should call them Llwyd and Merewen.

Lessons I have learned recently is to show kindness to everyone, regardless of gossip and third hand news.  I have also made a determined effort to not speak unkindly about others and to address issues with people.  I have taken a step back from conflict as I don't feel that I have anything kind or constructive to say in situations other than to express emotion based opinion. 

Funnily enough, my efforts in courtesy have put me more at peace with my world.

My Peer will tell you I often act first, think later. It is the extrovert in me.  I have a lot going on in my head and I have had to learn to control the overflow from the mouth.  This journey has led me to a different focus.  I have in recent months added to my courteous behaviour by actively remembering to think then speak and  this means I end up treating all with dignity, respect and courtesy.  Don't get me wrong, my confidants in my world will still hear me rant and rave but it does not go further.  Now I find my respectful hat and address situations with a more noble manner, not so much Alice in Wonderlands, Queen of Hearts "Off with her head"

I love random acts of Kindness, gifting something to a child because they have admired it, simple compliments saying things such as the beadwork on your dress is fabulous, I love that colour on you etc.  It is not hard to be kind, it can be as simple as can I carry that bag for you my lord, can I help pack your car.

Important things to remember to demonstrate courtesy within the SCA, for me at least, is that curtsying is important, even to your friends, manners are also important, please and thank you goes a long long way and making a judgement call..  If they hold title then they have earned it and as such respect should be shown.  That just because they don't have a pointy hat on does not mean you forget your manners.   Someone assists you a simple thank you goes a long way, someone assists you a lot a recommendation to the Crown can make their day, and a token of appreciation.  I know carry a small ankh on a cord with me everywhere, just so I can say thank you.

One thing I know, people enjoy recognition.  In our society a simple acknowledgement can go a long way but recognising someone for their efforts is even better.  I enjoy nothing more than seeing the joy on the faces of award recipients when they stand up in court after being given an award.  If I see deserving behaviour I will acknowledge it in this way.  I don't have to be friends with someone to recognise the efforts they make for myself or others, if they are doing something simply for the betterment of the SCA then I will happily acknowledge their effort and recommend them to the Crown.

Franchise - A Purple Tassel

Being true to ones station, to speak of oneself in a noble manner.

So to me this is being the best you can be with what you have available.  It doesn't mean spending money you don't have, it doesn't mean playing the game beyond your means. It means showing that you are a noble in the SCA the best way you can, being proud of your presence.

I am proudly SCAdian and I love our game.  I love to cook and put on events, I love to see people happy at events and if I can do that then I am happy.  I thoroughly enjoy working on names and devices for others and love the joy when they receive notification of their successful registration.

I have learned the hard way that registering ones name is important, having a late name change although small after 10 years was a lesson, once you have decided your name, register it.  Live with it for a while sure but not for an entire decade.  Gabriella Borromeo (1999) became Gabriella Borromei (2009).  My device was registered at the same time.  And I can say I am proud to have it grace the tables of the Moralez Beaumont Encampment at Rowany Festival.

My husband and son are both registered with names and devices. Eirik registered as soon as he was old enough.  He has been brought up in the SCA and became a Lord at a young age, he told me of the importance of getting his name and device registered.

I am not in a position to spend a great deal of money on my clothing, especially as I have to cloth three people but I find bargains, I remake dresses, I repurpose items.  My latest venture is made from printed cotton and drill, it hopefully will look the part when it is finished.

I have been told that since becoming a student of the Duchess Constanzia my abilities in sewing have improved and this is showing in my clothing.  This too make me happy, I strive to have the ability to make my "opus" dress. 

Prudence - A Blue Tassel

The rules of the game and the reasons behind why we do this.  Actually learning something from period texts.

Prudence was probably the easiest of the challenges of the path for me. I love to read and I currently help to write laws of the Kingdom.  The Known World Handbook is always near to my right hand so that I can refer newcomers too it.  There are some fascinating articles within its covers.

Since the start of the Camino journey I have aided in updating the Privacy Policy and the Bullying and Harassment Policy of the Kingdom.  So I didn't think that was a fair claim to Prudence as it was me undertaking my job as a member of the Board.

I decided that I should familiarise myself with procedures and handbooks that do not come across the Board "desk" every day.  I took a look at the Marshall's handbook.  This proved to be a good choice as not only did I learn a few things about fighting arts but I also discovered references through out that referred to SCAA rather than SCA Ltd.  So this was beneficial to the Board anyway.

Locally I have commenced writing an events guide.  Not a handbook as such but a book on little things that we forget.  There are plenty of stewards handbooks about and there is one in the works in Stegby with input from several people but this one is about things like, tent pegs and weather, underground wiring and sprinklers.  All the little things.
 
Period Reading has included two works which I found fascinating.

The Prince by Machiavelli & a play called The Calandria by Bernado de Bibbenia

Largess - Gold Tassel

A Tassel of Gold, how rich a colour for Largesse, the act of sharing or generosity.

 

Demonstrating Largess, wow.  Something that I would like to think I do on a regular basis. Have plans here.  We have a new comer who wishes to attend Red and White at Willoughbyvale in February.  He has a pouch to his name and nothing to wear.  Now rather than have a naked viking in our midst my intent is to outfit him appropriately.  Measurements have been gained now fabric stash to be hunted through and a gift I shall make.  

I also want to thank a few people for being my inspirations in this game, I intend to make each of them a gift, suited to their persona and station.

But that is intent, which is a lovely thing but it is not yet largess. So what have I done so far for Largess.  I have gifted fabric to Stegby to ensure that we are able to make basic garb for our hospit in coming weeks.

Is using my skills for others Largess.  I have recently designed and submitted several devices (as a herald) for many people.  This is something I love to do.  I don't see that it can be considered any more than me having fun.

Largess, what do I do, is giving of my time largess, is opening my home largess, I am not able to put my finger on what true largess is.  

Things I have done recently
- organised purchase of white calico for standards for Stegby and cut them to size.
- designed and submitted heraldry
- gifted items to newcomers
- create garb for a newcomer
- researched names for newcomer

Piety - White Tassel

So what is Piety.  It is service. What sort of service? Well basically it is helping the betterment of the society be that through direct service or helping others.

I am one of the passionate in our medieval world.  I truly believe that without service we can not exist.  But funnily enough I find this virtue difficult.  Simply because I see what I do as just being me.  I run classes, I steward events, I cook feasts, run lists, do administrative officer type stuff because I love to do it.  It is not going out of my way, it is not being different, it is helping my passion grow.

So what have I done to demonstrate this since October.  Well I am currently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors and my most recent challenge has been to ensure that all policies are actually up to date.  Previously things have been lacking in the review department but we now have completely up to date policy.

Last year we were also running around at the last minute reviewing our insurance needs with a week to go before due date.  This time, I have instigated a review of our insurance requirements now, 5 months before the due date to ensure that the society is getting the best value.

I am currently stewarding the Day on the Green in Stegby.  This event is for publicity purposes so that our Canton can continue to grow. We can say we need new members but sitting in our meeting room does not get this done.  We often here "I didn't know we had a medieval group in town" so we are taking our medieval group to the park.  Should be a lot of fun and I am trying to encourage our current members to demonstrate the skills they have or the skills that they are learning.



Master Giles Leabrook is the Warden for this virtue and a man I admire in the society.  I am sure I can learn much from him during this process.


17 March 2016

Next Friday I step down from my role as Chair of the SCA Ltd Board, another 12 months services on the Board as a general Director to follow (13 actually as next Festival is mid April).  I am hopeful that I have contributed to the Kingdom as a whole and that I have made some differences.  I leave the Chair with all policies up to date and I would like to think that I have had a big influence on that being completed.  I have helped to implement new policies relating to Weapons in Victoria which has been an interesting task.  I have learned much as Chair, people management in a society such as ours is interesting as a Seneschal, it becomes more-so on the board.   

Stewarding (as such) again this weekend.  We have been asked to do a display as part of the Warwick Show to promote our group.  A small part of a much bigger thing rather than doing this on our own.  Should be fun, I hope.   This will give our members an opportunity again to demonstrate there skills to the public.

Prowess - Red Tassel

An improvement in, or the learning of, a new skill. 

Well this one should be relatively easy as I do not feel I excel at anything.  I can cook, I can embroider, I can do illumination.  None fabulously but adequately.

Things that I don't do are the ones that I think I should challenge myself with so, I am going to give archery a try with the view to shooting in one IKAC.  I have been a known poopoo-er of Archery.  But I decided to put that opinion aside and see if I can find the fascination that many have.  I am not going to become Stegby's answer to Robin Hood but I am going to give it a shot (pun intended)

16 March 2016

So a new skill in my repitore which I want to develop into something that I become good at is cutwork, or whitework.  What an amazingly beautiful method of making a simple piece of fabric stunning.  I have nothing yet worth putting up as a photograph as I am still currently making shapes on scraps of fabric but I hope soon to be able to show that I can create an image worth showing.

Camino del Nobles - a path

Tis a journey I am on and I will hope not to bore you too much.  I did try to use a notebook but I kept on forgetting where I put it.  I can't really lose a blog now can I

6 pages/posts there will be that will hopefully get edited along the way

Prowess, Prudence, Piety, Largesse, Franchise,Courtesy.