cyan_fireflash

PENNSIC XXXVIII


Little late with the postage on this. But the first draft got lost before I could actually get this thing up. So I wrote the sequel…


Most of Pennsic this year was a great experience. Light years away from the way the last one went. From the parties to the friends to the events and classes I got to take. Every experience sung it’s own tune to me. Below is a small list of what’s and things and stuffs I thought were of note of the whole experience. So if you wanna see it though my beady brown eyes feel free to read….



The Drive Out:
Was familiar, funny, hurried and at times a bit hairy. I was leaving straight from work that day and like Murphy always decrees in these situations, work was busy. Got out latter then I wanted to so I was pressed for time. Had to get set up before the sun went down. On the trip I missed my navigator and copilot from the first year. But managed to help a pretty little redhead that was fretting about her car leaking oil hehe. Get her fixed up, and headed out. The hairy part came heading down a mountain right before Midway. When the truck, that was towing a car, that I was following, while doing 80, decide it wanted to try to plow into the barrier wall next to us…. Fella did manage to straighten it out, but not before the car he was towing did some wild weaving on the road to the point of it almost flipping off the hitch, and (me imagining) into my dashboard. Other then that, the drive was routine and beautifully scenic. I really have to take a day to drive that road just to look at the landscape. Penny is such a pretty state, once you get outside the cities.


The Sins:
I have camped with groups before, but not as long as we did, and to the credit of my campmates we worked together amazing well. There was little if any drama, it was majorly laid back. And everyone had an outstanding time! I loved camping with them for the whole two weeks I was there, and only wished all the sins could of stayed for the entirety of the event. I was known as Pride, and though I usually don’t have much of that sin in me. When it comes to that camp, the dynamic of it and how well we work together and what we did while there. I’d have to say I totally am. We simply kicked ass in own different ways.


The Good:
The good that happened there was numerous, but I’ll just do flashcard cliff notes.
The food, battles, throwing exotic weapons, meeting new friends. The park, glow sticks at 2 am, Smurfs!, random aborigines painted camp raidin peeps, Crazy Bastard and the Flask of Doom! Australians, The Delaware crew, wine tasting! New boots, long talks, surprise it’s Carlie! Stargazing (complete with shooting ones!!!), pop up party! 26 yards of silk brocade, leaving roses, Gabriel’s Landing, Robin and the Bermudians, Apple Pie, Drumming, Midnight Madness, Three Skulls party, aceing my marshaling test and last but definitely not least, quiet mornings watching the sunrise.


The Weak:
Not a lot of suck went on but I’ll try to list what I thought could of not of happened so much.
The three day soaking, death of a merchant, Archery is where??? Miscommunications, Late for a class, cold nights sleeping alone, no beginner leatherworking, 151 rum‘s taste, missing ID, sad cookie, random lost stuff, foot pain, poorly made tunic, too much to do at once, bad past memories, camp breakdown, early morning criers, mean ass people with spot lights, and lastly Camps shrinking in sizes (or not even showing up).



The Parties:
Did do more of them this year then last year, almost all of them were massive affairs. The best was a toss up between The wine tasting and the pop up party me and Slim did. Both were massive fun, with one having swans and surprise (and very hot) drop in guests, and the other just for the spontaneity of it happening out of nowhere. All the other parties for the most part had the goods and the bads, with only one having more of the latter then I’d like (IE: wayyy over crowded)


The Shopping:
Which came in the form of new boots, mug holders, new knives and my first axes and other various odd and ends. Most of the vendors were willing to wheel and deal when temped to. That might have been sign of the economy, people simply weren’t buying. Although the deals on Midnight Madness weren’t rock bottom, gotta move this things affairs. They still worked for me and my budget. As a note, the merchants were all very knowledgeable, courteous, ands willing to help with most questions I had.


The Quotes:
No matter where I go, or do, there are quotes that just stick out of my brain when I get finished with it, Pennsic followed in that suit. Which include the following…
I need a better angle.
Yo, Slim… 8 Hours.
You! In the Swan, come here, you’re hot!
Brains aren’t exactly a requirement to be in Pennsic security.
I’m not drunk enough to do that yet.
So, I hear that Archery went to Ohio.
26 yards of silk brocade..
Go big or go home..
Johnny, I poured all the brandy into the flask.
I get to eat my own cherry huh?
Dwarf, unfuck the blender!



The Things I Take Home:
Stuff I went home with that means the mostly to be was both tangible and not so much. I really didn’t want to leave, even stayed an extra day past the time I was supposed to because of the intangibles. My Baldric would be high in the tangibles. That was sweet to get. Those and the new boot, most expensive piece of footwear I’ll probably ever own, but worth it.


The Special:
I’ll devote this to someone I know as one of the most special and remarkable people I’ve met at Pennsic. She’s cute, amazing, talented, creative and made my time there this year a gift I really don‘t think I deserved. She had a few problems during her time there and I wish I could have been able to help. But that’s the brakes and I have to remember my limits. Important part is that I got to spend all those minutes with her, and hope I get to spend a serious number on minutes with her in the future…. When you’re in your zone, you’re something special babe. Don’t let anyone tell you or make you feel different. Not even me. And thanks to brother Slim for introducing me to her.

   Sewing's all done, Machine put away and Serenity's all loaded up, ready to go for tomorrow's trek to 'The Pitt Event'. Anything I didn't pack, well it's getting left and I'll make due without it. Plan is to work from 8-3 tomorrow, close the store, transform and roll out. Still a little nervous about a few things here, like most of the stuff (and people) I usually look after. But like my boss and friend said, 'Go have fun n let it sort itself out for change'.

   Makes think about Friday again though writing that. When of the boys asked if Little John always owned the store, and I had say no, his dad had it.... my dad. Well in spirit anyways. I had to walk up front to avoid anymore questions about that. For those that don't know, big John was one of the greatest friends I ever had. Taught me a lot about handling my temper, life choices, taking charge of situations without punching someone and being responsible. There were days when we'd talk for hours after I got finished work. His insights and way of looking at things was incredible. In October of 07 he finally died of Cancer, followed soon after by my real dad. So when people ask me about him.. I don't like looking back for reasons just like that. Big JOhn, friends from school, Dottie. All of you were ripped from here, and me too soon.
   
   At the Pitt Event, I was invited to go to a party honoring a friend, one of the people from Bermuda that we know that passed not too long ago. I'm pretty sure I'll go because the man was one of the people that made me Love the SCA that first event in Jersey. Not to mention that the people there going to  toast the man are some of the coolest people I know in the SCA. But I think, as a request I'll ask to do a toast for people we've recently lost in our lives. People that matter. People that made us who we are. Good people that aren't with us anymore.. Miss you asshole, as do a lot of peeps still on this end. One night when I'm laying up on the battlefield doing that stargazer thing, I'll do some more talking with you. And yeah, I'll try not to ask any stupid questions this time round...

  Man, just got back from the total wine outlet store in Deleware, empty handed. Found out that right before I got there the killer lightning storm that rolled through here knocked out power for them. Sure was pretty to watch all the strikes landing about me, and the rain was cold so it felt good, but caused me to fail the booze mssion I had planned. So I'll have to head back tomorrow morning to pick up what I need for there.  Anyone need anything for Pittsburg I can pick up for ya tomorrow morn?

  Last minute plans include prepping the truck (oil, air and such checks), haircut, getting a few things from various stores, (like a new chair) Making sure everything at home is good to go. Last minute garb alterations. Packing the truck. Making sure the Navigator and radar detector is all set. And load the camera with the large memory chip I have for it. (cause peeps want pix).

  Leaving Sunday afternoon right after I get off of work at three. Should get there and ready to set up by 8/9. Just in time to head to Vlads!

The Pittsburg event, or what most (not me) refer to as Pennsic is just a few days away. And though people view it’s coming in different ways, I tend to view it as a learning experence. I never subscribed to the Pennsic magic I heard everyone talking about to me the year before. But I understand it now. I understand the anticipation that you feel right before you get there. the people you'll see again. Things you'll get to do. All the crafts, novelties and useless skills in modern society I can learn from strangers.

I’m currently prepping for it like I used to train for a fight. Trying to anticipate everything that might happen while there. The last month has had me running on a four boilers trying to crank out as much productivity as I can muster. Pants are all done, shirts are…ok I’ll be buying those there. (But at the least I can say my skills are growing) Planning for the camp is about 90% completed. And the final weeks schedule for what needs to get done is in place.

Am I excited? I keep getting asked. Yes and no. I think I am, but I know my brain when it gets like this. It’s too damn busy trying to think of everything I’ll need. I’m excited to a degree that I know I’ll be seeing people I haven’t seen for a spell now. I’m glad to know how totally dynamic and outgoing my campmates are going to be. But in a broad scale, I think I’m just in the mode I got into all those years ago. Get ready for whats to come, and get into the moment when it finally gets here.

‘Preparation and orgrastration leads to a cleaner execution of anything you plan’ is what I was told. So that’s where I am now. Prepping for something I’ve never done before. Which is take a real 2 week vacation away from all the responsibilities, cares, concerns, headaches, and all that ‘real life stuff’. Better get back to work on this.

BTW this clunky restart on LJ by me is brought to you by… simoniff . His writing and amazingly unique way of throwing things to cyber paper has inspired me to try and follow his lead.

I was running through the net tonight and I found something that popped up on a random news feed I get. It was excerpts for a book that someone, who apparently researched this, came up with about illness that are associated with your specific horoscope. Take a peek and see if you came to the same conclusion I came while readin it.

BTW if you wanna read the book it was called "Planetary Apothecary: An Astrological Approach to Health and Wellness" by Stephanie Gailing.

Aries: Stay Ahead of Headaches

Aries rules the head and brain, which also means that many Rams are vulnerable to headaches. Taking time to relax is important when you get a headache (and for preventing them in the first place). Additionally, keep tabs on your diet to see if particular foods lead to a throbbing noggin; for example, many migraine sufferers are sensitive to aged cheese, sour cream, red wine, and chocolate.

Aries Health-Supporting Foods: Red Foods

Red is associated with Aries: It's the color of your element, fire, as well as the brilliant hue that emanates from Mars. So why not enjoy a host of nutrient-rich red foods? For example, beets are rich in appetite-satisfying fiber, tomatoes are filled with heart-healthy lycopene, and cayenne peppers contain the natural pain-relieving capsaicin.
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Taurus: Protect Your Throat

To maintain the health of the Taurus-ruled throat region throughout the year, adopt the habit of drinking plenty of water each day. Throat-soothing teas -- many of which contain the herbs marshmallow root and slippery elm -- with a touch of added honey make a delightful beverage. Also make sure your diet provides you with ample amounts of nutrients -- notably immune-supportive vitamin C, zinc, and flavonoids -- to help ward off infections.

Taurus Health-Supporting Foods: Garden Herbs

Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme: This quartet of herbs can be one of the best additions to a Taurean menu. They're an inexpensive way to add flavor to your meals and, even when used in small amounts, add a wealth of nutrients to your diet.
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Gemini: Relieve Stress and Tension

Geminis love to gather data. While you feel drawn to this type of mental stimulation, you can also suffer from information overload, resulting in undue stress on your nervous system. This stress often manifests in muscular tension -- notably in your shoulders. It's especially important for Geminis to tune out every now and then. Take periodic vacations from your cell phone, computer, and television, and schedule a little quiet time each day where you can tune out the world and tune into yourself.

Gemini Health-Supporting Foods: Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Beta-cryptoxanthin, an up-and-coming nutritional star, is a cousin of beta-carotene that offers great support for the health of the Gemini-ruled lungs. It's a powerful antioxidant that can be converted in the body to vitamin A and is thought to lower the risk of developing lung cancer.
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Cancer: Trust Your Gut

In medical astrology, the stomach and esophagus are ruled by Cancer, making them two of the Crab's more vulnerable body spots. Reducing caffeine, watching out for food allergies, and eating slowly can help reduce heartburn as can natural remedies such as bromelain and slippery elm.

ancer Health-Supporting Foods: Brassica Vegetables

The Brassica family of vegetables -- including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, and mustard greens -- can be important to your health. Also known as crucifers, their unique sulfur-containing nutrients help the liver neutralize cancer-causing chemicals.
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Leo: Care for Your Heart

Since the sign of Leo rules the heart, Lions need to pay particular attention to their cardiovascular health. High blood pressure and atherosclerosis can cause your heart to work harder than it needs to. Your self-motivation is a plus here, as an individually guided wellness program of exercise, diet, and stress management practices can do wonders for heart health.

Leo Health-Supporting Foods: Grapes

Among their numerous benefits, grapes are a sweet way to keep your heart in tip-top shape. While green grapes are delicious, red and purple ones contain more antioxidants, including the polyphenol resveratrol (which is even more concentrated in red wine). This nutrient extraordinaire is a hot topic in research circles for its cardiovascular and anti-aging benefits.
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Virgo: Aid Digestion

Virgoans may want to pay careful attention to their digestive health. Excess stress and the routine intake of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lead to intestinal permeability, a cause of indigestion and nutrient malabsorption. One way to boost intestinal health is to eat a diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids (featured in cold-water fish) as well as the flavonoid and carotenoid phytonutrients found concentrated in fruits and vegetables.

Virgo Health-Supporting Foods: Whole Grains

The symbol for your sign, the Virgin, is often depicted holding onto a sheaf of grain, a food that can play a health-promoting role in a Virgoan's diet. Fiber-rich whole grains are better for you than ones that have been refined, which are stripped of many of their naturally occurring nutrients.
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Libra: Back Up Back Health

In the name of peace and harmony, Librans tend to bend over backward for others. While your gracious and accommodating disposition is second nature, it isn't without its stress, which often takes refuge in the Libra-ruled lower back, translating into pain and stiffness. Chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture can be beneficial in promoting back health as can graceful, yet strengthening, fitness approaches such as Pilates and Gyrotonics. Ensuring your work space has good ergonomics and your mattress is adequately supportive can also be helpful whether you have a bad back or just want to prevent one.

Libra Health-Supporting Foods: Berries

Brimming with nutrients, especially phytonutrients with anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, Venus-ruled berries can spruce up your health. Raspberries and blackberries are especially rich in fiber, while cranberries may help prevent kidney stones. Berries are considered a low to medium glycemic index food and therefore won't elevate blood sugar as much as many other fruits.
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Scorpio: Maintain Regularity

While a complex Scorpio might not consider herself to be "regular," when it comes to your health, being regular is important, especially since your sign rules the large intestine. Bowel irregularity, often experienced as bouts of constipation, can reduce energy, impede weight loss, and detract from a sense of vitality. A fiber-rich diet can help keep things moving smoothly and promote optimal intestinal health. Activities that reduce stress -- including exercise, yoga, and meditation -- are also beneficial for the resilient Scorpio's digestive health.

Scorpio Health-Supporting Foods: Dark Chocolate

Scorpios' love of the dark can come in handy when choosing chocolate with the most health benefits. Darker chocolates have a higher content of cacao and therefore a greater amount of heart-healthy flavonoid antioxidants. Chocolate's allure also extends to its reputation as an aphrodisiac, a boon for sensually oriented Scorpios.
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Sagittarius: Strengthen Your Muscles

The sign of Sagittarius represents the desire to move from place to place. Consequently, in medical astrology, the buttocks and thighs, two areas intimately connected to movement, are associated with your sign. If the muscles located in these areas -- notably the quadriceps, hamstrings, or gluteus muscles -- are overly tight or weak, it can lead to lower back pain, knee instability, or sciatic nerve impingement. Regular exercise and massage can keep your muscles toned.

Sagittarius Health-Supporting Foods: Olives and Olive Oil

Jupiter-ruled olives and their oil earn a gold medal when it comes to nutrition. Rich in health-promoting fats and antioxidants, olives and olive oil play a starring role in the Mediterranean diet and are thought to be one of the reasons that this approach to eating offers protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer.

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Capricorn: Keep Your Knees Flexible

In medical astrology, the sign of Capricorn is associated with the joints. As such, you may want to take special care of your joints -- especially your knees -- to ward off the potential for developing arthritis. An anti-inflammatory diet -- filled with foods and spices rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants -- can do wonders for supporting rheumatic health, as can watching your stress levels.

Capricorn Health-Supporting Foods: Goat's Milk

Unsurprisingly, goat's milk -- and the yogurt and cheese made from it -- can be a health-supporting food for the Mountain Goat. It is rich in calcium, with 1 cup providing over 300 milligrams of this bone-building mineral.
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Aquarius: Mind Your Lower Legs and Ankles

Just like Achilles, your spot of vulnerability is the eponymous tendon, as well as the rest of your lower leg including your calf and ankle. Numerous afflictions can impact this area of the body including muscle spasms, shin splints, restless leg syndrome, and swollen or twisted ankles. Take extra precautions when exercising to guard against injury. As for diet, magnesium- and potassium-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables, can help keep your muscles functioning smoothly.

Aquarius Health-Supporting Foods: Exotic Fruit

Aquarians are the global citizens of the zodiac, and as such, they find the exotic both attractive and familiar. That's of benefit when it comes to fruits, as those from the tropics -- such as goji and açai berries, guava, and even the more common papaya and pineapple -- can be health-promoting additions to an Aquarian diet.

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Pisces: Support Your Soulful SolesPisces

Even when walking down the street, Pisceans tend to have their heads in the clouds rather than their focus on the ground, leading to a greater than fair share of stubbed toes. Try to put your inclination to daydream on hold while navigating your environment. Also, don't sacrifice comfort for fashion; your gentle soles need support -- whether in a strappy sandal or winter boot -- to avoid the aches and blisters to which they are inclined.

Foods: Fish and Shellfish

Not surprisingly, fish and shellfish can play an important role in a healthy Piscean diet. The protein these foods provide gives you long-running energy, while their selenium and zinc help support your immune system. Anti-inflammatory omega-3s -- most concentrated in fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring -- promote heart health, reduce symptoms of depression, and contribute to radiant skin and hair.

ladyandromeda  !!!   Hope you have a good day today. You're a very special person to me girl. One of the few who can make people smile by mere presence. I know you're already tote'in one of the best gifts you could ever get. So I'm wishing some others almost as great come your way this comming year! 

Wanted to shout out HAPPY B-DAY!!! To a special girl with a very big heart. Happy Birthday To ligerjen!

You're a rare and special girl Jen, don't let anyone tell you different. I hope you and your family have a good day today, and you have a great comming year as well. You deserve every good thing this world will grace you with.

Sniping a post from my lair to wish a happy B-day to one of the most dynamic personalities I've had the pleasure to know.
Happy B-day your_sleep_god!! Hope you have a good day today and better upcomming year!

Happy (spirialing, electric sliding into the aluminum siding, off the back boards into the parked cars around the fat guy and nothing but net)Birthday to a special Irish gal I we know as the ever charismatic one, Mrs Swashbuckle boy herself,
Anisette_Toast.

I hope this and the comming days are filled with pleasant surprises, unbridled laughter, and memories of good things to last for years to come sweetie... You desereve every kindness, gift and praise your frinds, and this world visits on you. Don't ever stop being the good things I will always see you as, and say you are.

I don't post all that often on LJ anymore, but this is a special occation. I want to wish a happy B-day to a special wayward Kiwi I know.

Happy Birthday illuminant love!!! Hope you have a good day today sweetie, and great comming year.

Congrats to the Phillies and all the fans that supported em this! Love that city and.. please don't do to much damage to it :)

Wishing a Happy B-day to Bruddah Eldershadow! Hope is a good day for you dude!

happy B-day Petiteflower!! Hope today goes well for you Girly!

Wanted to take a few and do a shout out to one of the sweetest girls I've ever had the luck to call a friend. Happy birthday Befers! Hope you have a good day today sweetie. And I hope the year gets better for you as it grows. You're a a rare kinda good person and you deserve every kindness you get girly! (woulda highlighted your name babe but LJ being finiky with me tonight.)

Your result for The Angel Test...

Jeremiel

Take The Angel Test at HelloQuizzy

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...

NBPC - The Daydreamer

Take The Perception Personality Image Test at HelloQuizzy

 Ok ten words here that means something to me (lots and the littles) that start with the letter...K.comming to you from my sponser of said letter, Miss sageblessingand in, like me, a random kinda order.

1) Knights
2) Knives
3) Krispy Kreemes
4) Kicks
5) Karen
6) Kites (in OCMD)
7) Kids
8) Kisses
9) Krazy Glue
0) Kindness

 Wishing a special happy birthday to very special some of us know as   sageblessing !  Hope you have a good day today and wish for you to have a better year.   

Happy B-day to  my little Kitty Kat  ishtar137 Yeah I know it's almost midnight, but I was busy with stuff, and hey, I did help throw your party!

I am a Snapdragon What Flower Are You?