Baron Wars Ten...hoo boy.

[merimask]

Wow.  This weekend I suddenly realized it's been TEN years since the Summer Of Liberation.  Ten years since the divorce.  Just...huh.

Baron Wars X, 2007.

Ten years ago I was freshly separated from my ex and struggling like hell to make ends meet.  I was doing every single SCA event within driving distance...it's a wonder everyone wasn't sick of me by the end of that summer.  Anyway I recieved a phone call from a fellow named (aptly) "Cowboy" who was planning a start-up event near Toledo Ohio and he loved my masks and would I pleeeeeze come merchant since he needed cool merchants to help draw a crowd?   Not being one to pass up any opportunity that year, I said "sure".

So, I packed up my stock and left the kid and the dogs (my Aussies Tucker & Ruby were still alive then) with grandma, and drove five hours to Toledo.  The event site was (and remains) the coolest I'd ever seen, Fort Meigs.  A real 17th century fort, complete with earthworks and stockades...a lovely site.  One could almost completely suspend one's disbelief in the modern world in a place like that, especially at night with the torches lit.   Baron Wars one was a huge success.  I got hit upon frequently enough to become convinced that my life was not "over" (and in fact was beginning all over again).  Cowboy was swamped with people...he expected about 300 and over 800 came.   I sold many masks and had a wonderful weekend and made a ton of money.  I drove home on Mother's Day (I remember this distinctly) feeling pretty good about myself and my ability to care for my little family. 

Even though it was a scary, uncertain time, I always look back on that year (and especially that one event) with fondness.  I was at my strongest, most determined best that year.    It was, oddly, a very happy time in my life.

So, fast forward past many other Baron Wars.  Many many things change.  Fort Meigs remains the same...in fact due to renovations it is perhaps better than ever.  Maybe (throwing humility aside) I can say that about myself and my artwork as well.  :-)

Some pictures:

The front stockade of Ft. Meigs...coolest site ever.


Before a battle.  Everyone's milling around discussing who is going to kick who's butt.  And just how that butt kicking will go down.


Commencement of the butt-kicking!  It was a bridge battle...the hay bale lanes = bridges.  Oh, just shut up & squint!  See?  Bridges.


I REALLY love all the period tents...there were hundreds at this event.   Doesn't it look neat?  That's hand-painted, by the way.


Merchant's Row...some of the larger period tents.  Those things cost upwards of 2,000 dollars.


My row...I'm down there somewhere.




My own Not-Period tent.  Eh...at least it's waterproof.  Plus I use it at regular Art Fairs...because the period tent look really doesn't float at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Festival.  :-)

My stuff looked pretty good on the new grid walls...

The new Kirin...

the Celestial Dragon & the Spriggan masks...

Fire & Frost!

Mask sales were so-so.  *shrug*  It was great just to have them out in the open where people could see them.

BIGGEST difference between my first Baron WArs and this one; I'm married to a good guy who is an excellent provider.  If I have a so-so event, it's not the end of the world.  Being able to really enjoy an SCA event without fear of forclosure hanging over one's head...that's priceless.

AND!  Because I'm honest:

I don't know what the worst thing about this picture is.  The lighting?  The cheap hotel room?  The glasses (yes I wear glasses)...or the fact that I'm NOT WEARING PANTS?

I think it's the no pants thing. 

Comments

[ramblinsuze.livejournal.com]

Congrats on your liberation anniversary. I can empathize. Only three years since mine, but I'm definitely doing the happy dance, despite all the hardships since. Still thinking about changing my name, btw. I just keep thinking about the hassle of changing all my accounts, etc., not to mention letting everyone know about the change. But, I would *really* like to leave that chapter of my life behind, so... Hmm.

Your display looks absolutely gorgeous. Do you have a schedule somewhere of what events you are going to be at? I'm about a day's drive away, and would like to come take a look in person!

Lastly, would it make you feel better or worse that I am dressed exactly are you are in that picture? Pants, schmants... ;)

[indigos-angel.livejournal.com]

I changed my name, the whole darned thing!

I don't know if you were just talking about your last name, but seriously, for me it was soooooooo worth it! I won't lie and say I don't miss my old name sometimes, and people are kind enough to mess up and call me by it, but really, I only had one person be a pain, and I hardly knew the woman.

"Well, I knew you as *bleep* so *bleep*'s the way it's going to stay."

And it's not that big of a hassle really, btw. I live in Canada, and most people didn't even need to see ID, like at the doctor's office and stuff.

Good luck if you decide to do it! XDDDDd

[merimask.livejournal.com]

I highly recommend changing your name back because it feels WONDERFUL and it's like getting an ugly tattoo removed...you just feel unblemished by your former life when you do it. It's free, too...just bring your divorce papers to your local city hall Dept of Records and they'll do it for free (otherwise it costs 200 dollars!).

It's not too awful, changing everything. The big things are your DL and your SS card...but you can take care of all that in one afternoon, really. Do it! You'll feel so much better when you do.

You know, I never really know when or what I'm doing at any given time when it comes to SCA events. I sort of wing it, really. There are 3 or 4 big ones that I plan on every year and the rest just happen if I have time & energy (or a burning need for a whack of cash).

There IS one SCA event up near Kittery every February. I might attend if it doesn't overlap another event I do around the same time in Kalamazoo. I'll be sure to let you know. :-)

Pantsless People, unite! (if they're drawstring pants, then; "pantsless people, untie!")