Regency Exhibition Ball 2010

Here are a few pics from the Regency Ball this year! It was a wonderful weekend, especcially since we rented out the entire Palmer House Inn B&B!

Is this yet another sign??

I have performed with renaissance faires for 18 years.

I have performed with the Bristol faire, specifically for 11 years.

I was with the Michigan faire for something like 12 years.

I saw Michigan, in my opinion, go into a downward spiral into nothing but fantasy with compete disregard to history. I believe the whole point of an event set in a specific time period is to present history. Entertain AND educate.

Now I'm seeing thing at Bristol that have me concerned of this same fate.

This photo is a friend of mine. She is THRILLED to be playing a role this season as a fairy, and for her I am also thrilled. She is loving it! and she deserves to feel this bliss.

I, however, loathe and detest the idea of fairies at a historical renaissance faire. I am willing to accept them, for the sake of little children, IN the children's area. I will NOT accept the "Barbarian" area that has arrived for people to hit each other with glorified "fun noodles". I will NOT accept the zombies visiting this weekend.

Today I received an email from my "historical guilde" director disregarding the historical facts.

Needless to say, I'm worried these are all signs of Bristol's own downward spiral.

Elizabethan Gardens - Dudley Did Right

Robert Dudley,Earl of Leicester created a garden at Kenilworth in one of his many attempts to woo Queen Elizabeth I. They have now been able to recreate the garden, fountains & statuary to EXACT replicas. It's really pretty amazing, and needless to say, I desperately want to wander the gardens in my Elizabethan clothing with a gaggle of friends!

Let's Play History

I recently came across a website that think has the potential to turn into something great. Have you ever wanted to know where to buy a Victorian bonnet? How about wanting to learn to forge your own armour? Want to attend a reenactment of a Roman battle? These are the sort of things you'd be able to find or learn about at Let's Play History. But the site needs to be built up. Artists need to advertise. Groups need to promote themselves. So if you love history, know people who do, or have knowledge that needs to be shared, I strongly encourage you to poke around the site, sign up, make a small (or large!) donation. Maybe you can offer your services? Or maybe you just want to know more. This website could prove a great resource.

No, I don't have any affiliation with this group/website. I simply see the potential it has. Please help it flourish & help keep history alive!

Memories...like the corners of my mind

Here's hoping everyone enjoys their Memorial Day weekend (or Rememberance Day as it was known until sometime in the 1960s).

The kidlet is off to Vincennes in Indiana for Revolutionary War reenactment fun with our friends Jodi & Ray. Tonight hubby & I are going to see Johnny Depp in all his Capt. Jack gloriousness in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. Happy Piratey goodness!

On Sunday hubby, baby & I are going to Oshkosh (B'Gosh!) to visit the Paine Art Center, which is a historical estate & gardens who are having a wonderful exhibit on historical costuming in films. Oh darn! I just HATE seeing fabulous mansions, beautiful gardens in full bloom, and lovely historical costumes! (yes, that would be sarcasm...the photo here is one of the costumes on display from "Emma"). Then we'll spend the night so I'll be able to luxuriate in a hottub & indoor pool, before going to see more historical mansions & village on Monday!

Enjoy your weekend, however you choose to spend it!

Photos from the weekend

Pieter, Emily, Hannah & Sebastian VanRyen...our 1860s personas.

and some of the other members of the Great Lakes Reenactors Guilde.

And a few of the Civil War generals (Lee, Grant & Custard) with my guys.

Into the Past

This weekend the family, some friend & I will once again be stepping into the past as we head to Naperville Settlement down in Illinois for the civil war reenactment there. It's a fun time living as someone else for the day, while wearing pretty clothes. Of course, after having a baby & trying to squeeze into my 1860s dress was a trial by force last night. Thank God for corsets...and who really needs to breathe? (I can honestly say I prefer Elizabethan corsets over Victorian ones.) Next weekend the kidlet is going with our friends, The Steeles, to step even further into the past...she'll be reenacting the Revolutionary War at Vincennes,IN. There is something to be said for a 13-year-old who wants to "dedicate her life to historical reenactment". Maybe its a little crazy, but she loves learning the history & really its all about the clothing. (She is her mother's daughter, after all!) If anyone is around these fabulous events, perhaps you'll consider stopping in, visiting us, and learning a little?