-
-
Reblog: The Origins of 21 Common Phrases
I don’t know about you, but I love history. It inspires, humbles, and fascinates me. Part of that is learning the etymology of some common words and idioms, many of which are Medieval or even older. I list here some of the most fun ones I’ve come across and hope you enjoy learning about them…
-
Medieval Manuscripts Marginalia: the Original Memes
Humor often cuts through serious matters more forcefully and effectively than sharpness. — Horace, Satires Book 1, Satire 10, Line 14 Hey, friends! I came across something interesting today—a post about the history of memes. Naturally, my mind went straight to thinking about how far back memes might go. I was hoping for a fun…
-
Life and Art in 15th Century Bruges: The Bening Workshop – Masters of Illumination
“Where hands and minds combine, the painted word shines bright. In Bruges, masters craft the heavens in their works, making gold and light dance upon the page.” Anonymous (15th-century), on the Bening Workshop In the bustling city of Bruges, the Bening workshop stood out. It was a beacon of artistic excellence. This was during the…
-
-
Heraldry in the SCA: Balancing History and Creativity
Heraldry has always been more than just a pretty design—it’s the mirror of the soul, showcasing both the virtues of the past and the hopes for the future. -Bartolus de Saxoferrato in the 14th century. If you’re a reenactor, are you fascinated by historically accurate heraldic devices? Or maybe you just enjoy the art of…
-
WIP Wednesday: From the 15th Century, with Love
Hey, everyone! I don’t have any photos to share for this Work-In-Progress Wednesday. I’ve been hard at work on something exciting that’s almost finished! It’s a bit different from my usual projects, and I’m absolutely thrilled with how it’s turning out. I’m diving into a story set in—you guessed it—15th-century Bruges, my favorite time and…
-
Life and Art in 15th-Century Bruges: Part 1 – Introduction to the City
“Bruges, in thee we find all that is fair: A city rich in goods and graced by air. Thy towers rise, like stories told in stone, Of grandeur, of beauty, and of a name well-known.” George Chastellain (c. 1405–1475) Hello, dear readers! Welcome to the first installment of my series, “Life and Art in 15th-Century…
-
-
Walking with Pilgrims: The Calon Cathedral and the Tale of the Dancing Porkchop
“They travel for devotion’s sake, but often find their own desires.” Marguerite of Navarre (1492–1549) humorously observes that people may set out on a pilgrmage for religious reasons, personal motives often slip into the journey. Hey, all! At the June 2024 Calontir Lilies War, I had the pleasure of taking a unique class taught by…
-
Commentary with Heart: A Guide to Supportive Judging
Hey there, fellow SCA enthusiasts! Because Kingdom Arts and Sciences Competition is fast approaching, today, I want to talk about judging. A topic that’s close to my heart. But before we get to it, let’s set the stage with a friendly reminder. The ultimate goal here isn’t just to decide the worthiness of an entry….
-
-
Adapting to AI in the SCA: A Challenge for A & S Judging
In 2010, I had the honor of joining the Order of the Laurel in the SCA, the highest recognition for artisans. This achievement came after years of research, hands-on work, and countless hours spent writing documentation for my Arts & Sciences entries. And while some may find that part tedious, I’ve always found joy in…
-
WIP Wednesday: Rekindling My Passion for Medieval Illumination
It’s time for another WIP Wednesday! I’ve been working on a preprint that’s brought me so much joy this week. One I planned to turn in at last Saturday’s Mag Mor’s Cattle Raids event. But I wasn’t able to attend it due to a foot injury. I am happy to report that because of that…
-
From Respect to Recognition: Making Savvy Peerage Recommendations
Hey there! Ever found yourself admiring someone’s dedication and skill in the SCA and wondered if you can recommend them for peerage? You’re not alone! Many folks wonder about this, and it’s a common topic of conversation. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can do this properly and effectively. Can You Recommend Someone…
-
Behind the Blog: the Four Pillars of a Laurel
Hey all! Some of you have asked why I write so many detailed posts about the SCA and all things artsy. The answer is pretty simple! As I see it, a Laurel in the SCA, has four key responsibilities that guide my involvement: Championing the Arts and Sciences – I love being a proponent of…
-
Do Something: The Power of Action
I was watching Michelle Obama’s speech the last night, and something she said really stuck with me. At one point, she urged everyone to “Do something.” I don’t remember the exact words she used, but the simplicity of that phrase hit me hard: Do something. It felt like a call to action that echoed a…
-
Bringing a Preprint to Life: Work in Progress Wednesday Update
Hey everyone! I’ve been working on a few projects like the fibulae for Baroness Kathleen and the basket I bought. But something new jumped to the front of the line at the last Lonely Tower Scriptorium—a preprint. I’ll need it done in time for this Saturday’s Calontir event! I’m heading to the Barony of Mag…
-
From Novice to Laurel: the Pathway to Acknowledgment in the SCA
Becoming a Laurel in the SCA isn’t something that happens overnight. How long does it take, you ask? Well, that’s a bit of a journey with no set timeline. In the world of medieval reenactment, meeting the peerage standard for all its kingdoms can be quite the quest. When I started in the Kingdom of…
-
Unlocking Illuminated Manuscripts Secrets: A Guide for SCA Scribes
Hello scribes and historical arts fans! As SCA scribes, we have the incredible opportunity to bring the past to life through our award scrolls. One of the best ways to deepen our craft is by diving into the world of illuminated manuscripts. These historical treasures offer a wealth of inspiration and insight, helping us to…
