What could you try for the first time This year, I’m stepping into something completely new—I’m preparing to teach Tai Chi! I’ve already written a few blog posts about my journey so far, but now it’s becoming real. On November 8, I’ll be taking the Tai Chi instructor training class, the next big step toward…
After seven years of practicing Tai Chi for Balance, I’ve been accepted into a Tai Chi Teacher Training Program. Motivated by the absence of Qigong at Lilies War, I aim to teach balance and mindfulness to others. This journey combines my passions for art, history, and personal growth into a new adventure.
Qi Gong, rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, emphasizes the balance of Qi, yin, and yang for vitality and harmony. Practiced for over 2,000 years, it incorporates posture, breath, and movement, making it accessible to all. Benefits include improved balance, energy efficiency, and stress relief, enriching both SCA life and individual well-being.
The post explores historical ways travelers in 1500 maintained their health, introducing a Traveler’s Health Kit featuring gentle movements inspired by ancient practices like Qigong. It emphasizes the importance of simple exercises for relaxation and balance, reflecting on how pilgrims, merchants, and scribes restored themselves during journeys.
So, here’s to the rebels of the Renaissance and beyond—those who dared to read what wasn’t allowed. Let’s honor their legacy by keeping the conversation going, one book at a time.
Over seven years of practicing Tai Chi for Balance, I’ve experienced the profound impact of mindfulness in movement. This journey has improved my physical, emotional, and mental balance, leading me to pursue instructor certification. The practice not only prevents falls but enhances overall well-being, offering a path of awareness in daily life.
One of the threads I recently read on Facebook really struck me. It asked how we sustainably manage our SCA activities. How can we do this while still keeping a balanced “mundane” life underneath it all? It’s a question we have all faced at some point, whether we are inside the SCA or not. But…
The Calontiri Wiki is an invaluable resource for participants in the Calontir community. It contains personal pages, group histories, award information, and event documentation, serving as a collective memory. Creating a page enriches individual recognition and commemorates contributions, fostering connection and honoring both current and past members of the Kingdom.
I found another “Itinerant Scribe” while searching for an Arts & Sciences event on a blog. This reminded me that searches often deliver surprises.
Mistress Astrid’s Laureling showcased the power of community, artistry, and generosity. Numerous contributors, from Baroness Kathleen’s embroidery to Mistress Aidan’s exquisite scroll, brought together a memorable celebration. Each individual’s effort, including food and shelter logistics, highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines the SCA, making the occasion unforgettable for all involved.
The Guild of Osiris supports SCAdians affected by loss, focusing on memorial events, redistribution of goods, and education on estate planning. They aim to honor those who have passed while preserving SCA history and culture. Currently, they seek donations for a digital archive to further their mission of memory-keeping.
Last Sunday, August 9th, was supposed to be one of those really good local happening SCA days. The Barony of the Lonely Tower was holding a Gathering Revel, complete with an Arts and Sciences display. And just my kind of event. I’d been looking forward to it for weeks. That morning, I did the usual…
The AI roundtable at the 2025 Lilies War focused on the responsible use of AI tools in creative projects. Participants discussed AI’s helpfulness in research and editing while raising concerns about content generation. Emphasizing the importance of honor and integrity in the SCA, the group acknowledged the need for clear guidelines on AI usage.
Today’s unexpected treasure? SOCKS. Not just any socks—these are loud, proud, and ready to shout your personality straight from your ankles. One sock says BOOK down the side in a rainbow of colors. The other? NERD, just as colorful and just as accurate. Put them together and you’ve got “Book Nerd” in stereo. They’re cozy….
At this year’s Lilies War, a merchant’s sample of Lavender Lemonade captivated attendees. The drink’s refreshing floral and tart flavors make it ideal for Baronial events. The recipe was shared, and the writer plans to recreate it for future gatherings, though it may not align with persona period authenticity guidelines.
Here I share my experience of accumulating over 30 silica gel packets from medications and probiotics. With all those I searched for helpful information about reusing these packets. They are particularly for reenactors, and encourage my readers to consider unusual ways to use them instead of discarding them. A linked resource provides you nine ideas for repurposing.
Margaret of York, an English princess and duchess of the 15th century, is celebrated for her strong political prowess and resilience. After the death of her husband, she effectively governed and maintained stability in the Burgundian state. Her legacy continues to inspire admiration for women in history.
I was hunting online for laurel leaf pins. You know, the kind you can gift to a Laurel candidate during a vigil conversation with them. Just a little token, a quiet nod, a “you’ve got this” in shiny metal form. While browsing, I chuckled to myself and thought, “Wouldn’t it be hilarious if I got…
“A library is a hospital for the mind.” — Anonymous medieval proverb (15th–16th c.) Recently, I was lolling at Barnes & Noble and browsing without purpose. I picked up a book that immediately got my attention. It was The Library: A Fragile History by Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen. And friends, let me tell…
To the Good People of Ansteorra: Our Hearts Are With You Like so many others across the Knowne World, I’ve been following the news of the devastating flash floods that recently struck parts of Ansteorra. The sorrow I feel for those affected by this disaster is immense. This includes both individuals within the SCA and…