The midwest SCA region known known as the Kingdom of Calontir.
Preparing for Lilies War has become overwhelming due to unexpected life events. Responsibilities include teaching, family graduations, and a surprise birthday party, all while managing home renovations and laundry at a laundromat. Despite the chaos, the author values these busy moments filled with family, teaching, and creative projects.
The author reflects on a moment captured in a craft store, where they participate in “Junk Journaling” with their stepdaughter. Wearing a sweatshirt from a past Calontir coronation, they find joy in blending their historical interests with modern crafting. This experience highlights the fluidity of identity over decades.
Then and Now Every now and then in my SCA wanderings, I look back at old notes, posts, or lists and rediscover bits of Calontir history I’d completely forgotten I knew. Recently, while rummaging around in my 2019 memory-box, I came across a reference I’d made to a blog called Stars and Garters, which I…
“What is written once may be lost; what is written twice endures.” ~Scribal Proverb You Won’t Believe This! Look what I used to do on purpose for fun! I stumbled across the documentation and photo for a Kingdom Arts & Sciences competition entry by accident. This happened when I was cleaning out old digital storage….
I write about my visit to Oakview Mall where I came upon a palm plant, leading to a reflection on rattan’s significance in the SCA community. I explore the palm family, contrasting different types, while also recommending a friend’s plant blog and suggesting the local botanical gardens as places to connect with nature.
The Itinerant Scribe reflects on a journey that transcends physical travel, evolving from a 14th-century Irish persona to a 15th-century Bruges scribe. This transformation includes a shift from traditional arts to the practice of Tai Chi, which she plans to teach. Embracing movement as a form of art, she continues to share her discoveries.
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.
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.
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.
At this fall’s Cattle Raids, I’ll be taking Lady Tanneke Groenlaken as my second apprentice. She’s from my home barony, which makes things even better. Tanneke loves diving into research and learning new things. HL Astrid is also excited about her joining the household and has already become a good friend to her. Welcoming Tanneke…
Even with several storms, forgoten meds, and unintended dog food, I found joy at the 2025 Lilies War. It was full of surprises, laughter, and perfect moments in all the chaos. Read about the classes, vigils, and a few “oops” moments that made it unforgettable! Packing Adventures (a.k.a. “Why is my hip mad at me?”)…
Meet HL Astrid Esbjornsdottir. She is a beloved Calontir scribe, mentor, and scroll artist with over 40 years of service in the SCA.
Last Saturday’s 2025 Calontir Queen’s Prize Tournament event was a wonderful achievement celebration. It showed how joyful—and exciting—the SCA arts and sciences can be. It always starts the same way. There’s that first spark—an idea, a project, a skill you just can’t wait to try. So you dive in, you buy all the necessary materials…
For last Saturday’s Crown Tournament, I finally finished the heraldic design with the blue background and three white crescents. It’s a simple design—elegant and clean—but true to form, I tried to make it complicated first. Azumi Nariko’s device isn’t up on the Calontir website yet. So, I tracked it down on the SCA heralds’ OSCAR…
Last weekend was Calontir’s Crown Tournament—and what a day! I helped out here and there. I had some great chats with friends, as one does. I even managed to snap a few pictures between all the action. If you’ve never been to a Calontir Crown Tourney, let me describe it for you. The list field…
Hello, dear friends and fellow artisans! As Winter settles in around us, I find myself reflecting about all the kindness, generosity, and creativity that fill our lives. This is true whether in 15th-century Bruges or today in the SCA. In Bruges, we’d say that winter’s darkness is brightened by the kindness of friends. The talents…
Hey there, friends! Do you know the senses of a great craft competiton? The kind you hear the hum of conversation. The scent of slow-cooked meat. And the sight of beautifully crafted projects. It could only be Calontir’s Kingdom Arts and Sciences Competition. It is one of my favorite events of the year! This time,…
“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…
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…
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…