Society for Creative Anachronism
The author reflects on the effectiveness of audiobooks as research tools, particularly for studying Ming-dynasty history. They highlight how listening to stories enhances learning and retention, especially for individuals with dyslexia. Audiobooks allow for a more engaging understanding of history, revealing intricacies through narrative rather than dense text. Curiosity drives exploration and discovery.
The post discusses how qigong complements SCA activities and emphasizes utilizing YouTube for learning despite the absence of local masters. It outlines five tips for identifying quality qigong instruction videos, including clarity of posture, breathing cues, pacing, teacher credentials, and production quality, ensuring a safe and effective practice.
The author is eagerly anticipating the arrival of their apprentice, Tanneke, who will assist in creating garb for their new persona, Li Zhenyan. They plan to take real photographs, moving away from reliance on AI-generated images. The author expresses excitement about bringing their persona to life.
The author reflects on a lunch discussion with their grandkids about artificial intelligence, highlighting diverse attitudes towards AI. The grandson embraces its use while the granddaughter rejects it, illustrating a lack of shared understanding. The author proposes “The 3 Checks Rule” to evaluate AI’s output, emphasizing judgment over fear.
The content explores the practices of smoke cleansing and Qigong, highlighting their shared purpose of energy clearing. Smoke cleansing refreshes the external environment through intentional smoke, while Qigong promotes internal harmony through breath and movement. Together, they align outer and inner worlds, facilitating clarity and balance for both space and self.
ByJehanne BeningDecember 4, 2025 “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…
“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….
A heartfelt look at celebrating holidays when life allows. Blended families, SCA traditions, and the reminder that togetherness matters more than the date.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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…
I’m not sure I should admit to this as an SCA laurel. I worry about showing any sign of weakness in my creative life people might think less of me. But you know what? I’m saying it anyway, because if I’m feeling this way, I’m probably not the only one. The truth is: I have…
I found this wonderful post from Kythe’s blog Inn of Bards Rest about creating your own wiki. So enjoy, because everyone needs one. What should be in my Wiki? One of the things I often get asked is “What should I put in my Wiki to be considered for an award?” The wiki is so…
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…
When the Great Recession rolled in, event attendance did take a hit. People were laid off. Gas prices skyrocketed. Suddenly, that two-day drive to a Kingdom-level war with a glorious feast did not make the cut. Even camping under the stars was also excluded from the monthly budget. But guess what? The SCA didn’t collapse….