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MD part tres, not quite a long, but very eventful
YIKES, sorry, I thought I had switched this to public when I finished it...sorry it's late.
So before I FORGET IT all. There is much to tell, for this was an eventful weekend and I had a long week. I pre-apologize for typos in this one, but I wanted to get it up before the next weekend started. With the daze of Hannah, some details will be forgotten, but let’s see how far we can get…caveats in place, and away we go…
WHEN WILL IT HIT?
So Friday was about watching TV, internet and listening to radio trying to find out when the storm would hit. Was it a tropical storm, a hurricane, or just annoying? Friday I head over to site later than wanted and get things set up for the weekend in all of my anal retentive glory. I end up working that evening and getting to bed at an ok time, while I watch the skies getting darker and darker and more ominous. By the time we head to sleep, the stormy rains begin.
TRAVELING IN STYLE
It’s damp and humid as hell as I get outside in the morning. I have to get breakfast on the way to site, and on arrival, get one of the last spots by the road where one of the powers that be is setting up cones. It’s more of a walk to the gate than I normally do, but before I start the trudging to the grounds inside, I am called out to by a kindly gentleman who asks if I want a ride in on his golf cart. I only have to get to gatehouse, but if he’s heading that way, why the heck not. M from Royal Foods escorts me with goodly conversation to my destination. I have to say, I don’t remember ever riding in one of them before, and the breeze and freedom are rather exhilarating. It makes me happy. I walk the rest of the way up the hill and head to my stage.
IS THERE A DRY SPOT?
I see much wetness on the stage and it’s threatening rain at any moment. I head to the top of Gatehouse to stretch and prep. I know I have extra time this morning, since there will be no sound system set up if the rain continues as it has been expected. Trinket arrives on this most auspicious birthday. She has forgone cupcakes today as there is just no point of trying to bring them in. We prep as best we can and come up with a rain plan for our shows, then head over to the costume house. It’s a bit early for us, but that’s ok. After towels are set up by Stitch, we head in. I do some more organization, and have to get changed into Columbina. I have a few things to take toward the White Hart to I head over in my rain jacket and my pirate hat that I have pulled out the feathers and leather thong so that it has as much coverage as possible.
NOT YET…
I stop by Noblesse to see if Kitteblue is available as she has something to give me that I thought would be really helpful today. She is caught behind an accident on the road and not there yet. Bugger. Ok, I drop off items at the white hart and head back to the costume house. I begin to struggle getting dressed. As I am just about ready, strumpetsRUs stops by with what I had been waiting for and I do a quick change. I am wearing almost all bad weather clothes as back ups. She helps me get organized. I am really happy with the new look. Morning meeting is being held at the costume house and I am having trouble hearing, so I wend my way to the picnic tables and sit down. It’s all about doing what you can, how you can. We have no clue who will show up, so we are just going to play it by ear.
BACK TO ITALY WITH SCAPINO
I have been asked to bring a ticket for Scapino, since he wants to be out in the rain just like us. Yeesh. Right before gate opens, I tramp out in my big hat and drop off a ticket at will call telling the regulars they are insane. This seems to make them happy, so I say it a bit louder. In I go to hear the truncated pre-show and watch as the “crowd” “rushes” in in less than 1 minute. It’s going to be a long day. The court is hiding under anywhere dry, including the new and huge souvenir booth. I realize that close to no one else is walking in the gates, so I head out to the streets. As I get close to Catskill, I step in. and it begins to pour. Each time I consider getting back out on the street to go farther it gets heavier. Joy. I tell the charming couple working there that it must be a sign I should stay. They are pleased, especially when other cast and playtrons stop in to keep them from being bored. Soon enough it is time to leave.
STOP TWO, JUST A BOOTH AWAY
I end up next at the silk and wax hand booth. Neidifyre is keeping her instrument dry and we stop and chat. I peruse the colors of the shop and wax on their prettiness…well, not literally, that would stain. We chat on scotch guarding and after making her squeak a few times, I head my merry way…toward my original goal. Next stop is rather far…its al the way to HMT, where the weather has destroyed the tuning of their ukuleles. I vow to try again the next day. Next, RE Piland to circle around and head to kitteblue to let her see my clothed self for her perusal. It’s lovely, but for someone with higher arms than I. The waist is digging in a few spots, so we go over adjustment concepts to fit both of our preferences. It’s good and I can feel improvement already. Plastic is the way to go.
WHAT NOW?
After all that…it’s um, 11. I still have an hour before my show with Trinket. This sucks as I am getting bored. I love you all, really, but I enjoy the patrons that randomly wander through the village. It’s also better for business and interesting conversation. I am getting frustrated from lack of activity. I head to the White Hart since there are a few more people under cover there. I ask around and find where the stage acts tend to perform there. It is over by the regulars at the tables stage left. Gregory of Carrolton is performing there and even with his amp, it’s almost impossible to hear him from a distance. We decide to play our show by suggestion.
BY THE SKIN OF OUR VOICES
We got up on the benches and asked for suggestions. We got Limerick, Long is the Dark, Captain’s Daughter, and threw in a few we had been working on. The king came by and deep ate a sausage for Trinket’s amusement. The crowd was appreciative and although we had no CD sales, we realized most of those in the audience already had it.. We didn’t go far as the next show wasn’t too far away. I headed to the food court with Vaklam and had a scotch egg and mashed potatoes with gravy. The potatoes were hot…VERY HOT. But tasty.
SECOND TIME’S A CHARM
We head back and kill time till the next show. I have been going out of my way to make sure that everyone know’s it’s Trinket’s natal day. Many offer her well wishes and sweet trinket’s of affection. It’s time for the second show. I am getting more bored and tired. Our show goes well, We pull out other new music and sing 9 inch will please a lady for the King, though he assured us he was a ruler. Scapino has is long tube of peanuts and we play with the crowd. We were silly and had fun. Next set the Hooligans sang stage right audience. Now, I had time to kill.
UM, OK.
I rush to the front gate to see if I can see Little Red Riding Hood. I am the only audience member and they have already decided to move on. Back I wander into the village. The rain has mostly slowed and we are warned we are in the eye and it’s going to get worse on the other end. The clouds pick up and we are dark again. There is some rain, but nothing horrible. There is wind, but not awful. I go on extended walk about with Scapino and we do some wandering and shopping. He follows me about the village and we stop for soup (no bread bowl for me). We separate and get togheter again. Finally, we are near the jousting field when the sky opens and there is suddenly sunlight, it is hot and bright. I cry that my eyes burn and the skin is melting. I ask security what that evil bright light in the sky is. They laugh at me.
KILLING TIME
I head toward Tiger Torre and amuse the crowd and two patrons by trying on masks and playing characters. There is still time to kill. To be honest, I can’t remember much more of the time that ran on and on. Finally, we headed back to the White Hart and Trinket and I go upstairs with Mickey Hooligan to go over the material for the pub sing. Soon enough, it’s time to start. The show is set up to be song into song. No long set ups or comedy. We revamp our opening so we are ready to keep in the theme and the sing begins.
FOOLING THE CROWD
As I get up on stage, I am handed a piece of paper from Trinket who asks me to sing this specific song instead. Mickey is playing the melody and I check a few notes and then start. This seems to confuse and upset a few people who are expecting that the material should be professional. About a verse into the song, they realize that it is all a set up and are laughing along with us as they get the joke. We end with me chasing Trinket off stage in “fury” There is much rejoicing. We head out of the pub and get ready to sing at the Globe.
INTIMACY
We end up repacking up the sound system as we realize the show will be intimate if anyone shows up at all. We get a few patrons I don’t know well and some boothies and regulars who can’t stop and see us normally. Again, we pull out a lot of new material to get the audience of 15’s opinion. The songs go over well and we are happy that we have picked keys we can sing in. While a small house, it was at least inspiriing and fun. We head back to the costume house and are the last people supposed to be in. I pack stuff up wth lots of space in the costume house. People are still dripping in and when I am closing up the costume house, I am greeted by SM-Jen who is just entering to get changed. I am EXHAUSTED and Trinket and Mirth go with me to CPK for a quick dinner. The maitre de recognized me as well. The night comes quickly and I am home working and comatose soon after.
NOT AGAIN
At least it’s dry this morning. I am exhausted, but have another day to go and there is hope for more audience and fun. I head off to site after making a protein shake and piling into the car. The ground has already mostly dried by the zephyrous breezes. I can even park closer, I go through row one and see the powers that be checking out a car that hasn’t parked in the cones. Sucks to be them. They pull out of the way for me and I realize I have a spot that didn’t require their movement at all. Oh well. I go in and head to gatehouse to stretch and sing. The stage is dry, this is good. I am stiff and very sore from the day before. I need lots of stretches. Trinket arrives and we talk about plans and schedules for the day. We set a show order.
PREPARATIONS
Over to the White Hart to run sound check. We have come to the conclusion that no matter what we set in the morning, it doesn’t much matter soon after. We say quick hellos and get some materials prepared then after a privy stop, I head to the Costume House. It feels good to put on Stupina. There are cases of pink cupcakes for trinkets belated birthday celebration. She is meeting some friends later in the day to share her pinkness. There is much drippng wetness that I stopped with a towel. It’s still wet, bleah. I am dressed with time to spare. I know I have to plan my romance war hit, so I make sure to set it up before we open.
BEEPING TO THE SMALL CROWD
Morning meeting proves to us that yesterday was the smallest attendance day ever. And they know, cause they had time to count EVERYONE…more than once, and triple check if they had been counted…cause it was small. It was a blasted tropical storm, so who I their right might comes out in that weather…oh wait, the regulars. Yeah, we love you…and we love you more when it’s dry out. Ah well, more interesting things will be happening today and we go over more notes, beep, and head out to gate. I take my pee break, face up, and am ready for the morning crowd’s arrival. It’s not slammed, but its but there is enough activity to make up for it. Stupina meets patrons and spends a slightly longer time playing with Fairy Godmother. We play the “we’re invisible, let’s go play skeet ball with each other in invisible world.” It is fun and a good way to allow shy or scared kids to get wands or the like without pressure. I wander away and head a bit farther into the village, but not far. Soon enough, it’s time to find Columbina.
FIRM CHANGE
Yesterday’s temp bodice is lovely and I am thrilled with the extra support, so as I change, I take the busk (well, center piece the busk is in) and place it under the fancy bodice. The extra support takes away the lumpiness of the current bodice and I am much happier with how it all looks. I put on the fancy chemise, even though I haven’t added the trim I wanted to get done, and head out after completing the transformation. I head out to site and over to the White Hart, stopping for some conversation along the way. At White Hart, I wire up, say hello to drier friends and we get ready for the show. We are doing show 2, wait, 1, wait…ok, 1 now. Its nice to have an audience that doesn’t know ALL the jokes before we start. They are playful. I have found in the first number, my favorite thing to do is the last minute switch in the first song. We find people in the audience to sing about; however, I get the person who has just arrived with their beer, or turn to walk away or stand behind someone and suddenly turn and make them the “object of my affection.” They laugh, blush, or just get a bit startled, but you feel their body soften into the touch as I sing a bit more and they realize the show is all eyes on them and there is no other intention that the play of the show. They are in a “safe” space to flirt. It’s fascinating.
TRUE LOVE
After the show, we de-mic and chat with people nearby. I begin a conversation with an earnest young man of 7 years. He starts slowly, but as I ask him a question, he begins to talk with intent about a number of things. After a short chat, I go to get water, and as I come back and meet his mother, I see him barrel over to NRose Seller and tell her he needs a rose. She squats with him and mom is trying to tell him no, we don’t have money, when he starts pointing at me. I see the click the NRS’s eyes that the child is getting a rose however he wants, even if it’s out of her pocket. He stares at all of the 30 roses in the basket and finally grabs one, walk with intense purpose to me and hands me the rose. I think I heard my heart melt. I thank him and make sure I have learned his name. He tells me I should write it down on a piece of paper and tie it to the rose so I can remember it came from him. I told him there was no way I could forget this rose and that it was from him. And, while I had placed away the rose I received from the Romance War “hitter” with a lovely Cat pin from Tigger’s booth, I kept this rose with me ALL day…even on stage during our next show…speaking of which.
SECOND TIME’S A CHARM
Or so it seems. The show is again a good house and fun energy. As we close the show, we are running tight on time, so I rush to clear the stage and run back quickly to speed let people know that we have our 7:00 pm show at the Globe again tonight. Off we run and sign a CD or two and pack up. Trinket is off to have birthday cupcakes with the masses, I am to see the end of Red Riding Hood. The show has a good crowd. The energy seems a bit off, but the crowd seems to have fun. Once that ends, I head back into the village to get some real food…I think. I end up running around a bit, see my 7-year old again, and realize it makes sense to stop for a cupcake first. I wander by the back of “O’shucks to have my pink cupcake with added blue frosting. I was adamant that all pink cupcakes should have blue one them…even if Dawntreader put yellow sprinkles on hers. Others are stopping by for gooey cupcakes and fun. I take my leave and get my real food, a steak on a stake.
NEW FANS
I take it to a table and sit with patrons. I start with a family on one side and adults on the other side. Eventually the groups change over and a younger couple sits next to me, woman garbed, man not. Turns out they have been going to festival for a while…so I have to pick on the man for not being costumed when she is. I tell them about our 7:00 pm show. They promise me that they will attend. I have received other promises this day that people will come to our shows, but some do not show, after all. I wander again on the streets and chat with more patrons.
I HAVE THE POWER
I meet a young man of 6 with his mom and family. He is very shy when I walk up, but I comment that he has a serpent on this cheek, to which he suddenly loses his shyness and tells me there is a sword with the snake and I tell him he must be a fierce warrior to have defeated the serpent. His mom asks him if he wants to kiss my hand. I know this is normally NOT what a child wants to do and assure him he does NOT have to do that, it is only if HE wants to. Mom asks and he nods, yes, he does want to kiss my hand. And does, marvelously. I am starting to wonder what power I have over men that are not legally appropriate for me. I still have my rose and have been showing it off to everyone and sharing tales. While near the White Hart, I am stopped again by another woman who effuses to me of the beauty of my costume and how well put together I appear this year. I am floored. As she is talking to me, another patron, ungarbed, stops by and asks me who made my dress because it is amazing and the whole look looks amazing. Um, WTF? Where is this juju coming from, cause it’s cool.
THE OLDEST PROFESSIONALS
I am starting to head to the front to do goodbye duty and some Baby Stupina time, when I see Merilee Effingham, Englands, first/last/and only Courtesean…um, if you ignore us Italians. She is enjoying a decadent mint chocolate chip ice cream waffle cone…as are the people who view her enjoying her meal. We pass Nedifyre again and her cheeks puff with joy to see me. I also purchase a silk scarf at a nearby shop and as we get closer to the gate, Merilee and I part ways.
THE DEEPEST MOMENTS
I stop by quickly to see Bertilda, when a woman comes up to her. The woman is at least my age, and seems relieved to see our FG. As she walked up, a black and blue butterfly flew between them on the path and beyond. The woman, who only had eyes for FG, explains that her father loved butterflies and last year, she had just lost him right before she came to festival. The first person she was FG who wears a huge butterfly in her hair. The woman had been in pain and FG talked to her and helped her. She is still aching and asks our dear FG for assurances and prayers and more. FG was amazing speaking to this woman who was near tears. As their conversation started to wind down, I told the woman of the butterfly that flew in her path as she had approached. I think that helped her more. This was a very deep moment amongst the revelry. I say goodbye at the gate for a while, then bring out my little girl for a dance.
DANCE, MARIONETTE, DANCE!
I bring out Baby Stupina. My bodice is hurting a lot today, something wasn’t laying right it seems. I find not one, but 3 dancing/music groups blending together and all happy to see B Stupina dance. She dances for 3 songs with varying musicians before she takes her leave. We wander toward the coin booth and as it turns 5:30, she and I go behind the scenes to return her to rest. I head to the costume house to get water and touch up. There, I meet the pink thing and Merilee, who is gloriously mustard and burgundy. We are all heading to Pub Sing, so we head to sight and start walking. I see my 7-year old leaving with his family and hear his mom say “see, honey, she still has your rose.” “DAMN RIGHT.” Five minutes later, my hand kisser walks by to leave for the evening.
CUTTING A SWATH
Then we decide to sing. We chose 3 Jolly Coachmen, as we know mostly the same version. It’s quite the vision. Pink, blue and yellow/red (I stood in the middle because the pink thing and the burgundy thing clashed horribly). We sing in harmony as we strut to the White Hart. The audience about turns heads and gawks as our energy builds and flows. The “harlots of the village.” It’s very fun. We finish the song outside the White Hart. This causes some great conversation amongst patrons and Merilee and another patron harmonize on another song they are both familiar with. This is fun.
SINGING WITH SHORT TIME
Trinket and I know we are singing Red is the Rose tonight, but are not sure when. We sit and enjoy the sing, Trinket getting up to play with her ball on occasion. Its at 1/ 2 hour and we have to leave in 15 to set for our show. Trinket finds Mickey while I find Middle…um, whatever he goes by there. We are 1-1/2 songs away, which I think will be ok, but Mickey thinks we can move up one. Sure. We go up next and have the audience sing along with us for this heartbreaking love song…which causes many resets with Trinket and her “knife collection.” BTW, guys, you sounded great out there. Then, we run to the Globe.
DO YOU THINK IT’S PG?
I pull out the sign and set it on the stage. I see that our Gopher has already set up the sound most of the way and I set out the speakers (covered in burlap). Trinket and I reorder the show a bit and wait for the audience. We are a bit concerned as we are not Irish and it was a bit hard to see it on the program, so who knows if people will show late on a Sunday. We start working on a song we need for a few weeks from now. Its rough. That’s when my lunch companions show up and sit dead center in the front row. We warn them we are rehearsing and they are pleased with listening to us learn, though I can tell Trinket is feeling awkward about the rehearsal. As it gets darker, we hear the pub sing flow right into the Keltish show without a stop. We have a small audience, but they are enthusiastic. As we are almost done, a few other regulars and not regulars come by. I see my friend and her VERY sparkly ring in the distance. As the show ends, the new audience asks for pics and we sign a few CDs. We pack up, lock up, and head to the costume house. I meet up with a few potential audience members who were heading over thinking our show was a full hour long. Ah well. I hear strains of the Beatles. It's a bit of a surprise, but all I want to do now is get my stuff and head to the costume house, which I do.
TIME FOR RAT FOOD
We change and pack up I have all my roses, ESPECIALLY my 7-yr olds and I am sore and tired. I see the Hoods and they mention having dinner at a new place. I am invited and join in the trek to this small out of the way place. The food is good, the company is good, though not at all my usual, except for 2. It’s a pleasure to catch up with others, including Merilee. There are more tales shared as well as my cry of “Carpe carp”…save the fish. Yeah, I was that tired, but others laughed, which means we were all exhausted. It’s finally time to go home and I lead the way, now that I know where we are. I come home and immediately start laundry as I had to be out of town this week (hence my not having posted this till now). Sleep was wonderful when it finally camel
This weekend, there is more music and frivolity planned as well as Pub Sing with Kat and Emrys. I expect much enjoyment and fun. See you in the shire.
So before I FORGET IT all. There is much to tell, for this was an eventful weekend and I had a long week. I pre-apologize for typos in this one, but I wanted to get it up before the next weekend started. With the daze of Hannah, some details will be forgotten, but let’s see how far we can get…caveats in place, and away we go…
WHEN WILL IT HIT?
So Friday was about watching TV, internet and listening to radio trying to find out when the storm would hit. Was it a tropical storm, a hurricane, or just annoying? Friday I head over to site later than wanted and get things set up for the weekend in all of my anal retentive glory. I end up working that evening and getting to bed at an ok time, while I watch the skies getting darker and darker and more ominous. By the time we head to sleep, the stormy rains begin.
TRAVELING IN STYLE
It’s damp and humid as hell as I get outside in the morning. I have to get breakfast on the way to site, and on arrival, get one of the last spots by the road where one of the powers that be is setting up cones. It’s more of a walk to the gate than I normally do, but before I start the trudging to the grounds inside, I am called out to by a kindly gentleman who asks if I want a ride in on his golf cart. I only have to get to gatehouse, but if he’s heading that way, why the heck not. M from Royal Foods escorts me with goodly conversation to my destination. I have to say, I don’t remember ever riding in one of them before, and the breeze and freedom are rather exhilarating. It makes me happy. I walk the rest of the way up the hill and head to my stage.
IS THERE A DRY SPOT?
I see much wetness on the stage and it’s threatening rain at any moment. I head to the top of Gatehouse to stretch and prep. I know I have extra time this morning, since there will be no sound system set up if the rain continues as it has been expected. Trinket arrives on this most auspicious birthday. She has forgone cupcakes today as there is just no point of trying to bring them in. We prep as best we can and come up with a rain plan for our shows, then head over to the costume house. It’s a bit early for us, but that’s ok. After towels are set up by Stitch, we head in. I do some more organization, and have to get changed into Columbina. I have a few things to take toward the White Hart to I head over in my rain jacket and my pirate hat that I have pulled out the feathers and leather thong so that it has as much coverage as possible.
NOT YET…
I stop by Noblesse to see if Kitteblue is available as she has something to give me that I thought would be really helpful today. She is caught behind an accident on the road and not there yet. Bugger. Ok, I drop off items at the white hart and head back to the costume house. I begin to struggle getting dressed. As I am just about ready, strumpetsRUs stops by with what I had been waiting for and I do a quick change. I am wearing almost all bad weather clothes as back ups. She helps me get organized. I am really happy with the new look. Morning meeting is being held at the costume house and I am having trouble hearing, so I wend my way to the picnic tables and sit down. It’s all about doing what you can, how you can. We have no clue who will show up, so we are just going to play it by ear.
BACK TO ITALY WITH SCAPINO
I have been asked to bring a ticket for Scapino, since he wants to be out in the rain just like us. Yeesh. Right before gate opens, I tramp out in my big hat and drop off a ticket at will call telling the regulars they are insane. This seems to make them happy, so I say it a bit louder. In I go to hear the truncated pre-show and watch as the “crowd” “rushes” in in less than 1 minute. It’s going to be a long day. The court is hiding under anywhere dry, including the new and huge souvenir booth. I realize that close to no one else is walking in the gates, so I head out to the streets. As I get close to Catskill, I step in. and it begins to pour. Each time I consider getting back out on the street to go farther it gets heavier. Joy. I tell the charming couple working there that it must be a sign I should stay. They are pleased, especially when other cast and playtrons stop in to keep them from being bored. Soon enough it is time to leave.
STOP TWO, JUST A BOOTH AWAY
I end up next at the silk and wax hand booth. Neidifyre is keeping her instrument dry and we stop and chat. I peruse the colors of the shop and wax on their prettiness…well, not literally, that would stain. We chat on scotch guarding and after making her squeak a few times, I head my merry way…toward my original goal. Next stop is rather far…its al the way to HMT, where the weather has destroyed the tuning of their ukuleles. I vow to try again the next day. Next, RE Piland to circle around and head to kitteblue to let her see my clothed self for her perusal. It’s lovely, but for someone with higher arms than I. The waist is digging in a few spots, so we go over adjustment concepts to fit both of our preferences. It’s good and I can feel improvement already. Plastic is the way to go.
WHAT NOW?
After all that…it’s um, 11. I still have an hour before my show with Trinket. This sucks as I am getting bored. I love you all, really, but I enjoy the patrons that randomly wander through the village. It’s also better for business and interesting conversation. I am getting frustrated from lack of activity. I head to the White Hart since there are a few more people under cover there. I ask around and find where the stage acts tend to perform there. It is over by the regulars at the tables stage left. Gregory of Carrolton is performing there and even with his amp, it’s almost impossible to hear him from a distance. We decide to play our show by suggestion.
BY THE SKIN OF OUR VOICES
We got up on the benches and asked for suggestions. We got Limerick, Long is the Dark, Captain’s Daughter, and threw in a few we had been working on. The king came by and deep ate a sausage for Trinket’s amusement. The crowd was appreciative and although we had no CD sales, we realized most of those in the audience already had it.. We didn’t go far as the next show wasn’t too far away. I headed to the food court with Vaklam and had a scotch egg and mashed potatoes with gravy. The potatoes were hot…VERY HOT. But tasty.
SECOND TIME’S A CHARM
We head back and kill time till the next show. I have been going out of my way to make sure that everyone know’s it’s Trinket’s natal day. Many offer her well wishes and sweet trinket’s of affection. It’s time for the second show. I am getting more bored and tired. Our show goes well, We pull out other new music and sing 9 inch will please a lady for the King, though he assured us he was a ruler. Scapino has is long tube of peanuts and we play with the crowd. We were silly and had fun. Next set the Hooligans sang stage right audience. Now, I had time to kill.
UM, OK.
I rush to the front gate to see if I can see Little Red Riding Hood. I am the only audience member and they have already decided to move on. Back I wander into the village. The rain has mostly slowed and we are warned we are in the eye and it’s going to get worse on the other end. The clouds pick up and we are dark again. There is some rain, but nothing horrible. There is wind, but not awful. I go on extended walk about with Scapino and we do some wandering and shopping. He follows me about the village and we stop for soup (no bread bowl for me). We separate and get togheter again. Finally, we are near the jousting field when the sky opens and there is suddenly sunlight, it is hot and bright. I cry that my eyes burn and the skin is melting. I ask security what that evil bright light in the sky is. They laugh at me.
KILLING TIME
I head toward Tiger Torre and amuse the crowd and two patrons by trying on masks and playing characters. There is still time to kill. To be honest, I can’t remember much more of the time that ran on and on. Finally, we headed back to the White Hart and Trinket and I go upstairs with Mickey Hooligan to go over the material for the pub sing. Soon enough, it’s time to start. The show is set up to be song into song. No long set ups or comedy. We revamp our opening so we are ready to keep in the theme and the sing begins.
FOOLING THE CROWD
As I get up on stage, I am handed a piece of paper from Trinket who asks me to sing this specific song instead. Mickey is playing the melody and I check a few notes and then start. This seems to confuse and upset a few people who are expecting that the material should be professional. About a verse into the song, they realize that it is all a set up and are laughing along with us as they get the joke. We end with me chasing Trinket off stage in “fury” There is much rejoicing. We head out of the pub and get ready to sing at the Globe.
INTIMACY
We end up repacking up the sound system as we realize the show will be intimate if anyone shows up at all. We get a few patrons I don’t know well and some boothies and regulars who can’t stop and see us normally. Again, we pull out a lot of new material to get the audience of 15’s opinion. The songs go over well and we are happy that we have picked keys we can sing in. While a small house, it was at least inspiriing and fun. We head back to the costume house and are the last people supposed to be in. I pack stuff up wth lots of space in the costume house. People are still dripping in and when I am closing up the costume house, I am greeted by SM-Jen who is just entering to get changed. I am EXHAUSTED and Trinket and Mirth go with me to CPK for a quick dinner. The maitre de recognized me as well. The night comes quickly and I am home working and comatose soon after.
NOT AGAIN
At least it’s dry this morning. I am exhausted, but have another day to go and there is hope for more audience and fun. I head off to site after making a protein shake and piling into the car. The ground has already mostly dried by the zephyrous breezes. I can even park closer, I go through row one and see the powers that be checking out a car that hasn’t parked in the cones. Sucks to be them. They pull out of the way for me and I realize I have a spot that didn’t require their movement at all. Oh well. I go in and head to gatehouse to stretch and sing. The stage is dry, this is good. I am stiff and very sore from the day before. I need lots of stretches. Trinket arrives and we talk about plans and schedules for the day. We set a show order.
PREPARATIONS
Over to the White Hart to run sound check. We have come to the conclusion that no matter what we set in the morning, it doesn’t much matter soon after. We say quick hellos and get some materials prepared then after a privy stop, I head to the Costume House. It feels good to put on Stupina. There are cases of pink cupcakes for trinkets belated birthday celebration. She is meeting some friends later in the day to share her pinkness. There is much drippng wetness that I stopped with a towel. It’s still wet, bleah. I am dressed with time to spare. I know I have to plan my romance war hit, so I make sure to set it up before we open.
BEEPING TO THE SMALL CROWD
Morning meeting proves to us that yesterday was the smallest attendance day ever. And they know, cause they had time to count EVERYONE…more than once, and triple check if they had been counted…cause it was small. It was a blasted tropical storm, so who I their right might comes out in that weather…oh wait, the regulars. Yeah, we love you…and we love you more when it’s dry out. Ah well, more interesting things will be happening today and we go over more notes, beep, and head out to gate. I take my pee break, face up, and am ready for the morning crowd’s arrival. It’s not slammed, but its but there is enough activity to make up for it. Stupina meets patrons and spends a slightly longer time playing with Fairy Godmother. We play the “we’re invisible, let’s go play skeet ball with each other in invisible world.” It is fun and a good way to allow shy or scared kids to get wands or the like without pressure. I wander away and head a bit farther into the village, but not far. Soon enough, it’s time to find Columbina.
FIRM CHANGE
Yesterday’s temp bodice is lovely and I am thrilled with the extra support, so as I change, I take the busk (well, center piece the busk is in) and place it under the fancy bodice. The extra support takes away the lumpiness of the current bodice and I am much happier with how it all looks. I put on the fancy chemise, even though I haven’t added the trim I wanted to get done, and head out after completing the transformation. I head out to site and over to the White Hart, stopping for some conversation along the way. At White Hart, I wire up, say hello to drier friends and we get ready for the show. We are doing show 2, wait, 1, wait…ok, 1 now. Its nice to have an audience that doesn’t know ALL the jokes before we start. They are playful. I have found in the first number, my favorite thing to do is the last minute switch in the first song. We find people in the audience to sing about; however, I get the person who has just arrived with their beer, or turn to walk away or stand behind someone and suddenly turn and make them the “object of my affection.” They laugh, blush, or just get a bit startled, but you feel their body soften into the touch as I sing a bit more and they realize the show is all eyes on them and there is no other intention that the play of the show. They are in a “safe” space to flirt. It’s fascinating.
TRUE LOVE
After the show, we de-mic and chat with people nearby. I begin a conversation with an earnest young man of 7 years. He starts slowly, but as I ask him a question, he begins to talk with intent about a number of things. After a short chat, I go to get water, and as I come back and meet his mother, I see him barrel over to NRose Seller and tell her he needs a rose. She squats with him and mom is trying to tell him no, we don’t have money, when he starts pointing at me. I see the click the NRS’s eyes that the child is getting a rose however he wants, even if it’s out of her pocket. He stares at all of the 30 roses in the basket and finally grabs one, walk with intense purpose to me and hands me the rose. I think I heard my heart melt. I thank him and make sure I have learned his name. He tells me I should write it down on a piece of paper and tie it to the rose so I can remember it came from him. I told him there was no way I could forget this rose and that it was from him. And, while I had placed away the rose I received from the Romance War “hitter” with a lovely Cat pin from Tigger’s booth, I kept this rose with me ALL day…even on stage during our next show…speaking of which.
SECOND TIME’S A CHARM
Or so it seems. The show is again a good house and fun energy. As we close the show, we are running tight on time, so I rush to clear the stage and run back quickly to speed let people know that we have our 7:00 pm show at the Globe again tonight. Off we run and sign a CD or two and pack up. Trinket is off to have birthday cupcakes with the masses, I am to see the end of Red Riding Hood. The show has a good crowd. The energy seems a bit off, but the crowd seems to have fun. Once that ends, I head back into the village to get some real food…I think. I end up running around a bit, see my 7-year old again, and realize it makes sense to stop for a cupcake first. I wander by the back of “O’shucks to have my pink cupcake with added blue frosting. I was adamant that all pink cupcakes should have blue one them…even if Dawntreader put yellow sprinkles on hers. Others are stopping by for gooey cupcakes and fun. I take my leave and get my real food, a steak on a stake.
NEW FANS
I take it to a table and sit with patrons. I start with a family on one side and adults on the other side. Eventually the groups change over and a younger couple sits next to me, woman garbed, man not. Turns out they have been going to festival for a while…so I have to pick on the man for not being costumed when she is. I tell them about our 7:00 pm show. They promise me that they will attend. I have received other promises this day that people will come to our shows, but some do not show, after all. I wander again on the streets and chat with more patrons.
I HAVE THE POWER
I meet a young man of 6 with his mom and family. He is very shy when I walk up, but I comment that he has a serpent on this cheek, to which he suddenly loses his shyness and tells me there is a sword with the snake and I tell him he must be a fierce warrior to have defeated the serpent. His mom asks him if he wants to kiss my hand. I know this is normally NOT what a child wants to do and assure him he does NOT have to do that, it is only if HE wants to. Mom asks and he nods, yes, he does want to kiss my hand. And does, marvelously. I am starting to wonder what power I have over men that are not legally appropriate for me. I still have my rose and have been showing it off to everyone and sharing tales. While near the White Hart, I am stopped again by another woman who effuses to me of the beauty of my costume and how well put together I appear this year. I am floored. As she is talking to me, another patron, ungarbed, stops by and asks me who made my dress because it is amazing and the whole look looks amazing. Um, WTF? Where is this juju coming from, cause it’s cool.
THE OLDEST PROFESSIONALS
I am starting to head to the front to do goodbye duty and some Baby Stupina time, when I see Merilee Effingham, Englands, first/last/and only Courtesean…um, if you ignore us Italians. She is enjoying a decadent mint chocolate chip ice cream waffle cone…as are the people who view her enjoying her meal. We pass Nedifyre again and her cheeks puff with joy to see me. I also purchase a silk scarf at a nearby shop and as we get closer to the gate, Merilee and I part ways.
THE DEEPEST MOMENTS
I stop by quickly to see Bertilda, when a woman comes up to her. The woman is at least my age, and seems relieved to see our FG. As she walked up, a black and blue butterfly flew between them on the path and beyond. The woman, who only had eyes for FG, explains that her father loved butterflies and last year, she had just lost him right before she came to festival. The first person she was FG who wears a huge butterfly in her hair. The woman had been in pain and FG talked to her and helped her. She is still aching and asks our dear FG for assurances and prayers and more. FG was amazing speaking to this woman who was near tears. As their conversation started to wind down, I told the woman of the butterfly that flew in her path as she had approached. I think that helped her more. This was a very deep moment amongst the revelry. I say goodbye at the gate for a while, then bring out my little girl for a dance.
DANCE, MARIONETTE, DANCE!
I bring out Baby Stupina. My bodice is hurting a lot today, something wasn’t laying right it seems. I find not one, but 3 dancing/music groups blending together and all happy to see B Stupina dance. She dances for 3 songs with varying musicians before she takes her leave. We wander toward the coin booth and as it turns 5:30, she and I go behind the scenes to return her to rest. I head to the costume house to get water and touch up. There, I meet the pink thing and Merilee, who is gloriously mustard and burgundy. We are all heading to Pub Sing, so we head to sight and start walking. I see my 7-year old leaving with his family and hear his mom say “see, honey, she still has your rose.” “DAMN RIGHT.” Five minutes later, my hand kisser walks by to leave for the evening.
CUTTING A SWATH
Then we decide to sing. We chose 3 Jolly Coachmen, as we know mostly the same version. It’s quite the vision. Pink, blue and yellow/red (I stood in the middle because the pink thing and the burgundy thing clashed horribly). We sing in harmony as we strut to the White Hart. The audience about turns heads and gawks as our energy builds and flows. The “harlots of the village.” It’s very fun. We finish the song outside the White Hart. This causes some great conversation amongst patrons and Merilee and another patron harmonize on another song they are both familiar with. This is fun.
SINGING WITH SHORT TIME
Trinket and I know we are singing Red is the Rose tonight, but are not sure when. We sit and enjoy the sing, Trinket getting up to play with her ball on occasion. Its at 1/ 2 hour and we have to leave in 15 to set for our show. Trinket finds Mickey while I find Middle…um, whatever he goes by there. We are 1-1/2 songs away, which I think will be ok, but Mickey thinks we can move up one. Sure. We go up next and have the audience sing along with us for this heartbreaking love song…which causes many resets with Trinket and her “knife collection.” BTW, guys, you sounded great out there. Then, we run to the Globe.
DO YOU THINK IT’S PG?
I pull out the sign and set it on the stage. I see that our Gopher has already set up the sound most of the way and I set out the speakers (covered in burlap). Trinket and I reorder the show a bit and wait for the audience. We are a bit concerned as we are not Irish and it was a bit hard to see it on the program, so who knows if people will show late on a Sunday. We start working on a song we need for a few weeks from now. Its rough. That’s when my lunch companions show up and sit dead center in the front row. We warn them we are rehearsing and they are pleased with listening to us learn, though I can tell Trinket is feeling awkward about the rehearsal. As it gets darker, we hear the pub sing flow right into the Keltish show without a stop. We have a small audience, but they are enthusiastic. As we are almost done, a few other regulars and not regulars come by. I see my friend and her VERY sparkly ring in the distance. As the show ends, the new audience asks for pics and we sign a few CDs. We pack up, lock up, and head to the costume house. I meet up with a few potential audience members who were heading over thinking our show was a full hour long. Ah well. I hear strains of the Beatles. It's a bit of a surprise, but all I want to do now is get my stuff and head to the costume house, which I do.
TIME FOR RAT FOOD
We change and pack up I have all my roses, ESPECIALLY my 7-yr olds and I am sore and tired. I see the Hoods and they mention having dinner at a new place. I am invited and join in the trek to this small out of the way place. The food is good, the company is good, though not at all my usual, except for 2. It’s a pleasure to catch up with others, including Merilee. There are more tales shared as well as my cry of “Carpe carp”…save the fish. Yeah, I was that tired, but others laughed, which means we were all exhausted. It’s finally time to go home and I lead the way, now that I know where we are. I come home and immediately start laundry as I had to be out of town this week (hence my not having posted this till now). Sleep was wonderful when it finally camel
This weekend, there is more music and frivolity planned as well as Pub Sing with Kat and Emrys. I expect much enjoyment and fun. See you in the shire.