Md part tres, not as long as last week
Sep. 15th, 2009 09:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ptpgradThe 3rd weekend has come and gone...hopefully as I try to recapture what happened, I won’t forget too many details about time/place/order, and people. No guarantees, because it’s only Tuesday and already the details are fuzzy.
ON THE SHADY SIDE OF THE STAGE
I get up and have my shake then head to site. When I arrive at Gatehouse, I see that the stage coverings have arrived and are up on the stage. There is a threat of rain today, and these are to protect the actors so we can still perform no matter the weather. It is also a little chilly as the high today is said to be 72 Fahrenheit. Brrrr. Well, brrr as given that the previous days have been in the 80’s and more. I warm up, stretch out and fix hair and makeup before heading down to get changed.
WHO’S GOT ME?
I change relatively quickly so I can get down to White Hart a bit early. Fitzjuice isn’t available this weekend (other work beckoned) and CDCB and I are taking over for sound today. I meet up with Trinket and CDCB and we start to plug everything up. I am now thankful that I made Fitzj show CDCB the way things were set up last week. I must be p-sykick or somthin... He is being cautious but seems to have everything under control. The weather is damp and sound is traveling well. We balance us and get rid of sibilance then I head over to morning meeting.
RISKING COLD
Morning meeting goes over the new and leaving acts for the weekend. We talk about weather and the odd crowds we get this weekend (not weird, just usually this is our hurricane weekend...so we never know what to predict). There are many jokes made about the Hermit’s new and stylish scar...some HP refs, others, just silly. It appears to be warmish enough. I am debating on doing free hugs again, but figure there may not be enough in attendance to warrant the sign, so I move on after we BEEP and take my last privy break before the start.
KEEPING THINGS WARM...AND A NOTE
The cannon booms and people come in. It’s not a trickle, but it’s not a heavy day either. The crowd gets one tour before they are all in and I stay on the fountain for a bit to pose in some pics and to dust and inform people. I am afraid of stepping down and ask a kind gent to help me. Once down, I am able to wander a bit and I see that the Fairy Godmom isn’t up yet, so I climb into her seat and talk to patrons as they walk by. I am visited by some regulars.
NASTYGRAM REMINDER
OK GANG, here’s the not as nice reminder. When I am working at faire, I am there to entertain EVERYONE...not just you. I will spend some time with everyone I can, but I am not there to hang out and have long conversations with any one person nor is it conducive to my work to have anyone hanging out within 3 feet of me just to watch for over 15 minutes. I appreciate you like what I do, but I respectfully ask of you that you let me do just that. There is much more to see at the faire than me and you should take advantage of it. Say hi, stay for a moment, and move on. End of ranty thing.
MORE CHAIR SITTING
Children suddenly seem not to be as afraid of me in the chair. I guess it does have some magical properties. I am met by the Southwells who ask me if I have permission and warn me that Bertilda might turn me into a frog. This makes me cry loudly and the only way to fix it is a hug from Richard...which he “LOVES” (cough cough). After they leave, I stay for a short bit longer then head back onto the streets of Revel Grove.
COURTED
Since the streets are lighter today, I take the opportunity to watch the morning court show. There is A LOT of information in the piece. I always sit near the back of the house, just in case I have to go. As a family is leaving mid show...the kid sees me and his eyes bug out a little and she smiles. She comes up and I shake her hand and quietly ask her how her day is going. She is all smiles when she heads out to the streets. Another family is somewhat similar and the kids are happy when I wave to them as the leave. Yeah, it’s hard to be subtle in a mask.
SHOULDA COULDA
It’s a bit chillier than expected and I am starting to feel the chill. I dust people, but I am not really interested in sitting down today, as the stillness might be even colder. I chat with some patrons and somehow we get onto the subject of how super powers might work. I decide to show them that I can fly. This consists of me standing in one place with one foot on the ground and the other at waist height behind me as I lean forward, ala a superhero and “fly”...my balance is not good and I look rather unstable, but I keep my balance for a little while. Enough to pose for a few pictures from some confused onlookers.
WHERE WE GO
Each pathway is different when I play Stupina. I never know which way I am to head next, and it makes the day somewhat exciting. In the back of my head, I am timing where I am in comparison to where I have to be at a certain time and reviewing it with the street crowds and how long it takes ADD girl to get through. Today, I suddenly realize it is already time for me to be going to change, and I am still at the end of Kenwood. Off I scurry to backstage. Luckily for me, there is no crowd much today. This is sad to me, as I love to have as many people as possible to interact with, but sometimes you just have to work with what you have. Lemonade and all that stuff.
CHEERY AND WARMER
Since it is so much colder, I decide today I will wear my new thicker chemise. It’s a rich mustard yellow and is a great counterpoint to the cobalt blue side of my dress. I am shocked by the brightness of the outfit...I am almost dayglo. But at least I am warmer. I grab my shawl as well, but it’s not cold enough to warrant gloves yet. Trinket and I choose the shows we are to do today and head out. The day is damp and a bit muted...we feel like neon signs in the deeper tones. Eh, not so bad.
WALKIES STEAKING WITH FRIENDS
I am able to get my steak on a stake quickly and sit at a half empty table with patrons who are enjoying a meal. The wasps and bees are having a hey day today. Meaning people keep waving them away saying “HEY!” No one seems to be happy about it. Today’s company asks me about home...Italy. I know enough to cover a conversation about the basics and that is enough. Once done, I head to the streets again and the crowd above the White Hart.
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
We get to the stage after going over logistics with CDCB. Things go pretty smoothly for everyone’s re-acquaintance with the sound system. The show seems to go well and the audience is packed and cheering. It’s a good feeling. At the end of the show, I do the quick mic switch and we are off like rabbits. We meet our regulars and patrons but there are things to do. I hit the streets with my half hour and chat with the people I can find. Sadly, it is rather slim. I am also getting frustrated that I have not been able to take Baby Stupina out at all. She is up at Dragon Wings, but once I switch costume, there isn’t a chance for me to get down there before I would have to turn around, and unfortunately, I can’t just sit her down anywhere. I do have a chat with a woman whose husband was stationed in Milan, near where I am “from. We chat and I am grateful I have been to the country as I am able to cover my ass and talk as if I was someone who called it home once.
BACK AGAIN
Soon enough, it’s time for the second show. It’s a smaller audience, but it’s because it’s the show that isn’t on the schedule. They have to get the hard copy that morning or have read and remembered my post to know where to find us. They are still responsive and enjoying the stuff. We are running later than we want, so we cut the last piece of shtick and finish on Parting Glass. This time, I have to deconstruct the sound system before we are done. I pull up the mics, switch the sound and then try to untangle the cords. It takes a few seconds longer than I planned but we are off ASAP and the Hooligans begin. Off the stage, CDCB and I switch and he hides the sound while Trinket handles the signs. Once sorted, we can stop to greet patrons who want CD’s signed or just want to say hi. I am shown a pic of a doll that some regulars have named Columbina...since it’s a porcelain version of me.
IT”S THAT TIME ALREADY?
We chat with the patrons who are left and I wander the streets for a short while to chat with those about. I also check with a vendor about housing Baby Stupina there so I can bring her out more often. She is amenable and starts to set up the hook. I am hungry and Trinket and I stop by the nut booth to get some Pecans and cashews...mmmmm. Comedy ensues. Then, it’s time for check in for Pub Sing. We have been asked to remember a verse we wrote last year for the final song and suggest a slower piece we just started performing this year to the Rugbys. They are fine with it. We check our line up, run though the songs, and catch up with those we don’t spend enough time with for a few minutes. Soon enough, the call for places happens and we head to the stage. The show has fun energy and our “Book of Love” has a very positive response. Even Master Rugby asks if the song was new. We end on one of my favorite closers (I Come for to Sing) and the cannon bangs.
HEARTY FOOD WITH HEARTY LAUGHS
We head back to the costume house and change quickly. I am hungry and when I ask where we are to eat, I am reminded that I promised barbeque to my roomies. Famous Dave’s it is. We are joined by a Hermit, Son of Strum, Phillip Van Wilder, a beautiful purple lady and her next-door neighbor, who is equally pretty. Dinner is had after a short wait and many leftovers come home after many laughs and tales of memories. It is here I hear about the women literally throwing themselves at the Duelists. The beach at Normandy never looked so good. We head back to the house and crash...hard.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A NIGHT MAKES
Today is sunny and warmer already. Not badly, but the chill isn’t there, meaning I don’t see my breath as I do my vocal warm up and I don’t have to wrap my neck while I am walking about. I head to site and begin my warm up and then the hair and makeup. The stage still has a tarp on it and as I am finishing the make up, I am greeted by Smiths who want to take the tarp down. I grab my stuff and quickly get off the stage...being hit by a swinging tarp is not my idea of a fun way to start the day. Once done, I head down to the costume house and see my cohort, who is a bit less cheery this morning. Sundays and all...The costume house opens and I head in and change. Today, I am going to pull out a prop and I grab one of my acrylic balls. For those of you who have seen my shows for a number of years, it is one of the “jewels” that Pantalone juggled when Arlecchino wanted to get paid. It’s the blue one...yes, today, Stupina has Blue Ball. Singular.
CAN YOU HEAR ME AT ALL?
CDCB is running late, so Trinket and I run our sound check on our own. It’s a bit tougher to check balance and sibilance, but we had to do it before, so it works rather well for us and we are done in no time. I head to meeting and she to breakfast...after I pet the very sweet Corva. What an amazingly well behaved pup. At morning meeting, we learn there were a lot of sound issues the day before, not the least of which is that our sound at the White Hart traveled up the hill toward O’Shucks...our PG-13 show. To say that this displeased me is an understatement. I talk with SMAdam to make sure we can address t his ASAP as well as give CDCB some additional instructions to make sure that nothing is out of place before he moves to sales. I am also VERY thankful we did NOT do “show 4” as that one is the dirtiest one we do...and I really don’t want those just wandering by to get that kind of an earful. Trinket and I agree we will not do Show 4 at all until we know for sure the sound isn’t traveling.
HUG AND PLAY
We BEEP and head up to gate. I take my pit stop and chat with the Cudgels while we wait till the gates open. Master Wood makes it just in time and I face up so we can greet the crowd. The weather is amazing, but the crowd is still smallish. It’s a pity as this is perfect faire weather and even a couple thousand more wouldn’t have made it a crowded day. I wave and hug people, jump into a picture or two, dust and play. Today, Bertilda is back, and this makes me happy. After the crowd dies down, I wait a bit then head into site. I keep running into the same patrons as we are walking the same path. I decide to take the time t to pull out my toy.
I WANT A HUG!
As I wander, I see Prescott Pierce. It appears that my hug with him last week left an impression and he wants another. Well, after I deliver a summons that neither of us can read. He grabs a patron (who I ironically know relatively well) and asks his help to read the note. He reads it poorly. Stupina ends up translating. We hug and move our separate ways. THEN, I see Prescott hugging the king. Stupina begins to pout and almost cries. The King says “See what you have done!” and offers Stupina a hug which she takes readily! King hugs are almost as good as Southwell hugs.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO PET...
Ok, so when Stupina gets some object, she makes it her own little friend and asks people to pet them. Leaves, sticks (I still have the holy stick of Revel Grove in my house), and today, it’s my blue ball. Depending on the audience, I change what I say. Some hear the word blue, most don’t. When they ask me my pet’s name, I tell them “Ball”. Stupina was never one for creativity in names. Many do pet her when they realize she isn’t sticky or gross. I even show them her new tricks. She can jump to the back of my hand and to the front and can even balance on my nose. She is very well behaved for a ball. It becomes a great source of amusement. I stop by the tree between Piland’s and Nobless and show off my ball.
IT WON’T DO THAT FOR ME!!
While sitting and chatting with a little boy who really likes Ball and all his tricks, I am suddenly surrounded by the ladies of court. I show them the tricks of Ball and they are impressed. Then, Nicholas Throckmorton stops by. I know something that most of the ladies don’t know and I ask Master Throckmorton if he would like to hold Ball. He has to find a home for the Kings Cup and trusts the little boy I was chatting with. The boy is very good and won’t let ANY of the court ladies near the cup. Nicholas asks me if Ball would be ok and I think it will. Ball rolls onto his hands and begins to jump and roll around. He is a bit concerned and I tell him to just talk to Ball. As soon as he does, Ball begins to roll smoothly all over Master Throckmorton’s hands, arms, and begins to do some pretty tricks. Yes, Nicholas is a contact juggler. He garners applause from the small crowd that has joined us. Soon after, Nicholas treats the boy to a look at the king’s cup. That little boy is going to have GREAT stories. Shortly thereafter, everyone departs, including me.
FOR ME?
I head around with my ball and head around the back of the White Hart to visit Stub Toe. On the way, I show Ball to the Pyrates. As a gift, Skivee hands me food. He starts with chocolate, which I can’t have, then an apricot, which I can’t have, and settles on a grape. I walk about with my grape and my ball. Around Potomac Leather, I get into a heated discussion about how Ball is just as good as Boy. Father and I keep showing off our little one’s tricks. Sadly, Boy wins. There is much laughter.
STUPID BEE
I head up Stub Toe and try to gum half of my grape. Stupina can’t close her mouth or use her upper lip or teeth, so eating consists of me mushing food with my tongue. Not pretty. Once that piece is swallowed, I go to shred more grape on my teeth, but the grape bites back. I spit and a wasp flies out of my mouth. The stupid @$)($*#@(%#* wasp stung me INSIDE my lip. Luckily, I know I am not allergic, but I want to get it checked ASAP. I put pressure on it and head toward the White Hart where I see two EMT’s. Perfect. I show it to them and they ask me about symptoms. I don’t have the bad ones, but they take me off to First Aid to get ice and to make sure that my face under the mask looks ok.
THE INNER WORLD
My only request is that we don’t de-mask me until I am inside the first aid room in the back. There is no need to make people see that transition unless it’s life or death, and I seem to be ok. They check my face, fill out paperwork and give me ice. I feel STUPID. I always tell others to check their food, but I have no peripheral vision in the mask and forgot to look down before I tried to eat...DOH. Once paperwork is done, I re-mask, put the ice up to my mouth after wrapping it in my handkerchief, and head to the costume house. Along the way, I meet up with a few regular patrons who offer their regrets including a White Dragon. I am in mask with a huge handkerchief sticking out of my mouth looking a bit sour. I don’t know what was the magic of that look, but suddenly patrons are all waving at me happily before I even make contact. They are all so happy to see the grumpy looking Goblin thingy. It was somewhat odd. But, it kept me working as I crossed the street and disappeared back behind the scenes to deface once more and really get the ice on. Once at the Costume house, I took Benadryl and sat for a bit to let the ice soak and melt. It melted quickly as the heat of my mouth/breath melted things better. Stupid bee. Though I have to say I apologize to bees, because it was a STUPID WASP. The bees are generally nice, including those big ole wood bees that just hang around being fuzzy never stinging anyone. Stupid wasp.
BEETOX?
The First Aid guys warned me it would hurt and I should sit until it feels “normal”....um, no time for that. After about 20-30 minutes I started changing over into Columbina. I had to stop icing my mouth to do that and it started to throb a bit. Whee. It also started to swell a little. The good part, it was inside my mouth. It made half of my mouth look pouty and full... The bad part...it made HALF my mouth look pouty and full. I look mostly ok, until I try to put on lipstick and there is this odd Joker effect taking place. Charming. I hope that the benadryl will kick in and this will go down a bit. I head up to the street, grab Baby Stupina from Dragon Wings and walk her up to her new home at Tiger Torre Art. She should be with Masks, I suppose.
NO ONE PUT’S BABY IN THE CORNER
Even when I am walking relatively quickly, Baby Stupina brings out lots of looks. I can’t stop right now as I have her in one hand and my mug in the other and other than walking, I can’t manipulate her one handed. She can walk, but waving could coat her in a deluge and actually does at one point. I get her across site and put down my mug, then take her out for walkies. It turns out that one of the musicians she loves dancing to is there on Stub Toe and Baby Stupina has her first dance of the season. She draws a small crowd watching and taking pics. She poses and smiles...as much as a marionette can. There is much rejoicing (insert cheer here). I take her back in and hang her in her new home, then head out for lunch. I have steak again and take some time to warn patrons to look in sodas. One person notes that he is very allergic and though alone, knows where his epipen is. I stress that someone ELSE needs to know and make sure he is aware where first aid is as there had been 7 other stings before me.
THE GODDESS OF GIFT CHOICE
I am heading up toward Piland's and am stopped by Master Harry Knuckles. He has a letter for me from nobility. We make a big commotion and draw a crowd to read the letter. Lady Anne Herbert is looking for the perfect gift for her husband while he is away at war and asks for my advice, as I am known for gift giving. Her letter is flowery and annoys her cousin who has stopped by to listen. I finish the letter and propose that the perfect gift is a sword crafted with a symbol on the hilt that represents her to him, so whenever he must charge into battle, she is the strength of his arm and will always be with him. The crowd approves...except for Anne’s cousin. Once done, I am off to the show.
DON”T HEAR ME, OK?
I head to the White Hart and we mic up for the show and pull out signs and set list. I see the sound guy and double check that he will be able to review sound as will CDCB. We start the show and even though we have to cut the final shtick, the audience seems to be having a good time. It’s the 3:00 show and it is definitely a full audience for the day...No one really seems to have great crowds for them, so I am pleased. After the show, we clear. I notice that my lip seems a bit more normal in shape even though it still hurts a little. My teeth are also starting to feel weird...ah, moving toxins, joy. At least the SMAdam says that sound was fine and we have nothing to worry about, it was just a fluke of the day before.
BABY STUPINA, WHERE DOES THE TIME GO
I take Baby Stupina back out between shows. Good god but she eats away time. I bow, take pics, dance, sit, hide and have fun with patrons. Little ones shake her hand. There is much interest and I am suddenly out of time. I end up getting back to White Hart a bit late, but we still have time to prep for the show. The second show starts with the new music and they happily sing along and enjoy the show. After the show, I pull sound from the stage, and it is much smoother today. We are clear with time to spare. One of our loyals takes a pic of us before she travels home...to Australia...yeah, you tell me you travel to see us all the way from Australia and mean it...then you can get special treatment like her. We pack up after talking with people who want to share a word or two or get CD’s signed.
PUBY PREP
I wander around a bit feeling a bit hungry, but not sure I want something sweet again. I think more fennel would have been better....mmmm, fennel from the day before....mmmm. I head to the Pyrates and check the setlist. There are new songs to run through and Trinket and I check our position in the line up and pic an upbeat sing along song tonight. At places, we head in and start to sing. There are no O’Danny’s at the opening, but they do join us to sing Ugly Lass, which made most of the rest of the cast on stage wince in pain and laughter. It was very funny. Some mild tension passing by, the show was good, life was good and the weekend was over. We Boom on time and head to pick up stuff from backstage, head to the costume house, change and get paid. Whee!
DO YOU WANT A RAT WITH THAT?
A few of us agree to meet at Heroes, after the great Iphone gps search. It’s off the beaten path and the food is ok, but the company is fun. The Rat Catcher, Daisy O’Danny, Robin Hood and Maid Marian, a few Angels and some vendors all join together. Daisy is in a good mood and continues to say “Bee!” to me when I am getting too enthusiastic. It makes me pout. It’s funny though. BEE!... I think Daisy is one of the few that could out energy me when I get going. Finally, dinner is done and I head home. Once there, I see that both my roomies have fallen asleep in front of the TV watching a movie. It’s amusing to be sure. I head upstairs, start laundry, balance the CDCB materials and finally head to sleep.
This weekend is Irish Weekend. We will be at the White Hart at 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm! Come see a show and say hi! Till next week!
ON THE SHADY SIDE OF THE STAGE
I get up and have my shake then head to site. When I arrive at Gatehouse, I see that the stage coverings have arrived and are up on the stage. There is a threat of rain today, and these are to protect the actors so we can still perform no matter the weather. It is also a little chilly as the high today is said to be 72 Fahrenheit. Brrrr. Well, brrr as given that the previous days have been in the 80’s and more. I warm up, stretch out and fix hair and makeup before heading down to get changed.
WHO’S GOT ME?
I change relatively quickly so I can get down to White Hart a bit early. Fitzjuice isn’t available this weekend (other work beckoned) and CDCB and I are taking over for sound today. I meet up with Trinket and CDCB and we start to plug everything up. I am now thankful that I made Fitzj show CDCB the way things were set up last week. I must be p-sykick or somthin... He is being cautious but seems to have everything under control. The weather is damp and sound is traveling well. We balance us and get rid of sibilance then I head over to morning meeting.
RISKING COLD
Morning meeting goes over the new and leaving acts for the weekend. We talk about weather and the odd crowds we get this weekend (not weird, just usually this is our hurricane weekend...so we never know what to predict). There are many jokes made about the Hermit’s new and stylish scar...some HP refs, others, just silly. It appears to be warmish enough. I am debating on doing free hugs again, but figure there may not be enough in attendance to warrant the sign, so I move on after we BEEP and take my last privy break before the start.
KEEPING THINGS WARM...AND A NOTE
The cannon booms and people come in. It’s not a trickle, but it’s not a heavy day either. The crowd gets one tour before they are all in and I stay on the fountain for a bit to pose in some pics and to dust and inform people. I am afraid of stepping down and ask a kind gent to help me. Once down, I am able to wander a bit and I see that the Fairy Godmom isn’t up yet, so I climb into her seat and talk to patrons as they walk by. I am visited by some regulars.
NASTYGRAM REMINDER
OK GANG, here’s the not as nice reminder. When I am working at faire, I am there to entertain EVERYONE...not just you. I will spend some time with everyone I can, but I am not there to hang out and have long conversations with any one person nor is it conducive to my work to have anyone hanging out within 3 feet of me just to watch for over 15 minutes. I appreciate you like what I do, but I respectfully ask of you that you let me do just that. There is much more to see at the faire than me and you should take advantage of it. Say hi, stay for a moment, and move on. End of ranty thing.
MORE CHAIR SITTING
Children suddenly seem not to be as afraid of me in the chair. I guess it does have some magical properties. I am met by the Southwells who ask me if I have permission and warn me that Bertilda might turn me into a frog. This makes me cry loudly and the only way to fix it is a hug from Richard...which he “LOVES” (cough cough). After they leave, I stay for a short bit longer then head back onto the streets of Revel Grove.
COURTED
Since the streets are lighter today, I take the opportunity to watch the morning court show. There is A LOT of information in the piece. I always sit near the back of the house, just in case I have to go. As a family is leaving mid show...the kid sees me and his eyes bug out a little and she smiles. She comes up and I shake her hand and quietly ask her how her day is going. She is all smiles when she heads out to the streets. Another family is somewhat similar and the kids are happy when I wave to them as the leave. Yeah, it’s hard to be subtle in a mask.
SHOULDA COULDA
It’s a bit chillier than expected and I am starting to feel the chill. I dust people, but I am not really interested in sitting down today, as the stillness might be even colder. I chat with some patrons and somehow we get onto the subject of how super powers might work. I decide to show them that I can fly. This consists of me standing in one place with one foot on the ground and the other at waist height behind me as I lean forward, ala a superhero and “fly”...my balance is not good and I look rather unstable, but I keep my balance for a little while. Enough to pose for a few pictures from some confused onlookers.
WHERE WE GO
Each pathway is different when I play Stupina. I never know which way I am to head next, and it makes the day somewhat exciting. In the back of my head, I am timing where I am in comparison to where I have to be at a certain time and reviewing it with the street crowds and how long it takes ADD girl to get through. Today, I suddenly realize it is already time for me to be going to change, and I am still at the end of Kenwood. Off I scurry to backstage. Luckily for me, there is no crowd much today. This is sad to me, as I love to have as many people as possible to interact with, but sometimes you just have to work with what you have. Lemonade and all that stuff.
CHEERY AND WARMER
Since it is so much colder, I decide today I will wear my new thicker chemise. It’s a rich mustard yellow and is a great counterpoint to the cobalt blue side of my dress. I am shocked by the brightness of the outfit...I am almost dayglo. But at least I am warmer. I grab my shawl as well, but it’s not cold enough to warrant gloves yet. Trinket and I choose the shows we are to do today and head out. The day is damp and a bit muted...we feel like neon signs in the deeper tones. Eh, not so bad.
WALKIES STEAKING WITH FRIENDS
I am able to get my steak on a stake quickly and sit at a half empty table with patrons who are enjoying a meal. The wasps and bees are having a hey day today. Meaning people keep waving them away saying “HEY!” No one seems to be happy about it. Today’s company asks me about home...Italy. I know enough to cover a conversation about the basics and that is enough. Once done, I head to the streets again and the crowd above the White Hart.
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
We get to the stage after going over logistics with CDCB. Things go pretty smoothly for everyone’s re-acquaintance with the sound system. The show seems to go well and the audience is packed and cheering. It’s a good feeling. At the end of the show, I do the quick mic switch and we are off like rabbits. We meet our regulars and patrons but there are things to do. I hit the streets with my half hour and chat with the people I can find. Sadly, it is rather slim. I am also getting frustrated that I have not been able to take Baby Stupina out at all. She is up at Dragon Wings, but once I switch costume, there isn’t a chance for me to get down there before I would have to turn around, and unfortunately, I can’t just sit her down anywhere. I do have a chat with a woman whose husband was stationed in Milan, near where I am “from. We chat and I am grateful I have been to the country as I am able to cover my ass and talk as if I was someone who called it home once.
BACK AGAIN
Soon enough, it’s time for the second show. It’s a smaller audience, but it’s because it’s the show that isn’t on the schedule. They have to get the hard copy that morning or have read and remembered my post to know where to find us. They are still responsive and enjoying the stuff. We are running later than we want, so we cut the last piece of shtick and finish on Parting Glass. This time, I have to deconstruct the sound system before we are done. I pull up the mics, switch the sound and then try to untangle the cords. It takes a few seconds longer than I planned but we are off ASAP and the Hooligans begin. Off the stage, CDCB and I switch and he hides the sound while Trinket handles the signs. Once sorted, we can stop to greet patrons who want CD’s signed or just want to say hi. I am shown a pic of a doll that some regulars have named Columbina...since it’s a porcelain version of me.
IT”S THAT TIME ALREADY?
We chat with the patrons who are left and I wander the streets for a short while to chat with those about. I also check with a vendor about housing Baby Stupina there so I can bring her out more often. She is amenable and starts to set up the hook. I am hungry and Trinket and I stop by the nut booth to get some Pecans and cashews...mmmmm. Comedy ensues. Then, it’s time for check in for Pub Sing. We have been asked to remember a verse we wrote last year for the final song and suggest a slower piece we just started performing this year to the Rugbys. They are fine with it. We check our line up, run though the songs, and catch up with those we don’t spend enough time with for a few minutes. Soon enough, the call for places happens and we head to the stage. The show has fun energy and our “Book of Love” has a very positive response. Even Master Rugby asks if the song was new. We end on one of my favorite closers (I Come for to Sing) and the cannon bangs.
HEARTY FOOD WITH HEARTY LAUGHS
We head back to the costume house and change quickly. I am hungry and when I ask where we are to eat, I am reminded that I promised barbeque to my roomies. Famous Dave’s it is. We are joined by a Hermit, Son of Strum, Phillip Van Wilder, a beautiful purple lady and her next-door neighbor, who is equally pretty. Dinner is had after a short wait and many leftovers come home after many laughs and tales of memories. It is here I hear about the women literally throwing themselves at the Duelists. The beach at Normandy never looked so good. We head back to the house and crash...hard.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A NIGHT MAKES
Today is sunny and warmer already. Not badly, but the chill isn’t there, meaning I don’t see my breath as I do my vocal warm up and I don’t have to wrap my neck while I am walking about. I head to site and begin my warm up and then the hair and makeup. The stage still has a tarp on it and as I am finishing the make up, I am greeted by Smiths who want to take the tarp down. I grab my stuff and quickly get off the stage...being hit by a swinging tarp is not my idea of a fun way to start the day. Once done, I head down to the costume house and see my cohort, who is a bit less cheery this morning. Sundays and all...The costume house opens and I head in and change. Today, I am going to pull out a prop and I grab one of my acrylic balls. For those of you who have seen my shows for a number of years, it is one of the “jewels” that Pantalone juggled when Arlecchino wanted to get paid. It’s the blue one...yes, today, Stupina has Blue Ball. Singular.
CAN YOU HEAR ME AT ALL?
CDCB is running late, so Trinket and I run our sound check on our own. It’s a bit tougher to check balance and sibilance, but we had to do it before, so it works rather well for us and we are done in no time. I head to meeting and she to breakfast...after I pet the very sweet Corva. What an amazingly well behaved pup. At morning meeting, we learn there were a lot of sound issues the day before, not the least of which is that our sound at the White Hart traveled up the hill toward O’Shucks...our PG-13 show. To say that this displeased me is an understatement. I talk with SMAdam to make sure we can address t his ASAP as well as give CDCB some additional instructions to make sure that nothing is out of place before he moves to sales. I am also VERY thankful we did NOT do “show 4” as that one is the dirtiest one we do...and I really don’t want those just wandering by to get that kind of an earful. Trinket and I agree we will not do Show 4 at all until we know for sure the sound isn’t traveling.
HUG AND PLAY
We BEEP and head up to gate. I take my pit stop and chat with the Cudgels while we wait till the gates open. Master Wood makes it just in time and I face up so we can greet the crowd. The weather is amazing, but the crowd is still smallish. It’s a pity as this is perfect faire weather and even a couple thousand more wouldn’t have made it a crowded day. I wave and hug people, jump into a picture or two, dust and play. Today, Bertilda is back, and this makes me happy. After the crowd dies down, I wait a bit then head into site. I keep running into the same patrons as we are walking the same path. I decide to take the time t to pull out my toy.
I WANT A HUG!
As I wander, I see Prescott Pierce. It appears that my hug with him last week left an impression and he wants another. Well, after I deliver a summons that neither of us can read. He grabs a patron (who I ironically know relatively well) and asks his help to read the note. He reads it poorly. Stupina ends up translating. We hug and move our separate ways. THEN, I see Prescott hugging the king. Stupina begins to pout and almost cries. The King says “See what you have done!” and offers Stupina a hug which she takes readily! King hugs are almost as good as Southwell hugs.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO PET...
Ok, so when Stupina gets some object, she makes it her own little friend and asks people to pet them. Leaves, sticks (I still have the holy stick of Revel Grove in my house), and today, it’s my blue ball. Depending on the audience, I change what I say. Some hear the word blue, most don’t. When they ask me my pet’s name, I tell them “Ball”. Stupina was never one for creativity in names. Many do pet her when they realize she isn’t sticky or gross. I even show them her new tricks. She can jump to the back of my hand and to the front and can even balance on my nose. She is very well behaved for a ball. It becomes a great source of amusement. I stop by the tree between Piland’s and Nobless and show off my ball.
IT WON’T DO THAT FOR ME!!
While sitting and chatting with a little boy who really likes Ball and all his tricks, I am suddenly surrounded by the ladies of court. I show them the tricks of Ball and they are impressed. Then, Nicholas Throckmorton stops by. I know something that most of the ladies don’t know and I ask Master Throckmorton if he would like to hold Ball. He has to find a home for the Kings Cup and trusts the little boy I was chatting with. The boy is very good and won’t let ANY of the court ladies near the cup. Nicholas asks me if Ball would be ok and I think it will. Ball rolls onto his hands and begins to jump and roll around. He is a bit concerned and I tell him to just talk to Ball. As soon as he does, Ball begins to roll smoothly all over Master Throckmorton’s hands, arms, and begins to do some pretty tricks. Yes, Nicholas is a contact juggler. He garners applause from the small crowd that has joined us. Soon after, Nicholas treats the boy to a look at the king’s cup. That little boy is going to have GREAT stories. Shortly thereafter, everyone departs, including me.
FOR ME?
I head around with my ball and head around the back of the White Hart to visit Stub Toe. On the way, I show Ball to the Pyrates. As a gift, Skivee hands me food. He starts with chocolate, which I can’t have, then an apricot, which I can’t have, and settles on a grape. I walk about with my grape and my ball. Around Potomac Leather, I get into a heated discussion about how Ball is just as good as Boy. Father and I keep showing off our little one’s tricks. Sadly, Boy wins. There is much laughter.
STUPID BEE
I head up Stub Toe and try to gum half of my grape. Stupina can’t close her mouth or use her upper lip or teeth, so eating consists of me mushing food with my tongue. Not pretty. Once that piece is swallowed, I go to shred more grape on my teeth, but the grape bites back. I spit and a wasp flies out of my mouth. The stupid @$)($*#@(%#* wasp stung me INSIDE my lip. Luckily, I know I am not allergic, but I want to get it checked ASAP. I put pressure on it and head toward the White Hart where I see two EMT’s. Perfect. I show it to them and they ask me about symptoms. I don’t have the bad ones, but they take me off to First Aid to get ice and to make sure that my face under the mask looks ok.
THE INNER WORLD
My only request is that we don’t de-mask me until I am inside the first aid room in the back. There is no need to make people see that transition unless it’s life or death, and I seem to be ok. They check my face, fill out paperwork and give me ice. I feel STUPID. I always tell others to check their food, but I have no peripheral vision in the mask and forgot to look down before I tried to eat...DOH. Once paperwork is done, I re-mask, put the ice up to my mouth after wrapping it in my handkerchief, and head to the costume house. Along the way, I meet up with a few regular patrons who offer their regrets including a White Dragon. I am in mask with a huge handkerchief sticking out of my mouth looking a bit sour. I don’t know what was the magic of that look, but suddenly patrons are all waving at me happily before I even make contact. They are all so happy to see the grumpy looking Goblin thingy. It was somewhat odd. But, it kept me working as I crossed the street and disappeared back behind the scenes to deface once more and really get the ice on. Once at the Costume house, I took Benadryl and sat for a bit to let the ice soak and melt. It melted quickly as the heat of my mouth/breath melted things better. Stupid bee. Though I have to say I apologize to bees, because it was a STUPID WASP. The bees are generally nice, including those big ole wood bees that just hang around being fuzzy never stinging anyone. Stupid wasp.
BEETOX?
The First Aid guys warned me it would hurt and I should sit until it feels “normal”....um, no time for that. After about 20-30 minutes I started changing over into Columbina. I had to stop icing my mouth to do that and it started to throb a bit. Whee. It also started to swell a little. The good part, it was inside my mouth. It made half of my mouth look pouty and full... The bad part...it made HALF my mouth look pouty and full. I look mostly ok, until I try to put on lipstick and there is this odd Joker effect taking place. Charming. I hope that the benadryl will kick in and this will go down a bit. I head up to the street, grab Baby Stupina from Dragon Wings and walk her up to her new home at Tiger Torre Art. She should be with Masks, I suppose.
NO ONE PUT’S BABY IN THE CORNER
Even when I am walking relatively quickly, Baby Stupina brings out lots of looks. I can’t stop right now as I have her in one hand and my mug in the other and other than walking, I can’t manipulate her one handed. She can walk, but waving could coat her in a deluge and actually does at one point. I get her across site and put down my mug, then take her out for walkies. It turns out that one of the musicians she loves dancing to is there on Stub Toe and Baby Stupina has her first dance of the season. She draws a small crowd watching and taking pics. She poses and smiles...as much as a marionette can. There is much rejoicing (insert cheer here). I take her back in and hang her in her new home, then head out for lunch. I have steak again and take some time to warn patrons to look in sodas. One person notes that he is very allergic and though alone, knows where his epipen is. I stress that someone ELSE needs to know and make sure he is aware where first aid is as there had been 7 other stings before me.
THE GODDESS OF GIFT CHOICE
I am heading up toward Piland's and am stopped by Master Harry Knuckles. He has a letter for me from nobility. We make a big commotion and draw a crowd to read the letter. Lady Anne Herbert is looking for the perfect gift for her husband while he is away at war and asks for my advice, as I am known for gift giving. Her letter is flowery and annoys her cousin who has stopped by to listen. I finish the letter and propose that the perfect gift is a sword crafted with a symbol on the hilt that represents her to him, so whenever he must charge into battle, she is the strength of his arm and will always be with him. The crowd approves...except for Anne’s cousin. Once done, I am off to the show.
DON”T HEAR ME, OK?
I head to the White Hart and we mic up for the show and pull out signs and set list. I see the sound guy and double check that he will be able to review sound as will CDCB. We start the show and even though we have to cut the final shtick, the audience seems to be having a good time. It’s the 3:00 show and it is definitely a full audience for the day...No one really seems to have great crowds for them, so I am pleased. After the show, we clear. I notice that my lip seems a bit more normal in shape even though it still hurts a little. My teeth are also starting to feel weird...ah, moving toxins, joy. At least the SMAdam says that sound was fine and we have nothing to worry about, it was just a fluke of the day before.
BABY STUPINA, WHERE DOES THE TIME GO
I take Baby Stupina back out between shows. Good god but she eats away time. I bow, take pics, dance, sit, hide and have fun with patrons. Little ones shake her hand. There is much interest and I am suddenly out of time. I end up getting back to White Hart a bit late, but we still have time to prep for the show. The second show starts with the new music and they happily sing along and enjoy the show. After the show, I pull sound from the stage, and it is much smoother today. We are clear with time to spare. One of our loyals takes a pic of us before she travels home...to Australia...yeah, you tell me you travel to see us all the way from Australia and mean it...then you can get special treatment like her. We pack up after talking with people who want to share a word or two or get CD’s signed.
PUBY PREP
I wander around a bit feeling a bit hungry, but not sure I want something sweet again. I think more fennel would have been better....mmmm, fennel from the day before....mmmm. I head to the Pyrates and check the setlist. There are new songs to run through and Trinket and I check our position in the line up and pic an upbeat sing along song tonight. At places, we head in and start to sing. There are no O’Danny’s at the opening, but they do join us to sing Ugly Lass, which made most of the rest of the cast on stage wince in pain and laughter. It was very funny. Some mild tension passing by, the show was good, life was good and the weekend was over. We Boom on time and head to pick up stuff from backstage, head to the costume house, change and get paid. Whee!
DO YOU WANT A RAT WITH THAT?
A few of us agree to meet at Heroes, after the great Iphone gps search. It’s off the beaten path and the food is ok, but the company is fun. The Rat Catcher, Daisy O’Danny, Robin Hood and Maid Marian, a few Angels and some vendors all join together. Daisy is in a good mood and continues to say “Bee!” to me when I am getting too enthusiastic. It makes me pout. It’s funny though. BEE!... I think Daisy is one of the few that could out energy me when I get going. Finally, dinner is done and I head home. Once there, I see that both my roomies have fallen asleep in front of the TV watching a movie. It’s amusing to be sure. I head upstairs, start laundry, balance the CDCB materials and finally head to sleep.
This weekend is Irish Weekend. We will be at the White Hart at 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm! Come see a show and say hi! Till next week!
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Date: 2009-09-16 02:15 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-16 02:16 am (UTC)that was so cute!! i was glad to have been there to see that. :D excellent tricks for both of you.
sorry about the wasp incident. i got nabbed on my arm at rehearsal one afternoon. i can only IMAGINE what that felt like on the inside of your lip.
glad you enjoyed The Letter. it was fun to write. and write. and write... ;)
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Date: 2009-09-16 02:40 am (UTC)They *really* love the grapes this year. I swear it looked like the one that was drinking from one of ours (before we got more covers for our food) was having way more fun than any other than the queen bee/wasp should have. Positively ecstatic and dancing while drinking, refusing to be annoyed by the silly man who tried to brush her off... just went right back at it a second later.