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Md part quatro, 2009, long and detailed
MD part quatro, 2009
Tired here, but there is much to write. A bit later this week, but hopefully I will remember enough of the moments. Same caveats: Names, orders, events will all be forgotten or remembered incorrectly...that being said, here’s what we have:
BACK TO NORMAL
I head to site at regular time after a protein shake. Once on site, it’s stretching and warming up plus make up and hair. Then, down to the costume house to gather things for the day. Today is a bit chilly, so I pull out Mr. Hand Sock along with my mask and other props. Mr. Hand Sock is a long beige sock I wear on my hand...remember, Stupina isn’t much for creative names. One of our actresses has misplaced her tankard and asks hopefully if anyone else has one. I do. I lend it to her for the day. Once everything is ready, I head off to White Hart for sound check where Mirth has returned for the day.
GOOD PUPPY
Robin Hood and Maid Marian ask me if I happen to have an extra mic...I do, and they come over to pick it up for this weekend. Time to check our sound; however, Trinket is not here as she has a morning appointment elsewhere. We check my sound, but need a lighter female voice to balance it with. Having breakfast nearby is Tiger, who helps us out. Normally a deep voiced woman, she suddenly has the right tone and timbre to her voice when she talks to her puppy. Corva and I balance sound and all is well.
BEEPING
At morning meeting, we go over the special things for the day. We expect the weather to be good and the people to be pouring in. She reminds those of us with time to give some of it to the outside of the gate to hand out programs, greet patrons if lines get long, and take on some privy duty if it becomes necessary. In short order, it’s time to BEEP and off we go. I head out, make my final rest stop for the morning and get into place for the start of the day. I chat with the Cudgels again and when Master Teller arrives, it is time to face up and start the day. BOOM!
THE PRETTIEST PEOPLE INTHE VILLAGE
We are a motley crew up on the fountain. After the first rush of people enters and a tour or two are given, most of our crew head out to the morning dance and Emrys and I are left at the gate posing for pics. People are fascinated by the grotesque and we very much fit into the odd looking and funny category. After many hugs and well wishes of goodbye, I carefully step down (with help) and see that people are still flowing in, but no one else is outside.
THE SPECIAL TABLE
Picking up where I left off from last week, I grab 7 stacks of programs and sit down on the bricks where I set them on my head. I am still settling my hair and it takes a little bit to get the steady at first. By the end of the time, I have dropped them a total of 5 times, sometimes because others have knocked them off, sometimes because I ended looking up to high. A stack of programs is about 50 of them. I went through around 24 or so stacks in 1-1/2 hours. This is over 1-1/2 boxes, over 1,000 programs...All on my head. I sit relatively still and call out “Programs, get your programs.” Even still, many think I am a statue because of the mask and are shocked when I speak again. Or, they don’t realize it and laugh when they get closer and see I am a person. One gate person gives me a few more stacks of programs as I sit and eventually Mayor Southwell comes out and, being amused, puts another 50 or so on my head. It’s a bit heavier when the stack is over 8 inches tall, but I manage to keep still long enough for them to all go away. It takes a bit longer as a number of cast members have visited through and are handing out programs at a distance, so many don’t need them when they come to me.
THE CHALLENGE OF STILL
After a while, the buttons on my shoes start to cut into my feet, so I have to find ways to adjust. I put my hands behind my back, but for fear I might be stepped on, I put them back. I bring up my knees and put my hands on them. I never take the programs off my head as I do this. Parents ask their kids to get the programs. Some are too scared, others are quite excited and happy to get one of their own. The sun is also very bright and I am warm as I bake in it. Ironically, little to none of my skin is visible, so it’s not a question of burning, but of dehydration and overheating. In the distance, I see some of my favorite regulars approaching, but they do not see me and I lose them in the lack of peripheral vision. Ah well. I amuse and or amaze more patrons, and I even see our ED walk by as I am both fulfilling a need and not hurting my feet. I call this “win/win.”
CHILL ME DOWN
I finally head back in around noon and wander into the village a bit. Without the sun bearing down on me, I am actually rather chilled. It’s time to warm up my hands with Mr. Hand Sock. This consists of me putting the sock on my hand and scrunching in the end and walking up to patrons saying “Hello, I am Mr. Hand Sock. Would you like to pet me?” And ironically, most do. Then, the sock will say “Thank you” and I will move on. I am amazed at the fear some people have that I am going to try to embarrass them. You pet a sock on my hand, how much more worse would I make it. It’s about fun people. They are happily surprised when someone else in their group is successful and then they try.
THE LOW GROUND WORLD
I take a break and sit at my tree near O’Shucks and sing and talk to patrons. Suddenly, I see The Hermit at another tree in the area. We do notice each other, but we are far enough apart that someone could notice and interact with one and not the other. I am amused to think that this is the part of the village where the ground talks up to you. I also see the AAngels as gargoyles heading up to the top of O’Shucks to pose and look evile on the top. Mask meeting mask. They have no idea who I am. I am approached by a young rose seller who asks if I know who Michele is. She tells me that Michele wears a mask and would be around this area. I stare at her. “Are you looking for Stupina?” Yeah, I think that’s what the name was, Stuprina or something.” “ I am Stupina.” “OH, do you know where Michele is then?” ::blank stare:: “I AM Stupina.” “OH, oh, I wasn’t ready yet.” She then takes a couple minutes prepping tying a pin to the rose she had for me. Thanks. The pin is pretty enough, but Jeezopete! Soon enough, it’s time to head back to find Columbina.
SAFE AND SOUND
As I get to the back, I see Trinket has arrived and already is glowing pink. We pick shows for the weekend and she heads out to site while I transition. In honor of Irish weekend, she has clover socks and pantaloons. I put on the most Italian version of my outfit. I do a quick check of armpits as they show a bit in this. Luckily, I am appropriately prepared. Today, I am not in the mood for steak and I decide to head on a different path. I find myself in another sun bowl ordering a wrap...Italian with mustard. Which is drowned in mustard, very spicy mustard. Maybe it will be “LIGHT” mustard next time. I am thinking that Sweet Potato Fries are calling me, but instead am dragged toward the Boars Head Tavern to eat with patrons, many of whom I know. They are celebrating talk like a pirate day and one offers me a tartlet she has created. Period recipe with mushrooms and garlic. Mmmm. I sit with Lady Vixen Foxchase and eat my sup chatting with the crowd of regulars. Once done, the sweet potato fries are no longer calling. I call that an accomplishment. Then, off to the White Hart, via the slow route.
HOW’S IT GOING
I wander down Kenwood and notice a line at the ATM. I then ask the line what ride this is as everyone seems interested. They tell me I can get money, but only if I have a card. I don’t have the card, so I proclaim they are the lucky ones to be able to get the prize at the end of the line. I walk forward and do the whole thing again to another group that didn’t hear me the first time. Then, a bit farther down, I see the food court is rather full. I ask the lady if the spot next to her is taken, she says no, so I stand up on it and ask the crowd who has had fun, who has eaten good food, seen a fun show, and is merry. The crowd is enthusiastic in its replies to my “survey.” Then I move on farther and chat with patrons on benches. Finally, it’s time for me to head to the White Hart.
WIRED FOR SOUND
We prep with the show list, mics, and water refills. The air is a bit bad and I am feeling it, though I haven’t done much at all with my voice that should be challenging it. We head to the stage and run our new show, which is getting better and better response each week. As I am about to start, a woman approaches the stage from the back asking if I am Michele as she has something for me. OK, PERSON HITTING ME IN THE ROMANCE WARS, If you read this. PLEASE, do NOT deliver things to me as Michele. Give them to me as Stupina or Columbina unless it’s done backstage. If you know who is hitting me and they don’t read these, make sure they know. ALSO, do NOT try to deliver something as my show is starting, this is bad. Have them delivered AFTER the show, 3:30 (each weekend) or 5:00 (depending on the weekend). As much as I love playing, I won’t do it if it infringes on my work, and as lovely as the things are, this year, it’s starting to infringe. I send CDCB off stage with the treat to set it aside for later.
SNACKING ON FRUITS
After the show, we meet people in the back and sign CDs or say hello. We sign a tshirt for some patrons and once people move on, we do too. I take the lovely give of a pottery basket filled with fresh raspberries and have a few. I share some with Trinket and we wander toward Tiger’s to set them down somewhere safe and to share a treat or 2. Now, I set that down and grab Baby Stupina. We go out for walkies. I never seem to manage to get any farther than Noblesse, and more often than not, not even that far. Then, I have to turn around to get her back in time for my next show. People are fascinated and want to talk to her and watch her move for a while, so I can’t move quickly very often for her to be the most effective. Little ones are happy and she even gives out her first hug of the season. I take her back to rest and head back out to the stage.
THE NAUGHTY SHOW
There is one show that WON’T be performed outside the pub. It’s the one that made me choose PG 13 over PG as our rating. This is that show. We let people know in advance. And we make sure that the sound isn’t traveling in inappropriate locations before we get going. All is well and we perform to laughter, but I am finding my voice struggling. This is insane. I never have voice issues this early, but today, I am losing range and feel my voice give out on a note or two. WTF. I get off stage and licorice up and drink lots of water. This should not be this bad. Dust and allergies are kicking in fierce today. After the show, we are complimented by fans, new and old, and spend time making friend and chastising the men who missed the show, as they do know better. They promise to make it up to me on the morrow. I pout. I pout prettily. It seems to work well.
ONCE AROUND THE BLOCK
Baby Stupina and I head out again for another 20-30 minutes. We meet more new friends, shake hands, bow, sit, nap and more. Soon enough, I take her back to nap for the night. I head to the Pyrate Camp to find out what the plans were for the night. We go over what we are doing and make sure we have the right props and at places head into the pub. Smoke is a bit high today and I am feeling it more than usual. I am avoiding cigarettes as they are making me cough even more than normal. The show goes well and I see M of the Duelists and he asks me if I am free for a pic. I tell him to find his other half and we can, but I do have stuff throughout the sing. He can find me here though. Soon I hear the violins and head to my table to ask the people to clear off their items. They look confused and I reiterate. As I am about to step up, I see M and have to put a hand up for him to wait as I climb up and begin to dance. The audience cheers and claps along and once we are done. I climb down, thank those at the table, and head outside the pub for the pic.
CAPTURING MEMORIES
Steph is there and using her moving pixie box she gets a good pic of us, as when she tried a still, I blinked, I knew it when it happened. After the pic is taken, I head back into the pub to sing with Trinket. She says she has a new song she wants me to sing with her and together we sing “Old Maid in the Garrett.” I chase her off the stage and out of the pub. I am glad I survived, but my throat is crying for hot water and lemon. It should not be this bad. I head back to the stage for the last songs and we end in Wild Mountain Thyme. Cannon booms and the day is done, I grab my things and head out.
WHERE TO EAT
I am feeling tired and a bit grumpy. R has plans and M goes with, so I head out and join the rest at the court dinner at 3 Brothers. I know I was a whiney mess as they didn’t have hot water (except from the tap) and my food delivery was late-ish and wrong. I can hear how annoying I sound and decide to cut out early. I am home by 9:20 and in bed by 10. I am already starting to drift as I hear my housemates get home. That’s a first. Time to rest for day 2.
DOH
I get to site and do the morning pattern. It’s chilly so I have a scarf around my neck and gloves on. I have been given back the tankard from the lady who borrowed it the day before, but now she tells me she is getting ill and I should take it home and scrub it. Don’t need to ask me twice. I grab the Free Hugs sign and head to sound check. We are missing the sound guy today, but CDCB has learned how to run things so we are well. We set up sound pretty quickly and I head to morning meeting. Before we start, I am asked if I had any issues with the Free Hugs sign as people were a bit aggressive yesterday. I hadn’t had it out, but generally, I am ok when I have it. Since they can’t always tell who or what I am, the aggression isn’t the same as someone identifiable. There are goodbyes to the Men in Tights and the Duelists. Two groups I have gotten much closer to this year. All 4 are sweet men with good humor and very different personalities. Hee. Numbers were good and ragweed was even higher yesterday, which explains my throat, even on antihistamines is struggling. It also doesn’t help that I have a straw allergy and the site is coated in it. Ah well, the things we do for the job we have. The crowds were a bit odd the day before and we share a few quick stories of those who didn’t understand limits. We BEEP and head to the front.
FREE HUGS AGAIN
After my last break, I head to the gate and am faced up for the boom. The king is happy to tell me the price of my hugs is good as he rides by. Once gates open, I begin to hug in earnest. I get lines, laughs at a distance, and lots of comments. Some think I WANT free hugs, but most realize I am giving them. One of those arriving is a dear friend from my past. He tries to visit once a year, but has not been very successful as of late, so it’s good to see him. People look at my sign and wonder if others near me will Also give free hugs. Um, not necessarily. The crowd dies down and Emrys and I are left alone. I get help to step off that “VERY TALL” fountain and set down my sign and scarf (it was chilly this morning), then grab programs and head out.
WHEN THE AUDIENCE IS WATCHING
I settle down and notice my head feels a bit bumpy. I set the programs on my head as Jackie walks by and they all spill. DOH. I smoosh at my head and settle in for distribution. I discover one of the gate wenches behind me is jealous and trying to do the same thing. She informs me we now have a love hate relationship. I am amused. I have gotten into the swing of things and my ankles are feeling buttons. I adjust my position. People are doing well and I keep refilling. I go back for another 7 stacks of programs. Southwell comes out and tells people that thy have to be careful to not drop them off my head. Someone asks me what will happen if they drop them. I tell them they have to pick them up. People are stepping up in a panic to remove them carefully.
MALEABILITY
I am getting better at this and after one more drop for the day, am really doing well. I am now able to drop my height and slide to the side when a child comes by to get a program. I slide the other way for another guest to get one. I get tall for adults. It’s quite amusing. Of course, it’s god awful sunny and I am having the darndest time keeping my eyes open a there is nothing to cover them or protect them from the harsh rays. My face is rather warm and I feel the dehydration kicking in again. When I am done this round, I take a longer drink when I go to get more programs.
ALTERNATIVES
Back out with another 4 stacks. This time, one of the gate ladies has taken pity on me and comes out with her parasol to protect my face from the rays. WHAT A DIFFERENCE that makes. I can see people now and she is helping people see that I am nearby with programs. Of course, this is when the rest of the court is also outside handing out the programs, so these go very slow now. Finally, some of them go in and I decide I want to try something different. I take the last 2 stacks (about 100 programs) and lay down on my back carefully placing them on my feet. I extend my legs up and hand them out this way. The bricks are smooth and it’s great for my back. I take about ½ hour handing out programs this way and by the last 10, my quads are starting to quake a bit, but it’s good work. I am successful handing, or footing, out the last few, and I can sit up again. That’s what I call laying down on the job.
HUGGING THE CROWD
I head into the festival and start chatting with patrons. I am called back by my gate lady who reminds me of my scarf and sign. I gather them and head back in offering more hugs. I tend to get more hugs from costumed patrons, older women, and teens of both genders who likely saw the video from a few years ago. Inside, the dynamic is different. I walk up with the sign to groups and just stand there looking at them pointedly. I usually get at least one hug from that. Or I stand at a distance and see who will come running. Often they do. I would like a lighter sign, but I love this stuff. The Hermit is nearby and I invite him to take the sign. He will have none of it.
THROW SOMETHING MORE, GO AHEAD
I get backstage to find out that Bauble and Mirth, who are at an outside gig, have left most of Bauble’s costuming back home and they can’t get to it. After many phone calls and reorganization, CDCB is relegated to run out to make the pick up and delivery. Unfortunately, this means that we have no sound guy AND no CD sales person. Due to some quick thinking on Trinket’s part...yes, she can, stop making that face...we are greeted with Julie, the person I met at dinner the weekend before (ironically). We now have to work out who is going to help us switch and check sound while we are in the audience. A few phone calls and we have SMAdam to help us out. Once I change and grab something to eat, I head out to grab a quicker steak and then to the White Hart a bit early to teach her the sales materials after Trinket teaches her her schtick.
THAT ONE IS DIFFERENT
We perform the show and the energy is quite good. SMAdam is wonderfully helpful. Show 3 (our term for it) seems to be our most energetic and fun for the audience. I see many familiar and supportive faces. Especially the one who visited last year on Silent Trinket day. It’s nice he can now really hear what we sound like. Also there is our favorite waiter from CPK. We have been trying to get him to our shows for the last 3 years and he finally made it with baby and wife in tow! What a face on that one...both of them actually. His wife is quite lovely. At the end of the show, Trinket calls up CDCG (she isn’t a boy) and up pops Julie, which makes things even more amusing. The audience laughs and all is well.
THANKS FOR THE SIMPLEST THINGS
At the end of the show, we head to the back to greet patrons. One gentleman takes my hand and thanks me profusely for singing Parting Glass as he has never heard it sung at faire before. Yes, this means he has also never seen our show before, as we always end on that song. I welcomed him back again to hear it once more. As we finish, I take back the sales materials and lock up what needs to be. I see SMAdam and double check where we are in the pub sing set list as we are trying to determine when and how we are going to break down our sound with so few of our staff present. He checks the list and realizes we aren’t on it at all. Um Whoops. He goes off to figure out what happened and I note I will check in with him later.
EVERYONE LOVES BABY
The Tiger Mask Shop Mascot (#2), Baby Stupina, and I head out to the streets for more walk around. Again, we make it almost to Noblesse and have to turn around. There are so many people to greet. I have to keep eyes on her movement as well as use soft eyes to see who has noticed her so she can acknowledge them. I get to have a scared child become less scared and come out to say hi as well as many others who play and chat with her. And, many even realize she is a marionette, not a puppet. I take her back and grab my raspberries from the day before. Still yummy - thanks to the lady who was smart enough to chill them overnight, because I forgot.
WELCOME HOME
As I return, I see that CDCB has returned and CDCG turns in her basket. We tell him of what transpired in the last show and make a plan for this one. I am also gifted with another romance war hit that was left for me in the closet and a message of great intensity. S/he also notes s/he will be in the crowd watching. I keep my eyes open and have some suspicions. SMLiz comes up out of breath as she has offered to help with the show. I find out I told her the wrong time and she thought she was at the wrong stage and went running to Gatehouse. I feel AWFUL, but she is ok. This show is also great fun even with a slightly smaller audience. They are enthusiastic and the audience fills in as we start. I find my brain is a bit swishy today and I am missing starts of verses. I am still fighting the allergies, but I have a good high range and a good low range, it’s all those nasty middle notes that are fighting me. At the end of the show, CDCB limps up to the stage instead of bounding up. Anyone who saw the last show is rather amused. Also in the crowd are 3 gentlemen I have been berating for missing it previously.
MANNERS AND MAN
After the show, we greet the audience and are complimented by random passers by as well as some loyal fans. We find a crowd of 4, Robert, Bob, Stoph, and another Robert...who got his own laugh by giving Trinket his card during one song in the show. There is a lovely chat about manners and these 4 men that I would break...oh so gently. They argue about who would be first thinking it would be a bad thing, when I inform them that that the first one would break the most intensely. It’s amusing. Eventually, they have to leave and I must visit the streets.
IS IT YOU?
On the streets, I am met by a regular playtron who asks me if I am “the one in the mask.”
I look at him and ask him how could I be so. He is somewhat confused, but still laughs and starts to connect. I head back to see the last day of the opera singer/peacock at Tiger’s. I grab Baby Stupina and convince a woman she wants a mask...I even make her try on my personal favorite one which everyone in her group likes. Out on the street Stupina is very popular and gets a number of small crowds. Finally, it’s time to head to the Pyrates’ to get ready. We find out that yes, we are in the show and have organized to do “Roll Me Over” which has us walking through the audience. While there are some technical sound things that have to happen to let us do this, making the contact with the crowd IN the crowd makes a huge difference.
SCARF??? OH SCARF????
It is starting to get colder so I go to put on my scarf that I had pulled out earlier...and it’s gone. I check the closet, Tiger’s and other places I have been, and it’s gone. This is bad. If y’all see my gold/turquoise scarf, NOT on me, please let me know. I will be checking with customer service’s lost and found in hopes it turned up. It’s perfect with my outfit and I am missing it dreadfully. As things get a bit more chill, I put on my blue gloves to keep me a bit warmer.
TECHNICALITIES
At places, we head into the pub after chatting and organizing things ahead of time with Fletcher and others. Inside the pub, we cheer on and dance. The first violinist’s piece has an oddly reminiscent sound. I glare at a smiling Neidfyre then find the Ukrainian Jew in the Italian begins to dance in a different style. Others join in as the Irish dance becomes more Russian as well. It’s amusing. Later, we dance on the tables again to an enthusiastic response and Dinty’s Kanye gets an even bigger response this time. God Bless Queen Schnookie-Face for playing so well. Soon after “New Guy” and then Fletcher sing beautiful but incredibly depressing songs, Rose brings us up to cheer on the crowd. Before this, we had snuck off to the back to get wired then take our spaces again while we are turned on (the mics, sickos), but SMAdam has us off. When it’s time, we head to the stage and stop on the steps saying that we like back down with the crowd. They cheer and we sing throughout the crowd picking various men. The energy has done a 180 turn around. This makes me happy.
ENDINGS IN GREAT COMPANY
Eventually, the music becomes slower again and we end with Auld Lang Syne. Cannon Booms and we head out. I walk part of the way with a man of sweet face and kinder disposition, though I doubt he would admit it. We part ways and Trinket and I head back after my failed attempts to hide from her. Backstage, I gather the group to go to House of Hunan with the Duelists since this is their last day with us. We are told we need to wait a bit and once we have gathered our group, we head out. By the end of the night, it is about 14-16 of us closing down the restaurant and I have enjoyed a lovely Peking Duck with a friend. After dinner, a group of us are standing outside not wanting to go home, but so exhausted. The talk is of hockey of which I know nothing about and I head to my car. As I leave, I consciously drive through them and in my best old crotchety lady voice start yelling “you crazy kids, get outta here, troublemakers!” There is laughter and I head home. When the boys arrive, I treat M to his first viewing of Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog. Randall has still not seen it, and I think he knows someone in it. Then, exhausted sleep.
TRANSITIONS
The Duelists drove off today to their next show and we wish them great luck. They gifted me with a lovely portrait of the 3 of us that was the one taken during Pub Sing on Saturday. It’s lovely and up on my wall. Pout. There will be new houseguests this weekend, I just don’t expect them to walk around shirtless.
As to the Pyrate weekend, come see The Interpreters at 3:00 at the White Hart and 4:30 at GATEHOUSE this weekend!!!!!
Tired here, but there is much to write. A bit later this week, but hopefully I will remember enough of the moments. Same caveats: Names, orders, events will all be forgotten or remembered incorrectly...that being said, here’s what we have:
BACK TO NORMAL
I head to site at regular time after a protein shake. Once on site, it’s stretching and warming up plus make up and hair. Then, down to the costume house to gather things for the day. Today is a bit chilly, so I pull out Mr. Hand Sock along with my mask and other props. Mr. Hand Sock is a long beige sock I wear on my hand...remember, Stupina isn’t much for creative names. One of our actresses has misplaced her tankard and asks hopefully if anyone else has one. I do. I lend it to her for the day. Once everything is ready, I head off to White Hart for sound check where Mirth has returned for the day.
GOOD PUPPY
Robin Hood and Maid Marian ask me if I happen to have an extra mic...I do, and they come over to pick it up for this weekend. Time to check our sound; however, Trinket is not here as she has a morning appointment elsewhere. We check my sound, but need a lighter female voice to balance it with. Having breakfast nearby is Tiger, who helps us out. Normally a deep voiced woman, she suddenly has the right tone and timbre to her voice when she talks to her puppy. Corva and I balance sound and all is well.
BEEPING
At morning meeting, we go over the special things for the day. We expect the weather to be good and the people to be pouring in. She reminds those of us with time to give some of it to the outside of the gate to hand out programs, greet patrons if lines get long, and take on some privy duty if it becomes necessary. In short order, it’s time to BEEP and off we go. I head out, make my final rest stop for the morning and get into place for the start of the day. I chat with the Cudgels again and when Master Teller arrives, it is time to face up and start the day. BOOM!
THE PRETTIEST PEOPLE INTHE VILLAGE
We are a motley crew up on the fountain. After the first rush of people enters and a tour or two are given, most of our crew head out to the morning dance and Emrys and I are left at the gate posing for pics. People are fascinated by the grotesque and we very much fit into the odd looking and funny category. After many hugs and well wishes of goodbye, I carefully step down (with help) and see that people are still flowing in, but no one else is outside.
THE SPECIAL TABLE
Picking up where I left off from last week, I grab 7 stacks of programs and sit down on the bricks where I set them on my head. I am still settling my hair and it takes a little bit to get the steady at first. By the end of the time, I have dropped them a total of 5 times, sometimes because others have knocked them off, sometimes because I ended looking up to high. A stack of programs is about 50 of them. I went through around 24 or so stacks in 1-1/2 hours. This is over 1-1/2 boxes, over 1,000 programs...All on my head. I sit relatively still and call out “Programs, get your programs.” Even still, many think I am a statue because of the mask and are shocked when I speak again. Or, they don’t realize it and laugh when they get closer and see I am a person. One gate person gives me a few more stacks of programs as I sit and eventually Mayor Southwell comes out and, being amused, puts another 50 or so on my head. It’s a bit heavier when the stack is over 8 inches tall, but I manage to keep still long enough for them to all go away. It takes a bit longer as a number of cast members have visited through and are handing out programs at a distance, so many don’t need them when they come to me.
THE CHALLENGE OF STILL
After a while, the buttons on my shoes start to cut into my feet, so I have to find ways to adjust. I put my hands behind my back, but for fear I might be stepped on, I put them back. I bring up my knees and put my hands on them. I never take the programs off my head as I do this. Parents ask their kids to get the programs. Some are too scared, others are quite excited and happy to get one of their own. The sun is also very bright and I am warm as I bake in it. Ironically, little to none of my skin is visible, so it’s not a question of burning, but of dehydration and overheating. In the distance, I see some of my favorite regulars approaching, but they do not see me and I lose them in the lack of peripheral vision. Ah well. I amuse and or amaze more patrons, and I even see our ED walk by as I am both fulfilling a need and not hurting my feet. I call this “win/win.”
CHILL ME DOWN
I finally head back in around noon and wander into the village a bit. Without the sun bearing down on me, I am actually rather chilled. It’s time to warm up my hands with Mr. Hand Sock. This consists of me putting the sock on my hand and scrunching in the end and walking up to patrons saying “Hello, I am Mr. Hand Sock. Would you like to pet me?” And ironically, most do. Then, the sock will say “Thank you” and I will move on. I am amazed at the fear some people have that I am going to try to embarrass them. You pet a sock on my hand, how much more worse would I make it. It’s about fun people. They are happily surprised when someone else in their group is successful and then they try.
THE LOW GROUND WORLD
I take a break and sit at my tree near O’Shucks and sing and talk to patrons. Suddenly, I see The Hermit at another tree in the area. We do notice each other, but we are far enough apart that someone could notice and interact with one and not the other. I am amused to think that this is the part of the village where the ground talks up to you. I also see the AAngels as gargoyles heading up to the top of O’Shucks to pose and look evile on the top. Mask meeting mask. They have no idea who I am. I am approached by a young rose seller who asks if I know who Michele is. She tells me that Michele wears a mask and would be around this area. I stare at her. “Are you looking for Stupina?” Yeah, I think that’s what the name was, Stuprina or something.” “ I am Stupina.” “OH, do you know where Michele is then?” ::blank stare:: “I AM Stupina.” “OH, oh, I wasn’t ready yet.” She then takes a couple minutes prepping tying a pin to the rose she had for me. Thanks. The pin is pretty enough, but Jeezopete! Soon enough, it’s time to head back to find Columbina.
SAFE AND SOUND
As I get to the back, I see Trinket has arrived and already is glowing pink. We pick shows for the weekend and she heads out to site while I transition. In honor of Irish weekend, she has clover socks and pantaloons. I put on the most Italian version of my outfit. I do a quick check of armpits as they show a bit in this. Luckily, I am appropriately prepared. Today, I am not in the mood for steak and I decide to head on a different path. I find myself in another sun bowl ordering a wrap...Italian with mustard. Which is drowned in mustard, very spicy mustard. Maybe it will be “LIGHT” mustard next time. I am thinking that Sweet Potato Fries are calling me, but instead am dragged toward the Boars Head Tavern to eat with patrons, many of whom I know. They are celebrating talk like a pirate day and one offers me a tartlet she has created. Period recipe with mushrooms and garlic. Mmmm. I sit with Lady Vixen Foxchase and eat my sup chatting with the crowd of regulars. Once done, the sweet potato fries are no longer calling. I call that an accomplishment. Then, off to the White Hart, via the slow route.
HOW’S IT GOING
I wander down Kenwood and notice a line at the ATM. I then ask the line what ride this is as everyone seems interested. They tell me I can get money, but only if I have a card. I don’t have the card, so I proclaim they are the lucky ones to be able to get the prize at the end of the line. I walk forward and do the whole thing again to another group that didn’t hear me the first time. Then, a bit farther down, I see the food court is rather full. I ask the lady if the spot next to her is taken, she says no, so I stand up on it and ask the crowd who has had fun, who has eaten good food, seen a fun show, and is merry. The crowd is enthusiastic in its replies to my “survey.” Then I move on farther and chat with patrons on benches. Finally, it’s time for me to head to the White Hart.
WIRED FOR SOUND
We prep with the show list, mics, and water refills. The air is a bit bad and I am feeling it, though I haven’t done much at all with my voice that should be challenging it. We head to the stage and run our new show, which is getting better and better response each week. As I am about to start, a woman approaches the stage from the back asking if I am Michele as she has something for me. OK, PERSON HITTING ME IN THE ROMANCE WARS, If you read this. PLEASE, do NOT deliver things to me as Michele. Give them to me as Stupina or Columbina unless it’s done backstage. If you know who is hitting me and they don’t read these, make sure they know. ALSO, do NOT try to deliver something as my show is starting, this is bad. Have them delivered AFTER the show, 3:30 (each weekend) or 5:00 (depending on the weekend). As much as I love playing, I won’t do it if it infringes on my work, and as lovely as the things are, this year, it’s starting to infringe. I send CDCB off stage with the treat to set it aside for later.
SNACKING ON FRUITS
After the show, we meet people in the back and sign CDs or say hello. We sign a tshirt for some patrons and once people move on, we do too. I take the lovely give of a pottery basket filled with fresh raspberries and have a few. I share some with Trinket and we wander toward Tiger’s to set them down somewhere safe and to share a treat or 2. Now, I set that down and grab Baby Stupina. We go out for walkies. I never seem to manage to get any farther than Noblesse, and more often than not, not even that far. Then, I have to turn around to get her back in time for my next show. People are fascinated and want to talk to her and watch her move for a while, so I can’t move quickly very often for her to be the most effective. Little ones are happy and she even gives out her first hug of the season. I take her back to rest and head back out to the stage.
THE NAUGHTY SHOW
There is one show that WON’T be performed outside the pub. It’s the one that made me choose PG 13 over PG as our rating. This is that show. We let people know in advance. And we make sure that the sound isn’t traveling in inappropriate locations before we get going. All is well and we perform to laughter, but I am finding my voice struggling. This is insane. I never have voice issues this early, but today, I am losing range and feel my voice give out on a note or two. WTF. I get off stage and licorice up and drink lots of water. This should not be this bad. Dust and allergies are kicking in fierce today. After the show, we are complimented by fans, new and old, and spend time making friend and chastising the men who missed the show, as they do know better. They promise to make it up to me on the morrow. I pout. I pout prettily. It seems to work well.
ONCE AROUND THE BLOCK
Baby Stupina and I head out again for another 20-30 minutes. We meet more new friends, shake hands, bow, sit, nap and more. Soon enough, I take her back to nap for the night. I head to the Pyrate Camp to find out what the plans were for the night. We go over what we are doing and make sure we have the right props and at places head into the pub. Smoke is a bit high today and I am feeling it more than usual. I am avoiding cigarettes as they are making me cough even more than normal. The show goes well and I see M of the Duelists and he asks me if I am free for a pic. I tell him to find his other half and we can, but I do have stuff throughout the sing. He can find me here though. Soon I hear the violins and head to my table to ask the people to clear off their items. They look confused and I reiterate. As I am about to step up, I see M and have to put a hand up for him to wait as I climb up and begin to dance. The audience cheers and claps along and once we are done. I climb down, thank those at the table, and head outside the pub for the pic.
CAPTURING MEMORIES
Steph is there and using her moving pixie box she gets a good pic of us, as when she tried a still, I blinked, I knew it when it happened. After the pic is taken, I head back into the pub to sing with Trinket. She says she has a new song she wants me to sing with her and together we sing “Old Maid in the Garrett.” I chase her off the stage and out of the pub. I am glad I survived, but my throat is crying for hot water and lemon. It should not be this bad. I head back to the stage for the last songs and we end in Wild Mountain Thyme. Cannon booms and the day is done, I grab my things and head out.
WHERE TO EAT
I am feeling tired and a bit grumpy. R has plans and M goes with, so I head out and join the rest at the court dinner at 3 Brothers. I know I was a whiney mess as they didn’t have hot water (except from the tap) and my food delivery was late-ish and wrong. I can hear how annoying I sound and decide to cut out early. I am home by 9:20 and in bed by 10. I am already starting to drift as I hear my housemates get home. That’s a first. Time to rest for day 2.
DOH
I get to site and do the morning pattern. It’s chilly so I have a scarf around my neck and gloves on. I have been given back the tankard from the lady who borrowed it the day before, but now she tells me she is getting ill and I should take it home and scrub it. Don’t need to ask me twice. I grab the Free Hugs sign and head to sound check. We are missing the sound guy today, but CDCB has learned how to run things so we are well. We set up sound pretty quickly and I head to morning meeting. Before we start, I am asked if I had any issues with the Free Hugs sign as people were a bit aggressive yesterday. I hadn’t had it out, but generally, I am ok when I have it. Since they can’t always tell who or what I am, the aggression isn’t the same as someone identifiable. There are goodbyes to the Men in Tights and the Duelists. Two groups I have gotten much closer to this year. All 4 are sweet men with good humor and very different personalities. Hee. Numbers were good and ragweed was even higher yesterday, which explains my throat, even on antihistamines is struggling. It also doesn’t help that I have a straw allergy and the site is coated in it. Ah well, the things we do for the job we have. The crowds were a bit odd the day before and we share a few quick stories of those who didn’t understand limits. We BEEP and head to the front.
FREE HUGS AGAIN
After my last break, I head to the gate and am faced up for the boom. The king is happy to tell me the price of my hugs is good as he rides by. Once gates open, I begin to hug in earnest. I get lines, laughs at a distance, and lots of comments. Some think I WANT free hugs, but most realize I am giving them. One of those arriving is a dear friend from my past. He tries to visit once a year, but has not been very successful as of late, so it’s good to see him. People look at my sign and wonder if others near me will Also give free hugs. Um, not necessarily. The crowd dies down and Emrys and I are left alone. I get help to step off that “VERY TALL” fountain and set down my sign and scarf (it was chilly this morning), then grab programs and head out.
WHEN THE AUDIENCE IS WATCHING
I settle down and notice my head feels a bit bumpy. I set the programs on my head as Jackie walks by and they all spill. DOH. I smoosh at my head and settle in for distribution. I discover one of the gate wenches behind me is jealous and trying to do the same thing. She informs me we now have a love hate relationship. I am amused. I have gotten into the swing of things and my ankles are feeling buttons. I adjust my position. People are doing well and I keep refilling. I go back for another 7 stacks of programs. Southwell comes out and tells people that thy have to be careful to not drop them off my head. Someone asks me what will happen if they drop them. I tell them they have to pick them up. People are stepping up in a panic to remove them carefully.
MALEABILITY
I am getting better at this and after one more drop for the day, am really doing well. I am now able to drop my height and slide to the side when a child comes by to get a program. I slide the other way for another guest to get one. I get tall for adults. It’s quite amusing. Of course, it’s god awful sunny and I am having the darndest time keeping my eyes open a there is nothing to cover them or protect them from the harsh rays. My face is rather warm and I feel the dehydration kicking in again. When I am done this round, I take a longer drink when I go to get more programs.
ALTERNATIVES
Back out with another 4 stacks. This time, one of the gate ladies has taken pity on me and comes out with her parasol to protect my face from the rays. WHAT A DIFFERENCE that makes. I can see people now and she is helping people see that I am nearby with programs. Of course, this is when the rest of the court is also outside handing out the programs, so these go very slow now. Finally, some of them go in and I decide I want to try something different. I take the last 2 stacks (about 100 programs) and lay down on my back carefully placing them on my feet. I extend my legs up and hand them out this way. The bricks are smooth and it’s great for my back. I take about ½ hour handing out programs this way and by the last 10, my quads are starting to quake a bit, but it’s good work. I am successful handing, or footing, out the last few, and I can sit up again. That’s what I call laying down on the job.
HUGGING THE CROWD
I head into the festival and start chatting with patrons. I am called back by my gate lady who reminds me of my scarf and sign. I gather them and head back in offering more hugs. I tend to get more hugs from costumed patrons, older women, and teens of both genders who likely saw the video from a few years ago. Inside, the dynamic is different. I walk up with the sign to groups and just stand there looking at them pointedly. I usually get at least one hug from that. Or I stand at a distance and see who will come running. Often they do. I would like a lighter sign, but I love this stuff. The Hermit is nearby and I invite him to take the sign. He will have none of it.
THROW SOMETHING MORE, GO AHEAD
I get backstage to find out that Bauble and Mirth, who are at an outside gig, have left most of Bauble’s costuming back home and they can’t get to it. After many phone calls and reorganization, CDCB is relegated to run out to make the pick up and delivery. Unfortunately, this means that we have no sound guy AND no CD sales person. Due to some quick thinking on Trinket’s part...yes, she can, stop making that face...we are greeted with Julie, the person I met at dinner the weekend before (ironically). We now have to work out who is going to help us switch and check sound while we are in the audience. A few phone calls and we have SMAdam to help us out. Once I change and grab something to eat, I head out to grab a quicker steak and then to the White Hart a bit early to teach her the sales materials after Trinket teaches her her schtick.
THAT ONE IS DIFFERENT
We perform the show and the energy is quite good. SMAdam is wonderfully helpful. Show 3 (our term for it) seems to be our most energetic and fun for the audience. I see many familiar and supportive faces. Especially the one who visited last year on Silent Trinket day. It’s nice he can now really hear what we sound like. Also there is our favorite waiter from CPK. We have been trying to get him to our shows for the last 3 years and he finally made it with baby and wife in tow! What a face on that one...both of them actually. His wife is quite lovely. At the end of the show, Trinket calls up CDCG (she isn’t a boy) and up pops Julie, which makes things even more amusing. The audience laughs and all is well.
THANKS FOR THE SIMPLEST THINGS
At the end of the show, we head to the back to greet patrons. One gentleman takes my hand and thanks me profusely for singing Parting Glass as he has never heard it sung at faire before. Yes, this means he has also never seen our show before, as we always end on that song. I welcomed him back again to hear it once more. As we finish, I take back the sales materials and lock up what needs to be. I see SMAdam and double check where we are in the pub sing set list as we are trying to determine when and how we are going to break down our sound with so few of our staff present. He checks the list and realizes we aren’t on it at all. Um Whoops. He goes off to figure out what happened and I note I will check in with him later.
EVERYONE LOVES BABY
The Tiger Mask Shop Mascot (#2), Baby Stupina, and I head out to the streets for more walk around. Again, we make it almost to Noblesse and have to turn around. There are so many people to greet. I have to keep eyes on her movement as well as use soft eyes to see who has noticed her so she can acknowledge them. I get to have a scared child become less scared and come out to say hi as well as many others who play and chat with her. And, many even realize she is a marionette, not a puppet. I take her back and grab my raspberries from the day before. Still yummy - thanks to the lady who was smart enough to chill them overnight, because I forgot.
WELCOME HOME
As I return, I see that CDCB has returned and CDCG turns in her basket. We tell him of what transpired in the last show and make a plan for this one. I am also gifted with another romance war hit that was left for me in the closet and a message of great intensity. S/he also notes s/he will be in the crowd watching. I keep my eyes open and have some suspicions. SMLiz comes up out of breath as she has offered to help with the show. I find out I told her the wrong time and she thought she was at the wrong stage and went running to Gatehouse. I feel AWFUL, but she is ok. This show is also great fun even with a slightly smaller audience. They are enthusiastic and the audience fills in as we start. I find my brain is a bit swishy today and I am missing starts of verses. I am still fighting the allergies, but I have a good high range and a good low range, it’s all those nasty middle notes that are fighting me. At the end of the show, CDCB limps up to the stage instead of bounding up. Anyone who saw the last show is rather amused. Also in the crowd are 3 gentlemen I have been berating for missing it previously.
MANNERS AND MAN
After the show, we greet the audience and are complimented by random passers by as well as some loyal fans. We find a crowd of 4, Robert, Bob, Stoph, and another Robert...who got his own laugh by giving Trinket his card during one song in the show. There is a lovely chat about manners and these 4 men that I would break...oh so gently. They argue about who would be first thinking it would be a bad thing, when I inform them that that the first one would break the most intensely. It’s amusing. Eventually, they have to leave and I must visit the streets.
IS IT YOU?
On the streets, I am met by a regular playtron who asks me if I am “the one in the mask.”
I look at him and ask him how could I be so. He is somewhat confused, but still laughs and starts to connect. I head back to see the last day of the opera singer/peacock at Tiger’s. I grab Baby Stupina and convince a woman she wants a mask...I even make her try on my personal favorite one which everyone in her group likes. Out on the street Stupina is very popular and gets a number of small crowds. Finally, it’s time to head to the Pyrates’ to get ready. We find out that yes, we are in the show and have organized to do “Roll Me Over” which has us walking through the audience. While there are some technical sound things that have to happen to let us do this, making the contact with the crowd IN the crowd makes a huge difference.
SCARF??? OH SCARF????
It is starting to get colder so I go to put on my scarf that I had pulled out earlier...and it’s gone. I check the closet, Tiger’s and other places I have been, and it’s gone. This is bad. If y’all see my gold/turquoise scarf, NOT on me, please let me know. I will be checking with customer service’s lost and found in hopes it turned up. It’s perfect with my outfit and I am missing it dreadfully. As things get a bit more chill, I put on my blue gloves to keep me a bit warmer.
TECHNICALITIES
At places, we head into the pub after chatting and organizing things ahead of time with Fletcher and others. Inside the pub, we cheer on and dance. The first violinist’s piece has an oddly reminiscent sound. I glare at a smiling Neidfyre then find the Ukrainian Jew in the Italian begins to dance in a different style. Others join in as the Irish dance becomes more Russian as well. It’s amusing. Later, we dance on the tables again to an enthusiastic response and Dinty’s Kanye gets an even bigger response this time. God Bless Queen Schnookie-Face for playing so well. Soon after “New Guy” and then Fletcher sing beautiful but incredibly depressing songs, Rose brings us up to cheer on the crowd. Before this, we had snuck off to the back to get wired then take our spaces again while we are turned on (the mics, sickos), but SMAdam has us off. When it’s time, we head to the stage and stop on the steps saying that we like back down with the crowd. They cheer and we sing throughout the crowd picking various men. The energy has done a 180 turn around. This makes me happy.
ENDINGS IN GREAT COMPANY
Eventually, the music becomes slower again and we end with Auld Lang Syne. Cannon Booms and we head out. I walk part of the way with a man of sweet face and kinder disposition, though I doubt he would admit it. We part ways and Trinket and I head back after my failed attempts to hide from her. Backstage, I gather the group to go to House of Hunan with the Duelists since this is their last day with us. We are told we need to wait a bit and once we have gathered our group, we head out. By the end of the night, it is about 14-16 of us closing down the restaurant and I have enjoyed a lovely Peking Duck with a friend. After dinner, a group of us are standing outside not wanting to go home, but so exhausted. The talk is of hockey of which I know nothing about and I head to my car. As I leave, I consciously drive through them and in my best old crotchety lady voice start yelling “you crazy kids, get outta here, troublemakers!” There is laughter and I head home. When the boys arrive, I treat M to his first viewing of Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog. Randall has still not seen it, and I think he knows someone in it. Then, exhausted sleep.
TRANSITIONS
The Duelists drove off today to their next show and we wish them great luck. They gifted me with a lovely portrait of the 3 of us that was the one taken during Pub Sing on Saturday. It’s lovely and up on my wall. Pout. There will be new houseguests this weekend, I just don’t expect them to walk around shirtless.
As to the Pyrate weekend, come see The Interpreters at 3:00 at the White Hart and 4:30 at GATEHOUSE this weekend!!!!!