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MDRF part otto, wet and wild
It wasn’t a total washout, but much has been rinsed away by the rain. Order, dates, times, people and events will disappear, but with that caveat, let’s see what the weekend held.
THE RIVER CHAPUYS
I headed to site to drop off my costumes on Friday. It was raining on and off and as I got to site, it got heavier…though not quite ungodly. I get the key and each time I head to the costume house, I have to leap over rivers of rainwater. It’s rather intense, but I have seen it worse. In the costume house, I am pleased to note that it’s dry inside. I rehang and pack away everything and lock up, then take the key back in the rain again. I am asked how bad it is over there. I recap the river flowing by knowing that it may not get much better this weekend. When home, I pull out my rain shoes (for getting on and off site) as well as another pair of boots, just in case. I also pull a snood for anyone that needs. I finish my day and finally get some sleep.
DARK AND STORMY
I wake up to no light. The joys of getting up each day as fall comes on…plus no sun. I head to site after grabbing brekkies and park as close to the road as I can. I enter through a different gate, which seems closer to where I am heading, but the grounds are wetter. Ah well. I climb to the top of Gatehouse as there is no dry space to sit on the stage. There, I take off my shoes in hopes of keeping the space clear and clean. I stretch, warm up vocally and start make up and hair. Luckily, it’s not cold, so I am doing ok in the weather. SMKate is there and I recommend dumping the water in the over hanging cover as it has been spilling irregularly. She does and the water pours out. Richard is nowhere to be seen, so I head down the back stairs carefully in the drizzle. At the costume house, everyone is standing and holding their things as the tables are soaked. Ironically, only inside the privies are dry. Once Stitch arrives, we all head inside, wiping our feet on the fabulous rugs of wiping. The rain keeps stopping and starting then getting heavy. We are informed that cast call is here and I don’t bother putting on my wings as I have been informed that rain is not good for the upper leaves.
COSY QUARTERS
I am very lucky that Mustardseed has an umbrella, as it allows for me to stand out a bit from the crowd as we all pile onto the patio. SMKate is walking through the crowd making sure everyone is here since we can’t make a line to her. Meeting starts with notes about no morning dance and other notes, though we are still waiting to decide on opening gate. Eventually, they decide to go ahead with it and everyone goes our several ways. Some acts are only here for the weekend, but we blame the Village Idiots for the weather. We are reminded that we show up to stages ready to perform and trust the SMs to let us know if we are a go. Then BEEP and we are off.
LOW KEY
Instead of stretching on the fountain, I go under the souvenir booth and sit on the only spot of clean dry space I can find. I stretch there, even if the bricks are chilly. Slowly, one by one the musicians from morning dance all arrive and set up. Even after gate, the group continues to grow. It is drizzling though mostly dry and when the cannon booms, Knuckles and I head to the fountain. The BOOM is not as loud as I expect, but the gates open and the people come in. It’s somewhat sad to see how on what could have been our biggest weekend, the crowd is in in a few moments. They do continue to arrive and more heavily than I expect, but it’s still an energy downer. Some ask about my wings and I inform them that they disappear in the cold wet weather…ok, so the only English word I use is ”Shrinkage” but just about everyone gets the point.
MEANDERING
The other joy of being a fairy is that last year, the other fairies (and I think Isobel Yaxley) got together to build a fairy circle. This is a hand painted (literally) and stenciled large piece of fabric that we would sit on. The best part of it was that it was vinyl on the back, like a tablecloth, so I can place it on a wet surface and stay dry. It is hanging on a bag on my waist that is actually butt height. I wander to the blue chair, sit, and place the bag under me. Between the folded circle and my umbrella, I am keeping pretty dry even though the drizzle continues and picks up on occasion. I chat with some, but the flow isn’t as heavy to make being here as useful as it could be. I do see a little boy who wants nothing to do with me, even though his parents keep trying to encourage him to blow me a kiss or even look at me. Ah well. Eventually, I wander into the village. I meander a lot, stopping to waive and chitter at a few booths and at some patrons, but feel a bit out of sorts. I end up sitting on my circle unfolded near K Dopita where there isn’t a huge puddle. I am approached by a few regulars, friends and new strangers. They enjoy me singing and chittering. Today, the new song has been “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles. It seems apropos.
TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME
Eventually, its time to head to the boardwalk. I fold the circle and put it away in the bag, then head down Kenwood. It’s chilly enough that I have to pee early, which I normally don’t have to. I stop in the privies and enjoy the dryish air…which is saying a lot. I head out after washing my hands (yes gang, this one has running water at it), then head farther down my way. I chitter with families in lines and discover a jewelry store that has been on the boardwalk for 3 years. I just never saw it before. I recommend checking them out, there are some pretty works and stones to ogle. I head to my favorite bench and begin to sing, again with the circle underneath me in the bag to keep me dry. I amazingly still pose for a few pics, sing and chitter at people. I give out a number of my ribbons today. Soon enough it’s time to get my props.
SAFE BY A HAIR
I head to the stage and don’t see anyone on it. Turns out the Ditty Sisters were rightfully concerned that the stage might kill them if they danced on it, so they performed in the street. I can be on the stage, but have to be careful as Goldilocks does fall and lay on it. I have brought the circle with me, so I have a bed for her, but I try to move away some of the worst of the leaves with my foot as this stage was not swept. I look about and have barely enough people to do the show. As we progress, that grows and we have enough people there that my friend, who was sure I was going to pick on him, is saved. There were a few people on the benches with alcohol and they are asked to drink it outside the wall by security, who has wandered by. The show itself goes smoothly overall and those there really get the jokes and want to play. This is always a good thing.
BACK AND DRY
I lug the props back and check to make sure I am set for next weekend. Things look good and I am ready to go back up the steps on the hill. I am being careful not to hit anyone with the umbrella. For some reason, even this seems to drag at me more. I am rather hungry and normally am not this early. I get back to the costume house and pull up the weather as I am cleaning my face and changing out of the wet shoes. It looks like we are clear for another few hours, so I am safe to go out without the big sign I dragged in to protect Stupina should she have to be on street with rain. I am out and setting props relatively quickly and head to my chair. There are still people coming in and the audiences are larger than I expect. I chat and play with a few people, but if they are arriving now, they aren’t planning on sitting at the gate for a show.
SURPRISING FUN
I go to set up the show and there are a few people in the audience. Not tons, but a decent group. My friend I avoided picking in the first show is at this one as well, and appears to be the ONLY male in the audience. This does not bode well for him, but he is prepared. Just before I start, two younger teens walking by yell to the stage asking what I am doing. I tell them I am about to become a girlie girl. Their reply? “Oh, I am so watching this” and they sit. Ciaran McCoy reads for my book and does well. The young ladies are hysterical laughing at all the shenanigans and it is infectious. It may be a small audience, but they SO get her. I am afraid I will have to pick my friend until about 30 seconds before I have to pick someone when a tall gent arrives in the back. I tell him he is late and for that he has to come down and help me. His name is Fabio, he’s great and the audience loves him. By the end of the show, the teen girls run up because they want my picture. It’s a fun show. I may be a bit sweaty, but for the first time, my face isn’t overheated.
YUM YUM
I head backstage after packing my props and go to change. It’s said to be chillier today, so I put on the golds, since it has the coat. I also give up early and do hair down and the Hat of Doooooooom. The change goes smoothly and I confirm with one lady that we are set for next weekend. I am getting hungrier and finally am changed and out early for once a year barbequed pork pocket. I bring my bowl and they put the fries in it, then the pork on top, then the cole slaw and barbeque sauce. I take it to O’Schucks where I dig in while sitting with two families. One family who changes their baby’s diaper at the table because they didn’t want to go out in the rain and another couple with a son, the mom of whom is ok with the diaper, but calls everything else at the fest filthy and disgusting (privies, oysters, etc.), going as far as to note that she “held it” for over 5 hours because she just couldn’t stand the thought of a privy. Wonder how she would have handled a busy day. It was an interesting conversation. The friend of the couple with the baby is interested in coming to the show though, so I let them know where and when to find it.
NAUGHTY FUN WITH FRIENDS
I head to get my props and head to Boar’s Head with SMDave who mics me up. Today, there are some long time friends I haven’t seen in forever in the house sitting front and center. Also, I see the gent from O’Schucks as well as some other patrons I met in advance. The house has gaps in it, but as I sing, I see people stopping on the sides and making their way in to find seats or just get comfy on the outside. Today, I give them a choice or maritime or Scottish tales. They choose Scottish, so I sing Angus and his Kilt and they sing along. They get more and more involved and by the end are singing and laughing with me. It’s a great feeling. I am asked to pose for a few pics afterwards, then, it’s time to hurry to get ready for Pub Sing.
CAN YA HELP A LADY OUT?
I drop off the props and am heading up the hill when I see a frantic Molly McCoy asking me to come back and help her change costume in 3 minutes flat. I come back and help her lace into the new bodice and once I know she has what she needs, I head back up and out. I somehow get to the encampment after her, still not sure how that happened. I check in and go to get some water with Roseanna. Sadly, there is not enough for us both and she heads back to the pyrates to get more. As Pub Sing begins, I stay to the side and sing along with the regulars clinking tankards and any other beverage holder or head I can. I head up to sing the Ladies verse of health and Fletcher begins to breathe a bit more heavily than normal, as it starts to make me shudder, Daisy says “run before he imprints on you” so I skedaddle off the other side of the stage. The show is moving smoothly and I join the stage with Carmita, Rose, Roseanna and um, whatever her Surly Mermaid name is and we sing 3 Jolly Coachmen with the crowd. Today, the Grass IS wet…so the last verse is greatly appreciated. The final song of the night is Leave her Johnny. The Crimson Pirates join us and it’s crowded and wonderful on stage. The cannon booms as we sing and sign off and the lights go dark. Pub sing is over.
OVER BUT NOT DONE
I head back to get changed and pull off the wet clothing and add layers for warmth. Tonight is the on site cast party hosted by Fight School. This is the rebirth of the King’s Kegger which Bill hosted so generously for so many years. These gents have continued this fine tradition. We clear site to make sure that everyone leaves first…with today’s weather, this is not an issue. We have all brought food to share and I have gone in with some other ladies to provide coldcuts, bread (gf and regular), and other sandwich makings. I also brought in my stash of plates, which are gone in moments, as are the cold cuts. The food and beverages are flowing. I am enjoying my water. (No alcohol for me till fest closes next weekend).
OVER DONE? OR JUST A CRISPY SKIN
Tonight, there is a roast of the man who would be King. Yesterday, he asked me to join him in a little bit of silly schtick for his entrance. As it’s coming up, I can’t find him, nor can one of the other ladies from cast, but when we do, we join the screaming throng. The roast then commences with evile comedy from Hamish, The mayor, Dash, Dinty and um, whatever he calls himself these days (cheeky monkey/skum actor…he USED to be Nigel Walkon…but who knows what he is now). As one should expect, no one is safe in the crowd and I am hit twice. It’s all in good fun. I leave around 9:30 with the Mayor having a discussion on what we would love to see for future years and shows. We agree on some, but not all our ideas. It’s a quiet but congenial wet walk back to our cars before we drive home our several ways.
WHAT COMES IN…
I wake up this morning and find myself spending an inordinate amount of time in the bathroom. I start to go to site and am truly not sure I am going to make it. I do and hurry in to find a privy and spend some time there. I am very concerned I am loosing time so I begin to do some vocal warm ups in the privy. By the time I head back to the stage, I am behind schedule and finish up more quickly than I’d like. I start on makeup and hair and walk carefully but quickly down the stairs to the Costume House, but EVERYONE is behind schedule. Where there would normally be 10 people, there are 3 besides myself. I head back into the privy and when I come out, the costume house is open.
WILL IT WON’T IT
I start getting ready and layer up underneath my costume remembering to put my tights on AND my knee brace as my knee is tweaky today. We are trying to figure out whether or not we should be wearing hats, where morning meeting will be, etc. We think it will be at Lyric, but get a last minute announcement that the meeting will be here. I see it’s not raining yet so I grab my wings, get winged up and hit the privy again. I am still there when I hear “CAST CALL” and get out quickly to join everyone and hear what the plans are for the day. As we are there, the drizzle starts, then gets heavier. I de-wing. Sigh. We hear there will be no chess game and others will be called as necessary. Joy. We BEEP and head into site.
HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN
As we are waiting for Opening Gate to start the rain starts to pick up. The drizzle is now a heavy drizzle and it’s annoying. I find a pole and stretch out under the souvenirs booth, but the ground is less clean as many have been stepping through there. Soon enough the cannon booms very loudly and the gates open. I am on the fountain with my cohorts. I am singing “Here comes the sun” again. After the first influx of people, Harry heads off and leaves William and I together. He is firing comment after comment at the crowd. He explains that the audience is a big wall that he keeps throwing stuff at. Some of it hits, but the ones that don’t splatter, and slide down the wall. At the bottom is a pit of despair. For the rest of the morning, when he says something that doesn’t connect, I mime something hitting a wall and sliding down to the pit. With sound effects. This makes both of us laugh uncontrollably.
MUSIC HELPS
Bayfield Brass is playing and their music cheers me up. We are dancing a bit on the fountain and the rain starts to dissipate. Eventually, they have stopped, so I head to my chair. While there, I see a brave squirrel still out and about. I don’t stay for too long, but begin to head into the site. I give some advice to assorted patrons while walking. Today, is my day to sit in the comfy seat. One day a year I take a moment to sit in the rocking chair store’s chairs. I don’t have wings on today, so this is perfect. I sit down, put my feet up and sigh. I get the random gent near me to do the same thing. It’s a lovely moment.
WANDERING FARTHER
I come upon Roseanna with a bunch of people. She introduces me to her friends and I chitter at them. Next, she tells me that her brother Ciaran is farther up the road. You see, Mustardseed has a HUGE crush on him, so she hurries off to find him. In truth, my hands are getting cold and I am trying to find out if anyone has yellow gloves (no such luck). I finally settle down in my spot next to the huge puddle, which I try to warn people about. Not all of them see it in advance.
FAIRY TIME
I put out the fairy circle and sit on it to keep myself dry. I begin to sing and while singing Amazing Grace see a woman at Purple Unicorn watching me and listening. I have moved onto another song when she comes up and asks me if was trained in opera as the control I had on the slides was really strong. I confirm that I have not, but a little overall training. She is very sweet and generous with her compliments. I am visited by another gent who warns me that he is going to be hunting fairies and asks me for one of my stones to be a “gps” to follow me. A little while later, I hear him telling the little kids that he has “tranquilizer” marshmallows that he will shoot at me. If they hit me, he can tag me, but he needs the kids to be able to see me. They miss the first time and I throw it back and hit him…he starts to get “woozy” as he asks for help from the kids. Together, they get me and I start to fall asleep. He has the girl place the stone in my hand and then (after coaching) I begin to wake. A little later, I see a little girl who I gift the stone to. While there is no real danger of her getting followed, I really liked the impish nature I had to send Master Hatfield on a merry fairy chase. Yeah, backstory, but it made me giggle. He does try to hit me again, but now I am using the umbrella and dodge him.
AND NOW HE LIKES ME
I see a couple I met the day before with their little Nugget of a son. He is still a bit reticent to say hi, but I offer him another marble and I have now made a best friend. He looks me straight in the eye and smiles. He lets me touch his hand and is fascinated with my umbrella. I would be less concerned about him grabbing the tip, but it’s still kinda broken from the freeze up earlier this season, so I have to be careful. He even sits on my lap for a moment. I consider this a BIG win. After some quality time, they head on their way and I head down to the boardwalk. I stop at my seat and sing some more. Again, a woman stares at me when I am singing Amazing Grace. She doesn’t seem interested in any of the others I sing but was fascinated with that one. The boardwalk has a quiet eeriness with the weather, but it’s peaceful. I look down and it’s time to head to my stage.
WATERLOGGED TALES
I grab my props and head to the stage. It is more leaf and mud covered today. I wipe off my fairy circle in hopes it will dry more before I need it. I start the show and have a smallish crowd when I start again. I get a boy for Papa Bear, a girl who is sad she is chosen for Mama Bear, but does a good job, and a little girl named Maddie who doesn’t want to hold her bowl and may have some other issues as Baby Bear. I have a few girls in pretty dresses volunteering for goldilocks, but I am concerned about destroying their pretty things, so I find a dad. He “breaks” the chair in advance, but makes a nice bit out of it. When it’s time for him to lie on the stage, I put down the fairy circle to keep him clean. The audience builds as the show goes on and they are all enjoying themselves by the end. As I am cleaning up and heading out (by way of ImJustLori and CtrlAltDel) when I am asked by a young man how the juice works. I explain that the fairy juice only helps my vocal chords morph to speak in English, but it wears off. He says magic isn’t real. My visiting friends state emphatically that it is. It’s nice to see the joy encouraged.
RUSHING BACK
I take back my props and start heading back. I am concerned about time and of course, that’s the day when people want to stop me and tell me things. I do of course, as it’s not a dire issue if I am not back immediately. I get back and clean my face and switch to new dry clothing and shoes. Today’s reader asks to see the book. Once my hair is up, I grab my props. Once I am there, I go to set my props. I notice color wheel hook on the back is broken. I don’t have time for a real repair, so I jimmy the hanger onto one hook. I also see that the “help” sign is peeling and the wig has seen better days…joy. At least the shoe isn’t breaking anymore. I set up things as I can and head out. I sit out on the chair and get some pics taken. Some people sitting nearby are unpleasant and snarky and more childish than I, which is sad as she looks older.
TIMING
I ask someone the time and he tells me it’s 2. I panic and rush to stage and they are still going. Once they are done, I head backstage and see there are still 2 minutes on the clock we follow, so I guess we aren’t living in real time, but I am fine for schedule. I set props and prehawk a bit as they are clearing. It’s a small house that builds as we go on. Maddie (AKA Baby Bear) is in the front row having just seen the Fizzical Fairytales. I “Guess” her name and both she and her family are surprised and pleased. I tell her I never get that right and ask if she changed her name for me. They decide to stay and mom and Maddie love the show. Today, Nicolas Sneed reads for me. In the front row are two 10-12 years old giving me advice and a gent in the center who is laughing hysterically. I also see a gent who promised me he would watch the show to see what Stupina was about. I think he gets it when I walk toward the guy I am flirting with as he guffaws loudly. At one point the gals ask for me to do something but it’s not in the book. Later, I get to reference it again in a little callback. The writer in me is happy.
FIX IT QUEEN
I finish the show and only partially pack up as I have to repair a bunch of items. In the costume house, I pull out my two repair kits and gluestick the book, hot glue the sign and color wheel, and brush out the hair. This has put me behind schedule and I am not ready when the gent I am to sing with arrives. I get relatively dressed and finish make up while singing and working out schtick. If things go as planned he should join me a bit for Saturday this weekend.
FRIENDLY FACES
I am running late, but head over to drop my props off when I see the wonderful face of Sinnius Vice relaxing with friends. I have props to put over his head, and do the honorable thing of bending over him far too long. I next head out to get my meat, well, my steak on a stake. The gent who complained the night before that I didn’t come get one is not there when I arrive. They call to him in the back and I see him running like a crazy man to come out and serve me. I have the power. Once I am meated up, I sit with and elderly mom and daughter. When I ask them what they have done and what their plans are, they inform me that it is just to eat. Really, they paid to just go from area to area and eat their favorite foods. I wander up to the main food court and see a group of patrons who I begin to chat with. They are staring at a friend, so I call him over. Zac ends up pitching the Goblins and Gears ball, so I leave him to that and move on. I make my way in the streets flirting and inviting people to the show. I head to grab my props and hit the stage.
AACCK
I wander the space, but it’s the end of a long cold weekend for most. The house is smallish when I start. One group sitting center eats and leaves mid show Always depressing. This is a group of people who don’t know me or the music, so it’s all new for them. But they are really into the show and having fun. They are trying to get the lyrics. The Powers that be are in audience which I admit makes me nervous and concerned that they audience be enjoying it. The crowd grows and I feel them with me when I bring up my “client” Giovanni. He is laughing and having fun. The last song has them all learning the music and singing and laughing. After the show, I am asked to pose for a number of pics and clear the stage for Cu Dubh. I take my props back, get my signature banana and while there, I run into a lady of my acquaintance and her beau who is new to fest. In conversation, we are talking pins and other um, skills and I realize I haven’t ear tricked anyone this year. I note that this is too bright and busy a space, but let them know where I could share this gift. She isn’t quite sure what it is, but she knows she wants him to have it. Off I go to Poet’s Corner.
WORDS AND STUFF
I see some gents I was chatting with near Jezzards when I offered advice on a crown. They are now listening to the Virginal and I joke with them. The banana is popular. I get to poets corner and Spittle has brought a friend to challenge the gents. He has a hamlet joke on his shirt, so I sing MOST of the 3-minute hamlet. The poets get some interesting visitors including a woman who suggested the word thimidazine (? – the drug that made pregnant women have deformed babies…yeah, romantic). I throw some poems out amongst the group, when I see the couple from before. I take him to the far side of customer service as it’s now half light and quietly gift him with first ear trick of season. He is still collecting himself when I leave the two of them to have a great evening on their own.
BACK AT THE RANCH
I return to the poetry where Spittle’s poems are all advertising for his business. A rose seller joins in and does well with internal rhymes and wins a few rounds. We compliment ladies, make boys laugh. It’s all good. Suddenly we hear a boom and we finish the poems for the teen men then head home. Backstage there is washing of skirts before they can be washed in the machines this week because everyone is caked in mud. I pack up and head out to sing a bit more with the gent for next week. I catch up with friends and we agree to eat at Cheeburger, Cheeburger. There are some other regulars from fair there when we arrive. We are enjoying our company and close the place down before we know it. The weekend is over and we are ready for the wonderful weather of closing weekend.
This weekend is bittersweet as it’s the closing for fest. But there are two more chances to see each show:
12:30, Crooked Cottage Mustardseed’s Fractured Fairy’s Tales
2:00, Gatehouse Stupina’s Girlie Girl Show, This weekend’s readers:
Saturday, Queen Katherine (as Penelope the petulant)
Sunday, Another surprise reader. I’m all excited.
5:00, Boar’s Head Tavern The Perfect Touch with Columbina
Don’t miss your chance. I’m excited and hope you can share it with me!
THE RIVER CHAPUYS
I headed to site to drop off my costumes on Friday. It was raining on and off and as I got to site, it got heavier…though not quite ungodly. I get the key and each time I head to the costume house, I have to leap over rivers of rainwater. It’s rather intense, but I have seen it worse. In the costume house, I am pleased to note that it’s dry inside. I rehang and pack away everything and lock up, then take the key back in the rain again. I am asked how bad it is over there. I recap the river flowing by knowing that it may not get much better this weekend. When home, I pull out my rain shoes (for getting on and off site) as well as another pair of boots, just in case. I also pull a snood for anyone that needs. I finish my day and finally get some sleep.
DARK AND STORMY
I wake up to no light. The joys of getting up each day as fall comes on…plus no sun. I head to site after grabbing brekkies and park as close to the road as I can. I enter through a different gate, which seems closer to where I am heading, but the grounds are wetter. Ah well. I climb to the top of Gatehouse as there is no dry space to sit on the stage. There, I take off my shoes in hopes of keeping the space clear and clean. I stretch, warm up vocally and start make up and hair. Luckily, it’s not cold, so I am doing ok in the weather. SMKate is there and I recommend dumping the water in the over hanging cover as it has been spilling irregularly. She does and the water pours out. Richard is nowhere to be seen, so I head down the back stairs carefully in the drizzle. At the costume house, everyone is standing and holding their things as the tables are soaked. Ironically, only inside the privies are dry. Once Stitch arrives, we all head inside, wiping our feet on the fabulous rugs of wiping. The rain keeps stopping and starting then getting heavy. We are informed that cast call is here and I don’t bother putting on my wings as I have been informed that rain is not good for the upper leaves.
COSY QUARTERS
I am very lucky that Mustardseed has an umbrella, as it allows for me to stand out a bit from the crowd as we all pile onto the patio. SMKate is walking through the crowd making sure everyone is here since we can’t make a line to her. Meeting starts with notes about no morning dance and other notes, though we are still waiting to decide on opening gate. Eventually, they decide to go ahead with it and everyone goes our several ways. Some acts are only here for the weekend, but we blame the Village Idiots for the weather. We are reminded that we show up to stages ready to perform and trust the SMs to let us know if we are a go. Then BEEP and we are off.
LOW KEY
Instead of stretching on the fountain, I go under the souvenir booth and sit on the only spot of clean dry space I can find. I stretch there, even if the bricks are chilly. Slowly, one by one the musicians from morning dance all arrive and set up. Even after gate, the group continues to grow. It is drizzling though mostly dry and when the cannon booms, Knuckles and I head to the fountain. The BOOM is not as loud as I expect, but the gates open and the people come in. It’s somewhat sad to see how on what could have been our biggest weekend, the crowd is in in a few moments. They do continue to arrive and more heavily than I expect, but it’s still an energy downer. Some ask about my wings and I inform them that they disappear in the cold wet weather…ok, so the only English word I use is ”Shrinkage” but just about everyone gets the point.
MEANDERING
The other joy of being a fairy is that last year, the other fairies (and I think Isobel Yaxley) got together to build a fairy circle. This is a hand painted (literally) and stenciled large piece of fabric that we would sit on. The best part of it was that it was vinyl on the back, like a tablecloth, so I can place it on a wet surface and stay dry. It is hanging on a bag on my waist that is actually butt height. I wander to the blue chair, sit, and place the bag under me. Between the folded circle and my umbrella, I am keeping pretty dry even though the drizzle continues and picks up on occasion. I chat with some, but the flow isn’t as heavy to make being here as useful as it could be. I do see a little boy who wants nothing to do with me, even though his parents keep trying to encourage him to blow me a kiss or even look at me. Ah well. Eventually, I wander into the village. I meander a lot, stopping to waive and chitter at a few booths and at some patrons, but feel a bit out of sorts. I end up sitting on my circle unfolded near K Dopita where there isn’t a huge puddle. I am approached by a few regulars, friends and new strangers. They enjoy me singing and chittering. Today, the new song has been “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles. It seems apropos.
TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME
Eventually, its time to head to the boardwalk. I fold the circle and put it away in the bag, then head down Kenwood. It’s chilly enough that I have to pee early, which I normally don’t have to. I stop in the privies and enjoy the dryish air…which is saying a lot. I head out after washing my hands (yes gang, this one has running water at it), then head farther down my way. I chitter with families in lines and discover a jewelry store that has been on the boardwalk for 3 years. I just never saw it before. I recommend checking them out, there are some pretty works and stones to ogle. I head to my favorite bench and begin to sing, again with the circle underneath me in the bag to keep me dry. I amazingly still pose for a few pics, sing and chitter at people. I give out a number of my ribbons today. Soon enough it’s time to get my props.
SAFE BY A HAIR
I head to the stage and don’t see anyone on it. Turns out the Ditty Sisters were rightfully concerned that the stage might kill them if they danced on it, so they performed in the street. I can be on the stage, but have to be careful as Goldilocks does fall and lay on it. I have brought the circle with me, so I have a bed for her, but I try to move away some of the worst of the leaves with my foot as this stage was not swept. I look about and have barely enough people to do the show. As we progress, that grows and we have enough people there that my friend, who was sure I was going to pick on him, is saved. There were a few people on the benches with alcohol and they are asked to drink it outside the wall by security, who has wandered by. The show itself goes smoothly overall and those there really get the jokes and want to play. This is always a good thing.
BACK AND DRY
I lug the props back and check to make sure I am set for next weekend. Things look good and I am ready to go back up the steps on the hill. I am being careful not to hit anyone with the umbrella. For some reason, even this seems to drag at me more. I am rather hungry and normally am not this early. I get back to the costume house and pull up the weather as I am cleaning my face and changing out of the wet shoes. It looks like we are clear for another few hours, so I am safe to go out without the big sign I dragged in to protect Stupina should she have to be on street with rain. I am out and setting props relatively quickly and head to my chair. There are still people coming in and the audiences are larger than I expect. I chat and play with a few people, but if they are arriving now, they aren’t planning on sitting at the gate for a show.
SURPRISING FUN
I go to set up the show and there are a few people in the audience. Not tons, but a decent group. My friend I avoided picking in the first show is at this one as well, and appears to be the ONLY male in the audience. This does not bode well for him, but he is prepared. Just before I start, two younger teens walking by yell to the stage asking what I am doing. I tell them I am about to become a girlie girl. Their reply? “Oh, I am so watching this” and they sit. Ciaran McCoy reads for my book and does well. The young ladies are hysterical laughing at all the shenanigans and it is infectious. It may be a small audience, but they SO get her. I am afraid I will have to pick my friend until about 30 seconds before I have to pick someone when a tall gent arrives in the back. I tell him he is late and for that he has to come down and help me. His name is Fabio, he’s great and the audience loves him. By the end of the show, the teen girls run up because they want my picture. It’s a fun show. I may be a bit sweaty, but for the first time, my face isn’t overheated.
YUM YUM
I head backstage after packing my props and go to change. It’s said to be chillier today, so I put on the golds, since it has the coat. I also give up early and do hair down and the Hat of Doooooooom. The change goes smoothly and I confirm with one lady that we are set for next weekend. I am getting hungrier and finally am changed and out early for once a year barbequed pork pocket. I bring my bowl and they put the fries in it, then the pork on top, then the cole slaw and barbeque sauce. I take it to O’Schucks where I dig in while sitting with two families. One family who changes their baby’s diaper at the table because they didn’t want to go out in the rain and another couple with a son, the mom of whom is ok with the diaper, but calls everything else at the fest filthy and disgusting (privies, oysters, etc.), going as far as to note that she “held it” for over 5 hours because she just couldn’t stand the thought of a privy. Wonder how she would have handled a busy day. It was an interesting conversation. The friend of the couple with the baby is interested in coming to the show though, so I let them know where and when to find it.
NAUGHTY FUN WITH FRIENDS
I head to get my props and head to Boar’s Head with SMDave who mics me up. Today, there are some long time friends I haven’t seen in forever in the house sitting front and center. Also, I see the gent from O’Schucks as well as some other patrons I met in advance. The house has gaps in it, but as I sing, I see people stopping on the sides and making their way in to find seats or just get comfy on the outside. Today, I give them a choice or maritime or Scottish tales. They choose Scottish, so I sing Angus and his Kilt and they sing along. They get more and more involved and by the end are singing and laughing with me. It’s a great feeling. I am asked to pose for a few pics afterwards, then, it’s time to hurry to get ready for Pub Sing.
CAN YA HELP A LADY OUT?
I drop off the props and am heading up the hill when I see a frantic Molly McCoy asking me to come back and help her change costume in 3 minutes flat. I come back and help her lace into the new bodice and once I know she has what she needs, I head back up and out. I somehow get to the encampment after her, still not sure how that happened. I check in and go to get some water with Roseanna. Sadly, there is not enough for us both and she heads back to the pyrates to get more. As Pub Sing begins, I stay to the side and sing along with the regulars clinking tankards and any other beverage holder or head I can. I head up to sing the Ladies verse of health and Fletcher begins to breathe a bit more heavily than normal, as it starts to make me shudder, Daisy says “run before he imprints on you” so I skedaddle off the other side of the stage. The show is moving smoothly and I join the stage with Carmita, Rose, Roseanna and um, whatever her Surly Mermaid name is and we sing 3 Jolly Coachmen with the crowd. Today, the Grass IS wet…so the last verse is greatly appreciated. The final song of the night is Leave her Johnny. The Crimson Pirates join us and it’s crowded and wonderful on stage. The cannon booms as we sing and sign off and the lights go dark. Pub sing is over.
OVER BUT NOT DONE
I head back to get changed and pull off the wet clothing and add layers for warmth. Tonight is the on site cast party hosted by Fight School. This is the rebirth of the King’s Kegger which Bill hosted so generously for so many years. These gents have continued this fine tradition. We clear site to make sure that everyone leaves first…with today’s weather, this is not an issue. We have all brought food to share and I have gone in with some other ladies to provide coldcuts, bread (gf and regular), and other sandwich makings. I also brought in my stash of plates, which are gone in moments, as are the cold cuts. The food and beverages are flowing. I am enjoying my water. (No alcohol for me till fest closes next weekend).
OVER DONE? OR JUST A CRISPY SKIN
Tonight, there is a roast of the man who would be King. Yesterday, he asked me to join him in a little bit of silly schtick for his entrance. As it’s coming up, I can’t find him, nor can one of the other ladies from cast, but when we do, we join the screaming throng. The roast then commences with evile comedy from Hamish, The mayor, Dash, Dinty and um, whatever he calls himself these days (cheeky monkey/skum actor…he USED to be Nigel Walkon…but who knows what he is now). As one should expect, no one is safe in the crowd and I am hit twice. It’s all in good fun. I leave around 9:30 with the Mayor having a discussion on what we would love to see for future years and shows. We agree on some, but not all our ideas. It’s a quiet but congenial wet walk back to our cars before we drive home our several ways.
WHAT COMES IN…
I wake up this morning and find myself spending an inordinate amount of time in the bathroom. I start to go to site and am truly not sure I am going to make it. I do and hurry in to find a privy and spend some time there. I am very concerned I am loosing time so I begin to do some vocal warm ups in the privy. By the time I head back to the stage, I am behind schedule and finish up more quickly than I’d like. I start on makeup and hair and walk carefully but quickly down the stairs to the Costume House, but EVERYONE is behind schedule. Where there would normally be 10 people, there are 3 besides myself. I head back into the privy and when I come out, the costume house is open.
WILL IT WON’T IT
I start getting ready and layer up underneath my costume remembering to put my tights on AND my knee brace as my knee is tweaky today. We are trying to figure out whether or not we should be wearing hats, where morning meeting will be, etc. We think it will be at Lyric, but get a last minute announcement that the meeting will be here. I see it’s not raining yet so I grab my wings, get winged up and hit the privy again. I am still there when I hear “CAST CALL” and get out quickly to join everyone and hear what the plans are for the day. As we are there, the drizzle starts, then gets heavier. I de-wing. Sigh. We hear there will be no chess game and others will be called as necessary. Joy. We BEEP and head into site.
HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN
As we are waiting for Opening Gate to start the rain starts to pick up. The drizzle is now a heavy drizzle and it’s annoying. I find a pole and stretch out under the souvenirs booth, but the ground is less clean as many have been stepping through there. Soon enough the cannon booms very loudly and the gates open. I am on the fountain with my cohorts. I am singing “Here comes the sun” again. After the first influx of people, Harry heads off and leaves William and I together. He is firing comment after comment at the crowd. He explains that the audience is a big wall that he keeps throwing stuff at. Some of it hits, but the ones that don’t splatter, and slide down the wall. At the bottom is a pit of despair. For the rest of the morning, when he says something that doesn’t connect, I mime something hitting a wall and sliding down to the pit. With sound effects. This makes both of us laugh uncontrollably.
MUSIC HELPS
Bayfield Brass is playing and their music cheers me up. We are dancing a bit on the fountain and the rain starts to dissipate. Eventually, they have stopped, so I head to my chair. While there, I see a brave squirrel still out and about. I don’t stay for too long, but begin to head into the site. I give some advice to assorted patrons while walking. Today, is my day to sit in the comfy seat. One day a year I take a moment to sit in the rocking chair store’s chairs. I don’t have wings on today, so this is perfect. I sit down, put my feet up and sigh. I get the random gent near me to do the same thing. It’s a lovely moment.
WANDERING FARTHER
I come upon Roseanna with a bunch of people. She introduces me to her friends and I chitter at them. Next, she tells me that her brother Ciaran is farther up the road. You see, Mustardseed has a HUGE crush on him, so she hurries off to find him. In truth, my hands are getting cold and I am trying to find out if anyone has yellow gloves (no such luck). I finally settle down in my spot next to the huge puddle, which I try to warn people about. Not all of them see it in advance.
FAIRY TIME
I put out the fairy circle and sit on it to keep myself dry. I begin to sing and while singing Amazing Grace see a woman at Purple Unicorn watching me and listening. I have moved onto another song when she comes up and asks me if was trained in opera as the control I had on the slides was really strong. I confirm that I have not, but a little overall training. She is very sweet and generous with her compliments. I am visited by another gent who warns me that he is going to be hunting fairies and asks me for one of my stones to be a “gps” to follow me. A little while later, I hear him telling the little kids that he has “tranquilizer” marshmallows that he will shoot at me. If they hit me, he can tag me, but he needs the kids to be able to see me. They miss the first time and I throw it back and hit him…he starts to get “woozy” as he asks for help from the kids. Together, they get me and I start to fall asleep. He has the girl place the stone in my hand and then (after coaching) I begin to wake. A little later, I see a little girl who I gift the stone to. While there is no real danger of her getting followed, I really liked the impish nature I had to send Master Hatfield on a merry fairy chase. Yeah, backstory, but it made me giggle. He does try to hit me again, but now I am using the umbrella and dodge him.
AND NOW HE LIKES ME
I see a couple I met the day before with their little Nugget of a son. He is still a bit reticent to say hi, but I offer him another marble and I have now made a best friend. He looks me straight in the eye and smiles. He lets me touch his hand and is fascinated with my umbrella. I would be less concerned about him grabbing the tip, but it’s still kinda broken from the freeze up earlier this season, so I have to be careful. He even sits on my lap for a moment. I consider this a BIG win. After some quality time, they head on their way and I head down to the boardwalk. I stop at my seat and sing some more. Again, a woman stares at me when I am singing Amazing Grace. She doesn’t seem interested in any of the others I sing but was fascinated with that one. The boardwalk has a quiet eeriness with the weather, but it’s peaceful. I look down and it’s time to head to my stage.
WATERLOGGED TALES
I grab my props and head to the stage. It is more leaf and mud covered today. I wipe off my fairy circle in hopes it will dry more before I need it. I start the show and have a smallish crowd when I start again. I get a boy for Papa Bear, a girl who is sad she is chosen for Mama Bear, but does a good job, and a little girl named Maddie who doesn’t want to hold her bowl and may have some other issues as Baby Bear. I have a few girls in pretty dresses volunteering for goldilocks, but I am concerned about destroying their pretty things, so I find a dad. He “breaks” the chair in advance, but makes a nice bit out of it. When it’s time for him to lie on the stage, I put down the fairy circle to keep him clean. The audience builds as the show goes on and they are all enjoying themselves by the end. As I am cleaning up and heading out (by way of ImJustLori and CtrlAltDel) when I am asked by a young man how the juice works. I explain that the fairy juice only helps my vocal chords morph to speak in English, but it wears off. He says magic isn’t real. My visiting friends state emphatically that it is. It’s nice to see the joy encouraged.
RUSHING BACK
I take back my props and start heading back. I am concerned about time and of course, that’s the day when people want to stop me and tell me things. I do of course, as it’s not a dire issue if I am not back immediately. I get back and clean my face and switch to new dry clothing and shoes. Today’s reader asks to see the book. Once my hair is up, I grab my props. Once I am there, I go to set my props. I notice color wheel hook on the back is broken. I don’t have time for a real repair, so I jimmy the hanger onto one hook. I also see that the “help” sign is peeling and the wig has seen better days…joy. At least the shoe isn’t breaking anymore. I set up things as I can and head out. I sit out on the chair and get some pics taken. Some people sitting nearby are unpleasant and snarky and more childish than I, which is sad as she looks older.
TIMING
I ask someone the time and he tells me it’s 2. I panic and rush to stage and they are still going. Once they are done, I head backstage and see there are still 2 minutes on the clock we follow, so I guess we aren’t living in real time, but I am fine for schedule. I set props and prehawk a bit as they are clearing. It’s a small house that builds as we go on. Maddie (AKA Baby Bear) is in the front row having just seen the Fizzical Fairytales. I “Guess” her name and both she and her family are surprised and pleased. I tell her I never get that right and ask if she changed her name for me. They decide to stay and mom and Maddie love the show. Today, Nicolas Sneed reads for me. In the front row are two 10-12 years old giving me advice and a gent in the center who is laughing hysterically. I also see a gent who promised me he would watch the show to see what Stupina was about. I think he gets it when I walk toward the guy I am flirting with as he guffaws loudly. At one point the gals ask for me to do something but it’s not in the book. Later, I get to reference it again in a little callback. The writer in me is happy.
FIX IT QUEEN
I finish the show and only partially pack up as I have to repair a bunch of items. In the costume house, I pull out my two repair kits and gluestick the book, hot glue the sign and color wheel, and brush out the hair. This has put me behind schedule and I am not ready when the gent I am to sing with arrives. I get relatively dressed and finish make up while singing and working out schtick. If things go as planned he should join me a bit for Saturday this weekend.
FRIENDLY FACES
I am running late, but head over to drop my props off when I see the wonderful face of Sinnius Vice relaxing with friends. I have props to put over his head, and do the honorable thing of bending over him far too long. I next head out to get my meat, well, my steak on a stake. The gent who complained the night before that I didn’t come get one is not there when I arrive. They call to him in the back and I see him running like a crazy man to come out and serve me. I have the power. Once I am meated up, I sit with and elderly mom and daughter. When I ask them what they have done and what their plans are, they inform me that it is just to eat. Really, they paid to just go from area to area and eat their favorite foods. I wander up to the main food court and see a group of patrons who I begin to chat with. They are staring at a friend, so I call him over. Zac ends up pitching the Goblins and Gears ball, so I leave him to that and move on. I make my way in the streets flirting and inviting people to the show. I head to grab my props and hit the stage.
AACCK
I wander the space, but it’s the end of a long cold weekend for most. The house is smallish when I start. One group sitting center eats and leaves mid show Always depressing. This is a group of people who don’t know me or the music, so it’s all new for them. But they are really into the show and having fun. They are trying to get the lyrics. The Powers that be are in audience which I admit makes me nervous and concerned that they audience be enjoying it. The crowd grows and I feel them with me when I bring up my “client” Giovanni. He is laughing and having fun. The last song has them all learning the music and singing and laughing. After the show, I am asked to pose for a number of pics and clear the stage for Cu Dubh. I take my props back, get my signature banana and while there, I run into a lady of my acquaintance and her beau who is new to fest. In conversation, we are talking pins and other um, skills and I realize I haven’t ear tricked anyone this year. I note that this is too bright and busy a space, but let them know where I could share this gift. She isn’t quite sure what it is, but she knows she wants him to have it. Off I go to Poet’s Corner.
WORDS AND STUFF
I see some gents I was chatting with near Jezzards when I offered advice on a crown. They are now listening to the Virginal and I joke with them. The banana is popular. I get to poets corner and Spittle has brought a friend to challenge the gents. He has a hamlet joke on his shirt, so I sing MOST of the 3-minute hamlet. The poets get some interesting visitors including a woman who suggested the word thimidazine (? – the drug that made pregnant women have deformed babies…yeah, romantic). I throw some poems out amongst the group, when I see the couple from before. I take him to the far side of customer service as it’s now half light and quietly gift him with first ear trick of season. He is still collecting himself when I leave the two of them to have a great evening on their own.
BACK AT THE RANCH
I return to the poetry where Spittle’s poems are all advertising for his business. A rose seller joins in and does well with internal rhymes and wins a few rounds. We compliment ladies, make boys laugh. It’s all good. Suddenly we hear a boom and we finish the poems for the teen men then head home. Backstage there is washing of skirts before they can be washed in the machines this week because everyone is caked in mud. I pack up and head out to sing a bit more with the gent for next week. I catch up with friends and we agree to eat at Cheeburger, Cheeburger. There are some other regulars from fair there when we arrive. We are enjoying our company and close the place down before we know it. The weekend is over and we are ready for the wonderful weather of closing weekend.
This weekend is bittersweet as it’s the closing for fest. But there are two more chances to see each show:
12:30, Crooked Cottage Mustardseed’s Fractured Fairy’s Tales
2:00, Gatehouse Stupina’s Girlie Girl Show, This weekend’s readers:
Saturday, Queen Katherine (as Penelope the petulant)
Sunday, Another surprise reader. I’m all excited.
5:00, Boar’s Head Tavern The Perfect Touch with Columbina
Don’t miss your chance. I’m excited and hope you can share it with me!
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Best wishes for good weather this coming weekend!
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