[Valgardr]'s diary
all of honor's wounds are self inflicted - Andrew Carnegie
Gulf Wars XVIII was awesome! Went for the whole week.. I didn't get to do hardly anything else I wanted to do other than fight, but that was fine too.. I saw Jocosa, and Kynwric, and Bjorn as well from TK... More soon.. still working and catchin up. :)
Gentle Scottish Rose
There are none such as her, this lady of ours
a heart so wild who's dance send flowers
swaying softly against her soothing touch
to say so little, yet mean so much
I ne'er knew another heart like hers
nor inspired more to add her verse
to the spire of memory we build on high
to love and cherish her softest sigh
no words befall this broken bard
that could express her life so hard
she fought harder than any man
and gave equal loving guiding hand
her eyes cast love over all our hearts
and cast it still though our ways would part
rest well, my gentle scottish rose
your gift to us grants all loving repose.
Bastion
Written about Wednesday 2008-12-10
Written: (5852 days ago)
I'm thinking of 10th century Geats Viking
a name i like is
Valgard the Grey Wolf
anyone got any thoughts?
Written about Wednesday 2008-11-19
Written: (5874 days ago)
got a new kit together for my new viking persona.. I'm going 10th century.. I'm stoked.. making leather viking shoes and everything! :) woot!
Written about Wednesday 2008-04-16
Written: (6090 days ago)
working on my first chainmail piece.. a necklace to replace the one I broke that had my cross on it that Erin gave to me.. I now understand the plight of crabs across the globe.. and my hands are killin me.. LOL
funfun.. as if i didn't have enough projects, i pick up one of the most meticulous and time consuming projects ever..
My wife [KathrynShea] got hurt at Gulf Wars. She took a direct spear thrust to the throat and was taken off in an ambulance. The marshals know I believe who it was, but other than that we don't know who it was. All we know from her account was that it was a knight defending the fort on saturday. She is alright now, healing and no permanent damage done, but from her account, she lost her footing and fell to her knees, and swung and struck a knight as she was going down. He informed her that she could not swing from this position, stepped on her sword, kicked her shield open with his leg, and thrust his spear into her throat. This is the account given by my lady. Most of our company, and many others took a knee, stating that they could not fight anymore, worrying about her. I never saw so many people come to her aid, and so many people in earnestly concerned. It did my heart well to see such unity and love. One of her much admired female fighters Bree was there from nowhere adding support. I want to thank all who was there and said prayers for her and supported me and kept me from dishonoring myself on the field. You are the reason I play.
Thank you to Houses Tiger's Castle, Shadow Legion, Meridian Foreign Legion, Aylekeep [Belladonna Pirates@wiki],Crimson Chimera and any others that assisted and lent support in this time. Also to the Barony of the Osprey, Shire of Arenal, and Phoenix Glade as well.
Incidentally, I would assume that if the knight had not meant to injure her in this way, he would have been there next to her apologizing. I know if I had injured someone I would stay with them until they were okay. Accidents happen, and we know what we are getting into. Since he did not seek her out, (it's not like nobody knew who she was, or where she camped)I am to believe that he either didn't care that he had hurt her so badly, or is a coward and stayed away because he knew he had done wrong and could not let his face and name be revealed for fear of the honor he would lose as soon as he was identified.
To the coward who remains anonymous...
May your hands tremble in battle, coward. May sweat blind you whenever your helmet is donned, May your belt dry rot from your body and turn black to match your honor. Should I ever find you, or meet you on the field, I shall lay down my sword apon the ground, and turn my back to you, for you are an honorless dog and do not deserve to wear the belt of chivalry, much less die by sword on a field of honor
Written about Saturday 2008-02-23
Written: (6143 days ago)
gulf wars is awesome! hope to see everyone there!
My last missive to my Shire as their Seneschal
My dearest family
Well it's been a long hard road for us these past two years, and I cannot describe how proud I am of each of you. Without all of your hard work and dedication to the Gift, none of the greatness we have achieved together could have been accomplished. There is so much that could be said, Instead of saying what greatnesses we have achieved in such a short time, I would rather stand aside proudly and listen to the hope from each of you, where there once was dejection, Listen to the voices together in congratulating each other in jobs well done, and awards given where there were few before, Listen to our beloved kingdom wrap their arms around us and shelter us within the folds of true appreciation for the hard work you all have done here and now, and in the past. Listen to the sound of marching footsteps as the whole of Arenal massively routes their enemies time and time again at war. The sound of a howling Mongol in the moonlight, as another pile of hapless fighters cower beneath his mighty medieval golf bag of goodies.. (WE MADE THAT Y'ALL!) Two years, and we have all remembered why we came, why we fight, why we love, and why we choose this dream. I have the utmost faith that you will all continue to BE the example of honor and chivalry regardless of what Lord Goobus Jerksonsson of Pissant Hill is doing (god I hope that's not a real name..lol if it is.. sorry for tasin you bro), that you will all continue to take all that is unrested within you about the SCA, and MAKE it better by your examples, and not by your complaints. I have learned much MUCH more than how to lead a group. I learned how to follow the examples of great people, and lead you all by those examples. You are all already the highest awarded and recognized people ever in the SCA to me, it's just time for the rest of the known world to see you the way I see you. Show them what you have shown me, my brothers and sisters. Continue the dream and bask in the honor and pride you have created for yourselves and your Shire. I could not have had a better term, nor a better group of friends, than I have now. I love you all.
Thanks....
To Lady Kathryn, my beautiful and tolorant ladywife, whom without her I would not have been able to be half the man I am today....
for Seneschal Emergency Kits...
To those of you who held me up during my times of imminent meltdown....
for the Heed...
for being there to advise me and keep me on the straight and narrow and by the book...
to those who helped me learn and strive to be Hopeful, Charitable, Just, Faithful, Strong, Honorable, Temperant, Prudent, Humble, and Courteous, and apply them and lead others to be the same...
for giving the 'ignorant jit','noob','g
for being patient with my ideosyncratic ramblings, and giving me the benefit of the doubt, even if it wasn't always in your best interests...
to those who taught me to believe in myself, even a little.
to those who taught me how to teach others how to believe in themselves.
for inspiring me to want to inspire others into action.
to those who kept me warm and full of friendship, when there seemed none.
for showing your appreciation by doing, rather than by speaking.
for pity booze and drunkaschal's.
for all but gathering a lynch mob to go after that dude who said I dressed like a Troll, (though I'm glad you didnt') and then making me a bunch of nice tunics just so nobody could say that again.
for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself.
for showing me the difference between a true friendship, and a false one.
for every gift, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drink, conversation, venting session, pity party, ride to and from, and every minute of good company.
for your soft advice, and support that always made me feel so much better...
for SPARTA!!!!
for trying so hard to get this old broken Ronin back on the field again with your encouragement (Gulf Wars baby!)
for Camraderie and plenty of food and drink wherever I was...
for always being there ready to jump feet first without question whenever I needed anything...
for paying attention and taking me seriously when the time came...
for listening to my singing, even if you've heard them a thousand times and still clapping...
for celebrating every personal achievement for me because you all know I won't...
to those of you who constantly held me down kicking and screaming when I didn't want to accept compliments and accolaydes, I'll be carrying a stick again soon.. you may want to wear armor next time ^_^...
to every person near and far that ever called me friend, and made me feel special (no not SpEsHuL) loved, wanted, and needed in a time when I could have just stayed under my rock, quietly pretending that I didn't exist.
I don't want to take up the entire Good Tidings with my missive, so...
Thank you all for a great Tour of Duty.
All my love and admiration
Your Outgoing Marc-a-Schal..
<end transmission>
My ladywife and I traveled across the kingdom to our neighboring Barony, Osprey, for the coronation of Maximillian and Lethrenn, only to find that our fair queen Deidre was assassinated, and Boru had been beheaded while avenging his queen. It was a sad day for the kingdom, but our highnesses took the crowns with honor and I felt much better about our kingdom knowing that they would rule us using the guidance of their esteemed parents.
At the tournaments, my ladywife fought valiantly and displayed honor and chivalry amongst the knights and squires who asked for a chance to fight her, with her knight watching proudly at the side of the field. One of her fledgelings, [Isabetta] fought well along side her husband Lord [Lorcan], and suprised many a comfortable fighter with their prowess on the field. I fear I will have to remake my lady's armor, as the coat of plates I fashioned for her is now ragged from hard use. Thus I may still be a long time out before I am able to make my own armor to fight for my kingdom and my knight. I do not worry about that, as it is good for me to be able to make sure my ladywife is able to fight in good armor. My time will come soon enough.
Our hosts at Osprey were very friendly and during feast, i opted to lend to atmosphere by sitting off to the side, providing music from my guitar, soft and pleasant to ease the hungry pallets waiting on the next servings.. To my suprise, more than a handful of gentles came and brought me food and drink, though I did not mean it to seem as though I was missing out on feast because of the state of my purse, rather enjoying the time spent in semi-seclusion just outside the light of the feast hall...
I wore a new long vest created with loving hands by [Jac] sable, with Or dragonflies embroidered all over it, which was by far my most favorite piece of clothing I own now.
I was fortunate enough to run into [Bjorn] and his lady, along with [jocosa] and [kynwric], who shared some of their shade with me, and I happily plucked a few songs from my guitar. It was good to have many friends to share stories and shade with, having noted how nice it was to go somewhere far away and still have those who call you by name to sit and share their fires and drink. It was a much needed reminder as to the company I keep, and what they all truly mean to me.
I had also the chance to speak to my good friend Boru about a few things, and showed him my new tattoo. I would like very much to speak more in depth with him, as in all the time i've known him, we have only been afforded a few stolen moments between responsibilite
Sadly, as the night grew, having other responsibiliti
Without Service, there is no Loyalty
Without Loyalty, there is no Chivalry
Without Chivalry, all is lost..
Household Creed of Slippery Slope in Caid... It's a very good quote.
added stuff to the Bardic Circle...and a new graphics page for Meridies for people to put decorations in their profiles...
Arabian Nights was a great success! In attendance (that I can remember)
TRMajesties Trimaris + Entourage
Sir Baras Bayan
Sir Logan Guile
Sir Alexander Brighthelmston
Viscount Sir Camric Greenshield
Sir Myrwyyd
There were a NUMBER of shineys and pointies, but I don't recall all of their names.. As well as a good few Pelicans and Laurels I believe.
We had 36 fighters on the list, and 15 fighters on the Rapier List (that is the same number for when they attended the Rapier's Fighter's Collegium)
We had visitors from all over, feast was great, everyone had a grand time. I had a smallish crowd (including TRM Trimaris) in the Tavern listening to music with me and Sanzio, Sir Logan lent his bardic abilities and we played on till 4am. :D
more later...
The promise that everyone in my shire should make to each other:
Help and give support to those who need, and accept help and support from those who offer it.
I like that way of thinking...
Instead of telling you all how Crown List went, I will show the letter I wrote to my Shire, to give you an idea of how proud and happy I am that we pulled off such a HUGE event.
As many of you know, I brought my father to this event, and it was his very first introduction into our Society. He had the best time he'd had in a VERY long time, feeling comfortable and secure and surrounded by friends even if he did not know them. His views on the SCA are very very secure, and he wants to participate more with Arenal and surrounding areas. His health issues will make it a slow process, but know that all your loving hands brought my father into a scope of perspective that will never tarnish, due to all of your kindness, courtesy and love. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this, as it proves all the great things I have spoken about to him and others, and solidifies the reasons I give for taking on such burdens. The fullfillment that I get from you all, and the family we share is worth the stress and worry. We are a great Shire. We now have the favor of our Kingdom to prove it. One step closer to our goal of healing and gaining the respect we have always deserved. We're not a 'black hole' anymore. No longer considered a 'Black Sheep' Shire. We are on the map with a bullet, and you all have each other to thank for it.
The List - Lord Sanzio Sansovino
Though Sanzio was defeated in battle, his honor is more than intact, if not elevated for the outstanding show and display of arms on the field. You represented us in the best of ways, and it was an honor to have you fight for us all at Crown List. I am proud of you, Sanzio. Know this above all things.
Awards - Court
I had thought to take notes of all the awards given, and I know I cannot remember a few of them, but alas, I was not able to muster the energy to do so given my current circumstances. (yay gimpashal stick and borderline heat exhaustion) but I know that you all deserved them and some were a long time coming. Understand that no matter how much you believe that nobody sees you and your selfless hard work, know that there are ALWAYS caring eyes on you. You may think nobody sees you but we do.. and my Shoulder Gnome sees alot too ^_^
Lorcan OFlagherty - AoA
Errennach O Farrel - AoA
Giovanni Ramagliante - Duvant Cross
Jacquette d'Anjou - AoA
Harold of Barthe - Argent Comet
Damien the Black - AoA
Jane Catherine Russell - Meridian Cross
Madalena Sartore - AoA
Ming the Mongol (You're not the KAHN) - AoA
Tristan De Lioncourt - Cygnet
Gefn - Guiding Hand
I apologize if I missed anyone, there will be corrections I'm sure.
The Tavern -
Martha, Christine
Words cannot express how wonderful the tavern was. It was a complete success and added much to the feel and ambiance of the event, it drew people just by being there, and was a centralized location for everyone to rest and drink, share stories and listen to the Bards, who also frequented the tables. It was automatically adopted as the main area for gathering and merriment. There is no amount of praise I can give that would be worthy for your most successfull efforts with the tavern. I am almost of the mind to hope for more taverns at our events ;) I do not believe that our Crown List would have been the same had it not been for your Tavern.
Phoenix Glade Fundraiser Lunch/Delectab
I was so happy to see many from the Glade come to participate, your lunches and sweets were very very well recieved and I hope that you did well with them. I did mean to get a sugar free cookie from Melbrigda and Lavena's sweets table for my father but kept getting sidetracked. Again, thank you for all your help and I pray that your efforts provided you with suitable compensation, and all your hard work and efforts reaped the benefits you had desired.
Mistress of Children: Children's Hall
Madalena and her helpers provided yet again another shining example of love and unconditional dedication to the children of the SCA. I only was able to stop in a few times, but from what I heard from others, and saw of the hall, it was a great place for children to be and for that, You deserve MUCH MUCH more praise and admiration than I alone can give, Like the tavern, there is just no such word to use as a worthy description of the praise and admiration I feel for you and what you have brought to Arenal. You have my love, adoration and utmost heartfelt thanks and appreciation, Madalena. Well done!
Constable: Nikolus the Great
You are exactly what this Shire needs during an event. You not only handled everything thrown at you, you did it firmly and with honor. You take your office very seriously, and have done an outstanding service to us, keeping us and ours safe during the course of the event. You kept on top of every minutia, reconciled all problems that arised in a firm and timely manner, with zero drama. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed and I assure you that as I speak for myself, I speak for this Shire as well. You are AWESOME.
Herald: Sanzio, Xander [Rowan ;)]
Your services as herald and Hall Steward were very well recieved and appreciated! I noticed at Court, that there was much switching off during the announcments of awards. I did not understand that, but it looked to me as a tag team effort, and was nice to see you all up there being able to do it. Anytime our members are tapped with the responsibility of serving the Crown Directly in some way, it is an honor for yourselves and the Shire. Well done indeed! I added Rowan in this because it was her shining voice in the Feast Hall that commanded attention each time and for this, I think you should consider a slight dabbling in the heraldic arts.. :D (luv ya gurl)
Exchequer/Feas
Well, Though I did not stop by the kitchen but twice or so, I was confident all was well in hand, even though the Kingdom dropped a few pennies in your Kool-Aid with the time changes and delays, but your food was still outstanding, HRH Deidre spoke to me during feast, with the highest possible praise about your feast. Well Done Indeed! I noticed alot of activity, including our own Spoonmaker TC, and Inga the Viking Crone from Osprey as well, thank you to all the kitchen crew for an outstanding Feast. Joselito, Gefn, Lorcan, Errennach, Jacque, Amareth Jean, TC, Inga, and to the Serving Team Nicolas Hildebrandt, Arwyn, Tristan, Brad, Giovanni, Kyle, Rachel, Elenial, Gunnarr and whoever I missed.. You were an integral part of the success of this Crown List. We are honored and proud of your success.
I will find out about the Exchequer info later on after Joselito has rested... ;)
Marshal - List Field
Ming spent much time setting up the field, only to have it changed completely. This was an unfortunate turn of events, but Ming and Godric handled it very very well, the List Field was outstanding, all the heraldry and showmanship was beautiful! Thank you for all the hard work you and your helpers did to make the field one to remember by all. :D
Household Honors - Crew of the Belladonna
Congratulation
Autocrat - Overall
What can I say, Ulrich? Your organization and fortitude for this large event was outstanding and the honors you have for coordinating this event is not even CLOSE to being unseen or unrecognized. Even with your health issues, you remained steadfast and true to your words and decrees, and everything went off splendidly and to you we all owe a great and heartfelt thank you for your efforts. Your works inspire all. You are one of the pillars of our community, and deserve much praise for more than just your works with Crown List...
Harold of Barthe - You are and always will be one who's works display the truest nature of the dream. Your help, dedication and hard work selflessness, kindness, portray that which all should take note and witness, and learn to share and rise to such endeavors. It is with your help and service, artistic and creational abilities to help coordinate and be the legs for Ulrich that ensured the success of this Event. I cannot thank you enough for all you have done.
I walked and walked, trying to get as much information and observe as I could to remember so that I could thank everyone accordingly myself, but there was much that I may have missed. I do apologize for this, and hope that your own missives will shed light to those who did not/could not attend. Know that by our efforts as a Team, held together by our own sense of honor and chivalry, that we have proved without a shadow of a doubt, that this shire is Unified, strong, and proud. I made a promise to you all that I would one day help you become a truly Unified Shire, and with what I have seen, and experienced in the past months and at Crown List, you ALL have helped me keep that promise. No words can express my love and admiration for the work and love I have seen come to flourish in our Beloved Shire. One down, just a few more to go....
Remember this feeling, my brethren, Remember what it feels like to have earned the highest admiration and respect from those who you seek it from, the appreciation for the hard labors and works that you set forth on behalf of your kingdom, and how no matter how some of you try to AVOID it, your works will spill over and trickle back on to you and your Shire and you will get the love and recognition regardless of whether or not you want, need or desire it. It will still come. Albeit sometimes it comes a bit late, but it will come.(sometimes, just in the nick of time... :D) Rest assured, you cannot avoid it when your works rest on the lips and hearts of your family and friends, and now our Illustrious Kingdom as well...
I am exponentially past proud of you all.
It is an Utmost Honor to serve you all and call you all Family
Bastion d'Sint Michel
Warrior for Meridies
Fighter for Arenal
Seneschal in Service to the Shire of Arenal
Proudest Seneschal in 19 Kingdoms
[End Transmission]
Hit List was a great event.. TRM Boru and Deirdre honored me with the Order of the Argent Comet. We daytripped in the Pirate bus, and around midnight on the way home, the lights of the bus went out, and we had to drive down the interstate on the shoulder, with a maglight as our only way of seeing..until we got to a rest stop.. then we decided to bunker down at the rest stop and wait till daylight, get a jumpstart from a trucker and limp home.. what an adventure...LO
fought at a demo.. first time I have donned armor since blowing my knee out at GW 06.
Didn't blow my knee, didn't have a heart attack.. feelin pretty good other than the lovely swordblows to my back. :) lovin them bruises..hehe.
A knight is sworn to valour, His heart knows only virtue,
His blade defends the helpless, His might upholds the weak,
His word speaks only truth, His wrath undoes the wicked
what a cool quote...
Day Two of Diet:
Today is only water, vegetables and the veg soup.
Day one was only water, fruit, no bananas, with a soup made of beef stock, celery, carrots and onions.
Me and Erin are both doin it. It suxors. I just know some knobby ass skinny f**** thought this sh!t up...I think I want to peel their skin off with a dull plastic kitchen utensil...
Arenal's 12th night went over really well! Though we would have liked a few more numbers, it went off splendidly! our MOC [Madalena] decorated a wonderful childrens area, with all viking themes, Mistress Christiana and her wonderful singing voice lent aid to our MOC, and was a pleasure to have around, as well as Sir Baroque (sp?) who has come back to play, and displayed such chivalry and honor, that we are hard pressed not to shang hai him for other events just to be around his humor and great attitudes! I was awarded the Boarslayer, the highest order of Bardic appreciation given in our Shire, as well as the Golden Book award, another Shire accolade for teaching others what I know. I also recieved a special award to show the love and support the Shire has for me, which included a 440 surgical steel functional Samurai Sword replicated from the Kill Bill movie, based on the Hattori Hanzo sword, a late period japanese sword maker, who was the best and most renowned swordmaker of his time. [LdNicolas] was the new co autocrat, and his organizational skills were clearly shown along with [Joselito]'s Wife Lady Gefn autocratting, with [Rowan] at the helm in the feast for her first solo mission under the watchful eye of [Joselito] who is one of our best feastocrats in our group.
There were very few snags at the event, everyone was mellow and happy, including the 'crats' which was both a pleasant suprise, and a blessing as well. It showed their organization was such that they had time to do fun things as well. Feast was outstanding! [VikingCrone] was there, and I got to meet her in person, and all who met her spoke wonderfully about her, especially the feast teams to which she was a great asset, as some of us know from her help at Gatalop and other places she's helped.
We were competing with alot of other events that were on the same weekend, which lent to our less numbers, but we still did alright and everyone had fun and that's what counts!