Known World Arts & Sciences

[LIB_IMC at centum.utulsa.edu]

Well, for those of you who weren't there this weekend, the Barony
of the Steppes in Ansteorra (aka Dallas, Texas) hosted the annual 
Known World Arts and Sciences Symposium.  Herself and I shoved our 
belongings (as well as those of our two traveling companions) into 
our wagon and traveled the 250 miles to reach this thing.

Having never attended a Known World anything before (I've only been a
member of the Society for 13 years after all) I wasn't sure what to
expect, but the event was far more enjoyable than I have found the vast
majority of events I have ever attended to be.  As with many such events
(or so I am told), there was a moderate, but motivated turnout from
all over Ansteorra, and several of the nearby Kingdoms.  I was able to
make the acquaintance of several people I had known only by correspondence
previously, and others I had only heard stories about.  I was able to
share things I had learned elsewhere, and learn some interesting new 
things in return.  (I was also able to orate, pontificate, and lay my 
opinions thickly with a shovel, but I don't need to travel to do that :) )

There were some of the best made clothing I have ever seen there.  For
example, I was struck by an weird comparison.  There was a young lady
present wearing what I thought was the most glorious display of what
I can only term "SCA-Elizabethan" men's clothes (the tasteful use of the 
metallic cloth itself was fascinating).  However, also present was a
contingent of the Trayn'd Bands whose clothing, in its simple accuracy
and detail, deeply impressed me (and made me regret some of MY clothing
choices :) ).

The classes (at least the ones I took, although my wife had equal praise 
for the classes she was in) tended to be informative and well taught.
I learned a great deal, as well as successfully fought the urge to
"help" the instructors even when I thought I had some information that
might illustrate their point.  It's a habit I loath personally, and with 
the exception of one specific incident during the day, I saw no one mis-
treat their instructors.  The best thing I can say (and those who have
known me for any time can attest it IS a compliment) is I was never bored.

The dinner looked good (although we had a prior, separate commitment), and
afterwords there was considerable laughter and revelry, as well as dancing
to live musicians playing authentic instruments.

All in all, a wonderful day of learning.

Diarmuit Ui Dhuinn
(Testing out his other account for a change)
IMC at VAX2.UTULSA.EDU
I. Marc Carlson