ANST - Actions, Deeds, and memories

[Vicki Marsh]

Greetings, Ansteorra,


This month marks 21 years of my SCA experience, with the first 16 or so being a fringee', a person who worked in the background, held a few offices, got burned out, tried to get my personal life in order, etc. It also marks my 41st birthday.  

I have been ruminating over some old "Sable Stars", "Black Stars", "It Cometh in the Mail" (Bryn Gwlad's newletter), and "The Elfsea Scroll" (Elfsea's newletter) and thinking back.

 I watched as those who wore the "brass hats" came in, stood at the front of the courts, mumbled things the rest of us couldn't hear, and left speaking of traditions and history.  The true nobles I knew stayed after the event to work in the kitchen, to clean, or they ran events, held classes, and continue to contribute.  The traditions and history I remember are based on this attitude of being noble through service to others.

I watched as friends became peers, then quit producing the lovely art or teaching the skills they had acquired.  I even heard one of them complain the he didn't get the respect that he deserved anymore.  Maybe if he didn't show up drunk and obnoxious all the time, it might have helped.  The true peers continue to grow.  

The best Laurels I know are constantly learning new things, alive with the joy of discovery, and sharing the knowledge freely with others.  
The best of the Chivalry, even if physically unable to fight, still teach others, volunteer for marshalling (and not just at Crown Tournament) and further their research of their craft. 
 The best of the Pelicans find they can always serve, in large and small ways -  like TP duty at events, list mistressing, and opening their homes and libraries to others who need a place to meet.  Many of those still active just do a little of everything.

Life moves quickly in the SCA and in real life.  If you don't contribute actively, and don't fulfill the obligations of an office that you have taken, then don't be surprised if no one remembers or respects you. 

I have watched the people in the SCA grow.  Sometimes they seem like a bunch of angry five yr-olds, talking conspiracies, spying on each other, scaring each other with boogie-man stories about old grizzled Dukes or underhanded Baronesses, tattling to the King and Queen, and then ......they straighten up and come to their senses.  The biggest problems usually stem from lack of communication.  While I dislike paperwork as much as anyone, it is a necessary evil to prevent problems of this sort. 

After attending the last wonderful Crown Tournament, and then attending a deliciously fun  Fool's Revel in Elfsea, I marvel at the scope, the depth, and the breadth of what we have become.  The next question is...where do we go from here?

In Service to the Society,

Zara Zina

"Life is Good in Elfsea"


 
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