[Ansteorra] Positive experiences, was How to Trap a Laurel

[Michele Reichek]

Bonsoir to all :)


I shall de-lurk since this particular topic is very close to my heart.  I know the temptation is there for some to post about negative experiences when it comes to topics like this, so to temper that I thought Id post some positive experiences, and offer my own wisdom gleaned from years of A&S geekery.  Take what resonates and works for you, discard the rest.....thats what I always do with advice freely given, and it works great!


I have had nothing but positive experiences with all of the Laurels at Laurel's Prize.  I read up on what to expect, I reviewed the judging forms, I took the classes on Documentation, Presentation, etc. as was suggested by the local Laurels (and from every Iris I know, too), and made darn sure I was in the right frame of mind (Frame of Mind:  No matter what, come away having learned something positive and new.)  I remember every Laurel Ive had assigned to me, made it a point to get their name and email to follow up with any questions/ comments/ answers/ pictures of artsy stuff/ neat geekery Ive found, etc. and appreciated all their feedback.


More often than not, the Laurels have all been extremely concerned about their constructive criticism being taken as harsh or mean.  I appreciate that consideration, but Im just not that fragile.  I dont have 'peer-fear' since I was taught early on to view the peers in a different way than most (Knight/ Laurel/ Pelican/ Royal = limitless resource for information, motivation, and inspiration.  Take advantage of this available resource whenever possible.)  If you are tempted to freak out, just remember that the Laurels all started out just like everyone starts out.  They were geeking out on some artsy/ sciencey stuff for whatever amount of time, and the King and Queen at the time liked the geekery, thought it was cool, and elevated them to Laurel.  Seriously, talk to them, they are usually really cool people, and they will totally geek out with you on whatever you are working on/ interested in.  Just like Knights love geeking out on fighting, and
 Pelicans love geeking out on how to get stuff done efficiently.


I am not a Peer, but I think Peerage, whatever flavor of Peerage you aspire towards, is worthy of your aspiration and your efforts.  If you had a bad experience at some point, just let it roll off your back.....after all, no one's perfect, we all have bad days....even the Peers.  Cut 'em some slack.  They cut everyone else slack all the time, so were all even.  In the end, just do your best.  From what Ive seen, thats what the Peers do, too.


Now go have fun geeking out on historical stuff!  

Merci,

Mademoiselle Jeanne-Marie la Verriere

PS   I geek out on being 14th C Burgundian, stained glass, fighting, costuming, really big hats, inter-Kingdom anthropology, and period cosmetology.  Email if you do, too, and wanna geek out with me :)