[Ansteorra] A Letter of Thanks to the Siglo de Oro Staff

[Catalina Ana de Salamanca via Ansteorra]

 After having slept nearly 12 hours, I am now ready to write a proper thank
you letter to my staff who made Siglo de Oro happen, despite everything the
wild Ansteorran weather could throw at us.

Lady Judith was a massive amount of help. She was that third hand I always
need, the way to be in two places at once that everyone talks about. Thank
you from the bottom of my bruised little feet.

Jesse Stamper, our new liaison with this new site, was there every time we
needed anything. He came to planning events, he was there before set-up and
he stayed until we were all packed and gone. He handled the locks, the
longhorns, and legendary flooding with peaceful humor that made everything
easier to do.

HL Magdelana Cortez ran gate, gathered volunteers, and kept me on-track for
all gate-related goals through the whole process. She also happened to be
doing her own wedding at the same time, but it never even slowed her down.
She’s a powerhouse!

Lady Kassandra Haas not only went out of her way to gather interesting
Dream classes, she secured the teachers and made sure we had a nice place
for them to speak. She also sent me encouraging messages every time I got a
little overwhelmed and she gives great hugs.

Simona della Luna had an idea for an elegant arts and sciences display that
I had never considered. She took her idea and created a wonderful, relaxed,
spot filled with artisans sharing their skills and tasty tea. I am so
grateful for her clever mind and kind heart.

HL Sosha Lyons O’Rourke produced a delicious feast in a tiny shed that had
neither running water, nor an actual stove. Everyone who ate with us knows
the abundance of food that she provided.

Lady Marie de Meaux stepped in at the eleventh hour, took recipes she’d
never seen before, and created a noble’s lunch that was spectacular. Her
happy spirit made it easy for me not to worry about the food, because I
knew she could handle whatever obstacle came her way.

Sir Maelgwyn Dda also stepped in at the last minute and took over as my
head marshal. I am quite sure no one could have done it with more quiet
competence and I am truly grateful. Also, thanks for taking the scorpion
with you instead of leaving it with me.

John Drake, one of our newest Dreigiau Bryn, handled the rapier marshals so
smoothly that I never heard of a single issue.

Lady Wentiliana de Chandeler was generous with her time and unfailing in
her efforts to let me have the elaborate and slightly crazy archery
competition I wanted. The fact that weather prevented us from actually
being able to hold any archery at all was horrible, but she was gracious
and polite even then. Thank you so much for not shooting me instead.

Lady Diane Mallet was competent, efficient, and obviously having a great
deal of fun with the water bearing. She handled small children, large
puddles, and strange hoses with an unshakeable smile and she was a delight
to watch in action. Thank you for your resilience in the face of excessive
water.

Mistress Willoc Mac Muiredaig was there at my side every step of the way.
In spite of having twice the drive of anyone else, she always showed up and
pitched in. She was there for set-up, tear-down, and everything in between.

No one ever achieves anything strictly on their own. These are the people
who helped me realize a long-held dream of an event. Thank you all so much
more than I can ever say.

In Service,
~Lady Catalina Ana de Salamanca
event steward