Sweetened Butter? (was Re: SC - Harvest Moon Shoot proposed menu)

[lilinah@earthlink.net]

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Catherine Deville <catdeville at mindspring.com>
To: <sca-cooks at ansteorra.org>
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2000 3:51 PM
Subject: OT: New People (was Re: To eat or not to eat (was: Re: SC - rare
foods at feasts-rant))


> Gosh!  where are you?  We need to hook you up with a hospitaler or
> chatalaine before you go to your first group, or a household which
performs
> that type of function (mine used to...), otherwise you won't get to enjoy
> anything!

       I have a local group..Sternfeld Barony.  And I will readily admit,
they are a friendly bunch of people...to each other.

       The first few times I went to one of their practices, I went with my
next door neighbor, who is so popular she was never able to sit still long
enough to explain anything.  Some lady (I don't even know who she was)
stopped by and when I began asking questions, turned and walked off.
Another told me that to join I had to pay such and such.  I asked for
information like a book or something, to learn more about it, and was told I
had to pay for it.  I stopped going.

> I know that folks can seem cliquish, especially if they're part of a
> household or close group, but hopefully that's more of an impression than
a
> reality... I'd hate to think that you are in any way discouraged from
> participating fully because folks aren't friendly enough :-)

        I finally started going again because well, practices are the only
times I go out.  The dear friar came over and talked to me only becuse
another very nice person was being overwhelmed with questions from me.  He
went and got the friar.  :)  (Sorry hon, I forgot your name.)  :(

        I've asked about period garb, to be told someone would get back with
me, and they never do.  I've passed out my phone number and email addy,
nothing there either.  So, I sit and watch, then go home afterwards.  Or to
Fazoli's where everyone congregates afterwards, to see everyone sitting
together chatting merrily away in their little groups, and I finally have to
leave.

> Sounds like you need to start by going to some local meetings and getting
> to know someone who will take you under their wing.  Groups often have a
> person who specifically does this as service to the group, as part of
> either the hospitaler's office or the chatalaine's (if they don't have a
> hospitaler) office.  You should hook up with that person if possible
before
> you go to an event, as it's in their "job description" to help you out, to
> introduce you around and to help you get involved without stumbling.  If
> you don't know who that person is, contact your group's Senechal or
contact
> person and they should get you connected.  If you dont' have a local group
> or anyone close enough to help, then write the Autocrat of the event (if
> you preregister, or just ask at the troll booth if you don't) and let them
> know that you're new and a bit shy and would appreciate any assistance
that
> zie can give and the hosting group will likely be very helpful.  Courtesy
> and Chivalry include providing hospitality for new comers, and there's no
> need for you to go to your first even feeling lost or intimidated in any
> way.

            Usually, the people at the practices are all in a group
together, and since I don't like just barging in to the middle of
conversations, I sit at one of the tables by myself or with my hubby.  I've
never seen anyone go around asking if anyone was new, or had questions, or
anything.  Sadly, this is the only group we are close enough to...as far as
going to anything.  And when they move from Broad Ripple to Tech, we can't
go at all because my hubby is claustrophobic, and the tiny space with no
ventilitation to speak of makes him ill.

            I'm planning to go to Cloved Orange, but I was told that I have
to wear orange...and my only outfit isn't.  And I have yet to learn the
exact location of where it will be held...last I heard, no one even knew.

            I'll fit in somewhere, one of these days.