[Sca-cooks] Totally period

[HICKS, MELISSA]

Debra,

> "Dunbar, Debra" wrote:
> > Oddly enough, I've been bemoaning the fact that it is very
> difficult to
> > stroll into the local Safeway (or even your local Farmers'
> Market) and get
> > produce that isn't some hybrid genetic engineered mutant.
> Even the organic
> > stuff isn't really a variety that would have been found in
> Medieval Europe.
> > Everything labeled "yams" seems to be some variety of sweet
> potato, and now
> > cheeses aren't really what they say they are, and even that
> staple, butter,
> > is in dispute!

If you are depressed over this - try being a costumer.  We cannot get some
of the fabrics that were available in some of our chosen timeframes - I'd
love to make Drake a transparent linen chemise (ala Henry VIII) but due to
industrial mechanisms our linen is not made that finely (or if it is, it
isn't available in my local fabric store).

I consider the C in SCA to be challenge to get as authentic as we can given
our limitations.  We all have limitations: time, money, availability of
ingredients, understanding of period instructions - some have more of a
challenge than others.  But the fun is to make the closest approximation you
can - to make a your creation to the best of *your* ability and to
consistently improve on that. Part of this fun is finding the right
ingredients, experimenting with period techniques, finding out what we *can*
do to overcome these limitations.

I think I can confidently say that I will never get it 100% right - but I'll
certainly give it my best shot and have a hoot of a time while doing so.

Meliora.

This email message and any accompanying attachments may contain information
that is confidential and intended only for the use of the addressee named
above.  It may also be privileged.  If you are not the intended recipient do
not read, use, disseminate, distribute or copy or take any action in
reliance on it.  If you have received this message in error please notify
the sender immediately and delete this message.  Before opening any
attachments, check them for viruses or defects.