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Post by Sir Black Fox on Aug 10, 2006 13:24:32 GMT -5
Now it's time for something that could really How's the interaction at MDRF? How well do you, as a garbed playtron, interact with paytrons who ask for directions, to take your picture, mistake you for staff? Like with any closed society (i.e High School, small towns, large families), there are groups which like to hang together at MDRF and sometimes seem to disclude others. Pirate Crews, veteran rennies, fomdrf.org, mercs, wenches, cast, vendors, there are lots and lots of "cliques" at MDRF (or any festival). The drama in and around these groups sometimes gets so deep that those involved forget that MDRF is just an amusement park that people pay or are paid to visit! Without pointing fingers (those posts will be pulled) how has any of these interactions effect your good time at festival. . . or do you ignore it? As for me, I first openend my mouth and put my foot in it several times and created my own drama. When I saw my errors and tried to backpedal or apologize, I was labelled "spineless" instead of "progressive." So I took up the cause of "NO DRAMA." Of course when our Rennie bretheren are so invested in this hobby, body and soul, the idea of "NO DRAMA" is absolutely STUPID. With passion, one can't help but have drama. . .it creates itself without anyone's help. . .just a bad AFR post or a mis-intended email can ruin you! Yes, it's THAT dramatic to some! My family and I start our 7th season at MDRF this year and over the past 12 months I've realized that I can't live my life waiting for August nor fall into depression at the end of October. I think getting too close to cast, vendors, entertainers, and other serious playtrons at MDRF has assisted nature in affecting my ever-shrinking hairline (which I keep shaved as camoflage). Thus this season, Cyn and I bought fairever passes for MDRF AND Queens passes for PARF, so we can enjoy both faire and festival equally. With MDRF not giving every weekend it's own special theme, it gives us more opportunity to enjoy the festival as we think it should be enjoyed. As for interaction with those MDRF guests that need help? I always help. If I don't have the answer, I send them towards someone that can help and let them know I'm not on staff but show my grattitude for being dressed well enough to be confused with staff. I think it's an important measure to let folks know that playtrons are not on staff. . .for two reasons. 1) in case your info is wrong, MDRF isn't to blame 2) it opens an opportunity to explain why we "dress up" to come to festival and invite said guest into our ranks! Oh, and then I tell them about Friends of MDRF .org !!!!
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Post by Ana on Aug 10, 2006 13:41:44 GMT -5
I think I've actually got a pretty different perspective on this from many of the other people here, seeing as this past season was my first time to any Renaissance festival anywhere and all. Plus, I had only just moved to Maryland at that point and knew almost no one, so I think I went a grand total of three times with other people and several other times all by my lonesome. Add to that the fact that I'm not the most extroverted person in the world, and you get someone who is having a good time but finds it hard to just start talking to people, especially when all the groups are....their own little groups. That said, I did meet several people I ended up talking to happily and/or hanging out with but, even in garb, I didn't entirely feel like I was as much a part of things as I could have been. (although, as I said, not the most extroverted person in the world, so much of that is due to my own personality issues than anyone's fault at the MDRF) I guess my point is, you go and all that and you watch all these people and you just get the sense that there are these groups that have known each other for ages and don't necessarily want 'newbies' coming in too and then you end up wondering how you get to play. That's part of what brought me to finding the FoMDRF, wanting to get more involved and meet all you fine people (rather excited to be doing it actually in person and all very soon).
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Post by tigerlily on Aug 10, 2006 14:20:53 GMT -5
Here I am, Chatty Cathy again...so I'll put in my 2 cents' worth (this is really adding up!) Although I visited the faire YEARS ago, I didn't start getting into the MDRF until almost 3 years ago (this'll be my 3rd faithful season). My fiance fell in love with it, just as I knew he would. However, we are an odd couple...he's the introvert, I'm the extrovert. I think that it would be WONDERFUL to meet up with a group of people (the more the merrier) and party the day away at faire with them, whilst he's content (and prefers) it just be the 2 of us, meandering throughout the day. I can live happily with that and find that I have to for more than one reason. The folks we're friends with here at home (we live about 3 hours away from Crownsville) just would NOT get the faire...when we describe it to them, we get polite smiles and nods and then the subject usually dies off. So, unless we meet some folks up there (or here, at this site) who are interested in becoming friends, it just ain't gonna happen...and well, with my sweetie, he'd just as soon be more of a loner.... ...that all being said, I need to go one step further. Even though K (my fiance) is an introverted loner, he is NOT a snob or disinterested in being friendly. This is a real salvation for me as it couples very well with the friendly folk at the MDRF. This is one of THE main things I love about this faire!! I cannot express this enough! Sure, there are obvious cliques, just as there are at any outing (ever wanna just join into those tailgate parties at college football games?)...but we don't know those folks and it's okay if we're not included. BUT, we have encountered many, MANY friendly folk at the faire....the vendors and staff have always been very outgoing and inclusive of us, interacting wonderfully...and we, grooving on the spirit of being with like-minded people in an atmosphere that is truly festive, do the same...it just comes naturally, even to an introvert like my sweetheart! We've had folks ask us for directions (thinking we were staff/cast) and helped whenever we could or at least pointed them in the right direction...we've had folks stop us and ask to take our picture (I'm still scanning the internet, trying to find photos of us that someone might have posted) and we gladly oblige. We find ourselves sharing table/bench space with complete strangers and it 's all good...so yes, in answer to the question, we do interact and it would feel awful to me if we (and others) did not. I've not come across any real feelings of exclusion or negative cliqueishness at MDRF. We can't know everybody there and we can't all be part of every grouping. All in all, I have found people to be friendlier there than at any other event I've ever attended. YAY for MDRF!!! I must admit, it will be nourishing to my extroverted soul this year, to actually finally KNOW some people there, as we'll be getting introduced to (and married by) the good Rev. Sinnius Vice and also getting to know our accompanying virginalist. Still and all, it's a happy experience for me, whether I'm in a group of 200 or 2! Ana, so glad you've discovered RenFaires...they're wonderful, aren't they?! I hope you have many more happy experiences!
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Post by Ana on Aug 10, 2006 14:36:16 GMT -5
I know what you're saying about explaining it to friends and them just not getting it. I'm getting one of my friends to come at least once with me this year and he's all...."I don't know....do I have to dress up?" And then I get to explain that while it'd be fun if he did (and guys have it so much easier than girls in that department IMHO), he didn't have to. I'm really hoping he might discover it's a lot of fun and want to go more but I'm also just glad he's willing to try it. Oh yeah, they are great. I don't know when I first really heard about them (though I suspect that Mercedes Lackey's Bedlam's Bard series to be a big part of it) but ever since I did I always wanted to try one. But before I moved to Maryland, I lived in Mississippi. And while there was (apparently) a Faire on the Coast, that was several hours away from where I was and I didn't actually anyway find out about it till after I left. So when I got to Maryland and heard about this one, I was quite gung ho to come visit. Luckily I moved right at the end of August so my first outing was on Labor Day weekend (the joust tournament! Those were the best Jousts I saw all season! Got some nice pictures too ). All in all, I've really enjoyed it.
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Post by tigerlily on Aug 10, 2006 15:12:45 GMT -5
Don't despair with your friend! This is EXACTLY what happened with my fiance. I described the MDRF to him (as I'd said before, I'd attended it one weekend years before, but didn't garb out or anything) and he was like, "Uh well, I'll go and give it a shot." We didn't dress in garb and he wasn't quite sure how comfortable he'd be in a place he knew would be a) filled with people, b) filled with boisterous, bawdy people (although he's horribly irreverent himself), and c) filled with boisterous, bawdy, DRESSED UP IN PERIOD COSTUME people. I think he was just humoring me.
After about 1/2 hour into the first day of the festival, I could tell he was digging it...the atmosphere, the meade, the ale, the women, the music, all of it! I was dying to buy some clothing, but little did I know that he was too! He bought his first piece of garb (a leather vest and bracers) and before I knew it, he was working on his pagan shaman garb, even making his own wooden staff! Ever since then, he wouldn't CONSIDER going to faire without dressing out! And he's chomping at the bit as much as I for the faire to start for this season!
Good luck with your friend. He just might surprise you. I had the (*)(*& shocked out of me when K not only was agreeable to go back, but actually loved it, wanted more and more garb, and is going through major withdrawal as we speak.
Blessings!
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pynchosalt
Ren Geek
But why is the rum gone?
Posts: 88
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Post by pynchosalt on Aug 10, 2006 18:29:53 GMT -5
I think any place can seem intimidating on your first time, but part of what has always brought our family back to RenFest is the overall friendliness of paytrons, playtrons, cast, etc. We've been going to RenFest for 12 (!!!) years -- when CC was two months old -- but I've only recently discovered some folks' names. We're not particularly extroverted, but I guess we're kind of chatty. My teenage daughter would say that I'm just clueless -- I'll start talking to anybody. If they don't seem particularly friendly, I just move on. (Of course, having kids is also an icebreaker because they were always dressed and cute -- precipitating much interaction with others. As my husband and I started to dress more and more, the interaction seemed to grow too.) We've been going long enough now, that I can actually give directions with a fair degree of confidence ("Yes, the privies are that way.") And we've always obliged folks who have asked to take pictures with us in garb. We're also pretty mobile during faire, so we spread our chattiness around. We've initiated a number of friends to MDRF. Some have dived into the fun; some have gone once, politely thanked us, but haven't been back since. Most of our friends are somewhat quirky like us, so they totally get into the atmosphere. As MDRF has grown, I've noticed more folks with puzzled looks on their faces when approached by playtrons and cast alike -- like they're not really sure they should respond to you. ("Don't look them in the eye. It will only encourage them.") Again, kids are great for breaking the ice. A middle-aged woman of color in a leather bodice and pirate boots might break the ice . . . or scare the heck out of you . . . depending on your mindset. Anyhoo, my general feeling is that if one is friendly and smiles, others will follow suit. Then we'll all be friends. I know that sounds Pollyanna-ish, but I guess that's just me.
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Post by Mtn.Wolf and Silverwolf on Aug 10, 2006 23:14:00 GMT -5
well now lets see I always try to interact witheveryone whether it be danes in need of direction or various guilds or other paytrons who just come and belong to no particular group of course it helps haveing worked and played at different faires for 21 yrs I usedto know the layout of 5 faires by heart but now am only sure of 2 mount hope and revel grove but I do a walk about of eack faire I go to the first day to notice any new shops or changes and always gpose when asked smile just wished was asked more often rather than being stealh photoed lol wolf
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Post by Amras on Aug 11, 2006 7:58:35 GMT -5
As always, I'll just be happy to be there... Never understood the need for drama...don't get into soap operas on TV or faire...tend to avoid drama situations at all times, with both cast members and fellow enthusiasts...however, I do love interacting with the kids...gotta get 'em hooked on faire early, an entirely healthy addiction and substitute for other things they can get hooked on these days...l Amras "Addicted to Laughter and Kristy McNichol Movies" Elfwine
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Post by rezidentevil on Aug 11, 2006 8:30:03 GMT -5
I personally get photographed a lot. I get asked for directions, a lot. I love it. It seems to be a part of the experience.
As to the "groups" it has soured me. I am an 11 year vet, with friends and family that are involved with the MDRF. I have been approached to join this or that, and when I politely refused, I got tagged that I am "too good" for them. This sort of wrankled my nerves.
Then on another board like this, I mentioned that I thought that someone getting pictures posted of the changes of the fair and making a federal case out of it was against the theme of the sharing atmosphere. I mentioned I could have pictures if I wanted and was blasted as liar, tresspasser, and troll.
It makes me sad because I remember when the faire was a little more tolerant, the people were a little looser, and the idea of having fun was more previlent.
If I could impress one thing on everyone, group or individual it would be lighten up.
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Post by Empresa Anna on Aug 11, 2006 9:59:45 GMT -5
I know that sounds Pollyanna-ish, but I guess that's just me. so we'll play the glad game! heheh
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Post by Sir Black Fox on Aug 11, 2006 11:59:49 GMT -5
If I could impress one thing on everyone, group or individual it would be lighten up. Where were you a few years ago when I needed someone to tell me that? ROFL. . . excellent words m'friend. Between your "lighten up" code and Amras "just happy to be here" I think we're all on the right track!
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Post by ladyneysa on Aug 11, 2006 12:19:12 GMT -5
I've been asked to pose for photos just a few times and have been asked the standard questions-"where is -fill in blank-"? "are you hot in that"? "is that scotch egg(or other food) good?" "where can I find a mug like that"? I answer all happily; it makes me feel good that people are interested enough to ask. This sort of interaction with the "mundanes" is fun, but I would still have just as good a time without it. In my earlier days I wanted to assume a fetal position anytime anyone tried to engage me in conversation whether paytron, or especially cast! I remember wanting to interact, but when opportunity presented itself, I'd totally freeze up and choke. I still feel a bit shy, but I've got to come to the realization that if I'm brave enough to dress in garb, I should be able to take it to the next level. As far as interaction with other playtrons, esp. people from our ranks... I only actually met a handful of you in person once or twice , yet I feel like I know many of you just from being here..Last year I was SOO nervous about introducing myself to people..fearing I'd be rejected. I know you can't expect everyone to like you, and that's okay. It's just one of my little hang ups.. Anyway... Being a part of this group has greatly enhanced my MDRF experience, both for me and my daughter. So, this year we hope to solidify friendships and look forward to making more! I never know what our attendance is going to be like, so if you see us, flag us down and say Hi! Huzzah!
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Post by ladyneysa on Aug 11, 2006 12:26:31 GMT -5
If I could impress one thing on everyone, group or individual it would be lighten up. Where were you a few years ago when I needed someone to tell me that? ROFL. . . excellent words m'friend. Between your "lighten up" code and Amras "just happy to be here" I think we're all on the right track! As the old saying goes" Don't worry, Be happy"! ;D
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Post by tigerlily on Aug 11, 2006 12:40:31 GMT -5
I'll be keeping an eye peeled for ya at the faire this year, Ladynesa! Like you, I am never sure of which weekends we can attend. We've booked our hotel rooms for every weekend, though, just in case and will cancel as need be. Living 3 hours away is a bit of a pain in the butt, but it's sooo worth it! There's just something in the air there at the faire that brings out the friendliness in people, I think...at least that's been our experience. Even my somewhat introverted fiance has found himself joking and making small talk with total strangers there and he majorly digs when someone comes up to him to compliment him on his garb, ask directions, or wants to take a photo. It brings out the best in him and I just sit back, digging that fact in addition to everything else. I can't imagine not wanting to interact or be happy when someone asks directions or requests a photo or 2 for us (or wants us to take THEIR picture!) There's a real spirit of community there, just as there is here! Again, I say YAY!!
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pynchosalt
Ren Geek
But why is the rum gone?
Posts: 88
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Post by pynchosalt on Aug 11, 2006 20:29:18 GMT -5
I don't think our brood is too hard to miss. The short, middle-aged Black lady with medium height Scotch-Irish man in an itchy kilt and three beautiful-hued, alpha-personality kids in tow would be me. If you see me, please say "Hiya, Pynch" If you think you see me, say hi anyway. If it's not me, you'll make a new friend.
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pynchosalt
Ren Geek
But why is the rum gone?
Posts: 88
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Post by pynchosalt on Aug 11, 2006 20:30:00 GMT -5
Oh, and I know the way to the better privies.
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Post by willpaisley on Aug 15, 2006 11:43:57 GMT -5
I personally get photographed a lot. I get asked for directions, a lot. I love it. It seems to be a part of the experience. As to the "groups" it has soured me. I am an 11 year vet, with friends and family that are involved with the MDRF. I have been approached to join this or that, and when I politely refused, I got tagged that I am "too good" for them. This sort of wrankled my nerves. Then on another board like this, I mentioned that I thought that someone getting pictures posted of the changes of the fair and making a federal case out of it was against the theme of the sharing atmosphere. I mentioned I could have pictures if I wanted and was blasted as liar, tresspasser, and troll. It makes me sad because I remember when the faire was a little more tolerant, the people were a little looser, and the idea of having fun was more previlent. If I could impress one thing on everyone, group or individual it would be lighten up. I posted on this board to the person who was the initial subject of all that, and I believe I replied to you on the "other board like this" when you commented on the general reaction to that person. Hopefully you found my response to be a bit more measured and much less "blasting". A well-known adage about faire is that a lot of the patrons would secretly (or not so secretly, in some cases) like to work for faire. This is usually assumed to mean that they would like to be performing on stage. In my experience however, and more along the lines of what you've commented on, a lot more people seem to want to be part of faire management, telling everybody else what they can and can't do, and which group you have to be a part of in order to do certain things. As Black Fox said, one wrong word on AFR or LJ can get you crucified. There is no way to stop other people's drama at and about faire. About the only thing I can do is try not to get involved.
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Post by rezidentevil on Aug 16, 2006 7:16:17 GMT -5
Yes, will, you were very nice and took the meaning of my post and made it more clear as to what I was trying to say. I feel stupid because every few years I try and make a connection to the various groups, some nonsense makes me believe the best course is to not.
As someone who has performed on stage, most people don't realize it stops being 'fun' and it becomes work. Sure you enjoy the work, but it changes everything. Without going into depth someone close to me performed there for five years. Now it isn't the same, the faire to this person. The whole reality of the lack of a reality is what regulars would loose being an employee.
Then there is the Ren-management-wannabies. No offense, but I found the "unwritten rules" section here a little haughty. These type of things, proclimations give birth to the ideal that regulars need to police the populace as to what is acceptable. Hence, after the various guilds, groups, and cliques gather, the odds that someone meaning no harm in there daily adventures is subject to ostrisizing for voicing an opinion or behaving different.
Funny, over the years I watched this group with more than a little contempt and I am finding that I am wrong. You all seem very level headed and nice people. I must remember the bad apple should be recognized, it doesn't have to ruin the lot.
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sue
Playtron-Wannabe
Posts: 7
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Post by sue on Sept 1, 2006 10:36:56 GMT -5
When I first went to MDRF, I was a regular patron. Only went one, maybe two days per season. We'd walk around and shop for Christmas gifts for our families. We'd gawk at the folks all dressed up and think to ourselves, "Not me!"
And it's funny now, because I don't think I could dissect out what it was that got me dressing up! Whatever it was, it totally snowballed from there. Now, both my husband and I dress up. We love going to faire because when we're there, we're with a sort of extended family. We're with people who we might not know personally (yet!) but we "get" them, and they "get" us. Like-minded folks out to just have a good time. Whereas back in "real life" when we're at work, it's hard to connect with people about faire. We rarely mention it at all because we're always asked if we're "one of those people that dress up." And when we answer honestly, we get laughed at or eyes roll. I don't really care anymore since in the end, my husband's opinion is the only one I have to live with longterm, and he loves faire as much as I do! So it's all good.
Back when I first started dressing up, I would get stopped for pictures. People would ask directions and I'd give them the best I could. They assumed I worked there. Now that it's been three years, my garb is better (I'd like to think so, anyway) and my knowledge of the faire layout and scheduling is better. So whenever people ask me for information or directions, I gladly give it! It's very flattering.
I do notice the cliques that BlackFox mentioned. I was very intimidated by them at first, and sometimes still am. I want to fit in because everyone there shares a similar interest (being MDRF!) and I want to celebrate that with them. But it's hard when everyone else has been friends for years and you're the new kid. I recently joined the crew of The Roving Eye (*waves to Major Chaos!*) and I'm still not able to remember faces or names of my fellow crewmates, so I'm still intimidated. And even though after three years I can give directions pretty reliably, I still consider myself new to the whole faire and I'm always learning. But because the atmosphere at faire is generally welcoming to anyone, it's all good. I'll get there eventually.
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Post by Sir Black Fox on Sept 1, 2006 10:42:12 GMT -5
I do notice the cliques that BlackFox mentioned. Welcome to our clique! LOL Obviously, when you read the threads here, we're the most non-cliquish group ever! There are folks who just hang together because we know each other on this board and there's groups who roam together because they're old friends and there's pirate crews here and there. . . that's about as cliquish as it gets. What it comes down to is what you mentioned in your post, we all have one thing in common. . . we love MDRF and it shows every time we put on that garb and clank tankards with our friends. Huzzzahhhh Sue and I look forward to meeting you this weekend.
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Post by Amras on Sept 1, 2006 10:54:06 GMT -5
I'm so clique-ish, sometimes Iwon't even talk to myself! Welcome, Sue! I'm Amras, the local squirrel counselor. See you at the grove! Amras "Clique Taunter" Elfwine
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Post by Magpie on Sept 5, 2006 9:45:27 GMT -5
I try really hard to make sure I try to talk to EVERYONE that speaks to me :-) If the trees would say hi to me, well I would say hi back :-)
I don't deal in drama, I'm a NO DRAMA MAMA :-) basically, if you are going to ruin my cider buzz, well then, get the heck away from me :-)
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Post by Ana on Sept 5, 2006 10:02:14 GMT -5
I try really hard to make sure I try to talk to EVERYONE that speaks to me :-) If the trees would say hi to me, well I would say hi back :-) Oh! I've kept seeing you and I've yet to introduce myself! Will have to make a note to do so this weekend.
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Post by tigerlily on Sept 5, 2006 10:14:19 GMT -5
I try really hard to make sure I try to talk to EVERYONE that speaks to me :-) If the trees would say hi to me, well I would say hi back :-) Oh! I've kept seeing you and I've yet to introduce myself! Will have to make a note to do so this weekend. Ana, you soooo HAVE to introduce yourself to Magpie!! She's like the friendliest person I've ever met! She was the first person at faire that I've introduced myself to and I felt instantly accepted! Her personality is contagious, in that she exudes such a positive vibe that you can't help but feel like you wanna be that way too! She instantly offered me and K a sip from her cider mug and well, there you have it! As a person who has shrunk from making introductions, this will be ONE introduction that will NOT disappoint you and will make you glad you took that bold step!
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pynchosalt
Ren Geek
But why is the rum gone?
Posts: 88
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Post by pynchosalt on Sept 9, 2006 15:33:04 GMT -5
I second that! I met Magpie about a year or so ago, before I knew her name. Kept bumping into her at other Celtic events. Finally joined this board in February and put a name to the face. Plus, she's got the most gorgeous garb! :)Magpie, you're terrific! I feel like I've known you forever. Speaking of interaction -- I shamelessly told "Jack Sparrow" last Monday that I'd be his Black Pearl anyday. I really have to stop drinking before noon.
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Post by bludrgnlady on Sept 9, 2006 21:15:21 GMT -5
Speaking of interaction -- I shamelessly told "Jack Sparrow" last Monday that I'd be his Black Pearl anyday. I really have to stop drinking before noon. That poor guy, he never seems to get more than five feet before someone asks for a picture. :-/What fun would there be if you waited until after noon. At least I feel a little better drinking the cider in the morning, it is a wee bit like drinking apple juice ~SDW
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Post by Ana on Sept 9, 2006 23:15:26 GMT -5
Speaking of interaction -- I shamelessly told "Jack Sparrow" last Monday that I'd be his Black Pearl anyday. I really have to stop drinking before noon. That poor guy, he never seems to get more than five feet before someone asks for a picture. Ah see, now I feel bad. I asked to get my picture with him today. Of course, I have a goal of seeing how many Jack Sparrows I can get my picture taken with as I've seen at least three about the Fest.
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jenilynn80
Rennie
"I like the idea of men in skirts. Easy access. "
Posts: 31
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Post by jenilynn80 on Oct 23, 2006 21:07:54 GMT -5
I don't think I could really have said it any better. My friends and I have been attending for about 5 years or so now, with varying levels of garb. This is the first year we've gotten anywhere near "fitting in" at all. So, I've decided to try and join into some of the fray, and see where it lands me. I've had the same frustrations, trying to talk to "normal" folk, who just kind of look at you, smile and nod, like, "Oh...you're into THAT?" It's frustrating to not really know one's niche. Even in a crowd one generally feels comfortable in. And you guys are right: Faire Folk are the Fun Folk.
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