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Post by Sir Black Fox on Feb 6, 2007 8:26:15 GMT -5
Curious as to why you go to MDRF.. . . so add your check the poll!
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Post by Scotsman on Feb 6, 2007 9:35:29 GMT -5
The whole enchilada!
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Post by jenniferlynn on Feb 7, 2007 7:23:16 GMT -5
for everything and everyone!!!!
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Post by majorchaos on Feb 7, 2007 10:30:15 GMT -5
I said "the whole thing" but it really is "everything except the following:" - I only sit in one spot and drink with friends - I've got nothing better to do
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Post by Amras on Feb 9, 2007 9:21:48 GMT -5
I clicked on the whole experience, but, like Majorchaos, I must add a caveat. My main reason for going to fair is to see friends, and to interact with them in conversation and "people watching." I can take or leave the acts and the shopping. The "drama" of the background soap opera, both scripted and playtron-sourced, leaves me cold. And, as I must drive myself home every night after faire, I do not consume mass quantities of beverage.
Give me friends, conversation and a fine cigar, and its good enough for me.
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Post by Mtn.Wolf and Silverwolf on Feb 21, 2007 6:00:02 GMT -5
lol well we go to faire to meet with old friends and to corrupt newbie friends and of course to be seen lol
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Post by masterjames on Feb 21, 2007 13:12:36 GMT -5
MDRF is just a great way to spend the day with friends and escape from the insane times of the current day into a more peaceful and friendly place.
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Post by rezidentevil on Feb 27, 2007 9:16:01 GMT -5
Why I go? Hmmm, this might be one of the best asked questions. I think it should begin with how it started. Back in 95, I went with a friend, in street, and got a taste of what goes on. Funny it was a total, complete downpour. I never saw rain that hard in while. So as we were drinking, my friend said we should see Shakespeare Skum. With the downpour so hard, Skum invited me and the four other people up on stage under the protection of the roof/balcony and performed two feet in front of us. Coincidentally, my one of my most memorable moments, little did I know I was meeting Carolyn, who I would meet again…
So I was working at a restaurant and started dating this woman. To make a long story short, she worked for years at the faire and was a friend of Carolyn’s. So having a little theater and prone to playing D&D in the past, my now wife, got me to start going in garb.
Well, I started out rather mundane. Today I look nothing like I started. In the end, our marriage didn’t last, but we are still friends and even see each other now and then and even though she no longer works for the fair, she attends a few times a year, yes in garb.
But I wouldn’t say there was a pure reason I go, more of a development of character. Not just the persona that comes out at the faire, both sober and un-sober *wink*. But the faire I believe is personal therapy in ways we don’t realize. We get to be kids again. I personally had my childhood cut WAY to short. Then I found this place, a place where once I walk through the gates, it is like my personal Neverland.
The best treasure that came along were the friendships I have discovered, made, and maintained. I find that the faire more than not brings like minded people together, a narrowing of the world’s personalities that at least have more in common than say a stadium full of sports fans.
It is my world, my personal holiday that makes all other holidays, vacations pale in comparison. It is the people, the place that make me return. It is the place I believe I can most be myself. Perhaps that is the real reason?
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Post by Sir Black Fox on Feb 27, 2007 9:38:38 GMT -5
It is my world, my personal holiday that makes all other holidays, vacations pale in comparison. It is the people, the place that make me return. It is the place I believe I can most be myself. Perhaps that is the real reason? Great story and great reason for heading out to the festival. Personally, I've found that there's often an inner struggle to either be the garbed-up character I have fun being and being myself. Maybe it's just being the character when away from close friends then turning back into myself when we're all crowded around the pub as friends. Something new to think about. . . cool.
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Post by Lady Lauren Juliette on Feb 27, 2007 10:30:05 GMT -5
Why do I go to MDRF...
In a world where Britney Spears and Anna-Nicole get almost as much news coverage as Hurricane Katrina, it's wonderful to step back in time and just enjoy the real pleasures in life; music, food, ale, and conversation (you mean that still exists??) Yes, it does, folks... at MDRF...
My husband, who I can get to go to the fest with me maybe twice during the season, asked me last year why I feel the need to try and go every weekend. Honestly, it's about feeling good about myself. I don't weigh 115 pounds, I don't have hair extensions, I don't wear fake nails, and I don't have time to obsess about perfection. When I go to a bar or a club, I barely get a second look. When I go to MDRF, I turn heads. Every girl, deserves a place they can go where they feel pretty and wanted. Trust me, my husband thinks I'm hot, but he's not as vocal about it as some prirates I've met.
Also, I feel safe at MDRF. I know the flirtation will end in the parking lot (or on-line) with a good-bye peck on the cheek and a hug. There is nothing expected beyond that. Very refreshing.
Aside from that, where else can you go and strike up a conversation with just about anyone near you? After last year, I feel totally fine going to MDRF by myself because I know I'll find people there to hang out with. Everyone accepts you, no matter what your differences of opinion are or what social circle you run around in.
All-in-all, life should be more like MDRF. The world would be a much nicer place to live in!
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Post by Amras on Feb 27, 2007 11:10:17 GMT -5
I thought about it (shocking, yes?) and now must add this brief caveat to my post above... There is a feeling I get when entering the gate in the morning...a feeling that makes me feel both happy and secure...it is that feeling of returning to a warm, comfortable home after a long, pot hole-filled journey...this feeling makes me smile all day at Revel Grove...and, keeps me coming back... Love to all! The Spirit of Ren...
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Post by Sir Black Fox on Feb 27, 2007 13:38:07 GMT -5
Also, I feel safe at MDRF. I know the flirtation will end in the parking lot (or on-line) with a good-bye peck on the cheek and a hug. There is nothing expected beyond that. Very refreshing. After last year, I feel totally fine going to MDRF by myself because I know I'll find people there to hang out with. I am SUCH the flirt, ask Amras. It's good to hear that folks, especially über-beautiful women like yourself feel safe, especially when alone at MDRF . . . you KNOW that folks like me, Scottsman, Amras, and others have your back darlin'. Think of us as big brothers who flirt with you. . . without the "ooooogie-" factor.
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Post by Amras on Feb 27, 2007 14:27:13 GMT -5
And, he always smells so good...sigh...
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Post by Ana on Feb 28, 2007 10:04:20 GMT -5
I have to agree with Lady Lauren: I feel safe at MDRF. You guys flirt, but that's as far as it'll go (or your wives'll whip you back into shape ) and I know if someone there stepped over that line, I have a group of big, strong, burly men to whip them into shape. That and pretty much everyone I've met there has made me feel welcome from the first day I stepped onto the grounds, even before I knew anyone there. That means a lot to me. It's definitely a feeling of homecoming and family that I'd be hard-pressed, I think, to find anywhere else and I certainly have to say I'm hard-pressed right now to think of any other time where I felt quite that way. That and the chance to dress up. And to see things I can't see anywhere else (easily): the joust, the men in kilts, the men in tights, men with swords, men in armor, men with squirrels (hi amras!), Hack & Slash (men with tights AND swords!), Fight School (no tights, but there's a kilt! and swords! and men!), various wonderful musical acts (some also involving kilts). Plus: mac & cheese onna stick, cheesecake onna stick, funnel cake, steak on a stake, warm cider on a cold day, hot chocolate on a cold day, chicken & chips, peasant bread, etc etc etc. Oh, and where else can you be asked to stand in for the Puke & Snot merch vendor for a few minutes and be rewarded with your first-ever cheesecake on a stick? Or get a group of handsome rogues to offer roses to and whisper sweet nothings into your mother's ear? Or find find all the wonderful photo opportunities in one place that can be found at MDRF? And I have no idea how much this post makes sense but I think it does and anyway it pretty much sums up to I LOVE YOU GUYS!
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Post by Amras on Feb 28, 2007 10:28:22 GMT -5
...men in kilts with squirrels in kilts on sticks...
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Post by Ana on Feb 28, 2007 13:16:34 GMT -5
...men in kilts with squirrels in kilts on sticks... Them're the best part!
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Post by Mongo on Feb 28, 2007 20:34:08 GMT -5
...men in kilts with squirrels in kilts on sticks... Mmmmmm, squirrel on a stick. A mountain man treat to be sure! Ya can't eat just one, they're more of a snack. ;D
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Post by ladyneysa on Feb 28, 2007 21:30:00 GMT -5
Ok, y'all are making me have fest withdrawal really bad now! The atmosphere, the Friends, the cameraderie, people you barely know treating you like family, dressing in garb and becoming another person, escaping into another time and place... I love everything about MDRF, and can't imagine it not being a part of my life, even if it can only be a small part sometimes.
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Post by alrowell on Feb 28, 2007 23:59:29 GMT -5
...men in kilts with squirrels in kilts on sticks... Mmmmmm, squirrel on a stick. A mountain man treat to be sure! Ya can't eat just one, they're more of a snack. ;D especially when the squirrel is nice and lean. mmmmmmmmmm
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Post by Amras on Mar 1, 2007 11:55:34 GMT -5
They're so perky...I can't stand it...:-)
Mongo, you'd just be hungry again an hour later.
I find a nice stout savignon goes well with most anything on a stick...
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Post by bludrgnlady on Mar 1, 2007 15:08:55 GMT -5
I originally started going to faire when I was a kid, all I can really remember was getting my first bee sting and was asked by the mud wrestlers if they could kiss me on my cheek and then got a kiss on the "other" cheek. I guess I was hooked at a young age. Then I fell out of going mostly due to lack of transport and then started up again by going at least once a year with my friends. Then two years ago I went with my friend once and then decided to go once by myself. I ended up meeting my girl Jenn and a few others and vowed, since it was the end of season to come every weekend the following season. I love the atmosphere, I love the people, and most of the food is great, and it goes without saying how much I :-*love the cider! I found that people who were once complete strangers became instant buddies, Jennifer, Tigerlilly and Randall, BF, Amras, scotsman, Quadthane, and the list could go on and on and I was full on addicted. I also met my new love at the faire and I admit, I love watching the drama unfold behind the scenes, it is better than any Shakespear play!! Geeze, 176 days seems like an eternity but I know it will soon be here and it makes it nice to get together off season. okay enough rambling...... I think I need a cider!!
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Post by jenniferlynn on Mar 5, 2007 7:44:24 GMT -5
Love you too girl!!!
Yeah, that weee bit of drama we got to partake in this year was quite fun wasn't it?? Hehehe
I got a feeling next season is going to be even BETTER!!!!
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Post by Sir Black Fox on Mar 5, 2007 8:14:58 GMT -5
I got a feeling next season is going to be even BETTER!!!!I love all of ye! I have to say last season was the best I ever had at MDRF. There were just a few things that stood out. . . 1) telling Emerys Fleet a joke he'd not heard before that made him laugh out loud. . . . 2) being invited by two castmembers to sit at the castmembers' table during pub sing on the very last evening (first time, outside of proposing to the wifey, that I teared up at festival). Other than that it was YOU who made my season at MDRF so great. All of the new folks with their new hugs were incredible (especially from the stalker-babes) and I remember saying "Anyone seen Amras?" at least at one point every day. . . I gots to have a squirrel man close by. Oh, and that cigar guy. . . Greggykins. . . and his way-too-hot-to-be-with-Scottsman wife, Loma. . . you folks rock! Tigerlilly and her man, Bear and his wife, Master James. . . eeesh I could fill this page with new names. But the old names seem to always be there, having just as much fun. My beloved Chelle, Mistress Fetch, Mistress Pepper, the gang of pyrates from The Polly Dodger, the Ravenwolves, Sir Dragon and Lady Glorianna, again. . . I could go on and on with this list too! I'm thankful to call you all friends and to be able to chat with you outside of MDRF on this here board. Sometimes I don't chime in on threads but I still read them all. I think you folks make the MDRF experience. I really don't think I'd come every weekend (both days) if I didn't have your friendship to look forward to.
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Post by tigerlily on Mar 5, 2007 17:24:28 GMT -5
GADS, I'm with Ladyneysa and the rest of y'all...I think I'm gonna burst into tears just thinking about how much I miss you guys and faire!! Just last night, Kendall was saying...out of absolutely NOWHERE..."You know, it's less than 6 months away 'til Faire starts again..." Yep, we are sooo hooked...but last year was the best for us.
I had gone to my first MDRF over 10 years ago with my ex and another couple...didn't "garb out"...just went, visited, didn't even drink, I think (I think I was going through some sort of mental breakdown at the time...hardy har har!) My ex didn't dig it and my friends were a little weirded out...and yet, all I wanted to do was to find some period garb and move in permanently. Fast forward to 3 years ago...Kendall had never even HEARD of a RenFaire and I stepped out on faith and told him of the delightful MDRF...he said he'd give it a shot...and let me tell ya, once he did, he was a goner!! Was ready to get into garb after his first day out! How wonderful it is to find your significant other who is into such a thing...for myself (and I think for him too) we find that neither of us really "fit" in the area in which we live...we're both originally from here, but no one we know here would "get" the faire...it's a way to escape everything from here...the work, the narrowmindedness, the same old same old...and in a time period and place where we somehow are able to come into contact with that part of us that is mystical, spiritual, ethereal...and are surrounded by others doing the same thing...digging it all...the food, the ale, the shows, the goods...and now, thankfully, oh thankfully, the friends we've made. I feel like crying thinking how much you guys all mean to us!
As many of you know, Kendall is more of the shy kind, not a joiner...he reluctantly followed me into the MDRF by getting to know Black Fox, the lovely Noir Cynthia, Amras...and then there was Anna, Scotsman and his lovely Lady Guiness, Qadthane, the irreplaceable Magpie...and then, if that wasn't enough, my lovelies, Sam and Jenn...my GOD, where would be without you all? (Anybody I've forgotten, please forgive me...I'm under the weather today and a bit fuzzy in the head...haha, so what else is new?!) When you guys showed up at our wedding, you showed us so much love and acceptance...WOW!!! You've touched our hearts tremendously and Kendall has told me more than once "Thank you for getting us in touch with these wonderful people...this was the best Ren season yet and it's all because of the familiar, friendly faces that we now find ourselves looking for and seeing each time we go through those gates." I find that I'm terribly homesick for MDRF and you guys...and we often feel so far removed from everyone due to our long distance away...thank god for the Internet!!
Brightest blessings to all of you guys...forgive my wordiness, but then again, you know how I am...I can't wait to meet more of y'all this upcoming season! Oh, by the way...Key West was FABULOUS and we actually managed to buy more garb while we were down there (they've gotta LOT of pyrate stuff there!! hehe!!) GADS! We're gonna have to take out a loan to pay for all this ren stuff...but ain't it grand?!
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Post by rezidentevil on Mar 6, 2007 12:22:25 GMT -5
Here is a question that relates to this thread. I know most of you have your own organization and meet up throughout the year, but are there those people that stand out that you only see at faire? I mean there are some cool characters that I only see when at the faire? One is a guy named Dale, he is all tatooed on the uper body, a character and a nice guy. He stand's out in a crowd.
What about you guys? Anyone non affiliated and non cast that are the "regular" sighted at fair?
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Post by Amras on Mar 6, 2007 12:29:03 GMT -5
The question was asked, "Why do they go." The question was the cause of much meditation and introspection. Why? The entertainment? Perhaps, but certainly there was entertainment available aplenty to them all, and besides, had they all not seen the shows ten times ten times each? Was it the fine ales, wines and other potables? Could be, but again, fine eats and drinks can be had almost anywhere. I know...it was the shopping!! Stall after stall of fine wares...but no, today one can't pull out of a carriage house anywhere without running into a mall or shopping center, and everything under the sun can also be had with the stroke of a computer key. And then, like a thunderclap, the reason materialized, as if a mirage at a desert oasis had been made real. [glow=red,2,300]They went there for each other.[/glow] For, without the friendship shared amongst the setting, all of it, the song, the drink, the shopping, all of it shrank to striking, mundane-like insignificance. Without each other to share the songs, without that long-time fest drinking friend to share the ale, without that long unseen and missed friend to share a hug, it was no experience at all. ~Amras Elfwine Ancalime', from "A Good Smoke: The Many Lives of an Old War Horse" Let us dedicate this year, more than ever, to realizing what we all have in each other, and to sharing the good times and warm fellowship as if next year were not coming. Sounds like an old, Celtic proverb, does it not?? Love to all. The Spirit of Ren!!
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Post by Amras on Mar 6, 2007 12:38:22 GMT -5
Rezidentevil, there are so many there...the first one I thought of is one I think of as "The Dragon Lord", with his dragon staff, flowing hair and leather armor...such a stern looking fellow, but he is so wonderful with the kids...and, those who saw him towards the end of last season, when he took over directing traffic in the parking lot that morning in full dragon regalia, I dare say they will never forget it...I had several long conversations with him last year, and he's one "stranger" I'd miss if he were not there...
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Post by masterjames on Mar 7, 2007 17:14:39 GMT -5
Rezidentevil, there are so many there...the first one I thought of is one I think of as "The Dragon Lord", with his dragon staff, flowing hair and leather armor...such a stern looking fellow, but he is so wonderful with the kids...and, those who saw him towards the end of last season, when he took over directing traffic in the parking lot that morning in full dragon regalia, I dare say they will never forget it...I had several long conversations with him last year, and he's one "stranger" I'd miss if he were not there... Amras I'm so with you on that. I had to laugh to myself last year when here was this huge hulking guy all decked out in full regalia doing the koochie koo with a baby in his arms. It was truly a moment I will never forget! He would most certainly be one I would miss as well.
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pynchosalt
Ren Geek
But why is the rum gone?
Posts: 88
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Post by pynchosalt on Mar 24, 2007 23:17:44 GMT -5
Curious as to why you go to MDRF.. . . so add your check the poll! I go to keep my sanity in a sometimes insane world. If by sane, you mean dressing up as my alter ego, drinking ale and/or mead all day, eating a turkey leg the size of my head, buying more Renaissance clothes/stuff, listening to bagpipes, singing with pirates, watching a man swallow swords, making new friends and meeting old ones, and so forth.
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Post by martin on Apr 11, 2007 22:19:13 GMT -5
it's all about the beer baby
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