Maredudd1066 wanted a Japanese "happy dance."

I rather like this one. Besides, every taiko uchite I know can play it.

Not having been in an apprenticeship relationship with anyone (I'm an equal opportunity brain picker!), I dithered briefly, then decided to ask duchessletitia to make the public announcement to the kingdom list. There have been a number of Laurels in kingdom and out who have been supportive and enthusiastic about the stuff I do but I knew I couldn't count on prying sengokudaimyo out from under his rock with any reliability or timeliness. Edward le Kervere is a campmate and got to beam at me for the rest of the day, including the post event stop at Applebys for dinner. Her Grace was at Purgatorio, involved in The Meeting (DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNNNNNN!), and had to leave before Rolf made The Job Offer, so I asked her to do it. Holy crap, this is like planning a wedding or something!

So here I am stuck at home with a fever I don't want to pass on to folks at work and feeling guilty because it's payroll day, plus the OTHER whirl inside my brain. There is awesomeness to plot! (Yuki no shita or Matsu-gasane? Yuki no shita will at least go with the uwagi I made this year, but matsu-gasane is gorgeous too.) Will try to restrain myself from ordering swatches at least until Payday. At least there is very good tea in the house....

Random Japanophile trivia: I will be making a jump of rank from senior seventh rank or sho-shichi-i (common courtier) to fourth junior rank  or ju-shi-i (courtier with palace access). How could a kuge chick NOT be amped about that? I'm going to have to learn to stifle a twitch when addressed as Sensei.

For those thinking they might like to try to be at Twelfth Night, we think it may be at the Hilton in Concord, CA. If so, Oakland Airport is closest, but it and San Francisco Airport are both served by BART links and the Hilton offers free shuttles to and from BART. I'll post event info as I find out about it.

Purgatorio photos

I don't often dig out the camera at events. I don't claim to be all authenticity all the time, but there are times I don't want to view the world through a viewfinder or LED screen. However, Rolf and Aurora are Go Big Or Go Home kind of folks and their Coronation procession was suitably epic.( Read more... )

Ei. Wa. Chi.

Because it deserves to be posted again and I'm stuck home sick anyway.

(Photo courtesy of Mozelle Williams)

"It has been said by some that the warriors of the Heavenly Kingdom do not belong on the Field of Honor.
(Samurai do not belong in the lists)

The Three Vows of Honour

• I vow to honor my foe and call his blows fairly and trust that he is fair in turn.
• I vow to honor my chosen ancestors, to learn well their weapons and the manner in which they wield them.
• I vow to honor my hosts, to learn well their weapons and the manner in which they wield them.

It has been said by some that the warriors of the Orient do not act like guests among us and upset the tranquility of the Kingdom.

(Samurai do not act like guests)
(Samurai mar my medieval groove)

The Three Vows of Harmony

• I vow to remember that I am a guest within this society and show gratitude for the hospice.
• I vow to keep my arms, armour, and dress suitable to my station.
• I vow to show respect to the King, the Peers of the Realm, the Nobles and Barons, and all the populace of the Kingdom.

The Three Vows of Knowledge

• I vow to learn deeply of the ways and customs of my chosen ancestors   - to honor, cherish, and emulate them.
• I vow to learn deeply of the ways and customs of my hosts  - to honor, cherish, and emulate them.
• I vow to share what I learn to those who wish to know but never preach to those who do not."

    -  Otagiri Tatsuzou, October 25, 2005.