Maredudd1066 wanted a Japanese "happy dance."

[gurdymonkey]

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.

Comments

[kareina.livejournal.com]

I love the way that you translate the rank "Courtier with Palace access" is such a good way to describe "Peer of the Realm".

Will you be swearing fealty, and if so will you use the traditional Western Oath, or write something persona appropriate? (How is that for a kettle to open somewhere other Westies can see it?)

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

The translations are not mine - they're taken from Master Edward of Effingham's table on modes of address and rank at
http://www.sengokudaimyo.com/miscellany/address.html

Interestingly enough, the person whose fault it is I got interested in Japanese dragged me to a class on all this at Pennsic 28 by Effing-Sensei and I found it confusing as all hell. "He Who Is In Front of What?" and all that. ;-D

Fealty is being duly mulled. More than that I cannot say now - except committing phonetic Japanese to memory is HARD.

[duchessletitia.livejournal.com]

Thank you for asking me to announce your elevation. I hope my words met with your expectation.

Please let me know if I can help you in any way.

[danabren.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is rather like planning a wedding! Let your friends help when they can be counted on as reliable. Don't worry about hurt feelings when it comes to choosing the 4 peers who will speak for you (do they do that out West?) And on the day, just let it happen.

I strongly suggest that you bring a notebook and pen in with you to your vigil, because you will NOT remember anything anyone says. ANYTHING.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

The first peerage ceremony I witnessed had the four-peerage-spokesperson thing and I was treated to sotto voce outraged hissing from the old-time-Westerner next to me about how They Were Doing It All Wrong. That said, some folks do opt for that and it's becoming a bit more accepted - this week's new Pelican had four peers speak for him.

The whole SCA concept of a vigil has always bemused me: the historical knightly vigil is all about contemplation, not having one's ear bent by all and sundry with advice. I'm not certain I want an SCA style vigil.

More stuff to think about.

[danabren.livejournal.com]

There's good advice to be had in a vigil. And it's also nice that people get to have a quiet moment with you to give private congratulations.

And on the other hand, it's YOUR party, you personalize it :)

[duchessletitia.livejournal.com]

Yeah, we had a hard time with the four-peerage spokesperson thing. Me, I have gotten past it. As long as it is short it is kinds cool. :-) (one of those old-time western peers)

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

It was SOP back East, so I admit I was surprised at that person's reaction - and renewed my vow not to be an Ugly Easterner. ;-D

[cryptocosm.livejournal.com]

First of all: Congratulations!

I had a Pelican, a Laurel, a member of the Chivalry, and a royal peer speak for me at my elevation to the Pelican: I asked Flieg. Choose who you want and try not to feel obliged to any particular SCA format. Likewise, set up whatever vigil (or lack thereof) you are comfortable with. If you choose not to have an open vigil, trust that those who want to offer private congratulations and/or advice will likely find opportunity.

Delegate such details as you can. You're going to have quite enough to do deciding things and handling the ones that only you can do. Find a good cat wrangler for the rest of it.

Don't be afraid to ask for or about things.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

I should probably submit an actually Japanese device now.... ;-D

[cryptocosm.livejournal.com]

That would be up to you. If you do plan to change your device, though, make sure to let the scribes know to hold off on any scroll until after the change goes through. While a submission made in September would be ruled on at a December meeting, the chances of it being published before 12th Night are essentially nil.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

My name doesn't match my device any more, I probably should do something about it. I like my badge. Let me whack out a couple sketches this weekend and see if inspiration strikes.

[tgrcats-tail.livejournal.com]

so happy your knowledge and skills and generosity in sharing the have been recognized for all to see. I admit, I was blown away by what my 4 peers had to say (and no, I dont recall a word) but one gave me a written copy of her portion. The vigil was very humbling in many ways, and I did use it as a time for introspection as well as to garner others thoughts.
I wish I was in a position to attend, but I know my absence wont be noted. Congratulations and yes, it is job; no one who truly has a Laurel would have suggested one rests on them.

IF I may do anything for you from far away in the Outlands, please, ask.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

I would be obliged if you could pass the word along to Mistresses Guernin and Rowan, at the very least, and anyone else you might think of there who knows me. I'm in touch with Li Guang Ming down in Al-Barran, but I don't know how far the word has spread.

[tgrcats-tail.livejournal.com]

I will make sure Rowen knows at first light tomorrow, and she will pass it to Guernin. Will tell Kate and Masahide too. Have you reached the Outlands bushi? Not sure I can track him down, but can out the word out if you wish it.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Excellent!

I sent a message to Otagiri-dono's last known email address. I miss the stuffin' outta that man, he's been a source of inspiration and sanity on many occasions. Sir Haroun may know how to get in touch.

[tgrcats-tail.livejournal.com]

Sadly I believe Sir Haroun has relocated to Trimaris. With your permission I will send a query to the Outlands list.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

That would be fine. Thank you again. You Outlanders treated me like a rock star when I came out to Twelfth Night in Caerte and I'll never forget it!

[tgrcats-tail.livejournal.com]

do you have my email and would you email me offlist? (I am reluctant to post anyones contact info publicly, but I think I have a few for you.
And you ARE a Rockstar when it comes to Doing Japanese right and properly!

[xrian.livejournal.com]

If this round-eye can be of any help in planning Japanese deliciousness, please ask. I'd love to help if I can.

I actually wanted (and planned, and got) a contemplation-style vigil with traditional European trappings - white clothing, barefoot, ritual bath, candles and an altar. I asked a few of my friends to come pray with me before the vigil was opened to people waiting to speak to me.

The wonderful Laurel friends who provided food and guarded the door also made it clear that I was *contemplating* in there, not partying, and that surely helped to keep the atmosphere quiet.

I had a personal herald (Owen) and he made sure to go over the ceremony with me ahead of time and to consult Their Majesties on a few points of preference that I expressed to be sure they were OK. Their Majesties were Rolf and Aurora so I can testify that they were quite willing to make small modifications. Ask if you want details. (I can herald, BTW, I just don't do it often.)

I asked a Pelican and a Laurel to speak for me, and would have had a knight except that he was seriously ill. I did arrange to have his banner carried in my procession, a gesture he greatly appreciated. I had two escorts lead me forward, and other than that everything was pretty West Kingdom standard.

I had no friend with a "legacy" Laurel medallion, but friends bought me a new one from my favorite enamelers/metalworkers.

I did invite a special friend and relative or two, but only one of them could come. He took some very well-intentioned photos that, alas, didn't turn out too well.

Barring fire, flood, etc. I am NOT going to miss this elevation! ;)

When you have a "cat wrangler" (as per Owen's good advice) let us know who it is so we can coordinate with them.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

All excellent things to know and I will be sure to let you know how you can help. You've been so supportive and encouraging all along. ;-D