paleololigo

On 14th Century Attire

I have a new obsession. I wonder how long it will last. Oh well, whatever. In the meantime, I’m having a blast. (Hey! That rhymes!)

As any casual reader of this blog might notice, I have some interest in medieval times and the age of Chivalry. There’s a fascination with swordplay, knights, and the lives of the royals in their magnificent castles. I’ve always been interested in these things, but of late I’ve rather allowed my interests to ‘fester’ into a full-blown obsession. Maybe it isn’t such a great thing, since I’ve been buying book after book on this topic (spending more money that I should) and have been struggling to actually do what I’m paid to do because I’d rather think about medieval Europe.

But hey, it’s not all bad. With my thoughts and focus on topics outside of the daily grind, I’ve rediscovered myself. You know, that person I was when I was younger and didn’t need to worry about mortgages or child care. My relationship with my husband has improved and I’ve actually lost a significant amount of weight. I actually feel pretty damn good! And I’m still accomplishing my daily tasks at work, it’s just the ‘extras’ that are suffering a bit. It’s all good.

So to celebrate my self-rediscovery and my 10-year anniversary, my husband and I will be attending a renewal of vows ceremony at the local Renaissance Festival. And I, in my brilliance, decided that I would prepare period costumes for my husband and me. (I thought it would be less expensive. Yeah, more on that in a moment.) I decided to go with the 14th century, as this was the peak of knightly virtues and tournaments, of kings and castles, but preceded the advent of muskets or the discovery of the New World.

Well, wouldn’t you know it, 14th century costumes are complicated. Well, not so complicated as 15th and 16th century costumes, but still complex. There are layers, and layers, and only a limited suite of textiles to choose from. The first two layers I managed to make with period materials or close facsimiles. The outermost garments, however, would require materials that I would have to special order and would be obscenely expensive, in addition to being hot, heavy, and potentially rather plain.

I finally decided to make the outer garments with 14th century style, but 21st century materials. They’re lovlier, anyway, with a silky sheen or a soft pile, and should wear better. They’re still just as heavy and hot, but they are much, much less expensive! And speaking of cost, I’m sure I’m over $200 into this project with fabric alone. Then there’s the books (gotta know what I’m doing) and the tread and the pins and the marking pencils. And I need buttons, yet. And accessories, too. We need hats or hoods. Gasp! It goes on and on.

But stay posted. The renewal of vows ceremony is on July 23rd. I have a few weeks yet to finish the costumes. So far, they look great (even if that is only my opinion). I’ll post some photos when they’re all done.

Wish me luck!

25 Days of Writing – Day 5

Day 5: Your character is getting ready in the morning. Write a scene of their morning (or even mid day) routine.

—————-

Rain.

Was that rain? No. Trey heard the morning calls of birds. He could tell, though his eyes remained closed, that the sun was shining through the window.

That sound again. Rustling. Scraping.

He placed the sound and turned his head toward the fireplace. He opened his eyes slightly to observe. Who would be tending to his fireplace this morning? Through his slitted eyelids he saw Aneé brushing ash back into the fireplace, then fitting a pot of water over the freshly re-tendered flames.

He turned his head away and commenced to stretch with a mighty groan. He relaxed onto his back and opened his eyes to stare at the ceiling. “Good morning, Aneé,” he said with a grumble. She had disturbed a rare nightmare-free rest. No one knew of his troubles sleeping, of course, but all knew that to interrupt Trey’s sleep could result in an angry man and ultimately extra chores for the day – or worse. Aneé had the unpleasant task of preparing Trey’s chamber for his waking, which was arguably the most dangerous thing any of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting ever had to do.

The woman gasped. “Please forgive me, my Lord. This fire -. ”

“Aneé! Just finish!” Trey considered whether he should scold her further. A dark spot burned within him. But more so today than other days, he just felt overwhelmingly sad. He sighed deeply. “Just finish,” he repeated, more softly.

“Yes my Lord,” Aneé said, and turned back to the fireplace.

Trey sighed again. Why do these women annoy me so? he wondered, but he knew the answer. “Bah!” he said aloud. He flung the sheets and blankets aside and stood up. He picked a strawberry off of the platter that had been set on the table beside his bed, and ate it as he strode toward the chamber pot.

He was naked. He always slept naked. It was far more comfortable to sleep without the confines of clothing. The chill of the room touched him as he walked across the open space. His mother had admonished him to cover himself when her ladies were preparing his chamber, but he didn’t care. Nature’s call, he thought. They can deal with it.

He imagined that Aneé was watching him. All the ladies did. But he didn’t care. There was no space in his life for women. He wanted nothing to do with them. All they caused was pain. Murderous pain. Never again.

After relieving himself into the chamber pot, he walked back across the room, grabbing and putting on his breeches before stretching out on the bed again.

“Aneé,” he said. “Has my violet doublet been repaired? I would wear it today.” He knew it was an impossible request. He had only given it to her to fix the prior evening.

“No, my Lord. I – um – It – ,” She stumbled. He turned and scowled at her. She had the look of a cornered hare.

Trey laughed, and laughed harder when he saw Aneé flinch at his laughter. His expression lightened. “Find me something suitable to wear woman! I will ride a wide patrol today.”

“Yes, my Lord. Will my Lord be bearing armor this day,” Aneé asked softly.

“Yes, Aneé. Agents of Falgarth are afoot, and I do not wish to be unprotected should I encounter them.” He looked away. “Silly girl,” he muttered.

Aneé rose and curtsied. She quickly sorted through his multitudes of clothes to find matching hose and a doublet. She laid these on his dressing table. Beside these, she laid his gambeson, arming cap, gauntlets, and his favorite leather vambraces which boldly bore the mark of Herongarde. His favored dusty boots sat on the floor below the table.

She returned the the fireplace and poured the warmed water into a deep bowl. She bore the bowl and a towel toward Trey, who sat expectantly at the table, chewing idly on the fruit that had been set there. Aneé knelt before Trey with the bowl of warm water. He splashed the water onto his face and chest, to rinse away the last remnants of sleep. He took the towel and dried off, replacing it over Aneé’s arm when he was finished. He turned his attention back to the fruit and Aneé rose and quietly walked away, returning the bowl to its place near the fireplace.

She turned back to him, head bowed, waiting for Trey’s next instruction. He gazed at her and frowned. “What?” he grumbled.

“Will my Lord need my assistance in dressing?” Aneé asked meekly.

Trey frowned deeper. He just wanted her gone from his room. “No,” he said, with a wave of his hand. “No. Leave me be.”

“Yes, my Lord.” Aneé curtsied and left the chamber. Trey watched her leave then slumped as soon as she was out of sight. He finished eating the fruit that was on the platter then proceeded to dress himself. It would be easier with one of the ladies helping him, but he so disliked their company it was not worth the help.

Once dressed, he gazed out the window at the scene before him. Herongarde in all its glory. And some day it would be his place to rule. That is unless the lords of Falgarth had their way. He turned smartly and strode to the door. He had a long day ahead of him.

25 Days of Writing – Day 4

Day 4: What world does your character exist in? Real or imagined? Scientific? Fantastical? Write a scene where your character is shown in their world.

—————

Aian cried out as he attempted to dodge another brutal blow from Balayn’s sword. The blow met Aian’s shoulder and knocked him to the side and off balance.

A noble man, is Aian, thought Trey, but not nearly skilled nor aggressive enough.

Aian regained his footing and ducked below another of Balayn’s mighty swings. A quick twist, and Aian’s own sword smacked Balayn in the side. The sword met mail with a clatter and Balayn grunted.

Still, Balayn is sloppy, so there’s hope for Aian.

Another swing from Balayn caught Aian on the wrist and off balance. Aian’s sword flew from his hand. Aian and Balayn watched the sword fall. “Hah!” shouted Balayn, as Aian plopped to the ground.

The tournament crowd squealed and shouted at the sight before them. Balayn! Balayn! Balayn! they chanted.

“Hah!” cried Balayn, and he turned his back to the junior Mark-bearer. Balayn looked smugly at Trey and the King, who sat side by side under a canvas awning. Balayn bowed to the King, then turned his eyes to Trey with a glare. He turned with a snap and marched off the field, as Aian rose gathering his dropped sword. Aian turned to his King and bowed deeply, before walking off the field himself.

Gilbert leaned to speak into Trey’s ear. “So sloppy. Shameful.”

“And yet. And yet,” said Trey with a grin, indicating toward the screaming crowd.

“Aye. Perhaps one day he’ll become the grand man he thinks he is!”

“Maybe,” replied Trey, with a chuckle. “Probably not. Bother.”

Gilbert leaned back into his seat. Trey looked past him toward the crowd of women below. The Queen’s ladies-in-waiting all tittered and giggled about the show of masculine prowess that tournaments always were. All except one. His Lady – his love – Hanna, sat among the gossiping girls in silence, her eyes following Balayn’s every move, her countenance making plain her disdain for the man.

The weight of Trey’s gaze must have been heavy upon her, because she suddenly turned and looked up toward him. A faint smile crossed his lips as their eyes met. As suddenly, she lowered her eyes to avoid his stare. Pain was evident upon her face. Trey frowned. He had missed her company this past few days.

“Pine not for that woman,” the King said to Trey, breaking into his thoughts. “Foolishness,” the King continued as he turned his attention to the next pair of Mark-bearers walking onto the field. Trey turned to look at His Majesty, who said, “Now this should be a good match!”

Travis and Markus stood on the field and bowed to the King, the Queen, and then to Trey. Trey nodded his approval, trying to appear interested, but frowned and sank back into his thoughts when the duelers turned away. He stole another sideways glance at his love. If he were King, things would be different. He sighed. Or would they? he thought bleakly.

25 Days of Writing – Day 3

Day 3: Think about the character you created for Day 2. Write their seven word biography.

————-

Pain and rage are hardly kingly virtues.

25 Days of Writing – Day 2

Day 2: Create a character. Write a brief scene of them in a setting. Also use this paragraph to introduce the character to the reader by how they react to their setting.

—————-

Trey strode through the stone hallways toward the Great Hall. His sword slapped against his leg. His mail rattled as he reached up to push the coif off of his head. Dust leapt from his clothing as he marched briskly. Clumps of mud and horsehair clung to his legs.

Members of the court stepped aside and bowed as the bedraggled, saddle-weary, yet hurried young man moved past. “My Lord,” they greeted him. “Sir Trey.” He grunted and nodded in their direction but scarcely slowed. He must speak with the King.

“I would have an audience with His Majesty,” Trey demanded of the doorman as he approached the Great Hall.

“Yes, my Lord,” spoke the doorman, who bowed then opened the door. The doorman entered in front of Trey, who had slowed only slightly. “Your Highness. Sir Trey requests an audience.”

“Of course,” replied the King, “Send him in.” Before the King finished his statement, Trey had already brushed past the doorman and approached aggressively. The gay music of the court stopped, and dancing entertainers jumped aside as Trey came in. He stopped abruptly in front of the seats occupied by the King and Queen and bowed deeply.

“Your Highness,” Trey said to the King. Trey turned to Queen. “Mother,” Trey said softly.

Trey regarded his father for a moment. The elder Lord of Herongarde reclined with his feet upon a padded stool. A table with a dish of fruits sat to his right, and to his left sat the Queen. It was clear that the King and Queen were enjoying a moment of leisure in each other’s company.They held hands and leaned toward each other, smiling broadly. Juice of strawberries dripped down the Queen’s chin, from the King’s failed attempts at feeding them to her. The King and Queen deeply loved each other, even after so many years of marriage and hardship.

This however annoyed Trey. There were dire plots afoot. There was no place in this world for love and frivolity when the future of Herongarde was uncertain. The King was aged, and needed to step aside for younger, more powerful, blood. Perhaps the news that Trey brought would cause His Majesty to act in a properly kingly way.

25 Days of Writing – Day 1

Day 1: Write a biography your life. Only use a seven word sentence.

Enthusiastically overwhelmed with many hobbies and vocations.

25 Days of Writing

Day 1: Write a biography your life. Only use a seven word sentence.

Day 2: Create a character. Write a brief scene of them in a setting. Also use this paragraph to introduce the character to the reader by how they react to their setting.

Day 3: Think about the character you created for Day 2. Write their seven word biography.

Day 4: What world does your character exist in? Real or imagined? Scientific? Fantastical? Write a scene where your character is shown in their world.

Day 5: Your character is getting ready in the morning. Write a scene of their morning (or even mid day) routine.

Day 6: How was your character’s childhood? Write a scene about them as a child. How was their home life? Their family? Their upbringing? Where did they grow up? What friends did they have?

Day 7: FREE DAY! Write any scene you want!

Day 8: What about their earlier school days? Write a scene of your character in grade school or middle school.

Day 9: How was your character’s first kiss? Who with? Where was it? How old were they? Write the scene.

Day 10: Your character has dreams, ambitions, and goals don’t they? What are they? What are they doing to achieve them? Write a scene that shows these aims.

Day 11: What does your character do on a daily basis? What is their job? Do they have one? Write a scene from a normal day in your character’s life.

Day 12: What does your character do when their day isn’t a normal day? Write a scene where something goes amiss in your character’s day to day life.

Day 13: Your character has a whole day off to do whatever they want. Write a scene of them enjoying this free day.

Day 14: FREE DAY! Write any scene you want!

Day 15: Your character is upset. What about? How does it affect them? Does anyone come to comfort them? Write a scene where your character is distraught.

Day 16: Your character is going on a trip. Where to? Who with, if anyone? Why are they going on a trip? Write a scene of them either getting ready or departing on their journey.

Day 17: Your character has fallen in love. With who? Is it serious? Are they in a relationship with this person? How did they meet? Write a scene of your character either contemplating this significant other or directly interacting with them.

Day 18: Your character has a conversation with an influential person in their life. It can be a parent, a teacher, a mentor, anyone your character looks up to. Why are they having the conversation? Write the scene.

Day 19: Today is a day that will change your character’s life forever. What course of events occurs? How does your character react? Write a scene from this day.

Day 20: Your character is in a new place. What brought them there? Why are they there? How are they reacting to this change of scenery? Write a scene of your character in this new place.

Day 21: FREE DAY! Write any scene you want!

Day 22: Today is the end of an era in your character’s life. How do they feel about this? What is happening today? Write a scene of your character on this day.

Day 23: Write a scene between your character and another character of your choice (whether brought up previously in the other scenes or not) using only dialog. The setting and situation is up to you, but you cannot not use descriptive exposition, only dialog.

Day 24: Write, in second person, a dream your character is having. Whether it be a nightmare or something happier, describe the dream in it’s entirety.

Day 25: Today, your character is saying goodbye to someone. Who are they saying goodbye to? Why? Are they emotional? Are they going away or is the other person? Write the scene.

Originally from here: http://indiannapolises.tumblr.com/post/6128131794

On weekends and weakness

Like, I mean, lately my weekends have been seriously weak! What do I do? Laundry, cleaning, shopping, wrangle Mini-Me, and sleep. Then I think about all the things that I’m not doing, like writing a new column, or finishing my Faculty Activity Report, which is due on Monday. And what about that manuscript I’m supposed to be wrapping up? I think I’d rather be in the office.

Weekends: I’m doing them wrong.

On weather celebrity

Sometimes weird things happen. Such things can be entertaining; some can result in considerable work; some are a bit of both.

So last Friday, January 1, I got this text message from a dear friend of ours. He’s a weather enthusiast. OK, he’s kind of a weather nut – but the weather our here is fascinating, what with the bizarre effects that our proximity to Lake Ontario can have.

Our friend is a weather spotter (forgive me if I have the exact terminology incorrect). One thing he does is, during snow events, he goes out every six hours and measures the snow depth. Then he clears whatever surface he was measuring on, and comes back in six hours to see how much more snow has fallen.

Aside: this explains why all those years I’ve wondered why snow totals reported by the local weather stations seemed to be so much more than what was really on the ground. See, by measuring every six hours, then starting with a fresh surface, compaction of the snow is eliminated. So, 26 inches of snow, measured every six hours, is about 20 inches if it’s just left to pile up, because of compaction.

So he texts me Friday evening at 7:30 wondering if it was snowing yet. Of course, I didn’t know it was supposed to be snowing, but I knew there was something in the works (meteorologically speaking). And, lo, it was snowing – those cool, big, puffy, lake effect flakes. Groovy. It’s just started snowing.

He asks me if I’d be willing to measure it every six hours, just to see what sorts of totals we get here. Well, OK. It’s a three-day weekend. How long can this snow event last, anyway? I start measuring diligently, every six hours.

Sunday, he texts me, wondering what the total is. I do some quick math. 26.5 inches.

‘really?!’

‘yeah, unless I did something wrong. Here’s some photos’ I picture message him some photos, and while I’m at it, I take a few photos with my better camera (but not with my best camera, not that it matters).

Then a flurry of texts, picture messages, and e-mails. Apparently his friend, a meteorologist on channel 10, is interested in my numbers. Crazy. Oh, and can meteorologist buddy use these photos on the air? ‘oh sure,’ I say.

Well, the rest is history. My photos showed up on the six-o’clock news. Gotten a few e-mails and messages about it. My reported snow totals have been reported to the National Weather Service. And, oh, can you please keep measuring? This event is going to last a few more days.

So, it’s fun and exciting. But it’s also a lot of work. After all, I have to trudge out into the snow at midnight and 6am, as well as at noon and 6pm. And, oh yeah, I need to go back to work now. It’s Monday and I haven’t been to the office in two weeks. And classes start next week.

Huh. I guess I’ll just wing it.

Anyway, snow totals are now 43 inches (from Friday night ’til now, Monday Night)

Our driveway is now a canyon: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paleololigo/4242807458/

Our wood pile and cars are now buried: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paleololigo/4242799676/

Our holiday lights, though still working, are completely buried: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paleololigo/4242806318/

I like the new archway over the driveway, though: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paleololigo/4244742026/

Gotta love the winter.

On the merits of a ‘home office’

It’s 6:24 AM. It’s a work day, but I’m at home. Over the past few months I’ve constructed for myself a home office of sorts. Our home came with an apartment over the garage. It’s part of a 1935 addition that added our current kitchen, laundry room, and two-car garage. It was so full of ‘stuff’ when the house was for sale, that the agent didn’t even include it as a room in the house; nor did he include the fact that there’s a bathroom up here. Not that it’s a functional bathroom, mind you. Maybe in the spring we’ll be so bold as to turn the water on and see what happens.

But I have an office. It also functions as my model train room, the craft room, and the camera storage room. It’s barely insulated, so I need to keep a heater running full-time to keep it in the comfortable 60’s fahrenheit range.

Having a home office is great: It affords me the opportunity to work at home during snow days or on days when the things I need to accomplish can be done remotely so I can save myself 1.5 hours of commuting time. Plus, no one can just pop in for a chat. (I love such chats, to be sure, but they are a bit of a time-vacuum.) The office is pretty far removed from the rest of the house, so it’s relatively distraction-free.

The down side: work comes home with me. I like to keep work and home separate, and here it is slapping me in the face. Some days, having the office at home makes me not want to spend time with my family and they get blown off.

Well, right now I need my home office. I have reviews to write, a proposal in the works, and a manuscript I need to finish. And then there’s the matter of planning a new course that I’m teaching this coming semester and preparing for another week-long course for high schoolers that will also be happening this semester. Nothing has gotten accomplished at work for a few weeks, what with finals week, the holidays, and the usual associated chaos. Working at home means I can get my creative juices flowing and I can get into the writing groove for several hours straight.

My foci will be on the reviews and the proposal. Much as I don’t want to, I need to abandon the manuscript for the time being. My goal had been to have it submitted by the end of 2009, but that’s simply not going to happen. It’s disappointing, but I really need to move on. Maybe once classes have started and the proposal is submitted.

Well, back to it. Writing this has got my fingers set for some serious typing. Proposal, here I come!