We learned to make mustard medieval style. The class was taught for our local Society for Creative Anachronism branch by one of our members who plans to teach this class at events. Really good class–and good for kids too! Our class used brown and white mustard seeds, a choice of vinegars, herbs to add flavor if desired, water, sugar or honey to sweeten, and a mortar and pestle to grind up the seeds. It ages on the counter for days or weeks, developing its flavor and mellowing. My effort used apple cider vinegar, honey, 2/3 white mustard seeds, 1/3 brown … Continue reading
Category Archives: SCA
I note that I am neglecting my blogs, there are several reasons, all due to being quite busy! I attended a Society for Creative Anachronism event called Gulf Wars in March, which was a blast. I also decided a few months back to begin updating my skills in puppetry and add ventriloquism to what I knew. It seems there are now some excellent resources for ventriloquism online, so this has been a great boon to me. AND I have been working on ONE song playing it on each of my autoharps in an attempt to learn to play something. I … Continue reading
Lovely Garb Links for recreating historical clothing: FABRIC TO INSPIRE: SARTOR: Reference page to see fabrics recreated from archeological finds. Currently, they have a Viking fabric in polyester and rayon that could be trim. But this is more for reference as these fabrics (especially the silks) are very costly. LINEN: The ILO19 is a nice weight and good for our climate. The price is reasonable for linen and they run daily sales. WOOL: absolutely period, for every region of the world, for every part of the period you are studying. Every person at every economic level would have had garments … Continue reading
I am, by my own free will, Catholic. Catholic among people who often see being Catholic as proof that I am enslaved. I am Catholic everywhere and in every interest. It means that in areas of interest where the norm is secular, neo-pagan, or a hodgepodge of whatever the individual cobbled together for a personal religion, I stand rather alone in my adherence to Catholicism, with the deposit of faith given us by God, maintained by God through the Church, and properly interpreted for application by that Church and no other. My husband asked me the other day why, when … Continue reading
Well, Robert Burn’s Poem Ode to a Mouse once more is shown true in my life! I planned and planned to attend a wonderful Society for Creative Anachronism event this Saturday and now there is Strep Throat making the rounds of our family. Color me disappointed. “The best laid plans of mice and men go oft astray” yeah, Burns nailed it. Have a Blessed Easter Weekend everyone. Dear Lord, thank you for the general good health of this family and for medication that makes illness not as bad as it could be. Please help us not to spread it anywhere and … Continue reading
DAILY LIFE IN THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE by Marcus Rautman is a good starting place for anyone interested in the Byzantine Empire. Sections on every imaginable aspect of daily living can be found in this book and the author gives references for further reading by way of chapter endnotes and a Bibliography. The book includes nice clear maps, a glossary of terms, index, list of rulers and their years in power, timeline, and illustrations. Chapter titles and headings are bold and informational to make finding a specific bit of information easier for the reader. As an over-view of life in Byzantium … Continue reading
My first SCA camping event was wet cold and fun. I didn’t know what to expect really, the wait for hubby to finish redoing the RV so I could use it did not go well so I purchased a tent, cot, and other needed items and went camping. I am very glad to have done so and learned a lot about camping. First, if you have a back problem– WAIT for the guys to unload the heavy stuff for you. I wanted to get it done so I unloaded one too many things myself and paid for it with pain … Continue reading
Where do you fall on the spectrum between the creative in “creative anachronism” and historical accuracy when playing in the SCA? I fall into the camp of doing the best you can with what you have. Personally, I love authenticity, and applaud those dedicated souls who spend their money and put in hours using historically accurate materials and methods to make historically accurate “stuff”. I’m nowhere near that standard but it is an ideal toward which I gradually move. Still all the historical accuracy in the world MUST be balanced by common sense! HEALTH and SAFETY Glasses are safety, we … Continue reading
Another incredible video by Janet Stephens. I dislike doing hair but would love to find someone who wants to do hair for SCA activities! I’m sure I can make some trim or something to exchange! For more, go look up her videos on youtube. She has a whole channel. I find her videos really really interesting!! Try my previous post gushing over her work. Dear Lord, thank You for the many creative things You have made possible for human beings to do with hair. Help us to use well all that creativity You placed in each of us. +Amen … Continue reading
The Hair Archeology of Janet Stephens delights even as it enlightens. I learned of her through a post on facebook, and then a reference to her youtube videos. I am now a FAN! I love my long hair, and these are all simply stunning hairstyles using long hair. I’ve included one of her videos but there are quite a few others. Enjoy! . I would be thrilled to have someone who could sew my hair into such intricate and lovely styles. Meanwhile, I shall continue to be content with a twist and a modern clip. Dear Lord, thank You for … Continue reading