musings

[Franca E Gorraz <francagorraz@sprintmail.com>]

Poster: Franca E Gorraz <francagorraz@sprintmail.com>

In the calm activity of the tavern, Eleonora rises, a mug in her hand,
and asks for a moment's attention...
I just realized how many thanks I owe to so many I don't even know
personally, thanks that I don't want to leave unsaid.

You see, this morning I was checking the Acorn for future events, 
planning, making sure I have enough loaner feast gear and clothes for
friends who are coming with me for the very first time, and I saw the
announcement for Saint Guido's feast, and it struck me: San Guido was
the very first event I ever attended, a year ago.

It seeems much longer, so many gifts I have received in this year.
Images, moments, come abck to my mind and bring smiles.

The warm welcome I received from -everybody- at the first meeting I 
attended, after calling up some woman who turned out to be our Seneschal,
Mistress Jeanne De Bec, the willingness and openness, from everybody,
to answer my million questions, to share their experiences, teach me,
accept from me what I had to bring.

Being taken to my first event, walking around in a happy daze introducing
myself to whomever happened to be on my path, and each time receiving  
the kindest of responses, drinking in sights of
graceful beauty, watching court and enjoying every second of it, being
made welcome in Baron Silver and his lady's pavillion, the first of many 
times of generous hospitality, being 'watched over' , asked if I was 
fine/having fun/tired...

Then, coronation...I need no escape from a life that is full and joyful,
but I found I was stepping in a reality conjured by the common will and
effort, able to bring grace and poetry to life.  I saw a
man receive his white belt: sir Xenophon, I think. I don't have the
pleasure of knowing him, but I will not easily forget the expression
in his eyes, the reverence with which he accpeted his new raiments.
There was truth, and beauty, in it, and for this I thank you, Sir. 

I asked a kind lord for a song, having heard him sing...he asked me to 
wait, and then came looking for me , having assembled a group of
wonderful singers, who joyfully proceeded to serenade me, taking
deligth in my pleasure. Thank you, Master Igor, Mistress Fevronia...

On my way to some forgotten destination, I happened upon two gentlemen,
clearly discussing, with much fervor and glee, the latest deeds of
a fellow fighter.   Thank you, my Lords, for the words of valor and
honor that came to my ear, thank you for the bows and smiles you gave me
as I was going by, enchanted newcomer.

And then..so much kindness, and courtesy. Thank you, Master Chirart, 
Mistress Jeanne, so willing to let me try things, to teach me, to
encourage me...

Thank you, Lady Ekaterina, for smilingly helpign me cut out cloaks, 
thankyou for taking me, and my son the peacock, fabric/trim shopping,
thank you for your 'yup.. one of us' the first time I teased somebody 
back..:-)

Thank you, Mistress Ann, Lady Margarita, for showing me breathtakingly
beautiful works, for letting me loose in the kitchen and making
it very clear to me why the kitchen is the best spot to be..:-)

Thankyou, lady Isabel, for welcoming me at my first demo, when I had no
idea what I could/should do, thank you for the gentle guidance, for
the laughter, for letting me help.

Thank you, lady Jacqueline, for simply taking me by the hand to herald
point, and showing me that submitting a name was not necessarily a 
gruesome process.. thank you, lady Ann, for making clothes for me, far 
more beautiful than I could possibly do...

Thank you, Lord Maximilian, Lady Marguerite, just for the care and work
you lavish on every project, the beauty of your pavillion is a joy
to you, but to all of us, too...

Thank you...for the joy I have witnessed , seen on the faces of those 
whose friends were being honored, thank you also for the tears not 
hidden, for bitter moments that nonetheless end in reaffirmation, this, 
what we do, is worthy, is beautiful, transcends many things, will
go on.  

The list could go on...there is not a single person I have met to whom
I do not owe something...but it is getting late, and I have taken much of 
your time: thank you, then, for letting me say this, and forgive me if I 
go now: there are new friends I have to take around, new reasons for
saying thanks.


In grateful service,
Eleonora Salutati degli Alberti / Franca Gorraz
francagorraz@sprintmail.com
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