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South => Virginia Renaissance Faire => Topic started by: aidenoffairfax on May 27, 2008, 08:05:02 AM

Title: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: aidenoffairfax on May 27, 2008, 08:05:02 AM
Ok, so I know we all have stories about our favorite moments from faire, so I figured I would at least start this topic again...

I had a great one this past weekend. One of our vendors sells Licorice root dipped in peppermint (great for the teeth and to keep your breath fresh.) The best part is that they look like sticks. So, I walk around chewing on a stick for the majority of the day. I was walking past the poppets glade, and a father and son walked past me... I bowed to the kid because he had just been knighted, and he gave me the funniest look I have ever seen. Instead of asking about what it was or saying anything, the father and son just walked away.  As they walked away, I heard the father say "Yes son, some people just like to eat sticks." I just about fell down laughing and almost spit out my stick. It was classic!

So... your stories? Good, bad, funny, serious, etc. I know you have them. I want to hear them!
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: lowlandscot on May 27, 2008, 09:09:53 AM
Well, I'm not sure this will live on as "favorite faire moment" but it's a keeper from this weekend just past. I got my first audience drunks. They were not loud belligerent obnoxious drunks, they were weepy maudlin sappy sentimental drunks. Mischievously and perhaps just a tiny bit malicioiusly, I played "Carolan's Dream" which is the absolute saddest sounding, most ethereal Irish air I know. The woman approached the stage (this was at the Woodland), put her forehead down on the plywood, and when I finished the song she looked up at me (her face is maybe a yard from my feet) and wailed "GOD JUST SPOKE TO ME THROUGH YOU!!!!"

I managed to get back to the prop tent before I allowed the laughter to burst out. It was very hard.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: reese on May 27, 2008, 10:24:07 AM
WOW, those are great, needed that laugh as I'm still quite not with it today.

As for moments...well I have so many I can't pick just one.

From this weekend, lands what a rollercoaster type weekend, I really enjoyed EVERYONE!! 

Funnies from this weekend that I caught:

Unfortunately, for once my camera was put away so I missed documentation of this...during Ned Allyn's Jack and Beanstalk show the harp literally got carried away.  Talk about unexpected and way too funny.  I'm also glad that no harm came to her, although she seemed rather stunned.  Speaking of Ned Allyn's show...last year when he put the 3 piggies show on for the queen, he chose three little boys (one being mine) and a grand acting wolf.  At the end, the 3 boys did "attack" the wolf climbing all over him.  That was by far the BEST I've seen yet, you just can not control improved storytelling with 3 little boys. 

Yesterday Master Pate did story telling in Poppets, I still laugh at the image of him walking and clucking like a chicken.  I got it on video, beyond funny, he makes me smile and laugh anyway, but that was way funny.

Here are some boasting momma moments:  When my youngest was doing his "masks" for the Queen Sunday, bless her, I think the best moment was with the 3rd mask in a row (it was a quiet slow moment), his story had yet another issue with Spanish.  He did say, "This will be the last we speak of the Spanish this day Your Grace", I about fell over.  In this mask he did portray a Yeoman of the Guard, and he even went and stood in place of YoG with this stoic face (surly he must be imitating Yeoman Rob, whom he adores).  As for my girly-girl, what a perfect noble child she portrays, in attitude and expression...she needs to learn to turn it off once the clothes come off though LOL.  As always I'm proud of my oldest, he does work very hard to do a good job, and remembering our fallen Vets as he and our other Yeoman, the Militia and the Sgt. Trumpeter (please if I screwed that up, forgive me and just nicely correct me)  was exceptionally touching.

Other outstanding moments for this year so far:

Well DUH, Tom's proposal to Heather..OMG that was awesome and by the grace and guidance from the stars above, I got it on video.  I really wasn't going to video his next story, my arm and hand was tired from taping the previous stories from Victor and Master Pate, yet something in me urged me to get it back out and start taping.  I'm so glad I listened. 

Pirates for Sail singing for The Queen, they are soooo awesome, and it was so very VERY touching.


Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: lordwriothsley on May 27, 2008, 10:56:54 AM
I can't believe i missed Tom's proposal to Heather. I so wanted to be there for that but I was living on cloud nine this past weekend as I had the opprotunity to travel with hither,dither,and yon to the Tennessee Rennaisance Faire as visiting cast. I had the best time of my life up there working with their court.However someone is going to have to fill me in on the proposal so i can wish the happy a long and happy life together.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: aidenoffairfax on May 27, 2008, 01:13:34 PM
Yeah, the proposal was absolutely amazing. Beautifully done, and a great story... I love the fact that she had absolutely no idea. He just put it in as part of the story. Beautiful. Amazing. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. Beautifully done.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: lordwriothsley on May 27, 2008, 01:18:07 PM
well i will definetly be back at VARF this weekend and trust me i'm sure that either tom or heather or maybe darren will fill me in on all the details.Please tell me though that heather said yes.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: aidenoffairfax on May 27, 2008, 01:44:38 PM
Absolutely said yes. I don't know how anyone could have said no.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: lordwriothsley on May 27, 2008, 02:03:23 PM
they make a great couple don't they.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: aidenoffairfax on May 27, 2008, 02:34:00 PM
Absolutely... beautiful couple. I had no idea they were even a couple until last weekend. I will give him a TON of props for such a beautiful proposal.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: Master James on May 27, 2008, 03:01:38 PM
Well unfortunately I missed that proposal because I was dealing with something else at the time and got back in the area in time to see a huge crowd and large HUZZAH!  Drat!  Well my favorite memory to date was the end of season last year.  Pat (our Queen Elizabeth) began knighting our court and giving favors and started with my wife.  I was part of the sword canopy for it and that was really special but then I had to run and go do the last fight for the day.  Well when I got back, she had continued doing everyone and I was the last one to be done.  By then the emotions were running really high and Pat had been crying a lot doing these knightings and was barely holding it together when she started my knighting.  It was really hard to not lose it and it brings tears to my eyes now just thinking about the whole ceremony because it was the full on knighting ceremony with all the pomp and it really meant a lot to me.  I wear that favor she gave me to this day and it will ALWAYS be on me when I wear my nobles garb.  It was trully amazing because I know it was from her heart that she was doing this and it will always be my most special moment at VARF.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: Lady Aldyth on May 27, 2008, 03:20:41 PM
Quote from: Master James on May 27, 2008, 03:01:38 PM
Well unfortunately I missed that proposal because I was dealing with something else at the time and got back in the area in time to see a huge crowd and large HUZZAH!  Drat!  Well my favorite memory to date was the end of season last year.  Pat (our Queen Elizabeth) began knighting our court and giving favors and started with my wife.  I was part of the sword canopy for it and that was really special but then I had to run and go do the last fight for the day.  Well when I got back, she had continued doing everyone and I was the last one to be done.  By then the emotions were running really high and Pat had been crying a lot doing these knightings and was barely holding it together when she started my knighting.  It was really hard to not lose it and it brings tears to my eyes now just thinking about the whole ceremony because it was the full on knighting ceremony with all the pomp and it really meant a lot to me.  I wear that favor she gave me to this day and it will ALWAYS be on me when I wear my nobles garb.  It was trully amazing because I know it was from her heart that she was doing this and it will always be my most special moment at VARF.


I FORGOT! I HAVE PICTURES OF THAT FOR YOU!
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: Master James on May 27, 2008, 03:53:15 PM
Quote from: Lady Aldyth on May 27, 2008, 03:20:41 PM
Quote from: Master James on May 27, 2008, 03:01:38 PM
Well unfortunately I missed that proposal because I was dealing with something else at the time and got back in the area in time to see a huge crowd and large HUZZAH!  Drat!  Well my favorite memory to date was the end of season last year.  Pat (our Queen Elizabeth) began knighting our court and giving favors and started with my wife.  I was part of the sword canopy for it and that was really special but then I had to run and go do the last fight for the day.  Well when I got back, she had continued doing everyone and I was the last one to be done.  By then the emotions were running really high and Pat had been crying a lot doing these knightings and was barely holding it together when she started my knighting.  It was really hard to not lose it and it brings tears to my eyes now just thinking about the whole ceremony because it was the full on knighting ceremony with all the pomp and it really meant a lot to me.  I wear that favor she gave me to this day and it will ALWAYS be on me when I wear my nobles garb.  It was trully amazing because I know it was from her heart that she was doing this and it will always be my most special moment at VARF.


I FORGOT! I HAVE PICTURES OF THAT FOR YOU!

PLEASE SEND THEM!  Thanks!
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: Spanky on May 27, 2008, 04:34:21 PM
I've got the proposal pictures.I'll be posting them soon
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: Feline Groovy on May 27, 2008, 09:11:05 PM
I've been a VARF patron/playtron since 2004 and am trying my wings at cast for the first time this year.  Tom's proposal is the best faire moment I've experienced at any faire, VARF or otherwise (my first faire was in 1989).  Magic!  And Spanky's pics caught it all beautifully.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: troubadude on May 28, 2008, 01:13:42 PM
Let's go back a few years, perhaps it was 1997 or 1998:   

Mary (who still plays at Bristol) was the playing Queen Elizabeth at the time, and TomLori would always try to make her laugh, I won't go into any details as I hope the Queen will allow me to perform for her . . . 

One of my most favorite moments was when Sir Walter Raleigh hired a visiting madrigal group to sing the hallelujah chorus for the Queen.  Just about half way through the 2nd chorus, in rides Master Pate on camel-back.  He rode right up to the center of the seats and with all the dignity of a Lord, he dismounted and presented flowers to the Queen.  It was impressive! 

Needless to say, Sir Raleigh wasn't very pleased, but the rest of us were sore for days from laughter! 

Tom
Troubadude :D
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: Scotsman on May 28, 2008, 01:15:25 PM
Hmmm, it never fails ... they always tend to have something to do with the pub!
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: stonethrow on May 28, 2008, 08:58:32 PM
I think mine from this season was getting told off in the Court of Love by a 93 year old judge.

You know it's the small moments that make this worth doing.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: Feline Groovy on May 29, 2008, 08:06:45 AM
Quote from: stonethrow on May 28, 2008, 08:58:32 PM
I think mine from this season was getting told off in the Court of Love by a 93 year old judge.

She was all sorts of fun, wasn't she?   :)  Now to go cudgel my memory to try to put a face/faire name with you, Stonethrow.......   :D
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: aidenoffairfax on May 29, 2008, 08:13:42 AM
I'm doing the same thing... I think I know who Stonesthrow is, but that 93 year old judge threw some pretty harsh judgements at a couple of people... she was a GREAT judge though. So, Stonesthrow... who are you?
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: Master James on May 29, 2008, 10:04:42 AM
Stonethrow is our dear Baron Berkely.   ;D
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: Lady Aldyth on May 29, 2008, 01:31:22 PM
Quote from: Master James on May 29, 2008, 10:04:42 AM
Stonethrow is our dear Baron Berkely.   ;D

Also known as "Dan the Man" or just "that big guy over there"! LOL
<love ya Dan!>
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: aidenoffairfax on May 29, 2008, 01:33:09 PM
Ah... that explains it!
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: Feline Groovy on May 29, 2008, 04:27:01 PM
*facepalm*  'Scuse me whilst I go hang my head in shame.

And that case was so much fun -- the bellowed 'Forty-five pounds!?!?!?!?!' just as the next case was being called forward was priceless!!!
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: will paisley on May 29, 2008, 07:13:46 PM
Quote from: Scotsman on May 28, 2008, 01:15:25 PM
Hmmm, it never fails ... they always tend to have something to do with the pub!

Let's see - this year (so far), it'd have to be the Irish Blues number Blind Lemon Curd and Jelly Roll Hood did ... in the pub.

Last year it would be the first time I sang Blown and Torn ... in the pub.

The year before that it would probably be when Her Majesty caught a few of the In Our Cups girls singing the Mayor of Bayswater ("the hair of her dickey die doh") ... in the pub.

Case closed.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: mellingera on June 01, 2008, 04:19:19 PM
I was presented to the queen yesterday for my birthsay and she had all the people sing "Happy Birthday" to me! Best faire moment ever!  :) Then I won the costume contest, granted there were only 4 persons participating, but it was a grand feeling none the less!

This was my first trip to VARF so that made it all the more special!
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: Master James on June 02, 2008, 09:36:37 AM
I am quite glad that you enjoyed your natal day with us!  Mistress Mary has quite a nice voice and she lead us all quite well.  I hope you can come back soon! And Happy Natal Day again.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: mellingera on June 02, 2008, 12:16:34 PM
Indeen I did, Master James! I will likely be back June 15.
See you all again real soon!  :D
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: reese on June 02, 2008, 08:23:57 PM
OH, I'm sorry I missed your Natal Day sing. 

OK, from this weekend:

Capt. Jack spent the downpour with us under the Queens tent, poor dear.  LOL

We had a gentleman (playtron?) traveling bard ( will have to review the video) that sang on Sunday, such a beautiful, rich voice OMG he brought tears to my eyes.  I can still see his face in my mind's-eye and hear his rich voice raised up in praise and protection to HIS Queen.  If you read this....thank you so very much for your gift to Her Grace, you gifted all of us.

But my very favorite of the weekend, and if you can believe it, I didn't have my video camera on me, was when one of our dear minstrels was sitting under a tent in the center part of the shire, playing his recorder (forgive me if I miss call the instrument) and Rach, Rich and Kira were just dancing with glee and sweet abandon in a way that only children can do and be.  I think only a handful saw this, but I believe it brought us all joy. 

Reese



Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: EuripidesGray on June 02, 2008, 08:32:31 PM
Is the fellow you're referring to, by any chance, Gryphon?  I don't think I saw him perform but he sang along and requested songs at, I think his name is, Maugorn the Stray's show and even lent him his bouzouki.  I didn't speak with him but he looked so swept up by the songs.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: reese on June 02, 2008, 08:39:51 PM
I can't remember, I'll have to review the video...yes, I have him on video  ;D  He sang (and I'll butcher the spelling) accapella, but had a guitar? strapped to him.  I didn't take pictures, otherwise I'd post it.  Once I get through the entire video footage (on 4th Hi8 with 2 more weekends to go), find someone who can transfer all this to the internet...ha, wish me luck there, still working on that one from last year...it'll be out there for all to see.  I'll watch that again tomorrow and see if I can catch his name. 

Thanks! 
reese
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: mellingera on June 02, 2008, 08:43:45 PM
Quote from: reese on June 02, 2008, 08:23:57 PM
OH, I'm sorry I missed your Natal Day sing. 


I believe one of my companions got pictures and possibly a video clip, when she sends them to me I will most assuredly post them!
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: reese on June 02, 2008, 08:44:51 PM
Thank you!  ;D  Happy belated Natal Day, glad you enjoyed it. 


Reese
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: EuripidesGray on June 02, 2008, 08:47:41 PM
It sounds like it might be him.  I had never seen this fellow before and he was carrying a bouzouki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Trichordobouzouki.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Trichordobouzouki.jpg)) which looks a lot like a mandolin and was practically dripping passion off him when he sang along.

I can't believe I missed him singing for the Queen.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: lowlandscot on June 02, 2008, 10:32:38 PM
Quote from: EuripidesGray on June 02, 2008, 08:32:31 PM
Is the fellow you're referring to, by any chance, Gryphon?  I don't think I saw him perform but he sang along and requested songs at, I think his name is, Maugorn the Stray's show and even lent him his bouzouki.  I didn't speak with him but he looked so swept up by the songs.

At my last show on Sunday the entire audience was Mauggie and Gryphon (those late shows at the Phoenix are often...um.....INTIMATE performances, shall we say). The three of us ended up amusing ourselves with a Renaissance jam session. It's a pity we didn't have some patrons, it was a better show than the solo act I usually do.
Title: Re: Your favorite Ren Faire moment
Post by: reese on June 03, 2008, 05:56:30 AM
YES, it was Gryphon!  Thanks you two.  He did pulse of passionate energy with his song as if it came from his very essence.  After reviewing the video last night (couldn't wait), and not being in the moment, he seemed like he felt rushed, but was still very good. 


I'm sorry I missed the jam session; I bet that would have been wonderful to observe.