I am an odd duck

[theniel]

I really am having a hard time fitting my self in the era . I am really a strong willed woman. Not a trait looked upon to well in most circles at the time I think. I think a courtesan would fit me to a T but would rather not put my self in such a role for my husbands sake.
Yes I only have modesty for my husbands sake. Most our friends say I am the man and he the wife. This puts me in a dilemma. My personality just doesn't much fit from what I know . Strong willed, intelligent ( if not well learned), quick wit, bit of a tomboy. I don't embarrass easily...... I don't know wear to start .

[theniel]

I want to be my self but I have a lady like dress. and would like to wear some nice items. I was thinking gypsy basterd of a merchant. Taken on in early teens by father. Is it likely? ever?

[Malcolm]

There's always Grace O'Malley, Ireland's Pirate Queen (1530 - 1603)
A short biography can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_O'Malley

[Anna Iram]

Theniel, one of the fun things about faire is bringing out a part of you that has been longing to come out to play. Why can't you be a courtesan? You don't have to go about propositioning anyone and you can still wear your ladylike gown and nice things. As a matter of fact courtesans were usually some of the best dressed ladies in town. Your husband would be your escort through the village you are visiting for the day. You don't even need to announce your profession to anyone Just let them discover through subtle conversation just who you really are. Have fun with it!

[theniel]

Malcolm I love grace! She was a wonderfull example of what a women is capable of. I can imagine she was a wonderfull sense of humor too! Someone I could idolise! I wouldent want to be her though. Maybe someone like her . Your right anna. I can be a courtisann. Honestly my husbend dosent mind even if im flirty. I am playfull like that naturally. He is used to it.  Ill ask his openion . maybe he will like one of these two sujestions. thanks you!

[Dinobabe]

Nothing odd about it!!
I am also strong willed and a tomboy but I wear anything from an upper middle class dress, pants with a bow and quiver, a busty bodice, split skirt, whatever catches my mood.  You don't have to limit yourself to one persona.  As you add to your garb collection different outfits and persona's will pop out!

[DonaCatalina]

A lot of women from the gentry and nobility were anything but shrinking violets. The Paston letters bear this out. Agnes Paston ran her family and their estates as much as her husband did before and after his death.
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/PasLett.html

Probably in truth, the pliable quiet wife was more and ideal than realized.
With Husbands away on Court duties, visiting various holdings and sometimes at war. The wives were left behind holding the reins. They had to be strong-willed to hold up under the pressure.

So wear what you want and be who you want.

[theniel]

LOL! words of wisdome! Trying to sew a new bodice now. course I cant sew.

[Taffy Saltwater]

You, my darling, are a wench!  A married one, yes, but wenches don't change their leopard-print bodice spots.

Or maybe a pirate - because shiny pointy things and baubles are so fabtastic.

Or the mistress of the manor - because it takes a strong woman to handle all that responsibility.

Find a persona you enjoy and the rest will come more easily.  Keep it within your comfort zone - you'll only be miserable if you feel too too - but don't be afraid to test the Waters of Daring on occasion.