Ruminatorial

Back in the 21st Century

I have returned, quite tan and happy. The good old days weren't such a bad place to be. I figure I was in the 15th century though each detail has its own particular place and time and they rarely agree with one another. Some time was spent in 10th or 12th century norseland, and some in 16th century France, and occasionally both at the same time.

I am newly resolved to delve into my ethnic roots, those being largely English, and learn more about the Angle Islands from the conquest to mid-15th century or so. Perhaps it will be possible to uncover some element of my own heritage reaching back that far. I have heard passing comments from family about our Bywell ancestors in the war of the roses, so already I have a good starting point.

What else to report?

I designed and built a small stool based on elements in a circa 1466 painting of the last supper by Dirck Bouts. The decorative elements proved impossible given the tools at hand, so it exists in functional form but hardly complete or attractive. Among my many post-Pennsic desires this year is to build one like it from oak in 1/2 inch board and finish it completely. Time to buy a jigsaw or some non-power tool equivalent, and a router.

I also have the normal post Pennsic urge to take up SCA fencing, which doesn't mesh well with my year long urge to be a good modern fencer and now a great coach for modern fencers.

I have long wanted to develop a passable musical skill, and of late it has centered on the piano. I haven't taken any steps yet, and after my yearly 2 week vacation in the pre-pianoforte era I wonder if I should look to something better adapatble to the period. The recorder? This is very affordable and easy to practice. A drum of some variety? Do I seem like the drummer type to you? Stringed instruments are largely impossible for me due to the odd limitation of my left wrist. I do already own a trombone and a coronet, but neither is remotely medieval in the modern form I posses. I shall continue to ruminate on this subject.

posted by Jeff @ 11:08 AM 0 comments

Pennsic!

Today, I leave on my annual two week pilgrimage to the 16th century. The weather looks good, the car is mostly loaded, and I'm farther ahead of schedule than ever. Just to buy some more wine, beer and liquor, and some sunscreen, and I'll be outta this century!

posted by Jeff @ 9:27 AM 0 comments

Partita in E major

Sabrina is playing a solo concert next week, but I'm going to be out of town. She just happened to bring her violin to fencing practice on Monday, and I browbeat her into playing something for me. She first played the 3rd movement of Beethoven's 3rd partita, and then went back and played the 2nd movement. Stunning. She's amazing. I guess she should be, since she's going to Temple U for music in the fall.

How does someone learn to do something so beautiful like that? My avocation, teaching people to be fencers, seems so pale in comparison. Do you think I can teach people to be beautiful fencers?

posted by Jeff @ 5:45 PM 1 comments

My Student

posted by Jeff @ 11:43 AM 0 comments

Huh?

I had a slightly awkward conversation with my father's girlfriend's gay ex-husband's boyfriend tonight, about the possibility of staying in their house for a while when I start full time work in Richmond. I'm really excited about moving to Richmond, and about staying with them for a week or so, but none of that seems to have come across in the phone call.

Oh, in case you didn't know... I'm going to be (in all liklihood) the head coach at the Richmond Fencing Club, starting in September. Work work work. Work! yay! It's all good.

posted by Jeff @ 1:51 AM 0 comments