Last Weekend in the States

[vinceconaway]

It's almost time to leave, finally.  I'm no longer hypothetically gathering things together to weigh for baggage, but actually packing.  Part of this started long ago; before leaving for Seattle I set aside the shirts coming to Italy in order to avoid wearing them in hopes that doing so will give me more time before I tire of them.  During my last trip I made a list of things I wished I'd brought and now I'm gathering those as well.  Paying bills, organizing everything to be left behind, and running final errands rounds out my to-do list.  Tomorrow I get to make the calls to pause my cellphone and auto insurance until May.

Exciting stuff, huh?  To liven things up I went to an SCA event yesterday in Canton, Ohio.  It's the first Ohio event I've been to in years, since I conceded that group of friends to my ex-wife in the divorce.  Since she was running a Cincinnati event that day, however, I figured we wouldn't run into each other.

I had a fantastic time!  I saw some friends I hadn't expected to run into, as well as some I'd been hoping to see there.  I basically played music all day, which felt wonderful.  I've been so focused on the trip and studio editing that I hadn't actually played the dulcimer in over a week, and it was great to bang the rust off of my technique.  It also never hurts to have a really positive experience right before heading into uncertainty.

It was such a good experience that I think I'm going to make a point of playing a little more in the SCA.  I keep saying that (pretty much every time I go to an event, in fact), but this time I hope it can happen.  I think that three years of conceding to Becky one of our hobbies (although I've continued in Canada) is enough and it's time for us both to grow up and move on.

Comments

[nuclearmse.livejournal.com]

I for one would be very happy to see you at events, whenever you are able to make them.

[vconaway.livejournal.com]

Me too, I hope to run into you someday soon! I just penciled Baron Wars onto my schedule, and hope you can make it as well. I'm glad Winter's End went so well for you, and sorry I couldn't be there (but since my ex was co-autocrat...).

[jeffrey.livejournal.com]

I didn't even know you had an ex. o_O

[vconaway.livejournal.com]

Yeah, amazing what can be crammed into a decade, huh? :)

[eliskimo.livejournal.com]

Will you still come play in Ealdormere now that T&T have migrated to An Tir? Some folks have asked.

[vconaway.livejournal.com]

Absolutely! I had hoped to make it to an event this month but Practicum was the only February event (and Ottawa seemed a bit too far to go two days before heading to Europe). I also checked out the early May events, for the weekend I'm free, but Baron Wars is a much bigger weekend camping event than the Lady Mary Memorial Tourney. But please spread the word that I'm still an Ealdormerean!

[eliskimo.livejournal.com]

Will do! :)

Different topic - do you take a camera with you when you go to Europe?

[vconaway.livejournal.com]

Thanks, and I certainly do! I'm trying to figure out where and how I'll post photos. I'll definitely put some up here, but I'll probably be on FaceBook with them as well. This time will have more pics in my missives because I'm bringing the computer with me for the first time.

[eliskimo.livejournal.com]

Excellent! I look forward to seeing them.

Also I wondering if you should happen to stumble across any murals, frescos or mosaics dated to the 12th century that show people if you would mind snapping a shot for me?

[vconaway.livejournal.com]

I'll see what's around and be happy to!

[theferret.livejournal.com]

I really enjoy reading your journal. You're now more than the "dulcimer player at Greater St. Louis who once claimed my cleavage in the name of small European countries". I find it exciting to read about your travels, something I no longer have time to do.

It's interesting the things we "give up" to an ex. I like when people are able to reclaim them. It sounds like you had a really good time.