[Artemisia] Court, etc

[leishman10 at juno.com]

Good gentles all, 

I apologize in advance, but having bitten my tongue until it bleeds would
sputter forth.....

Would but the few of you who so graciously point out the flaws in the
rest of us, take the time to offer up a multitude of classes (both at
events and regular gatherings) related to the achievement of courtly
excellence and also demonstrate by example these fine gifts, whereby we
could all learn this great skill and perhaps become better servants of
the court, and ultimately become the great kingdom of noble persons that
we are destined to be, what a wonderful day that would be. 

I have personally experienced both the great and not so great at court
and at events in general, but in each, I would choose to endure, learn
and hopefully grow as a person and as a member of the SCA. We have all
made horrible blunders, including myself.  Hopefully we can learn from
our mistakes and move forward. 

I for one appreciate the crown, whether it be king and queen, baron and
baroness... or even an event autocrat taking the time to acknowledge the
efforts put forth by the populace either at an event or in general via
meetings, etc. Whether by the presentation of awards or by simply saying
a 'generalized'  thank you. I cannot begin to tell you what it must have
meant to a young 4 year old lady (not my child) to be called into court
and be given a token of thanks by our great past queen, Simone... or what
it meant to me as a youth minister, to see this occur. I am pleased to
see persons I do and don't know receive awards, it helps me put a name to
a face and share in their accomplishments, be they large or small. In the
presentation of gifts, I learn how to become more gracious and giving
myself. Since I cannot be everywhere at once also at least knowing who
won various competitions so they can be properly congratulated later is a
good thing.   If it means sitting or standing a few minutes longer to be
a witness to these great acts of kindness and affirmation, so be it.  

May you all be well and may we all learn from the best of each other. 

In Service
Bethoc