Just Visiting : Maryland Renaissance Festival

We're really excited and hyped about our upcoming trip to the Maryland Renaissance Festival. We've been working on our outfits for months. And any details we didn't have finished when we attended the Sterling Renaissance Festival , have been adjusted and corrected.

But what exactly inspires us to go and participate in these events? I know a lot of people are curious why there are people that want to participate in events that remove so many familiar modern elements. But there's something people don't really see when they look at us in our attire, are the people who see this as a creative outlet.

There's a lot of creative people that you have a chance to meet when you're attending events like the Renaissance Festivals. There are amazing artisans who create artwork to enhance your daily life, to add beauty to a world that at times often looks cookie cut. We are in need of this to tempt and appeal to our own creative choices.

I love getting to see the art, as well as to hear and see the live performances at these events. Unlike some other events these live performances are each different. These events offer a plethora of beautiful people and things to see.

Yes there are some points that are fictional, and some things based on history. But it's wonderful to be able to enjoy it with like minded people.

Festivals offer the opportunity to enjoy the arts with others who may feel as excited about things as you are. This is what we love. Being able to see things with other people, and enjoy it.

So yes, if you have a chance to go to a festival, go and enjoy the art. Enjoy everything and have fun.

Just Visiting : Sterling Renaissance Festival 40th year

I know in the past I have posted about the Sterling Renaissance Festival. But every year that we go there is always something new, as well as a number of wonderful things to enjoy.

This year was a bit different than the years in the past, and we didn't really have a set plan when it came to what we were going to be doing at the Sterling Renaissance Festival. And since we had a number of first timers with us we had to be a bit selective when it came to what we were going to go see.

We attended the Celtic/Highland themed weekend. Partly because part of our group was off work that day and not the next, but also because we enjoy the Celtic theme. While it's not pervasive to the festival, we do get to enjoy nods to the different ideas the theme makes available to both the artisans and the actors.

With that in mind, I'll admit that 2 of the new people that went with us to the festival were my parents. I personally selected a show that I thought they would enjoy, based on the fact that the act itself made me think of my father the first time that I saw it. The Rat Show, or Emyrs Fleet. It showcases a number of jokes that are kid friendly, and it's a great show to relax at. The humor is generally classic, and didn't require anyone to think too much.

We also attended the more bawdy shows, as they are the ones that our group tends to favor. As always, they did not disappoint. They gave gleeful moments of risque comments and made people think about things that in everyday life, we tend to treat as taboo.

One of our favorites is Arthur Greenleaf Holmes. We've been going to see him recite his poetry at the fair.... I almost think since the very first time we went to the faire. This was my boyfriends first time getting to hear the poets work though, and I don't believe he felt any worse for the wear from it. In fact he seemed to enjoy the creative imagery used during the reading. But this is not a family show, and to be honest we like it this way. I don't think we've ever seen one of his readings that wasn't crowded.

My mother on the other hand found the Bastard Monks to be amusing. Their act has a more... old school comedy feel to it. Base jokes at time, crude humor, and audience involvement. They make people laugh, as well as let them think about the story they're presenting. NOT a show for children.

We also had the pleasure to hear two Filthy Irish Stories(plus a few shorter ones based on the amount of time that was left). These  stories prey upon the adolescent idea that some words are inappropriate to say. Also it seems to amuse everyone because there are a lot more ways to make something sound dirty than many realize. They pleased the crowd leading to laughter and applause, as always a great time. Not for children, for adult consumption.

One of the newer shows that we had the pleasure to see was the Clan Tynker Circus. To be honest this is an act that I fell in love with, even though we only had a chance to see it once. The music was played live, the costumes were gorgeous, and the performers were absolutely amazing. Serendipity was gorgeous, though silent but it intrigued some of our group as it's not something that you see anymore. This isn't bias though, the whole group displayed an array of talents that impressed me and made me wish that my nephew had been there to see them.

All in all though everyone who attended for the first time had a great time and has already stated interest in attending in the future. In fact some of them are talking about going back this weekend for the pirate themed weekend. But we'll see.

Check out their website to find out more : Sterling Renaissance Festival

Just Visiting : Sterling Renaissance Festival

As we grow up sometimes we forget how wonderful playing pretend can be. We can at times believe that we are too old for such things. Thinking inaccurately, that only children are allowed to enjoy it. Thinking like that is wrong though. Not only do you miss out on a lot of enjoyable things, life can at times seem boring and bitter.

But not for us. Oh no, we enjoy looking for things that interest us, that let us explore. Explore what? Our own creativity, as well as the arts and talents of others. There are a lot of them that people don't think about or get a chance to experience in to-days modern speed crazy world.

The phone number that's cut off is 1-800-879-4446

Sterling Renaissance Festival

sterlingfestival.com

It's always fun to go to events in a group. This is no exception. The first time we attended was about 6 yearss ago, and it's been our goal to go for one weekend ever since. You get to see some amazing outfits/costumes at the festival. My friends always look amazing. But it's a chance to be creative and have fun, without having to wait for a special occasion.

This year we went for Ale Fest Weekend. Sterling themes their weekends to offer some direction and inspiration for those who attend. It's a way to create a level of expectation and excitement. We were very excited to be going, especially since there was a slight scare where the faire almost didn't open on schedule. Ale Fest Weekend was children light, a pleasant surprise for those who don't happen to be huge on being around huge groups of children.

There's different performances for those who attend to enjoy. One of our favorites wasn't there this year, but that's alright because there was still a lot of things to see. We enjoyed a number of other acts. Three specific ones that we attended were Zilch the Torysteller, Arthur Greenleaf Holmes, and Filthy Irish Stories with Uncle Churchyard. Needless to say, these are not really children friendly acts. But they're a lot of fun.

The Washer Wenches were also fun this year too. As always the audience ended up getting a little wet. But it's great fun for all involved, just like the rest of the faire. Am sorry that this post is later than I planned. But there's one last weekend of the faire this year. So if you get a chance, head over and enjoy the faire. There's just one weekend left this summer. Sorry that I was such a slow poke about telling you how much it was enjoyed.

Can't wait for next year!

Travel

Sometimes we have to make choices and decisions that will change things for more than just ourselves. These moments in turn help to define each of us as individuals. Over time we show change, and we learn how to overcome adversity and fear. It is by acceptance of who and what we are that we learn how to do things the way that we need to. We can be courageous, we can be afraid, and we can hesitate. But in the end we can't really expect change to stop just because we don't want it to happen.

Change is inevitable.

In this particular instance I'm changing again. In some ways it's not really drastic. But I want to try and be accepting. I want to try and stay focused. I want to try an make sure things go right from here on in. But we all know that nothing ever goes according to plan. If it did go according to plan we would be very cynical. Because not everyone agrees as to how something should go.

We don't always get what we want. Sometimes we have to travel, to learn about ourselves and see the world in a new light. It's time to travel again. But waiting to go has been driving me absolutely nuts. You have no idea how crazy it drives me to wait and not know what is really going to happen. Today's the day to travel though. So don't be surprised if you see some odd content in the future, or a changed theme in posts.

Buffalo is much colder than San Diego this time of year. I'm not looking forward to the snow. In fact I'm dreading it to a certain degree. It's been a while since you heard anything personal from me. The reasons why are a bit complex. But you may hear a bit more from me soon enough about new things, new place, and old faces. Though many of the new places are really old ones just getting to be seen again.

I don't know what to do with myself to be honest. I've been going through a bit of irritation and annoyance trying to decide. But I'm at a loss. There's so much to do, and so much that is going to be hard to work through. I'm sure that it will be fine though.

I just need to learn to be more patient.

"I hate being patient! Patience is for wimps."

Oh and side note... Look what I have to look forward to.

Frozen Waters of Niagara Falls Area
 (From https://twitter.com/CBSPittsburgh/status/421479256510578688/photo/1 )

Just Visiting : Buffalo Historical Museum

The Buffalo Historical Museum has been documenting and caring for the history of the Niagara Region since 1862. The museum itself offers a number of displays and activities. These include activities aimed towards younger guests to the museum. That said it is a recommended destination for those visiting or living in the Buffalo area. A beautiful place for pictures, as well as full of fascinating exhibits and collections.

Exhibits at the museum include :
Community Gallery
Bflo.Made! (an exhibit displaying and showing off inventions, products, and artifacts made in Western New York)
Neighbors : The People Of Erie County
Native American Gallery
Street of Shops
John R. Oishei Pioneer Gallery
Spirit of the City : Imagining the Pan-American Exposition

Some of their Collections include displays of :
Iroquis
War of 1812
Erie Canal
Lives of Three Presidents
Industrialization
Immigrants
Aviation and the War Effort
Textiles
Paintings
Glass and Ceramics

The Buffalo Historical Museum offers free admission to visitors on the third Friday of every month. The doors open at 10 am and close at 5 pm, unless otherwise stated. They sometimes offer tours, as well as other exhibits. Some exhibits may require a separate viewing fee to enjoy them.

Buffalo Historical Museum
One Museum Court
Buffalo, NY 14216.

The Dates for the Third Friday's for the rest of the year are as follows. Hopefully this can help you plan your trip if you're interested in seeing the museum, and are there during the times listed you can enjoy it free or at a discount.

April 19th                   
May 17th
June 21st
July 19th
Aug 16th
Sept 20th
Oct 18th
Nov 15th
Dec 20th

Salute to Bob Hope

More information on this Piece HERE It lists what/who the statues each are.

Info about Bob Hope & WWII HERE

Check out some video of Bob  Hope performing a Christmas show (1968) in Vietnam HERE

Traveling 2/13

So today has been a very long day for me already. We left the house around 3:30 AM and I was checked in and through security by 4:30 AM. I had to throw a few things away out of my suitcase, but... it could have been worse I suppose. I keep reminding myself that it's just stuff. It isn't like I can't get new stuff. But I like my old familiar stuff. I know what it is and I know what I have...er, rather I know what I had.

It was  really nice to see almost everyone yesterday before I left. I know that there are some people that I didn't get a chance to see before I left this morning. But no worries! I will be back eventually. You all know I'm like a weed, my roots go deep and I always come back... it may take a bit of time but I rarely go away for long.

Cayden made me a neat play dough man who's been keeping me company at the airports. He's still a little squishy but am guessing he will harden up some as time goes by. Which is good I suppose. There's a little boy here at the airport in Minnesota and he has on the same monster pajamas that Gavin has. Phi wanted to see a Moose. *points below* Best I can do hun. But maybe once I get to Cali there will be some more interesting things that I can post pictures of.

Anyway. I still have a long flight from here to San Diego. Not that it's a bad thing. Am just very very very tired ~_~. Plus I feel achy and my shoulders hurt. I really should have thought out my packing better. Meh, lesson learned a little bit too late. But yeah, am on my way. Things are new, and there's going to be a lot to do and figure out. But for now... I just have to wait out the day as I travel. It's tiresome, tedious and frustrating. But it's ok, it is really really ok. I have things to look forward to, as well as worry about. But yes. A bit longer before I actually get to San Diego. But at least you have this update for now.