I have been using the book that Estrid gave me to keep notes ever since it was given to me the night I got my writ. Some of those thoughts I will leave there but others I will put here as well as they may benefit other's.
I have been giving a lot of though at to my 'style' what type of peer do I want to be and this is what came to me at that time.
I will speak up
I will speak honestly
I will speak truth
I will be gentle
I will be kind
These are what I will be looking towards.
Traditionally during the elevation ceremony there are people to speak for your elevation. Sometimes you get to pick them, sometimes you do not. Depends on a variety of things. Having a writ meant that I could pick who spoke for me. There was some confusion for a moment and a communication snafu that lead to my MoD being the king, but all in all, it was perfect.
There were 2 among my chosen who could not be there on the day and so words were sent and read via a representative. Of the 6 that spoke on my behalf I have the words of 4 of them and I will inscribe them here. The other 2 spoke from the heart in the moment and so I can not add those.
Laurel: Judith, speaks on the candidate's pursuit of beauty
As I mentioned before she is one that spoke on the spot. We will always be joined and I am proud to have been her student. I will take what she has taught me and go forth and teach it.
Knight: Thorvaldr, speaks on the candidate's Honor and Loyalty
Unable to be with us on the day his words were read to the assemble populace by William of Richwood
Greetings unto their Majesties and the assembled nobles of Drachenwald from Sir Thorvaldr. I would speak on the matter of the elevation to the Order of the Laurel of Baroness Magdelena Grace Vane.
Please pardon the rambling nature of this missive but that is merely indicative of the nature of my relationship with Baroness Maggie. I have known Maggie since the beginning of my time within the SCA. She welcomed my children and myself in such an open manner that endeared her to us from the beginning. Oh, and how did that get accomplished? Well, through food naturally!
Maggie's journey to this day has been a long and complicated one. Her time in the SCA has been spent in a variety of levels of play. Her circle of friends is vast and widespread which is a testament to her fun and welcoming nature. Cooking has always been at the center of her activities as long as I've known her. Of all the Arts and Sciences that are wrapped up under the label of Laurel, Cooking must be one of the most difficult to gain recognition in. It is not a very mobile art form and in a vast Kingdom such as Drachenwald it can be many years between one encounter of her cooking talent and knowledge to the next unless you live near her.
I have had the pleasure of having many such meals prepared with Maggie and spent countless hours at her home taste testing or discussing the various permutations of recipes. Much to my waistline's demise I might add. As a Knight we are often asked about prowess and I have always said that it is the prowess that determines the gateway to any Peerage. Maggie has had prowess in the kitchen for a long time but as I said, it takes time for cooking talent to get recognized.
What about the rest of the qualifications of Peerage? I have seen Maggie grow immeasurably over the years. Her kind heart, her giving nature have always been there. Courtesy aplomb forged during her time as Baroness of Knights Crossing and has done nothing but flourish over time. Her service to the Canton of Turmstadt and assistance at all the events over the years has always been there and welcome.
Suffice to say, your Majesties to me Baroness Magdelena Grace Vane has been and indeed is My Peer!
Written nd signed under my hand this 6th day of October AS56
Sir Thorvaldr 8th Duke of Drachenwald
Order of Defence: Aerikr (King), speaks on the candidates Courage and Camaraderie
As before, this was from the heart in the moment. He removed his crown and spoke, as my friend.
Pelican: Duncan, speaks on the candidates Humility and Generosity
Maggie's skill as a cook and her passion for passing on her knowledge is beyond doubt. But I speak for the order of service and the virtues embodied by my order.
During the 14th century, the Duke of Burgundy listed these among the virtues to be prized:
Valour is the willingness to undertake complex, tedious, and unglamorous tasks far rom the spotlight. Maggie does the job because it needs to be done instead of for the glory,. While willing to shoulder the burden of being responsible, Maggie also lets others lead and shine.
Liberality, to give or create freely, is one of the most important skills for any peer. This is shown in every abundant table she has produced. I have never gone away hungry from a feast Maggie has cooked. But just as important is the passing on of those skills to the next generation which makes our society stronger and helps to ensure the stability of the realm and she has done.
This speaks to me as a Pelican and why I call her my peer.
Order of the Rose: Isabel, speaks on the candidates Nobility and Courtesy
Isabel could not be present but sent her words which were read by Baroness Katherina Mernewegh
Your Majesties, assembled nobles, hear my words
I am Duchess Isabel Peregrinus, and these are my words for Magdelena Grace Vane
Having been fortunate enough to witness Maggie's journey in the last 10 years I have been impressed, inspired and always so very well fed.
Maggie's care and compassion for those around her has no limits, she is like a Rose in that aspect, gentle but with an iron will to not only deliver but excel. I will never forget the deep fried ravioli event- or as it was formerly known Drachenwald 25 years and summer coronation- where the feast instantly became one of legends.
Maggie's culinary art goes from strength to strength built on solid foundations of food science -and in my opinion magic
My Queen, my King, thank you for recognizing her worth and stature as She is my peer.
Member of the populace: Erik,
Herald: Drachenwald has many Peers, but many more who are not Peers, and their voice is mighty. To be ignored is the peril of all! Is there a member of the populace here who will speak for Magdelena?
This bit is important for me. I reworded it ever so slightly so it was smoother and the emphasis was put in the places I felt were most important. I said when I was Baroness, 'I am not only the voice of the crown to my people, I am my people's voice to the crown'. For me it has always been a 2 way street where being the voice of a champion has always outweighed that of being the voice of authority. It is said in many places about the crown 'You rule because they believe.' The power lies with the people.
His words were spoken with resound.
Yes, I will, Erik Olavson Haane!
The King and Queen should fear the wrath of the Drachenwald people! At this time though, you don't have to. You have done right and chosen to recognize a worthy peer! She works hard all over the Kingdom spreading inspiration and knowledge! Bringing the Dream to life for the people. Maggie Vane is a worthy peer in my mind and in my heart! And to the people of Drachenwald.
(Do not let it take this long)
As part of my ceremony there was added a presentation of books:
Closed Book (Vigil book) – Brought forth by: Giano
This tome and its words of wisdom and support represent your past. Although closed, look back on it with fond remembrance and never forget its lessons as your path continues forward.
Open Book (blank) – Brought forth by: Ellisif
This tome (holding up book, open, for all to see) remains as yet unwritten, a symbol of the future that you must forge. Infinitely open, fill it with life and new learning.
These are the most beautiful words I have ever seen. My scroll left me literally agape and without words at it's beauty .
The scribes own words on the project can be found here:
His photos are lovely but I wanted to include these two which were taken by Oriane for me as my camera is not of a great quality.
This post has taken me most of a week to put together. I am battling a chest cold now. The sinus crap headed south, ugh!
I received quite a few things. Thank you to everyone!! The thoughtfulness and love is overwhelming .
I received some words.
That is what we call the accoutrements that we wear to identify rank and station. Be it a simple circlet or a fancy coronet (crown), medallions or collars, capes, cloaks and other outer garments, they stand out to make the wearer identifiable. Upon elevation to a peerage order one is often gifted with these symbols that reflect their new status. Sometimes it is a heritage item, passed from one to another down a line or within a group. Other times new things are commissioned or bought for the recipient. In my case there were no heritage items as our line is small but growing. I was given many gifts and to say it was humbling is an understatement. It has taken me near a week to wrap my head around the generosity and love that was shown and showered upon me.
While I have made a Facebook post naming those that gifted me items I wanted to show them off here as well. Facebook posts get lost and while the memories come it is but once a year.
In my last post I showed my medallions and spoke of those who gifted them but they are beautiful enough that I will do it again!
Every one of these pieces will be near and dear to me forever. I will continue to be stunned, humbled and proud of wearing each piece.
I move on now from what was to what will be. I have done this many times in various aspects in my life, I will find my way forward with hope, love and the support of others. I am not alone.
This weekend was so much more magical that I ever could have hoped. Everything from the invocation on Friday night and being given the time and space to watch the invocation delivered for my dear Anna to the very last of the event and saying good bye on Sunday morning was pure and absolute magic!
I was asked on Saturday 'Did you get what you needed from your vigil?' and the answer is resoundingly yes. From the magic of transformation to all the words delivered. It filled me with confidence, understanding, and most of all love. I carried it all with me during the day. Some things kept repeating as they began to really sink in and others flitted about my thoughts like butterflies, bringing me inspiration and bits of beauty. I found myself as Friday wore on and Saturday dawned relaxing more and more. Saturday came and it continued. My mind eased, my body relaxed, I opened up like a sponge and just soaked in everything I could.
The fighting was amazing, you could see the joy in the fighters as they made their way through the tourney and this joy spread. The boasts were amazing! and fun and brought such fun to what can otherwise feel like a perfunctory act of introducing yourself to the crown and the populace assembled.
Conversations, meeting friends for the first time in person, sharing joy and grief but focusing on the joy, words: soooooo many words!, laughter, and love.
It's not just me. As some (ok many) of you know, my utterly amazing and fantastic friend (#PartnerInCrime) was also elevated to the order of the Pelican. She was beautiful!! (as usual) and it was such a joy to watch. To hear her affirmed, to be able to share this joy and journey. From top to bottom her ceremony was masterfully carried out and a joy to behold. She radiated light and joy. I am proud of you! I love you! I look forward to more work in the future with you.
I thank everyone for their kind words and kind gifts. I was overwhelmed to say the least. I was given a great deal many things, I may detail them all in a later post, for now though I will focus on the 6 medallions I was given. Each unique and special. I am still in awe of them! In no particular order:
From my own laurel, a gorgeous commissioned piece from Drachenstein jewelers . It is enameled with a garnet and a pearl. I could not have asked in a million years for something so perfect to go with my gown.
From Oriane, worked by her own hand a cloisonné medallion with my badge on one side and a green laurel surrounded in a magnificent blue on the other. I am honored to have a piece of her work.
From Victoria, a stunning gold laurel with an emerald and a pearl drop. Again in the style very fit to my period and just. Wow!
From Bridget, pearls and garnet hang a simple and beautiful silver laurel and at the other end at the closure is another.
From Ellisa, a simple and lovely silver laurel. Something I will be unafraid of having in the kitchen as I work.
From Duncan and Lisset, it was said when this was seen the reaction was a 'She must have this' a brass medallion with brass laurel and a enameled background of the pride flag!
Self made is the last one. I had made 'coins' in the workshop of Estrid and one just stood out as needing a 'hole' to be able to be put on a string. At first I thought as a token that someone could hand on a belt and as I looked at it more I realized I had created a medallion.
Now that I have shared the Good, there is something on the flip side I would like to share especially after my last post.
I realized at some point I had let the weasels win. Those bad voices that foster doubt and bad thoughts. I had many people offer help at various times and I turned most of it down. I felt compelled to do the bulk of the work on my own, because the weasels had won and I didn't realize it. I felt it was my job to be the one to do the things to lift a burden off of my Laurel who was at such a distance and dealing with some real life things (that are still looming). The honest truth was that I didn't believe there was anyone out there who would have wanted to do this for me ( other than the aforementioned laurel) and so I took it on myself. While I recognize these things now and can only try to do better in the future, I am sorry.
This will be a post on my elevation, move along if you are not interested.
Someone noted a bit ago that all I can seem to talk about is Crown and the subsequent elevations happening there, including my own. I came to the conclusion that having a writ hijacks your brain at some point, especially if you are trying to do something special, such as my many projects I have had cooking. You want everything to be just right, and then you start running out of time, then you start doubting, then you want to burn everything to the ground, then you see light, then the setback (or several) and then and then and then. In order to keep on track you stay focused. Baby steps, one baby step at a time but progress is made. You are proud of every accomplishment no matter how small it seems to be.
People ask how you are. This becomes a loaded question. If I say stressed I'm asked why, and if I tell them, then we are on the one note subject of what I am doing and how I am on my projects. If I say 'I'm OK' then someone at some time in a group will ask how a project is going. Depending on my stability at the moment I can pass of with a 'I'm on track' Or 'Going alright I guess' but if I am stressed then I will burst and there will be lists and details an more info than anyone likely ever wanted.
Having writ makes your elevation more like a wedding and less like a graduation. I had never really thought of myself as a control freak but I am having serious thoughts about reevaluating that thought. I am not sure I want to make it perfect for me or for my 'audience' I want something I will remember, something magical. I do realize that even as a surprise it would have been magical and something to remember. I take deep breaths and realize I am doing the best I can with the skills I have. People have offered help but it has been very hard to take that help. Many things I want are things I feel I should be doing myself. My gown and chemise, tokens, other gifts and such. I decided to work on my own ceremony too though I have passed the last bits of that off to my Laurel. Even now I have had offers of help but there is nothing anyone can do for me unless they can come finish one of my projects left ( At this time hooks and eyes for my sleeves, closure of the waist of the gown, gathering and finishing my camicia and some garb for my daughter. I would love garb for my son too but don't have the materials or resources to get them at this time, he does Roman so the shapes are super simple)
I am at a point where I want this done and in the past. I want my life back. I want to talk about future projects beyond Crown and the elevation ( and I have several) but I just need to get through this first. 12 days to go, I can do it!
If you have stuck with me so far... My apprentice sister did a fantastic thing and created an on line vigil page:
For those that can't come to the event. It is 'live' and ready to go. I am not sure when the best timing for making the link more public is? Hmmmm... I will keep thinking on it.
Things are not bad, I am not actually complaining but I am processing and part of that is just getting the thoughts, for better or worse, out of my head.
Being given a writ during a pandemic has had some upsides and one of them really has been the time to reflect on what it means to me to be a peer and what sort of peer do *I* want to be. The thoughts come and go and I try to track them the best I can (Thank you Johanna for the best book ever!!). As I was chatting with a friend the other day I shared with her what I am going to share now.
Many talk about a path to peerage and the journey they are on. I myself have even referred to it as such, but it has really struck me that all my work and my apprenticeship has not been a path or a journey. Peerage is not the destination or the end. What is it then? The work I have done to get here is my 'packing phase' I have gathered my tools and resources. Saved my money and chosen a 'way'. All of the work up until my writ was just to get me to my front door. My journey, my path, starts when I take on the mantle of peerage and walk out the door. Along the way I will meet others either gathering their own tools and supplies or who have headed out their own doors and have taken to the open road. I look forward to those I will me along the way. Peerage is not a destination, it is the start of a journey.
Most of us have had to make shifts in how we display and teach our arts because of the pandemic. Me, I have been teaching on line and will continue to do that. I taught at the Drachenwald University in November and enjoyed myself (for the most part) It was an on line event but really ended up with a full event feel. We had court, and a ball and classes galore. After court they opened up a room and breakout rooms for people to just hang out and chat in... it was lovely! i look forward to doing that again.
I have 3 events coming up that I will teach at. In February I will teach at Atlantia's University. I will teach my Scappi class again and a 'Care and Feeding of Vegetarians' class. In March I will teach an as yet undetermined class for an online event hosted by Polderslot (The group in the Netherlands). I was just in contact with their coordinator and am sure we will settle soon what they would like. In April I will teach at yet another on line event called 'To Uncrown a King' Hosted by Insulae Draconis ( the UK group). There I will talk about 'Two Fifteenth Century Cookbooks'. I look forward to researching more about the food of that time in England as so far I have only really looked at Italy in the 15th century.
Just an update of what I am doing and where to find me if you have an interest. You can always just drop me a message here and I would be happy to make a date to talk food.
Take care, Be safe and eat well.
