Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Robert Aspirin talks about the SCA
I know I promised you more about the start of the SCA. Robert Aspirin was a famous author in the SciFi/Fantasy world and he was also known as Yang the Nauseating in the SCA. Sadly, he recently passed away, but here is a clip of him talking about the beginning on the SCA.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
What is the SCA?
Some of you might be wondering about the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). You've probably heard about it in passing or have seen references to it on television or even on our website. So, I thought I'd take a quick look on youtube and see if there might not be a video or three that could explain it better than I could. Wouldn't you know it?.....There are only a couple thousand of them.
I am putting up links to a few that I think might give you a good idea of what you might expect if you took an interest in the SCA and went to an event or two.
These first two links are general information about the SCA. One from the United States and one from South America, I believe. Enjoy:
The next two highlight a couple of larger events that are held each year in the SCA.
Here is an overview of Pennsic War held in Pennsylvania every August.
And next is an overview of Great Western War which is held in California in October every year.
I'll take a look around and see if I can find some more interesting videos about the SCA or maybe other Medieval Recreation groups.
If you have a fabulous link that you'd like for me to feature here, please feel free to contact me and I'll take a look.
Enjoy everyone.
Kim the Office Goddess
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mongul is worth the time to see it.
Mongul
By Kim Matzke
Mongul explores the life of Temudgin (Tadanobu Asano) who will eventually become the great and fearsome Ghenghis Khan. The story begins when he is only 9 years old and must already choose his future wife from a neighboring tribe. He takes the journey with his father, the Khan, who has been painstakingly grooming Temudgin to take his place….eventually. Well, “eventually” comes sooner than either expected and we are given a tiny look into what could possibly have been the harsh reality of life as a Mongul, out on the plains and exposed to the elements and the enemies of one’s family.
Young Temudgin eventually finds refuge with Jamukha and they form a bond of brotherhood that will last well into their adult lives.
Eventually Temudgin reaches adulthood, although sometimes you might question his survival considering how the odds were obviously stacked against him. Now is the time for him to come into his own, collect his wife Borte (Khulan Chuluun) and begin his life anew. Well, we all know that nothing is ever that easy. More family enemies arrive and steal away his new bride. Needless to say, this does not sit well with Temudgin and he makes plans with Jamukha to retrieve her.
Thus begins his adult lessons in adversity and strength that will eventually form him into the great leader that we’ve all come to know, love and fear.
While this is a foreign film with subtitles, don’t let that scare you off. Halfway through the movie, they’re hardly noticeable anymore since you are easily drawn into a well told story surrounded by picturesque scenery and well executed battle scenes.
I have no idea if this movie is historically accurate, but I do know that I came away with a feeling that I learned a considerable amount about the Mongul culture. I also thought the costumes and sets were wonderful and gave a feeling of accuracy to me that added to the entire movie experience. The battle scenes had just enough gore to add realism without going over the top with guts and yuck. At one point, I really could feel Tengri’s (Mongul god) anger as he made his contribution (or did he?) during a particularly important battle.
By Kim Matzke
Mongul explores the life of Temudgin (Tadanobu Asano) who will eventually become the great and fearsome Ghenghis Khan. The story begins when he is only 9 years old and must already choose his future wife from a neighboring tribe. He takes the journey with his father, the Khan, who has been painstakingly grooming Temudgin to take his place….eventually. Well, “eventually” comes sooner than either expected and we are given a tiny look into what could possibly have been the harsh reality of life as a Mongul, out on the plains and exposed to the elements and the enemies of one’s family.
Young Temudgin eventually finds refuge with Jamukha and they form a bond of brotherhood that will last well into their adult lives.
Eventually Temudgin reaches adulthood, although sometimes you might question his survival considering how the odds were obviously stacked against him. Now is the time for him to come into his own, collect his wife Borte (Khulan Chuluun) and begin his life anew. Well, we all know that nothing is ever that easy. More family enemies arrive and steal away his new bride. Needless to say, this does not sit well with Temudgin and he makes plans with Jamukha to retrieve her.
Thus begins his adult lessons in adversity and strength that will eventually form him into the great leader that we’ve all come to know, love and fear.
While this is a foreign film with subtitles, don’t let that scare you off. Halfway through the movie, they’re hardly noticeable anymore since you are easily drawn into a well told story surrounded by picturesque scenery and well executed battle scenes.
I have no idea if this movie is historically accurate, but I do know that I came away with a feeling that I learned a considerable amount about the Mongul culture. I also thought the costumes and sets were wonderful and gave a feeling of accuracy to me that added to the entire movie experience. The battle scenes had just enough gore to add realism without going over the top with guts and yuck. At one point, I really could feel Tengri’s (Mongul god) anger as he made his contribution (or did he?) during a particularly important battle.
If you’re into history and like a good period flick, then I would say that you definitely need to put this movie on your “must see” list. Personally, I think it needs to also be in your home library right along with “Lion in Winter” and “13th Warrior”.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Arizona Renaissance Festival 03/08/08
Good day gentle readers!I spent this past Saturday at the Arizona Renaissance Festival and had a perfectly fabulous time. The picture to the left is of my tall, handsome boyfriend Todd and myself of course. I am wearing the Irish Dress, which I had specially made in the lovely blue brocade, with the Italian Chemise in black. Todd is wearing our Pirate Shirt in natural (3X too, can you believe it, it's hard to tell in the picture but he is 6'7" and has very broad shoulders, it can be difficult to find sleeves long enough for him). He is also wearing the Long Breeches Twill, and our Men's Suede Side-Lace Boot, which he dyed black to match his outfits. We are both wearing the super-long belt, his is the wider men's version and mine is the smaller women's version. (See Men's Super-Long Belt, & Women's Super-Long Belt)
Going to the Faire is such fun, and going dressed up is even better!
We enjoyed many shows, the jousting, the ded bob show, and here is a picture of some bagpipers and drummers. They were really very good but I can't for the life of me remember the name of their group.
We were seated in the section that was cheering for the EVIL Black Knight. He was delightfully unsportsmanlike. He even attacked unarmed men.
This lovely young lady named Jen came by our store here in Tucson last week and she works at the Renfaire. She works in a photography studio, and gave me a nice discount because I promised to display the finished product in our local store. I will probably post about her again when she stops by to provide us with the studio information.
If there is a local faire in your area I highly recommend you go, and go dressed up! There is much fun to be had.
Laurel
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Hey guys,
Maybe I shouldn't have blogged about them. Now everyone will want them and I just miss my chance to get them at this great price!
Have you seen our new fabulous sale? Wow, every item that we have in stock right this minute is on sale!! Every single item!
If you've been putting off ordering your special outfit for the faire, now is definitely the time to do it. Check out this link http://www.renstore.com/currentad.asp?ErrURL=Redir and find your favorite items and see how big your discount will be. 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and even 50%! That's even better than our employee discount!
This is the time of year that I save my pennies too. Here are a couple of things that I plan to put in my basket.
Our Kingdom and Baronial colors are blue and gold so I thought the Head Scarf W/Coins in blue and gold would look good with my new middle eastern costumes.
Then I was thinking about the Celtic Unicorn Cushion Cover, but there are only two left. Don't you think they'd look great on your bed with the Celtic Unicorn Tapestry?
Maybe I shouldn't have blogged about them. Now everyone will want them and I just miss my chance to get them at this great price!
Oh well, we'll see who gets their order in first. :-)
Until next time, well met!
Kim the Office Goddess
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Happy New Year! Wow! It's been a little crazy around here. We're getting ready to do inventory tomorrow, so pardon us if we're a little slow, but we'll definitely take care of you as soon as we can.
On the heels of inventory will be our annual King Day Sale. This is the one time each year that we put practically everything on sale, so make sure you take a look and place your orders for events or Faires during this once a year event.
Gotta run and prepare for iventory.
Talk to ya soon,
Kim the Office Goddess
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