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May 19, 2007 The Season Begins! Aye it was a beautiful sunny spring day in the shire of Lake Anna, Virginia. The Queen was celebrating opening day of the small but quaint Virginia Renaissance Festival. Only in their 6th year, this young group of merrymakers strive ahead to build and grow their village. Each year bringing more interest and visitors.   This was our first year to this Faire. We didn't know quite what to expect. But we were indeed pleasantly surprised. Once through the gate we visited a few of the shops and examined some of their wares. Upon crossing the glade we were petitioned to represent the Scottish contingent upon the stage of Wooing. A man in his kilt is not to be outdone by the stagnate lads of England; so of course Lord Garrett accepted the call. Upon arrival we witnessed a most frightful display of manly hood by a mostly oddly clad naive. Lacking words to woo his fair maiden, he relied on those provided by merry jester. His 'strut' across the stage was comical as he tried to give the appearance of gentle bestowing a rose into the hands of his intended. To our amazement, she was wooed by his performance and succumbed to his gentle kiss upon her hand.   The second lad fared no better than the first. And again lacked the words to woo his maiden. Not only did he rely on the words of the jester, but he required instruction for moving to her side and presenting the lovely red rose to her person. Oh what a dreadful sight it was indeed, as he took the rose to her as though he was taking a spear to her bosom. But again, to our amazement she succumbed to his droll presentation.   It was indeed time for the Scots to take the stage and show these proletarians how it's done. Standing with confidence and a commanding presence, (how else should a kilt dressed Scot stand) Lord Garrett was asked if he required help in his wooing. "I have my own" he announced. the English jester was surprised and astounded, "Well indeed Sir, let's hear it", he said with amusement. "You move as the ocean, and my heart is swept away in your waves". Ah, triumph is acknowledge by the accolades of the gathered crowd. For the next feat of wooing this proud lord was not about to crawl across this stage to his fair lady. Indeed, the pride of the Scots would blush horrifically at such a sight. Nay, the lord presented the rose to his second, the great knight of the realm, Sir Aidan. Who gently and bashfully carried the fragrant flower to his mistress and gently presented it to her person. And while the other child-like naves knelt and kissed the hand of their fair maidens, Lord Garrett in all his confidence and arrogance did kiss his swooning Lady upon the lips and swept her away upon the waves. An excellent wooing performed by the passionate contingent of Scotland. Hissah!   Rose in hand, we continued our exploration through the village. Into the woods we went, where the children play with the mystical sprites. There was story time, puppet time and of course shopping time.   Sir Aidan found a small gathering of Alpacas and required dog figure made from their fuzzy woolly fur. Upon another trading post he discovered a small cat that was crying his name. After a continued rally of requests for it's purchase, he negotiated a trade with Lord Garrett who succumbed and dropped a few coins in the hand of the fair proprietor. The young knight then carried his cat in his belt for the remainder of the day.   Sir Aidan made himself a candle of multi-colors, and a leather keepsake depicting his steadfast steed. A kindly lass assisted him in his crafting. He chose the leather piece and damped it slightly with a sponge. He chose the metal stamp and was given a hammer. Oh dear. It would probably be a good idea to keep an eye on the mallet instead of the lass.   Thankfully he managed to hit the hilt of the stamp and not her hand. Whew. And when he was done, his sturdy steadfast stead was embossed on his leather memento.   Out of the woods there was dining in the pub. A serenade by two and three extremely talented minstrels. Their singing, strumming and stories kept us contented and laughing at their jests.   But alas, with a few trinkets in hand it was time to bid the merry folk a fond farewell. Until next time that is.   Archive March 2008 October 2007 September 2007 May 2007 January 2007 October 2006 September 2006    It all begins!    Alice & Alan