jaina: (alias - sark hop)
jaina ([personal profile] jaina) wrote2007-11-08 03:15 pm
Entry tags:

"are they yelling 'war' or 'whore?'"

I keep meaning to post stuff, and then not actually doing it. Hey eljay, where's my telepathic posting feature? Comment-editing ability is just not enough for me!

...anyway. This past Sunday, [livejournal.com profile] sirrogue and I went up to the Escondido Renaissance Fair, which is the first SoCal-area fair we've ever made it to in our four years here. It was fun, but-- well. I grew up going to the Maryland Renaissance Festival, which is the nation's second-largest fair. It's got a permanent site that's basically a whole village, including a jousting arena, tons of games and a zillion vendors, and my very favorite-- a glassblower. And then in college we went to King Richard's Faire, which is very similar, permanent site and all that. The Escondido fair is just a whole lot smaller, and it's all tents and stalls in one of the county parks. I'm not even sure there *are* any permanent-site fairs in California. We did buy tickets to the big spring Southern California fair for next year, because they're having a 2-for-1 sale right now.

But having said all that, it was still a good time. [livejournal.com profile] sirrogue wore his Aragorn costume and I wore my generic Ren outfit. Happily, we met up with [livejournal.com profile] aviendiora and [livejournal.com profile] rhynndavrie while we were there, and it was great fun to hang out with them. Instead of a joust or hired-performer swordfight, there was some sort of giant mass battle of various guilds. It was certainly entertaining! The guild thing was entirely new to me-- I didn't really understand at first why there were all these tents in the fair area that clearly weren't shops. We resisted buying any more stuff (like the chainmail Mickey ears), but we did buy two CDs from the guy who was playing the hammered dulcimer. Yay Christmas music!

And speaking of Christmas-- anyone who's ever been around me in December knows that I *love* the holiday season. Like, really really love it. So when [livejournal.com profile] kay_dee70 mentioned wanting to go to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, my reaction was "OMG MUST GO!" I mean-- a recreation of mid-19th-century London on Christmas eve? With food and yummy smells and decorations and everything? I cannot imagine anything more awesome. We do need to make a NorCal pilgrimage to see the in-laws this winter, as we won't be going up for either T-day or Christmas, so maybe we can actually go! As much as I want to go in costume, though, I know I wouldn't be able to make something in time. But if I could, I would probably make Simplicity 3727, because it is ADORABLE. Even if it is a commercial pattern.

Rocket Race on Saturday! The Deep Space Niners are gonna OWN!

[identity profile] kelbebop.livejournal.com 2007-11-09 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
Dickens Faire in SF is FUN! I don't dress up, but I love going. I did a lot of Xmas shopping there last year. And they have actors running around the Faire as Scrooge and Marley and the spirits. As the day goes on, Scrooge has his conversion and by the end of the day he's dancing at Fezziwigs in his pajamas. :D

If you guys end up going, let me know!

[identity profile] brightcupenny.livejournal.com 2007-11-09 05:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Eeee! It sounds even awesomer!

I think we are definitely going to try and go, but I'm not sure when just yet. Maybe the weekend of the 15th-16th?

[identity profile] evilbearhunter.livejournal.com 2007-11-09 12:48 am (UTC)(link)
I can't remember if you crochet or just knit but I want to share with you: snowflake necklace! Also, my Sark icon says hi to your Sark icon.

[identity profile] brightcupenny.livejournal.com 2007-11-09 05:24 pm (UTC)(link)
I both crochet and knit! And I love that necklace!! Thank you for sharing. :-D

Y HELO THAR HANDSOME.

[identity profile] evilbearhunter.livejournal.com 2007-11-19 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
I made it! I only had a size 5 hook so it came out kind of overwhelmingly big and I need to starch the snowflake, but I'll post pictures as soon as I do that.

[identity profile] jedihealer.livejournal.com 2007-11-09 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
Been to King Richard's Faire a few times, but not for a long time. The best was when entire family, including father-in-law went in costume.

*LOVE* the Victorian dress. Do it!!!

[identity profile] brightcupenny.livejournal.com 2007-11-09 05:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Faires are always more fun in costume!

As much as I want to make the Victorian dress, it's simply not possible, not with also having to do a final project for my patternmaking class, plus all the Christmas gifts I need to make. Maybe for next year!

[identity profile] ninagnome.livejournal.com 2007-11-09 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
I go to the Dickens Faire occasionally- I love it. If you go the Dec 19th or after, let me know and maybe we could meet up! Yay norcal!

[identity profile] brightcupenny.livejournal.com 2007-11-09 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Yay! Sadly we will definitely be going before Dec 19, because we leave for Maryland on the 22nd. :(

[identity profile] dm-lunsford.livejournal.com 2007-11-10 04:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay, feeling all envious about the Dickens Christmas Fair. I'm sure you'll have a blast. Look forward to hearing about it afterward. ; )

[identity profile] barn-swallow.livejournal.com 2007-11-13 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
I didn't realize you grew up in/near Maryland, that's cool! I haven't been to the Ren Fest in the past two years, but I went the two years before that (for the first time) and loved it. Maybe I'll make it next year...