Title: 4-newcomers-msg
Subject: Information for newcomers.
Author: Edited by Mark S. Harris
Last saved by: Mark S. Harris
Keywords: SCA, newcomer, introduction, new, Society for Creative Anachronism, SCA

4-newcomers-msg - 4/29/17

Comments directed at SCA newcomers.

NOTE: See also the files: SCA-intro-art, Feast-Basket-art, How-to-Behave-art, intro-books-msg, names-FAQ, callig-beg-msg, courtesy-msg.

************************************************************************
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This file is a collection of various messages having a common theme that I  have collected from my reading of the various computer networks. Some messages date back to 1989, some may be as recent as yesterday.

This file is part of a collection of files called Stefan's Florilegium. These files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org

I  have done  a limited amount  of  editing. Messages having to do  with separate topics  were sometimes split into different files and sometimes extraneous information was removed. For instance, the  message IDs  were removed to save space and remove clutter.

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Thank you,
    Mark S. Harris                  AKA:  THLord Stefan li Rous
                                          Stefan at florilegium.org
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From: IMC at vax2.utulsa.edu (I. Marc Carlson)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: re: New in the SCA
Date: 11 Jun 1995 16:44:58 -0500

<Taliesin ap Cynedyr Wyllt<mrlcooper at delphi.com (Michael Cooper)>>
>My wife and I have been in the SCA for only a year now.
>I must honestly say that I have not felt extremely welcome
>in general.  It just seems to me that some of the older
>members that we/I have made small attempts at contact
>don't seem to want to have much to do with us.
>And to see some of the personal ridicule that has been
>bantered here can tend to make one start to lose heart over
>the whole of the organization....

As with any social organization, it is sometimes difficult for newer
people to become known.  The older people are quite likely not "keeping
you out" as much as they are unsure what to do with you.  In all likelyhood,
they were new people not that much earlier, and may not have had the Gods
of Social Graces descend upon them to bestow the title of "friendly" as yet
(to be honest, some of us have ditched those gods for quite some time).
Moreover, they may not have realized that they are anything other than
"just some member" whose job it is to step up and help out new people.
(I have a friend who had to have it pointed out to him that he was the
oldest member at the particular meetings he attended, and that the other 
members were looking to *him* to lead them)

We've undergone a number of membership growths over the years, and often
the older people have faded away, and never bothered to TELL the newer
populace that they were now in charge...

>It tends to make me wonder
>if the older membership doesn't scorn my imperfectly sewn
>garb, the lack of intricate embellishment, ect.

If they scorn your sincere efforts, then they really aren't worthy of your
trying to get to know them, are they?  OTOH, if they try and show you what
else you can be doing, be patient with them :).

Personally, I'm one of the fussier people I know about authenticity, but
I'm not going to tell you to change what you are doing, since that's not
my job.  I'm only fussy about MY authenticity.

>Taliesin ap Cynedyr Wyllt; no accolades, no titles (Am I qualified
>to have an opinion here? :)) 

It's never stopped me...

"Mihi Satis Apparet Propter     Diarmuit Ui Dhuinn
  Se Ipsum Appetenda Sapientia"	University of Northkeep
 -- St. Dunstan			Northkeepshire, Ansteorra
				(I. Marc Carlson/IMC at vax2.utulsa.edu)

Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
From: pete at nyet.atl.ga.us (Pete Hardie)
Subject: Re: New in the SCA
Organization: Greyhaven
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 1995 02:46:11 GMT

I. Marc Carlson <IMC at vax2.utulsa.edu> wrote:
>As with any social organization, it is sometimes difficult for newer
>people to become known.  The older people are quite likely not "keeping
>you out" as much as they are unsure what to do with you.  In all likelyhood,
>they were new people not that much earlier, and may not have had the Gods
>of Social Graces decend upon them to bestow the title of "friendly" as yet
>(to be honest, some of us have ditched those gods for quite some time).
>Moreover, they may not have realized that they are anything other than
>"just some member" whose job it is to step up and help out new people.
>(I have a friend who had to have it pointed out to him that he was the
>oldest member at the particular meetings he attended, and that the other 
>members were looking to *him* to lead them)

One thing I have noticed at times about the 'old guard' is that they tend
to be a group that has a routine - they have been doing the same things
for several years now.  They meet every week, and go to dinner after.
They attend fighter practice and go to eat afterwards.  They go see
interesting movies together during the week.  If they are gamers, they
game once on the weekend together.

This tends to make them somewhat insular, in that they have a habitual
set of activities that are self-contained, and they don't look outside
their group for new blood.  And this tends to carry over into their
SCA attitude - they're not being rude, they just don't realize that
a new person might be waiting for an invite to join in a conversation,
or that they feel somewhat left out when the 'standing invitation'
is not explained to them.

[Disclaimer:  This is not drawn from one group I've seen - it's
a generalization from several over the years]

Reynard
-- 
Pete Hardie, nanobrewer, amateur philosopher
pete at nyet.atl.ga.us

Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
From: rorice at bronze.ucs.indiana.edu (rosalyn rice)
Subject: Re: Asking for advice
Organization: Indiana University, Bloomington IN
Date: Sun, 12 Jun 1994 05:13:05 GMT

	How to find your niche in the SCA...

	Hmmm...well, I started off by becoming friends with some of the local
people in my group and things got better from there. After that I discovered
my niche after a couple of years and settled in. Now I'm expanding out 
from there.

	This is the way that I did it, as a sometimes-still-shy person.

	First, watch people. Eventually you will observe a group of people
who are doing something that interests you. Then, if you can stand to, ask
them questions about what they're doing and how you could get started. 
Basically, you have to pick out people who look like your sort of people and
then find some way to interact with them.
	Secondly, any relatively large group will have some sort of newcomer's
office. If you ask somebody to point you to the "Chatelaine" you might be 
able to get slightly more focused advice on who does what.

	As Cariadoc said, the SCA is many things to many people. For some
people it's a costume party, for others its a bacchanal, for yet others it's
a crafts workshop or an academic symposium, etc. Don't get discouraged if
you don't see your "niche" immediately. There are different "clubs" that 
share the umbrella group name of "SCA". If you are a musician, you might
find a medieval consort or madrigal group. If you are interested in various
crafts, it is very likely that your craft has medieval origins or a roughly
analogous medieval practice. If you're into martial arts, there are several
different styles of martial arts in the SCA, etc.
	If nothing appeals to you, or you aren't happy with the local
group, just use the local group as a contact point and do your own thing.
The SCA is as much a state of mind as an organization. There a lot of things
that you can do on your own without needing to socialize. Most SCA arts
and crafts can be done at home or in a small group, with only occasional
assistance from a more experienced artisan. (Of course, even the most solit-
ary worker enjoys meeting collegues and talking shop. That's why you should
keep in contact with the local group, they might be able to tell you if there
is an SCA event coming up which might appeal to you.)

	I can't really give further advice since I don't know what your 
interests are. I discovered, early on, that the shy bookish types usually
ended up being heralds or artisans of some sort (so I headed that way) while
the more athletic and party-oriented folk tended towards the martial arts.
This rule of thumb doesn't necessarily hold true, though. Your milage may 
vary. 

	Another thing that I suggest, is that even if you don't like your 
local SCA group, keep reading, and writing, on rec.org.sca (the Rialto). I
think that email is the best thing that ever happened to shy people, and the
common link that the Rialto gives us gives even the shyest person an 
icebreaker and a potential friendship when Rialto-folk meet. 
	Also, the Rialto parties that I've been to have been (IMO) very
nice - just enough booze to loosen you up, but not enough to make you
sloppy, smart, creative people who like to talk but who will listen as
well, and NO DRUMS (just a soapbox in the corner). 

	Lothar 

From: "T. Elkington" <telkingt at u.washington.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: New member
Date: Sat, 18 May 1996 16:36:42 -0700
Organization: University of Washington

On 18 May 1996, Jennifer McAndrews wrote:
> Help!  I am a new member who is having the devil of a time "breaking
> in" to the organization.  Have contacted the new member contact who
> seems not at all interested in contacting me back.  Any advice?

Jennifer,

I thought I would respond, if for no other reason than it doesn't seem
like anybody else has (unless I overlooked a response).  I don't want you
to think the entire SCA is going to give you the same response as you have
received locally.

Without knowing where you are writing from, it is hard to say how to go
about "breaking in" to your local group.  However, it seems that the
easiest way to get known in any group is too simply start showing up to
events, practices, whatever, and aggressively introducing yourself to
anyone and everyone.  That is what I had to do when I moved from the
Barony of Loch Salann, Atenveldt, to the Barony of Madrone, An Tir.  I
made sure I went to the local practices and introduced myself to at least
two people every practive.  I was new, so I didn't have to worry about
mispronouncing the names of a well-known knight, or stepping on the toes
of the local peerage (literally and figuratively).  Any stupid maneuver I
made, I could apologize and offer the fact that I was new to the are as
reason for my impertinence.

Also, I made sure to volunteer for local events and demonstrations.  Even
though I knew that once my graduate classes started, I wouldn't have time
to come around much, a volunteer is an autocrat's favorite person. Get you
hands on a local schedule, find out when the next feast or event will be,
and call the autocrat to offer your help.  I guarantee they won't say no,
and will probably call on you again the next time they are in charge.
You'll meet plenty of people, and then you are on your way.

I sympathize with feeling that nobody is willing to help you get into the
swing of things, but I'll let you in on a secret I learned about.
The older members in the SCA are often tired of seeing new members come
and go like mayflys, so they wait to see if you are going to stick around
before bridging the gap (especially, I have noticed, among fighters;
we've all seen the guy who wants to fight until he finds out he has to
make his own armor).  The newer members in the SCA often feel that they
are not qualified to point you in the right direction or be of any help,
and so they hold off; I definitely count myself among that number.  Be
patient and assertive, and everything else will fall in line.

I hope this helps.

Trevor Elkington
SCA:  Thorstein Thorvaldsson
Barony of Madrone, An Tir

From: phefner200 at aol.com (PHefner200)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Newcomer seeks advice
Date: 19 Jun 1996 02:36:24 -0400

I overcame some of my shyness by becoming a water-bearer. I had to start
stepping up to fighters I'd never met in my life and saying "water,
milord?" Naturally the fighters were very appreciative--it wasn't long
before they started kissing my hand and performing other very chivalrous
deeds! It's how I got to know about a million fighters, and through them
other helpful people. Sometimes I still go to events and feel like I'm a
stranger, but then I'm still shy as heck. ---Isabelle

From: zarazena at io.com (Vicki Marsh)
To: ansteorra at eden.com
Date: Wed, 18 Dec 1996 10:01:44 -0600
Subject: Peer Fear

When I first started, I remember being intimidated by peers and nobility,
mostly because when I tried to talk to them, they weren't interested talking
to me.. Or so it seemed.  I found that the men, in particular knights and
nobility, were gun-shy of nubile, married young ladies.  They had enough of
the belt-chasers and throne-percjers.  The women were generally too damn
busy to talk to anyone, or figured I was a fawning sycophant flesh-eater.  I
got over this by volunteering for everything in sight and working at every
event I could.

I tried to keep in mind my days as a new person at this last Yule Revel.
There was a young lady (at her first event) that just wanted to talk, but
didn't have a clue.  I didn't mind that, but she kept getting in the way as
I was trying to unload, set up tables, help my husband unload, take care of
out two little boys, etc.  I tried to put her to work, but she just stood
there in the way, oblivious to the fact that we couldn't get the tables out
of the van with her standing, trying to talk to my very frazzled, very
polite, husband.  I had to take her by the hand, and ask her to step back so
he could unload and move the van out of the road.

I kept saying to myself "This is her first event, this is her first
event..." as a mantra to prevent a shortening of my temper.  

The moral of this vignette is:  If you are new, offer to help, try to stay
out of the way of frazzled autocrats and nobility, and save the "Hi, I'm
new" introduction until the person you want to talk to looks like they have
a minute to spare.  If they are in the middle of a conversation, don't just
barge in, wait at the edge of the "Private" zone, until recognized and
invited in.  I really appreciate it when someone has the politeness to do
this, especially if they just say "When you have a moment, can we talk?".

The biggest thing is to volunteer, to help as much as possible.  It will get
you more introductions, and get you involved faster that anything else.  

Just my two bezants worth,
Zara Zina Theanos, Baroness of Elfsea

From: "Perkins" <lwperkins at snip.net>
Subject: Re: Things Neos Should Know
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Date: 24 Feb 97 14:55:04 GMT

> Things neos should know before going to their first event:  
> Anyone have any additions? 
> Audelindis de Rheims
 
Always wear comfortable shoes and bring extra socks.
-Ester

From: powers at woodstock.cis.ohio-state.edu (william thomas powers)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Things Neos Should Know
Date: 24 Feb 1997 10:55:32 -0500
Organization: The Ohio State University, Department of Computer and Information Science

> Things neos should know before going to their first event:  
> Anyone have any additions? 
> Audelindis de Rheims

When choosing fabric for garb; please consider flammability

When going to an event wear clothing suitable for the activities/climate
you will be in.

(I bring a forge to events and often have to tell people that I would
be happy to teach them to forge something----but that they would burn
like a torch if a spark hit them.  I will let people opt to forge in
*clean* *fancy* clothing---if they own it!)

wilelm the smith  who has seen more problems with garb and fire at the
feast table than at his forge!

From: djheydt at uclink.berkeley.edu (Dorothy J Heydt)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Things Neos Should Know
Date: 24 Feb 1997 18:01:39 GMT
Organization: University of California at Berkeley

Gwenzilla  <gwynfyd at sunspot.tiac.net> wrote:
>Don't forget to put candle(s) candleholder(s) and matches in that feast
>basket! In most cases (most!) it is good to be able to see what you are
>eating....

Yes, but check the newsletter to make sure candles are *permitted*
in the hall.  (Not infreqently, even if the management don't fear
fire, they don't want you dripping candlewax on their tables and
floors.)  If they are, then remember that you don't want to set
your own gear on fire either.  Make sure your candleholders are
sturdy and bottom-heavy, and that the candles are well-seated and
won't fall out even if Boris Beersbane bumps against the table.

And then, BE CAREFUL WITH LONG SLEEVES.  That boardinghouse reach
that dangles the end of your long sleeve into the candleflame
(because you aren't used to long sleeves or open flames either)
turns you into an instant disaster.

I did that once... not with a candleflame, but with a gas stove,
and the sleeves weren't even that long.  But there I was all of a
sudden with flames racing up my underarm.  There ensued about
three seconds of panic while I ran about screeching.  Then, thank God,
I got a rush of brains to the head and beat the fire out with the
flat of my hand.  There *then* ensued about four months of
extreme caution while a long crescent-shaped burn on the side of
my breast healed.  About two square inches of second-degree burn,
where the skin blisters.  About one-quarter square inch of
third-degree burn, where the skin chars.  I'm lucky it wasn't
more.  Watch out for open flames.

Dorothea of Caer-Myrddin                          Dorothy J. Heydt
Mists/Mists/West                                Albany, California
PRO DEO ET REGE                                     djheydt at uclink

From: Gretchen M Beck <grm+ at andrew.cmu.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Things Neos Should Know
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 11:50:32 -0500
Organization: Computer Operations, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA

How about:
    If you're eating the feast, bring your own dishes

toodles, margaret 

From: "Dana J. Tweedy" <tweedyd at emh1.pa.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Things Neos Should Know
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 10:34:11 -0800

Daniel Boyd Fox wrote:
> Things neos should know before going to their first event:
> Anyone have any additions?
> Audelindis de Rheims

Being down range of the archers is a bad thing

Don't get Chirurgeons mad at you (we know where it hurts)

ASK before picking anything (or anyone) up

if you keep to yourself, you probably will be left alone, wether you 
really want to be or not.

in heraldry, more is not better

this is not Karate class, the guys with the white belts are NOT beginners

                          Karl Rasmussen of Tvede, AOA, CSC, 
Master Chirurgeon, Captian of Archers, Pursuivant at large, and probably 
some other things I've forgotten

From: Gretchen M Beck <grm+ at andrew.cmu.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Things Neos Should Know
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 1997 13:18:18 -0500
Organization: Computer Operations, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA

Wet, damp and dry don't refer to the relative humidity--it's specifies
whether or not alchohol is allowed on site.

toodles, margaret 

From: AndyS <andys at acun.com>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Things Neos Should Know
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 17:05:31 -0600

> Things neos should know before going to their first event:
> Anyone have any additions?
> Audelindis de Rheims

If you should hear someone shout "HOLD" (it's usually a chorus..)
IMMEDIATELY FREEZE! Someone's in danger, and it may be you!

                        - Andy (Andrew de Marston) S.

From: L Herr-Gelatt and J R Gelatt <liontamr at postoffice.ptd.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Things Neos Should Know
Date: 27 Feb 1997 13:10:33 GMT
Organization: ProLog - PenTeleData, Inc.

Let's add this:

Don't call venison "Bambi" at the feast.

Don't Bring Ketchup.

Only diners at tacky rennaisance faires throw chicken bones over their 
shoulders at table.

Offer to help.

Offer to help often.

Brewing mead (or other SCA related A and S activity) alone in your 
basement is nice but lonely. Brewing mead with company and 
teaching/learning is better.

It helps to have some busy work. Many people feel free to chat to those 
who are  working on something. (Any theories on why this is so???).

Aoife

From: greycat at tribeca.ios.com (Greycat Sharpclaw)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Question from a newbie
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 05:47:43 GMT
Organization: IDT 

Emrys sends greetings to all upon this bridge.

First let me qualify my statements here by stating all things vary
with place:

There is an allegation that Dokktor <dokktor at airmail.net> wrote:

>I have some questions that I was wondering if anyone could answer.
>1.  What are some of the necessities to own.

Contact with a local group.  Web page http://www.org.sca/geography is
a good place to start looking for one... if that doesn't help, ask
back here giving your physical location (town & state in the US - and
county/nearby city if your town is small; equivalent location for
other countries).

Medieval-looking clothes.  They don't have to be perfect (the more
accurate, the better, but something approximate will get you started).
If you can find a local group fast, ask if they have a "garbing
workshop" where you can get advice and/or lessons.

If your region has event feasts, you will need "feast gear" - eating
utensils that don't look _too_ modern.  Wooden, metal, and/or ceremic
plates, bowls, and cups, with wooden spoons is a decent start.

An SCA name helps.  You'll need one eventually.  I recommend taking
just a first name for now (hey you can use your non-SCA first - or
middle - name in most cases; or if you know what period you're aiming
at, take something from that), and expand on it later.

A subscription to the local (barony/shire/canton) newsletter is *very*
helpful - more so than the kingdom newsletter that comes with basic
"official" membership.  the local newslwtter will tell you who the
local officers are, and where (at least some) of the local activities
occur.

>2.  How long from the time you join before you would be allowed to fight
>    in tournaments?

Varies greatly.  Until you convince the marshals that you are not a
danger on the field.  But there are non-fighting activities you can do
*now* while waiting.  Learn to dance, play period boardgames, do arts,
or whatever you are interested in.

>3.  Are there apprenticeship programs so that one can learn how to make
>    armour, weapons, etc.....

Yes, in most areas.  Ask your local knight marshal about these.  

If you don't know who your local knight marshal is, well make that one
question you ask your local contact person.  Most groups have a
Chatalain(e) or Hospitalier whose job it is to be a contact person.  

If you can't find one then the local seneschal(e) is your next best
bet.  But most people will be willing to help, at least in terms of
finding contacts.

>Keith

Lord Emrys Cador               David M. Mann
Barony of Settmour Swamp       greycat at tribeca.ios.com
Eastrealm

From: moondrgn at bga.com (Chris and Elisabeth Zakes)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: What to bring to feast?
Date: Mon, 01 Nov 1999 19:01:06 GMT

On 31 Oct 1999 17:17:12 GMT, an orbiting mind-control laser
causedicearrow at aol.com (IceArrow) to write:
>I'm a bit of a newbie and I was wondering if I could ask you folks a few quick
>questions.
>
>I was wondering, what sort of things do you bring to feast?  Is there a list
>somewhere of recommended items or necessities?  Some people have told me to
>bring period style plates and utensils, others have said to bring candles and
>candle holders.  What's generally accepted?

This will vary somewhat from kingdom to kingdom and even event to
event, but *in general* you can expect to need:

Plate
Bowl (for soup and such)
Mug, goblet or other drinking vessel
Silverware (Note that forks, particularly the 4-tined curved fork that
is generally used today, were not common through most of the Middle
Ages. Spoon, knife and fingers were the usual implements.)

Candles and candle holders are a good idea. Note that some sites have
restrictions on open flames or are worried about having candle wax
spilled on their floors, so checking on the rules for the particular
event you're going to is a good idea. 

Something to drink: this will vary widely. Some events expect that
folks will provide their own drinks; some  will have servers bringing
around pitchers or water, tea or some such; some have restrictions on
alcoholic drinks; some allow *no* outside drinks and expect you to buy
drinks from the on-site bar (I've seen this at some American Legion
halls, for example.) Again, check on the rules for that particular
event, or bring an ice chest with your preferred drinks, but be
prepared to leave it in the car.

Not essential, but convenient and useful: 
Tablecloth (Plain white bedsheets work just fine and are significantly
cheaper than similar-sized "real" table cloths.)
Napkin
Salt/pepper. These are rarely provided, if you like them on your food,
bring your own.
Box, basket or bag to put feast gear in.
Ice chest, to keep drinks cold.
Cover for your ice chest and feast basket, so they don't look so
glaringly modern. I generally use an old tablecloth/bedsheet that's
gotten stained or torn.
Plastic bag for dirty dishes. Sometimes there will be a "washing
station" where you can dump food scraps and rinse off your dishes;
sometimes they will have a special kitchen crew who will wash the
guests' dishes, but don't count on it. Usually you're on your own.
Most sites frown on washing the dishes in the bathroom sinks because
of the liklihood of clogging up the plumbing. Having a bag to put the
dirty stuff in until you can get it home keeps the mess contained.
(Just don't forget to wash up when you *do* get home. <G>)

None of this stuff *has* to be fancy, although it can be. I also
recommend that you don't take *anything* that's breakable, or that you
have a strong emotional attachment to. Things do get lost or broken at
events.

        -Tivar Moondragon
                Ansteorra

Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 06:47:34 -0700
From: "Serian" <serian at uswest.net>
Subject: SC - [Fwd: [outlands] Say what?]

"Soren W. Nicholson" wrote:
>         What I have done is created a web page that lists a bunch of terms
> that SCAdians use all the time.  I even go one step further and list a
> definition to those terms!
> So go ahead and check out the page, then tell a friend about and, or
> forward it to a different list.  I want to spread the word about this,
> since I have found nothing like it on the web.
> 
> http://www.uccs.edu/~swnichol/SCA-terms.html
> 
> In service always,
> So/ren

Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 10:44:04 EST
From: CorwynWdwd at aol.com
Subject: Re: SC - [Fwd: [outlands] Say what?]

http://www2.kumc.edu/itc/staff/rknight/Define1.htm
http://www.wellesley.edu/Activities/homepage/felding/glossary.html
http://www.pipcom.com/~thebear/gloss.html

There's lots out there, I just picked a few from a google search..

Corwyn

From: Melisende de la Roche de Lionne <freckles_36 at HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: March 28, 2010 3:35:30 PM CDT
To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu
Subject: [CALONTIR] Feasts

One of my favorite things about SCA events is Feasts.
 
Well, I love food.  I love cooking, I love feeding people, I love eating.  So if I'm at an SCA event where there is a feast, if I'm not eating it, you can generally find me serving at one.

I had the great pleasure to be allowed to serve at Coronation Feast this Saturday past, which was immense fun.  (Not to mention tasty as heck.)  And I noticed some things, which I thought I'd share with folks.  These aren't directives or anything like that, just suggestions, musings, what-have-you.
 
1) Pace yourself.  Feasts can be contain a LOT of food.  Yummy, lovely food.  But too foten have I hear after delivering the 2nd or 3rd course in a 4-5 course feast: "I can't eat anymore!  I wish I'd known this lamb/cabbage/soup/etc. was coming!"  I know you're hungry when we finally start bringing out the nom, but with that first delivery of the bread or the hummus, remind yourself that there is More to Come.  So you won't be stuffed to the gills when finally your favorite dish appears before you.
 
2) Bring tupperware.  Again, feast food can be surprinsingly delicious.  You may find yourself wishing you could eat it later or share it with people who were unable to attend.  There is usually A LOT left over, and the kitchen staff by and large won't mind letting you put some in a container that you provide.
 
In fact, could this be a way of helping some places defray any extra going-over-budget, by selling left-overs in a quart or gallon sized ziplock bag? 
 
~Melisende de la Roche de Lionne
Baroness of Vatavia

From: Pat McGregor <patsmor at yahoo.com>
Date: July 22, 2010 2:06:25 PM CDT
To: Barony of Bryn Gwlad <bryn-gwlad at lists.ansteorra.org>
Subject: [Bryn-gwlad] George Visits the SCA (newcomer's page)

This is a fun newcomer's page with suggestions, words, pictures, and so on....

http://www.wodefordhall.com/georgetourney.htm

siobhan m

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Edited by Mark S. Harris	4-newcomers-msg	Page  of