Historical Thoughts

I spent this past weekend out at Waterloo Farm with Audrey and the rest of the Michigan Soldier's Aid Society presenting Victorian mourning practices to the public. We began with a fashion show on the stages of mourning, deep mourning, second mourning, third mourning, etc. Outside the farm house was the first stop for the public. There they were able to learn about mourning practices and superstitions, make a calling card, and make a mourning cockade to show their respect for the grieving family. Next they were ushered into the farm house's sitting room where a MSAS member would explain the significance of the original artifacts we had on display. The public was then instructed to enter the parlor through a black curtained doorway if they wished to pay their respects to the grieving family. In the parlor, the public saw a flower filled room with all picture frames, mirrors, and windows draped/covered in clack fabric. They also saw several MSAS members mourning over a coffin placed upon the table. In the parlor they were able to leave their calling cards and learn about what they saw and the reasons/superstitions behind it. At the end of the day we concluded with a period funeral precession and service.

It was wicked cool!

Sometimes I can get so wrapped up with trying to be authentic or making new dresses that I forget how new it all is to the public. It really is amazing to watching people learn and be fascinated with something that you have been able to bring to life for them in a way a history book never could. For the first time the past becomes real. You can see the realization on their faces when it hits that this actually happened, life used to be like this! I love that feeling!

I wish there was a way for me to do this for a living. . . . . .

The New Member Committee meeting went over well. We all agree which is great! And the e-board loved my brochure, so that's become my baby. (I am feeling important.) And I have decided to take on planning the Soldier's Aid Scenario for Greenfield Village next year. :) Life is good in the reenacting world.

I do however, wish that I had clothing for a deeper stage of mourning so I don't feel so left out or out of place. I've always wanted to do a widow impression. Damn, money sucks. Maybe next year. Although this is the year we happen to be doing two mourning events...

Note to Self:
Look up local historical societies and see which ones I could stage a take over of.

:)

We got the house!

I Hate Waiting

Next to playing games by the rules there is nothing I hate more than waiting. I am fairly certain Jesse and I are in agreement about the house. In fact, I know we both want it. So why haven't we sent an e-mail back to Nancy? Beats me.

Seriously, I've been walking around all week with this giddy anticipation knotted up in my stomach. And let me tell you, there's only so much a person can take.

My PeaceJam students truly are amazing people. I am so proud of them and feel honored that I was able to invite two of them to be one of four students selected to spend the day with Archbishop Desmond Tutu when he comes to speak in Kalamazoo. They will have lunch with him, sit on stage with him, and ask him questions in front of the thousands of people filling Miller Auditorium. I am so happy for them!
:)

Strange, But Nice.

As luck may have it, Jesse and I might be moving into the house I lived in a year ago. Interestingly enough, this does not bother me despite the slight strangeness I feel when I look at the pictures of the place online. It's more of a hey, I used to live there than a weird to be back... hmm this is proving to be much harder to describe than I had thought. Perhaps it's because there was so much tension in the house before that it didn't really feel like home? I don't know. But I do know that I am feeling excited to move back in. That is, if we get the okay from Nancy.

I find myself looking at the interior photographs online and planning where I will arrange the furniture, and where I will hang things on the walls. And yes, I have gotten on the HGTV Room Planner and used that tool to arrange the furniture to scale. Nerdy, I know. This time I am sure that it will feel right. This time it will be all my (and Jesse's) things that make up our lives, whereas before, clearly three very different people lived there. Now it will be ...home. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed living at Maple Brooke, but I will like having space for my reenacting stuff and a spot/place for everything. Reenacting things in the basement where they belong, a guest room, an office, a master bedroom, etc. No more feeling cramped and canned in like sardines. Every time I drive by that neighborhood I get a nostalgic felling of happiness. It feels good to be there. I loved walking and even running those blocks and giggling where Coach pooped, finding a new appreciation for grilling, remembering laughing summer moments on the front porch with Kate, and fireworks in the park...

I like quiet "country life" but for some reason I also like the Vine Neighborhood; people sitting on their front porches watching cars and people go by, trees and sidewalks. The creepy neighbors moved so I am not so concerned with safety anymore and I think Floyd still lives next door. It truly would be nice to move in again.










Cross your fingers!