For me, it is finally, officially Spring when I can attend the Newman Renaissance Festival. I wasn't sure if I was actually going to be able to attend this year since we have had a very wet Spring culminating in nearly constant rain last Wednesday afternoon and evening. The location of the RenFaire is at the lowest possible point on the Newman University campus, so I pretty much knew it would be a swamp, however the Faire staff did an excellent job of pumping out as much water as they could and putting down straw to deal with the rest. A couple of pals and I chanced it yesterday, and we were happy we did. One area near the jousting arena was a huge mud bath, but Naomi and I were able to navigate our wheelchairs through the majority of the Faire grounds -- much to our delight since we desperately needed a break from the stress of impending finals (two weeks of classes left) and life in general.

My weaknesses are essential oils and unusual jewelry, and I was able to add more of each to my collections. My first stop was Heavenly Airs Fragrance Shop (of Rose Hill, KS) where I picked up some very nice frangrance oils to use in homemade soap or to just dab behind my ears for a scent that always seems to make people ask, "What perfume is that?" Next was Creekmore Jewelry (of Norman, OK) where I finally found the perfect bloodstone ring for me. Ever since I saw one owned by a friend several years ago, I have wanted one but have never found the right size (the stones are often too big to look right on my finger) or the right setting (too embellished, thus taking away from the beauty of the stone). Most of the rest of the day involved eating and visiting with SCA friends and vendors who have become friends over the several years I've attended the Faire. Since I was in garb, I was able to engage in a few behaviors I would not likely do in mundanes, namely flirting with perfect strangers in kilts. I have not developed the persona of a wench, so the flirting wasn't shameless and "wanton," but it was quite fun. I was called within the perimeter of the Royal Pavilion, which was a first and made me nervous for a couple of minutes -- I have not yet become versed in Court ethics, so I resolved to bow my head and say "Your Highness" a lot. Toward the end of the day, I found my Mecca of amber. A Polish couple currently living in Wellston, OK, had a booth selling all the shades of amber I've ever seen (butterscotch, lemon, green, cognac, and honey) plus a new one (blue), and the prices nearly made me faint in joy. I added two pendants (one blue and one two-tone) and one ring (lemon, green, honey, and cognac in silver) to my collection at prices that were a steal. My last stop was to visit my friend T'ger of T'ger Toggs, to admire his clothing (and not just those on the rack -- OK, so maybe I do get a little shameless once in a while).

The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and neither Naomi nor I got stuck even once. All in all, it was another great Faire, and I'm now ready to face final exams.