Wednesday evning: And the clock runs faster . . .

1. Busy day. Too busy to have a No. 1

2. I love this line!

It's from the Warren (R.I.) Times Gazette, about a local festival:

Making a return to this year's festival will be exhibits from Power League Wrestling and the Society for Creative Anachronism.

Here's hoping "Never the 'twain shall meet."

3. All of a sudden, I am leaving for Pennsic in 16 days. Holy cow!

It also occurred to me today that my 16-year streak of consecutive Pennsics will stay alive. I am hoping for a more healthy Pennsic than last year, both for me and all those around me.

4. This note from Mistress Linette is almost as good a free, cold beer:

I am thrilled to announce that there will be a Teaching Bardic Circle held in the East Kingdom Royal Camp on the evening of Saturday, August 2nd from 7 to 9 p.m.

This purpose of this circle is to spread songs which can be sung by the general East Kingdom populace, to inspire and rouse us on the field, in the hall and in court.  Anyone and everyone is welcome to come and learn a song or two.   You don't have to be a "bard" to participate!  I highly encourage all Easterners with any interest in group singing to join us.  You don't need to bring anything but your enthusiasm and willingness to learn (although you may find a light to be handy as evening falls).

"Sing for the East" songbooks will be available for reference during the circle - and for purchase if you want to take one home!  We'll also have word sheets for other songs we'll teach.   Songs which I definitely plan to include at this time are:

Song of the Shield Wall by Malkin Grey and Peregrynne Windrider
Born on the List Field by Ivar Battleskald
Eastrealm My Heart by John Littleton
Carmen Orientis by Sabine de Kerbriant
Regnum Orientalis by Arden of Icomb
Come with Me All Soldiers Now by Linette de Gallardon
a short period song or two

I hope these songs cover a range of the sort of pieces folks were interested in recent discussions.  Suggestions for additional songs are welcome, and I also invite those who would be interested in teaching a song to contact me.

My grateful thanks to Their Royal Majesties Konrad and Brenwen for supporting this, and to their gracious staff for aiding me in finding a time to hold it.  If we have a good enough turn out, it is our hope that one song could be chosen to be sung as the kingdom marches into Opening Ceremonies the next day.

I'm looking forward to a great time spent celebrating our Kingdom and our music.  So, won't you come join us in the Royal Encampment before you head out to the parties Saturday night?

I am soooo there.

5. In an e-mail today, someone referred to the "Runny Mead" dinner. Me? I like mine a little ticker than that.

6. OK. OK. So it was a great All-Star Game. Happy Yankee Stadium! And we get home-field advantage in the World Series.