Putt-Putt Laurel
2004-07-17 - 10:23 p.m.

This weekend we went to War College at Misty Marsh...not because John and I are essential parts of the Atlantian War Machine, but because John had the honor of coordinating a vigil for a special Laurel candidate.

Congratulations, Master Torquil MacTaggart, OL!

Torquil has been a quiet but steady influence here in Nottinghill. He is a gentle man whose demeanor and kindness is an example to be followed. Many of you may not know him, but you may have seen his research whether in the life of the Cistercian Monk or the engineering of period machines or of course, his period golf clubs and balls.

Yes, we now have a Golf Laurel!

I will tell you that during the long day that we often spend at vigils as support staff, I have never had the opportunity to play period putt-putt. We took one of the drink cups and a period wood and ball and Duchess Isabel and I tried to get the stance correct.

We were told that our elbows should be straight at which time several folks remarked to the effect of "Golf is for those less endowed."

I felt that the concern that a stray putt might break something was hampering my style so we later moved out doors for a brief little contest. I am not sure why but I was the favored one this time so I am currently the undisputed Golf "Champine." It may have had something to do with Her Grace hitting the cup instead of the ball and flinging it farther away thus making her next putt all the harder!


He looked so happy and I know his wife was over the moon. She kept saying over and over how she could never repay every one for the beauty of this experience for him.

These vigil memories are pulled together by the helpful hands of many. When the weather was so miserable at Assessment, I talked to John and he thought moving indoors was best. Baroness Juliana was generous in providing space and then revising the plan when she got the dimensions of the popup; the site was perfect. Lady Alesia generously allowed us to use her popup...Lady Louise provided transport. The wonderful Lady Emma came through with walls sewn in a matter of days and worked so hard to help Glee and John setup. Mistress Rosalind provided the cloak and Master Nikulai its transport. Mistress Francesca came to participate in the handwashing and provided a lovely laurel pitcher for the vigil tent which turned into an even more generous sacrifice. Master Eldred worked like a house-elf on a gorgeous scroll and John made sure the food was appropriate to a midperiod Scot.

He will make quite a difference in his area and will be for them a wonderful example of his Order and what it is to live the life of a Peer.


So many more memories of the day.

Lunch with His Majesty and Their Highnesses. Much laughter and blushing in between bits of business.

"Sometimes a pickle is just a pickle."

Gettig to spend time again with Countess Alexandra. Lovely woman who enjoyed doing a bit of marshalling in the afternoon.

Girlie-Girl authorizations...fear the weapons forms!

What a nice Court. I love Cuan's courts. Bruno's Court Barony and Gwen's Coral Branch and so many wonderful awards. Sweet. Gwen's song at court. She has a beautiful voice. Clear and sweet.

I knew Christie would hate to miss her friend's moment. Still, they had a lovely and yes, squealy, girl talk once we got home to tell her.

The shining eyes of a new Peer's Lady. I know well the special joys of that moment and it is sweet to share a glance and make that connection. It was a special treat afforded to those Peers present to join the Order of the Laurel during the ceremony. I was glad to be there for Torquil and for Glee.

Good friends who let us move on South for dinner so I could get home an hour earlier. Thank you Nikulai for making sure everything and everyone got where they needed to be.

The warmth of Carolina SCAdians.

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