As predicted Crown ended with great valor. DL finished Vlad in four. I was pleased.

As for me, this is my journal after all, I was pleased with my prowess and my Lady made the day for me. Looking across the field at her before each fight truly inspired me. Such a soft smile….

I fought hard and when demanded to give more I answered without hesitation. SD gave great contest to me twice this day and once did I pass with BG. My sword failed me falling to pieces against SD not once but twice and by the good will and generosity of DR I was able to continue in comfort. I set out and did what I intended this crown. Tested the mettle of those biding for the crown and affected the list. My personal test was that of attitude. I have no expectation of ever winning crown as an unbelt. What would it say of the Chivalry of this Kingdom should it happen….. I pressed hard and remembered the words of BdeB from last. I delivered several telling blows that fell unacknowledged. I did not get discouraged. I struck harder, still unanswered, I struck so hard I sheared the bolt from my basket. I found myself at an impasse from this exercise. I knew that eventually this good and noble man would strike me, it was inevitable, and when he did I asked myself “what will you do Matthew?”. Will you shirk his blows or stand strong to your values…. I am pleased I held my Lady’s honour and stood to my values, honour above glory, usquequaque.

As is expected several comments troubled me. Onlookers calling blows, making determinations and judgments safe of the blade. But I think today I will remain positive and avoid the perpetuating drama.

To date, there have been three of the lodge that have impressed upon me such great brilliance that I am renewed in my love of this Society, this Kingdom and the sport of honorable combat. Admittedly I had become cenacle. Those close to me have recently asked why I am retracting. Slowing, if you will, the hospitality that is my nature. I was honestly feeling drained.

DC, your act of unsolicited generosity on my behalf in such a public forum touches me at the base of my foundation. Thank you. I am beginning to understand the meaning of the music.

So much more to speak on………

WoW I had a great time this year. Good fighting good friend’s good beer.

The field scenarios were perfect this year!! Less the ankle twisting bamboo. The bridge borders put all fighters all equal playing ground. I was happy to see the cav units halted and channeled. The woods were thick this year with much debris, disappointing but manageable.
DR fought for his rapier prize receiving his white scarf. Truly an inspiration. Finally got to return his shield and stick to him. I had to steal it away from Val in the woods to put it to good use. If you saw DR’s colors in the woods and you leg hurts it was ME!!

Pick up’s were mild. Not too many white belts out. I answered Donnel’s call for honorable combat. Worthy.
Out of the pick up’s two non-belts stood out.
Rain, righty, running in the Gunther pack with Duncan. Typical combinations, good hand speed, took a modified DL stance against me that looked a lot like deRath. Good pace and tempo. Unable to hit me sufficiently without sacrificing himself. Kept pulling off the shot to defend. Overall, not a threat but had a big smile in his pot. Great potential.
The second guy was a new comer, lefty, wearing white and blue with a big Ansteorran style door shield. I didn’t get his name but spent some time with him training. Very eager to learn and had the bug. I love seeing that. I gave him my war shield and glove (passing it forward), covered the basics, told him to toss the door and make a heater. His quest is to find me on the field when he comes out next and return my stuff with what he’s learned.

I traveled with Michael and Josh this year. Tried the shared meal plan out of camp. Didn’t work very well as we were camped half a mile away from the food. Poor planning on my part. Lessons learned in there somewhere.
Josh I love you but dude you snore like mad. Good pace and tempo if I were waltzing. Love you mean it.
Michael felt a little pulled with his loyalties a bit. Tried to bestow a bit of wisdom on the young lad but we know what that gets us when we do it. ***Note to self LISTEN=SILENT – my greatest adversary, me.

It was good seeing BdeB and his house. Generosity and courtesy at its finest. Head’s up for Crown!!!

Ok, so it's been a while since my last post and honestly I just haven't had the time or the desire.
Things are well. Going to the Big Mo this weekend - if you don't know, the Big Mo is THE only drive inn in SC. The Dark Knight and Journey to the Center of the Earth are the features. YIPPY!!
Went to Chimney Rock two weekends back and hiked the intermediate trails with the fam. I must say I was impressed with my lady and kids. You ROCK sweetie!!!
Last weekend went ice skating……. Haven’t done that since I was in Europe. I’m so impressed with the ability and adaptability of children. Truly wonderful and blessed my lady and I are.

SCA wise. as much as I try to be courteous in all my actions I'm finding it hard to keep my mouth shut. I mean really people!! Are you so petty that you have nothing better to do than to talk crap and orchestrate drama scenarios? I know, I know, this is part of the game. Yes, I have witnessed the devastation of many a character through the wheedling of bored singles and frustrated partners. Do me a favor, LEAVE ME OUT OF IT!!! LEAVE THE ROYALTY OUT OF IT!!! I’m really not interested in your love triangles or your narcissistic egomaniacal life styles. Yes, I understand you need people to be as pleased with you as you are with yourself. You have my vote. Now go forth and please don’t have kids, I want to see our species evolve.

Fighting is going well. Made two small tourney shields, same hang as DR’s big one. One right handed because I’m tired of hearing I have an advantage left handed. DL gave me hell on the field last week 0-4, but he was the only one to hit me. Having trouble generating power on the grill shot that breaks the DL defense. Out of the four passes I took him to his knees twice and struck the grill cleanly but with insufficient force. Spoke with DL for some time after the fight to see if there was another power method he was aware of. Worked on his recommendations this past week on the pell and will see if it works tonight. Weather calling for 101 at 6pm, hate the summers here, too damn hot.

Brother Chad came for a visit. Always nice to spend time with him.
Miss my northern buddies, look forward to seeing everyone at WoW.

Man what incredible heat....... 98 at 10am this Sunday. Needless to say I did not practice. Instead the family and I worked around the house, road the dirt bikes, went swimming and to the movies. Horton hears a who....... definitey a buy'er when it hits the dvd shelves.

SCA wise, I worked on several pieces of armor, cut, stamped and strapped a ton of leather. Got my new and improved shield hung and edged. Just needs paint. Looking for a right handed hockey glove. Enjoying my two stick walks, this morning I went for an hour swinging and sprinting between mailboxes. MAN IT'S HOT!!!!

Called D'raggs again this morning. Says he might want to fight next Sunday but is worried about getting hurt, so we'll see.
Other than that not much happening.

CAUSE IT'S SO HOT!!!!

So, at a private practice this Sunday I used d'raggs sword and shield. I can’t thank him enough for the aid in devastatingly overwhelming all of my opponents. The stance, the shot availability, coverage and movement associated with the hang of the shield and balance of the sword was perfect. I have found the missing link.

Man, what a weekend…… I am tired and sore…… fought all weekend at one of the best events I have ever been to, Sapphire Joust, in Atlantia. Good people good food good friends.
My Battle Buddy – yes I’m coining the term for my household – Draco was as always a true beacon of service and courtesy, a true friend, good listener, trusted adviser, comrade and confidant. I am truly blessed to have such a friend in him.

I was honored and privileged to be invited to camp with Sir Bryce de Byram and his house. I drank entirely too much, eat entirely too much, sang, yes I sang without my Knight, I felt like I was cheating on him……… but I did enjoy it so. I love you John.

I was honored in so many ways this weekend by so many people I hold in great regard. Not only in words, which come easy for some, but through act and deed. The generosity of Duke Ragnarr offering his shield and sword to aid my development tenders my heart and emboldens my spirit. For a man to put the trust in another with his colors is indeed no small act in my book.

I saw a good friend, WT get his Writ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hereditary_peer#Writs_of_summons) for Knighthood. Truly a worthy man.
Looking forward to the future with him.

Finally my lady wife and children were thrilled and a joy to come home to. We spent Monday at Carowinds poolside had good food with good friends and family and returned safely home late.

I am truly blessed and thankful.

Well, I learned today that my Knight and Lady will be moving sooner than expected to the states. Richmond VA in late June this year not 2009 like I had thought. John will be deployed for a year so I still wont get to spend time with him :-(

My son's bday party went well, fun was had by all.

Gearing up for Sapphire this coming weekend. SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FIGHTING!!!!

Armor workshops all week to get ready. Packing out the trailer Thursday and on site Friday early I hope.

So yesterday was my little boys b-day (6) and we got him a Yamaha tt50 with all the fixings. He road it all over last night. No broken bones yet!!!

Had a good event at Erasmus, didn’t fight, did my service, ran the feast hall and worked with the kids. HerM Kari awarded me the Queens Order of Courtesy. I was stoked after that. Sinclair and Keri are both really good people and I truly love the focus on the children.

My daughters kitty appropriately had kittens on moma's day (3) and is recovering well, my daughter is in aw and reverence. My lady looks beautiful in sapphires - and YES I'm ready for a weekend filled with fighting, beer and fun at Sapphire.

My 10x10 period tent is perfect for 2 like I had hoped. Daren will be coming with me for certain. YAY!!!

Bad stuff, the Fellowship is going through growing pains. Our neighbors from Brokeshore Abbey are upset with the naming and are giving me some stink about it.
Other than that I still need to lose 25 more lbs.

My lady let me buy my daddy day present early so we have a Sony A100 with tele lens and filter for those quality moments.

Got a phone call from and had lunch with Janos Friday. Good conversation there, miss his presents on the field. Shame. I feel bad to some degree.

Haven’t heard much from my Knight hope he is doing well, probably deployed again. My prayers are with him.

God bless and stay safe. Do good things.

Had a great practice last night. Had about 15 fighters total on the field. Duke Logan, Duke Val, Sir Lasarian, Aaron, Riobear, Mark, Wilhelm, Me, Lye, Thomas, Ezra, Michael, Barry, Daren, Larry. I asked Sir Lasarian to take the lessor experienced fighters off to one side so the heavy hitters could bear pit. Worked out well. Got some good fighting in for about 2 hours. My best fight of the night was with Logan, the guy is so clean and a joy to fight. Riobear offered a good fight as well but I noticed a little thickness coming from him later in the evening.
There seems to be a trend with shield pushing in the canton. Mark, Aaron, and Daren making a lot of body contact with the shield and even pushing on the body with it. Good argument between Val and Logan and the stance of it's legality. Val offers to error on the side of honor and Logan offers a good argument of the press. Who knows. Myself, I would rather error on the side of honor giving credence to my opponents safety and bashing him with a shield is not safe nor does it give my opponent the opportunity to 'best' me in the fight.

Over all doing well. Arguing with myself on bringing anyone with me to Sapphire. I really need some me time and it looks like two full days of fighting. Can't wait......

So Trogdor was not triumphant in all his majesty this weekend, but he was represented well. For the worst game you ever played go here - http://www.homestarrunner.com/trogdor.html

So let’s talk about me…… my Lady wife and I had, for me, a wonderful weekend. She accompanied me to Crown Saturday and she worked her ass off with me Sunday laying 2500 square feet of sod in our front yard. The woman was kick ass!!! I had a hard time keeping up. That’s what I get for marring a young woman……

Crown… well, I affected the list as I wanted to. Personally I wanted to do better but…… good clean fighting this time around if not the best crown I have seen in Atlantia. I know it’s not my place to judge but listening to the remarks off the field everyone felt the day went well and was won by a well deserving and honorable fighter. Sir Jason.

My hat is off to the Sir Sinclair and Kari for the emphasis on children’s activities. My kids had a blast and feast was fantastic for it. My kids literally cried when I told them it was time to leave. Thank you!!!

Now back to me,,,,, my lady says I’m too nice. To honorable. Sir Bryce says I quit my fight with Duncan, “if he wanted an 11 I should have given him an 11””your shoulders slumped and you quit”. Never truer words. Duke Cuan comes to me at the fence line after my fighting and tells me to watch Duke Logan and the way he lines up to load his shots. WT comes to me and asks “why didn’t you pick Ragnar?” Logan comes to me after the fighting and says “we need to talk” “privately”. On the ride home my lady tells me I’m more suited for service, it gives me more pleasure, she tells me I like the artsy fartsy crap more. She asks me why I go out there and hold myself to a standard clearly not shared by others.

God I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!

Bryce, I was honored to have you close by. Your Lady and child are wonderful.
Other than John you are the only other person I know that seems to see into my soul. I took special care in maintaining my bearing after that fight as not to demonstrate how I felt but I did quit that fight. I hit the man about the head, neck and leg cleanly at least seven times by my count. The last blow to the off side head jarred him backwards. When I struck him, he paused, looked at me conceding in his eyes, and then readdressed me to continue. At that point I failed myself. I did concede the field. There is no other way to say it. My Lady says I should have “hit him harder””if that’s what it takes, then hit him harder”. I was not upset with my opponent, Duncan later came to me wanting to talk, told me I cracked his armor from hitting his so hard, and blab la bla……. The entire time I’m talking to the little guy in my head asking “well if I broke your F*&^($% armor, WHY DIDN’T YOU TAKE MY SHOT AS%#&%$!!!!”, but I didn’t say it. I smiled graciously and said it was a good fight, hope to see you at Sapphire. Blaaa blaaa……. Now, don’t mistake my words. Duncan is a good fighter, he did nothing wrong. I simply failed myself by not giving him the fight he wanted. In that, I lessened his experience in Crown.

I need to rework my mindset. He came to me for a good, clean, high level fight and I got my panties in a wad when he didn’t bow to my majesty. Shame on me.

Cuan, I do watch Logan. Logan doesn’t like to share to much, what he has shared with me WORKs and I use it. WT, I picked Logan for my first fight because he is one of the best fighters I have ever seen take the field and losing to his mastery is no shame. Last Tuesday I went 9 passes with him and won one. If that “one” happened again at crown I may have had a different day. And honestly, I just like fighting the guy. I really don’t know him off the field.


More later……….

T’was the day before crown and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even…….. TROG DOR!!!!!!! TROG DOR!!!!!!! Da nana nana nana TROG DOR!!!!!!! BURNINATING THE COUTRY SIDE,,,,,,, BURNINATING THE PESENTS,,,,,,,,,, TROG DOR!!!!!!! Da nana nana nana…….

In all his majesty…… yes, this will be my theme song for crown this time around. If you listen real close you’ll hear me singing it on the field. TROG DOR!!!!!!! Da nana nana nana

Well, the last part of my encampment is in site, I am almost complete. Meriall has pledged her old Regent tent to me with all the fixings. Floor and all. I think I’m more excited about Sapphire then Crown…… lol

So the guys came out last night, Ezra, Goober, Larry and Taz. Good little armor workshop and Crown prep. The shield tree is looking good and fairing well in the weather. Last week was the real test, winds and rain and it held well. My Spike for the topper is huge, 2x3. Looks good.

My lady and I had our fitting for our Crown garb and I must say Umma is the best and the garb looks fantastic!!! We may not make the cut but we will certainly look the part. All noble and that.

Practice tonight!!!! I feel the need to beat!!!!

Well my little Matty had a great weekend at Carowinds. We stayed at the Hampton Inn in the executive suite. Jacuzzi tub and all. Had the best meal at Olive Garden, stuffed rigatoni with shrimp and Mandra Rossa Fiana, a white wine. Incredible!!!

Gearing up for Crown this coming weekend!!!! I'm stoked!!!

Well, I finished my reading of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. Two stories stuck out at me this time as often they do. The first being the knights tale (http://www.canterburytales.org/canterbury.php3?display?2?2?0?0?0???1?1?1?) and the second being the tale of the wife of bath (http://www.canterburytales.org/canterbury.php3?display?2?31?0?0?0???1?1?1?). If I can encourage anyone to read this book it would give me great pleasure.

Mark, my brother in arms, has been pushing me to excellence with his training workouts in the morning. So exhausted have I been that last night I slept from 630-9 and back to bed again at 1130 only to sleep through the alarm this morning making me late for work. and yes, I still hurt. waaaaaa waaaa.

Looking forward to this weekend, my little Maty's b-day, shes turning the big 5. Leaving tonight for Carowinds, staying at the Hamton, executive suite of course, and not returning till late Sunday. Much needed relax time for my Sweety as well, work has her stressed with all the changes coming and the unknown future.

The Fellowship of the Abbey name and arms were sent to the heralds yesterday with the help of a good friend. The blazon so far is – fieldless, a corbie proper grasping an annulet of ivy vert.
Cross your fingers!!!!

Well last night was a good night, Umma held a Fellowship benediction for me wishing me good prayers with Crown. Rumor has it DA ranked me at 75/1 whatever that means.
Two good things came out of practice last night, Umma asked me why I fight in crown knowing I have no chance of winning? I explained my feelings on the subject.
And Goober, great name I know, asked me if I were fighting Logan with my best fight? I said, yes and Goober returned asking and stating, I thought you were much faster than that, why were you moving and swinging so slow? I did not reply immediately and have to admit it the comments left me thinking and asking myself why I was fighting his fight rather than my own. I simply replied Logan is a great fighter and difficult to beat.
Goober is an 18yr old young man new to the sport and like they say, much can be learned out of the mouth of babes.

So, I’m back at work now contracting for the state. joyous job as an internet web administrator focusing of SharePoint technologies. YIPPY!!

Tuesday practice tonight. Two weeks before crown. Not feeling to bad nor good. Going to make it light tonight at practice unless we have some good fighters out. Don't want to hurt myself before the main event.....

ok, it's been a while. working on tons of stuff, went back to work and bla bla bla.
my fighting continues to improve, coronation went well with the exception of a couple of fights. seems i'm damned either direction.
ton's of projects, leather commissions and so on. posting pics on the restormel.net site.

more to come.......