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Across the Fence:  Do You Like The Renaissance Festival?  |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 07 2013 : 4:09:05 PM
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Hi girls!
A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of attending the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival. It was such a beautiful pre-autumnal day. Mother Nature was just beginning to color the world in her new palette of fluorescent yellow, orange and red. In a faerie-like ballet, tiny leaves lept into glorious grands jetes, pirouetting all the way down to the loamy moss-covered forest floor. Our senses were simply reeling at all the enchanting sights and sounds enveloping us. It was all so magical. Elfin and fae folk, whose only give-away were their tell-tale pointed ears, joyfully frolicked amidst handsome knights, beautiful ladies in exquisite period clothing, gifted musicians, lively performers and talented craftspeople. The smell of patchouli and roses mingled with richly scented spiced nuts and the cool greenery of the woods... And my guys contentedly gnoshed on their long-awaited turkey legs as I darted in and out of the specialty craft-laden shops. At one point, a slightly bawdy wench approached my hubby, attempting to entice him with a tomato, meant, of course, to be hurled as punishment toward the local miscreant in the stocks. Later on, my breath was taken away when I was stopped by a handsome masked knave who brazenly took hold of my hand. He murmured some silly flirtation before planting his tickling moustache across my fingers in a kiss and placing a small rose in my palm. He mysteriously dashed away into the crowd as quickly as he appeared. I just stood there stunned. Our son was less than thrilled. My reddened-eared hubby played it cool, of course; after all, he knows where my fair heart lies! ;) Needless to say, we were completely enveloped in a rhapsodic celebration of medieval merriment.
Below are some pictures for you to enjoy, taken before my camera battery died. Unfortunately, I didn't get any of the jousting competition, but I still think they are still share-worthy!
Do you all enjoy the RenFest in your neck of the woods? What are your favorite things? Do you dress up? Oh, how I just love the clothes! What do you wear? Would you like to share some pictures? I'd love to see them!
And I'm wondering... Do any of you have a really good recipe for those RenFest turkey legs? I've tried several different ones over the years, but they just aren't quite right! :)
Hugs -
Nini
Well, you gotta give him props for getting into the spirit of things!
To market, to market...
Loved this kid - he was SO nice! The spiders are gorgeous. You can find them online at www.twistedspiders.com.
Here is the one my hubby gave to me:
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Now THAT's a spider I can deal with! ;)
I'm sorry, but I don't care WHAT they say: real men DO wear tights!
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If only....
Isn't she just adorable?!
She was just soooo lovely and sweet with the children! Up close, she looked a LOT like Kate Middleton!
Now THAT's a HAT!
Aren't these beautiful?!
A cuppa joe in one of these cups first thing in the morning? You couldn't HELP but smile! :)
I actually got a smile out of this foul little man... In his defense, though, I had almost just stepped on a real, live snake!
Eghads!
"DREAM" "MAKE" What a wonderful place to create!
Is she not just a true, classic beauty?
The tempting tomato wench...
Vegetable justice...
A TRUE puppet king and queen! ;)
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Oct 08 2013 03:21:42 AM |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2013 : 4:24:01 PM
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In my younger days I was an actor in several Ren Faires along the west coast and worked them every year =} =} =} I still enjoy making costumes and helping local folks sew theirs.
I've always loved history so much more than the present, even if some of what we play as history is actually not accurate =} When I was a kid my head was ALWAYS stuck in some book about some random point in history, mostly medieval and renaissance. Now I mostly browse the net to get my fantasy meddle ages kicks.
It sounds like it was a lovely time! I'm so glad that you all were able to enjoy it, flirtatious knave and all ;}
You must do the thing you think you cannot do
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Annika
Farmgirl & Sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13990 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13990 Posts |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4572 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4572 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2013 : 4:53:08 PM
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I have been to a Renn. fest, in MN a few times. It was fun to people watch and the wares were really fantastic.
Your pictures were great.
thanks
Michele |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2013 : 5:00:08 PM
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Oh, Annika! LUCKY YOU!!! We're big history buffs, too... I love the Medieval/Renaissance period as well, even despite the turbulences of the period. Did you watch the Tudors? Oh my... I really enjoyed the beauty of the surroundings, but boy oh boy am I glad I didn't grow up there! Oh, and, ahem, the knave was an older guy - but still pretty cute! He made my day - but SHHHHH don't tell the hubs! ;) LOL!
CJ! I hope you can go do the RenFest sometime, too! It's just a lot of fun. Ours is relatively small, but some of them are so big and elaborate that you could spend more than one day and not see it all! SUCH fun!!! They do have crafts there... I wonder if you could do some sort of Medieval apron or something? Just a thought... It might be fun! :)
Thanks, Michele - I really love watching all the people, too. Friends of ours back home are REALLY into it - they have full costumes, and props, too. I would LOVE to go with THEM sometime. My hubby and son are too "cool" to dress up... Big ol' fuddy duddies... At least they go with me - they'll do just about anything for those turkey legs! LOL!
I hope we get more pics from other farmgirls, too, don't you? SUCH fun! :)
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Oct 07 2013 5:01:09 PM |
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auntsmelly
True Blue Farmgirl
559 Posts
Jenny
Pitman
NJ
USA
559 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2013 : 5:59:50 PM
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My family loves the PA Ren. Faire. When my daughter was about 7 she dressed as a princess to walk around the fair.
At first, she didn't understand why all the peasants were bowing when she walked by, but by the end of the day, she
caught on and became a true Ren. princess. It was fun watching her handle the peasants begging for her lunch. She
handled it like a little lady.
They had the "pirate ship" ride with a very nice looking, muscular man pulling the rope. My daugter went on the ride
and stared at this man the whole time. My husband and I were cracking up at her interest. (he was a looker)
I would recommend that every family needs to go at least once.
:) So glad you had a wonderful time, Nini. Thanks for the beautiful pictures.
Jenny
Sister #4359
Be someone's blessing. |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2013 : 03:29:32 AM
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Oh! How SWEET, Jenny! I love that story! Your daughter must've been so adorable! How fun!!! We've never been to the big PA Renaissance Faire - it's up in the mountains, isn't it? I've heard it's a LOT bigger than our local festival. I would love to go sometime! :)
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
7572 Posts
Debbie L.
Oregon
USA
7572 Posts |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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AFinkberry
True Blue Farmgirl
310 Posts
Ally
Kalama
Washington
310 Posts |
Posted - Oct 09 2013 : 8:03:46 PM
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Annika, I wonder if you ever went to the San Luis Obispo Ren Faire in Cali? I grew up as a "Faire Brat!" I loved growing up in that community of actors and artisans and history buffs! Many wonderful memories!
Ally
"There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness." ~His Holiness the Dalai Lama |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2013 : 11:44:15 AM
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Debbie - depending upon the size of the event, it could take you an entire day to work your way through the RenFest. And they usually have so many different activities organized throughout the day (and throughout the entire period of the event, for that matter), that you could probably spend the night somewhere nearby. I definitely recommend it - it's just something really fun to experience! :)
Kristina - how cool that that school gets in on the fun! I would love to see a pic of your daughter's costume, if you have one to share! SO cool!!!
Ally! How fun that must've been for you! Do you have any pictures you can share? I'd love to see them!!!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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fille de ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
2344 Posts
Madeline
Meadow Lands
Pa.
USA
2344 Posts |
Posted - Oct 11 2013 : 04:14:59 AM
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Hi Nini :-) Thanks for sharing. I keep trying to get my DH to attend this event with me... BUT all I can say is, so close but yet so far. Maybe next year ;-)
KEEP A SMILE IN YOUR HEART... |
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GirlwithHook
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Alyce
Madison
WI
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Oct 15 2013 : 08:17:15 AM
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Ahh! I love Ren Faires! Ric and I are already planning next year's costumes.
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 05:20:21 AM
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Maddie! I hope you get to go sometime! Maybe we could all meet up and visit over turkey legs! ;)
Alyce! I'd love to see pics of your costumes! I just love the clothing... Love, love, love it!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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fille de ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
2344 Posts
Madeline
Meadow Lands
Pa.
USA
2344 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 11:09:07 AM
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Sounds GREAT :-) I asked my friend if she would like to go next year & I am pretty sure she will. I'll keep you posted ;-) We just went to the Christmas In The Woods, in Columbiana Ohio on Saturday & had a wonderful time. Have you ever been there ?
KEEP A SMILE IN YOUR HEART... |
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Killarney
True Blue Farmgirl
6394 Posts
Connie
Arlington
TN
USA
6394 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 11:44:21 AM
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NINI, I love all the pictures! I love the clothes from that time period!
Connie
Imagne....#3392 |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 1:48:07 PM
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No, Maddie! I've never been!!! Is it still going on, or have I missed it? I remember years ago a dear friend told me about it - we always meant to go, but you know how life goes! I would love to see it sometime - I heard it's wonderful!!!
Connie - wouldn't it be so neat if the dresses would become the fashion again? I'm not sure I'd like the corset very much, but I'm willing to give it a whirl! ;)
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Cozynana
True Blue Farmgirl
1123 Posts
Kem
1123 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2013 : 1:54:34 PM
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| I have been to one in CO and AZ, loved both of them. I would love to have a visit with others here over a turkey leg, yummmmm! |
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GirlwithHook
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Alyce
Madison
WI
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Oct 17 2013 : 08:27:15 AM
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As soon as I can get the man to decide on one for me to make, I'll gladly post pics! He is being fussy. :)
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
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fille de ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
2344 Posts
Madeline
Meadow Lands
Pa.
USA
2344 Posts |
Posted - Oct 17 2013 : 10:30:41 AM
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Hi Nini :-) This weekend is the last until next year, they're open 10am to 5pm Saturday & Sunday.
KEEP A SMILE IN YOUR HEART... |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Oct 17 2013 : 10:46:13 AM
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Thanks, Maddie! I hadn't thought about Shakers Woods in years, and when you brought it up, I got so excited! I looked up the information online, and have been dropping little "I'd really like to go this weekend's" to my hubby and son since yesterday - LOL! Boy are eyes rolling in this household! LOL! I figure they'll live - I have to do ALL their stuff with them... One little day's getaway on my account won't kill them! LOL! The only thing is that they potentially have to work this weekend, so if that is the case, we will miss it again this year. But we'll see! We'll see! :)
Alyce - I think it's wonderful that he'll dress up at all! My guys act like hot poker to the eyes would be preferable! LOL! What fun that he'll cut loose and wholeheartedly join in the spirit of things! :)
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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pnickols
True Blue Farmgirl
808 Posts
Patricia
Parma
Ohio
808 Posts |
Posted - Oct 17 2013 : 4:10:58 PM
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| this past summer we went to the Great Lakes medieval Faire for the first time,mostly for our daughter but we all ended up having the greatest time. fun entertainment, food, crafts and costumes even a play at he end of the day. great fun |
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GirlwithHook
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Alyce
Madison
WI
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2013 : 08:41:50 AM
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Nini, he says it's no fun to go without proper attire! I have to agree! :) Then again, this is the man who insisted upon a Victorian tuxedo for our wedding....
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2013 : 08:49:55 AM
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I'm so glad you went, Patricia! Even though the guys hem and haw, they always have a good time, too! The turkey legs, for them, are the clincher! Thank GOD for the turkey legs! LOL!
Alyce - He is DEFINITELY a keeper - a true "Renaissance Man!" ;) Lucky you! I love it!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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magnoliakathy
True Blue Farmgirl
453 Posts
Kathryn
Magnolia
Texas
USA
453 Posts |
Posted - Oct 19 2013 : 4:58:02 PM
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Love them, we have been going to the Texas Renaissance every year for the past 28 years and in costume all of that time but once. We love the crowds, performers, shops, and just the wonderful fun of it all.
When you free your mind your heart can fly. Farmgirl # 714, |
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pstill
True Blue Farmgirl
148 Posts
Pennie
Barnwell
South Carolina
USA
148 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2013 : 10:46:20 PM
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Im a member of the the SCA (Society for Creative
Anachronism), I am in the Kingdom of Atlantia.... Before I moved to South Carolina... I was in the Kingdom of the Middle :)
It's an awesome bunch of people to be with!! I love it :)
The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. ~Mark Twain
Pennie :)
Farmgirl #5381 |
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Across the Fence: Do You Like The Renaissance Festival? |
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Do You Like The Renaissance Festival?
