The Order of the Azure Rose

    When I look back to the beginning days of the Order of the Azure Rose I cannot help but think of all the people to whom I am grateful. Without our hard-working members and friends, this Guild would still just be my husband and I in our litle pavilion, doing only a couple of events per year,  on our own dime. When Scott and I shared our dreams and goals for the Guild, we had so much support and manpower to begin reaching them; it was truly a team effort. The Order came a long way in a very short time, and we all can take pride in that.

     Now that we have accomplished some of our short-term goals, such as getting paid to demonstate skills and perform at Faires, it appears that the "hard work" is done; members once enthusiastic have drifted out of contact or moved on for varying reasons, leaving a very few to do the continuing work of actually setting up and tearing down at events, attending meetings or workshops and so on. It is understandable that most folks do the Faire thing just for fun, and are a little surprised by the amount of work it takes to actually set up a period encampment, keep a Guild running, deal with event or weather emergencies, attract new members and deal with the vagaries of mundane obligations. Not to mention helping a bigger organization put on an entire event, of which our Guild is only one small part.

    We cannot fear critism, sideways stares, or let what others think about our hobby intimidate us into hesitation when given a chance to promote it to the mundane community. It doesen't help that we live in a commitment-phobic society that frowns on non-conforming pastimes. 

     I will continue on, as the Order has a continuing commitment to participate actively in at least six historically-themed events this year, as well as working to help build up a new nonprofit organization dedicated to sponsoring three of these events. I will continue on, because I told event coordinators that the Order would be there, and I want to keep my word. I don't find the time to do this, I make the time. I will continue on, because our Guild is attracting interest from potential members. I will continue on, even if I am the only one there.

     It's not a cheap or erstwhile hobby; it's a crazy life, and I will live it on my terms. Huzzah!