Cole and Ilia Massie

A few weeks ago we were very privileged to have the amazing Renaissance historian Holly Hall come to our homeschool group’s park day…in full costume!  She was fascinating to listen to and Cole was enraptured…he spent an extra hour peppering her with questions and she knew every detail! 

Well, she was delighted to have such an eager student, so she invited us to be her special guests at the Renaissance Faire this Sunday!  (At the faire, Holly plays a different character than the one she was at the park…much fancier!)  As Mistress Mary Carter, she “recruited” Cole into the Children’s Militia and appointed him ensign…with the Extremely Important Job of flying the flag for the troops’ charge!

Cole got another lesson in Renaissance military history and trained valiantly with his swordsmen group. Finally, banner waving and sword drawn, he (with a little help from Eddie) led the charge at the pre-joust pageant!  Her Majesty was well pleased!

Afterward, Holly and her character husband (who is also her real husband, Mark) walked us back through the faire, pointing out loads of interesting things and telling us all about both Renaissance and Faire history (did you know that in 1570 dictionaries had not been created yet?  Me, either.)

Then Cole tried his hand at fencing, the crossbow and archery. 

When I wrote to Holly to thank her and Mark profusely for the splendid day and ask permission to use their photographs, she replied with this:

We did ourselves revel in your good company and delighted in all that passed that day with you at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire.  We are delighted that you all were educated as well as entertained.  That is how it is supposed to be enjoyed and is why we have taken part all these many merry years.

You are most welcome to post what dost please you on your wondrous website.   It would be an honor to be included in such an auspicious display.

My goodly husband and I hope that we shall be able to reunite at some soon future date.  Until then, we wish you happiness and carefree times.

Your humble servants,
Master Jacob Carter and his Lady Wife, Mistress Mary Carter

I ask ye, are they not delightful??   Cheers, Mistress and Master Carter!!!

Be sure to check out the photos here!

What a week-end!!!!!

I AM AN ORANGE BELT!!!  It took me a year and a half, but I FINALLY got it!!  I had to do the Ni Ju No Kata - it’s 20 steps!  Since I can’t do the spinning kick parts, I did all the arm movements.  Then I  had go through it a second time and recite it all out loud…and I DID IT!!  Shibucho tested me a lot on vocabulary, too.  I put my old yellow/white belt on my rack in my room and I can’t wait to wear my new belt to class!

On Saturday, me, my mom & dad and Eddie participated in Big Sunday.  It’s a huge, nationwide organization that puts together volunteers to do all kinds of things to help kids’ charities.  We chose to do a lemonade stand at Shane’s Inspiration…and all the proceeds go them!  It was a cold, windy day so we didn’t do as well as I’d hoped, but we did empty seven whole 68 ounce bottles!

And finally, I SURFED!!!  Jonathan took me to an event sponsored by Life Rolls On.  Dudes, I am STOKED!!   I was on the blue team with Jonathan and Cory.  I was REEEEEALLY scared, but Corey started me out on the sand and moved me farther and farther out until I was (as my mom said) a dot on the horizon.   And I SHREDDED!  I rode two REALLY HUGE sets!  It was so fun to ride them in!  I can’t wait to do it again!  And I got to meet Jesse Billauer,  who was in the movie Step Into Liquid.  He was AWESOME!  He and some other really cool people started Life Rolls On so that people who have spinal cord injuries can go back to doing the sports they love.  Check ‘em out!

Ilia had a blast, too…he mostly ran around in huge circles because he was SOOOOO excited! 

Follow the links to see pix!

We hope to be posting video soon.

Hang loose!!

Loads ‘o love,

Cole and Ilia