MDRF is Coming!

Exactly two weeks from today I will be moving to a new yard for the next three months. That's right, it's time once again for the Maryland Renaissance Festival!

I'm so glad to have the privilege of once again caming on-site. Last year was hard traveling back and forth between Odenton to Crownsville. Stacy was nice enough to lend me her vehicle to make the drives but leaving her without a vehicle is a scary idea now that there are two wee ones in the house. This year I won't have to worry so much about it and I'll hopefully be able to score some work during the week which will help with wintering costs.

Looking forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones!

Bagpipes, Punk and Bellydances

This past weekend was a whirlwind of activity.

Friday night The Rogues played a gig in Virginia at John Strongbows Tavern. This was out second gig in this venue and it is always a terrific time. We were joined by a fabulous fiddle player which has been sorely missed on our stage as well as a lovely bellydancer (who is also a great friend and our current landlord) Kashira Ahlam.

Myself and Kashira Ahlam

The Rogues - Kyle, Ewan, Eddie and Randy Photo by Wayne David

Saturday brought more bagpipes but in a very different way. I headed out to Baltimore's Power Plant Live to see Dropkick Murphys. You just can't beat a Murphys show for $11. I ended up on stage (as always) during Kiss Me I'm Shitfaced and it was one of the better shows of their I've attended. I saw them this past March at another venue where tickets were $50 and the show wasn't nearly as good.

Myself, Jenny B and Stacy

My Tweet sends me to the BIG SCREEN on stage!

It was a packed show! Photo by Jenny B

Us on the far left on stage during Kiss Me I'm Shitfaced. Photo by Stacy

My view from behind Tim Brennan on stage

My take home swag from being on stage! Darosa an Brennan picks!

This was one of the best nights out in a long time. 4 people commented that I look like Maggie Greene (Lauren Cohan) from The Walking Dead. I never thought about i but I'm glad those people brought it up since I will be attending the Dover Comic Con the first weekend in August - now I have a cosplay costume to work on.

Sunday brought about the Amustela Studios Dedication Hafla (hafla is an Arabic word meaning a party or social gathering) where Kashira Ahlam as well as other dancers performed in the theme of dedication. It was a lovely time full of amazing dances. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful and talented friends and artists.

All in all it was a busy, fulfilling, and ache causing weekend. I am still physically sore from the Dropkick Murphys show but I'll get over it. 

Gipsy Dharma Boots

Black Over The Knee High Leather Boots

I have been coveting a pair of Gipsy Dharma boots for a while now. Working in the renaissance circuit I just know they would get a lot of attention because there is nothing like these being worn currently. Hell, I could probably be a US sales person for them because we are in dire need of new styled boots. Most folks either go with the heavy button down boots or those "Celtic" lace up ones.

While I'd love to just drop the money on a pair, being on a renaissance pay budget just simply doesn't allow for it. Thankfully the company does quite a few giveaways but I have never been lucky enough to win. Maybe one day, or maybe I'd get lucky enough to get a review copy because these would look fabulous under my new Rogues tartan arisaid this season.