“Oh, how this spring of love resembleth, The uncertain glory of an April day, Which now shows all beauty of the Sun, And by and by a cloud takes all away” — William Shakespeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona
Greetings, Midrealm! Can you believe it’s April already? Well, March 2 as of this writing and March 15 as of publishing, but I ramble enough.
First, I need to start out with a correction. In the March Pale I incorrectly thanked Audette for her service as Constellation MOAS. While Audette is amazing, she was my predecessor, not Kirasawa’s. Apologies to Odette d’Ambrose for the error.
Next I’d like to thank Her Grace AnneMarie de Garmeaulx for her service as Cynnabar MOAS. I especially enjoyed her bycocket hat project, and hope she finds time to continue the project in the future.
Did you get to Val Day? Did you get a chance to drop by the A&S Hall to see the stunning projects presented by the Queen’s Prize Tournament entries? I can’t begin to imagine how Her Majesty could choose from so many entries. Thanks to Serena and her team for pulling this together. It was truly a team project. And of course, thanks to Her Majesty Jalida for choosing to host the Prize.
Just a couple of days ago we held our first conversation with the Kingdom A&S Faire team. Roana and her team are hard at work updating evaluation standards, training scorers, and making sure that this newbie MOAS knows what his job is. There’s an incredible amount of work still to do! If you think you might want to enter our A&S Faire, please talk to us!
On that note, I always recommend you get a coach, even if you have some Faire experience. A coach can help make sure you’re meeting the evaluation standards for your chosen category, point out ways to tighten your presentation or your work, and just generally build up your confidence before the event. Faire can feel like a pretty big deal. But with a good support team it doesn’t have to be. At the end of the day, we’re all on your side.
Pennsic is coming. What classes are you planning on teaching? Who can teach at Pennsic? Literally anyone. I’ve taken amazing classes from everyone, from “Hey You over there…” to “Duke Sir Master Master Master…”. If you know something I don’t, I want to take
your class.
And after Pennsic? As of this writing Her Highness announced that she’d be hosting the Tournament of the Arts. Check the various social media outlets for details. Finally, we need you. Does your local group have an MOAS? If not, or if the incumbent has been in office since the First Party, consider serving. Either I or your Regional MOAS can tell you the details, but the most important part of the job is to be the biggest fan of Arts and Sciences in your local group.
Every event, every photo or website posted, every day I’m reminded just how much I love our Midrealm A&S community. I sit here amazed, even at the memory.
In service,
Tommaso Franceschi, OL
Minister of Arts & Sciences of the Middle Kingdom