One of the joys of having a period between Writ and Vigil for the peerage ceremony like the Pelican is the contemplation of what got me to this point.

The first meeting I went to: I asked, Do you have a website? No, they said. Do we need one? I'll do one, I said. You'll see. Do you have a newsletter? No, they said. Do we need one? I'll do one, I said. You'll see. Do you have regular meetings where we can talk about A&S? Umm, you can have them here.

I hit the ground running. I breathed in, enjoyment.

My first Court and my first King, with Yngvar flirting with me and my bosom, and getting my AoA. My confusion if that actually was an AoA or not. The scroll said "bestow her arms" and then I was called out on a mailing list if I actually got an award or not... so I felt odd calling myself Lady. Still do.

Thinking of the first event for which I was autocrat- in charge. Any problems were my fault by default. The fact it was Crown Tourney didn't help- nor the fact we did it with 4 people plus the kitchen.

Thinking of the next Crown I autocratted and falling down the stairs- my hips still pop out of joint now and then.

Thinking of Jazz in the Queen's Guard and Briant watching Kenya while we were gone. Missing Briant after her move. Missing Kenya after her death this year.

And oh the friends I have made! I can't name them all. It is simply lovely that Diedre the Hidden made my cloak for me, with THL Maria helping with the fabric costs for it, and Mariana is making my banner and Eoghan my banner pole, and Malcolum will Herald me in, and Keran helped me with the dress- the weight of all these friendships will weigh heavy on my shoulders when that cloak finally goes on my shoulders. I would not and could not be who I am and where I am without them- and I will be wrapped in their love for me. It just means so much.  ¶ 11:29 AM