tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post1176876514066065913..comments2024-03-28T15:36:02.733-04:00Comments on EPBOT: Bay Area Ren Fest, 2014Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-77614691346960592362014-04-08T01:02:57.400-04:002014-04-08T01:02:57.400-04:00The fairy you pictured is Bauble the Blue Bubble F...The fairy you pictured is Bauble the Blue Bubble Fairy. She's a wonderful and incredibly talented performer, and I was privileged enough to work as a first-year fairy under her this year. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-40925179520382682252014-03-18T10:38:40.297-04:002014-03-18T10:38:40.297-04:00Oh my goodness, look at how calm those horses are ...Oh my goodness, look at how calm those horses are considering the activity that they are acting in! Also Marty McFly I think I can do that for my son's halloween costume this year! I just wonder if I will be getting laced jordans in time. Cara https://www.blogger.com/profile/12314853029182001530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-42068052815187348352014-03-14T19:25:50.847-04:002014-03-14T19:25:50.847-04:00One of my favorite attendees at the local Ren Fair...One of my favorite attendees at the local Ren Faire was someone dressed as Ash from Army of Darkness (complete with chainsaw and boomstick). My friend also has someone who perpetually shows up with a TARDIS (yep, full size, has to be assembled on site) and there's always someone in various Doctor incarnation costumes.Melaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07482020165628978115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-82416656449419241002014-03-12T14:34:53.958-04:002014-03-12T14:34:53.958-04:00I love the elephant and her handler! You should tr...I love the elephant and her handler! You should try cropping it in some, taking out most of the platform and just below the edge of her skirt. That way the focus is even more on them.Carriehttp://souffleoswinn.tumblr.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-77191493522282944152014-03-12T13:46:40.071-04:002014-03-12T13:46:40.071-04:00Maybe it varies by ren faire, but I've always ...Maybe it varies by ren faire, but I've always found that being dressed up keeps you from getting picked out by the performers. Conversely though, you are more likely to be approached by patrons both ungarbed (for a picture/mistake you for staff) and garbed (usually compliment/ask about a piece your wearing). Daniellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05735494239472563670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-22972525606336022982014-03-11T19:19:21.768-04:002014-03-11T19:19:21.768-04:00Just 143 more days until the PA Ren Faire opens! I...Just 143 more days until the PA Ren Faire opens! I love my faire and even bought a season pass this year. It runs first weekend in August until the last in October (: Those cool fall days are the best time to go!Atalayanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-47214301644452027902014-03-11T18:19:29.928-04:002014-03-11T18:19:29.928-04:00Kate, I've noticed similar even in just going ...Kate, I've noticed similar even in just going to concerts and comedy shows. Good performers pick up your body language of whether or not you want to participate.Lissyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06329171694395141070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-51113328866114360262014-03-11T12:37:56.911-04:002014-03-11T12:37:56.911-04:00Is your friend Christie the same one you've ph...Is your friend Christie the same one you've photographed cosplaying as a mermaid and as Evil Queen at DragonCons? (No I am NOT a cyberstalker, I just love impressive cosplay photos and I happen to be good at remembering names. :-) If so, can't wait to see the pix! (Even if not, still looking forward to seeing the pix.)<br /><br />KimstuAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-4237998354344847732014-03-11T11:29:27.628-04:002014-03-11T11:29:27.628-04:00I love Ren Fairs! My first experience was at the M...I love Ren Fairs! My first experience was at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, which is one of the biggest in the country, when I was 11 and I loved it. I also used to do fire safety for my college's fire spinning troupe. Yes, I went to a college with a fire spinning troupe. My college also had a student-run circus every year. Lots of those folks either do work or have worked at Ren Fairs. They'd probably be a safe show to watch because they almost never ask for audience participation because it would just be too dangerous. They just leave it to the professionals and let everyone else watch. Clairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11926002596020130464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-16807186570307135962014-03-10T23:59:35.219-04:002014-03-10T23:59:35.219-04:00No idea on the helmets, since we could only see th...No idea on the helmets, since we could only see the outside of them, but since this is regular attraction I have to assume safety is a top priority. Plus, of course, they're all wearing full suits of armor... ;)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-10919802042467405792014-03-10T20:02:31.566-04:002014-03-10T20:02:31.566-04:00I really wish you'd come down to FlaRF one yea...I really wish you'd come down to FlaRF one year. We have a steampunk/time traveler's themed weekend every year. I've worked there for 22 years now.Kelli Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17736405755244243003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-24369849859799651032014-03-10T18:46:53.557-04:002014-03-10T18:46:53.557-04:00I know it's different for everyone, but ren fa...I know it's different for everyone, but ren faires actually helped me cope with my social anxiety. At my worst point, I couldn't even go out to dinner with friends, because I was afraid I'd feel sick and if I felt sick my friends would notice and they would make a fuss over me which would make me feel worse. So of course, everytime I'd go out I would instantly feel ill because I already had this huge image of what would happen built up in my head. <br /><br />The first year I really began to participate in faire I was anxious and sick every morning on the ride in, but eventually I began to feel safe with the people and the space. Attending and working various faires actually helped me to feel more confident, even in the "real world", because it introduced me to people who accepted me and let me be if I needed it without making a scene. I was able to interact on my own terms until I felt comfortable and once I felt comfortable I was able to learn how to carry on a conversation. I was also shocked to discover that a great deal of ren faire participants have anxiety issues, even some of the performers! <br /><br />Now I am living in another country that doesn't have ren faires and I am struggling a bit with conversation and being invited to dinner and parties by well-intentioned people, but after my past experiences at faire I no longer get sick at the prospect of social interaction and I know I can handle it.<br /><br />Thanks for posting all the lovely pictures! I can't wait to see your surprise post! llamagirlhttp://cyanidecupcake.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-80740328612109276612014-03-10T17:01:48.740-04:002014-03-10T17:01:48.740-04:00Beautiful photos as always Jen! Love, love, love!...Beautiful photos as always Jen! Love, love, love! the elephant tickling his (her?) handler. The lighting is awesome on that shot! <br /><br />Meanwhile, in Seattle - I'll be at ECCC while you're at MegaCon! Squeeee! So cool!<br />Have fun; I'll watch for your posts afterward.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-2553980793117148962014-03-10T16:16:10.705-04:002014-03-10T16:16:10.705-04:00Wow, all excellent photos, as always, and I love s...Wow, all excellent photos, as always, and I love seeing the Ren Fest through your eyes, because I would never dare to go to one. Even though...squeeee...elephants! I love elephants! Of course, they shouldn't be in captivity and made to do ridiculous things like let people ride on their backs, but since these were probably born into captivity and know no other life, I hope at least that they are very well taken care of and loved. They certainly are magnificent.<br /><br />That's a cool idea the blue fairy had to wear gloves and blow bubbles through her fingers. Parking lot corset-lady: lovely. Marty McFly: awesome. Pregnant elephant-handler goddess: gorgeous (and I hope she gets to see your amazing photo of her). Lady Knight: fabulously sexy (and another beautiful photo).<br /><br />Can't wait for the Christie-surprise post! Did you make something that she's wearing? Eeeeee! The suspense and anticipation! Its killing me!!<br /><br />KWAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-75414045112425001522014-03-10T15:41:21.702-04:002014-03-10T15:41:21.702-04:00I suggested to Improv Everywhere a few years ago t...I suggested to Improv Everywhere a few years ago that they have Marty McFly run into Bill and Ted at the NY Ren Faire and have chaos ensue, but no one ever got back to me. The next time I go to a Ren Faire, I think I'll _Back to the Future_ Bound--subtly dress as a female Marty. (Does Bounding work that way? Can I co-opt the word for a different fandom?)Lady Acenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-9560008766481097932014-03-10T15:40:32.707-04:002014-03-10T15:40:32.707-04:00As a life-long equestrian (though currently withou...As a life-long equestrian (though currently without a horse -- boo grad school!), the idea of jousting makes me all giddy and happy inside. One important question, though, that I can't tell from the pictures -- are the riders wearing approved helmets? Some reenacting I've done disguises a helmet pretty well under whatever hat my character is to be wearing (often with a lovely ribbon or scarf covering the chin harness). <br /><br />I love the idea of jousting, but the idea of jousting without protective gear terrifies me. For anyone with kids going to these and wanting to be a knight themselves (or any of you wanting to give it a go), PLEASE reiterate the importance of safety. Falls are a part of the sport -- not just jousting, but any kind of riding, so be safe.<br /><br />That said, horses are the only reason I can keep my anxiety at bay as well as I can. Just be safe out there. Please.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-66164367473728709722014-03-10T15:37:23.945-04:002014-03-10T15:37:23.945-04:00A good performer should be able to read you, Jen. ...A good performer should be able to read you, Jen. They're looking for someone who wants to participate, who's into everything and, on some level, already participating, because they know who's going to be the right person for what they're trying to do, and somebody who does not want to be involved is not who they want. From my experience as a performer, keeping your camera out and ready is a big "I'm an observer, not a participant," clue, as is anyone who isn't making eye contact, anyone in the back two thirds of the audience, and anyone whose friends really want them up on stage. There are also smaller body language clues that you probably give away naturally. My husband is a non-participant, but I'm a performer, and I notice the difference between going places with and without him; if you've not been harassed by someone within about 6 minutes of being in a Ren Faire, you're probably safe. <br /><br />Only exception at a Ren Fest might be if you cosplay it. If you do, I would highly suggest a mask, because where costume is an invitation for participation, the mask is a barrier, "I want to play, but on my terms." You've probably learned this with Lady Vadore. Katenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-5012877447536378102014-03-10T15:15:34.897-04:002014-03-10T15:15:34.897-04:00I used to be a Rennie, partially as a way to get o...I used to be a Rennie, partially as a way to get over my anxiety. (It wasn't ME talking to people; it was Molly.) I got pretty good at reading body language and if someone seemed uncomfortable, I backed off. For the most part, people that get singled out are nominated by friends for embarrassment (and/or are regulars). Willing volunteers > unhappy victims every time.<br /><br />One recommendation I have is to use your camera as your personal prop. Performers will mug for it or feign confusion over what it is but it will keep them from touching you and targeting you for anything other than the strange thing you're holding. ;pBrendazzle*noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-37972887435433037552014-03-10T14:28:05.469-04:002014-03-10T14:28:05.469-04:00Ah, I see you've never been introduced to Furr...Ah, I see you've never been introduced to Furries! They're a staple at most conventions. Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-58268092245918794632014-03-10T14:25:26.749-04:002014-03-10T14:25:26.749-04:00I wish ours was in the Fall or Winter - it's u...I wish ours was in the Fall or Winter - it's usually over 90 degrees at this one every year, so it was a treat that Saturday was "only" 80! And the majority of costumes there really are more period-accurate; I just took pics of all the oddballs, so to speak. ;)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-18168852600821685472014-03-10T14:21:27.976-04:002014-03-10T14:21:27.976-04:00I think as an adult wearing something like that wo...I think as an adult wearing something like that would be seen as a joke, and get me the opposite reaction - not to mention I don't like wearing shirts with text on them, because they call attention to me! Ha! (I'm ok with geeky tees, obviously, but I stick to images; I don't like that awkwardness of having a stranger pause to read my shirt.)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-46541844528350047652014-03-10T13:05:00.740-04:002014-03-10T13:05:00.740-04:00What on earth is the third one supposed to be. Ho...What on earth is the third one supposed to be. How odd. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-65727693574677502872014-03-10T11:15:33.739-04:002014-03-10T11:15:33.739-04:00I absolutely LOVE the ren faire! I live in Ontari...I absolutely LOVE the ren faire! I live in Ontario so I hit the ones in Michigan, but man I could use a hit of ren friendliness right about now. I try to make it at least three weekends, but then life does sometime get in the way. I need to move somewhere warmer so I can go more times throughout the year... OR get more money and fly to more of them :)Anita Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11219470762561736077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-52094253234517530802014-03-10T11:05:42.235-04:002014-03-10T11:05:42.235-04:00rode past the Scarborough Renaissance Festival gro...rode past the Scarborough Renaissance Festival grounds here early last month (and yesterday) and they were already working on it for the festivities. I see they have added more weeks to it. When I moved here it was the weekends of May ... Now it is April and May. <br /><br />I like the Lady Knight. I've been reading the Mongoliad series and she'd fit right in with the Skjalddis (Shield-Maidens), I'm sure.JPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07904120914423802777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-13628712258406951852014-03-10T09:55:43.389-04:002014-03-10T09:55:43.389-04:00Since our RenFest is a fall event, it's very w...Since our RenFest is a fall event, it's very weird to me to see the live oaks in the background, which I associate with summer. Your fair looks like it has a lot of other-themed costuming; urs stays pretty strictly medieval/renaissance, which I have to say I prefer to the film-reference costumes. Alisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09081652747471904560noreply@blogger.com