I need to start this by stating, I realy love the site that was used for the event. Camp Impeesa is a Scout Camp outside of Paris, Ontario. It's a beautiful site, with many paths to walk and wander. This is the site where Fruits of Our Labours (FOOL) takes place every year. We try to get a cabin in the main lodge because I experience some pretty nasty anxiety associated wtih my allergy. (I am working on it, I promise). The biggest reason I love the site is because Scout's Canada has very, very strict rules on cannabis. Very strict. So I feel safe at the site and my anxiety going to events is getting better. It would have been nice if people had actually followed the rules and not smoked up, but I had four exposures over the course of the week. (I am thanking the gods that I didn't go to the bog party. It was bad.) It is unfortunate that several people thought I was over reacting about my allergy. I am fast coming to the conculsion that the day I get hauled away in an ambulance from anaphylaxis will be the day people actually take my allergy seriously.
It was the longest camping event my spouse and I have ever attended, and it was very relaxing. I got a ton of fleece processed and he got to stab a lot of people. There were several classes that were designed as workshops, including my own eight days to knit a sock. There was a lot of class overlap, so one of the people taking it was unable to attend every day and finish the sock. If even one person wants to learn, I will happily teach. For a while there, I didn't think I would get to teach the class.
I did spend a fair bit of time at gate. And by a fair bit of time, I mean I stayed at gate pretty much the entire week and moved my class up there. I made a fabulous new friend in the process and shenanigans are planned. I blame her for my new video game that I really don't have time for.
Leading up to the event was some of the most challenging few weeks, as we had a lot going on. The Baronial Polling was taking place and my spouse and I were candidates. We didn't get the positions, which would have been fine, except I have had a steady stream of people telling me what is wrong with me as a person and I why we didn't get it. Yes, you read that right: People have had no issue telling me that I am a flawed human being to my face and making me feel like absolute shit about it. I understand that these individuals think they are helping, but I would like that behaviour to stop. I now understand why people go for those positions once and then never again.
I completed a disgusting amount of sewing during the five weeks leading up to the event, since Sebastian was put on vigil for Master of Defense and he requested a very specific piece of garb. He asked for a cassock. Which meant 171 buttons and 171 hand sewn button holes. I will probably do an entire post about that piece at some point when I have the energy. I am already working on other projects to keep my mind off of "helpful advice". He did look glorious. I was particularly amused when I realized that His Majesty and Sebastian were wearing the exact same material in different colours. It made his elevation that much more for him. And he went into it wanting to be very, very extra. He made a hat, and this is a man that doesn't sew. He did a phenomenal job. Our friend made him his collar and I am so proud at the blood, sweat, and tears she put into the project. It looks exactly how I envisioned it and he was so moved by the symbolism. The collar has the populace badges of every kingdom he has lived and played in on it. Add in the 60" Montante he ordered, the 8lbs of wool for his cassock, the 171 buttons, and the hat, he looked about as extra as he could.
The highlight of the event for Sebastian is the one moment that still hasn't quite sunk in for me yet. And that is receiving my Crucible. This is a grant level award and I honestly thought it was a couple of years away. The problem with being recognized for A&S and service is because every time I move to a new Kingdom, I have to start from the beginning. It was a continual surprise when people find out that my recognitions are actually minor and few. And I will be honest, it was getting disheartening. Especially when people think it's okay to publicly disparage my works, which happens more of than you realize.
I love this hobby. I love this game. I also know that there are some very neurodivergent people in this group that say and do things that they think will help you, but in fact do the opposite. I also know that I am very blunt. I work in a male dominated field and was raised in a male dominated environment within the hockey industry. In the last few years, my tendency to sugar coat facts to salve peoples emotions has waned. Being direct has worked best for me professionally and despite all the well intentioned people telling me to change my personality, I don't think that is going to happen any time soon.