When I was a freshman at UC Santa Barbara, I often saw these groups of men out on the lawns of the campus dressed in "medieval armor" beating the crap out of each other. And since I was a recovering role-playing gamer from my days in high school - the medieval & historical sight of these warriors drew me in like bees to honey.
While I never officially joined this group of the SCA - I was often invited to their pageants, revels and tournaments. I just loved those days I'd spend with them - just for the comradarie and friendships.
As my time in college continued, I began to date this young woman from the area and she brought me to my first Renaissance Faire in Agoura. And it was a blast - I loved all the costumes & games... the shows and the overall free spirits of the people there. So, while that particular relationship ended in an absolute flaming wreck which has left long standing emotional scars on my soul - I guess I do have to thank this psycho-bitch-from-hell for bringing the Renaissance Faire into my life.
I continued to attend various SCA and Renaissance events whenever I could all through the rest of my college years.
Finally, it was time to leave school and start working and living "Real Life" in corporate america. And I thought the Renaissance Faires and SCA events were long behind me.
Then I ended up at a real estate office in Westchester (near Playa del Rey) and a new co-worker came to our office. This person was David Browne - a long time participant in the Renaissance Faire... he told me of an event he was going to attend called "Riley's Farm" and asked me if I wanted to go with him. I laughed a bit and told him, "No - no... in all my years playing with the SCA & stuff - I never really had the urge to put on armor and get my head caved in by another man with a sword!"
He tried to assure me that nothing like that was going to happen. "It's completely safe", he said.
Well... Monday morning after Riley's Farm rolled around and I was sitting at my desk with my back to the rest of the office. Davey came over and I heard him say, "Hey dude" ... when I turned around the first thing I noticed was the huge gash across his brow and stupid grin on his face.
I promptly fell out of my chair laughing at him!
I knew then - we would be good friends!
As the months went by, I was introduced to many of Davey's Faire Friends... and by the spring, I was hooked and wanted to join them in their madness.
So, Davey called up Mike Foster and told him there might be a new Pikeman for him. And I showed up at the registration site - waited in line with all the other apprentices - not really knowing anybody and not sure exactly what I wanted to do at the Faire. Davey wasn't going to be there 'til later that day 'cuz he was a Tradesman or Master... and he wasn't going to waste the whole day at registration!
Well, there I was - standing in line... still unsure as to what I was going to sign up for. Well, who should be standing in front of me when the paperwork started being handed out but Karl and Dawn - and he was determined to join the military!
I was still unsure, despite the talk I had with Karl as to what group to join. Then Suzzette, Phil, Jane, and AJ got into line behind me... so there I was squeezed in the middle of this rather enthusiastic group of military folk. And we started planning our workshops together...
I hadn't yet decided for sure what group I wanted to join... but the military was quickly gaining a lead in my choices just because I was getting to know so many of them.
By the end of the 3rd weekend of workshops, I had pretty much decided I would indeed join my friends in the English Company of Foote. I had briefly considered the Queen's Guard - but all my friends quickly talked me out of THAT potential mistake.
So, it was to be Stoddards Company for me... a simple pikeman, holding his place in the line and having fun with all the people in the group. And that is what has really kept me here - not the fact that we're one of the most recognized groups at Faire... not the fact that we carry the largest, deadliest weapons... can have some of the coolest gear... and some of the richest costumes - it's been the people.
I was quickly accepted by the group and really felt like a member of a family from the moment I joined. There were the usual spats and the occassional weird relative (like one has in EVERY family) but through it all - I was accepted and I felt like I would always have a place to call home.
While I'm not 100% certain of my future role in the group - I do feel like I'm a part of something good. And I love giving back to this wonderful group in whatever small way I can because it has given so much to me.