Author: Solveig Bjarnardottir, Bard and Teacher

Same song, different day. Weather had moved this 2 weeks later because of rain. We had a smaller group this time. Maybe 15 and that’s ok. It was fun. It was intimate. Can’t wait for the weather to warm up and this stupid virus to go.

It’s been a few years since I hosted one of these… well, because of COVID-19. I was hoping at least a few people would show up, but I wasn’t optimistic. My husband and I cleaned up our backyard, put up tiki torches, had some folks bring finger foods and waited for the sun to go down.

Much to much surprise, we had 35 people show up. I am thankful we have a 180 ft driveway and a huge firepit and open back yard. We had folks new and old to performing. Folks I had known for years and folks I had never met before. We went till about 12 and closed up. I am please. We will do this again!

This was a weird year. I had responsibility, but not a ton. This was also my first event back in person. Masks everywhere. All I wanted to do was hug my friends, sing and teach. I got to do some of that.

I started off by doing my first real A and S display. I had sort of done them in the past, but none with my documentation. I presented my rounds book and also my pewter tokens.

I helped Amalie review the A and S class tents but the rest of time and taught a couple classes. I did my rounds class outside and I taught my class on how medieval music was written.

That night was Bardic. I did not compete. I convinced a whole lot of other folks to who never would have, but I didn’t. It was so nice to see my friends being brave and doing a thing that’s hard for them.

Another year, more challenges to come. Literally and metaphorically. This years challenge assembly and schola was very similar to the year prior since that too had an online format. We had about 12 folks for each and every class and many repeat offenders (Which is always nice). We had representation from 5 kingdoms, which, is super neat since in non-covid days, we may have had 1, maybe 2.

There is not much to report otherwise. It was a smooth day with the help of my Co-Autocrat, Drustan.

What a cool concept! It was a really neat way to get performers involved in a fun, cross kingdom competitive way. This was the brainchild of a few Bards, who, were doing what they do best and causing mischief. It was also another great way to keep us motivated and involved in no face to face time.

I don’t have too much to report on this, as it was mostly a solo effort, which felt rushed as well, but I did want to chat about my ability to collaborate with folks I never thought I’d get to collab with. Canada, Pennsylvania and another New Hampshire-ite. I also got to play recorder and not serve as primary vocals. Although it’s my best instrument, I really wanted to give someone else the spotlight. We did a thing. Was it perfect? No. Did I have a blast? Absolutely.