Ouf.

[ysobelle]

Well, I inadvertently offended the hell out of i_am_entropy, and for that, I sincerely apologise. I absolutely didn't mean what I think you thought I mean, hon. Not in the least-- you had not a thing to do with my anger.

It was an incredibly difficult, and at times frustrating, weekend. Ryan and I worked all evening Friday, and planned to simply work late, then arrive late at faire Saturday morning. Saturday morning came, and we began about 10am. Quickly, unfortunately, it became obvious that though I really wanted to be at faire, there wasn't much point to going without the stock I was working on. That, of course, didn't seem to go over well with a lot of folks. I was most upset about missing an incredibly rare faire day with foxglove_8778. But what I realised in the end was that my first responsibility, unfortunately, had to be my business. I got some sniping from site-- thanks, guys-- which made the afternoon even more fabulous. But in the end, I finished six corsets. Pay attention: that becomes important later.

Early Sunday morning, we got up and hit the road for pikachette's memorial. I spent most of the ride trying desperately to figure out what the hell I was going to say when I got there. I came up with some good ones, I swear. But when the time came, and I stood there in front of about 30 or so people in front of the most beautiful garden (caitriona27's not-so-little one did an amazing job on the weeding, and Phee donated her wedding arbor. pngwn did us all proud.), my brain went blank. I tried my best, and I think I said what I needed to, but...oh, my. Of course, stressing about what to say kept me from losing it, which was one unexpected benefit. optimistprime spoke beautifully, as did caitriona27. The latter's husband referred to Leah as "a guy's Wench," which made us all laugh. It was something I never really thought about before. Leah was such a well-rounded woman-- and I don't mean just how she filled out her lush garb closet. I feel like I never really appreciated just how many vibrant and vital facets there were to her. I hate that.

I also hate that I didn't actually introduce Brian or Daniel. I looked at them to see if they wanted to speak, and they didn't indicate that they did, but I should have asked. But I'm very glad that they both did. I'm profoundly glad they came to spend the morning with us. I hope my trying to be...I don't know, brief? Gracious? Sensitive? didn't just annoy them. Sigh. Hell, what do I know? I've never tried to emcee a memorial for a friend before.

optimistprime and her friend-- whose name I did not catch, alas!-- brought amazing fish cupcakes. Frine and John brought iced tea and lemonade. I brought bagels and cream cheese and coffee. The Tartan Terrors brought a weird and gorgeous version of "Wild Mountain Thyme" that was my undoing. I was fine until then. And then I found myself sobbing in anger and grief on Cupcake's shoulder. I almost wish they'd brought doughnuts.

The rest of the day was far, far better. Not once, but twice, a brand-new corset walked off with the first person to try it on. I have GOT to start photographing these things as soon as they're finished. Except that technically, I finished the Green Tartan, opening the busk, for the woman who bought it. The Pirate Map wound up on a mannequin for maybe half an hour before it sold. I specifically told the buyer it was the first-ever, not that it was the only one, because I realised it was a silly thing to say when I know I'll make more. I LOVED that corset. I'll get photos from James, as I got him to snap a few. He also took some shots of Chloe in her rose three-lace. I think I'm also getting some shots from Sleepy, so I'm happy.

miscelena and bink were there to share in the frivolity. I'd hoped to get to walk about with them, but that was an empty dream. Ben has grown even taller, now, and, like Daniel, he has facial hair. I would almost say a beard, but, well, he's trying. miscelena will-- I swear-- get together soon to work on my photo book. I have so much more to put into it now.

All in all, I busted my-- and Ryan's!-- ass to get six corsets done this weekend, and only have two of them left. caitriona27 got the first Black Rose (though I heard there was something going on in the booth while I wasn't there-- what happened, hon?) and foxglove_8778 got a gorgeous and texture-friendly purple velvet. I have a purple and gold tartan, and a red tartan outfit. I have some more on deck, but what a crazy weekend.

What a strange, crazy weekend.

Comments

[hennabee.livejournal.com]

You did fine, honey. We chuckled, you made it seem personal but told it so we could appreciate what it meant to you, and most importantly we all shared.

And yeah...it was a hell of a day.

poke

[sterling2905.livejournal.com]

Guess what I did.... finally =)

[i-am-entropy.livejournal.com]

Bygones, dear. I voiced my thoughts and let you know how I felt. (And now you know about my secret pet peeve.) :)

I'm not one to hold a grudge over something that is a misunderstanding, especially one that has been aired.

So start over....you'll have to do much worse to get rid of me. :)

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

Whew! Oh, thank heavens. I actually had to read your reply a few times before I realised what I think you thought I'd meant, and then I was horrified. I mean, I'm snarky, but not THAT snarky!

Anyway, you never did tell me: how does your corset fit?