What century do you live in?

                Most of us have heard this question, usually when we make a comment or statement that seems out of date. Wisdom-Journeys just returned from a weekend at the Carolina Renaissance Festival near Charlotte, North Carolina. Our group spent two days in the 16^th century, or at least a 21^st century depiction of this time gone by. The organizers did an excellent job of helping the attendees suspend reality.

We all dressed in period garb. This is not required, but it helped us get in the mood and mindset, besides its fun. Many people in attendance put a great deal of thought and effort into their costumes, not to mention money. Some outfits were exquisitely beautiful; some had great attention paid to detail and authenticity. Then there were some outfits that were just outrageous, like the bearded man dressed as a woman, false cleavage and all and his female companion dressed as a pirate.  There were any number of princesses, fairies, knights and wizards. Then there were the ‘Dragon People”. These costumes were so detailed, so meticulously created, so amazing. There is a TV show called “Face Off”, where people create original costumes based on specific themes. The contestants are aspiring movie special effects designers.  The creators of the “Dragon People” would have won hands down in any of these contests.

                Bruce and I have new outfits this year. We are Lord and Lady Douglass of Brulin Manor. We will add accoutrement's and refinements to our costumes and persona's in the coming years. Some in our group dressed as peasants and farmers and one member dressed as an alchemist/wizard. The wizardry was evident when she used her everyday clothing to create an outfit representative of her chosen character. I’m grateful there are times and places where I can feel free to let one of my inner persons out in an environment of camaraderie and fun.

                We attended several shows and entertainments, including the hilariously funny, “Hey, Nunnie, Nunnie” show featuring two less than reverent Catholic Nuns. Some shows are educational, such as the show based on the Royal Art of Falconry.  Hawking was a sport that the upper-class enjoyed immensely. The presenter instructed the show- goers about different species of birds and whatever natural skill each has.  Children love this show partly because the birds fly over the audience and swoop and soar above their heads. I’m sure the adults were wondering if they were going to get pooped on, I know I was.

There are any numbers of shops selling period finery, fantasy items and things I’m sure did not exist in the 16^th century, like fused glass, vials of Fairy Dust and leather bustiers.

And of course there is the food, including such medieval staples as pizza, frozen Margaritas, chocolate covered strawberries and Chicken Teriyaki.  But most important of all are the enormous roasted turkey legs.  These are delicious and completely portable. I saw several small children enjoying these hunks of meat, which were as big as the child’s forearm.

We all had a grand time at the Faire and look forward to next year. Perhaps some of you will join us on a future trip. Even though we enjoyed our trip to the 16^th century immensely, we love living in the 21^st. with our microwaves and king-sized beds.