[MR] Autocrat's Thanks Ides of Yule Ball - Long

[ladyro at comcast.net]

Ides of Yule Ball was a SUCCESS!!!

My special thanks go to my Deputy Autocrat Lady Aiofe, who thought of things I didn't (place cards to id food and drink items!  Who'da thunk???  Well, lots of folks, but SHE implemented!), kept me from over doing by doing it first, and made me look like a first class Autocrat.

Lord Bryan, my illustrious Dance Master, and Head of the Atlantian Dance Academy, who arrqanged the dance tracks, brought musicians (we had LIVE MUSIC!!!!  WHOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!), got teachers (I learned 3!!! dances!  Ro LIKES pavans!!!!) and generally was such a fun guy to hang with.  And all for a few pots of coffee - whatta deal!

The musicians, who played all day so BEAUTIFULLY, Lord Wayan MacDonald, Watteyn of Kent, Maugorn the Stray, Lady Patricia of Trakai, Lady Reyne Telarius, Lord Michael von Schonsee, and my own Partner In Crime, Lady Yseulte Trevelyn.  I cannot thank you enough for your generous donation of time and talent.

The instructors, some of whom taught a complete novice to Medieval Dance (Dance is FUN!) how to move and look like a Real Medieval Lady (tm):

Lord Stefan of Cambion, Lady Rowen ferch Rhys, Lady Nicholosa d'Isenfir, Her Grace, Duchess Diame Alene Tregirtse, Bright Hills Own Constanza de Talavera, and of course, Lord Bryan Morgan.  Again, I find myself without words to thank you.

Dame Olwen the Odd, Her Excellency Rowan Berran McDowell, Her Excellency Cordelia fitzRobert of York, Lady Bella, Mistress Anne of Hatfield, and all the others who ran, helped run, and so generously contributed to the dayboard and the desert board!  It was a Bright Hills Patented "Light" Lunch (only 2 tables worth of food at a time....), and folks complained that it was so good they GORGED themselves.  Higher praise a Cook can rarely receive - but you did!  Two soldiers came to visit - one a complete new comer.  Invited to eat, the newcomer protested he was full, only to be told by BH's own soldier "No, man, this is BRIGHT HILLS.  They have the best cooks in the world."  I can't do better than that.

To my staff (sounds so OFFICIAL, doesn't it?), who worked so tirelessly, to ensure others got to have fun - Domina Szilagy Margit, who sat troll all day, Lord Corwin, deputy exchequer and treasured friend - I always know who's got my back with Lord C around; Mi'lday Livia bat Samuel, aka THE BLONDE and our newest Tessa, who pitched in and made tokens, untangled tokens, cleared the tables, and kept me hydrated, and of course Lady Aiofe - dearest niece and friend.  Thank you all!

To the merchants who came and gave us the benefit of their talent so that we could have permanent reminders of the Day.  Brava!

To all who came - those who danced, played music, sat and watched and talked and stitched - thank you.  You made a very small event larger and richer by your presence and gave me several of Those Moments - when the 21st century faded away for a bit.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

We danced, did a tidbit of singing, ate, laughed and had fun - it doesn't get any better than that.

Love and Joy to you all!

Roana de Laci, Autocrat Ides of Yule Ball