Tristan... it's Lysander by lysander

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

Tristan... it's Lysander

POSTED BY: LYSANDER
UPDATED: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 08:27
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Thursday, May 4, 2006 11:48 AM

I thought I would go ahead and make this a new thread so we can keep the other thread on the right track. I am very interested in hearing more about your sword fighting. I've been doing it mysalf for fourteen years now, but finding partners to fight with is very hard here. I've worked with several styles and a variety of swords. Don't know which I like the best. If anyone else is involved, I would be interested in hearing about it.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me.
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Thursday, May 4, 2006 11:58 AM

Sounds like a good plan!
I'll give you a quick earful...I will try to be brief

I have been involved in sword fighting for close to twenty years. Early on, it was mostly self-studied European, then I got into Asian martial arts, and learned some through that. When I hit college, I discovered the SCA, and did their version of armored combat for about ten years. All the while, I was still studying and practicing with live steel, and doing some choreography for the university I attended (Madrigal dinners, etc). Around about 1999, I got tired of the SCA (politics, attitudes, armor, fighting techniques, etc), and quit. Less than a year later, I was choreographing fights for Ren Faires (through an old SCA buddy who still remains a friend). All this stopped about two years agao, as everyone went their separate ways, but I still study and have hopefully started up again. So endeth the brief history!

As far as preference...I like the shorter swords myself (Gladius-length) or the two-handers. The in-betweens I can use, but not my first choice.

And you? Your brief history?

(I am about to leave work, so it may be tomorrow before I respond; please bear with me...internet at home sometimes doesn't cooperate)

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Thursday, May 4, 2006 12:33 PM

I too, SCA'd for a while, but found live steel much more entertaining. I usually say nasty things about the SCA and their wanna-be's, but I'll stow it!

I played with the Swordmasters Guild for a little while, but haven't been involved in almost 10 years. No swords anymore, and nobody to play with. :(

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Thursday, May 4, 2006 12:56 PM

Yes, live steel is so much more fun!
I also have bad thoughts regarding the SCA, but, like you, I will "stow it".

I am not familiar with the Swordmasters...

Where are you located? I am stuck in Alabama...plenty of SCA around, but that's it...so I had to create a load of fighters, and what fun that was! I even married one of them!

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Thursday, May 4, 2006 6:21 PM

I started fourteen years ago just practicing what I saw in movies. I was introduced to an organization called ammgard. It didn't take long to get bored with padded weapons. I too prefer steel. SCA really turned me off when they couldn't even decide on a regular gathering place, much less having to deal with politics. I spent some time with self studying from different books. Then I got into martial arts and really loved the Katana. And it looks good too. Back to more book studies and finally a couple of years of fencing.
I've been able to use some of my talent with our local Shakespeare organization. As well as being an actor and company manager, I get to do the choreography as well. I really enjoy it
Unfortunately, like I said, not to many people around here into this kind of thing. So, I spend a lot of time in the yard practicing my own skills.
That about sums up my brief story. Would love to have a fighting partner other than my punching bag.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me.
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 3:28 AM

Sounds like we traveled a similar path to knowledge. I only wish you were a bit closer than Texas...would be quite a hike just for a fight!

I have only done a few unchoreographed fights with live steel (single swords and fencing foils). I am sure you know by now that being hit hurts, especially with the single swords. The foils (No. 5 blades) were a lot of fun...even when you get hit, they only sting a little bit. I discovered that using padded weapons for mock combat is much safer, and your fight partners tend to hang around longer. I keep the live steel for choreographed fights or the occasional bout with the wife to decide who makes dinner

What movies inspired you? A few that come to my mind are "Ring of Steel", "Princess Bride" (of course), and a majority of the swashbuckler movies of the early years.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 6:39 AM

I would definitely agree that being hit with cold steel really does hurt. It is also not a good way to make friends and influence people. Well, you might be able to influence some people. It just depends on how intimidating you are. And yes, the travel is much to far for a fight, but would be interesting. Unfortunately I didn't get to fight over who makes dinner. That is basically my job. The unfortunate part is not cooking, it is not being able to fight.

I would have to agree that "The Princess Bride" was a big movie for me. It was one that my wife introduced me to. I also like the first "Highlander", the British "Robin Hood" series from the 80's, "Braveheart", and the list could keep going.

It is a lot of fun and a good way to stay in shape. I guess that's about it for know.

P.S. Thanks for starting the new post after the other was taken over and turned to rubbish.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me.
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 6:56 AM

Maybe a road trip would be in order one day...

Yes, I forgot "Highlander"!

We can keep this thread semi-alive, if either one of us discovers something they think the other should know.

No problem with the new thread. There are too many intriguing people and opinions on here to let one

ruin it for us all.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 7:28 AM

I start my new job in August, and then I get a lot more vacation time. Unfortunately, the training is going a little slow right now and with teaching middle school kids, I don't know how much more training I will be able to do. You are in Alabama right? We have several places around there that we'd like to visit. Perhaps a road trip is not completely out of the question at some point. We will just have to stay in contact. But, with this sight I don't see that as a problem.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me.
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 7:53 AM

Yes, Anniston, Alabama, to be exact. About 60-some miles East of Birmingham along I-20.

Ironic that you teach Theatre Arts...both my wife and I have degrees in Drama. She wants to go on to teach, but wants to get a teaching degree first. I also received a Psychology degree and Masters in History...wanted to go on to be a History teacher, but got disgusted with the Education program halfway through and withdrew. No, I am happily ensconced behind a desk seeing to the insurance needs of other people. Not quite an Agent, but working towards it.
Also, as more of an introduction, I have a MySpace page with a few pictures, etc.
http://myspace.com/tristan71
If you have one as well, check it out.

Sorry I got so chatty, it's just nice to find a Browncoat with interests that match mine so closely!

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 8:01 AM

Don't have to worry about being chatty, if I were not at work right now, I'm sure I would be saying a lot more. My wife is a high school English teacher. This is why my second degree is in English. We do have a lot in common. Funny how you just find people like that.

The teaching system is not all that great here, but we try to do our best. Hope your wife gets her teaching degree and enjoys her time in drama. It's lots of fun.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me.
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 8:51 AM

Don't know how I forgot about this one. It is one of my all time favorites and had the biggest influence on my early fighting years. "Excalibur"!!!

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me.
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 9:00 AM

Ah, yes, Excalibur! That movie also sort of inspired my armoring, until I found out it was all aluminum!

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 9:11 AM

Well, we can't win all of them. It would have been very hard on the actors if the armor wasn't aluminum. How long have you been into the making armor thing? How does it go? I would be interested in hearing more about that.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me.
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 9:25 AM

Been making armor since about 1989; same year I got involved with the SCA. It started with leather and eventually evolved into full plate armor. I am currently working on a suit for my wife...we are supposed to take progress pictures soon; I will post them somewhere when I get a chance.
It's a lot of fun. I research quite a bit, then go into the armory to try to bang out a piece I like. It can also be very relaxing!

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 9:46 AM

Sounds like a lot of fun. That is something I would like to get into, but right now there is no time for it. I would like to see pictures when you have some available. Do you sell any of your stuff or is it just for personal use? When you worked with the leather, was it formed or loose hanging?

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me.
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 9:57 AM

I understand about the time issue. It wasn't until I got a "real" job that I actually had time to work on it. Also, being able to move into a house with an unfinished basement helped!
I will figure out somewhere to post the pics when I have them...
I have sold some stuff, mostly brigandine or leather body armor, and a few pieces of steel plate. I am just now getting to where I like how my steel armor is turning out.
The leather was always form-fitted, usually lamellar-style. Now, I use leather as backing and articulation, but I have not made any leather armor in awhile. I also have pictures of past projects, too...hmm, maybe I need to make an online photo album...

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 10:05 AM

Do you have anything to sell right now? If you do I would be interested in seeing it. I like to have many different types and styles. Right now I am looking into having a suit made for myself. Something that I could use. If you know of anyone or anyplace let me know.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me.
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 10:37 AM

I don't have anything to sell right now...but I might in the future. I know that there are a lot of sites on the web that sell off-the-shelf armor, but from experience, it does not always fit properly. Think of a suit of plate armor as a finely-crafted three-piece suit...
The leather armor and bringandine armor is slightly less complicated to make and fit; you only need general measurements to make that. Body armor itself like that is no problem to make, but a bit time-consuming.
Hunt the web for armor...as much as I hate to say it, the SCA sites sometimes have good links to armories. If you don't have any luck, let me know, and I will plunder my computer at home for links.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Friday, May 5, 2006 11:03 AM

I'm pretty un-experienced, being thirteen and all, but live steel is damn good fun, if you can take a little pain. When I read 'Glory Road' about two years ago, that got me into fencing and Heidelberg, but recently I've been self-teaching myself with my wooden katana trainer, which I promptly named Delilah. 'Kill Bill' was a big inspiration, although my love of weapons, including guns, has always been an ingrained part of my personality. It's really un-romantic.

I think a little chaos is in order.

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Tuesday, May 9, 2006 9:27 AM

Greetings, again. Just thought this was getting a little lost in the avalanche, so I thought I'd bump it up a bit...
I should be taking pictures of the wife's armor sometime this week or weekend. I had to re-think the legs, so I am back to the shop and working on a rig for it...that has delayed the photo sessions somewhat.
Also, I managed to get to the Atlanta Ren Fairs this past weekend...surprisingly, there was not much armor either on display or for sale. The few sword fights I managed to see were somewhat disappointing. On the plus side, a bagpipe and drum team were there, so I spent a lot of time listening to them.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Tuesday, May 9, 2006 9:50 AM

Thanks for bumping this back up. Didn't have time to bump it myself. I'm taking my last final tonight so I will have extra time. I went to the Phoenix Ren Faire the first weekend of April. Not much in the way of armor an not a lot od weaponry. The fights were okay, but I've seen a lot better. Trying to get to the faire in Dallas this month but I don't know if I have the money.

So, I know you have some people you can train with (your wife), but what I want to know is what do you do when you train alone?

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me.
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Tuesday, May 9, 2006 10:00 AM

Phoenix, as in Arizona? I ask because I lived there from 84-87...never had a chance to go to the Ren Faire.

Training alone...mostly swinging heavy sticks at landscape timbers sunk in the ground (or, I will be, once I get them set up at the house) called a pale. I used to have a padded pole I would swing against, but I have not done so in awhile. But, yes, usually against a man-sized target. Not very challenging, but you can work on your speed and accuracy. Try things like tying a shield and weapon to the pale and getting around the defenses. To keep up arm strength and flexibility, I try to do as much yard work by hand as possible, ie use an axe rather than a chainsaw, etc.
I also sometimes try to mirror moves I see in movies while watching them (still working on Troy...damn, that fight between Achilles and Hector...).
Hope that helps a bit.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Tuesday, May 9, 2006 11:16 AM

Yes, that would be Arizona that I'm talking about. This is the first year that I've attended. If your not from Phoenix it's pretty hard to find. Once I did find it though, I really had a good time. They have a 33 acre space and lots of period style buildings that they use for stores. There is a jousting arena in the back with a rather lackluster joust to be the champion. All and all it was good. I will go back next year.

So, I basically use the same technique when I practice. Didn't know it had a special name. It just gets boring when there is nothing moving in front of you. I will keep searching for a pertner. I like the idea of mirroring movie fight scenes. The Achilles and Hector fight scene is one of the most beautiful fight scenes that I've seen. It is a perfect one to work on. Well, enjoy. If anything else comes up, let me know. I will do the same.

P.S. Looking forward to the pictures.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me?
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Tuesday, May 9, 2006 2:03 PM

I'm guessing from your first post today that you like bagpipes and drums. My wife is a high school teacher and their mascot is the highlander. They have their very own bagpipe band and drum corp. I think they are pretty good considering the fact that they have not been playing for many years. They play at all of the school functions. I like listening to the pipes myself. Just thought I would throw that in there to make sure we keep this running.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me.
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Wednesday, May 10, 2006 5:23 AM

I was wondering if you have ever heard of the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts (ARMA)? I saw a piece on the History Channel in which they were talking about sword fighting. They brought up ARMA so I went online and found their website. It sounds like a pretty decent program but I would like to know for sure. I'm trying to find out what makes them better than training on our own. They charge a yearly fee and you are suppose to send them videos of your progress. So, basically, you are still training alone and then they critique the videos that you send in. If you know anything about them or know somebody who might, I would like some more info.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me?
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Wednesday, May 10, 2006 5:37 AM

Good morning!

Yes, I love bagpipes and drums. I had the opportunity to see the Blackwatch perform here several years ago...absolutely wonderful performance.

ARMA...no, I have not heard of them, but I will check them out.
Something I have forgotten to mention, but your post reminded me; I do have a recently published book on renaissance fighting techniques, but the name eludes me right now. When I get home, I will get the name and author for you. It's an illustrated fighting manual showing moves and counters...quite neat, actually, and it does help. Thanks for reminding me!

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Wednesday, May 10, 2006 8:59 AM

Looking forward to getting the book info. I try to get my hands on as much as I can find. But, things are slow right now, so any new stuff would be very useful.

You said that you and your wife are drama people. Have you taken many classes on stage combat? I would be interested in hearing about your interests in drama as well as your wifes.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me?
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Wednesday, May 10, 2006 9:32 AM

I have never taken a class on stage combat. The fighting I have been involved in or choreographed had to look realistic, which meant weapons within the "danger zone" that is prohibited by stage combat tenets. It is still safe, but to me it looks prettier and flows better than huge theatrical motions. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against stage combat for the stage...I have just never done any actual "stage" choreography. Everything I have done (even for "staged" productions like Madrigal dinners) has been choreographed to look more realistic. I hope that makes sense.
As far as theatrical background, I have been involved with it since my first appearance on stage as a cricket in 2nd grade. I received a BA Drama in 1994 (along with a BS in Psychology the same year), and went on to do outdoor drama for three summers in NC (Lost Colony and Elizabeth II). I started out as an actor, but drifted towards the technical side (directing, stage management, writing, etc), eventually settling on costuming. Realizing I had to make a living somehow, I came back here and re-enrolled at the Univeristy to earn a MA in History in 1998 with the idea of teaching. Shortly after that, my brother started a community theatre, and I joined him. It was sort of successful for a few years, but lack of funds forced a closure. I also got involved with the Ren Faires around 2000, so there was a further outlet. I still was without a teaching job, so I decided to go back to college to pursue an Education degree. I was disgusted with the program almost as soon as I got into it, and dropped out after a year and a half. Sometime in there, I got married and got a job in an insurance agency. My theatrical pursuits ceased around two years ago with the last Ren Faire occuring in Louisiana. My wife got involved in Drama in high school, and went to JSU specifically for the theatre program. She was involved in acting, some costuming and other technical aspects. She was also one of the first fighters we had for the Ren Faires, and performed in every one we had.

Wow, sorry about that. There may be more information there than you wanted...
Your turn!

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Wednesday, May 10, 2006 9:52 AM

My first onstage performance came in the fifth grade as a class assignment. I didn't want to do it but had to for a grade. I liked the feeling once I got started and did it from then on. I got my BA from UTEP and am now teaching middle school theater. For the last ten years I've been performing in our local Shakespeare Festival. It's called Shakespeare on the Rocks. I have been elected the company manager for the last two years. This summer we are doing Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the Tempest. I am Brutus in JC and Lysander (hence the screen name) in Midsummer. Auditions for the Tempest are next month. It's alot of fun. So far, the writing part has eluded me, but I do enjoy directing. I'm the first in line to direct the next show we add in 2008. Next year we are adding Romeo and Juliet. I'm not really big in costuming. I like medieval and renaissance costumes, but I buy them instead of trying to make them. That's where some of the Ren Faires come in handy. That is the condensed version. I really enjoy performing and I like working with the kids to help them achieve their theater goals.

I try to do as much theater as possible, but all the other things limit my participation. As far as the stage combat thing goes, I've had to do a lot of work with it because of the Shakespearean fight scenes. It does look a bit fake, but I don't get to make all of the rules. I only do it when I have to. Well, I guess that is about all for now. If I think of anything else I will post again. If you have any questions or other comments I'll look forward to reading them.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me?
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Wednesday, May 10, 2006 10:03 AM

Thank you for all that! You are lucky...I never had the chance to do much Shakespeare (I played Dumaine in LLL).
Stupid questions:
Do you enjoy teaching theatre?
Do those you teach actually have to be there, or are they there by choice?

Thanks!

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Wednesday, May 10, 2006 10:19 AM

The first thing that we have to learn as teachers is to let the students know that there are no stupid questions. Just stupid answers. Hopefully I won't give you any of those.

I have a great time teaching theater. Many of the kids have a lot of talent, they just don't know how to focus it. We play theater games and I teach them about the history and what its all about. We also do two to three shows a year. It 's one of those things that if you don't have the opportunity to do it yourself, you teach it. As far as the kinds of kids I get, that varies. Some of the classes will have a lot of students who need an elective, so they are put in theater. With these kids, I use them as prop managers and tech people. The real classes are filled with the students who want to be in theater. These are the classes that I use for my performances. They are the ones who plan on doing this in their future. They are all fun to work with, it's just finding out who is going to do what.

It's to bad to hear about the Shakespeare. I think I've become better at a lot of things because of my reading and performing him. Here's a list of the shows that I've done. Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, Julius Caesar, Much Ado About Nothing, Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra, The Taming of the Shrew, I think that is about it. I've studied many more. The two roles that I would really love to play are Hamlet and Iago from Othello. There still may be a chance out there for you. If you get it, take advantage of it.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me?
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Wednesday, May 10, 2006 11:01 AM

Again, thank you.
I ask partially out of curiosity for my wife...her dream is to teach theatre. It is nice to know that there are still "kids" out there who enjoy doing this.

I can kind of cheat and say I have actually been involved in every play Shakespeare ever wrote, but that might be stretching it a bit...I was in a production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged. Does that count?

And once again, you and I have similar tastes: I would love to play Iago, but I think my other dream role would be MacBeth.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Wednesday, May 10, 2006 4:22 PM

Sorry it took so long to get this to you...got really sidetracked when I got home.

The book is called Medieval Combat by Hans Talhoffer...tag line is "A Fifteenth-Century Illustrated Manual of Swordfighting and Close-Quarter Combat". I have been through it on several occasions. If you have a chance, it is a good purchase.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Thursday, May 11, 2006 5:37 AM

I appreciate the info. on the book. I will be looking for it this weekend.

I guess, in a round about way, you have been in all the Shakespeare shows. It is a really fun show. Haven't had the opportunity to be in it, but have seen it before.

What level of school is your wife planning on teaching? I think that will have a big factor in determining how much she will enjoy it.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me?
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Thursday, May 11, 2006 5:51 AM

No problem. Let me know what you think of it.

She is not really sure, but somewhere in the high school range. That is where she was bitten by the bug, and wants to return the favor. I honestly think she would be happy teaching any grade level, she loves theatre so much.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Thursday, May 11, 2006 9:02 AM

It's good to know that your wife is so dedicated. I was just asking because if the students are too young, there is only so much you can do with them. I had always intended on doing high school, but the middle school job presented itself at the right time, so I took it. There is a lot I can do with them, but I can't do everything. Some things are still not appropriate at this level. It's better to work with high school in my opinion because there is a better understanding and a bigger willingness to do all that is required. Just how I see things here in El Paso. Hopefully she will have a really good dedicated group and go on to do excellent work. Tell her I said the main part is to just have fun.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me?
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Thursday, May 11, 2006 9:03 AM

Thanks for the insight...I will pass it along to her.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Friday, May 12, 2006 4:47 AM

I was just wondering where you get your weapons? I only have a few pieces that are actually for fighting, the rest are show pieces. I'm working on getting a few more pieces but I want to check out a variety and see what I like the best.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me?
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Friday, May 12, 2006 5:23 AM

For just sparring, we use padded schedule 40 pvc pipe (3/4 inch) and usually oak or ash poles. For the live steel, we primarily use starfire swords ( www.starfireswords.com). We did make a few using broken sword blades from a Museum Replicas sale, and a metal shop in town created a few axes and halberds for us. The best weapons were the starfires, though. They can take a beating like you wouldn't believe and still look gorgeous. They aren't too terribly expensive. Well, they may seem a bit pricey for combat weapons, but the ones we purchased to begin all this are still in one piece and still fight-worthy. Hope that is a good start.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Friday, May 12, 2006 8:29 AM

I wonder how many Browncoats are former, or current SCA members? I too am a former SCA-er who gave it up due to politics and being forced to grow up (hard to play when you have to work) Wouldnt it be neat to see a firefly-verse centered mod on teh SCA take shape?

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Sunday, May 14, 2006 4:01 PM

ARMOR!
I got the wife into the armor, and I posted a bunch of pictures:
myspace.com/tristan71
http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h250/tristan71/

I still need to do a bit of work on the greaves and how they connect to the knees, and then build her a helmet, but the rest is done.
Now that I set up a Photobucket account, I will try to find (or take) more armor pictures to post.

Let me know what you think.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Monday, May 15, 2006 5:40 AM

Like I said on the other post, really like the pics. I'd also like to see the helmet when it's finished. Just out of curiosity, how much did it cost you to make, if you don't mind my asking?

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me?
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Monday, May 15, 2006 5:55 AM

I don't mind you asking at all! Um...in respects to the actual steel and brass involved, I'd say probably $100 or $150; but the tools (blades, sanding disks, drill bits, rivets, poliching compounds, first aid kits), it starts jumping up to several hundred more. Add in the time, and it skyrockets. I have enough half-finished armor pieces that were either cut wrong or shaped wrong to make almost another suit of armor! These will all be recycled into other things...I hope. The most time-consuming part of the armoring is in the sanding and polishing...I'd say it's probably 60%-75% of the actual armoring. You go through a lot of disks, belts, and poliching compounds during this...sometimes upwards of $50 worth in a weekend.
Once the greaves/lower legs are finished, and the rest of the detail work is done, I will post more pictures of it. Until then, I am going to try to upload random armor pictures.
Thanks again!

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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Tuesday, May 16, 2006 4:57 AM

Ican tell by looking at the pictures that the polishing would take much of the time. It looks great. And yes, I know once you start adding things together the price gets pretty high. But, I would imagine that it's worth it when you get to see your wife wear it. She looks like she is having fun getting used to it. Looking forward to the rest of the pics.

Simon: What if he(Mal) tells you to kill me?
Zoe: (without hesitation) I kill you.

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Tuesday, May 16, 2006 8:27 AM

Thanks! Yes, the enjoyment and happiness of my wife is more than worth the cost. She is looking forward to wearing it at DragonCon.

Holding until you get back, Captain.

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