This weekend at Twelfth Night 2020 I was surprised with an elevation to peer of the realm for service to the Society for Creative Anachronism, the medieval re-enactment hobby that I love. I was admitted to the Order of the Pelican, which is an honor analogous to being made a knight.
I am grateful beyond measure that our fabulous King Morgan and Queen Livia and the Order of the Pelican chose to recognize me, that my friends and family plotted and planned in creative and clever ways to make the surprise ceremony (per my request) wonderfully meaningful to me — and, closest to my heart, that my friend Denise conspired to bring my offspring down for the occasion.
What does this mean to me? The SCA is a community and an extended family to me. It is a group of people and an avocation that gives me far more than I could ever give back – but giving back has nonetheless been my mission and my pleasure.
Within this community, there are those I consider heroes and role models. Yes, they’re just regular humans, and yes, many of them are dear friends! But they are also my inspirations in this game and in life.
This weekend, they asked me to stand with them to lead, teach and serve the society. I am humbled. I am utterly overwhelmed with gratitude and love. And I am determined to wear this new mantle with grace, joy and devotion.
To be very clear – peerage is a job, one that takes effort and care to do well. I like challenges, and am looking forward to meeting this one with diligence and enthusiasm.
I appreciate, always, that I get to embark upon this new adventure with my much-beloved husband Kit Heinrichs by my side, as he keeps me (relatively) sane and supports me in all ways, large and small.
Masterwork peerage scroll by Madelena Vieri.
House Snark 