Dear Friends,

I am sorry to inform one and all that Lady St Loe is no more. Her Majesty has fallen prey to the whisperings of evil counselors and dismissed me from her service. I am sorry to say that one of these counselors, I thought a true friend. It is a "credit" to these people that they have been able to convince her that I wish her ill although I have oft done all that was asked of me these many years. I have listened to the complaining of others in the Court, but, unwisely, believed that I too could voice my feelings. It seems that I am not entitled to an opinion and that if I point out how badly the Court behaves towards others, I am to be given the boot. I was told that I was disruptive and that I lied, but the only example I was given was about something I wasn't involved in. I have been told that I should talk to them and apologize...for what? I'm still stunned and reeling from being dismissed so coldly.

Perhaps this is for the better. Although I have enjoyed being in the Court, it has taken much of my time and energy. My young daughter has idolized this woman, but now she can be allowed to find another hero who deserves her admiration.

To be fair, our sojourn with St. Elizabeth's Guilde has not been all bad. We have had some wonderful times and she is really a wonderful Queen, most of the time. We love the historical accuracy, the sets, and the costumes. I'll miss set up and tear down and the comradery afterwards at dinner. I will really miss Children's Court and I hope they can find someone who actually loves doing it, as I did. I'll miss the interaction with my friends, both in and out of the guilde. I love doing bits, being crazy Mistress Holland (I guess she's gone too), braiding Bill's hair, helping everyone get dressed and dressing down. I really enjoyed learning how to make a dress for my friend. I was hoping to get more lessons, but I guess that's not happening. If you ever want to learn to sew, Bill is really a rather good teacher!

 Things I won't miss...sweating in the really hot garb on really hot days, holding it until it hurts (you know what I mean!), fair dirt up my nose, guilde politics, faire politics, having to watch everything I say, telling my daughter she can't play with the Wilds (she can now!!!), not being able to walk around whenever I want to.

So, what do I plan to do now? Well, I've been given an open invitation by several guildes. I'm considering whether it's worth it. I don't want any guilde I may join in the future to suffer because of me. I also don't want my daughter to be shunned like some other people have been. It wouldn't hurt me so much, but it would devastate her!

To all my friends at faire, I'll miss you. If I come back (and I hope I do) I will come and say hello and I hope you'll remember me and welcome me back.

To the people of St. E's, I love and have loved each and every one of you, even those who I know betrayed me. I am sorry for you and I forgive you. I'm one of the few people in the guild who really was never a threat. I never wanted power or position and I did everything that was asked of me. I always knew (and plenty of people heard me say it) that I was playing in their pool and was happy to let them be the guilde leaders. The time I had with St E's is time I will never forget. I learned so much and had so much fun.

To Bill and Patti, thank you for letting me play in your pool, even for a little while. I know this is a dramatic exit, but look who my teachers were!

Love, Stephany

What a fun faire! I took my daughter and her friend Collin and met Maggie there. We watched the jousting and the archery contest. I really appreciate the education the Archers of Ravenwood give during the contest. Clara and Collin decided to practice archery with them so Maggie and I had a try! We didn't do half bad, if I must say so!

 Maggie's arrow in midfly!  Maggie's target

 Stephany (that's Clara behind me...and Maggie's finger in the frame!

 My target!

Anyway, if you work at Koroneburg we love you and you do an outstanding job! If you've never been there - go!