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About the Webmistress
Over the years I've oscillated between maintaining an "about the
author" page and deciding that I probably just wasn't interesting
enough to worry about. Well, obviously, since you are reading this - I
must be on the upswing.
I've been a
bit of a history buff for as long as I can remember, but I've been in love
with the Musketeers for quite a few years now (goodness I hope so! I have
a tattoo of the Musketeer symbol on my back!). A native of the Chicago
suburbs, I got my initiation into active 'living history' first with just
visiting Medieval Times (more times than was probably healthy!) and then
becoming a frequent Bristol Renaissance Faire 'playtron.' I've been out of
the Ren Faire circle for some time, but my interest in history has never
subsided.
Why the
Cavaliers and Musketeers?
I think what
makes stories like that of the Musketeers so timelessly appealing
through the ages is the fact that it combines history with a certain type
of 'fantasy'. While history is certainly full of real heroes, I think we
owe a great deal to the likes of Dumas, Cervantes, C.S. Forester; It's
because of authors who have a passion for the times that we are able to
carry on those enchanting ideals in our current times. There are some who
will say that some authors take far too much creative liberty and distort
history. Certainly some are more accurate than others - but they are,
after all, fiction. Besides, without our King Arthurs and Robin Hoods, how
many fewer of us would be intrigued enough to pursue the truths behind the
figures and adventures we fall in love with?
I
think what makes stories like that of the Musketeers so timelessly
appealing through the ages is the fact that it combines history with
a certain type of 'fantasy'. While history is certainly full of real
heroes, I think we owe a great deal to the likes of Dumas,
Cervantes, C.S. Forester; It's because of authors who have a passion
for the times that we are able to carry on those enchanting ideals
in our current times. There are some who will say that some authors
take far too much creative liberty and distort history. Certainly
some are more accurate than others - but they are, after all,
fiction. Besides, without our King Arthurs and Robin Hoods, how many
less of us would be intrigued enough to pursue the truths behind the
figures and adventures we fall in love with?
As for what it is
about the Musketeers themselves: The stories of the Musketeers, I
believe, tug at something we all desire: A sense of honor and
loyalty that transcends all other things. We see it in different
works or literature - in our stories, songs, and entertainments. To
be part of a group that truly believes in the proverbial "all
for one and one for all" is a dream that many of us may never
know firsthand. |
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Other
Stuff
But I digress! While
I do not visit Renaissance faires as I once did, I still dabble in
costuming and history of all kinds. I'll spare you the history of
my fantasy costumes - as well as those other ones I made for
Halloween and just for 'fun' (like Marilyn Monroe, shaman, etc...).
Along with the 'dress up' I've also done a little local theatre. I'd
love to get back into that... but I need to find the right group.
As far as hobbies go,
I often entertain thoughts of publishing creative fiction - but I've
some work to do before I get that far. For as many fanciful ideas
and ideals I have - you'd think I'd have no problem getting that
going. I have acquired considerable writing experience (non-fiction,
obviously) in my jobs over the years and plan on eventually
establishing my own freelance business when I get a substantial
portfolio going. |
Partnered with
the desire to write is the desire to read. My reading tastes oscillate
between fantasy and history for the most part. I don't generally like to
name favorites, but I'd probably have to say that I've been known to
recommend anything by Terry Pratchett (Small Gods in particular), C.S.
Friedman's Black Sun Rising, the original Dragonlance series, Shel
Silverstein's poetry (for kids of all ages!!) and a recent biography of
the 'real' Captain Kidd by Richard Zacks.
Other
interests: Gypsy dance, ice skating, horseback riding (I used to volunteer for
CANTER - an organization that works to find good homes for ex-racehorses, www.canterusa.org),
collecting fantasy art and what is probably an unhealthy addiction to
playing World of Warcraft. Oh yeah - and an
even unhealthier addiction to chocobos - those cute little birds from
Final Fantasy.
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