What keeps you Going?

[vmi2009]

Re: What keeps you Going?

I agree with John, the hobby does teach you something that a book or museum can not. Its one thing to read about being cold, hungry and miserable, but it is another to experience it. I find that friends, the experience, and honoring those that came before us keeps me going. True this is not a cheap hobby, with the current gas prices, but there is no better experience than when you are out in the field with your buds sitting around a fire and just relaxing.

[Drygoods]

Re: What keeps you Going?

My favorite part of the hobby is meeting up with old friends, those who live around the country who you seldom get to see, except for those special events. And when you do see these fine people, old friends, you can pick up a conversation as though time had just stood still for the year, two or three, since you last saw each other.

I'd also have to agree with the two previous posts that with this hobby, you learn so much more. Best of all, is when you meet someone new, and they are just as wildly serious as you are about your field of study, you know, that small minutiae of material culture that makes all the difference. That person who not only knows their subject, but knows it so well that you have such a heightened conversation that you walk away saying to yourself, "wow, that was great." Perhaps meeting someone who is not into living history but is a private collector, that person who notices those smallest details about your impression and can add to it with their own notes, details for leads, or best yet an invitation to their collection of stuff.

For many folks, and I assume it applies to some here, the hobby is more than just a weekend pastime, it has become your whole life, everything you do revolves around the history......such as; from where you travel, the friends you've made, how you've furnished your house, and how you spend your spare time either reading or working on that latest bit of clothing or gear, this hobby has become your life, and you love every minute of it.

[Cincinnati Rebel]

Re: What keeps you Going?

Excellent thread, Pat. For me it is:

30 years' fascination with & study of The War;
Confederate heritage;
the tactics;
period /1st person moments;
teaching the history of a complicated time & learning so much more than I can teach;
the young pups & the elders;
& definitely the best friends I have ever had.

[PvtHull48thovi]

Re: What keeps you Going?

I would have to say that the reason I re enact is because I grew up around it. I got my share of ancestors on boths side in the war between the states and ww2 and korea and vietnam. I mainly love re enacting not for the battles and fightin, which dont get me wrong are really good, but sittin around the campfire shootin the bull and tryin to dry my feet out when they are completely soaked beyond dryin out. When it rains, oh well cant be helped, I just throw on a my poncho or try to get under some cover. When its cold I just put on the overcoat, and when its hot, I just throw off some gear. I mean the best part of it all to me is the camplife. The people you meet, the people you see. I met Andrew Kasmer at Gettysburg, mainly because we both bought the same hat. But now we are freinds on the forums and tend to chat every now and then. I mean come one guys whats better? Golfin, fishin, or shootin blanks at people and sittin around a campfire all night eatin some hard tack and peanuts and salt pork? Ill leave that answer up to yall!

[fedcampaigner]

Re: What keeps you Going?

I know this has been repeated many times but friends are really what keep me going. I have known my fellow mess mates for about 9 years. In that time we have grown very close. Being in northern California we don't get very many quality events. If not for my mess mates I might have thrown in the towel by now.

[BigRonFH]

Re: What keeps you Going?

Those moments around the campfire on the company street, when all intrusions of modern life are shrouded by the darkness. Your pards are all around you, the crickets are chirping and just for a moment or two, you forget what year it really is. These are the same moments the old veterans mentioned fondly and it becomes instantly clear why they did.

'Till somone's danged cell phone buzzes or a car alarm goes of in the distance.

Ron Hopkins
Co. D, 13th US INF
Unity Lodge #130

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: What keeps you Going?

Folks,
This thread isn't about what keeps you going in the mainstream. I'm shuttin' 'er down.