How has Re-enacting...

[Pvt Schnapps]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

I write my checks and make my daily journal entries with a Gillott 404 and oak gall ink. It makes both experiences more enjoyable and the practice doesn't hurt.

[cwpilgrim]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

I learned some things that were unknown before I got into this:
1. I can sleep anywhere when exhausted
2. McDonalds can taste as good as the Thanksgiving dinner
3. Uncomfortable situations encourage creativity when there is no way out (Backwaters)
4. Skinny people bring nothing to the table when spooning, look for the heavy infantry

[GreencoatCross]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

I forgot to mention one of the biggest aspects of all. I've lost girlfriends over re-enacting; one ex went so bonkers over it that she cracked into my account here and began monitoring/editing some of my posts. Ah, the good old days of her finding out what events I wanted to go to (or was going to), making plans for us the same weekend, and starting arguments when she learned I had already paid my event registration and made travel plans. Then again, some really awesome relationships have developed because of re-enacting, and there was a time here when my sewing at a coffee shop would somehow land me dates with cute fashion design school girls.

Re-enacting: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems!

[OldKingCrow]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

I forgot to mention one of the biggest aspects of all. I've lost girlfriends over re-enacting;

Re-enacting: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems!

Outside of a few men, I have lost most of my "friends" and ruined pret near every relationship in the hobby. This hobby for me is best pursued doing my own thing, which I do alot of things like period farming, horsemanship skills development and sewing. I do enjoy spectating top teir events as I love the history and seeing good impressions. In 2009 I did 8 events in connection with this website / community, so far in 2010 I have done one mainstream event w/ nothing on the horizon...but I have had a pretty "history heavy" solo year and taught myself / learned new things / skills nevertheless.

CJ Rideout
Tampa, Florida

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

I write my checks and make my daily journal entries with a Gillott 404 and oak gall ink. It makes both experiences more enjoyable and the practice doesn't hurt.

In today's computer-based world, writing by hand is becoming a lost art. Even if one doesn't used a steel-nibbed pen, practicing penmenship is a GREAT idea!

To Comrade Rideout:
When we meet a new fellow in-the-flesh, we would all do well to put aside any pre-conceived notions based on internet personae (sp?) and allow for a true first-impression based on the man before us.

I allow everyone the opportunity to tick me off in-person. :P ;) This internet silliness isn't what the hobby is about.

[john duffer]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

" Skinny people bring nothing to the table when spooning, look for the heavy infantry "

I have to completely disagree with this one, it may vary person to person but hasn't been my experience. Nate Petersburg probably has negative percent body fat and is a blast furnace. I amost froze on Rich Mountain next to Harry Connely.

[Eric Fair]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

I actually use the hobby as motivation to keep in shape. I try to run at least 4 miles every other morning, and this last spring I ran my first marathon. One of the things I like to do to keep in rhythm while I run is to go over drill commands in my head. Sounds weird, but it kept me going at mile 24!

[jones56ga]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

Yea, I lost 90lbs so I could look kewl in my CW stuff...little did I realize that if you loose that much weight, you have to buy all new CW stuff...alas!

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

I've taken jobs purely for the ability to get time off for events, I've lost a wife and a fiance over going to "too many events" (like there is such a thing as too many events), and I recently counted my ownership of 12 different historical items that I use regularly that cost more each than my car, which is over 300,000 miles. Yep, I might be a reenactor....

[Homespun Ma]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

Equally guilty of wearing a corded bonnet in the yard and having long , center-parted hair. Also, I covet things like Ross' carpet bag ( which I think hasn't been on a journey in a bit and might need some airing out, hint, hint) not things at most retail establishments.

Lauren Ehas

[U.S Dragoon]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

well i have to agree with several of you........ive been reenacting for 16 years now and i have owned a wide veriaty of saddles for my horse and i have found myself always grabbing my grimsley or a mcclellan to ride in at home.....of corse i get looks all the time but mostly (hey thats awsome) type........also writing out checks , letters and so on is more enjoyable using a cut tip quill (not only for penmanship, but cuting a quill tip is an art form in its self) .....meding clothing that i would have normally thrown out , to get more life ouyt of (also helps prevent one from going broke!) most noticable i think is shaving, using a cup brush and straight razor makes the mudane act enjoyable



jason klug
sgt 7th mich

[MissMia]

Re: How has Re-enacting...

These are great responses!

[RCR001]

Re: How has Re-enacting influenced you?

I bet you looked good in that little black dress .... back in the day.

......
Currently I own 2 pairs of modern pants, 4 shirts, and one little black dress that fits. There are 13 period dresses in my closet. That is for THIS time period. We will not discuss the number of dresses in the 'for sale' box.

[Spinster]

Re: How has Re-enacting influenced you?

Mistah John,

If a man is *of a certain age*, I still do.

[RCR001]

Re: How has Re-enacting influenced you?

Yas, ma'am. I bet you do.

Mistah John,

If a man is *of a certain age*, I still do.

I guess being a re-enactor has opened my mind to a whole set of new things. And more opportunities for some I've always done, too. ;)