Pre and post event.

[Lee63]

Taking a survey, What do you do to mentally prepare for an event,do you became a soldier during the war? 2nd,How long does it take you to come out of your civil war mental state once you get home?

[Abrams]

Re: Pre and post event.

In the weeks and months leading up to the event, I read all I can on the event/battle so that I am conversant on the subject. I want to know all I can about the people, and events leading up to the event/battle being portrayed.

In the weeks and days leading up to it, I prepare and repair any gear, so I have my....kit together.

Unfortunately, after the event, real life slaps me back into 20th century kitchen-designer/family business mode pretty quickly.

But I'm a newb at this stuff, so give more weight to other opinions.

[stx]

Re: Pre and post event.

It's an interesting question. While I was at a convention at Valley Forge a few months back someone asked the same question to Dean Melissa, who is the official George Washington impersonator of the United States. He simply snaped his fingers and said "Just like that". It takes a little more for me.

[LeftCoastYank]

Re: Pre and post event.

I've always found it interesting how different people go about getting into/out off the "spirit" of an event.

For me all it takes is to decide what I'm gonna take, pack my kit, and turn off my cell when I get there. I enjoy the simplicity of sleeping out, w/. no digital tethers, cooking on a fire and just rolling with the flow (drill, fatigue details, guard mounts, etc).

Then I get in my car, pop on the A/C, plug-in the cell, and tune into NPR news, and I'm back in the rat race.

Dave Schwartz

[Parault]

Re: Pre and post event.

Depending on the event & location, preparation might range from several weeks to just a couple of days. I try to read up on the battle/campaign/Living history that I will attend. I prepare/repair my clothing & equipment in working condition so it is ready to go.

I too, like Mr. Schwartz, love the A/C and restaurants when it is all over.

[Hank Trent]

Re: Pre and post event.

It's an interesting question. While I was at a convention at Valley Forge a few months back someone asked the same question to Dean Melissa, who is the official George Washington impersonator of the United States. He simply snaped his fingers and said "Just like that".

As far as emotionally or the mindset, yeah, I'd say, "Just like that." I'm either "on" or "off" reenacting mode, but it's not a big deal to switch at the start or end of an event.

The big preparation though is researching and then learning all the stuff, for any particular event.

I generally put websites in favorites or make notes as time allows in the months or weeks before an event, then in the last week or so actually start learning things. The priority would be stuff that I'd really look silly not knowing and that's most apt to come up during the event, then spreading out to trivia that's less important, or stuff I ought to know but is less likely to be brought up.

As others have said, there's also getting out gear, repairing things, making or buying anything new, and usually creating some cheap and quick event-specific stuff like letters home and other pocket trash.

Afterwards, I forget most of the specific details I've learned within a week or two, though enough sticks that I guess it gradually increases my knowledge.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[Rmhisteach]

Re: Pre and post event.

Hank,

You obviously did a bunch of research on Opiates to prep for I-600, has any of that stayed in your hard drive?????

Rm

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Pre and post event.

Taking a survey, What do you do to mentally prepare for an event,do you became a soldier during the war? 2nd,How long does it take you to come out of your civil war mental state once you get home?

What do you mean by "do you become a soldier during the war?"?

It takes me long enough to get ready physically(not only staying in shape, but getting my kit together, and maybe finishing sewing some garment that I'll need). Other than reading up on the history of whatever campaign and whomever I am to portray, I don't have a bunch of time for much else.

I don't "get into character", hold a seance (sp?), start calling my coworkers "pard" (er... sorry Mark & Paul... I mean "comrade" :wink_smil ), or any other such nonsense. When I'm getting close to the event site, I'd rather listen to some minstrel tunes or fife and drums rather than modern music, but that's just a mood thing.

When I'm at the event, I'm all about the event. When its over, I like a good meal and a cold drink.

[Hank Trent]

Re: Pre and post event.

You obviously did a bunch of research on Opiates to prep for I-600, has any of that stayed in your hard drive?????

The opiate stuff is more from long-term memory and I know where all the sources are, from doing medical impressions on and off over the years. Need any info in particular?

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[lukegilly13]

Re: Pre and post event.

My general routine is that I start about two days prior...oiling up the leathers, loading cartridges, and I wait until last to load the knapsack. Something about loading the knapsack gets my blood flowing. I have a difficult time sleeping that night, so I spend it deciding which cap/hat to top off the uniform with.
When I return, my mind tries to stay in the 1860's but it is rushed back into the modern world the first time my phone rings...YUCK!

[Dale Beasley]

Re: Pre and post event.

I keep my gear clean and packed, so all I really do is pack and go. Usually after I meet with my boos, I am ready... But, on the back-end, it takes me about three days to "come down" .