Portrait sitting 11-29-10

On November 29, 2010, I went and sat for a class of art students at the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno, NV. This was their 5th week out of 6 and there were 9 students. The artists used any medium they wanted, most of them using paints, pastels, or pencil or charcoal. My job was to sit as still as possible for six 25-minute intervals with 5 minute breaks (yes, that's three hours.) My mom (Lady Carolyn), and a couple of our friends have also done the sittings. The students in the class (as well as many others, the instructor says) want to take another session. So, we may be in the running for many more sittings in our outfits. It was a trial to sit still for so long, but it was an enjoyable experience, and so wonderful to see all the portraits take shape. These artists have some serious skill to be able to do what they do in only three hours.

You can click on each picture to see it larger.

This is one artist's paintings from all 5 weeks.

Next week, Mom is going to model in a bathing suit from the early 1900's. I can't wait to see those portraits!

Valhalla Renaissance Faire 6-5-2010

The GBCS attended the Valhalla Renaissance Faire at Camp Richardson, Lake Tahoe, CA. It was wonderful to walk around faire and enjoy all the sights and sounds and to experience that through the eyes of my 4 1/2 year old. Oh, and to show off my new costume, of course. My mom had made a new one fore Sara, and not to be outdone, I had to whip one up for myself. I love it. And it only cost me the cost of the material (which I got on sale) since I already had everything else in my stock of stuff.

Finishing up my costume at my mom's house the night before

New mother/daughter nobles outfits

Sara, age 4 1/2

The French Princess was so very impressed with Sara's outfit and manners. She gave her a faire favor immediately.

The shows were a favorite with the youngest member of our group

Whispering secrets or trading insults, you never can tell with those two.

Cabbage bowling

At the joust

At the joust

Queen Elizabeth

Kids Court - getting to meet the queen

Playing bones

Learning to tat

Taking a stroll

Lady Carolyn tries her luck and skill at archery.

Belly Dancers

Sara's reaction to the belly dancers

Three generations

The kid's costume contest - Sara did not win, even though she was the best dressed, hands down. But when you are friends with some of the judges, it would have seemed rigged, so we understood.

Mark Twain Days and Rendezvous 6-12-2010

Zephyr Cove at Lake Tahoe, NV, had their first Mark Twain days event. My mom and I and my daughter met up with several of our other friends from the GBCS and headed up the hill to Tahoe. The event was open and free to the public. There were only a few vendor tents, but the entertainment was top-notch. On the stage they had set up we watched a band play, a cowboy poet recite, and a shoot-out go down. We set up our picnic lunch on the sunny lawn and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It was like stepping back in time and attending an honest to goodness Victorian Lawn party.

Lady Carolyn in her newest Civil War time period day dress.

Oscar and Debbie, an engaged couple and friend of ours seemed to like Sara as much as she liked them. She would barely leave their side the entire day.

A Wild West Shoot-out

Watching the shoot-out

Sara did not like when the bandit hid behind her.

Lauren, our resident photographer

Lauren and Debbie getting ready for the picnic

Me, my mom, and my daughter enjoying the June sunshine and a delicious picnic.

The GBCS picnickers

Maureen brought her grandkids up to experience everything, too.

Watching the MS Dixie (or Tahoe Queen) paddle away from the dock.

Oscar and Debbie

Another fair patron enjoys the show

Stopping to talk to the non-costumed attendees

The love-birds take time out to dance to the music

After our lunch on the lawn at Mark Twain Days, we all drove back through Carson City and stopped at their annual Rendezvous Days. We walked around and shopped mostly. As well as visited with a few more of our friends who were set up in the Civil War encampment.

It was quite a bit warmer down in the valley than it had been up at the lake. The parasols were definitely in use.

It is great to see others getting in the spirit.

Having fun while we strolled through the shops

We also met up with Mark Twain again, one who does not take himself too seriously, obviously.

For a phenomenal fee, you could get a ride around the field in the stage coach.

Walking through the Civil War camp

Dana and Lauren, another mother/daughter pair, doing some more shopping.

Regina met us in the shops.

It was a wonderful and relaxing day. Such a fun reason to wear our costumes.