Of course there were poor old hags in the middle ages (not to mention people of color), and let us not forget plagues and poverty.

But somehow renfaires always seem to be predominated by sexy young white women with boobs/men in tights, in fabulous costly custom-made costumes, flaunting their stuff.  Jesters, pirates, white knights, nobles, and royals parade around for some archaic white christian ideal.   Shiny crafts and “authentic” food and drink, unaffordable to the average serf slob with brats, tempt you at every turn.  And permeating the atmosphere is that certain magickal mystery something that mostly just exists in your mind or beer-fueled imagination.

I’m not cynical!  I used to live for the renfaires of old.  That is, when I was younger and had some pocket change, and still retained magical thinking.  It was a great escape.  Or it could be a very long, hot, exhausting day.  But the intrigue!  The music!  The Stuff!!  The pubs!  [The portopotties?!]  The fantasy of a fictional life like that.  A day far away from grueling reality.  I don’t begrudge it to those who still long for an alternate universe, and can make the effort it takes to get there.

Anyway, that’s where a loaded carful of fanciful young minds, herded by Avdi, journeyed today.  At this point in my life, I’m sincerely happy for them having this experience, and equally happy to sleep in, enjoy a semi-day off, not have to worry about my appearance, and talk to my new circle of plant friends!  Which is really all this was leading up to, in a meandering through medieval forests sort of way.