Hi folks, me again.  I know it's been awhile and I apologize for that, but it's been a busy few weeks with especially with CRF ending this past week, and believe me, I appreciate your understanding.  (See last year's entry The Importance of Family for the full skinny on why this time of year mean's a lot to me.)

This year is always a mixed bag of emotions.  Happiness with spending time with my family, and the success of another season at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. Sorrow at the end of the season as I see the friends I've made both past and present leave once again. 

Every year, for just a few months, I get to be a part of something grand and huge, and I meet lots of interesting people from a variety of backgrounds, and I got to have new experiences.  For those that don't come to festival every year because they think it's the same every year, it's really only the same on the surface.  There's new acts from old friends (If you didn't get to see The Angels,  or The Castilles this year...I am so sorry, you missed out on two wonderful new shows from some of our local actors).  There are acts by fan favorites, folks that have been around awhile, some since the beginning such as Don Juan & Miguel (whom Boyo absolutely loves), Hey, Nunnie, Nunnie (whom the Boyo also loves and will gladly sing some of their songs for you), and some that even fly under the radar of most, but really shouldn't such as Hannibal the Liar (If you've not seen his show you have yet to be amazed) among others far too numerous to mention here. 

This year I got to have a blast.  I learned the HOW of juggling clubs during an offsite workshop put on by London Broil (Many thank again to Louie, Matt, & AJ).  I'm still working on it, and I'm not quite there yet, but I know how, which is the foundation...and they were all wonderful in working with all of us, so I'm getting there.  Louie even made me promise that by the time they come back next year, I'll have it down.  My wife doesn't know this yet, but I may be practicing at my step-sister's house later today if weather permits. 

I got to see the Almost Homeless Comedy Tour with some of the other Festival favorites at the Galway Hooker.  I also got to learn how some of these folks got together over the years.

The point in all of this, and I'm sorry I've meandered a bit, is that there a lot of people, every year.  I've met new people, made new friends, and seen old friends go. The festival isn't just about the shows, it's also about the camaraderie, and the family. 

I would just like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  Whether you're local, already far away, or even on the road traveling from this point to the next, Thank You.  Thank you all for everything you do.  The joy and happiness you bring to each other and to those that you meet along the way.  Whether we're able to say it in person or not, it is appreciated.