Cheeky Actress

Ahoy William! The Sterling Ren Faire and Summer Market Place holds a place very near and dear to me heart. I performed there back in the mid-80s and early 90s (support troupe) and even was a co-owner of a clothier shoppe (up upon the hill next to the flyer dragon and the ax and knife throw - if there are still there). The Faire still brings back wonderful memories and I do miss those in the "Bless the Mark' crew. I wonder if Gary and Sue Izzo still direct/produce there? Well, enough of my rantings...I am sure that the Pyrate Weekend will be wonderful...sadly...now I live near Bristol Ren Faire...alass...not the same.

Nestled between barrel and bunk, Mistress Lilly feels the ship toss again as she pens another entry into her diary. 14th of May In the Year of Our Lord...168* Port Royal, Jamica It has come to this; my life's journey has brought me half way around the world and yet, I cannot fathom the path in which it has brought me here. I am what I am...An Actress who makes my living on the great stages of London. But I did not begin there. Born a country lass, I gave my heart away once. I swear I will never do so again. With my heart I also gave my body and now, in order to keep my place as a great actress, I must give my body away on a continual basis. Originally, I made my way to London, after the boy I loved used me and tossed me aside for another. Heartbroken and naive to the ways of the citie, I allowed myself to be taken in by a Mother Bawd. Kind she seemed at first, a bible open in her front hall, and promising words to ensnare any foolish girl. It was not long before I was a mare in her house. Thanks be, that I was never frenchified and finally summonsed up enough sense to flee from her and try to find a place in service. I was taken in by the Empress and put to work in one of her mantua shops as a seampstress. But sewing is not a talent that I well posses. My talents lay between the bed linens and upon the boards. So back to the whore's trade the Empress put me. But a kind and thoughtful mistress she is and soon she introduced me to my patron, Lord Darnley. A man of great rank and questionable tastes, all too similar to the late Earl of Rochester. Under his care I was soon the toast of London, my Desdamona the greatest to behold... and yet, in the summer months, when the theaters close, my patron, along with the rest of the court escape the heat & stink of the citie and run to take refuge in the country. Where I must never follow. I grow weary of turning back every summer to the passions of the lower sort instead of the class which keep me well, so I have taken the Empress' counsel to bring some culture to the great Island of Jamaica. Or am I running from a man who presses a marriage proposal upon me not once, but twice and yet cannot keep me as I deserve? I sicken of men, and yet I need them to survive. Perhaps Jamaica will be a fresh start and yet, as I board this strange ship with a woman as captain, I am uncomfortable.... tis not right, a female, for yea, I shall not call her a lady, to promenade her way about in men's clothing. Can she be trusted?

Lilly hands Lady B. another tankard of her favorite lybation. "Oi, I know of which you speak is true, but pyrates are a breed of men that I could never truly fancy. The Emperess Kass has managed to take me under her arm and give me several 'patrons' to supplement my income whilist during the slow season of summer. I do quite well at her Coffee House in Covenant Gardens. Lilly raises her glass to Captain Sterling as she smiles...a the while speaking through her teeth. "And his black coat is dripping with the fynist silver trim from Spain...a gift from his ex-wife, I assume...

I'm a closet Nudest

Lilly leans over to Lady B. "He is more then generous with his coin and his courteousy. I must say that he is a fair man in both business and in love. Yet, I fear he has more of a head for business than the latter."

My ball gown thanks to Reconstructing History patterns. These pictures were taken with Captain Sterling, the first at the Blackbeard Festival Ball the second at Michie Tavern in Charlottesville, Va. Whenever the Captain is in town we make it a point to get together...

The sound of racoons taking cover? What, pray, does that sound like? Hector Well, from what I can hear (and they are now bedding down under my porch for safety) they are just making 'barking' noises as if to make sure the others (heaven forbid) can find them. The storm seems to be turning into a hard rain and with that, I hope they don't stay long...such chatty creatures with no manners!

I rather listen to the wind right now...and the sound of the racoons taking cover!

The gusting high winds of a tornado that is passing through my front yard...not to worry, I'm use to stormy weather!

As a wearer of such a fine gown, Kass out did herself as far as fit and comfort. I am not a stranger to wearing corsets...I've been up and down a tyme line or two and when I first saw the stays pattern upon her website, I was, to say the least, a bit scared. The very appearance of such a contraption look sooo uncomfortable...yet, looks can be deceptive. Kass...I know my dress lacked the proper busk, but even with it, I don't think I will ever think twice about wearing ANY of your custom design patterns. I was quite happy running about on Friday night (Captain chasing his lover about the ballroom) and not feeling a bit exhausted in it. La! Such a wonderful cut and fit!