Yamashiro Kato

Project: Kabuto

2009-04-22T09:09:00.004-05:00

It's Spring, so time to get working on new projects. I am wanting to remake and retool my armor. The first thing I'm wanting to do, and one that I have been wanting to do for some time is make a new Kabuto. I am getting the pieces of my shop in order to begin working on it very soon. I will post images and updates when I begin working on it.

For my new Kabuto, I'm wanting to alter and enhance certain aspects of my current one. I have some ideas of what I want out of the new one.

Removeable mempo/bar-grill.
Mempo/Bar-grill that can be attached or removed with preferribly one hand, and definatley without taking my fingered gauntlets off.
Increase the length of the mabizashi (brow).
Have more defined fukigaeshi (wings).
Form the hachi (bowl) to more accurate shape.
Shape the shikioro better to fit over shoulders.
Make it look more period overall.
Have several styles of mempos for various occasions.

Don't know if I'll be able to accomplish any or all of that. The most important thing is the removable mempo/bar-grill and to be able to add and remove it without taking off my gauntlets. The rest are less important, but still something I want to strive for. We'll see what I can get done.

2009 Goals

2009-02-18T13:02:00.002-06:00

I know, it's late for resolutions, but this isn't a resolution. Just a few goals I'd like to meet in the SCA. With my new mundane job, vacation and income have changed for me so I'd like to start planning ahead what I'd like to accomplish in the next year or so.

Open shop for armoring
Make a whole new set of armor
Attend Estrella, Gulf, and Pennsic all the same year
Attend and fight in at least one event a month
Prepare for, and fight in Crown

Some of these are ongoing and not just a one and done type of thing. Some are more detailed like Crown. Need to save money, find a consort, train, make garb, etc.

I'm posting these to be a reminder to me.

12th Night - 2009 version

2009-01-05T02:43:00.003-06:00

Went to 12th Night for the 8th or 9th straight year. You'd think I liked this event or something. It wasn't much different than every other year. Lots of fun and fighting, as usual.

A new fighter was thinking about going up with me, but decided to spend time with his girlfriend instead. Sheesh! Where is his priorities? (as I remain single) So I went up to Omaha alone. Not a bad trip. Tried to keep myself entertained. For the second straight year, I hit some wicked dense fog for at least half the trip. Very wierd. When I got there, it started to drizzle. This would become an issue later when I was to leave as it froze and the roads were ice covered.

I started later than I wanted, but I was tired and thought driving tired, alone was not a good choice. When I arrived a little before noon, the tournament had already started. Since it's a bearpit, I didn't need to be there right when it started. It would last another 4 hours. I had time.

I changed into my garb. Put on armor and fought. And fought. And fought. And fought some more. I had a really great time. I was trying to think of the last time I fought that wasn't fighter practice or a demo. It's been awhile. Maybe Valor in September? Anyway, I was just wanting to knock some rust off and I did better than I even imagined. I did better than I have ever done at 12th Night, and I wasn't really worried about it.

As I've mentioned before, I tend to overthink things and psyche myself out. When I go out to have fun and don't think about it, I do much better. I knew I hadn't fought in months, and I knew I was going to get beat. I just wanted to get the rust knocked off and have some fun. Well, I did. At the end of the day, I checked with the list table and I had 16 wins. I think my best prior was 12, I think. And I know I didn't loose 16, so I had a winning record. Yay!

At the end of the tournament, they announced they had 764 total fights (not including double-kills) in the four plus hour tournament. I'd guess there were 30 or so fighters there. And the winner, Ashir, won by over 10% with 91 wins. 91 wins?! That's awesome! I didn't even fight 91 times in that timeframe! Good job Ashir!

I was able to see Toen, Isabeau, Shawn, and Allison. It is always good to see them. It's been awhile since we've all been together. Actually. Now that I think about it. I dont think there was a time at 12th Night we were all together in the same place. Funny. What a dysfunctional family.

I sat for court. Talked to Her Majesty Maerwynn. Talked to quite a few people I haven't seen or been out of the loop with. It was all good.

The event seemed smaller than normal. I don't know if it's loosing popularity, or if it was because of the weather. Or it could of just been my imagination. Regardless, still a lot of fun. Lots of good fighting. I will be back next year. I just wish we had a bigger Crescent Moon contigent on the field. Kind of makes me sad. But that is how this Shire is. Maybe next year. But for now, I'll try to get people to go to Winter War Maneuvers.

Project: Silk Banner

2008-08-26T20:45:00.008-05:00

I've wanted to make a silk banner for some time now. I did some research, asked a few people for help and information, bought the stuff I needed, and thanks to Toen for the silk, and Kirstyn for helping with the dyes and frame, I now have a fancy new silk banner. It is my first attempt, and there are some mistakes, but it passes the 15 foot rule. And I know more now for the next time.

My first attempt I did a more European style banner. It is more like a pendant and tapered on one end. Meant to fly horizontally. My next one for me will be a Japanese style which will fly vertically. Below are some of the pictures of the process. Click on any picture for a larger, more detailed image.

The silk being stretched on the frame and with the pattern already drawn on it in pencil, and the basics outlines of the banner in gutta. The outline looks jagged and wavy because it's on the frame, not because we were drunk. The pattern was done before putting it on the frame, then when on the frame, distorts pattern. When it comes off the frame, it's back to normal.

Now the gutta has been applied to the silk to form the Calon Cross and my mon. The gutta acts like a dye damn. It stops the different color of dyes from crossing over into another color. It's really cool to see happen.

The dyes have been applied. I did two coats of dye, mainly because the first coat was too streaky. I think I applied it wrong by using foam brushes. It soaked up the dye, but it didn't allow it spread too easily. You can still see the streaks in the blue, but they are not as noticeable. The purple and yellow came out really well.

The finished banner with it's ties and binding edge added. I used some bias tape for the binding edge and the ties. You can see the streaks in the blue. The purple faded a little during the fixative and washing phases. But it looks more faded in this picture than in actuality. The sun is shining behind it. Not sure what the final length is, but it's over six feet long, and it flys beautifully. I will be breaking it out this weekend at Valor.

Death of Sir Ivan

2008-06-29T01:54:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned in my previous posts, Sir Ivan is dead, and his friends gave him a proper send-off. These are the pictures of it.

Take one Lilies and call me in the morning... part II

2008-06-26T23:54:00.003-05:00

... where was I?

Ah yes.... the Hus & Chiv versus the world. Much fun was had by all and the quarreling guilds were quelled quickly, (yes, I'm good) and now there is peace in the Kingdom.

Immediately after this, there was one last battle for the day, and basically the war. It was a Valhalla Bridge Battle. In a nutshell, you fight on a bridge. When you die, you resurrect on the other side. You keep doing this until you can't swing a stick anymore. And that's basically what I did. I had a ball. And I had a ball dying, which happened more than not. But I had fun, and more fun than I've had in awhile.

Later, I was asked to fight for Annalies in the Water Bearer's Tournament. That was fun. I went out two-stick for the first time in a LONG time. I kind of hit the ground running. Took a little bit, but it started to come back to me how to use those things. I didn't do too badly, and I think I did ok for my lack of activity recently. But again, I enjoyed myself, and didn't have a problem with any of the fights.

Before the fights, I sat down and talked with Bjarnulf the Gleamer (sorry if I misspelled your name dude) for a bit. He's a good man. Good fighter, and just a good man. You know those guys who would help you move into a new place even if you just met him? Yeah, that's him. Well, we sat and talked for quite a bit. He is getting into a Japanese persona and we just sat around and talked shop for a while. It was a good time.

Also before the fights, Mor found me. I haven't seen or talked to Mor in probably over a year. When the tournament started, Mor, Bjarnulf, Annalies and I just sat under the Royal Shadefly (yeah, I didn't realize it until it was too late) and just talked, and watched the fighting. Just catching up and telling stories.

After the tournament, I was done fighting for the day. I had my fill. The Phoenix Household, which Bjarnulf is a member, invited me to dinner with them that evening. Since I didn't have any other plans, I accepted. Besides, they were having steak. How can I turn down steak? So I stripped off my armor and headed to the Phoenix encampment with Mor.

As usual at SCA events, you can't go from point A to point 2 without running into people and talk to them. I had to stop a couple of times to see people I haven't seen in awhile, and catch-up. Talked to Rhodri a bit about his 40 fights at 40. He did 35 fighters I believe. All of them best 2-out-of-3. Awesome! I couldn't do that right now. He rocks. Also he informed me that the Fyrd fundraiser of selling snow cones one day at a quarter each raised over $150!!! Over $150 in quaters! Epic win!

At one point, I saw Sir Ivan and Sir Gilligan walking around, getting ready for the party. I yelled over at him, "If Ivan is dead, I want his shit!" They laughed, but Gilligan yelled back, "I've tried that, he's taking it with him to Valhalla!"

Speaking of Ivan's shit... Nazir talked with Ivan and acquired Ivan's polearm that he's used for many years. Ivan is known for his polearm work. He is a polearm god! Anyway, Nazir talked to Ivan and he agreed to allow Nazir to cut up his polearm into bits and give them to people who may want a piece of Ivan's good ju-ju. I so want one! I'm going to have to contact Nazir about it. That'd be sweet.

Eventually got to the Phoenix encampment, and they had already begun eating. My bad. Let me tell you, if you do not know people in the Phoenix House, you need to introduce yourselves to them. They are a great bunch of people. Everyone is so kind and generous. Wiliiam, their grand pooba (sorry William, I forgot your title), is the best. He made sure I was fed and had enough to drink.

I squired to Sir Toen at Lilies a few years ago. Every year since then, at Lilies, we smoke a cigar to comemerate that day, and to just hang out. This year, Toen was not at Lilies when I was. But that didn't stop me from continuing the tradition. One of the feasters at dinner, Evan, had several nice cigars he was gracious enough to share. So a few of us sat back with our bellies full of steak, we sat back and smoked our cigars and had some really good conversations.

Last year, after wandering around, I ended up in the Phoenix camp one night. I sat down and just chewed the fat with William and anyone else who'd walk up. We laughed, joked, told stories, and discussed some deep philosophical shit through evening. So this year, we thought we'd tackle that again. So I think we are starting a new tradition of having a good talk with William at Lilies. The cigars and steak are definately a bonus.

Time slipped by and it was getting late and I had to head home. I said my farewells, packed up my stuff and headed home.

Earlier in the week, I had thought I would just skip Lilies. I was getting burned out on the SCA, and with people, with my priorities, and with everything. I don't know what changed my mind, but I decided to go, and I'm glad I did. It was only one day, but it was one of the best Lilies I have ever had.

I'm feeling better about things in the SCA. I don't feel so crispy. I now feel like getting back into things more and being more energetic and positive. This is especially important to our newer people. We have quite a few new good people, and they don't need me being a dick and being negative. So right now, I'm feeling much better. I needed this Lilies really badly, and I didn't realize I did. Funny how things work sometimes.

I'm back in the fight.

Take one Lilies and call me in the morning.

2008-06-23T00:18:00.004-05:00

Ahh....

After my last post, I felt a little.....underwhelmed with things in my SCA life. But after getting back from Lilies, my outlook has improved a tad. I had a good time. I got my fighting in, I saw some friends I haven't seen in awhile, I carried on a tradition, and I think I've started a new tradition.

Backing up, I haven't been excited about Lilies in a few years. I can't really put my finger on it. Every year it rolls around, and I get less and less excited about it, even though I go, and have a decent time. Hell, I was Hus'd at Lilies last year. Plus my good friend Maerwynn is Princess during this Lilies. You'd think I'd be more stoked (80's term folks) about it. But I wasn't. With things that have gone on recently, I was thinking about going one weekend, or not at all even. In the end, I day-tripped it up on Saturday.

I arrived on site around 10:15, which was a little later than I wanted to be there. Dumped my stuff, parked, and headed to the battlefield to armor up. I ran into Sir Ivan, that was my first good ju-ju of the day. Ivan is a great guy, and someone I really look up to and respect as a person and as a Knight. Why it was so special was that I didn't expect to see him there. He has basically retired because of he has a bad knee and elbow that won't allow him to fight anymore. So I didn't expect to see him there, but he was there for one last fight and party. We talked a bit, and said we would see each other later.

I proceeded to put on my armor and get into the fight, as the battles had already begun. It was a very sunny day. Highs in the mid to upper 80's, possibly low 90's. It was warm in the sun, but in the shade was decent, and there was a cool breeze coming off the lake. So it wasn't unbearable. I've definately been in worse, and hated every minute of it. So, another good ju-ju item.

I got into the fight, and I found myself waaaay out of shape and practice. As stated earlier, it's been about six months since I've been in armor and fighting in earnest. I was feeling it. Luckily, I don't think I embarassed myself too badly. I died more than I killed, but I did kill a few. And most importantly, I had fun. Probably the most fun I've had in armor in awhile. I tried to think of the experience instead of how bad I felt I was doing, and in the end, I had a great time.

One cool moment, which split into two, happened before the last battle. As we were resting between battles, a horn sounded on the field. It grabbed everyone's attention. Four long belts of the helm came from Sir Richard. Then a one-eyed man appeared in the woods behind us, claiming to be a god, and saying that he is here to claim the soul of Sir Ivan. The god was Sir Gilligan, a good friend of Ivan's and who recently moved away, but came back for Lilies, and apparently this schtick.

Gilligan gave a wonderful speech about how great Ivan was, and that his time was over and he was there to take Ivan to Valhalla. I'm paraphrasing, of course. Gilligan asked if there was anyone who would speak of his merit. Several people stood up and spoke of Ivan's great deeds and of his stature of a man. Then it was time for Gilligan to claim Ivan and take him to the afterlife. They dueled with six foor spears and Gilligan pierced the breast of Ivan, killing him on the field, with everyone watching. Then a scutum was brought to the field and several of Ivan's friends placed his body on the scutum, hoisted it on their shoulders, and carried his body into the woods, and into history. As his body left, the field broke out in Non Nobis. It was a very touching send-off for Ivan.

After Non Nobis, the Huscarls stood together at the entrance of the woods and sang Requiem for a Huscarl together. On the last verse, we all turned our backs and faced the woods and sang into the woods, towards the afterlife, and towards the soul of Sir Ivan. It was so awesome to be there and to be a part of it.

After that, there was an announcement that all the Chivalry and Huscarls were to meet with His Majesty on the top of the hill. So we all marched up the hill to attend our King. There he informed us that at Coronation, the guilds of the Kingdom had come to him with issues that needed resolving. He instructed them that they needed to work the issues out amongst themselves. But as it has been several months, and now that blood has been shed at this war between the guilds, he was tired of their in-fighting and thought it was time for their conflict to be over. So, he charged the Chiv and the Hus with the duty of quelling the guilds and to bring peace back to Calontir.

So basically it was Chiv and Hus versus the world. :) It was funny during His Majesties speech. When it was getting clear that we were going to face the entire field, people were ripping off their tabbards and sashes representing which guild they fought for and throwning them down at His Majesties feet. Some were saying "I already know how to make fire", or "I drink beer, I don't brew it", or "I was made to fight, not to sew." I believe it was Sir Halidar who said, "I do so love it when we get to be the bootheel of oppression." So in a cheer to "Long Live Calontir" we faced off with the world. We were obviously outnumbered, which made it fun. It was a broken field battle, we fought it three times, and we won two of the three times. And in the end, it was glorious and fun.

...more later...

Still here...

2008-06-14T15:06:00.003-05:00

Yes, I'm still here. Just haven't been doing much in the SCA lately. At least nothing to report. My last semi-major project was Isolda's Sideless Surcoat (see below). Other than that, I haven't done much, or been really excited to do anything.

More and more I find it harder to get excited about doing stuff in the SCA. I think a lot has to do with the "month-o-hell" I just went through personally and mundanely. Going through some of that stuff, makes the SCA seem so trivial.

I still want to play, and I still want to be a Knight and King someday, but right now, it just seems so far away. Besides M&M, I haven't been to a SCA event since Coronation. And I haven't suited-up and fought since maybe 12th Night? I don't remember.

It isn't that I have lost my desire. I still want to play, and I still think about it a lot. It's just that it has taken a backseat to other things. And (un)fortunately my time with the SCA has been hit the most. And it's not like this is new for me or the SCA. Countless people have put the SCA on the back burner because of life's issues.

I am still here, but just slower and less active. I've taken some time off, some not by choice. But I am going to reboot and delve back in soon. I'm building my shop right now. I plan on making some repairs to my armor, and making some new armor for myself. I still plan on fighting in Crown. I will get back into the fight.

Who's Awesome? I'm Awesome!

2008-06-14T14:45:00.010-05:00

A certain someone (Isolda) said I couldn't make her a dress.

Here's a tip; Don't tell me what I can or can't do. I will accept the challenge to prove you wrong.

I think I proved her wrong. I made her this lined sideless surcoat in one evening, and I had never made one before.

Yes, I'm awesome. I will have classes starting up soon on how you can learn to be almost as awesome as me. I will have half-hour and full hour courses.

M&M 12 Recap

2008-05-26T12:31:00.003-05:00

Ugh, what a month.

Well, as far as the outside observer is concerned, M&M went off without a hitch, yet again for another year. I think we are beginning to get the hang of this.

Even behind the curtain, things went pretty well. We did have a couple of hiccups that were unexpected, but we took care of it. About two weeks before M&M, our Autocrat, Mistress Maerwynn became Her Highness Maerwynn. So, to prevent any problems with the Society and it's army of lawyers, she had to pass the torch onto Mistress Katriana as the event steward. But thanks to Maerwynn, and all the hard work, she did getting things arranged and ready prior to her becoming Princess. So Katriana had no problems once she stepped in as event steward.

The other hiccup was feast. Wilhelm was planning on making a Italian feast for 30, but with his mundane job keeping him on his toes and unsure where he'll be at any given moment, feast was up in the air. It was about a couple of weeks before when Wilhelm knew it would be unlikely he would be here for M&M so we had to cancel feast this year. We were able to cancel it in advance enough that I think most people could make other arrangements. I didn't hear any complaints.

The rest of the event went off perfectly. I can mostly speak of fighting since I was on the field for majority of the day. But I heard the A&S competitions were fun and entertaining, and the archery was unique and challenging.

As for the fighting, we have two new Baby Seals in the Shire. Both Kjarten and Heinrich were able to pass their authorizations at M&M. Kjarten went first and was the "Baby" Seal for about 15 minutes until Heinrich authorized. So officially, Heinrich is now the official "Baby" Seal of Crescent Moon. Congratulations to both of them! Vivat!

We also added a new Noble to the Shire. Isolda of Skye is now LADY Isolda of Skye when she received her AoA at court on Saturday. Congratulations to Lady Isolda.

We had a record number of people at M&M this year. I think the final total was 187 people, but I haven't seen the official paperwork yet. I think our last record attendance was in the 150's, last year if I remember correctly. We had a large amount of people coming in on Friday and camping than we have before. We had to open up space behind the battlefield and archery line for campers this year. First time we've ever had to do that. Each year, our numbers have been growing and growing. Soon, we might have to either find a new site, or rearrange the site to accommodate all the people. Maybe as soon as next year. That will have to be something we need to think about.

I can't help but feel a little bit proud and honored that M&M has been doing so well. When I started in the SCA, we were at M&M 5, and it was a small, casual event. And although it is still a small, casual event, it is getting bigger. Much bigger than what it was when I started. I think it has to do with the people here in the Shire that make sure to keep this thing we have special, and fun for everyone who comes. For the last four years, I have had someone come up to me and tell me that they have never come to a M&M before, but they have had a great time and will be back every year. That is what I love to hear.

M&M is special, and unique. It is growing, and people are taking notice. We just did year twelve, and we must be doing something right if we've done it for twelve straight years. Not many other groups can say they have had the same event for that long, and still is getting bigger and better.

Not sure what we're going to do next year. It is the dreaded thirteen. We have to do something with that. It would be fun to work in superstitions or bad luck into the theme. I think it could be better than this year.

Pre-M&M

2008-05-16T10:10:00.002-05:00

I'm about to head out to site for Melees & Mayhem 12. The forecast is for good weather. We should have quite a few people this year. I hear more people are excited about it than I have heard in years past. We have some new people who this will be their first M&M, and some their first event. We will have Their Majesties and Their Highnesses in attendance. So, it should be a fun and interested weekend.

I'll post a recap once the event is over.

Princess

2008-05-06T00:24:00.003-05:00

Congratulations are in order for Luther and Maerwynn. Luther went undefeated through the 50th Crown Tournament this weekend to become Prince, and Maerwynn was his Consort, and now Princess.

The Shire just got a little more brass added to it. This should be fun.

Dr. Jecky & Mr. Hyde

2008-05-05T00:27:00.000-05:00

When I started this blog, it was intended to be "Kato's" blog about everything SCA and my persona. But as time went along, I found I wanted to write about other stuff that I felt was more personal and not part of the SCA, the Shire, or Kato.

So I'm starting a new blog just for my personal thoughts. I'm sure it won't be too exciting. Just my ramblings from my lizard brain. Which coincidentally is what I'm calling it; My Lizard Brain. It also may serve as a communication tool for my graphic design studio, also called Lizard Brain Studios. We'll see what happens.

Another year down.

2008-04-26T23:59:00.000-05:00

Another year has passed and I'm a year older, technically. Yippee! I'm basically in the same situation I was a year ago. Dammit.

My evil is showing

2008-03-24T12:07:00.003-05:00

Ahem.... well, let's just say that the seal Crest did not make the trip to Coronation. I do have pictures of it before it died though, and will be posting those later. But the fact that the seal didn't make it, is not the most interesting story of this project. Let me take you back.....

As I stated earlier, I was wanting to make a Baby Seal crest out of jello and rice crispy treats for Coronation. I wanted the jello to be red, and possibly have spaghetti in it so it'd look like guts when it was hit. So I put it in a bottle since I wanted a basic cylinder of jello. And as of last post, I have not cut the jello out yet.

What I failed to realize was what the jello would look like after removed from the bottle. I literally was cutting the plastic away from the Jello, and it was coming out perfectly, and then I realized what I was holding in my hand, and bust out laughing so hard I almost dropped it. I laughed so hard, Con in the other room had to ask what was so funny. The picture of what came out of the mold is below. I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

Shhh..... evil genius at work

2008-03-18T09:20:00.001-05:00

Ok, maybe not genius.

Started experimenting with the components of my Seal Crest for the Coronation tournament this weekend. The Crest needs to be at least 9" tall, so he will have to be sitting up somewhat. So I need something that will keep him from falling over, or breaking.

So I was thinking of cherry jello for the innards. But how to make it be in a tube that would represent the body? While I was shopping for jello yesterday, it came to me. Water bottles! I can empty out the water bottles and fill it with cherry jello. When it forms, I just cut the plastic bottle away, and I should have a solid jiggly mass.

I experimented with this last night and it appears that it's going to work well. I haven't cut the bottle off yet, but it looks like it will work.

Too add some more "flavor", I made up some spaghetti and put it in the jello as it set-up. It has a nice effect, and will probably make it more sturdy, but unfortunately it is not working how I imagined. I made two samples, and added the pasta right away, while the jello was still hot and liquid. The other one I waited an hour and it had set-up a little. The first one, the pasta settled at the bottom. The second one, the pasta floated. If I want to do this right, I need to find a medium where the pasta will just "float" in the jello. But, with everything else, this is a minor glitch, and not important to the whole concept.

Tonight I'm going to make up the "skin" out of rice crispy treats. I'm going to see how easy it is to form the treat and make it look like something. If all goes well, my Seal Crest may come "alive" tomorrow or Thursday night. There will be pictures. Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!

Now I have to figure out how to secure it to my helm.....

Projects Update

2008-03-11T19:38:00.004-05:00

My Shield Cover project is almost done. I have updated the images to my Flickr Project site. All that is left is to put on the device and make it purdy. But the basis of the project is complete. I will use this as a pattern to make more so that I can swap in different shield designs as I need it. My original plan is to make a different cover for each person who uses my shield, so they can show their own "colors". That's still the plan, but we'll see how adventurous I get with upcoming projects I'm wanting to do.

Since this one is coming to an end, I should be thinking of what I want to do next. There are several I want to tackle, but not sure which one will be next. Some possibilities are:

Silk Banner: I have been wanting to do this for some time. I went over to Toen's and laid out a design for mine, I just have not had the time to go back and finish it. So I'm thinking of building my own stretching frame and getting supplies and doing it myself in my garage. That way I can make more, and make some of others. I'm looking around for plans on how to make the banners as well as the stretching frame.
Workshop: Seems pretty logical, but I'm wanting a workshop. I have a double-car garage, which half of it isn't being utilized. So I was wanting to get it organized and equipped to do some work in there, including metalsmithing. I could use another helmet and gauntlets.
New Japanese Kit: This is basically a gimme. Last weekend we did a leather run and I got myself some more leather to make myself new armor. I've learned a few things since making my first kit, and I have some ideas on how to make a new one that will be better than my current kit. I haven't decided on the colors yet, if I'm to change.
Bushkazi Weapons: I love Bushkazi. But one of the problems with it being more popular is that the weapons used can be too specific for a general fighter. So I thought for this year's M&M event, I'd make all the weapons for it, so not to worry about if enough people brought the proper weapons. Plus I can use these for future years, and a possible Lilies Bushkazi Tournament I'm thinking about hosting.
Crest: At Coronation in a couple of weeks, I will be fighting in a Crest Fallen tournament. The point is that each fighter will have a crest on their helm, and they are defeated when their crest has been beaten. I have to build a crest for the tournament, that will not only be cool, but also have a good splatter effect.
Tent Supports: I need to make myself some new support poles and a ridge pole for my tent. It didn't end well last year, but we live and learn. So now I need to take what I've learned and build it better. Not hard, just takes time and space to work.

So, I have stuff on my plate. Just have to decide which to do first. Suggestions?

New Project: Shield Cover

2008-02-16T11:27:00.005-06:00

The winter months are coming to an end, and it's time for me to start getting my stuff back in functional shape. My first project is to get my shield back into shape. Since I'm going to try to fight with it more, I want it to be functional, and of course look nice. It has been sitting in the back of my van for so long, it got neglected. Some water got on it and it looks like it oxidized the paint in places. The first time I fought with it in months, the first hit to it, paint exploded off it. Now it looks pretty beat-up.

More images of my poor shield are in my Flickr set which you can find on the right side of this page.

My plan is to make a fabric cover for it. I've seen more people are doing that now, and I really like the idea. What I will do is make a cover out of trigger or duck cloth that I can slip over my shield, and tighten it with a pullstring. On the cover will be my device. Now if it gets dirty, or I need to make a repair, I just take off the cover and do it, instead of having to repaint the entire thing. Plus, if I wanted to make several covers, I could swap them out easily.

Another plus is that with some of our newer fighters, I could loan them my shield so they could fight and authorize. And to make it more personal, make a cover for each of them so they could have their own presence on the field. It's not terribly important, but I think it'd be a neat bonus.

As I make the cover, I'll document as best I can for anyone who may be interested or reading this..... all none of you. :)

Mata-ne

The Little Things

2008-02-08T11:29:00.000-06:00

To me, it's the little things that matter most. The things you don't think about, or take for granted. And when someone does those little things, it makes a world of difference in my eyes. And Isolda does those little things.

It's when I'm working on the computer and she comes up behind me, gives me a hug, and kisses me on the neck. Or when she makes me tea and cookies, and puts sugar in my tea even though to her, that's a crime against her birth nation. Or when she takes Chief outside before I have a chance to. Or she helps me calm down by rubbing my back when I have a breathing attack. Or takes care of me and Con without hesitation. Or she cleans my "bachelor" bathroom to make it look more presentable. Or when she sneaks me a kiss in public, even though she is uncomfortable with PDA. Or when we are out, and she holds my hand or arm, and holds it like she means it. Or how she interacts with Con, and jokes with him, and helps him with his homework. Or how she has been there for me when I needed her, without hesitation.

This is just a small list. But it has been a long time since someone has done the little things. It is refreshing, and very comforting. At this moment, I can't imagine how things would be without her. I think, I will have to keep her. :)

Vital Signs of Chivalry

2008-01-29T18:11:00.000-06:00

I was reading this article the other day (read here), and it kind of made me sad. Their panel of professional women were given scenarios of general chivalrous behavior and asked what they would prefer. Most of them said they didn't want the help. Is this common? And why is this?

Chivalry is a big part of who we are in the SCA. To suggest it is dead, is really interesting to me. Is it dead, and why is it? Is it not needed anymore and has society evolved to the point where you are taught that you can't rely on anyone but yourself? Or that you should only look out for yourself?

I admit, Chivalry is hard sometimes in today's society. Trying to be courteous can get you into trouble sometimes. I held the door open for a lady at work the other day when it was chilly, and she was several feet behind me. She sighed, hurried her pace and said "thanks" is an exasperated tone. What did I do? She was a ways away so I assume she was upset she had to rush. I never asked her to rush. If I wasn't ok waiting for her, I wouldn't of held the door. And because of her reaction, generally people are not going to be inclinded to do it again if it isn't appreciated. Maybe that's why Chivalry is dead or dying.

But is it the men or women to blame? Men don't do chivalrous things as often anymore, and more and more women don't appreciate it. It is a vicious cycle. But how do we correct it? Or can we? If men are more chivalrous, will that help? Not if it isn't appreciated. If women appreciate it more often, will men be more chivalrous? I would doubt it. History would lead them to believe to not bother.

So what should we do? I can't speak for everyone obviously, but do we continue down this trend and just throw Chivalry aside and concentrate on doing things for yourself? Or do we keep on trying to live up to the ideals of being nice to people, and helping them out whenever possible? The obvious choice for me is the latter, but it is also the most difficult.

I know not many people read this blog, but if you do, I just ask that you keep the idea of Chivalry in mind as you go about your day. Open yourself to see others. And then remind someone else. Actions speak louder than words most often.

I'm sorry, I did not intend this to be a freakin' Hallmark card. I really don't know how to end this train of thought. So I'm just going to end it by saying that not everything is about you. There are other people out there just like you. Have fun and play nice with each other.

A Sure Sign of Mortality

2008-01-22T12:31:00.001-06:00

Well, I got one of the sure signs of my mortality the other day. I knew it was coming, but I still didn't like it. I got my invitation to my 20 year high school reunion. I had received one last year, but it was very vague. So I filed it away in my head as it wouldn't happen. But this one had details, damnit! Someone is actually planning this. Someone is trying to kill me, I'm sure of it.

I did not enjoy my 10 year reunion. I don't see this one faring any better. I didn't feel comfortable around these people 20 years ago, why do they expect me to feel better now? And you don't really want to see that jerk that you never really liked be all successful now. Or that girl that dumped you on Prom Night and see how perfect her life is now. Secretly, you wish them all to fail and have worse lives than you.

The high school reunion is a odd thing. On one hand, you want to see your friends from school again, catch up, and remember how cool they are. On the other hand, you don't want to see those people who you weren't friends with, and reminded why you had to be sure to lock your gym locker in fear of finding your "unmentionables" hanging from the flagpole.

And at least with my 10 year, I was surprised. Some of the people who I thought were my friends, weren't as cool as I remembered, and some of the jerks, were much nicer. It's all a matter of perspective I think. They've changed, and I'm sure I have. Time changes your perspective. But was my perspective wrong then, or now? Not sure either is wrong, just different.

All I know is that I'm not really looking forward to it. The only thing I'm looking forward to is for someone to ask me what hobbies I do so I can say "hit people with sticks, really hard." :D

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City Slogan

2008-01-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

Ok, this is off-topic, but I just had to rant. A little while ago, I heard a news report that the City Council of Topeka, paid an advertising firm $25,000 to come up with a new slogan for the city. Tax payer money, I'm sure. The firm came back to the Council with their $25,000 suggestion for a new city slogan. What they came up with is.......are you ready for this.....

Topeka: The Capitol City!

Are you kidding me?!?! $25,000 for that?! This goes to show you how screwed up this city is. Obviously this slogan didn't do it for me. So, I've come up with a few suggestions of my own. Maybe the city could send me $25,000 for one of them.

Topeka: Making New York seem safe.
Topeka: Home of the Phelps cult.
Topeka: Looking out for the little guy (and running him into the ground)
Topeka: Six jails, no waiting.
Topeka: Not as bad as you've heard.
Topeka: The Golden Rule city (he who has the gold, makes the rules).
Topeka: Big enough for three Wal-marts!
Topeka: Red(neck), White(trash) & Blue(collar).
Topeka: Don't believe everything you've heard.

These are what I just came up with. I'm sure there are many more. Again, if the City Council likes any of these, they can pay me the $25,000, I wouldn't mind.

Mate-ne

Sushi & Karma

2008-01-14T14:02:00.001-06:00

Some things you got to love about the Japanese. Sushi is one of them. I was not a big sushi fan when I was growing up. In fact, I was like probably a lot of people outside of Japan, and was afraid of the raw fish and squid. But then I educated myself, tried it, and now I love it.

For the record, if you are reading this and are unaware, sushi is NOT raw fish. Sushi refers to the rice used to make it. Sushi is vinegared rice. And sushi is usually rice, seaweed rolled and dried flat like paper, and vegetables like cucumber, avocado, carrots. There are forms of sushi that do have fish, in fact, many do, but not all of them. So saying all sushi is raw fish is like saying all casseroles have corn.

One of my projects for this year is to learn how to make sushi. I think it'd be fun, and educational. Like most things Japanese, it is an art form. Of course, I'd like to make my own kinds of sushi, especially for those who are afraid of fish or veggies. I think I'd cook some steak or chicken and roll that up. It wouldn't be traditional, but it might help introduce people to sushi.

Now sashimi, that is raw fish. And although it is unique to most westerners, it is quite good. Like many new cultures and customs, it takes some getting used to. Like I'm sure most people who first took a puff of their first cigarette enjoyed it, or took their first sip of beer. There are some sushi and sashimi that I do not care for. And that may be because I've had a bad experience with it. For one, I don't like tako (octopus) sashimi not because of what it is, but the one I tried, I didn't like the texture. Now it could of not been prepared right, and I might give it another chance later, but it was not pleasant.

Well, I told you that, to tell you this. Over a year ago, I had some bad sushi. The place that prepared it, didn't do it right, and it was not fresh, and warm, and just not good. Needless to say, it made me sick, and I was turned off of sushi for a long time. It wasn't until recently that I started having a taste for it again. Well, last week I was craving it, so I went to the only place I know of that serves sushi, beside the one that made me sick a year ago. When I arrived, they were closed during lunch. Sucks.

Today, I'm still craving it, and thought I'd have to try my luck at the "bad" place. As I'm driving there during lunch, I happen to spot a place (Sakura) in a small shopping center. I decided to check it out. Sure enough, they were open for lunch, and they just opened today. I thought it had to be Karma. So I went in, and it was very nice. They had a large menu of items, some I've never seen, and some obviously their own creations.

I ordered my safe stand-by of California Roll, and a unique creation called the Topeka Roll. I almost laughed when ordering it. But when I tried them, I'd have to say they are the best sushi I've ever had. Of course, I've been sans-sushi for quite some time, my view may be skewed. But I know that these pieces were larger than others I've had in the past, and they tasted fresher. All in all, they were just great!

And the best part of sushi, at least for me, is that after you finish, you just feel great. I feel so healthy, and I don't feel like crap after eating a burger or something greasy. Everything tastes so fresh. It's almost a religious experience if you get some really good sushi.

When I start learning how to make sushi, I'll post my process here. Until then, try something different and try some sushi. You might like it.

-Mata-ne

Possible 2008 Projects

2008-01-10T16:49:00.001-06:00

Well, one of the reasons for this blog is to document some SCA projects I wish to do over the coming year. But what projects should I do? I've listed below some projects that I'm interested in tackling, while some may be unrealistic, I'd like to see if I can manage it.

New set of Japanese armor.
Build a new kabuto with removable bar grill.
Create a new pair of fingered gauntlets.
Build a scaled working siege engine, preferably a trebuchet.
Build a camp bed that can be packed and transported easily.
Make more garb.
Make "other" armor & garb.
Make a cover or two for my shield.
Make a silk banner.
Make a silk banner frame.
Learn to make sushi.
Repair my tsunati.

That's all I can think of right now. That's 12 projects in 12 months, and some of those would take more than a month to complete. So I think I should be able to keep myself busy this 2008.

If anyone is reading this, and has a suggestion for a project you'd like me to try, and document, just send me an e-mail and let me know. I'm open to ideas.

Mata-ne

Recap: 12th Night

2008-01-08T10:40:00.001-06:00

I traveled to 12th Night this past weekend. I believe I've been to every one since I've been in the SCA, some 7+ years now. It is one of my favorite events. Lots of good fighting, food, people, and just a jolly good time.

In my old 360 blog, I wrote about Fighting to Win vs. Fighting to Not Loose. Sometimes it's a hard habit to break, especially when you've been doing it for so long. I found myself more concerned about my stats and how many fights I won than just having fun. I know I usually start slow but get better as I warm up, so it was not really a surprise that I was frustrated after my first five fights, and getting only one victory.

I decided to take a break and re-focus. While I was, I watched my squire-brother Shawn go out there and fight, and fight, and fight. I wish I had his stamina and speed. He was doing pretty well. Then I found Toen, and we sat and talked, and laughed for quite a while. It was good. I haven't seen him in a few months.

After sitting with Toen and watching the fighting, I decided to get back up there, and just have fun. Don't count my fights, don't worry about how I do, don't worry about who my opponent is, and just go out and fight, and try to win, not to not loose. And I honestly can not tell you how many fights I fought this time, but it was more than my first five, and I know I won more than one, but how many, I don't know, nor do I care.

This time, I just went out to fight, and I was more relaxed, and more confident in my fighting. Honestly, since I was awarded my axes at Lilies, I have felt I haven't deserved them yet. But I started to feel like I could wear them at 12th Night. Overall, I had the most fun during this time.

Afterwards I went to court, changed clothes, got a bite to eat with Toen and Shawn, and headed home. This was the longest I've driven to an event by myself before. I wasn't really worried about it, except for possibly being tired and falling asleep. If it wasn't for my lovely Isolda talking to me on the phone, I probably would of.

I got beat-up a bit more than usual at 12th Night. It's usually a very good tournament with some good fighters, but I had some fluke accidents. In my first fight of the day, I was fighting the byes in the Novice Tourney. The guy hit me in my sword arm in the small gap between my elbow cop and vambrace. Made my entire arm go numb for a bit. And on my last fight of the day, a two-stick authorization, he hit me on the underside of my wrist on my left arm, where I don't have any armor. I thought it was broke. But luckily, it isn't. Hurt like hell for a while though.

Overall, I have a good time. I didn't stay for feast, as I wanted to get home. I missed going up with Isolda, but maybe next year. I got to catch-up with Toen and Shawn, and talk with a few friends I haven't seen in awhile. All in all, it was a good event. Looking forward to next year.

Shire Website

2008-01-04T12:04:00.001-06:00

Every once in awhile, when I've been working on a graphic project for awhile, I get bored with it's look, and I want to change it. I'm getting to that point with the Shire website. I've been maintaining it for about 7 years now, and it is under it's second site design change. I think it's about time for another one.

Not sure if I want to make it more graphical or more simple. Not sure exactly what I want to do with it, but I feel I should do something. Basically I am wanting to reinvent the Shire's site. I'm also wanting to make individual pages for each person in the Shire. But everything I've come up with thus far, I don't like, which is frustrating me. It'll come to me eventually, but it's just not right now.

Hats off...

2008-01-02T22:41:00.001-06:00

I have to give credit where credit is due. This past February, Kirstyn, Maerwynn, Wilhelm, and I started a interesting project. We attempted to take a picture a day, for a year, and record it online. I admit, I fizzed out around May. The only one of us who has made it this far, and is on the cusp of finishing is Maerwynn. I think it's amazing that she is going to finish. It's even more amazing that all the pictures on her site "J in a Sea of K's" were taken with her cameraphone. No digital camera here. And there are some really impressive images, especially for a cameraphone.

Good job Maerwynn!

In the Beginning...... again.

2008-01-01T17:44:00.000-06:00

Konnichiwa.

My name (in the SCA) is Yamashiro Kato. I am a 13th Century Samurai living in the Shire of Crescent Moon, in the Kingdom of Calontir. And this is my new blog.

I am going to try to use this blog to keep a log of my activities, projects, my life, and such. I have tried this before, but have failed to stay motivated. I am hoping to stay motivated this time. This blog is also a re-start of my old blog on 360 Yahoo. Yahoo is rumored to be discontinuing it's 360 pages in the future, so I thought it might be a good idea to move my blog here. If you read my 360 blogs, it will get you caught up to now. I will also be republishing posts from there to here on occasion.

My purpose of this blog is to hopefully get back into the writing mindset, and to document my SCA and some of my personal life. The main focus is that I'm going to attempt a different project each month, and document it. Since I am Japanese, most of the projects will be Japanese related. But I will also, on occasion do some non-Japanese projects. In addition to that, my Shire has a monthly round-table where a specific topic is researched for their persona, and a short presentation is given. I will be blogging about what I learn from that, as well as what's happening in my Shire.

The date I have started this blog is not a coincidence. I'm considering this my New Year's resolution, and I'm hoping that I will keep to it better than other years. Only time will tell. I appreciate comments or questions from people. Especially if you have a project you'd like me do and document. Or, if you have something you'd like to share, I'd love to hear it. Feedback helps keep me motivated.

Mata-ne