Last night, I learned a shot in ten minutes... a shot that other fighters had tried to teach me... that I had seen a number of times... and that Gemini was able to teach me. He even gave me his slant on the shot and how he uses it. Sir Gemini is the best pure teacher of sword-work in the SCA. I even say that in view of Duke Paul and Duke Fabian. I have driven Fabe crazy with my inability to comprehend, but Gemini has a real talent for teaching. If anyone should be laureled for teaching, it is Gem.

Well, five Mondays later, I am hooked. I will return to practice on Monday 9/12; however, I'd really like to go on Tuesdays starting on 9/6 and Thursdays starting on 9/8 as well for the time being. That would mean effectively four days of practice... I cannot do that... too many responsibilities... too much traveling. Nevertheless, I'd love to go Monday and Tuesday and slip in some Thursdays. I need to talk to Her Ladyship and the children's mom before I go much further.

As for the Devil's dictionary, this is an interesting tidbit that Gem passed my way. We picked up a cheap copy last night... it is a dictionary with alternative definitions (as best as I can remember them):

marriage: a relationship between a master, a mistress and two slaves, comprised of only two people.

insurance: a modern game of chance whereby the player constantly believes he is getting the better of the house when in reality, the house is always getting the better of the player.