I knew it would wonderful to return to the New Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival.  But something unexpected happened to me.  Instead of feeling like it was a whole new day at a whole new faire, it felt more like old times.  It was the familiar streets of Morelandshire, the faces of old friends, and the return of the magic that I'm so used to feeling.  The first day of the faire didn't feel like we were back after two years.  It felt like I had been there yesterday, and the day before. There were changes, of course.  Mostly changes for the better.  A few -- not so much.  But the essence of the place, the magic of the intangible, is still there.  It was good to be home.

This weekend we traveled to the Great Lakes Medieval Faire.  It is one of my favorite faires, aside from my home faire in Pittsburgh.  This faire is relatively small, and they make up for it by packing it full of great stage acts, music, and an excellent street cast.  I haven't seen their numbers, but they don't seem to draw as many as Pittsburgh. Yet they still manage first-class entertainment.  They've got everything from Hack & Slash to The Rogues and The Pyrates Royale.  Plus, everywhere I look I see a friendly face.  I see friends from Pittsburgh, vendors that I know, stage acts that I've met before, and my new friends from Ohio.  Don't get me wrong!  Pittsburgh will always be home, but GLMF feels like home.  And it's a good feeling.

What an incredible weekend! We were promoting the faire at the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival, and it was very encouraging.

Last year when the faire was canceled I was devastated. The worst part of the whole thing was the lack of news coverage. It took over a month for the TV news to even mention it, and it was a two-sentence filler between the soft news and the weather report. ?I felt like nobody really missed us. Oh, a few dedicated playtrons, sure, but not the general public.

Then came the Westmoreland Festival. For several hours each day I was approached by people who were thrilled to hear that we were back. Many of them said that they, too, were heartbroken when the faire didn't open last year. They asked about their favorite acts, we talked about all of the positive changes being made (50 new picnic tables - WOO!), and they told us how eager they were to return to the place again.

So all this time there was a silent, but loyal, fan base waiting for our return. I know we won't disappoint them.

The other big thrill was being reunited with some of my favorite performers. Terry Griffith, the Irish Troubador was there both days, singing many of my favorite Irish songs. I'm a huge fan of Irish music, and this man is one of the best performers in the world.

Also there were two of my favorite storytellers, Temujin and Alan Irvine. I've known Temujin for over 20 years, and I've never tired of listening to him yet. I don't think I ever will. Alan Irvine is someone I met through the festival, and I have great respect and admiration for what he does. He can tell you a story that excites you while still making you feel relaxed and comforted. Quite a talent.

It is so good to know I'll be going home to Morelandshire.

I talked a little with Pgh RF management, and there's good news!  I've been thinking of making changes to the character of Doctor M, and it turns out we have similar ideas.  So I don't think there will be a "Doctor M" at the faire.  It'll still be mostly the same character, same attitude, but with a slightly different history. 

I won't be a member of court.  That suits me fine.  The royals don't need an advisor while at faire, and I don't need to be running to the beckon calls of their majesties.  It worked for me in the past, but now I feel like "been there - done that" and I'm ready to alter the persona a bit.

I also think it's time for a name change.  I'm constantly frustrated by patrons who think the title "Doctor" means you are a physician.  Do they not know that a doctor is a person with an advanced education, but not necessarily with a medical degree?  Maybe the term "Professor" will make it clearer.  But then, what to do about the "M" initial?  I can come up with a British surname, but it will be tough to choose.  A short and simple name?  Maybe a long and convoluted name, which would encourage folks to shorten it to just "M"? 

Do any of you have any thoughts on the subject?

Well, I finally heard from festival management.  My daughter and I have both been offered the opportunity to reprise our characters at the new Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival.  We're both thrilled to get the news.  The wait has seemed endless, but it's all starting to come together.