A year of hardship, pain and love

As 2004 rolled in, Michelle was on her way to Ireland and I was feeling lonelier than ever. The first five months were tough as Michelle was in Ireland most of the time. She, like me, was looking forward to faire season. She was planning on auditioning for MERF and CTRF. It meant we'd be together for CTRF as I would be unable to do MERF. In the end, she got another offer and would up not doing CTRF. She was getting ready for MERF while I was performing at VTRF and were were apart for a good chunk of the summer, despite having rented an apartment together.

There were some hilights. "Devon" spawned off Paragon Jousting from Autumn Tree Productions (ATP). ATP incorporated. And I was learning to joust.

But most of the year was marred with bad luck. GBU had $5000 worth of weapons and equipment stolen the fight night of VTRF. There was a death in our small community, sickness, work, and other things kept us from focusing. The weather was good to us, but that was about it. The time apart and the constant travel put a strain on my relationship with Michelle. I had to miss her sister's wedding due to CTRF. I was fight captain again for CTRF and this time paid. I did a small church show as part of ATACC. I was a squire for the joust and for ATACC throughout the year. CTRF and GBU won more bodgies. It's been a roller coaster. Despite the hardship of the year, I also had a lot of love. Having Michelle in my life this past year has been amazing. She's so patient and doesn't get nearly enough appreciation for it.

Looking ahead, I'm hoping to be ready to joust in 2005. I also want to do more shows with Michelle, as we never get to perform together. She's more involved with a company that works out of Maine which may mean more time apart. But I think as long as she's doing something she loves, and I'm doing something I love, missing each other will not be a negative. It will be something which drives us together.

Next on our list... stress!