We made the decision at the last event where we were selling our Celtic jewelry that we were going to retire from traveling to do shows.
There are a number of reasons for this. One is that what used to be fun and exciting as younger folks, gets to be a grind as we edge ever older.
Ten years ago I would drink with my buddies at a Scottish Games until 3 am, then get up at 6 am for set up the booth for an 8 am opening. My body and mind don’t appreciate that kind of behavior any longer.
It wasn’t an easy decision to make giving up Celtic Fests, Highland Scottish Games and other shows we’ve done over the years, as the money has often been very good. But, money isn’t everything, and we are really appreciating being home in our beloved town of Ashland, Oregon much more.
One year we traveled in our RV with two cats starting in February, down to Arizona, then back East to Georgia for the Georgia Renaissance Festival, then on to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for a two week stint at Dollywood helping some friends out. From there we did 10 weeks at the Bristol Renaissance Festival in Illinois, then on to the Texas Renaissance Faire for 12 weeks, and then home for a bit.
We have lots of great pictures and memories from that trip, but I certainly wouldn’t want to do it again. Our best wishes go out to all our friends who still do.
It hurt a little bit to give up our favorite show of the year, KVMR Celtic Fest in Grass Valley, California. It’s a great venue, with everyone dressed up in costumes, great food, great music and good times. But things change. I guess we’ll spend some of that energy on making this Web site even better.