Well, Maybe I Feel A Little Guilty. :-)

.....So, when TBT and I stepped up in November, it was easy for people to send e-mail to me. I'd been Seneschal for several years and people had my address memorized and they were used to coming to me when they had problems or issues that needed routing or resolution. But they weren't always so good at making sure TBT was also addressed in these e-mails. Especially the ones that really should have been addressed to both of us.

.....TBT was a little fussed at that, same as I would be in that situation. It was to the point where I felt guilty for even receiving the e-mail traffic. I started getting into a routine where the very first thing I did was to check the addressing. If TBT was not addressed, like quicksilver I either forwarded the message to her, or I replied to all and made sure TBT was addressed.

.....Things improved over the next month, especially when Rebecca set up the 'Coronets @ dragonslaire' address that went to both of our personal e-mails. The grumbling quieted and peace once again filled the land.

.....Fast forward two months. Mistress Gwen sends out an e-mail on an exciting learning concept that could be incorporated into the teaching rounds of the Barony. Maybe even into the competition circuit. I was given the verbal, but didn't see the e-mail. I mentioned the fact that I would love to see the e-mail and was told it would be forwarded. It took several repeats and a series of harrassments for this to happen.

.....Now, I acknowledge that I did NOT have to receive this e-mail. That it was really innocuous and inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. I totally agree with that sentiment. I did not REALLY NEED to see it. But it was the PRINCIPLE of the entire affair that had the little indignant hair or two stand up on the back of my neck.

.....First, I felt guilty when I was addressed and TBT was not. O.K. maybe that was only my guilt to own. I can acknowledge that and accept that. But still, a little turnabout support would be very much appreciated.

.....Second, I like information. Small, large, it doesn't matter. I like to be 'in the know'. I've made no secret about that. In fact, it may be an addiction, but I think it is one with which I can live.

.....Third, there was a little 'there, there, you are not an artist, so how could you POSSIBLY be interested in the subject.' Now, no one actually came out and said that. But I was sure feeling that way when I kept receiving vague promises of said e-mail and not receiving it for a while. Again, is this something owned by me? Sure. But I think I'd like to make it a point that even though I'm not an artist, I'm still the Baron, which makes me interested in how things are actually run in the Barony. Even if it is just a concept or idea that may never see fruition.

.....Finally, there have been a couple of instances where I've received the 'You are the Baron, you are not supposed to be interested in the gentler arts.' That one actually does drive me crazy. Maybe I'm weird or something, but you know, I like to play and listen to music. I've been known to cardweave and bobbin lace. I have even embroidered on occasion. So don't tell me to mind my gender roles please.

.....O.K., I've vented. I'm not annoyed with anyone on this subject, nor do I want anything 'fixed'. I just wanted to get my feelings on the matter out there. If you are a friend, and are interested in any aspect of the Barony, arts, sciences, marshallate, include both TBT and myself in the conversation. Indulge in both our need for information.

.....And now that I've vented, I should probably go home and apologize profusely to TBT for the harassment I gave her yesterday. Sigh! I can be stubborn on occasion. Maybe too stubborn. :-)

.....Aaron / Arontius.