are faire memories hurting or helping one's sense of "magic" today?

[acroyear]

One of the ways I re-kindle the "magic" for me halfway through the season when stresses of the daily numbers and the special event days eat away at my energy and my patience (granted, less now than before without the dreaded octoberfest), is to go back and watch the footage I have of the faire in years past, such as Ben's commemorative tapes from '97, Tee's tapes from '94-'97, Knotbender's dvds of '01-'03, and of course my (limited) set of faire photos of ages past.  I likely will do that this week or next...

but of course, that now has me wondering - for the few that are depressed by how the magic of the past doesn't seem to be there today, particularly backstage, does that just make it worse and deepend the emptyness.  It never does for me, it actually makes me stop and realize that the different people on cast, on stage, and on the streets are still very good people, very strong performers, and very much fun as well and in the end will contribute as many memories as those no longer with us.

or at least, that's MY take on it.

How 'bout others?  does going through old albums make you depressed or recharged as the season progresses, or do you avoid them to let the season be and put it into perspective after it's over?

Update: Correcting an appearant misconception!

I am not feeling any sense of needing to rekindle any "magic".  I am not having a bad year!  This is actually one of the most successful seasons for me in general, only having needed "adjustments" due to the change in chemistry at the pubs and trying to figure out what my "place" is at morning dance (I should get "involved" more than I do...).  Working Midsummers has been one of the highlights of my career (if you can call it that).  faireraven is having one of her best years ever, both for our Cat & Fiddle audiences and for her current calling as food punster.

This doesn't mean that halfway through a run we who work there don't start getting a little tired or start looking for a few pick-me-up kinda things, which is how this posting trend among us started.  For me, the videos and pictures of the (ancient?) past are a pick-me-up - I was merely curious as to whether or not that's a common feeling or does it produce the opposite effect of reminding too deeply of what some have lost over the years.  A simple question, nothing more.

Really, its recognizing that it's "different" and any time one actually notices that things are different, that the gradual changes over the years have evolved into a somewhat new thing (while at the same time remaining the old thing...its confusing that way), one stops and assesses whether or not one likes it.  These are perfectly normal feelings and having just crossed the halfway mark for the season, a perfectly normal time to feel and express it.

Comments

[dashrippington.livejournal.com]

To be frankly honest, all the jaded posts from the old-timers is getting weary. I understand how you all feel, but us "newbies" still enjoy the time we spend there. The magic isn't gone and it's not hidden. It's there. Sorry you guys can't see or don't feel it like you used to, but don't discount that there are some of us that still enjoy a simple moment at faire.


I'm very happy that you do. I don't think I can express how happy that makes me feel. My question was more of a how can we revitalize some of the old timers... myself included... in bringing MORE "magic" to the streets. I hope it wasn't coming across as a bitch session. I just know that from time to time I am asked what I think should/should not be changed at faire... and to tell the truth... I've always been so wrapped up in what I was doing at the time that I didn't know what to answer. I've been soo busy for a number of years that it just didn't matter to me anymore. But I finally decided that this year, I was going to get out and look at the festival objectively. My post was somewhat what I saw when I did look around.

And yes... some of it is nostagia of the good old days... but a lot of it has to do with... if this is what I'm seeing... perhaps others are seeing it as well. I'm glad that is not what you are seeing. I'm glad that the shire holds it's own magic for you.... and I hope that you never lose that wide eyed appreciation for what we do.

[mizjawnson.livejournal.com]

I applaud you for inspiring such a discussion! It's not necessarily a bitch fest, but in the past, I have felt that there has been bitching going on, yes.

My point is that the number of posts I have seen today about rediscovering the "magic" of faire reminds me why I don't speak BFA, why I don't help privy lines, and why I don't acknowledge people (that extends to garbbed and non-garbbed alike). Just don't tell that to the group of danes I helped find the elephants on Sunday. Or to the woman looking for the 6p Rogues show. Although everyone did get a kick out of "Ye Olde ATM". Uh, yeah, rambling is my middle name. Just meaning to say that when the jaded attitude is repeated and rehashed, (generic) don't be surprised when it rubs off on others.

[thatliardiego.livejournal.com]

Although everyone did get a kick out of "Ye Olde ATM".

I prefer to tell them it is the process of "Milking the Cash Cow."