Being the baronial head involves a certain amount of theatricality and I
have a strong performing arts background, I can speak in public and also
extemporize well. I am rather shy in real life, but when I am on stage, and
being Baroness would put me on a stage, I can more than hold my own.
<p>
I have been involved in the SCA for 13 years now, almost entirely in
Carolingia. I feel I have a good idea of the history and social customs of
the barony. When I started in the SCA, I was a college student and I have
seen the Society from that perspective as well as from that of a working
adult.
<p>
I do not consider the SCA the most important thing in my life, but it is my
only hobby, so I feel I have the time and energy to commit to being
Baroness.
<p>
For two years, when Aleksandr was a royal champion and then when I succeeded
him, I was closely involved with the Royalty. This gave me an opportunity to
observe and learn about being a head of state, both on the throne and
"backstage".  Similarly, Aleksandr has attended on Aquel and Johanna for
several years, including running the Runnymeade dinner at Pennsic (the
annual gathering of all territorial baron/esses) for them. We feel we have a
good sense of what is expected from the populace and how those we admire
have conducted themselves as leaders.
<p>
I am not a candidate alone and I feel that Aleksandr and myself are good
candidates because we compliment each other well. We have interests that are
widely different (I embroider, he fights) as well as interests in common, of
course. Our differing interests allow us to speak and sympathize with a
large portion of Carolingia's population. Also, I think our personal
strengths and weakness are balanced out by the other person.
