"Zis is not funneh!" by Ivan Phillips

Zis is not funneh!, originally uploaded by theta_sigma.

Every person in this photograph is wildly uncomfortable. That WWII German soldier reenactor is not having Monarcho and I in the slightest. And we don't really know what to do either. So we do the hands-up posey-grinney thing. So awkward! Cheers again to Ivan Phillips for the moment-catchery.

Chemise by Hicks, Lighting by Caravaggio

, originally uploaded by theta_sigma.

Ivan Phillips has a way with capturing the light at hand, worthy of that fighty Caravaggio rascal. I just hope he's a better sport at tennis. Didn't Caravaggio kill someone over a tennis match? I think he might have done. Yet another fine moment snapped by Mr. Phillips. And I am crazy about my new chemise. I've never worn a chemise I didn't make myself before. This one was my Christmas present from my sewing mentor, Monarcho himself, T. Stacy Hicks. It makes the dress feel brand-new, regardless of how many times the thing has been shipped around the world. Cheers, brilliant makers of things!

Monarcho and Jane, in flagrante something-or-other

, originally uploaded by theta_sigma.

Another precious moment captured by the brilliant Ivan Phillips.

"Hampton Court...Not!" by Ivan Phillips

I love this shot of Monarcho and Jane in the hall at the gorgeous, modern Westin North Shore, where ReenactorFest was held last weekend. It was snapped by the immensely-talented Ivan Phillips, whose Flickr collection will delight you hugely.

It reminds me of my favorite Henri Rousseau painting, Carnivale Evening:

Bristol Renaissance Faire 2009: Saturdays and Labor Day Only!

Jane the Phoole is officially on board for her 20th Season at the Bristol Renaissance Faire! Catch her exclusively on Saturdays only from July 11 through September 5 and Labor Day Monday. Traditional 20th anniversary gifts are bone china and platinum, and Jane the Phoole assures her doting friends that her palaces are chock-full of bone china AND platinum -- the only present she wants is YOUR PRESENCE!

God Save the Phoole!

Mark Meier is a brilliant photographer and just an all-around solid, kind, generous, clever and affable chap. The above pictures are some of his views of my brief stint on England's throne.