Well that's a bit embarrassing.

I just went back and read some of my old poetry hosted on this site and boy, was that embarrassing to read! I had very little knowledge or handle on structure or meter back then. Really, considering most of those poems were written 20+ years ago, I guess they're juvenalia.

I thought about deleting them, but I think they'll stay for now; though I will be adding my newer poems to my poetry section to show how I've progressed. I haven't been adding them there up to now because they have all been written in medieval styles, and I have instead been adding them to my medieval poetry page.

New Monograph Available!

As part of a living history group called the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), Todd has recently had a paper appear in the Compleat Anachronist monograph series.

"Composing SCA Award Texts," The Compleat Anachronist, Issue Number 167, First Quarter, 2015. (monograph)

Todd discusses many aspects of composing text for SCA scrolls based on period sources, including legal, religious and poetic documents, as well as tips on how to research the recipient and tailor the wording to fit the recipient's persona.

Canadian Bestiary makes a short list

A Canadian Bestiary has been named one of the 20 best cryptozoology books of 2014 by Cryptozoo News.

Newly Published: A Canadian Bestiary

When it comes to folklore and mythology, what springs to mind are places like Greece, Romania, England and other European countries, with their stories and images of Gorgons and Cyclopes, Vampires, Dragons and Faeries... But what about Canada? 

Canada has a deep and varied folkloric heritage based upon the legends, myths and stories of the numerous Native nations who lived in Canada first, that were built upon by each successive wave of immigrants from all over the world. The French brought tales of flying canoes, the Devil, and little goblins who took horses out for joyrides; the Germans gave us conjure doctors; the Italians the weather controlling folletti; the Russians the household sprites called domivye... 

For more than ten years, amateur folklorist Todd H. C. Fischer has researched hundreds of creatures, monsters, strange locales, heroes and spirits from all across Canada, collecting them here, for the first time, in one comprehensive volume.

Purchase your copy from Amazon today!

Mental Health

Apparently today is a Mental Health Awareness day in Canada. So, for those who don't know, I suffer from severe depression and severe anxiety. I was only diagnosed maybe six years ago, but looking back I have suffered with it since public school. They are compounded by my physical issues, as the affects of my fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, narcolepsy, etc feed my depression and anxiety, while my depression and anxiety can trigger my physical issues.

I think the worst part of the whole is the deadening of emotions. I never feel excite or joy (though I have at times come close). I tend not to smile or laugh, and I try to make a point of TELLING people I am glad to see them, or that I appreciated something they gave e, because my body language is not conveying that message. I know (especially to people who do not know me well) I come off cold and aloof, when I am actually a very emphatic person. In fact, other people's emotions deeply affect my own.

I think it is important for people who suffer from any mental illness to feel that they can be open and frank about their condition, without fear of stigma. This is why I have always chosen to be open about my condition. I can't control having the D or A, anymore than I can control having blue eyes, and I should not be made to feel as if something is inherently wrong with me for having them. (Of course, knowing something and believing it in your core are two different things. I can talk the talk, but its not always easy to walk the walk.)

As a bonus, here's something very few people actually know about my messed up brain. I continually trace shapes and outlines with my eyes. Letters on signs, the median on the road, faces on TV, patterns in carpet. When I became aware that I am doing it, it becomes extremely distracting. To date the only thing that seems to put a damper on it is walking my dog. I have no idea why.

Unite Narcolepsy FDA Survey

I am re-posting this from Julie Flygare's blog to boost the signal.

FDA’s Narcolepsy Patient Focused Meeting on September 24, 2013 is quickly approaching. This ground-breaking opportunity puts narcolepsy advocates in the spotlight – educating decision makers and helping to shape the future of narcolepsy treatments.

Partnering with community leaders in the “Unite Narcolepsy” initiative, I am thrilled to share exciting new tools and resources!

• Take the Survey: People with narcolepsy AND loved ones are invited to take this anonymous confidential survey, based on the FDA’s questions to capture the variations in patients’ experiences (about 15-20 mins to complete). Start survey here. 
• Register for the Aug. 29 Webinar: Unite Narcolepsy’s first one-hour webinar will take place on Thursday August 29, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT). Please join us for this exciting “conference via web” – I will be one of the presenters. Register here.
• Spread the word: Connect with other narcolepsy advocates via social media. Like the Facebook Page and follow on Twitter (use #narcolepsy and #patientfocused).
• Attend the Sept 24, 2013 meeting in person or via webcast: The Sept. 24 meeting is open to the public and free to attend, but space is limited so register today (deadline Sept 13, 2013). Both “live” and webcast participants will be invited to get involved in the discussion. Register here.

**If you can do ONE thing today, please take the survey.**

Everyone’s experience with narcolepsy is unique, so please participate to ensure your voice is represented. Thank you!

For more about the Unite Narcolepsy initiative, check out the wonderful FAQs!