Finally! A full set of pictures from the Snowflake Ball

I suppose we all go through phases where we are highly motivated to blog and others where we  lose all motivation.  I have been writing occasionally in other blogs in SL (and the typist in RL), but The Realm of the Red Rose has suffered horribly.  Apologies!

So today, I will at least begin anew with pictures from the 6th Annual Snowflake Ball.  The following post will showcase pictures from a latest adventure.

Once again the Snowflake was a meaningful and precious evening.  I am so glad that everyone was able to join us High in the Cliffs of Skye.








For more fabulous photos of the night, please see PJ Trenton's Flickr set.

You Are Invited to the SIXTH Annual Snowflake Ball

 

 

 

It is with great pleasure that I am once again inviting you to The Snowflake Ball, which has become a Steamlands winter tradition.  We are now celebrating our SIXTH event!  The Snowflake Ball has deep sentimental meaning for me as one of the first formal Victorian dances in our collective history and a time and place to be with - and make - very good friends.

The first Duchess Loch Avie, Shenlei Flasheart, started this tradition in January 2007, and I am honored to have been able to continue to hold this beautiful ball each year, first in my role as Duchess Loch Avie, then as the Lady of Skye in Winterfell.  Although I have had a change in my Second Life  - less time in world, a move to a smaller and more modern parcel of land - I am proud to continue to hold those title and to play those roles when I am in my beloved Steamlands.  And this is one of the three traditions that I hold near and dear to my heart.  I'll not stop holding this ball until the gods of the electronic world see fit to remove me entirely.

My wish is that you will enjoy yourselves entirely on this very special night in the snow.  We do not wish that the formal nature of the ball would intimidate you as we utilize the dance cards for our 11 dance sets, but rather provide you with an option to enhance your pleasure of the event.  If you have not already received a notecard, which includes your dance card for the night, there will be a table with cards available for your use on the night of the ball.  This year our celebration will be held in the Forrest of the Cliffs of Skye (i.e. way up high over my lovely Magna Carta land); however, we will continue to observe the etiquette of the Steamlands (rather than that of strict Victorian or even more modern tradition).  Therefore, anyone may request a dance of anyone else (i.e. women may initiate an invitation to dance; women may dance with women and men with men;   all avatars are welcome including tinies, furries, mechanical beings of all types, time lords, and more).

We will  begin to gather  at 7pm SLT and we may visit with our friends and neighbors and perhaps begin filling the dance card - if all your dances are not spoken for prior to the ball, of course.  The first dance set will begin at 7:15pm.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Snowflake by William Baer

Timing’s everything. The vapor rises
high in the sky, tossing to and fro,
then freezes, suddenly, and crystallizes
into a perfect flake of miraculous snow.
For countless miles, drifting east above
the world, whirling about in a swirling free-
for-all, appearing aimless, just like love,
but sensing, seeking out, its destiny.
Falling to where the two young skaters stand,
hand in hand, then flips and dips and whips
itself about to ever-so-gently land,
a miracle, across her unkissed lips:
as he blocks the wind raging from the south,
leaning forward to kiss her lovely mouth.

The First Snowflake Ball

Caledon Loch Avie

January 2007

Second Annual Snowflake Ball

Caledon Loch Avie

January 2008

Third Annual Snowflake Ball

Port Caledon

January 2009

The Fourth Annual Snowflake Ball

Isle of Skye, Winterfell Anodyne

January 2010

 

 The Fifth Annual Snowflake Ball

Isle of Skye, Winterfell Anodyne

January 2011

Embarking on a Sentimental Journey

Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments,
embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.

John Boswell

Five.

Five Snowflake Balls have now taken place in the Steamlands.

Incredible.

Each year I wonder at the special nature of this event. There truly seems to be some magic surrounding the annual formal winter event.  Somehow the Snowflake brings out the best in us all.  Somehow we are all brought together, despite lag, despite dance machines maxing out, despite any drama or disagreement, and despite some lethargy about this vitual world we live in.

The first Snowflake Ball was part of the first Social Season in Caledon back in January 2007.  The first Duchess Loch Avie, Shenlei Flasheart hosted it in the relatively new sim, and Gabrielle Riel was the musical director.  Caledon was growing and people were stretching their role playing legs.  Things were very proper and congenial.  The dance was incredibly fun as neighbors and friends came together in their winter best.  New friends were welcomed into the community, and we all left the night feeling so good about Caledon and her citizenry.

I became the Duchess of Loch Avie in April of 2007 and felt very strongly about continuing and expanding the social season activities.  I did not do this alone, of course.  As Gabrielle Riel discusses in her blog post on the Snowflake Ball, there were several of us who worked on events throughout the next year or so.  Now the Duchess, I hosted the second Snowflake Ball again in Loch Avie (January 2008).  It proved to be a very fine event indeed, this time specifically including friends from other Steamland nations.

The next year brought some heartache to me personally as well as to many in all of our virtual world - the changes in the open space sims. I had to leave the lands that I so loved in order to continue to host events of any size.  The script and avatar limitations on the new homestead sims were just far too restrictive to meet my needs.  Her Excellency, Kamilah Hauptmann, allowed me to host the ball on her land and (frozen) water in Port Caledon.  It was a healing and sentimental event.

Last year's event was formal, but took us traveling through time musically.  Thanks to Mr. Icarus Ghost for the musical collaboration. As well, each guest was invited to wear a costume from one of their favorite periods in time.  What a wonderful and powerful night it was.  Honestly, each year I wonder how it can get better.  How can we continue to experience the revival of the "good old days" and yet feel new and fresh and improved?

And it happened again this year.  

There were so many of us this year - so many we had to have the parcel avatar limit lifted within the first 40 minutes of the event.  Old friends, new friends.  It was so good to collaborate with Gabrielle again on a formal event.  Steelhead.  Caledon. Winterfell. Babbage. New Toulouse.  Seraph City.

I am incredibly honored to have been able to share my home with you for so many years now.  Thank you for your friendship and love.

More pictures of the event may be found in my Flickr set.

Even Wandering Knights Find The Way Home

- More Often Than One Might Think

As has long been my custom, I was walking the perimeter of the Isle again this week.  Perhaps I was simply taking in the winter-tide glory around me.  Perhaps I was making a security sweep prior to the Snowflake Ball.  Most likely it was a little of both.  The habits of a woman trained as a warrior duchess and an intelligence operative are as strong as her romantic & beauty-seeking heart.

Something caught my eye near the edge of the water on the south end of the island.  Upon closer inspection I discovered an arrow fletching in Sir Tele's colors.  I grasped the feathering just as a small wave attempted to take it out into the deeper channel - a smile beginning to form on my lips.  Telemachus Dean is extremely mindful of allowing his presence to be known.  This fletching would not be here, were he not wanting me to know he had been here.  It is not uncommon for me to find messages from him somewhere on the property letting me know that he has passed through Isle of Skye, ensuring my safety and that of the clan even as he moves on to another foreign adventure.

"Fair winds, dear Knight,"  I whispered into the fletching as I climbed back up the rocky pathway on my way to the house.

Snow began to fall again just as I reached the doorway.  I placed his arrow's feathers on the desk in my private offices, changed out of my hiking gear, and headed back out to prepare the grounds for the ball.  I was just using the steam crane to lift the ice chandelier into place over the dancing area, when I sensed something watching me.  A presence nearing.

I did not have Claidheamh Flath, the sword of my forebears - the Sword of the Chief, with me since I was merely working in the yard.  I mumbled curses under my breath as I felt the presence growing closer.  The hair on my arms and the back of my neck began to prickle madly.  Thankfully I recalled that I had been working on the steam crane a bit earlier in the morning and had left the large wrench laying nearby.  I grasped the wrench in both hands as I knelt down.  I rapidly stood and deftly swung the wrench around at chest level.

Clank!!

I struck a very large claymore and looked up to see Sir Tele grinning down at me.

"I see ye've kept up your swordplay and defense practice, Your Grace."

I'm sure I stood momentarily with my mouth agape as the truth of him sunk in.  "Och! ye great, bloody man!  Sneaking up on me like that!!"

His smile widened and he dropped his sword.  At that, I promptly whacked him in the stomach with the wrench, and then gave him a hug.

"I can't stay long, Duchess.  But I could not pass nearby without ensuring that you were well.  When I saw that the preparations were underway for the Snowflake Ball, I knew that I needed to stay to request a dance.  I will not be in the area on the night of the event."

I smiled.  "Ever the gallant, Sir Tele.  Then let us dance while you tell me of your most recent adventures."

We danced for what seemed only a short while before he said he needed to be on his way.  Apparently he had a ship to catch on the high tide.  

It is always bittersweet to have him go off on another quest.  But I always know he will return.

"Fair winds, dear Knight.  Fair winds."

The Honour of Your Presence is Requested at the Fifth Annual Snowflake Ball

It is with great pleasure that I am once again inviting you to The Snowflake Ball, which has become a Steamlands winter tradition.  This is now the fifth such lovely event. The Snowflake Ball has deep sentimental meaning for me as one of the first formal Victorian dances in our collective history and a time and place to be with - and make - very good friends.

The first Duchess Loch Avie, Shenlei Flasheart, started this tradition in January 2007, and I am honored to have been able to continue to hold this beautiful ball each year, first in my role as Duchess Loch Avie and now also as the Lady of Skye.

I am pleased to announce that my cousin, Gabrielle Riel, will once again be providing the music for our dancing pleasure.  

My wish is that you will enjoy yourselves entirely on this very special night in the snow.  We do not wish that the formal nature of the ball would intimidate you as we utilize the dance cards for our 11 dance sets, but rather provide you with an option to enhance your pleasure of the event.  If you have not already received a notecard, which includes your dance card for the night, as part of the group announcements to Winterfell, Steelhead, and Caledon, there will be a table with cards available for your use on the night of the ball.  (I am working to have announcements made in New Babbage, New Toulouse, and Seraph City as well.)  We will observe the etiquette of the Steamlands rather than that of strict Victorian tradition.  Therefore, anyone may request a dance of anyone else (i.e. women may initiate an invitation to dance; women may dance with women and men with men;   all avatars are welcome including tinies, furries, mechanical beings of all types, time lords, and more).

We will  begin to gather on the grounds of my home, Caisteal Teanacadh, at 7pm SLT where we may visit with our friends and neighbors and perhaps begin filling the dance card - if all your dances are not spoken for prior to the ball..  The first dance set will begin at 7:15pm.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Snowflake by William Baer

Timing’s everything. The vapor rises
high in the sky, tossing to and fro,
then freezes, suddenly, and crystallizes
into a perfect flake of miraculous snow.
For countless miles, drifting east above
the world, whirling about in a swirling free-
for-all, appearing aimless, just like love,
but sensing, seeking out, its destiny.
Falling to where the two young skaters stand,
hand in hand, then flips and dips and whips
itself about to ever-so-gently land,
a miracle, across her unkissed lips:
as he blocks the wind raging from the south,
leaning forward to kiss her lovely mouth.

The First Snowflake Ball

Caledon Loch Avie

January 2007

Second Annual Snowflake Ball

Caledon Loch Avie

January 2008

Third Annual Snowflake Ball

Port Caledon

January 2009

The Fourth Annual Snowflake Ball

Isle of Skye, Winterfell Anodyne

January 2010

After the Snowflakes Fall.......

**From the diary of The Red Rose**

Snowflake by William Baer

Timing’s everything. The vapor rises
high in the sky, tossing to and fro,
then freezes, suddenly, and crystalizes
into a perfect flake of miraculous snow.
For countless miles, drifting east above
the world, whirling about in a swirling free-
for-all, appearing aimless, just like love,
but sensing, seeking out, its destiny.
Falling to where the two young skaters stand,
hand in hand, then flips and dips and whips
itself about to ever-so-gently land,
a miracle, across her unkissed lips:
as he blocks the wind raging from the south,
leaning forward to kiss her lovely mouth.

January 10th~

One would think that I would be completely and utterly exhausted. Under normal circumstances I suppose I would be. But I find myself still floating on air, or should I say, 'dancing on snow'. This year's Snowflake Ball has been over for more than 10 hours and I can still hear the strains of the Blue Danube, and Queen Elizabeth's Galliard, and In The Mood, and La Cumparsita, and Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman. We really traveled through time with the music this year. Mediæval, Romantic, Classical, Futuristic (from the 20th and 21st centuries). It was wonderful. Mr. Ghost did phenomenal work taking my thoughts and suggestions for theme and music and creating a playlist that all the guests seemed to enjoy.

This event has always been special to me. Along with Beltane celebrations it is probably my favorite event of each year. Only attending the first Snowflake Ball held by Shenlei Flashart, I fell in love with dancing in the snow. I was so pleased to be able to create a tradition of holding this event each January, first in Loch Avie, then in Port Caledon (shortly after the Open Space Debacle), and now in my family home on Isle of Skye in Winterfell Anodyne.

This year brought a fantastic group of friends and neighbors from all over the Steamlands. Dressed to the nines, they danced. The company was grand and the conversations sentimental, humorous, and interesting.

We officially danced 11 sets, but many did not want to even think about leaving at the appointed hour. *smiles softly* Mr. Ghost and I conversed and decided to play & dance on for another hour. I don't blame anyone for not wanting to leave the romance and beauty of the setting and the wonderful music. It truly was another magical night. A night of remembrance, hope, and love.

Yes. Yes, we will do this again next year and for as many years as I am able.

~E~

A few pictures and a short slide show from the night~

Mr. Ghost and Miss Hypatia

Lady Eleanor Anderton's wonderful Flickr Slideshow.

And my slideshow:

Traveling in Musical Time at the Snowflake Ball

As the excitement continues to grow for my annual Snowflake Ball, I am becoming very excited about the theme that was chosen this year:

DANCING IN TIME

At the appointed hour we will all step out onto the ballroom floor, which is covered in snow (yes, this event is usually held outside). Is this indeed the grand ballroom of Caisteal Teanacadh or is it some wonderful place inside a Tardis in this Steampunk world of ours?

We are pleased to find that we recognize the faces of friends, neighbors, acquaintances, but something seems to be a bit askew. Not everyone is in the dress of the Victorian era. Some are dressed in garb more appropriate to the middle ages or the age of enlightenment. Some are in futuristic looking robes - not unlike we have seen during our time travel into the 21st Century. All are, however, formally attired and ready to dance and dance.

The orchestra this year has also been doing some time travel. I am told by our orchestral conductor, that Time Lord, Mr. Icarus Ghost (who appeared on the Caledon scene a little over a year ago having regenerated from his old self, Zenigma Suntzu) that the music mix has been inspired by his travels through space and time.

As I have stated previously we will work our way through musical eras from the 12th century to the 21st century. A bit of a twist that I believe you will enjoy is that some of the music we will hear are futuristic interpretations of the works.

While the etiquette of the ball will be quite formal & Victorian, our fashions, our music, and our dances will be an eclectic mix of past, present, and future.

I truly look forward to welcoming you with and open heart and open arms.

The First Annual Snowflake Ball, Caledon Loch Avie
January 2007


The Second Annual Snowflake Ball, Caledon Loch Avie
January 2008


The Third Annual Snowflake Ball, Port Caledon
Dancing on Ice
January 2009

Oh sure! Fill Your Grand Ballroom With Snow.......

And suddenly a group of walruses decide to move in!!

Thankfully, as a professor with The Royal Society, I could call their resources and experts immediately.

Dr. Nicholas happily took charge of the situation, performed some biological measurements, tagged the animals and called in the Society's research vessel to take these fine creatures to a more suitable habitat.

The large alpha male of the group happily gobbled up some of Steelhead's finest salmon.

*

DANCING IN TIME

It's time again for the Snowflake Ball!!

This year it is a bit different as it will be held in my home in Winterfell and indoors. But do not let that deter you from joining us. The Grand Ballroom is undergoing transformation even as we speak and will be filled with snow and ice (thanks to Professor Nicholas' grand snow-making device) for the annual event.

Our theme this year is Dancing in Time.

I have suggested that you wear formal (or Black Tie) from one of many periods in time spanning the 12th through 21st centuries. How enjoyable it will be to see the different eras represented in the same room all at once!

But Dancing in Time also means that we will do some musical time-travel with music styles representative of each of the following eras during the 11 dance sets of the night:

• Mediæval
• Renaissance
• Baroque
• Classical
• Romantic
• early-mid 20th Century
• late 20th Century - 21st Century

This will, in fact, remain a formal event which will use dance cards to record the names of the ladies & gentlemen with whom one intends to dance each successive dance. Such cards appear to have originated in 18th century, but their use first became widespread in 19th century Vienna, especially at the massive balls during Fasching before Lent.

It will be my privilege to have you join me in my home for this joyous Winter Formal event on

January 9th from 7pm-10pm SLT.

SLURL to Isle of Skye here.

Snowflakes, dancing, and poetry

The first dance of the night - with Sir Adso, ORR.

January 10th - the Third Annual Snowflake Ball - hosted by Loch Avie, Her Grace, Eva Bellambi.

It is with great pleasure that I was once again able to host the Snowflake Ball, which has become a Caledonian winter tradition (this being the third of the lovely events) and certainly has sentimental meaning for me as one of the first formal dances in our collective history and a time and place to be with - and make - very good friends.

The first Duchess Loch Avie, Shenlei Flasheart, started this tradition in January 2007, and I look forward to continuing it - even as I move to my new home in Winterfell Anodyne.

This year, Her Excellency, Kamilah Hauptmann graciously allowed me to host the event on her land in Port Caledon. We entertained guests from Winterfell, Steelhead, Caledon, and other sims. We shared 11 dance sets with formal dance cards and had a wonderful time.

The Setting in Port Caledon

The Snow Fairy by Claude McKay

I

Throughout the afternoon I watched them there,
Snow-fairies falling, falling from the sky,
Whirling fantastic in the misty air,
Contending fierce for space supremacy.
And they flew down a mightier force at night,
As though in heaven there was revolt and riot,
And they, frail things had taken panic flight
Down to the calm earth seeking peace and quiet.
I went to bed and rose at early dawn
To see them huddled together in a heap,
Each merged into the other upon the lawn,
Worn out by the sharp struggle, fast asleep.
The sun shone brightly on them half the day,
By night they stealthily had stol'n away.



II

And suddenly my thoughts then turned to you
Who came to me upon a winter's night,
When snow-sprites round my attic window flew,
Your hair disheveled, eyes aglow with light.
My heart was like the weather when you came,
The wanton winds were blowing loud and long;
But you, with joy and passion all aflame,
You danced and sang a lilting summer song.
I made room for you in my little bed,
Took covers from the closet fresh and warm,
A downful pillow for your scented head,
And lay down with you resting in my arm.
You went with Dawn. You left me ere the day,
The lonely actor of a dreamy play.

Sir Adso and Lady Kate Nicholas in the foreground.

Dancing with Lord Lunar of Steelhead

Snow flakes. by Emily Dickinson

Snow flakes.

I counted till they danced so
Their slippers leaped the town,
And then I took a pencil
To note the rebels down.
And then they grew so jolly
I did resign the prig,
And ten of my once stately toes
Are marshalled for a jig!

Here I am enjoying watching my friends and neighbors dancing and enjoying each others' company

Kamilah and I share a dance toward the end of the evening.

Winter Warmth

What does winter bring to your mind?

For many, I suppose, it only conjures up thoughts of stark light and coldness. Or darkness. Or freezing pipes, freezing toes, freezing noses.

But for me winter often brings to mind the following:

~Warm, crackling wood fires
~Soft, fuzzy sweaters
~Romantic evenings spent with a loved one by the fire
~Hot Chocolate
~Walking alone or with your lover through the new-fallen snow, the only sound - the soft crunch of the snow under your feet.
~Meeting for coffee at a favorite little cafe, cuddling on the overstuffed sofa, and chatting away about everything and nothing

For this 3rd Annual Loch Avie Snowflake Ball I invite you to dream about what makes you feel warm in winter and join us on the ice and snow for a formal dance.*




MANY thanks to Her Excellency, Kamilah Hauptmann, for the use of her lands in Port Caledon for this event (For those who are not aware, Loch Avie can now only support 20 avatars at one time. Not really ideal for hosting balls - or any other event for that matter.) The Vicereine has been most gracious and helpful as we plan and prep for the event. I am lucky to count her among my good friends.

We will see you on January 10th from 7:30pm-10pm SLT.
Dress is formal.
*Dance notecards will be in use for this traditionally formal ball. A template will be provided for your use on site.

Location SLURL for Port Caledon.

I leave you with this poem by Thomas Campion

Now winter nights enlarge
This number of their hours;
And clouds their storms discharge
Upon the airy towers.
Let now the chimneys blaze
And cups o'erflow with wine,
Let well-tuned words amaze
With harmony divine...

This time doth well dispense
With lovers' long discourse;
Much speech hath some defense,
Though beauty no remorse.
All do not all things well:
Some measures comely tread,
Some knotted riddles tell,
Some poems smoothly read.
The summer hath his joys,
And winter his delights;
Though love and all his pleasures are but toys
They shorten tedious nights.

Winter Night Revelry

The Second Annual Snowflake Ball

Gathering in Loch Avie

Now Winter Nights Enlarge
by: Thomas Campion (1617)

Now winter nights enlarge
The number of their hours,
And clouds their storms discharge
Upon the airy towers.
Let now the chimneys blaze,
And cups o’erflow with wine;
Let well-tuned words amaze
With harmony divine.
Now yellow waxen lights
Shall wait on honey love,
While youthful revels, masques, and courtly sights
Sleep’s leaden spells remove.

This time doth well dispense
With lovers’ long discourse;
Much speech hath some defence,
Though beauty no remorse.
All do not all things well;
Some measures comely tread,
Some knotted riddles tell,
Some poems smoothly read.
The summer hath his joys
And winter his delights;
Though love and all his pleasures are but toys,
They shorten tedious nights.

Thank you for such a wonderful night. To say that I was - and still am - overwhelmed by the merriment, beauty, and love which was the result of all of you in attendance at the Snowflake Ball in Loch Avie this past Saturday would be an understatement. The night was more than I ever hoped.

Thanks, in particular, to mo charaids, Edward and Christine (McAllister) Pearse, for the fine music presentation and hostessing and technical assistance. Also thank you to my cousin, Gabrielle and to Diamanda Gustafson for some last minute help with more dance poses as the crowd grew, a couple of special benches for resting and watching Nellie, and for helping me keep the fun going well-past the wee hours of the morning.

Chatting with Lord and Lady Primbroke just prior to the first dance

Greeting new acquaintances and old friends. (Her Grace of Carntaigh, Gabrielle Riel, on the right.)

Special thanksgiving for Mr. TotalLunar Eclipse. Sir, thank you for working to make my vision of the Conservatory a' Ghaidhealtachd a reality. It is truly a beautiful building and very special to me thanks in no small part to your friendship and the artistry with which you work.

Mr. TotalLunar Eclipse and Miss Eugenia Burton

A spectacular view. The wrought iron and glass ceiling is a dramatic crowning touch.

Taking time to say hello to guest as the first dance commences. (in the background, Carntaigh, Primbroke, and Lord Kintyre and Lady AutoPilotPatty )

As I look back on the night, I am most pleased that the old and the new mingled and each others' company. Early on in the evening I had the pleasure to speak to not a few new citizens of our fair Independent State. Many were excited to attend the ball, but had questions about formality and etiquette at such an event. "What should I wear?" "How strict is the period theme?" "How does one use the dance card?" "I really want to attend, but I am feeling a little intimidated by it all."

Guests meeting and greeting one another

Happily all of those with whom I spoke, and many other new citizens, decided to brave the unfamiliar waters of a formal ball and arrived in Loch Avie as Lord Edward was setting up his musical equipment. There were at least 26 of us in the sim well before the first dance began at 7:15pm joyfully chatting and getting to know one another a little better.

As many of these new friends took my hand leaving the ball, they commented on how much they enjoyed the event, and how welcoming everyone had been to them. It warms my heart, truly, when our community can come together for a time and be fully at peace and be so welcoming to one another and to strangers.

I was also pleased to welcome friends from Steelhead, Babbage, Lovelace, and some Caledonians that I have not seen in ages. Imagine my surprise as Mr. Deckard flew by waving his hellos just as we were beginning the event. (Sadly he was apparently unable to join us.) Later in the evening, Miss Hypatia Callisto joined us as did Miss Charlene Trudeau, Miss Serra Anansi, Her Grace of Primverness, Mr. Shaunathan Sprocket, and Miss Eggberta Echegaray. Save for Hypatia and Serra, I have not seen these folks in ages. I was smiling from ear to ear to have a chance to talk to them for a little while, to offer them some whisky and some wintertime hospitality.

Lady Kintyre, and Sir ZenMondo

Captain Ballinger of Cape Wrath twirls a dance partner around in the snowy fields of Loch Avie

Mr Iason Hassanov in top hat and scarf twirls me amidst the steam during dance set number two.

The setting underneath the aurora and stars

Lady Kate Nicholas joined us for a little while in the middle of the evening. Despite the lag she experienced, she tells me that she had a lovely time. Here she discusses entomology with a scientist who expressed interest in joining the Royal Society.

Dancing with Touma Yoshikawa.

His Grace of Cymru and Miss Samantha Glume

Dear friends, Colonel Exrex Somme and his lovely lady, Callipygian Christensen

Her Grace of Primverness, CoyoteAngel Dimsum and Miss Charlene Trudeau enjoy a quiet conversation near Nellie's Cove

Mayor Shaunathan Sprocket of Babbage catches up with us shortly after his arrival

Mr. JJ Drinkwater and Miss Serra Anasi, Seneschal of Winterfell

Peeking through the windows of the conservatory as I dance with Mr. Marcus Tairov

Lord Kintyre and I tango as Miss Eggberta Echergaray looks on

The Marquise of West Spierling Isle, Darkling Elytis, and I dance together once again....this time with shoes on (unlike our jig-waltz at the Thanksgiving Ball).

My dear friend, Baron Bardhaven, arrived as we were extending the festivities well-past the planned end of the ball.

Dancing into the morning hours

Lady Amber Palowakski and Mr. Roy Smashcan dance to the more up-tempo songs as the party continued.

The last dance of the night with Colonel Hotspur O'Toole

And so I went off to my bed, with tired feet and a happy heart. Thank you for allowing me to host you once again. It is always my pleasure to do so. There were 60 or so that attended the ball and danced to the music, talked to friends, and made new acquaintances. What a night!

As I quoted previously:

On with the dance! let joy be unconfined;
No sleep till morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet.
~George Gordon, Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage