My Books

I have begun the arduous task of cataloging and listing my books in the sidebar. I have spent many years and much money collecting them. Many of the books are in Russian and I have been doing some translation of portions which apply to whatever project/whim I have going on. It's messy, but it's my mess and I get it.

More to come!

~ B

About Me

 I discovered the SCA in 1993. Interestingly enough, I read a book called Ariel – A Book of the Change by Steven R Boyett, saw a reference to the SCA and was curious to know

The book that started it all...

what it was all about. Back in the days before computers were commonplace, I went to the local university library and poured through a reference book of associations, organizations, and societies in the United States. There, I found the address to the SCA corporate headquarters in Milpatis, and sent off a (yes) hand-written letter of inquiry. Two weeks later, I had a copy of my Kingdom's newsletter in hand with the names and contact info for the two closest Baronies highlighted. I played fairly fringe for several years. I worked, went to as many events as I could afford, and met a lot of great folks.

I decided about half way through my 20s that I should probably go to college and learn a little something. I completed my general studies at community college, earning an Associate in Arts with a Humanities focus. I began my Bachelor Studies at the University of Oklahoma majoring in English, but quickly changed to International Relations, Eastern European track. I had always been fascinated with the Romani culture and spent many years researching it independently. My rational for my degree track was that since many of the Romani lived in countries previously occupied by the Soviet Union, I could use the Russian language as a jumping off point. I had intended to do my master’s studies at the University of Texas in Austin, as Ian Hancock (a noted figure in Romani studies and activism) taught master’s level courses there. Well, I ended up falling in love with the Russian language, history, and culture and scrapped the whole UT thing. 

Peterhof

I lived in St. Petersburg, Russia from 2000-2001 in an immersive study-abroad program. While there, I had the opportunity to travel extensively in western Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, and spend the Christmas holidays in London, England. It was the greatest year of my life. At that time, I was too busy with my program to tie it into the SCA. After I returned and completed my BA in International Relations with a minor in Russian Language, I started applying my love and knowledge of Russian culture to my SCA life.

Red Square

I researched and passed my own name and device. I began to hold offices in my local Barony. I joined the Slavic Interest Group pages (although I'm more of an observer), I poured over Sofya la Rus' excellent website, and started doing my own research and translation of Medieval Russian life.

In my area, I'm regarded as a source for most things Slavic, although I find myself most drawn to early-period, tribal Rus. I am an apprentice and a protégé, but I feel my service work far outweighs what I've done artistically at this point - hence, this blog. I figure I'll start putting myself and what I do out there instead of researching for my own enjoyment. Hopefully,  I can contribute to the already wonderful knowledge base of Slavic studies already in the SCA and also encourage and inspire others. Please feel free to contact me with questions, comments, and suggestions! Please be kind.

Thanks for reading!
HE Branislava Kirilova Volkova
Barony of Wiesenfeuer,  Ansteorra

Beginnings

Hello and welcome!

I have never blogged. This is my first attempt. Please be patient. 

The intention of this place is to help categorize, share, and discuss my varied interests in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). Much of the content will focus on Slavic and Rus studies, calligraphy, illumination, cooking, and other things I find interesting.

I hope it can become a resource for others.