callistotoni

1. How did you manage to become a Viscountess while remaining largely disconected from the WK fighting culture?

It wasn't hard, really. Remember, I was Princess a really long time ago (1987). At the time I was with the Ex That Shall Not Be Named, fighting was something he did and I just hung out with my friends, many of whom were also consorts but not terribly interested in fighting. Then everything blew up (the only advice I can give new Princesses is "Don't get divorced during your reign") I dropped out of the SCA for about 10 years. When I came back I did so through Juana and Ivar, and so just didn't travel in the same circles as the fighters. Although I did have friends from back in the day who fight, like Paul and Radnor. But I'd see them at parties, away from any fighting.

2. What is one class you would like to see me teach and why?

How to remain calm and reasonable when so many other people seem to be losing their minds, perhaps? ;-) That's certainly a trait of yours I find most admirable :-) . I'm sure there's a horse-related class, but I'm having trouble thinking of one that you haven't done before.

3. If opportunities were limitless would you advise your 20 something self to go into the same career field?

Really tough question. Honestly, it's been a pretty good gig. I haven't run into the weird professional-interpersonal BS that so many other people I know have. The hours have been flexible and for most of the 20-something years I've been in this business the work has been very steady. I don't like how locked-into it I am, though. Sometimes I think I would have made a good lawyer, or lawyer's assistant.

4. Outside of the paint princess of course, what's your dreamhorse?

Hmm, well, I did not grow up being a horse person, nor was I one of those girls that drew horses on everything. ;-) I suppose if I were to be utterly impractical it would be some sort of Spanish-style horse, since I greatly admire the compression that they are capable of. Next down would be some sort of warm blood to see if I could ever become a "real" dressage rider, or if I could take what I've learned on Brandee and actally do some moves that Brandee will never really be able to do because of the way she's built. But, realistically, I just don't have the temperment to deal with those sorts of horse personalities. Brandee is the perfect horse for me, and I know how lucky I am to have her. :-)

5. What's your favorite vice?

Depends on how one defines "vice". In the Western Civ tradition, it would have to be Lust, followed closely by a tie between Sloth and Glutteny, and then Vanity in the Show position.
If "vice" is defined as something I enjoy that's bad for me, it would have to be chocolate, especially chocolat-based baked goods (brownies, cake, chocolate chip cookies, etc). REally crave that sort of thing, and will over-indulge if it's in my environment.