May Newsletter 2021

Routine Maintenance and Upkeep

Work around the turnip-sphere has been fairly light this month, owing to the new baby! All infants are a bundle of joy, but also a bundle of work, and a bundle of sleep deprivation, and I love her all the same, but I take an active role in the lives of my children which, when they’re this age, is a sizable burden of time. Not to fear! I’ve kept the lights on, and even had a bit of fun! Plus, I’ve added the Media-Eval podcast to the website list, and I have been able to start adding some descriptions to items on various lists which need more explanation than just a boring link.

From Neep Manor


This month is completely dominated by this little gem! Adding to the turnip roster, Little Turnip has a new partner in crime with the arrival of Amelia, the Tiny Turnip! At 7 lbs 1.3 ounces and 18.5 inches in length she is a healthy and (healthy lunged!) bouncing baby girl. It is awe inspiring how these inarticulate little meat-potatoes already have a considerable amount of personality. We’ve got a rascal on our hands, but I suppose it takes a rascal to raise a rascal… or does it take a rascal to temper a rascal? It is all very confusing, but I am incredibly excited to start on this new journey.

News Bulletin


These are the articles and videos which I shared in April which I think are beneficial to the medieval living history community. To see them in real time, follow on Facebook.

  • A Video from The Welsh Viking on what constitutes a medieval male silhouette.
  • A Facebook Post by Charles Lin showing pictures of and a description of the construction of a densely woven, replica mail collar.
  • A Facebook Album from Barry’s Photography documenting an event by Via Historiae of soldiers and peasants meeting on the road, like 15th century.
  • A Facebook Post by Sally Pointer and Gareth Riseborough documenting the recreation of a mid 15th century mason’s cap from Switzerland.

Podcasting


How Two Medieval Featured Image

How Two Medieval released two episodes this month.

In Episode 27 – Limited Resources, Matt and I discuss the difficult realities and circumstances involved when introducing elements of an impression which are supported by only a few source materials, pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for success. 

In Episode 28 – Medieval Urban Impressions, Matt and I had the distinct pleasure of special guest Andrew of Popula Urbanum and the Modern Medieval Man and we talked about his research into the urban culture of the high medieval. We discuss special considerations and terminology of the city, the realities of city life, and what one can really expect from the merchant class. 

The Meme Machine


I enjoyed releasing two memes this month, one intended to be inspirational and historically based, the other for comedy.

May Hall of Fame


A highlight of some of the most popular things on the Turnip Network. Do you have content you think is a candidate next month? Tag me on Facebook or use the hashtag #turnippicks on Instagram for a chance to be featured on the page, and if you make the top, a mention in the newsletter!

#turnippicks

Based on the time commitment managing Instagram resharing takes, I have not kept up with it this month. Unlike Facebook, to honestly and ethically reshare on Instagram requires a high time commitment in obtaining permissions and consent. Then I need to re-format the pictures with the logo, which is designed both as a badge of honor to the original poster (not as a way to claim the work as my own) and it makes it easier to track down and identify dishonest resharers; i.e. those who take someone else’s content which I shared with permission from my page and then shared it to their page without talking to me or the original poster, usually without crediting anyone. So Instagram took a back seat this month. I did, technically, reshare 3 photos in early May… but having a top three out of three seems a bit underwhelming.

Facebook Fun

I was a bit more active on Facebook however, and these are the most liked posts on Facebook in May. For a chance to make it on this list tag me in your post on Facebook or send me an instant message and I may share it!

Future Projects


As I mentioned in the past, I have taken the long list of future project ideas and removed it from the newsletter to better honor the advanced benefits higher level supporters on Patreon receive. However, I am pleased to announce Sir William has requested I work on the tent-upcycling idea I have. My intent is to work on a video this month, especially since my helper Little Turnip is out of school an can lend a hand in front of and behind the camera. If you want to have a vote in the conversation consider subscribing on patreon where you will have access to the polls which guide upcoming content.