Well, we are back for Part Two of my trip to San Diego and HRR. This will be about the retreat itself and what I specifically got up to during my time. There were events I missed and ones I didn’t have a costume too so I won’t have pictures of all of it. Starting with the first full day which was Wednesday, We signed in and were given our name cards, a swag bag full of goodies, a beautiful charm bracelet which I’ll get to in a second and the emporium was open for anyone looking to buy antique period pieces, They had everything from jewelry to corsets, to hats, gloves, crowns, and merchandise. (I may have bought a crown because I needed it lol). That night we gathered on the terrace for light snacks and drinks for an informal meet and greet. I felt seriously underdressed and was floored by the beautiful costumes already being worn. We made some friends, mingled, and then headed to bed.

Our wonderful host of HRR, Renee Bernard.

We received the beautiful charm bracelet and a booklet we used to go on a hunt and match up each charm with the author that provided it. Once we matched them up we had the author sign each spot and at the end of the retreat you handed in your booklet to be entered into a draw for tickets to HRR 2023 and a beautiful crown.

My crown, I saw, needed and bought. Yes, I needed it.

Lori and Robert Lewis. I had the pleasure of meeting them that first night, they look fabulous and were absolutely wonderful human beings that I have and will keep in touch with. x

Thursday morning The Regency Fair took place with games and prizes, we did go in and check it out quickly, however we headed out on an adventure you’ll hear about in Part 3 before heading back for class. During the day on both Thursday and Friday, they hosted classes on a variety of fun topics. Monica and I divided and conquered each going to different classes and sharing what we learned. I attended the Path to Publishing class hosted by Kathryn LeVeque, the owner of Dragonblade Publishing. Although it wasn’t my subgenre of romance I did walk away with a better knowledge of which publishing route I wanted to go on, which up until that point I had been weighing different options and learned a few new things as well. Afternoon tea was served between 4-5pm, I did not attend this part as I was starving and we headed out to eat before coming back and getting ready for the evening’s festivities.

The Whigs and Wenches Party….. was an amazing event. Here’s a snap of me in my wench costume. I couldn’t breathe in this corset but the girls looked fabulous so I just didn’t sit down the entire night.

When you arrived at the event you were given a bag of old coins to use for the gambling games and also to trade in for tickets to enter draws of baskets donated by various authors in attendance. They served drinks made from recipes TJ London acquired from an old American president. I don’t remember which one sorry but they were tasty and strong as hell. I can say I was robbed of all my coins by a thief in our midst, had to acquire more coins, and had a roaring good time.

All Hail the King and Queen. The delightful couple, taxed me for my cleavage lol and handed out punishments throughout the night to all they chose, some poor souls even received a feathering lol.

A good feathering by order of the King and QueenThis dress There are some more pics from a fun night.

Sahara Kelly, ladies and gents. She was absolutely delightful, a wee bit tipsy, and I couldn’t stop laughing.

Found me some high-class wenches…

Friday was another full day full of events I went to a morning class hosted by Tracy Brogan (who I might add is another amazing human) and took her class Taking the Fifth where I learned the history of James V of Scotland. His history was so sordid and intriguing I enjoyed it so much I was disappointed when it ended. I snagged a copy of her book before I left. We took off for a quick lunch before heading back to the afternoon classes. Monica took Hairstyles from Ancient Rome to the Victorian era hosted by Gina Danna and I took Lye Back and think of England hosted by the hilarious Caroline Lee where I learned the historical methods in which humans cleaned their bits.

The Lovely Tracy Brogan

The delightful Caroline Lee. I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much during a soap making class.

Friday afternoon there was an Historical Pool party (that I missed oops) and Friday night was the Highland Ceilidh where Monica taught the highland fling, everyone dressed in their tartans and frocks, and music was provided by an amazing live band. I didn’t have a costume for this event but I did get some good pictures of my fearless friend teaching us to dance and a couple of ladies who stole the show in their amazing costumes and the crude humor that followed.

My partner in crime Monica teaching us a Scottish jig

These two just killed me, couldn’t stop laughing, and round of applause for these lady’s costumes.

Group shot x

I’ve decided that I’ll have to extend this into a Four part series because so much happened and Saturday I feel like deserves its own post as this was our last full day and I magically turned into a belle at the ball. Literally a ball. So, I’ll leave you with this first look and lots of pictures, and next week we will do Saturday and the last post will be all about my days as a tourist. I hope you enjoyed this look at this amazing retreat I think everyone should do at least once.

Till next week,

Love, the travelling Magnolia xx