Hi Everyone,

Wow, it's been quite awhile since I've checked into the group! The
topic of "going back" to another time in history & specifically, as
Phyllis mentioned, the roles/lives of women in those times has been
an interest of mine for a long time. Interestingly, my husband & I
are planning a trip sometime soon to Williamsburg, VA.

I'm really a medieval/renaissance buff & have, in past years, really
emersed myself in the history. I even get a "Medieval Women" calendar
every year. I have gone to the Renaissance Faires for years
(sometimes in period costume) & have been to the "Medieval Times"
restaurant/entertainment chain both here in Linden, NJ & in
Kissimmee, FL (which is the original location with artifacts from a
genuine medieval village). I've also gone to The Cloisters in Ft.
Tryon, NY - which is set on the hilltop & is a medieval cloister with
the Unicorn Tapestries on display as well as medieval herb gardens,
artifacts & period music (of which I also have an extensive private
collection of my own!). I also have many books on that time. I have
realized that in one of my past lives, I lived during the Early
Renaissance/Late Medieval periods.

Times were very hard for women (what's new!) & not just for the
peasant folk! the wealthier women not only did their own jobs running
their households, but they also ran their husbands businesses & the
estate while hubby was off doing man-things (usually raping,
pillaging & plundering in the name of religion - but really for power
& greed). Some women even took their husbands places, if their spouse
was away on other businees, injured or killed, in running their
battles! But, then as now, women were not given credit for their
accomplishments & as soon as their "Lord" returned to his position,
the women withdrew into the background. That's why women such as Joan
of Arc were looked upon with such disdain - it just "wasn't done".

But, looking at women like Joan - I can't help but feel proud at
their courage, stamina, intelligence & faith in themselves & their
beliefs - especially looking at the odds they were up against! I find
it rather disturbing that in our recorded history, you rarely read
about women - it's always been the men who have become famous & given
credit for accomplishing things. If you look deeper into our history
tho, you'll find that there were many, many women who contributed a
great deal.

Their trials & tribulations have only proven that women are NOT the
weaker sex!

Have a wonderful day!
Berni