Vacaville gal

Chris, Thanks for the review of the week from someone that had other plans for the weekend. It sounds like the level of excellence just stays at such a high level! I agree with you; what a sweet gig you have O Man with a golf cart :-) See you preparing to make history with Renegades by hitting it hard again at rehearsal this weekend...what a show the staff has given us to perform. Good to have you filling both spots - instructor and performer. Diane

We had a great weekend full of intensity at Mars, the rehearsal "field" for Blue Devils. What is so interesting is the full circle that has come to pass...I marched in Blue Devils and now Renegades. I'm back to rehearsals at Mars...and let me tell you that the name is well earned. I didn't have the chance to read everyone's posts to my message until now and I am so humbled by the passion that oozes from each word by people that have given so much to a beloved activity and group of people. I had many people come up to me at rehearsal commenting on the fact that this is my last year; thank you to all for such tender words and support! It truly takes strength to do this activity well; I am surrounded by so many people in so many corps that all share the same heart even if our styles and locations vary. Competition is important but I know that no matter how this season ends, we can all walk away with pride and satisfaction if we have poured out all we can into these last few weeks. Thank you to instructors Julie, Shirley, Kathy, Ron for investing in me. You have believed in me when I have doubted myself. This kind of support impacts my life in ways beyond words. We all need a reminder once and awhile; we all have a precious gift to share with others. Thank you for both sharing your gifts and encouraging others to take the risk of sharing ourselves. More can be said to individuals...and trust me...the goodbyes and gratitudes will be spoken. So much is left unsaid in this life. I hope to let all those around know that I am becoming more because of the individual impact of each person. No one is without an influence. Therein lies my challenge; may I continue to choose to offer a positive influence that builds up instead of tears down. I hope to meet people from other corps this year...please come up and say hi to Diane in the Reneguard! I want to squeak out each moment possible while the opportunity is before me.

I'm goofing off and avoiding the 108 degree (plus) temps outside in Redding CA by writing a note to you all... I would love to hear from others that are preparing to wrap up their marching at DCA finals this year. I love being a part of the Renegades yet my 3-4 hr drive to rehearsal and need to get planted in my new part of the state causes me to make this decision for myself. I am planning on dropping the shoes off at retreat. I already have mixed emotions and thoughts about this but priorities being such as they are, I will be leaving with great memories. I also wanted to finish the trilogy of shows that we begun 2 years ago. I learned years (many, many years) ago in Blue Devils that you had better be giving it your best so that whatever the outcome, you can be pleased with your season. I have a third place finish and a championship ring and both years hold such precious memories. I will miss being a part of such a passionate group; we have grown in many ways even just the last two years I have been priviledged to be called a Renegade. I am proud of being comfortable trying out our own ideas - truly performing a character within a guard was a new thing for me. I have to admit that it has been more FUN to perform with a DCA corps than the old school tick system that I was under while in BD. What about the rest of you that need to move into other pursuits during your next summer? I would appreciate hearing your thoughts and I hope mine have touched someone out there. To all of the Renegades, I am preparing to say goodbye but not without giving you my best. You are a magical group and I am proud to grow with you! Diane

Great topic! I marched 78 & 79 with BD guard and then marched the winter season with BD. Just wasn't enjoying it any longer - the heart wasn't there for me so didn't march the age out summer. I could have had another ring but I so enjoyed 79 that I left on a good note. Now, a zillion years later, I am back with some of my BD friends marching in the Renegades. The circle is complete as I have Shirley Stratton-Dorritte as an instructor again. How funny and yet it is just so right. This activity has given so much to me; I have learned and grown in ways that no other activity has challenged me. No regrets for not marching my last possible year with BD because your heart has to be sold out to make the sacrifice. Diane