Ellen Feller, an RN with Asera Care Hospice, has been a nurse for 17 years. Her hobby is the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).

She has been involved with the group for two years but has been interested in this activity for even longer. She is a member of the Canton of Rivers Point, a local group that is part of the Barony of Caer Mear and the Kingdom of Atlantia in the SCA.

Because Feller works in a fast-paced career as a nurse, this hobby allows her to escape to a time when things were a little simpler. "It's fun to be someone else for a while and there is a certain allure to the Middle Ages.

The clothes, the food and the pageantry of the medieval court make the experience complete," she says.

The SCA is a nonprofit international organization consisting of 19 kingdoms and approximately 30,000 members, who study and re-create life in the Middle Ages. Members create a persona - they select a name, build their "story" and research life in that time period.

To prepare for larger gatherings and to ensure historical accuracy, there are weekly meetings to learn medieval crafts and to hone fighters' skills, she says.

Th roughout the year, different groups host events where everyone dresses "in garb" as his or her chosen persona. One can expect to see Celts, Vikings, Normans or Renaissance gentry; you might even see Slavs or Mongols! At these events, there is usually armored combat, rapier tournaments, archery, artisan displays and competitions, classes off ered on a variety of subjects, and an evening feast. Sometimes there is even dancing or a bardic circle (singing and storytelling) around a roaring fire.

The SCA is a wonderful place for children. The SCA has a Page Academy where children learn the art of service and good manners.

Youth activities are offered at many events; children play medieval games and learn hands-on arts and sciences crafts. Children are sometimes rewarded by royalty during court for their service and good deeds.

Send us your story on how you relax after those diffi cult times at work. E-mail us at: nursinginva@mediageneral.com