Who am I?


By day, I am a not-so-mild mannered associate professor of medieval European history specializing in the study of devotion, prayer, and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien.

By night and at various points throughout the year when I travel to national tournaments to compete as a Veteran Women's foilist, I become an ursine swordswoman, dedicated to the pursuit of...well, what, exactly?

That is the question that I started this blog to try to answer.

Thanks to Augustine, among others, I am convinced that there is a profound link between fencing and prayer, our souls like swords to be wielded by God.

One day, if I have enough courage to keep fencing, perhaps I will be given the grace to find out.

Thank you for joining me on my quest!

You grasp my soul, and topple my enemies with it. And what is our soul? A splendid weapon it may be, long, sharp, oiled, and coruscating with the light of wisdom as it is brandished. But what is this soul of ours worth, what is it capable of, unless God holds it and fights with it? Any sword, however beautifully made, lies idle if there is no warrior to take it up.... So God does whatever he wishes with our soul. Since it is in his hand, it is his to use as he will. – Exposition of Psalm 34 (35), trans. Maria Boulding, O.S.B.
*

Oh, yes, and I have some interesting friends...


For a complete account of my adventures with Milo, see The MILO Chronicles.



My online course: Medieval History 101: The Unauthorized Version, at Unauthorized.tv.


Milo joined my friends and me on August 10, 2018, for a special episode of Three Kraters Symposium! Watch here.


For a complete list of my podcast, radio, and video appearances, see Bear On Air.

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