Change comes to all things. Not always steadily and prone to wobbling, but it does come. Not only to big and important things either, but also to small and rather insignificant (on the larger scale) as well.
I have a household in the SCA; it is called Crescent Dragon or Cilgant Ddraig. I have contemplated changing it many times over the years, tinkered with names, but it has always come back to its original form, which was an on the spot invention based on Jannat's love of the Crescent and my own of the Welsh Dragon. For all that it is anything but historic in name, it has endured in its current form for 17 years. The name and the badge are registered with the SCA College of Arms; 'Per chevron embattled sable and argent, a dragon passant gules and two crescents or' it goes and we have a large banner for it as well. Probably a new one ought to be made. A battle standard exists for it too. These things have remained essentially unchanged, probably because they work and don't need changing.
The name of the house we live in, on the other hand, has shifted a great deal. This practice of naming the place one lives is an old one and of course these days rather quaint and considered something of a wealthy person's purview..someone with land. Well, I don't have land but I have always named my place of residence; from the home I knew in Heath as 'Faraway' to this current place called until now 'Druidhome', I have always named my domiciles. This one is changing.
I've chosen to name my home, wherever I live, to 'Harper's Hall'. No, it has nothing to do with Pern. It has everything to do with my being a Harper in a variety of ways. So it is 'Harper's Hall, a Druid's Home'. I have even made a badge of sorts for it, and a rather pretty one to boot. No, none of this will be registered since I can't be arsed to pay the SCA more for the privilidge and it's also a real world appellation. The pronounced bell and click combination only confirmed my own feelings when I chose it.
In Welsh it would be Telynores Llys...more literally 'female harpist's court'. I have tinkered with this name before but not in this context. It does not change the name of my Household, only of the place I live. The one is in game entirely, the other real life and game. I suppose I could change it to Crescent Harp, which would be interesting in its own way. LOL
Harmony in things is important and the changes we often make in the things we do and build are usually done from a desire for a more harmonious state of living and existence. We call it efficiency as a rule, but it does in my opinion emanate from a very human desire for harmony. Especially in our current society where the larger thing is way out of balance and anything but harmonious. Individuals try to make their own surroundings resonate with themselves. Naturally this is no universal thing; nothing to do with humans really is, but it is a strong impulse in the majority of people I have met over the years. It seems to break down in large groups though, perhaps an effect of mob dynamics, I don't know. No expert in matters of the Psyche.
I had originally chosen Harper's Hold as a differencing from Harper's Hall and all the various things that go with it, but in the end I stuck with Hall and was rewarded for it. It doesn't matter that others use the term in other ways and for other things; in good time things will fragment and become more regional and local, so similarities across distances won't matter so much. They don't matter much to me now; I've no desire to legalize anything in this regard.
I wonder, sometimes, if the fact my son has suddenly shown an interest in the harp is part of all of this. Certainly his name is more than suitable. He has a fine voice, if untrained. He has a good ear. If he does pursue the harp he could go very far with it. I am teaching him; when he has progressed enough I'll seek out my own teacher for him. Diversity is good.
There are reasons for all things, even if we know them not. There is a reason for this change but other than my own desire for descriptive harmony, I don't know what it is..only that there is one. Perhaps it will matter someday.
I went to the Inner Grove last eventide, then to the northern cliffs; I harped and sang 'till the wee hours and felt naught but bliss in the doing. A bit of balm for a tired and often hurting soul. :)
We are going to Harper's Retreat for the fun of it, not for any feeling of need. Still, I cannot ignore the little tingles that tell me it is a good thing to go. I do not know what I will do there other than enjoy the place and music. Perhaps that is all I need.
So welcome, friends, to Harper's Hall; please do not spit on the mat, but you may call the cat a bastard if you will. Enjoy the fire, have some mead, and relax. I surely intend to.
Bright blessings.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
A Journey of Illumination and Discovery
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Harps & stuff
Not long ago I joined an email list to do with harps. It's been a goldmine of information and ideas. I have yet to post on it myself, but the topics are wide ranging and highly useful, from care of a wire strung harp through learning music by ear and so on. It has been a delight.
Most of them on the list are long time players and regard themselves as 'Harpists'. Some few, such as Harper Tasche, regard themselves as 'Harpers'. There's no difference a non-harp player would notice, but there is to some players. I regard myself as a Harper; I don't do big concerts, weddings, formal affairs and so on. I'm far more rustic than that and storytelling is my thing. Its a tempest in a teacup of course, but amusing at times.
I can hardly wait for my wire 26 to arrive. Hundreds of ideas have gone through my head and onto my sketch pads for the finish work. There's a joint reinforce on these where the post meets the harmonic curve and it just so happens to be shaped like a heater shield. So I reckon I'll paint it up nicely with a badge, a Harper's badge. The boss is waiting; it's a bloodstone cabochon, although I have a clear quartz crystal cabochon as well.
Since Harper's Retreat is nearly upon us and the final touches on garb and such are being set, I'm looking at instruments to cart along. One of my small harps of course, and probably my Native American flute as well. This year we're attending the feast and I'm after getting up around the firepit for the big circle if I can. Not sure what I'll do other than listen, but we'll see.
I may call myself Cyfnos Gwynt, Penarddun of Derwyn Carreg, or perhaps Cygfa filia Derwydd, amusingly enough. I like playing with names. We'll see. There's always Talon or Bera. Hehehe.
From a Path perspective I'm solidly on the right road and staying there. I'm getting healthier, weight is finally dropping, strength is growing, skill with the harp is returning and increasing, meditation is fruitful...all these things I have and I shall not let them go again. Even the name I wanted for my LJ was free, as it was for my new email account. Nice when things go your way. Especially nice when you know it has something to do with doing things as one ought to. I was perhaps due a little good fortune for a bit but I shan't take it for granted. Things too easily may turn, this I know far too well.
Poetry comes more easily to me now, I set the combat movements I use more easily as well. Dancing is coming along nicely; in due time I might even be confident enough with it to do it in front of others. LOL That's a ways off yet though. Still, the harping isn't terribly far off.
I've spent a good deal of time on the Inner Grove on the northern shore of the island, harping and chanting with the birds and breakers for background accompaniment. What an inspiring place to play. I hope to find the Bard's Keep again soon as well. There is much to learn and I would learn it.
My home, Telynores Llys or Harper's Hold (literally female harpist court) has nothing to do with the Pernese stories; while I enjoyed them long ago, I also stopped reading them long ago as my tastes changed a bit. Harper's Hold, a Druid's home. Works well enough for me.
I've been traveling via harp again; it is always a fascinating and mostly enjoyable activity. Certes I learn a great deal from it.
There's much to do and much to learn. Myths to change and new ones to create. Life is busy, and as far as it is able to be in these times, rather good.
May the Gods make smooth the paths before you.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Most of them on the list are long time players and regard themselves as 'Harpists'. Some few, such as Harper Tasche, regard themselves as 'Harpers'. There's no difference a non-harp player would notice, but there is to some players. I regard myself as a Harper; I don't do big concerts, weddings, formal affairs and so on. I'm far more rustic than that and storytelling is my thing. Its a tempest in a teacup of course, but amusing at times.
I can hardly wait for my wire 26 to arrive. Hundreds of ideas have gone through my head and onto my sketch pads for the finish work. There's a joint reinforce on these where the post meets the harmonic curve and it just so happens to be shaped like a heater shield. So I reckon I'll paint it up nicely with a badge, a Harper's badge. The boss is waiting; it's a bloodstone cabochon, although I have a clear quartz crystal cabochon as well.
Since Harper's Retreat is nearly upon us and the final touches on garb and such are being set, I'm looking at instruments to cart along. One of my small harps of course, and probably my Native American flute as well. This year we're attending the feast and I'm after getting up around the firepit for the big circle if I can. Not sure what I'll do other than listen, but we'll see.
I may call myself Cyfnos Gwynt, Penarddun of Derwyn Carreg, or perhaps Cygfa filia Derwydd, amusingly enough. I like playing with names. We'll see. There's always Talon or Bera. Hehehe.
From a Path perspective I'm solidly on the right road and staying there. I'm getting healthier, weight is finally dropping, strength is growing, skill with the harp is returning and increasing, meditation is fruitful...all these things I have and I shall not let them go again. Even the name I wanted for my LJ was free, as it was for my new email account. Nice when things go your way. Especially nice when you know it has something to do with doing things as one ought to. I was perhaps due a little good fortune for a bit but I shan't take it for granted. Things too easily may turn, this I know far too well.
Poetry comes more easily to me now, I set the combat movements I use more easily as well. Dancing is coming along nicely; in due time I might even be confident enough with it to do it in front of others. LOL That's a ways off yet though. Still, the harping isn't terribly far off.
I've spent a good deal of time on the Inner Grove on the northern shore of the island, harping and chanting with the birds and breakers for background accompaniment. What an inspiring place to play. I hope to find the Bard's Keep again soon as well. There is much to learn and I would learn it.
My home, Telynores Llys or Harper's Hold (literally female harpist court) has nothing to do with the Pernese stories; while I enjoyed them long ago, I also stopped reading them long ago as my tastes changed a bit. Harper's Hold, a Druid's home. Works well enough for me.
I've been traveling via harp again; it is always a fascinating and mostly enjoyable activity. Certes I learn a great deal from it.
There's much to do and much to learn. Myths to change and new ones to create. Life is busy, and as far as it is able to be in these times, rather good.
May the Gods make smooth the paths before you.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Good and Dark times
CNSF = Civilian National Security Force. Why do we need such a force? Against whom and what are they supposed to guard? Why should they be trained to military standards? Why equipped as the National Guard? Why aren't the military and the National Guard sufficient to the purpose? What is this force for? Who are or will they be answerable to? Who will have oversight? Under what conditions are they to be deployed? What powers will they have? How will this be funded? Who will be eligible for recruitment? What will be the standards of recruitment?
Of those questions, honest questions I might add, few have been answered, and of those that have been, inadequately. Since this force, if enacted, would be national in scope it won't have to worry about state laws. I do not like this. At all. In any way whatsoever. I do not trust the government, if anything moreso now than in the previous 8+ years.
Next up; the new interrogation unit. Why no oversight from Congress or other agencies? Who do they report to? Why can't their job be handled through usual structures? Why do we need a new organization devoted to interrogations? Are the numbers of people needing such really large enough to justify such a thing? What methods are they going to use? What does their charter look like? What are they empowered to do? To whom will they be empowered to do it?
Yes, I am paranoid. No, I don't think over the top. I am deeply suspicious of all of this. A sense of forboding permeates me every time I think on these matters. Interesting tools, but for whom? And if they are not abused now, they soon will be; which government agency hasn't abused rules and trust? And these are entirely too undefined thus far.
I do not trust them. At all.
Good, got those off my chest. Doesn't lessen the suspicion and concern, but it's pierced the boil of frustration.
There is nothing I can do about these things save the usual writing to reps and such. The government has lately shown a very bold willingness to ignore what the people want when it suits them. When people fear their government, tyranny reigns. As true now as ever. Listening to one talking head on a broadcast as he tried to send the message that revolution is not something to consider, not a good word to use, not something anyone should think about, I had to wonder why the network would even think such a thing was worth putting out there. Interesting, very interesting. The stay calm, behave, trust us mantra is in full swing.
Collapse is already happening around us. While I think the broad historic picture might paint an image of a gradual descent out of our current civilization state, I think the broad historic picture is inaccurate for regional and local situations. I do not wish to be proven correct but I'm fairly sure I will be. Time will tell, and soon.
Aside from all of that.
I've begun traveling by harp again; so nice to be doing that once more! The City of Smiths, the Orchards of Merith, a variety of other places. Not Bards Keep though, not yet. I'm on the road, but I haven't found it as of yet. The Inner Grove is a common place for me to go, both of the AODA and my own Oakstone.
Tapestries woven of sound and embellished with pictures, made real by desire and need, these are the things that hide in meditative music. A delightful thing really.
And then there is the Otherworld, the Summerlands, known by many names by many people. To go there by harpsong and find oneself sitting on the summit of a tor under the stars is something beyond meaningful description. :)
It is both a good and a dark time; dark in the world we have made for ourselves, good in the awakenings of various people. How it will all turn out is anyone's guess; so is life at the End of Empire.
May your Gods stand between you and harm in all the Empty places you must walk.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Of those questions, honest questions I might add, few have been answered, and of those that have been, inadequately. Since this force, if enacted, would be national in scope it won't have to worry about state laws. I do not like this. At all. In any way whatsoever. I do not trust the government, if anything moreso now than in the previous 8+ years.
Next up; the new interrogation unit. Why no oversight from Congress or other agencies? Who do they report to? Why can't their job be handled through usual structures? Why do we need a new organization devoted to interrogations? Are the numbers of people needing such really large enough to justify such a thing? What methods are they going to use? What does their charter look like? What are they empowered to do? To whom will they be empowered to do it?
Yes, I am paranoid. No, I don't think over the top. I am deeply suspicious of all of this. A sense of forboding permeates me every time I think on these matters. Interesting tools, but for whom? And if they are not abused now, they soon will be; which government agency hasn't abused rules and trust? And these are entirely too undefined thus far.
I do not trust them. At all.
Good, got those off my chest. Doesn't lessen the suspicion and concern, but it's pierced the boil of frustration.
There is nothing I can do about these things save the usual writing to reps and such. The government has lately shown a very bold willingness to ignore what the people want when it suits them. When people fear their government, tyranny reigns. As true now as ever. Listening to one talking head on a broadcast as he tried to send the message that revolution is not something to consider, not a good word to use, not something anyone should think about, I had to wonder why the network would even think such a thing was worth putting out there. Interesting, very interesting. The stay calm, behave, trust us mantra is in full swing.
Collapse is already happening around us. While I think the broad historic picture might paint an image of a gradual descent out of our current civilization state, I think the broad historic picture is inaccurate for regional and local situations. I do not wish to be proven correct but I'm fairly sure I will be. Time will tell, and soon.
Aside from all of that.
I've begun traveling by harp again; so nice to be doing that once more! The City of Smiths, the Orchards of Merith, a variety of other places. Not Bards Keep though, not yet. I'm on the road, but I haven't found it as of yet. The Inner Grove is a common place for me to go, both of the AODA and my own Oakstone.
Tapestries woven of sound and embellished with pictures, made real by desire and need, these are the things that hide in meditative music. A delightful thing really.
And then there is the Otherworld, the Summerlands, known by many names by many people. To go there by harpsong and find oneself sitting on the summit of a tor under the stars is something beyond meaningful description. :)
It is both a good and a dark time; dark in the world we have made for ourselves, good in the awakenings of various people. How it will all turn out is anyone's guess; so is life at the End of Empire.
May your Gods stand between you and harm in all the Empty places you must walk.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Dancing among the Holly Trees
*I walk across the gangway from the ship onto the shore and looked about; it is Autumn, near the end from the look of things. The air is dry and comfortable although the breeze has a small bite to it. The cats from the ship have followed me ashore; this is a novel thing and I eye them for a moment with a bit of apprehension. A part of my mind tumbles out a nonsensical refrain 'we are siamese if you please' and I giggle a bit nervously; there is nothing siamese about these cats. They're...well, bigger now I look at them again. Colored kind of like a puma, a bit smaller than the lynx that I am familiar with. I wonder when they changed and why. They all sit and look at me, tailtips flicking in time.
I arch a brow and look around again. A scream draws my attention and the hawk is circling above me. I raise my arm and the bird swoops toward me. I think to myself that I have no gauntlet so the talons will shred my arm, but the large bronze 'vambrace' or cuff (where did I get that?) does the job nicely and the bird perches there gazing at me intently. How interesting, I think to myself. I look back at the ship and the sailors and others go about business without a glance in my direction.
I'm wearing boots. They have curled toes and are very comfortable. They are also covered with fabric which in turn is embroidered with gold and silver. I see crimson pantaloons peeking out from beneath the hem of my sheath, which is black, the ends of a crimson sash fluttering around me in the breeze. I have a black headrail and veil as well although the latter is unhooked at the moment. This is interesting. My hair is braided on either side of my head but is also in a bun at the back; there are pearls and amber beads woven into my braids. I am armed with twin longknives and I have a staff in my left hand. 'Hmmm', I think, 'this is very different'. There is no desert here although it is a dry place...much like a mown field at the end of Autumn. The shape of the land is familiar.
The bird screams again and I look to it as it leaps into the sky and circles up around me. I wonder why its weight didn't bother me, but I see it heading inland and feel the need to follow. My boots crunch lightly in the grass as I make my way between rolling hills of small stature, with holly trees growing profusely all over the place. Here and there are yew as well. I step through all of this without snagging or being impeded in any way...entering a clearing within, completely screened from without. In the center is a spring and pool. It is entirely peaceful here. "Welcome" says a contralto voice. I glance to the southern end of the clearing and there sits a woman..a spectacular woman I might add. She is very tall, yet proportionally correct. Her hair is black as midnight where I can see it, with blue highlights. Her skin is a light dusky shade and her eyes are amber. She is dressed much as I am, yet opposite in color; where I have black, she has red. She wears much jewelry. The hawk flutters into the top of a holly and sits there nearby, watching. The cats file in behind me and sit themselves around the glade. She has a cat much like these but larger.
I'm gazing at her for a bit before I remember my manners and look aside giving thanks for the greeting. She tells me she is to guide me for a time, and to be a friend if I need one. All I can do is nod; I have no idea what to say to her. She stands and beckons to me saying "Let us dance." I nod but also say that I don't really yet know how to dance in any formal way. She says she will teach me and that it doesn't matter in any case; what matters is what is in the heart and soul. We will dance for pleasure, we will dance as a gift, we will dance to learn. And we dance, around the pool, around one another, and I am self conscious and uncertain and wonder at all the movements. But they become smoother as we dance and I begin to realize we are dancing a great and complex pattern. As I realize this I begin to lose my uncertainty and other things begin to come to mind; I am being taught in a new and very different way...and I like it. I begin to loosen, my spirit begins to let go and we really begin to dance...there is music, but it is the Great Song of Creation that we dance to.
I do not know how long we danced; I was sweating freely when we stopped although I was not tired. She was apparently unaffected. I asked her name but she answered that her name would be given when I was ready to learn it. "Return to your ship and your journey. Think on what we have done. I will be there when you are ready or have need, wherever you may be." The cats file out of the glade, the hawk leaps into the air and circles away, and I look back but she is gone as if she had never been. I retrace my steps but looking back I can no longer see a way into the dense tangle of bushes and trees. I return to the ship which has been waiting for me for some hours. Going aboard the sailors take in the plank and we resume our journey. I lean thoughtfully on the rail until Jen calls me to eat.*
Now there was, for me, a very pleasant dream. Following on after the really creepy one it was a welcome change too. It is rife with symbolism obviously. I have much to puzzle out from this one. Interestingly, unlike many other dreams, this one didn't leave me feeling tired or worn out...I felt very well rested when it was done. Who is she? I don't know. What is she? I haven't a clue. She is a guide and will, I hope, be a friend too. Time will tell.
The cats are just a bit weird but I seem to have gotten used to them doing that. The hawk was an interesting new addition to things. Mostly I'm intrigued by the woman, whose name I will get when I am ready to learn it.
Very interesting. To me anyway.
Shahzadeh /|\
I arch a brow and look around again. A scream draws my attention and the hawk is circling above me. I raise my arm and the bird swoops toward me. I think to myself that I have no gauntlet so the talons will shred my arm, but the large bronze 'vambrace' or cuff (where did I get that?) does the job nicely and the bird perches there gazing at me intently. How interesting, I think to myself. I look back at the ship and the sailors and others go about business without a glance in my direction.
I'm wearing boots. They have curled toes and are very comfortable. They are also covered with fabric which in turn is embroidered with gold and silver. I see crimson pantaloons peeking out from beneath the hem of my sheath, which is black, the ends of a crimson sash fluttering around me in the breeze. I have a black headrail and veil as well although the latter is unhooked at the moment. This is interesting. My hair is braided on either side of my head but is also in a bun at the back; there are pearls and amber beads woven into my braids. I am armed with twin longknives and I have a staff in my left hand. 'Hmmm', I think, 'this is very different'. There is no desert here although it is a dry place...much like a mown field at the end of Autumn. The shape of the land is familiar.
The bird screams again and I look to it as it leaps into the sky and circles up around me. I wonder why its weight didn't bother me, but I see it heading inland and feel the need to follow. My boots crunch lightly in the grass as I make my way between rolling hills of small stature, with holly trees growing profusely all over the place. Here and there are yew as well. I step through all of this without snagging or being impeded in any way...entering a clearing within, completely screened from without. In the center is a spring and pool. It is entirely peaceful here. "Welcome" says a contralto voice. I glance to the southern end of the clearing and there sits a woman..a spectacular woman I might add. She is very tall, yet proportionally correct. Her hair is black as midnight where I can see it, with blue highlights. Her skin is a light dusky shade and her eyes are amber. She is dressed much as I am, yet opposite in color; where I have black, she has red. She wears much jewelry. The hawk flutters into the top of a holly and sits there nearby, watching. The cats file in behind me and sit themselves around the glade. She has a cat much like these but larger.
I'm gazing at her for a bit before I remember my manners and look aside giving thanks for the greeting. She tells me she is to guide me for a time, and to be a friend if I need one. All I can do is nod; I have no idea what to say to her. She stands and beckons to me saying "Let us dance." I nod but also say that I don't really yet know how to dance in any formal way. She says she will teach me and that it doesn't matter in any case; what matters is what is in the heart and soul. We will dance for pleasure, we will dance as a gift, we will dance to learn. And we dance, around the pool, around one another, and I am self conscious and uncertain and wonder at all the movements. But they become smoother as we dance and I begin to realize we are dancing a great and complex pattern. As I realize this I begin to lose my uncertainty and other things begin to come to mind; I am being taught in a new and very different way...and I like it. I begin to loosen, my spirit begins to let go and we really begin to dance...there is music, but it is the Great Song of Creation that we dance to.
I do not know how long we danced; I was sweating freely when we stopped although I was not tired. She was apparently unaffected. I asked her name but she answered that her name would be given when I was ready to learn it. "Return to your ship and your journey. Think on what we have done. I will be there when you are ready or have need, wherever you may be." The cats file out of the glade, the hawk leaps into the air and circles away, and I look back but she is gone as if she had never been. I retrace my steps but looking back I can no longer see a way into the dense tangle of bushes and trees. I return to the ship which has been waiting for me for some hours. Going aboard the sailors take in the plank and we resume our journey. I lean thoughtfully on the rail until Jen calls me to eat.*
Now there was, for me, a very pleasant dream. Following on after the really creepy one it was a welcome change too. It is rife with symbolism obviously. I have much to puzzle out from this one. Interestingly, unlike many other dreams, this one didn't leave me feeling tired or worn out...I felt very well rested when it was done. Who is she? I don't know. What is she? I haven't a clue. She is a guide and will, I hope, be a friend too. Time will tell.
The cats are just a bit weird but I seem to have gotten used to them doing that. The hawk was an interesting new addition to things. Mostly I'm intrigued by the woman, whose name I will get when I am ready to learn it.
Very interesting. To me anyway.
Shahzadeh /|\
Friday, August 21, 2009
Too many
New York City has some 16 million people. Mexico City around 20, and Tokyo something on the order of 30 million. These are cities. In World War 2 Germany had 70 million people. Today, Tokyo has nearly half of that in *one* city. The world has just shy of 7 billion people...that number is expected to be reached in two years. By 2035 adding another billion or two.
No one in positions of authority or responsibility says a word about it.
The problem dwarfs the stuff routinely bruited about as important, yet no one says a word. Millions die of starvation around the world, television adds beg help in feeding people, and no one gives pause. The US has 13 million + homeless and something like 12 million kids living below the (very unrealistic) poverty line. No one misses a beat.
We can't ever question the right of people to breed at will. Ever. Even when it kills us.
Yes, I said 'when'. Because it will. From it springs our raping of the planet's resources, the poisoning of our environment, endless warfare, and...diseases on a large scale. The warning signs have been posted over and over again; no one listens to Her.
Eventually some bug or other is going to make that connection during a mutation and boy howdy we're going to have some fun. Think the 1918 flu was bad? Mmmhmmm. Think of the resources, energy, and simple logistics of dealing with a very real and exceptionally virulent pandemic of lethal proportions. How fast can the healthy bury the dead while trying to stay healthy? The history of nature tends to show disease as a very real and effective population control. We humans have thus far managed, via our technology, to circumvent this. Resources though, are running out or low. So..the mitigating factor is vanishing. What then?
Does anyone really think that supporting 16 million in a single city is at all possible with less than modern technology at full tilt? *snorts* If so then I leave said folk to their fantasies and optimism.
Violence gets worse with higher population levels too, or so it would seem. I don't have data on that, just a deep instinct that this is so with our species. Anthropologists say that internecine warfare on any real scale didn't develop among humans until the population levels got big enough that competition for the same resources became necessary for survival. Look at our population now.
Is anyone unclear as to why I don't really put a lot of faith into a slow and reasoned descent? Hope yes, faith no.
In a recent dream I saw...windrows. At first I thought they were trees or something, seen from a distance. They were people. Windrows of dead people. As far as I could see. Like someone had harvested them in rows. I generally don't have nightmares but I'd classify that as one. I stood there in my black and crimson clothing watching the scavengers close in. There are a lot of possible messages in just that little bit of imagery.
Me in my curled toe boots, pantaloons, dress and all...crimson and black...standing and looking at endless rows of dead...this was NOT a fun dream by any measure and I will not go into further detail here.
We will not heed of course. We, as a species, are incredibly stupid for creatures with such potential for intelligence. Eventually the bill must be paid. The price will be very high. We will have no choice but to pay it and I do not believe for an instant that installments will be allowed except in the most perfunctory and random way. In other words, dieoff of the elderly and young won't be enough to forestall repossession. In my opinion.
Many very learned and accomplished people say otherwise. Bully for them. Hope they are right. I do not believe they will be...although some areas might be less hard hit enabling a claim to being correct..as usual we are very good spin doctors.
You do what you must, and believe what you wish. My own path is set and I will follow it.
May your Gods stand between you and harm in the Empty places you must walk.
Shahzadeh /|\
No one in positions of authority or responsibility says a word about it.
The problem dwarfs the stuff routinely bruited about as important, yet no one says a word. Millions die of starvation around the world, television adds beg help in feeding people, and no one gives pause. The US has 13 million + homeless and something like 12 million kids living below the (very unrealistic) poverty line. No one misses a beat.
We can't ever question the right of people to breed at will. Ever. Even when it kills us.
Yes, I said 'when'. Because it will. From it springs our raping of the planet's resources, the poisoning of our environment, endless warfare, and...diseases on a large scale. The warning signs have been posted over and over again; no one listens to Her.
Eventually some bug or other is going to make that connection during a mutation and boy howdy we're going to have some fun. Think the 1918 flu was bad? Mmmhmmm. Think of the resources, energy, and simple logistics of dealing with a very real and exceptionally virulent pandemic of lethal proportions. How fast can the healthy bury the dead while trying to stay healthy? The history of nature tends to show disease as a very real and effective population control. We humans have thus far managed, via our technology, to circumvent this. Resources though, are running out or low. So..the mitigating factor is vanishing. What then?
Does anyone really think that supporting 16 million in a single city is at all possible with less than modern technology at full tilt? *snorts* If so then I leave said folk to their fantasies and optimism.
Violence gets worse with higher population levels too, or so it would seem. I don't have data on that, just a deep instinct that this is so with our species. Anthropologists say that internecine warfare on any real scale didn't develop among humans until the population levels got big enough that competition for the same resources became necessary for survival. Look at our population now.
Is anyone unclear as to why I don't really put a lot of faith into a slow and reasoned descent? Hope yes, faith no.
In a recent dream I saw...windrows. At first I thought they were trees or something, seen from a distance. They were people. Windrows of dead people. As far as I could see. Like someone had harvested them in rows. I generally don't have nightmares but I'd classify that as one. I stood there in my black and crimson clothing watching the scavengers close in. There are a lot of possible messages in just that little bit of imagery.
Me in my curled toe boots, pantaloons, dress and all...crimson and black...standing and looking at endless rows of dead...this was NOT a fun dream by any measure and I will not go into further detail here.
We will not heed of course. We, as a species, are incredibly stupid for creatures with such potential for intelligence. Eventually the bill must be paid. The price will be very high. We will have no choice but to pay it and I do not believe for an instant that installments will be allowed except in the most perfunctory and random way. In other words, dieoff of the elderly and young won't be enough to forestall repossession. In my opinion.
Many very learned and accomplished people say otherwise. Bully for them. Hope they are right. I do not believe they will be...although some areas might be less hard hit enabling a claim to being correct..as usual we are very good spin doctors.
You do what you must, and believe what you wish. My own path is set and I will follow it.
May your Gods stand between you and harm in the Empty places you must walk.
Shahzadeh /|\
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Sometimes...
Things get just a touch weird. LOL
I have my Ranger kit...shirt/blouse, jerkin, pants, boots, cloaks etc. All very European, most of it wouldn't be looked askance at an SCA event.
On the other hand I have my dancing outfits..and more is coming due to those ongoing dreams. No sign of intersection there.
But.
On the Ranger Forum this morning an observation was made that the 'cloak' Strider was wearing in the Prancing Pony in the movies might have been more like an aba...a Middle Eastern sort of cover/robe/coat type of thing. Bellydancers use it for a cover to keep off the chill and hide the bling at need. I have a few myself given my Shahzadeh persona.
An aba makes a lot of sense. Easy to make, economical of fabric, freedom of movement, protection..and it would be easy to attach a hood.
So. I've been to Far Hyarmen where the stars are strange. Which would then explain an aba style 'cloak', and could even extend to other styles of clothing or gear.
So yes and intersection could be made. If one was so inclined. Of the proper colors different styles wouldn't be any more detectable, although they might be more or less practical. In the briars and brambles around here something as flowing as pantaloons would be rather problematic for a Ranger.
But an aba is more than practical.
So I shall make one for my Ranger kit. I can get worsted wool in good weight and proper color and sort out a very nice Ranger aba. :)
Annnnd...I need to make one to go with the other black and crimson stuff.
Oakmouse reminded me that black and crimson are the colors of the Underworld. That's reassuring but not really surprising; although it is a bit embarassing that I forgot that little fact. When she and JMG laid hands upon me Ana was one of those passing things along. She's an underworld Goddess. Annwyn has taken an interest now and again too so I guess I oughtn't to be surprised. I just don't know what They might want, if indeed that is what is going on.
Sometimes things get a little weird.
Shahzadeh /|\
I have my Ranger kit...shirt/blouse, jerkin, pants, boots, cloaks etc. All very European, most of it wouldn't be looked askance at an SCA event.
On the other hand I have my dancing outfits..and more is coming due to those ongoing dreams. No sign of intersection there.
But.
On the Ranger Forum this morning an observation was made that the 'cloak' Strider was wearing in the Prancing Pony in the movies might have been more like an aba...a Middle Eastern sort of cover/robe/coat type of thing. Bellydancers use it for a cover to keep off the chill and hide the bling at need. I have a few myself given my Shahzadeh persona.
An aba makes a lot of sense. Easy to make, economical of fabric, freedom of movement, protection..and it would be easy to attach a hood.
So. I've been to Far Hyarmen where the stars are strange. Which would then explain an aba style 'cloak', and could even extend to other styles of clothing or gear.
So yes and intersection could be made. If one was so inclined. Of the proper colors different styles wouldn't be any more detectable, although they might be more or less practical. In the briars and brambles around here something as flowing as pantaloons would be rather problematic for a Ranger.
But an aba is more than practical.
So I shall make one for my Ranger kit. I can get worsted wool in good weight and proper color and sort out a very nice Ranger aba. :)
Annnnd...I need to make one to go with the other black and crimson stuff.
Oakmouse reminded me that black and crimson are the colors of the Underworld. That's reassuring but not really surprising; although it is a bit embarassing that I forgot that little fact. When she and JMG laid hands upon me Ana was one of those passing things along. She's an underworld Goddess. Annwyn has taken an interest now and again too so I guess I oughtn't to be surprised. I just don't know what They might want, if indeed that is what is going on.
Sometimes things get a little weird.
Shahzadeh /|\
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tired in Black & Crimson
I am tired. Not getting solid sleep, for a number of reasons, none of which are mine to control. The dreaming is probably one of the things most responsible as I do not get really good rest when I dream; mine are not the silly things most folk have.
Deep Crimson and Black. Crimson has enough orange in it that I can wear it and it doesn't look too terribly bad, but it isn't the best color for me as I am a true Autumn complexion. Black simply isn't my color at all. Both are better for Jen, who is a Winter type, being Asian.
Black has, however, been a color I have worn for a very, very long time. As a young person, as all young people seem to do for some reason, as a Warrior..and it amplified the grimness which radiates from me so strongly (these days I've learned to cover it), and sometimes just because the color doesn't show stains and dirt so well. Talon the Black, my name from very early on in the SCA, and by which I am often still known to people despite changes. 'The Black' was appended to me due to my wearing all black clothing and armor. It also suited my moods a lot in those days.
So why am I wearing it so often now in my dreams? Good question.
When I got slapped I received instruction from both Herself and Himself. I have obeyed and the things I was to do according to His orders are done or nearly so; Ranger garments in greys, browns, and greens. Not a shred of red I might add.
But in these dreams I am never in the forests or doing Ranger work. I'm in a temple, or teaching something to someone, or dancing under the stars or by firelight. Never anything truly ceremonial; it is everyday type of Temple work.
Yet there I am, wearing Crimson and Black. Sometimes entirely black, but not often. Most commonly it takes this form:
Deep Crimson pantaloons, black turn-toed shoes, black tiered skirt, black shirt, black turban and black veil. Without fail all jewelry and trim is gold. There are occasional beads of gold or amber.
Sometimes I have a black choli, sometimes a crimson one, sometimes a black bra with golden coins..not the cheapo stamped bits of metal; real coins. If I don't have the skirt then I usually have black pants with a crimson sash. Sometimes I have a medieval type veil with face veil, but the face veil is always identical regardless of turban or head veil. Hip scarves are sometimes present, nearly always gold of one sort or another. In one case leopard print.
I do not have all of these things. Of them I have a black tiered skirt and a black cotton top..but nothing like what I see in the dream where the top is concerned. So I have only one of the pieces and I hadn't planned on getting anything in these colors. I do have ivory pantaloons and teal ones, and even some copper ones. I have some sheer purple and some blue that were made for me for SCA use.
Out of some weird impulse I did a search for the bits decorating the face veil..and found them. The exact ones, on FMG. I did a search for gold hip scarves...and found one that had a leopard print component to it. The shirt, or something close to it, I found on another site while looking for something else. Ditto the choli. The bra in my dream is precisely the one I had intended to make from the form I have, but since I'd already planned that I discard it as being in any way significant in the dream.
What does it mean? I haven't the faintest notion. I feel the combination of Crimson and Black to be attractive, despite the fact the colors are not really the best for me. I have no idea why it takes the form it does; running around routinely in something akin to tribal clothing isn't something I'd even considered doing. But I'm doing it in the dreams.
Symbolic? Probably. Hopefully. I don't know. My dreams are not often of the symbolic sort.
So...I don't know. I like the look in my dreams and I'd probably like it right now if I were in better shape. LOL I'm going to ensure I have at least one full set of clothing to match the dream. If nothing else I can simply dance in it. We'll see where it goes from there.
Siani
Deep Crimson and Black. Crimson has enough orange in it that I can wear it and it doesn't look too terribly bad, but it isn't the best color for me as I am a true Autumn complexion. Black simply isn't my color at all. Both are better for Jen, who is a Winter type, being Asian.
Black has, however, been a color I have worn for a very, very long time. As a young person, as all young people seem to do for some reason, as a Warrior..and it amplified the grimness which radiates from me so strongly (these days I've learned to cover it), and sometimes just because the color doesn't show stains and dirt so well. Talon the Black, my name from very early on in the SCA, and by which I am often still known to people despite changes. 'The Black' was appended to me due to my wearing all black clothing and armor. It also suited my moods a lot in those days.
So why am I wearing it so often now in my dreams? Good question.
When I got slapped I received instruction from both Herself and Himself. I have obeyed and the things I was to do according to His orders are done or nearly so; Ranger garments in greys, browns, and greens. Not a shred of red I might add.
But in these dreams I am never in the forests or doing Ranger work. I'm in a temple, or teaching something to someone, or dancing under the stars or by firelight. Never anything truly ceremonial; it is everyday type of Temple work.
Yet there I am, wearing Crimson and Black. Sometimes entirely black, but not often. Most commonly it takes this form:
Deep Crimson pantaloons, black turn-toed shoes, black tiered skirt, black shirt, black turban and black veil. Without fail all jewelry and trim is gold. There are occasional beads of gold or amber.
Sometimes I have a black choli, sometimes a crimson one, sometimes a black bra with golden coins..not the cheapo stamped bits of metal; real coins. If I don't have the skirt then I usually have black pants with a crimson sash. Sometimes I have a medieval type veil with face veil, but the face veil is always identical regardless of turban or head veil. Hip scarves are sometimes present, nearly always gold of one sort or another. In one case leopard print.
I do not have all of these things. Of them I have a black tiered skirt and a black cotton top..but nothing like what I see in the dream where the top is concerned. So I have only one of the pieces and I hadn't planned on getting anything in these colors. I do have ivory pantaloons and teal ones, and even some copper ones. I have some sheer purple and some blue that were made for me for SCA use.
Out of some weird impulse I did a search for the bits decorating the face veil..and found them. The exact ones, on FMG. I did a search for gold hip scarves...and found one that had a leopard print component to it. The shirt, or something close to it, I found on another site while looking for something else. Ditto the choli. The bra in my dream is precisely the one I had intended to make from the form I have, but since I'd already planned that I discard it as being in any way significant in the dream.
What does it mean? I haven't the faintest notion. I feel the combination of Crimson and Black to be attractive, despite the fact the colors are not really the best for me. I have no idea why it takes the form it does; running around routinely in something akin to tribal clothing isn't something I'd even considered doing. But I'm doing it in the dreams.
Symbolic? Probably. Hopefully. I don't know. My dreams are not often of the symbolic sort.
So...I don't know. I like the look in my dreams and I'd probably like it right now if I were in better shape. LOL I'm going to ensure I have at least one full set of clothing to match the dream. If nothing else I can simply dance in it. We'll see where it goes from there.
Siani
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Exercise and other things
So it seems that I was killing myself with excessive exercise...when I didn't need to.
A very recent study shows that heavy exercise can, in fact, make one get heavier....since it makes us hungrier and we will eat more and more frequently, often without realizing it. Two groups of women were observed...one just recording their health and diet over 18 months, the other doing that plus exercising as is common these days. Both groups lost comparable amounts of weight...but only an inch worth around the waist. The study, one of several apparently, indicates that constant low level activity like walking daily and doing things instead of sitting about a lot is more than enough for weight loss....as long as one is careful about the calorie count each day. It is how much we eat more than anything else that matters.
Exercise is still good for us..heart, lungs..etc. We still need it. But not at the levels we've been doing. We are told exercise increases our metabolism...and it does...but not by much. Muscle burns fat...and it does...but only about 6 calories, four more than fat...and that's at rest. In fact, they found that obese people burn more calories per day than proper weight folk...3000 to 2000. Just by being heavy and moving. So reducing the caloric intake and moving about is apparently, or so it seems, the best way to lose excess weight.
This is good for me. I can stop killing myself and get back to my daily walks, keeping the intake I now have under even closer observation, and doing a bit of higher intensity exercise every other day or so. Now that I can handle. Especially with the new activity levels; I am rarely at rest during the day now what with clothing to make, hunting around storage, and so on. With one car effectively dead I will be biking, walking and using the bus more often...all pluses.
So on we go....getting back to walking about the area, bicycling, and keeping a closer eye on my caloric intake. I'll go to gungfu until the contract runs out I guess..if I can, and then use that and the other martial skills I have and weights to boost the exercise three times a week. If I can get back into fighting again that will help. But I must be careful not to overdo it.
Doc was right...I was exercising too much. :)
I have often wondered about that.
Reworking the Household songbook...adding new songs and in fact adding a section of stories and poems. New myths require new stories as a vehicle.
Lady Jannat told me she was happy to be working on the 12th century style clothing again....we had once done this as a Household....and the clothing is all rectangles and triangles made from rectangles so is both fabric efficient and easy to make. It does look elegant in a very simple sort of way. It also happens to look nice when I'm playing the harp. An interesting effect that. Lady Ismay has always been of this time frame in her garb and even Lord Dirmyg enjoys the look (if not the weight of maile). I must admit, I like the way the dresses look on me too...and it is both a first for me and rare to boot. For fighting it is just make the same tunic, a bit shorter, slit front and rear, and I'm good to go. Simplicity there. And I have all the armor and accouterments already.
Comfortable, looks good in general and when playing the harp, so it presents well. It is fabric efficient, very important, and simple to make, also very important. Also looks good with middle eastern style items like pantaloons, turbans and the abba or burnoose. Flexible is good. Good for Temple wear or dance too I might add, although Temple Dancing also has more specific clothing.
More important than all of that is being on the path and doing the work I am meant to do. And I am firmly on that path...making everything else conform to that when I can. It is not always easy, but it is the way for me to go. I am on the road to the Bard's Keep. I will find it again. I have the key to making myself even healthier...and that is part of the path too.
May you find your own path, and finding it, not stray from it overmuch.
Bright blessings.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Penderwydd
A very recent study shows that heavy exercise can, in fact, make one get heavier....since it makes us hungrier and we will eat more and more frequently, often without realizing it. Two groups of women were observed...one just recording their health and diet over 18 months, the other doing that plus exercising as is common these days. Both groups lost comparable amounts of weight...but only an inch worth around the waist. The study, one of several apparently, indicates that constant low level activity like walking daily and doing things instead of sitting about a lot is more than enough for weight loss....as long as one is careful about the calorie count each day. It is how much we eat more than anything else that matters.
Exercise is still good for us..heart, lungs..etc. We still need it. But not at the levels we've been doing. We are told exercise increases our metabolism...and it does...but not by much. Muscle burns fat...and it does...but only about 6 calories, four more than fat...and that's at rest. In fact, they found that obese people burn more calories per day than proper weight folk...3000 to 2000. Just by being heavy and moving. So reducing the caloric intake and moving about is apparently, or so it seems, the best way to lose excess weight.
This is good for me. I can stop killing myself and get back to my daily walks, keeping the intake I now have under even closer observation, and doing a bit of higher intensity exercise every other day or so. Now that I can handle. Especially with the new activity levels; I am rarely at rest during the day now what with clothing to make, hunting around storage, and so on. With one car effectively dead I will be biking, walking and using the bus more often...all pluses.
So on we go....getting back to walking about the area, bicycling, and keeping a closer eye on my caloric intake. I'll go to gungfu until the contract runs out I guess..if I can, and then use that and the other martial skills I have and weights to boost the exercise three times a week. If I can get back into fighting again that will help. But I must be careful not to overdo it.
Doc was right...I was exercising too much. :)
I have often wondered about that.
Reworking the Household songbook...adding new songs and in fact adding a section of stories and poems. New myths require new stories as a vehicle.
Lady Jannat told me she was happy to be working on the 12th century style clothing again....we had once done this as a Household....and the clothing is all rectangles and triangles made from rectangles so is both fabric efficient and easy to make. It does look elegant in a very simple sort of way. It also happens to look nice when I'm playing the harp. An interesting effect that. Lady Ismay has always been of this time frame in her garb and even Lord Dirmyg enjoys the look (if not the weight of maile). I must admit, I like the way the dresses look on me too...and it is both a first for me and rare to boot. For fighting it is just make the same tunic, a bit shorter, slit front and rear, and I'm good to go. Simplicity there. And I have all the armor and accouterments already.
Comfortable, looks good in general and when playing the harp, so it presents well. It is fabric efficient, very important, and simple to make, also very important. Also looks good with middle eastern style items like pantaloons, turbans and the abba or burnoose. Flexible is good. Good for Temple wear or dance too I might add, although Temple Dancing also has more specific clothing.
More important than all of that is being on the path and doing the work I am meant to do. And I am firmly on that path...making everything else conform to that when I can. It is not always easy, but it is the way for me to go. I am on the road to the Bard's Keep. I will find it again. I have the key to making myself even healthier...and that is part of the path too.
May you find your own path, and finding it, not stray from it overmuch.
Bright blessings.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Penderwydd
Monday, August 10, 2009
Working
So I've placed the order to Muis and he is making the pieces of my harp to specification. Essentially, the parts will be made in raw form except for the soundbox, which will be assembled but still need finishing. The post and harmonic curve will both need extensive shaping and finishing, and the latter will need reaming for the tapered pins. All the rough work will be done by Muis, all the rest of it to make her a customized finished harp will be done by me, as it should be.
I already have the bloodstone boss for her, as well as a clear quartz crystal stone. I have horn and bone for inlaying along the sting holes in the soundbox rib. I have carving tools, I have a design, I am ready.
I'm waiting on the wool that will make the robes that I will use when harping under certain conditions. A good harper's bench is also in the works. For the moment, I'm working up a case for Cyfnos Cann and of course will make another one for the new harp when I finish it.
I have the first of a series of dresses to go along with this nearly done; Jannat worked it up and patterned crucial bits in the process. I will decorate it and make subsequent dresses. I'm also after making the bliauts that will compliment them in formal settings under certain conditions. In addition, I'll be making the ceintures for these gowns as well as some additional shoes.
I'm working at getting these done sooner...or anyway, getting all the fabric I don't have now...I have a feeling we may see a bank problem down the line and being unable to access the money in my accounts bothers me. As it ought to. We have entered a very delicate time and there's no way to know how it will work itself out. I am watchful, and I am preparing.
The ground is getting more fertile for new stories and myths...I have some already sketched out although they need finishing. I have some things to say after all.
Additionally, the Grove regalia is getting finished this month, finally. I can always improve the stuff I have but I want the minimum necessary sorted this month.
There is much in the works but it is, fortunately, interrelated stuff and so not a distraction from what I need to be doing. For other things, my student has said she'd look into lampworking stuff to see if I could get it less expensively; she works glass after all. :) Very nice of her!
Additionally, I'm currently plotting out places to visit this fall in connection with the guide project. For as many of those as is practicable for her I'll take my student along with me, as well as others who might be interested. I'm plotting them now so the dates are in place...if things make some of them impractical, that's how life works; I will adapt as I may.
So appropriate clothing, regalia, tools....all are under way as they ought to be. I am doing my work, and preparing for whatever comes. Doesn't get more organized than that these days.
I've a bacterial infection of my left shin area...I am winning the struggle at this point. These things will become severely more dangerous in the very near future and worse farther on.
Dreams haven't stopped but fortunately I have not had those nearly identical ones for a while now. :)
Brightest of blessings.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Penderwydd Derwyn Carreg Llyn
I already have the bloodstone boss for her, as well as a clear quartz crystal stone. I have horn and bone for inlaying along the sting holes in the soundbox rib. I have carving tools, I have a design, I am ready.
I'm waiting on the wool that will make the robes that I will use when harping under certain conditions. A good harper's bench is also in the works. For the moment, I'm working up a case for Cyfnos Cann and of course will make another one for the new harp when I finish it.
I have the first of a series of dresses to go along with this nearly done; Jannat worked it up and patterned crucial bits in the process. I will decorate it and make subsequent dresses. I'm also after making the bliauts that will compliment them in formal settings under certain conditions. In addition, I'll be making the ceintures for these gowns as well as some additional shoes.
I'm working at getting these done sooner...or anyway, getting all the fabric I don't have now...I have a feeling we may see a bank problem down the line and being unable to access the money in my accounts bothers me. As it ought to. We have entered a very delicate time and there's no way to know how it will work itself out. I am watchful, and I am preparing.
The ground is getting more fertile for new stories and myths...I have some already sketched out although they need finishing. I have some things to say after all.
Additionally, the Grove regalia is getting finished this month, finally. I can always improve the stuff I have but I want the minimum necessary sorted this month.
There is much in the works but it is, fortunately, interrelated stuff and so not a distraction from what I need to be doing. For other things, my student has said she'd look into lampworking stuff to see if I could get it less expensively; she works glass after all. :) Very nice of her!
Additionally, I'm currently plotting out places to visit this fall in connection with the guide project. For as many of those as is practicable for her I'll take my student along with me, as well as others who might be interested. I'm plotting them now so the dates are in place...if things make some of them impractical, that's how life works; I will adapt as I may.
So appropriate clothing, regalia, tools....all are under way as they ought to be. I am doing my work, and preparing for whatever comes. Doesn't get more organized than that these days.
I've a bacterial infection of my left shin area...I am winning the struggle at this point. These things will become severely more dangerous in the very near future and worse farther on.
Dreams haven't stopped but fortunately I have not had those nearly identical ones for a while now. :)
Brightest of blessings.
Cyfnos Gwynt /|\
Penderwydd Derwyn Carreg Llyn
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