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I've had another action-packed weekend. A highlight of the weekend was running a 5K (#1) in the rain with Miss Rebecca, who ran with guts and will, her first 5K, and then having breakfast and a Bloody Mary with Tam afterward. The Sportster is now also safely back at the Fortress of Solitude. My tattoo (#30) is healing, a regular reminder of the balance of training and Bushido.
Another highlight of the weekend was also the fire sword duel (#11), a powerful manifestation of fire and steel. I was the challenger to the throne, and I fought the Queen's Champion (Sabre) with live steel, subduing him, but not killing him. Then he rearmed himself with four huge flaming steel claws, while I advanced on Queen Spyder and while I hunted for my relocated fire sword. Once I found my sword, with the aid of the audience, I flowed with the fight, grateful for my chainmail. I took a mild scratch to my left arm, a burn to my right, and my hauberk was ripped open and a final graze to my head when I took the killing blow, dying quickly and spectacularly near the Queen's throne.
Despite some recent practice, my past training has not included fighting flaming claws, and I've not had much experience as a fire performer, but I fought well, with one blade versus four. When my flames ran out, and it was my time to die, I was slammed down and killed, and the Champion showed why he was a Champion to the Queen with their own ritual. This was Sabre's idea, and his choreography, and his weapons, and I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in his ritual with him and with Spyder. Many thanks to the fire safety and squire crew; this would not have been possible without them. Many thanks to Miss Rebecca, who kept me in coffee all night, serving beautifully and well in spite of her own piercing trials, and for the bliss of a Voodoo doughnut.
My muscles ache from the exertion, and my wounds remind me that I'm alive, a privilege of a warrior. I feel peaceful, and clear, and calm, although very tired. Now to return to my regular training, for other goals, and for the next time I might be called upon. Now I prepare for a visit from one of my students, and I will learn and teach. The Universe always prepares you for the next lesson, and I am open and ready for the next challenge. "There are many things in martial arts that accord with Buddhism and correspond to Zen. In particular, there is repudiation of attachment and avoidance of lingering on anything. This is the most urgent point. Not lingering is considered quintessential." ~ Musashi
Another highlight of the weekend was also the fire sword duel (#11), a powerful manifestation of fire and steel. I was the challenger to the throne, and I fought the Queen's Champion (Sabre) with live steel, subduing him, but not killing him. Then he rearmed himself with four huge flaming steel claws, while I advanced on Queen Spyder and while I hunted for my relocated fire sword. Once I found my sword, with the aid of the audience, I flowed with the fight, grateful for my chainmail. I took a mild scratch to my left arm, a burn to my right, and my hauberk was ripped open and a final graze to my head when I took the killing blow, dying quickly and spectacularly near the Queen's throne.
Despite some recent practice, my past training has not included fighting flaming claws, and I've not had much experience as a fire performer, but I fought well, with one blade versus four. When my flames ran out, and it was my time to die, I was slammed down and killed, and the Champion showed why he was a Champion to the Queen with their own ritual. This was Sabre's idea, and his choreography, and his weapons, and I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in his ritual with him and with Spyder. Many thanks to the fire safety and squire crew; this would not have been possible without them. Many thanks to Miss Rebecca, who kept me in coffee all night, serving beautifully and well in spite of her own piercing trials, and for the bliss of a Voodoo doughnut.
My muscles ache from the exertion, and my wounds remind me that I'm alive, a privilege of a warrior. I feel peaceful, and clear, and calm, although very tired. Now to return to my regular training, for other goals, and for the next time I might be called upon. Now I prepare for a visit from one of my students, and I will learn and teach. The Universe always prepares you for the next lesson, and I am open and ready for the next challenge. "There are many things in martial arts that accord with Buddhism and correspond to Zen. In particular, there is repudiation of attachment and avoidance of lingering on anything. This is the most urgent point. Not lingering is considered quintessential." ~ Musashi
