Written By Helena
June 27, 2019, 3:07 p.m.(5/12/1011 AR)
I am excited to be helping with the upcoming Festival of Death, and will be hosting two events.
I wanted, for anyone who actual reads this journal of mine, to explain why I'm helping, first. I'm not a Harlequin, and am in fact a believer and follower of both the Pantheon and the Shamanism of the north.
But the Queen of Endings and Beginnings is, like all of our gods and goddesses, one to honor and respect and love. Many fear her, but she is the one who gives our souls second chances at times, or brings us home to her when the time is right for us. I have recently found that my soul is one of those who has had a second chance (or however many!) and for that I am grateful, because the love I have known from the friends and family in my life is a gift beyond measure.
***
On to the events (these are just the two I am planning -- there will be many others by others on the Festival committee)!
There will be a poetry reading at the Shrine of the Queen. All of my regular poets and poetry lovers are of course most welcome to come and share a poem, as are any newcomers as well. This time, however, I do ask the poems be inspired by the Queen and her workings. Please send a messenger to me if you would like to read your original work at the reading; I will be creating a schedule of readers in advance. A book of the poems read that day will be made to be sold with proceeds going to the Harlequins.
A fashion show, with designs inspired as well by the Queen, will be held. Anyone can enter and prizes will be given in the categories of skulls, spiders, bats, and overall theme. A donation is appreciated, but not required, which will also go to the Harlequins for their work. All models need to write a paragraph describing their outfit that will be read during their time on the runway. Men -- this is not a ladies event only! Do show up and show off your finest breeches.
Those with questions can certainly feel free to message me.
I wanted, for anyone who actual reads this journal of mine, to explain why I'm helping, first. I'm not a Harlequin, and am in fact a believer and follower of both the Pantheon and the Shamanism of the north.
But the Queen of Endings and Beginnings is, like all of our gods and goddesses, one to honor and respect and love. Many fear her, but she is the one who gives our souls second chances at times, or brings us home to her when the time is right for us. I have recently found that my soul is one of those who has had a second chance (or however many!) and for that I am grateful, because the love I have known from the friends and family in my life is a gift beyond measure.
***
On to the events (these are just the two I am planning -- there will be many others by others on the Festival committee)!
There will be a poetry reading at the Shrine of the Queen. All of my regular poets and poetry lovers are of course most welcome to come and share a poem, as are any newcomers as well. This time, however, I do ask the poems be inspired by the Queen and her workings. Please send a messenger to me if you would like to read your original work at the reading; I will be creating a schedule of readers in advance. A book of the poems read that day will be made to be sold with proceeds going to the Harlequins.
A fashion show, with designs inspired as well by the Queen, will be held. Anyone can enter and prizes will be given in the categories of skulls, spiders, bats, and overall theme. A donation is appreciated, but not required, which will also go to the Harlequins for their work. All models need to write a paragraph describing their outfit that will be read during their time on the runway. Men -- this is not a ladies event only! Do show up and show off your finest breeches.
Those with questions can certainly feel free to message me.
Written By Helena
June 26, 2019, 7:55 p.m.(5/10/1011 AR)
Despite all the somber things I have to worry about these days, I confess I'm as giddy as a child about the upcoming fashion show that I'll be hosting as part of the Festival of Death.
All outfits should be inspired by the Queen of Endings and Beginnings herself. I won't be modeling myself -- except by hosting, of course I will need a gown befitting of such finery of those who do.
So many choices. So many beautiful fabrics.
So many spiders...
I'll try to get over my fear of them by the day of the event, for I'm sure they will be both fake and real arachnids abound.
All outfits should be inspired by the Queen of Endings and Beginnings herself. I won't be modeling myself -- except by hosting, of course I will need a gown befitting of such finery of those who do.
So many choices. So many beautiful fabrics.
So many spiders...
I'll try to get over my fear of them by the day of the event, for I'm sure they will be both fake and real arachnids abound.
Written By Helena
June 19, 2019, 11:50 a.m.(4/23/1011 AR)
I wasn't sure how the latest poetry reading would go but I found it insightful, enlightening on what and who the gods are in our lives as well as what it means to be human.
Thank you as always to our lovely poets who find the strength to share their innermost thoughts with others.
Thank you to those who come to listen and never judge.
The next will be upcoming, with a special theme in line with other special event -- to be announced later! I am very excited and look forward to it already.
Thank you as always to our lovely poets who find the strength to share their innermost thoughts with others.
Thank you to those who come to listen and never judge.
The next will be upcoming, with a special theme in line with other special event -- to be announced later! I am very excited and look forward to it already.
Written By Helena
June 16, 2019, 10:10 p.m.(4/18/1011 AR)
It's been some time since I held a poetry reading, but it's time for another. I look forward as I always do to hearing the voices of our fair city give wings to fairer words.
The theme is The Thirteen, our gods and goddesses of the Pantheon. They need not be prayerful but inspired by in some way.
Of course, all poetry can fall under the auspice of Jayus, so all poetry is welcome, whether fitting the theme or not. Gods know I can never turn away an earnest effort at poetry. It makes my heart sing to hear it, whether novice or professional, rhyming or free verse, lyrical or narrative.
I hope to see new faces as well as the familiar.
The theme is The Thirteen, our gods and goddesses of the Pantheon. They need not be prayerful but inspired by in some way.
Of course, all poetry can fall under the auspice of Jayus, so all poetry is welcome, whether fitting the theme or not. Gods know I can never turn away an earnest effort at poetry. It makes my heart sing to hear it, whether novice or professional, rhyming or free verse, lyrical or narrative.
I hope to see new faces as well as the familiar.
Written By Helena
May 29, 2019, 3:35 p.m.(3/10/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Talwyn
Birdsong accompanied by lyre and the rustle of wind in the autumn leaves creates a rare symphony of sound I will ever associate with our meeting.
I am also grateful to those stubborn birds of late autumn. We shall have to thank them when they return this spring. Birdseed for the lot of them!
I am also grateful to those stubborn birds of late autumn. We shall have to thank them when they return this spring. Birdseed for the lot of them!
Written By Helena
May 26, 2019, 9:21 p.m.(3/4/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Margret
Wise words. As ever, while I may be your patron, it is you who teaches me.
Written By Helena
May 6, 2019, 12:21 a.m.(1/19/1011 AR)
Cold days are juxtaposed by warm fires and warmer company... I quite like the snow. So long as it stays white.
Written By Helena
April 26, 2019, 4:42 p.m.(12/28/1010 AR)
I am not one blessed with the ability to make beautiful music, but the world in its wisdom and generosity keeps putting me in the path of those who do.
Truly, music, like all art, is a healing salve for the wounds and scars of our souls. An unexpected gift of a song is as rare as one of jewels or gold, if not more so.
Truly, music, like all art, is a healing salve for the wounds and scars of our souls. An unexpected gift of a song is as rare as one of jewels or gold, if not more so.
Written By Helena
April 21, 2019, 11:56 p.m.(12/19/1010 AR)
Strange revelations bring as many questions as they do answers. Matters already personal to me grow more so in ways I couldn't have ever fathomed -- and yet perhaps on some level, somehow I did.
Silver linings in these trying times:
A new friend, always welcome. I can use them. A friend of a friend, and one I trust already, for I believe we are kindred spirits in a way, besides just a lack of sleep and love for our mutual friend. Thank you.
My brilliant protege's wise words giving me conviction that we are in fact capable of what we endeavor to do, because we are here and by no mistake. We can do it.
Poetry: I haven't written of last week's reading, but each new voice at a reading buoys me when my spirit wanes.
Silver linings in these trying times:
A new friend, always welcome. I can use them. A friend of a friend, and one I trust already, for I believe we are kindred spirits in a way, besides just a lack of sleep and love for our mutual friend. Thank you.
My brilliant protege's wise words giving me conviction that we are in fact capable of what we endeavor to do, because we are here and by no mistake. We can do it.
Poetry: I haven't written of last week's reading, but each new voice at a reading buoys me when my spirit wanes.
Written By Helena
April 19, 2019, 4:38 p.m.(12/14/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Luca
Prince Sunshine,
Words fail me. You brought light to those whose lives you touched, and I count myself lucky to have been among them. I only wish it had been for longer; a year of knowing you was not long enough. But I am not sure I would count any length of time “long enough” with such a friend.
I will miss you. The world is a darker place without you here.
Words fail me. You brought light to those whose lives you touched, and I count myself lucky to have been among them. I only wish it had been for longer; a year of knowing you was not long enough. But I am not sure I would count any length of time “long enough” with such a friend.
I will miss you. The world is a darker place without you here.
Written By Helena
April 16, 2019, 2:08 a.m.(12/7/1010 AR)
I find myself worrying today about a friend. They will remain nameless. I worry I gave poor advice or perhaps not enough comfort. I worry that I let them leave when I should have made them stay and speak more. I hope they will seek help, whether from the source I suggested or someone better suited than I to help them.
My door is always open, friend. Our troubles may not be the same, but that doesn't mean we cannot help one another understand and get through them. Or at least survive them.
My door is always open, friend. Our troubles may not be the same, but that doesn't mean we cannot help one another understand and get through them. Or at least survive them.
Written By Helena
April 16, 2019, 2:03 a.m.(12/7/1010 AR)
Tomorrow is another of the poetry readings. I so look forward to these, even if I cry at others' words and the beauty of it all, making myself quite blotchy. It is a good thing I am not that vain, or I would never attend such things, let alone host them.
The theme this time is perspective, the prompt asking the poets to put themselves in the shoes of another, to look at the world from another's point of view. Easier said than done for many -- and yet, many of us have been blessed by visions that do just this for us. That make us look at the world from the eyes of someone else, quite literally, for a few moments.
This spins our worldview in such a way that we can never look at the world quite the same again. We hold within us the point of view of another -- or several others -- and we can become more than what we are.
It is perhaps optimistic and naive of me to hope that poetry can do the same -- albeit in a different way. Words have a power and magic all their own.
The theme this time is perspective, the prompt asking the poets to put themselves in the shoes of another, to look at the world from another's point of view. Easier said than done for many -- and yet, many of us have been blessed by visions that do just this for us. That make us look at the world from the eyes of someone else, quite literally, for a few moments.
This spins our worldview in such a way that we can never look at the world quite the same again. We hold within us the point of view of another -- or several others -- and we can become more than what we are.
It is perhaps optimistic and naive of me to hope that poetry can do the same -- albeit in a different way. Words have a power and magic all their own.
Written By Helena
April 12, 2019, 1:10 a.m.(11/27/1010 AR)
I haven't always been the most pious. I have always loved the pageantry and poetry of tradition and ritual, but of late, the gods and goddesses and spirits alike have made themselves known to me in myriad ways.
Congratulations to the former Princess Sophie, now Crownsworn, on her dedication to the Faith. It is not a path I think I would ever be strong enough to follow. I am sure she is, and that the Faith is the stronger for her.
Tonight I asked a question at a shrine, and I was given answers, which lead to more questions -- such is the way with faith, is it not?
It was enlightening and terrifying at once, and I am not quite as I was before. There will be more nightmares, I fear, but there is also hope and there are actions I can take -- I have a path I hope I can be strong enough to walk.
At least I am not alone.
Congratulations to the former Princess Sophie, now Crownsworn, on her dedication to the Faith. It is not a path I think I would ever be strong enough to follow. I am sure she is, and that the Faith is the stronger for her.
Tonight I asked a question at a shrine, and I was given answers, which lead to more questions -- such is the way with faith, is it not?
It was enlightening and terrifying at once, and I am not quite as I was before. There will be more nightmares, I fear, but there is also hope and there are actions I can take -- I have a path I hope I can be strong enough to walk.
At least I am not alone.
Written By Helena
April 7, 2019, 1:53 p.m.(11/18/1010 AR)
Dear Sleep,
I do apologize for taken you for granted. You were always there for me, eager to take me into your warm, inviting arms. I knew I could count on you, whenever the world had made me weary, to kiss my forehead and soothe me: a respite, a refuge from the cold world outside.
These days you visit me so rarely, and the time we spend is far too short. No longer a sweet respite, but quarrelsome and restless.
__
Personifications aside, I am tired of (no pun intended) insomnia and nightmares. The latter fuels the former. There are ways to avoid the dreams, but I feel it's wrong to shut myself off from them too often, when the spirits or gods or both wish to speak to me.
Who knew that being awakened to the troubles of the world would leave a person so sleepy?
I do apologize for taken you for granted. You were always there for me, eager to take me into your warm, inviting arms. I knew I could count on you, whenever the world had made me weary, to kiss my forehead and soothe me: a respite, a refuge from the cold world outside.
These days you visit me so rarely, and the time we spend is far too short. No longer a sweet respite, but quarrelsome and restless.
__
Personifications aside, I am tired of (no pun intended) insomnia and nightmares. The latter fuels the former. There are ways to avoid the dreams, but I feel it's wrong to shut myself off from them too often, when the spirits or gods or both wish to speak to me.
Who knew that being awakened to the troubles of the world would leave a person so sleepy?
Written By Helena
March 26, 2019, 4:43 p.m.(10/22/1010 AR)
As voices lift in poetry, so too do my spirits. Thank you to all who came to share their words with us, and also those who came to listen. I look forward to seeing both new and familiar poets and lovers of poets at the next session.
Written By Helena
March 17, 2019, 1:18 p.m.(10/4/1010 AR)
These news accounts are frightening, my heart breaks for those who have lost anyone they love.
To those I love:
If I hug you a little tighter, a little longer, a little more often, please forgive me and humor me. I do not want to regret not showing you how much you matter to me.
To those I love:
If I hug you a little tighter, a little longer, a little more often, please forgive me and humor me. I do not want to regret not showing you how much you matter to me.
Written By Helena
March 13, 2019, 7:01 p.m.(9/24/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Evaristo
Some of us knew you were a bard long ago, but congratulations on your new standing, Captain Mockingbird. Your voice is always one I am happy to hear.
Written By Helena
March 10, 2019, 2:31 p.m.(9/18/1010 AR)
We are on the cusp of autumn, the start of a new season and the end of the last. I look forward to the changing of the leaves, the scent of bonfires on the wind, the taste of crisp apples fresh from harvest. Summer behind us and winter ahead, fall always feels like a strange transition between life and death in its way, though it's just the turning of the wheel.
Beginnings and Endings -- that theme has been on my mind, and it will be the theme for the next poetry reading, in hopes that having a topic to write to might inspire more of our poets to create something and read it aloud for others to hear. There are so many gifted poets in these journals who I'd love to hear read their work, but I know speaking in public is not everyone's thing. It's not mine, to be honest, but I do it anyway, for love of art and words and the sharing of ideas.
Almost all things have beginnings and endings in common -- our lives, our journeys, many of our loves (though some have loves that never end in their lifetime -- how lucky are they?). Sometimes we don't see these for what they are -- how many people can mark the beginning of a friendship? How many can name the place where they began to love? Perhaps those moments are more like the shift of a leaf, from green to gold.
Beginnings and Endings -- that theme has been on my mind, and it will be the theme for the next poetry reading, in hopes that having a topic to write to might inspire more of our poets to create something and read it aloud for others to hear. There are so many gifted poets in these journals who I'd love to hear read their work, but I know speaking in public is not everyone's thing. It's not mine, to be honest, but I do it anyway, for love of art and words and the sharing of ideas.
Almost all things have beginnings and endings in common -- our lives, our journeys, many of our loves (though some have loves that never end in their lifetime -- how lucky are they?). Sometimes we don't see these for what they are -- how many people can mark the beginning of a friendship? How many can name the place where they began to love? Perhaps those moments are more like the shift of a leaf, from green to gold.
Written By Helena
Feb. 19, 2019, 3:37 p.m.(8/8/1010 AR)
I was thrilled to see so many new faces at the third of my little poetry readings! I may consider making the next one a theme, and giving a prompt ahead of time to encourage prepared pieces. The impromptu writings always delight me as well. Thank you to all who came out, both new faces and those who’ve blessed me with their presence each time. Your words are all gifts, and those who didn’t read, thank you for listening to those of us who did.
Written By Helena
Feb. 19, 2019, 3:37 p.m.(8/8/1010 AR)
I was thrilled to see so many new faces at the third of my little poetry readings! I may consider making the next one a theme, and giving a prompt ahead of time to encourage prepared pieces. The impromptu writings always delight me as well. Thank you to all who came out, both new faces and those who’ve blessed me with their presence each time. Your words are all gifts, and those who didn’t read, thank you for listening to those of us who did.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.