Written By Bianca
Nov. 15, 2021, 6:12 p.m.(7/27/1016 AR)
If my Faith was never challenged, I would never have the chance to prove its strength, its endurance. In the last month, my Faith has been profoundly tested and I am pleased to say that it remains as deeply rooted as the day I took my vows.
We will rebuild more fiercely than ever.
We will rebuild more fiercely than ever.
Written By Bianca
Oct. 17, 2021, 2:26 a.m.(5/24/1016 AR)
I find my dreams plagued of late and so I pray more, I pray with fervor because that is where I find my solace. Under the watchful gaze of the Gods, after I have exhausted myself with prayer, do I find what little uninterrupted rest I may claim. And I am grateful for it.
Written By Bianca
Sept. 15, 2021, 9:27 p.m.(3/17/1016 AR)
First Bloom arrives and I confess I am looking forward to it. The dawning of spring always gives me a certain joy and not simply because it means I have lived another year, but because it gives me even greater excuse to celebrate. First Bloom gives way to the feast days of Farmer's Rest, and I will be honoring Petrichor this year with a Feast of Flasks. Drink will abound and a prize given to the best of the Feast. The prize for everyone else will be a solid night's sleep, followed by what will surely be an unforgettable morning.
Written By Bianca
Sept. 4, 2021, 3:30 a.m.(2/22/1016 AR)
Relationship Note on Nigel
When someone follows the path of the Gods, it gives me a deep and abiding sense of joy, of hope. I know that all is not lost, for how can it be when belief remains? And so it was with the greatest of pleasure this evening that I welcomed the newest Devotion of Limerance, Lord Nigel Riven. May he go forth in love and fidelity to his vows.
Written By Bianca
Aug. 24, 2021, 2:07 a.m.(1/28/1016 AR)
Sleep has not graced me with its presence in some time. What do you make of that? I read and I speak, and I seek out knowledge, as day turns to night and fades to dawn, a continuous cycle. But what one knows hardly matters. It is what a person does with that gained knowledge that matters, because there's a certain honor in action that cannot be found at rest. And so I do not rest. Nor do I strive alone. There are others who meet by day and night to share what they know, some family, some friends, some who simply promise not to eat others, but they all do so in service to honor and courage and the driving ambition to be better, to do better. And in that, we are kin, all.
Written By Bianca
Aug. 17, 2021, 11:43 p.m.(1/15/1016 AR)
I don't think I have ever been so ravenous in my life.
Just this evening, I had the urge to eat an entire cake. Perhaps it was inspired by the chill of winter? I *have* been pushing myself since my return to the city...
... and I was gifted a basket of cookies the other day. It would be rude if I didn't sample them.
Just this evening, I had the urge to eat an entire cake. Perhaps it was inspired by the chill of winter? I *have* been pushing myself since my return to the city...
... and I was gifted a basket of cookies the other day. It would be rude if I didn't sample them.
Written By Bianca
April 24, 2021, 12:41 p.m.(5/9/1015 AR)
What is devotion to the Gods?
It is love, loyalty and enthusiasm in edifying Their great ideals. To show true devotion to the Gods is not simply a matter of abiding by traditions of the Faith as an institution. It is more than that. Devotion is encompassing. It is an expression of our love, faith & hope in our daily lives. To carry the tenets of the Gods within our hearts and act upon those tenets in each Choice we make.
Our devotion is exposed in all actions we carry out and every word we speak, or conversely our vices are revealed in those same acts and words.
As of late I have seen a growing incursion of darkness wash over those I once believed held true and devout hearts. I have watched those who's voices once lifted in praise to the glory of the Gods grow silent, or worse become the mouthpiece of the tenets of the Dark Reflections.
Doubt has blossomed.
This is not the first time I have observed this rising tide. Even in the times of Beloved Dominus Aldwin's guidance of the Faith we faced similar issues. The same with the stern but fair leadership of Dominus Orazio. And now we see the same with His Most Holy, Dominus Aureth.
The tenets of Petrichor and Lagoma attest that like all things of life it is a cycle. There are ups and downs, ebbs and flows... but nonetheless my heart aches to watch the beloved children of the Gods struggle in their devotion. For the most part it seems it is always a mix of attributes that spurn this phase of life to begin. Pride, anger, entitlement, fear, hate.
These are not of the hearts of the Gods.
But... we are not the Gods. We are mortal and in our beauteous mortality with all its wonder within the expanse of The Dream we are susceptible to our emotions getting the best of us and those emotions distracting us from the values of the Gods we seek to edify.
This is the struggle of the Faithful. Acknowledging our failings, our darkness... and growing from it rather than falling victim to it. Maintaining the tenets of the Gods in our hearts and minds, showing their glory via our acts empowers not only our own faith, but the faith of all who we come to know and interact with. We as the Faithful are called to be examples of honor, justice, integrity, knowledge, inspiration, charity, growth, change, choice and so much more.
It is not an easy path to walk, but the Gods do not call us as a people to be interested in the "easy way."
I ask those now and of future generations to trust in the ideas of the Gods with all of your heart. May we wear faith as our breastplate, hope as our helm and love as our gauntlets. Acknowledge Them in all of your ways and through Their glory our paths will be made straight.
It is love, loyalty and enthusiasm in edifying Their great ideals. To show true devotion to the Gods is not simply a matter of abiding by traditions of the Faith as an institution. It is more than that. Devotion is encompassing. It is an expression of our love, faith & hope in our daily lives. To carry the tenets of the Gods within our hearts and act upon those tenets in each Choice we make.
Our devotion is exposed in all actions we carry out and every word we speak, or conversely our vices are revealed in those same acts and words.
As of late I have seen a growing incursion of darkness wash over those I once believed held true and devout hearts. I have watched those who's voices once lifted in praise to the glory of the Gods grow silent, or worse become the mouthpiece of the tenets of the Dark Reflections.
Doubt has blossomed.
This is not the first time I have observed this rising tide. Even in the times of Beloved Dominus Aldwin's guidance of the Faith we faced similar issues. The same with the stern but fair leadership of Dominus Orazio. And now we see the same with His Most Holy, Dominus Aureth.
The tenets of Petrichor and Lagoma attest that like all things of life it is a cycle. There are ups and downs, ebbs and flows... but nonetheless my heart aches to watch the beloved children of the Gods struggle in their devotion. For the most part it seems it is always a mix of attributes that spurn this phase of life to begin. Pride, anger, entitlement, fear, hate.
These are not of the hearts of the Gods.
But... we are not the Gods. We are mortal and in our beauteous mortality with all its wonder within the expanse of The Dream we are susceptible to our emotions getting the best of us and those emotions distracting us from the values of the Gods we seek to edify.
This is the struggle of the Faithful. Acknowledging our failings, our darkness... and growing from it rather than falling victim to it. Maintaining the tenets of the Gods in our hearts and minds, showing their glory via our acts empowers not only our own faith, but the faith of all who we come to know and interact with. We as the Faithful are called to be examples of honor, justice, integrity, knowledge, inspiration, charity, growth, change, choice and so much more.
It is not an easy path to walk, but the Gods do not call us as a people to be interested in the "easy way."
I ask those now and of future generations to trust in the ideas of the Gods with all of your heart. May we wear faith as our breastplate, hope as our helm and love as our gauntlets. Acknowledge Them in all of your ways and through Their glory our paths will be made straight.
Written By Bianca
Jan. 16, 2021, 9:22 p.m.(10/7/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Ciro
If a brew does not place in a contest, to me it is not decidedly a failure. I'd hate to see the efforts of a crafter and inspiration granted by Jayus taken for granted simply because the palettes of the judges of said singular contest may have preferred another.
Tastes are subjective and unless it causes illness someone undoubtedly will enjoy it. That is not a failure.
Tastes are subjective and unless it causes illness someone undoubtedly will enjoy it. That is not a failure.
Written By Bianca
Aug. 23, 2020, 6:46 p.m.(11/22/1013 AR)
It has been quite some time since I've managed to spare the time enough to play spectator to a martial event.
I must say, it's about as thrilling as I remember. My compliments, and congratulations, to all who competed. You all performed admirably.
Though I'm a little envious of your horse riding skills.
I must say, it's about as thrilling as I remember. My compliments, and congratulations, to all who competed. You all performed admirably.
Though I'm a little envious of your horse riding skills.
Written By Bianca
April 26, 2020, 4:49 a.m.(3/7/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Verity
Even in the midst of turmoil and natural disaster, there is always time for a lighter note. I can always count on Verity to find them.
She left a gift for me in my study the other day. Several gifts, in fact.
I may never look at baking the same way again.
My only regret is that I could not get my hands on the first part of this clearly sprawling epic. And to whoever wrote this -
I have so many questions.
She left a gift for me in my study the other day. Several gifts, in fact.
I may never look at baking the same way again.
My only regret is that I could not get my hands on the first part of this clearly sprawling epic. And to whoever wrote this -
I have so many questions.
Written By Bianca
April 19, 2020, 8:40 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)
I often wonder how many people have questions that go unasked because they are worried they might be perceived as foolish, or worse still. Certainly there is a time and a place for certain questions, and questions asked at the wrong place or wrong time can have unpleasant results.
But I lament all those questions that have gone unvoiced, all the same. Our system, our society, even our faith, only improves upon itself when there are those willing to question the way things are done. Our knowledge only grows when we question how a thing happens.
We only grow as people when we have the courage to reflect and question our behaviors.
Change that comes unbidden is a more rare thing than people might think. Events can occur to force it on a grand scale, but we only truly change when we allow ourselves to. When we pursue it, relentlessly.
Tinder needs a spark, or else it's simply tinder.
But I lament all those questions that have gone unvoiced, all the same. Our system, our society, even our faith, only improves upon itself when there are those willing to question the way things are done. Our knowledge only grows when we question how a thing happens.
We only grow as people when we have the courage to reflect and question our behaviors.
Change that comes unbidden is a more rare thing than people might think. Events can occur to force it on a grand scale, but we only truly change when we allow ourselves to. When we pursue it, relentlessly.
Tinder needs a spark, or else it's simply tinder.
Written By Bianca
April 12, 2020, 6:44 p.m.(2/8/1013 AR)
Regardless of anything else, the events at the Bard's College concert hall and my cousin's performance will stay with me for a long time.
It was something that could only be truly and fully experienced firsthand, and I feel eternally grateful for the opportunity.
It was something that could only be truly and fully experienced firsthand, and I feel eternally grateful for the opportunity.
Written By Bianca
April 3, 2020, 6:20 a.m.(1/17/1013 AR)
A question to those who peruse these journals, and happen upon one woman's random curiosities:
What does the end of a story mean to you?
What does the end of a story mean to you?
Written By Bianca
March 15, 2020, 4:33 p.m.(12/8/1012 AR)
Winter is fast approaching; I believe my cover crops are all planted. It's rather admirable to me, how something as simple as a field pea can persevere through such cold times.
It is a fine reminder that life can not only endure in every season, but find purpose in it -- even the harshest.
It is a fine reminder that life can not only endure in every season, but find purpose in it -- even the harshest.
Written By Bianca
Feb. 23, 2020, 2:07 p.m.(10/22/1012 AR)
My most heartfelt congratulations to Prince Sebastian Pravus for his triumph in this year's Good Harvest wine competition. His Setarco Buttercream is a taste truly a marvel; it's my great hope everyone might have a chance to try it, some time.
The rest of our contestants deserve their own recognition as well for their efforts. Our runners up, Baroness-Regent Lucita Saik's orange wine and Lord Martino Malvici's black laurel wine, were both great victories in their sheer uniqueness in processing, to say nothing of their taste. The rest - yes, even Lady Catalana's bold submission of fortified wine - were all magnificent, with storied histories and fascinating methods of production. I list them here, in the hopes they might get the recognition they, too, deserve.
Lady Appolonia Seraceni's Ischian retsina
Lady Zorianna Blackshore's New Hope 'Pink Harvest' wine
Sir Merek Black's Lenosian Strawberry Wine
Lady Catalana Kennex's Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka ('fortified wine')
On a personal level, I have never been an exceptionally outgoing woman. It has taken me much time to get where I am today in engaging the world, and even now, sometimes I simply prefer the quiet and solitude I am afforded amongst my books. But it is worth it, I think, to reach out. This Good Harvest was a great success - and my most sincere gratitude to Archlector Roran for his much-needed assistance - and it was truly rewarding to see so many people from so many walks of life enjoy themselves, even if just for a time. Satisfying. I am gladdened that it seems to have been such a success. We all need reason to celebrate, sometimes, even in - especially in - times fraught with uncertainty.
... Though I fear perhaps some of the judges enjoyed Lady Catalana's self-proclaimed fortified wine a little too much.
The rest of our contestants deserve their own recognition as well for their efforts. Our runners up, Baroness-Regent Lucita Saik's orange wine and Lord Martino Malvici's black laurel wine, were both great victories in their sheer uniqueness in processing, to say nothing of their taste. The rest - yes, even Lady Catalana's bold submission of fortified wine - were all magnificent, with storied histories and fascinating methods of production. I list them here, in the hopes they might get the recognition they, too, deserve.
Lady Appolonia Seraceni's Ischian retsina
Lady Zorianna Blackshore's New Hope 'Pink Harvest' wine
Sir Merek Black's Lenosian Strawberry Wine
Lady Catalana Kennex's Kennex Brand Black Pepper Vodka ('fortified wine')
On a personal level, I have never been an exceptionally outgoing woman. It has taken me much time to get where I am today in engaging the world, and even now, sometimes I simply prefer the quiet and solitude I am afforded amongst my books. But it is worth it, I think, to reach out. This Good Harvest was a great success - and my most sincere gratitude to Archlector Roran for his much-needed assistance - and it was truly rewarding to see so many people from so many walks of life enjoy themselves, even if just for a time. Satisfying. I am gladdened that it seems to have been such a success. We all need reason to celebrate, sometimes, even in - especially in - times fraught with uncertainty.
... Though I fear perhaps some of the judges enjoyed Lady Catalana's self-proclaimed fortified wine a little too much.
Written By Bianca
Feb. 16, 2020, 8:01 p.m.(10.271859292328042/9.224120370370372/1012.7726549410273 AR)
Seasons shift, and with it, always, brings the possibility of great change. There is something strangely refreshing about seeing the leaves change as summer fully leaves us and we enter autumn's embrace.
There is much to be anxious for, there is much to be concerned about. There is the possibility of change on the horizon. But it might behoove all of us sometimes to watch the leaves fall now and then, and remember.
For all its foibles and tribulations, there is great beauty in this world, too.
There is much to be anxious for, there is much to be concerned about. There is the possibility of change on the horizon. But it might behoove all of us sometimes to watch the leaves fall now and then, and remember.
For all its foibles and tribulations, there is great beauty in this world, too.
Written By Bianca
Feb. 16, 2020, 1:33 p.m.(10.25267113095238/8.149583333333334/1012.7710559275794 AR)
Relationship Note on Rosalie
I am so remarkably honored to have helped see Sister Rosalie Redtyde join our ranks. She was a boon as a Disciple of Vellichor; she will be a greater boon still as a fellow Godsworn.
And on a personal level, I am simply proud to see how far she has come -- and to know how far she can go still.
We do not always have control over the great changes in our lives, and even when we do, taking that first step can be a truly difficult thing. But still, no matter how that change comes about, I believe what is truly important is that we face it with eyes open -- and Sister Rosalie has undoubtedly done that.
And on a personal level, I am simply proud to see how far she has come -- and to know how far she can go still.
We do not always have control over the great changes in our lives, and even when we do, taking that first step can be a truly difficult thing. But still, no matter how that change comes about, I believe what is truly important is that we face it with eyes open -- and Sister Rosalie has undoubtedly done that.
Written By Bianca
Feb. 9, 2020, 11:29 a.m.(9.6432457010582/23.021759259259262/1012.7202704750882 AR)
Relationship Note on Briseis
I have never met someone quite so relentlessly positive, nor so intensely observant. When I see her, I see someone ready to face the whole of the world, and I believe she at least has the spirit to do it. I am more than proud to call her protégé; hopefully, I can impart something of value to her.
At the very least I think she'll do wonders for Jourdain. He needs someone to drag him out of his comfort zone.
And oh! We have so much to discuss. I should go and find a selection of reading materials to go over for next we meet. I wonder how acquainted she is with the works of Scholar Fenton Mulley...
At the very least I think she'll do wonders for Jourdain. He needs someone to drag him out of his comfort zone.
And oh! We have so much to discuss. I should go and find a selection of reading materials to go over for next we meet. I wonder how acquainted she is with the works of Scholar Fenton Mulley...
Written By Bianca
Feb. 9, 2020, 10:42 a.m.(9.64090236441799/22.890532407407406/1012.7200751970348 AR)
I am not one easily given to violence or force. I do not feel they are nearly so effective a method as some may espouse; oftentimes, I feel they leave wounds beyond the flesh that will fester for years before our descendants reap consequences they had never sown.
But there are times where we must stand firm, or step aside. Where we give ground, or refuse to yield, and face the consequences of our choices head on.
I, for one, choose to stand firm.
But there are times where we must stand firm, or step aside. Where we give ground, or refuse to yield, and face the consequences of our choices head on.
I, for one, choose to stand firm.
Written By Bianca
Jan. 12, 2020, 8:07 p.m.(7/19/1012 AR)
Richard's garden plot seems to be coming into its own rather well now, his unsteady start aside. It's pleasing in a way to see it flourish -- and it reminds me how much simply joy can be taken in the act of teaching others and imparting a piece of your experience to them.
In a way, I suppose, it is a rather selfish sense of satisfaction, in seeing another grow because of your efforts. But then most can be spun that way, can they not? If this is a selfish feeling, then I find myself content with that fact.
Sometimes it is more than fine, to be selfish. It is a fact I wish others would embrace more readily. But perhaps I have a tendency to worry and meddle, overmuch.
Perhaps I ought to check on the garden again...
In a way, I suppose, it is a rather selfish sense of satisfaction, in seeing another grow because of your efforts. But then most can be spun that way, can they not? If this is a selfish feeling, then I find myself content with that fact.
Sometimes it is more than fine, to be selfish. It is a fact I wish others would embrace more readily. But perhaps I have a tendency to worry and meddle, overmuch.
Perhaps I ought to check on the garden again...
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