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Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in hotspurre's LiveJournal:

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    Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
    6:24 pm
    The Five who Stood (Repost)
     Okay, I listened, and I tinkered, and I added. I would be very interested if this makes the dramatis personae more clear. Any and all suggestions welcome, I have a gig lined up for this in January (for the VDK household meeting,) but that's about it, so I have time to work...

    Most of it is the same, by the way, but I may have futzed with a word here and a word there. I also think I'll remove the stresses, as I realize that can be distracting to people. There is a stanza worth of new material:

    ( The Five who Stood )
    Thursday, November 12th, 2009
    4:24 pm
    Another Poem on Pennsic Battles
     Hello everyone! Here's another poem that I wrote about a Pennsic battle, a short one this time. I'd like a little feedback, basically should I leave this poem as is, or maybe flesh out the dramatis personae a bit more with some deeds? Perhaps a personal end for each?

    ( The Five who Stood )
    Friday, October 16th, 2009
    6:16 pm
    Moving help echo
     Shelley already posted this, but I figured I'd echo it in my LJ.

    Shelley and I are in need of people to help us move.  Our landlady offered to not charge us for October if we get out of the place by this upcoming Monday, so that's what we're shooting for.  We're definitely going to need help with the larger stuff such as the bed, desks, bookcases, and tables, and we'd appreciate help with the boxes we have.  There's still some packing to do, at some point Shelley and I are going to heedlessly start tossing things into bags and boxes, but I think I've got most of the important stuff packed. 
           We're looking at doing whatever moving we can tonight then the rest on Sunday.  Because Winter Nights is Saturday, and we don't want to stay out too late (or keep people out too late,) we're probably looking at mostly Sunday, but whatever can be done now would be awesome.  As Toki likes to say, many hands make light work.  
           We'll supply food, probably pizza and the best humus I've had in the Capital District.  Both days.  Sorry about the short notice here.  Give me a call if you can, I'll have my cell phone with me.
    Monday, July 27th, 2009
    5:08 pm
    Feedback Wanted
         Hello!  I've got a yen to enter the Known World Poetry Challenge at Pennsic. The theme this year is "Dream Visions."  I was going to write something completely new, but I ran out of time, so instead I dusted off my first piece in a particular form (never before seen the light of day!  Well, other than some commentary from Toki) ripped it apart, put it back together, and have a poem about Visions, if not Dreams.  I would like to know what anyone who has the time to read this thinks, I have a few specific questions at the end for some opinions, and I'd like to make sure parts of it are reasonably clear.  The story is from Njal's Saga, the plot is relatively unchanged, but the poetry is entirely original.  Incidentally, I'll probably start learning this one after I'm done with my current piece about Harald Siguardarson.  I'll put the text behind a cut, of course:

    ( The Lay of Broðir )
    Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
    11:06 pm
    Casting a wide net for crash space...
     Okay, I sent out a bunch of emails for this, but I figure it wouldn't hurt to post this here too.  Basically, I had my plans change at the last minute for King and Queen's Rapier champs, and now the option that works best is if I can find crash space for myself and one other.   This would be in the Philidelphia area.  If anyone could get in touch with me on this, that'd be great.
    Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
    10:13 pm
    Play stuff and a not-serious poem

    Okay, so the play I auditioned for was "The Lion in Winter."  I was gunning for Henry, which was very ambitious I admit but its the best role for me.  Alas, there are issues with Goldman's estate, and they are not allowing the play to be run.  It may run in the spring, or else something else may run now (or in the spring,) we'll have to see.  Sucks, dunnit?  Ah well, it was a fun experience, and something I would definitely care to repeat.  Next time... :)

    Okay, I was going to post the story with the poem in it, but as it turns out I misplaced my most recent copy.  So, poem it is.  Many of you have heard this one already, its a true story from Roses last year.  The style is a sort of a hybridized Old/Middle English, it borrows some stylistic points from "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," but I used somewhat shorter verses which is more like the old Norse style.  Call it a half way point for me. :)  For those of you wo do know this poem, I've tweaked it a little, and may tweak it a little more.  In fact, if you'd like to comment, feel free.  I could use the feedback, its not set in stone.

     

    ( The Epic of Jaji's Tent )
    Wednesday, October 8th, 2008
    10:21 pm
    Wait, what is this? A post?!?
     So I thought I'd post something, to say hello and all that.  I may have something very interesting to post about in a few days, so I figured I'd post the catchup first, you know.

    ( The catchup )
    So the thing I may announce is... well, I auditioned for a play.  A play not in the SCA, no less!  Strange, isn't it?  I'll let you all know how it goes, I think the audition went really well, they're doing more tomorrow, and I'll probably hear back then or on Friday.  Wait 'till you hear what play, too.... :)
    Sunday, April 29th, 2007
    1:01 am
    Oh, hey new story!
     Some people have been poking me about my LJ, so I figured I'd post another story.  Its one I've been working on.  I've been refining a number of very short (less than 4 minutes) stories so I can do something if called upon in court or somesuch.  I've already posted at least one of them, the one about King Hrolf Kraki.  This one is drawn from The Saga of Hakon the Good, though it doesn't involve him at all, ironically enough.  So here it is, any comments are welcome, I'm always willing to tweak something:


    Let me know what you think, if there are any places I can work on or something.  I'll have something else to post at some point, but I might leave it for after Roses, so it will be a surprise! :)
    Sunday, December 31st, 2006
    12:25 am
    Random quote from a song
     When one light goes out, they all go out!





    (I don't know why I felt like saying that, I just did.)

    Current Mood: geeky
    Current Music: The Twelve pains of Christmas
    Monday, December 11th, 2006
    12:23 am
    How about a story?
     I could use some feedback on this, I may use it for King and Queen's bardic in February. It is one of the two very short stories I have, and will fit handily in a 4 minute time slot (or in a lull during court, or other such short periods of time.)

    Besides, [info]rowyn wanted to hear a story! I'm a bard, how can I say no?

    ( How King Hrolf got his Name )

    So, feel free to input anything you can think of that I can tinker with the story to make it a bit stronger. The only phrase that must stay is the last one, I read somewhere its a saying in Iceland to this very day, when someone is easy to please. :)
    Sunday, December 3rd, 2006
    3:07 pm
    Bergiskvitha (The Lay of Bergie)
     I seem to recall promising something about posting this.  If you'd like to hear it live, just let me know, I need all the practice I can get before this upcoming weekend. :)


    Actually, if someone (or several someones) can do me a favour, I'd really appreciate it.  The is based on a story that happened at Pennsic.  A number of you aren't familiar with the story, I'd like to know what you thought happened based on the verse.  I'd like to know if its clear enough.  I'll tell the "real story" after a few days.

    Current Mood: curious
    Thursday, November 23rd, 2006
    12:10 am
    My next project
     I'm trying to think of what my next project should be, Bardic-wise.  I have a few things floating about in my head, and I'd be interested to hear what people think.  If I start it now, it will be in a performable shape in time for King and Queen's Bardic Champions, I think.  I intend to never repeat a performance at King and Queen's, if I can help it, and while I do have adequate pieces that I can perform two different pieces, I don't have anything brand new.

     ( My various thoughts )

    Opinions on what I should do?  Suggestions on which seems the most appealing to you?  Suggestions for other things to look at?

    Also, I'm almost done with "The Lay of Bergie," which is something I need for Yule.  I'll post it here, if you promise not to show it to the Bergentallers. :)

    Current Mood: contemplative
    Tuesday, November 7th, 2006
    1:30 am
    Mikilalekskvitha (The Poem of Big Alex)
     As I promised, here's a poem, it was written for Sir Alex. Anghared comissioned me to write it:
    ( The Poem )



    I may post more of these. Actually, I should just put the lot of them on my own web site.
    Saturday, November 4th, 2006
    11:54 pm
    Crown Tourney
     Hello. I realize I haven't posted here in almost a year, but what the heck. Went to Crown Tourney today, it would be the first one I've ever gone to. It was definitely interesting, I had a good time, watching some pretty impressive fights.

    The main reason for me to go is Anghared commissioned me to write a poem for Sir Alex, a friend of hers who fights for her in Crown, as his wife doesn't play. Crown is very near to his birthday, you see. It was a little bit disconcerting, though, to be grabbed, brought over, and introduced as Alex's "Birthday Present." I think Alex may have been a bit taken aback by this phrasing as well. :) Anghared said, "No no, you only get him for five minutes," and I launched into the poem.

    Actually, if you want to read it, comment, and I'll post it.

    Anyway, Alex liked it, I think. I got a small audience and they all seemed to enjoy it. My delivery was good, but I could have used a bit more time to practice. C'est la vie, I only completed the poem about two weeks ago, at least now I know how long it takes for me to memorize something. :)

    If you're curious as to Crown itself, the final bout was Sir Artorious against Sir Gryffith (sp?) It was best two out of three, with three different weapon forms. Sir Artorius defeated Sir Gryffith in sword and shield, but lost in both pole arm and great sword. And so the new Prince of the East is Sir Gryffith. It some absolutely amazing fighting, though.
    Monday, December 26th, 2005
    12:34 am
    Narnia
     So I decided to go out and see "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" tonight, since most everyone is still out doing Christmassy thing. I watch this movie, and I'm like "Wow." And then I'm more "wow." There was quite a lot of "wow" involved.

    ( Spoilers if you haven't read the books or seen it yet. )
    I'm so very very happy I went to go see it tonight. If there's anyone who hasn't seen it, by the way, I'd be more than happy to go again.

    I wonder if "Prince Caspian" will be worked on any time soon? :)

    Current Mood: happy
    Wednesday, October 5th, 2005
    9:00 pm
    Long week
     I suppose I should start the story from the beginning, which was tuesday morning, about 7:30am. One of my housemates had come into my room to wake me up, and told me that my mother was on the phone.

    ( This is pretty long )
    Sunday, October 2nd, 2005
    11:02 pm
    Poetry Meme
     Ah, what the heck, I love a good poem.

    This one may require a bit of background, though. It was written by Don Marquis, who claimed that it was authored by a cockroach. The cockroach, who's name was "Archy" wrote poems by jumping onto the various keys on Mr. Marquis' typewriter. Hence, the lack of punctuation, capitals, etc.

    When you read this, post a comment if you like it (its one of my favorites,) and/or post a poem in your own Journal:

    the lesson of the moth

    By Don Marquis, in "archy and mehitabel," 1927


    i was talking to a moth
    the other evening
    he was trying to break into
    an electric light bulb
    and fry himself on the wires

    why do you fellows
    pull this stunt i asked him
    because it is the conventional
    thing for moths or why
    if that had been an uncovered
    candle instead of an electric
    light bulb you would
    now be a small unsightly cinder
    have you no sense

    plenty of it he answered
    but at times we get tired
    of using it
    we get bored with the routine
    and crave beauty
    and excitement
    fire is beautiful
    and we know that if we get
    too close it will kill us
    but what does that matter
    it is better to be happy
    for a moment
    and be burned up with beauty
    than to live a long time
    and be bored all the while
    so we wad all our life up
    into one little roll
    and then we shoot the roll
    that is what life is for
    it is better to be a part of beauty
    for one instant and then cease to
    exist than to exist forever
    and never be a part of beauty
    our attitude toward life
    is come easy go easy
    we are like human beings
    used to be before they became
    too civilized to enjoy themselves

    and before i could argue him
    out of his philosophy
    he went and immolated himself
    on a patent cigar lighter
    i do not agree with him
    myself i would rather have
    half the happiness and twice
    the longevity

    but at the same time i wish
    there was something i wanted
    as badly as he wanted to fry himself

    archy
    Friday, May 6th, 2005
    4:53 pm
    Follow the meme!
     Got this from Collwen:

    1. Grab the nearest book.
    2. Open the book to page 123.
    3. Find the fifth full sentence.
    4. Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions.
    5. Don't search around for the coolest book you can find. Use what's actually nearest to you.

    So packing up my desk at work, I grabbed the book on top of the pile, which was The Coloured Lands by G. K. Chesterton. Curiously enough, 123 is an illustration, so this is on 122:

    "But whatever may come, the essential ground of this habit will remain the same as the essential ground of all the religions, that we can only take a sample ofthe universe, and that sample, even if it be a handful of dust (which is also a beautiful substance,) will always assert the magic of itself, and hint at the magic of all things."

    Wow. That's a pretty cool line, actually.
    Wednesday, May 4th, 2005
    4:51 pm
    Employment in the future
     So I interviewed with CSC a week or two ago, and they offered me a temp-to-hire position. I declined, as I'd rather take my severance than a temp-to-hire. However, my former boss at my current workplace is working there now, and through an email correspondance, she was saying they were supposed to offer me a permanent position, with benefits starting day one.

    Well, after about a day of checking and biting my fingernails, it seems that that offer is on the table. I took it. I'm starting at CSC on monday.

    Whee! I'm as nervous as heck, but I'm excited too.

    Only crimp in things is I may well be working Sundays from now on. This won't affect my weekly RPG, but it might mess up Roses a bit. I'll find out.

    My head is spinning, my mouth is dry. Its funny how nervous I am. I guess I wouldn't be so anxious if I had worked out my term here, but... ah well! There's a bit over a month left at this place, so better a job with a future than a job without (and severance, and UI...)

    It would have been nice to get a break from work, though. ;)

    Current Mood: excited
    Current Music: Green Day "Insomnia," not what I'm listening to, close enoug
    Tuesday, May 3rd, 2005
    9:42 am
    Heh.
     This is from "Zebra Girl," a comic that started off mediocre, but progressed to flashes of brilliance. Amusingly enough, the art was always good, its the writing that improved. By leaps and bounds, really. The individual speaking is a sort of a modern wizard:

    "Somewhere, there's a man. He doesn't want to be where he is. There's no place he'd rather be less. This man is suffering, but inevitably, he starts to get used to it. He becomes calm enough to distance himself from his misery, just a little.

    "And without meaning to, he thinks of a place he'd rather be less. A place which can hurt him in ways he's not currently being hurt. Whether its a few feet away or in another horrible universe, he's glad he's not where he is, and not there. This is just a fleeting thought. But then he's there, and he'll stay there until he thinks of a place he'd rather be less.

    "This man hurt people close to me. Just bear that in mind.

    "At least while dating my sister.


    Heheheheeheeee! More effective than "cleaning the shotgun," dont' you think?

    Current Mood: amused
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