The Blackberry Harvest

Rochelle with her youngest daughter Morgan in the backyard picking the blackberries she planted.

Gathering of the Clans, Roll for Initiative

A fun weekend at Gathering of the Clans, Roll for Initiative.

Blaze (Keith T.), Agustín (Sergio), Will, and Tiger.

Myself with the addition of Linea (Jen) to the group.

Finnguala (Susan) with Agustín (Sergio).

Photo by Sergio Roca.

Linea (Jen) and myself. 

During court that evening Agustín (Sergio) was asked to appear before King Vincent (Nathan) and Queen Catherine. 

Agustín (Sergio) was invited to join The Order of Defense, the highest honor possible for rapier fighters.

Surrounded by the other Master’s of Defense: Matthias (Todd), Oskar (Keith H.), Davius, Master Robert, and Miklos (Marc), they affirmed that he was worthy of the honor.

Waiting for my turn to congratulate him.

Oskar (Keith H.), Agustín (Sergio), Miklos (Marc), and Finnguala (Susan).

Oskar (Keith H.), King Vincent (Nathan), and Agustín (Sergio).

Oskar (Keith H.), Agustín (Sergio), King Vincent (Nathan), and Miklos (Marc).

Ephrem (Jacob), Queen Catherine, Agustín (Sergio), and Master Robert.

Photo by Gavine Armestrang.

Myself with Agustín (Sergio).

Myself with Linea (Jen), Oskar (Keith H.) and Agustín (Sergio) out celebrating with some ice cream. 

Afternoon Tea

For my mother’s birthday we had a girls trip to Joseph’s Tea. My sister Liz made the arrangements and got fascinators and gloves for everyone to really get into the spirit.

Photo by unknown.

Liz, mom, myself, and Jenny.

Liz and mom.

Myself and Jenny.

Photo by unknown.

All of us about to enjoy our three tiered tray of sandwiches and pastries.

Photo by unknown.

Myself, mom, Jenny, and Liz.

Photo by Jenny Kasper.

Myself and mom.

Photo by Liz Kasper.

Myself and Jenny being silly outside the venue.

Photo by Liz Kasper.

For more information on Joseph’s Tea please visit: www.JosephsTea.com

The Track Meet

I got to cheer Ava and Peyton on at their kiddie track meet. 

Ava with one of her award ribbons.

Peyton waiting for his next activity.

Peyton with his dad Justin.

Ava getting 1st place for running.

Ava and mom Amber taking a break.

Peyton after crossing the finish line.

Peyton, Justin, and Ava.

Half Love

The bread crumbs

The precious scraps

The meager subsistence

I have always had to make do with less

A lifetime of half love has left me hungry

The one who makes me laugh gives himself so easily to others

I am the healthy choice for a man who built his life on impulses

No wonder I must look so unappealing

The one who brought me consistency also brought me fear

He felt familiar, and that is what made him dangerous

Reminding me of all the demons I had already slain

I am no longer interested in trying to walk through closed doors or old graveyards.

Some days I am reminded of the endless love I have just under the surface

What a joy to be fully unleashed

I had to let go of “someday”, it was too much weight to carry

I’ve learned to refuse scraps

There is no amount of bread crumbs that will lead me where I want to be

Tournament of The Rose 2023

We headed to south Florida for the Tournament of The Rose.

Sergio and I drove together. Got to start the trip with an angry selfie.

Dan and Tiger under the pavilion.

Red with his girlfriend Anna (this was her first SCA event).

Blaze (Keith T.) resting between fights.

Agustín (Sergio) on the right in the final round with Brian while Oskar (Keith H.) looked on.

Agustín (Sergio) won the fight and was named Champion of The Rose.

Agustín (Sergio) and Dan.

Agustín (Sergio) with his award after court.

Myself and Agustín (Sergio) with St. Tiger and her radiant halo.