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.

A Bed of Daisies

This little lizard just loves my daisies.

Spring Coronation 2023

Local Spring Coronation at the SCA. 

Dressed up for morning court.

Baron Toramasa (T.S.) and Baroness Aki (Elizabeth) receiving a beautiful scroll handmade and presented by Finnguala (Susan).

Emmanuel (Jeremiah) in his incredible garb, complete with googly eyes. 

Allison (Vicky) and Emmanuel (Jeremiah).

Myself and Allison (Vicky).

Myself with Tiger and Will.

My cadet brother Blaze (Keith T.) in the middle fighting against Master Robert while Sibilla and Agustín (Sergio) watch.

Tiger was also kind enough to take video of me (on the left in blue) fighting against Seosaidh. 

Earlier in the day Agustín (Sergio) was chosen to participate in the Queen’s Invitational Rapier Tournament and won. Here he is at court receiving his award.

Agustín (Sergio) and Blaze (Keith T.).

Photo by Tiger Worrell.

Blaze (Keith T.), Agustín (Sergio), and myself.

Birthday Girl Tiger got awarded with The Argent Palm of Trimaris.

Dress Up and Tackle Hugs

My friend Amber unfortunately had to put down her beloved dog Lexi. The little black puppy she first brought home when we were roommates back in 2010. Old age and health issues were taking their toll, and Amber reach out to me to watch her kids while she and her husband went to the vet.

I got to her house and she told me about all the treats she spoiled Lexi with that day and we both gave her some love trying to hold back tears. Once they left, my full attention went to the kids. Playtime was just what we all needed.

Elmo is Peyton’s favorite. 

Ava and Dipper curled up in my lap while Peyton enjoyed his videos.

At some point Ava decided she wanted to change into her princess dress. A child after my own heart.

And I can’t resist Peyton’s hugs.

He is such a cutie.

A modern princess, serenading Dipper.

Gulf Wars 2023

In March of 2023 I was finally able to go to my second Gulf Wars with the SCA. A week long event outside of Lumberton, Mississippi referred to as “a war with no enemies”, it’s a great excuse for everyone to gather, battle, and really embrace getting to live history.

Myself and Sergio, got to start every ride with an angry selfie. 

Myself and Tiger after getting the tents set up.

Finally in garb and touring the site.

Agustín (Sergio) getting settled into his tent.

Agustín (Sergio) and Dan going through the essential Gulf War supplies.

Agustín (Sergio) in his pavilion.

Mariah, Steve, Freyja (Sunny), Agustín (Sergio), and Tiger.

Melody, John, and Rita standing in front of the pavilion.

Tom in his striking armor.

Before and after fighting in The Town Battle for Rapier. My first melee (group battle) was at Gulf Wars in 2019. I had never fought in a group before. It was fun but completely overwhelming. In the years since I’ve learned melee strategies that helped me feel more focused and comfortable in a group setting. A huge improvement from my first melee.

The Green Dragon Tavern.

Agustín (Sergio) was selected to participate in The Campions Rapier Tournament and won his fight.

Dan and Agustín (Sergio).

Oskar (Keith) who also won his fight at The Champions Rapier Tournament.

I had the honor of fighting for Duchess Rhiannon of Meridies (Lynn) in The Rose Tourney.

Agustín (Sergio) on his way back to camp with the newly purchased spear shafts.

Getting to see Ennelynne (Whitney) and her horse Fabuella.

Agustín (Sergio) and Red getting ready for the Ravine Battle.

Agustín (Sergio) in his armor.

Dan, Agustín (Sergio), and Red.

Photo by Sergio Roca.

Myself in a new dress I purchased from the marketplace.

Agustín (Sergio) in his new regalia.

Agustín (Sergio), Jorge, Juan, and Red dressed for Court.

Photo by Red Elder.

Myself and Agustín (Sergio).

Agustín (Sergio) and Red.

Photo by Red Elder.

Myself and Agustín (Sergio).

To see the pictures from my first trip to Gulf Wars, please visit https://currentsandcolor.blogspot.com/2019/04/gulf-wars-2019.html