Post by Saionji Shonagon on Jul 10, 2012 1:27:01 GMT -5
Home safe, had a wonderful time, full report to follow some time tomorrow.
Make that full-ish. The event venue is beautiful, about 10 miles north of Gold Beach and a couple miles in from the beach, perfectly situated for kite flying with a steady prevailing breeze. Got my modern diamond kite in the air for extended flights twice and will plan accordingly to have a more traditional kite along the next time! I also discovered that a kite is a magnet for small children and men of all ages, as well as an endorphin producing stress buster. There's just something very relaxing about flying a kite on a pretty day, barefoot in cool grass and yukata. Met a young man from An Tir by the name of Yoshio while I was kiting. He plays a bamboo flute staff and shakuhachi. (I am now am duly inspired to actually learn some tunes on the cheap fue I got from J-Box.)
Had Lash-dono and his lady, Sholeh-hime camped with me, which was more fun than ought to be legal (see debauched monkeys above). Mayhem and good cooking ensued, not necessarily in that order.
Ishida-dono was just around the corner with Clan Carn, so he was over fairly often, and Takeshi-dono and Sora-hime were as well. The patch of grass beside my tent was the site of an unscheduled taiko jam, and later, an impromptu tutorial by Takeshi-dono with Ishida-dono on katana/great sword fighting.
The Cheerful Monkeys Taiko Dojo also marched with a mob to take back the baronial banners of Allyshia and Rivenoak from the An Tiran barony who had swiped them. Folks really, really, REALLY liked it, and Baron Seamus says we "f******g rocked."
I remember Thursday night I had to excuse myself briefly from hostessing to use the privy. When I came out and saw the fire, glowing lanterns, laughing faces, and the moon rising over the hills behind it all, I felt an answering glow inside.
Another magical moment happened on Saturday. Lash-dono and Yoshio-dono had decided to go walk the camp. It was late and I sat quietly tending the fire by myself.
Mist swallows the stars
And dims a bright summer moon
Over silent camps.
In the distance a flute sings
Of dreams, sighs, and dewdrop life.
Classes went well and had a good turn-out, as did the Thursday evening sake gathering. Having a firepit is nice too and encouraged folks to visit, hang out, and help empty bottles. Collaborating with Ishida-dono on the garb class went particularly well.
I hope to attend again next year.