Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Mid-summer's Passing

Ishnu-alah,
It has been several weeks since my last update on the happenings of this fine summer. With the solstice passed the air has been very warm and dry, leaving the ground plants striving or even the smallest bit of moisture in wait for the coming monsoons. At the same time they are fortunate to not have suffered any forest fires recently, giving them a chance to live again when the rains nurture the soil. All of this until yesterday, in fact, when we've experience our first life-giving monsoon this year. And with the rain being repeated today, we are promised with a wonderful rainy season once more. The ground finally getting gentle doses of moisture is coming back to life with bacteria and worms and plant oils; the smell of the fresh dirt is nigh overwhelming as one steps out into the open forest after a short rainfall. Soon the vast fields of grass will become thriving myriads of color; seas of beautiful wild flowers with a pleasant aroma that one can smell from a mile away, wind direction dependent, of course. Also with the rain comes the frogs, insects, and bats and night, singing and dancing in wondrous harmony and the sun sets himself to give focus onto beautiful Elune to illuminate the night.
      Also with monsoons comes a cool evening and night. during the spring and early summer on this forested plateau, the air can be very stuffy, leaving one more than hesitant to dress properly for an occasion, but every afternoon sees a front of cool and humid air. This means that nights are perfect for wearing just about whatever type of garb you desire. Why should we all not take this time to dress up and enjoy ourselves in proper fashion while we are comfortably allowed to do so? I can think of no reason not to. It is not often we can look our bests and take pride in ourselves--not without reason and a certain amount of humility, of course--and show the world our culture.
     What of the Solstice? I'm sure you're wondering. For the Solstice I was invited to an outside celebration south of here to play music and entertain the folk at the party. It is not without saying that I was fairly excited at this proposition and was more than happy to oblige. The even was cool, and the sun shone late into the evening. The gathering was full of merriment and amidst various sets of songs and celebratory musings to the others, I was lavished with offerings of some very excellent food and drink. I am no stranger to attending gatherings the majority of people I'm not familiar with so I did not find it in me to decline such offerings. In fact, I find a almost a bit rude to be invited to festivities as an alien only to turn down the hosts' delights. All of that being said, I rather enjoyed myself and am glad to have attended regardless of whether or not I was able to have a small fire-celebration of my own.
      Now I find that I am reaching the point in this post where I should properly be wrapping up my thoughts. There are always an endless stream of things to write about but I fear that rambling on and on would lose the interest of too many readers. So, as opposed to rambling, I would like to wish everyone happy and pleasant summer. May your nights be late and don't be afraid to let loose just a little bit. If you find yourself in a comfortable lounge with good music and the wafting smoke of incense, remember my words, savor the moment, and feel free to invite a friend or two. While the simple things are a personal enjoyment, the bigger things can certainly be shared and rightly should be. Also, be sure to find your way outside of any city walls if not more than a few times while the whether is warm and less hostile than, say, the winter months. Say hello to the forest gods, Elune, and Helios. Perhaps if we all share an enjoyment of a simpler time we can find ourselves in a world were people are nicer, more friendly, and less likely to wring you out for gold or just for the fun of it.

     Now now, I have gone on long enough.....

Ande'thoras ethil da-lah
Elf

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