Humans Are Excellent Mayflies

[LEGAL USE OF THIS PHOTO LICENSED AND SECURED VIA DREAMSTIME - October 2015 -- © Tweezie94 | Dreamstime.com - Mayfly Photo]

As I watched a Doctor Who episode this weekend, I was impacted by the analogy that humans are really mayflies by comparison to immortal beings, such as Timelords. That’s a profound concept, when you think about it, and it made me ponder the concept of immortality.

For those of you who aren’t aware (and why would you be?), mayflies are insects that live really short life spans. Generally, once they’ve hatched from their embryonic stage as adults, they may live for as briefly as twenty-four hours while they’re in their subimago stage. (Never mind about subimago stage…it’s all just wibbly-wobbly-sciencey-whyencey stuff.)

But back to the analogy at hand. Would I really want to be immortal, like a Timelord or one of the vampires in my Sunset Vampire series?

In truth, it sounds absolutely tantalizing. Life already seems so brief, especially as I grow older. [My perception of time passes more quickly, too, but we’re not going there right now. Stay on topic!] However, there are so many layers to the concept of immortality, especially if I were the only one who was immortal. Immediately, I’m struck by the notion of being left alone as those around me lived their normal life spans and then died. You see, I have no desire to outlive the loved ones in my life. I’ve already outlived a number of loved ones, even those younger than myself, so I know how it feels to be left behind. Wait…or am I leaving them behind?

The point is that when it comes to people who I love dying before me, I’m against the idea. Part of that is that, basically, I’m a coward. Again, I’ve done it already, and it sucks. In that way, I already have practical experience with it.

As I’m typing this post, I’m glancing down at my kitty, Tabby, who’s sleeping beneath my desk, and I realize that (in all likelihood…spoilers!) she’s going to precede me in death. I’m feeling really sad about that realization. [However, just in case I precede her, I’ve made arrangements for her good care and for a loved one to adopt her.]

Gawd, this became such a maudlin blog post all of the sudden.

Aw, hell, if you wanted to only read a happy-go-lucky blog, you’re already reading in the wrong place. If so, immediately stop reading and Google the topic: “Happy blogs”.

*pausing*

What? You’re still here? Oh, well, then you know how I can get and you’re obviously happy spending time with me, maudlin or not. I like that about you.

Let’s proceed.

Have you given any thought to what it would be like to be immortal? Would you want to be immortal?

Okay, so there’s this whole digression of topic that goes from immortality to something more, but then, that’s a religious sort of thing and I’m not a big fan.

You ask, “Not a big fan? Of what?”

I reply, “Yes. That’s it exactly.”

Naturally, you press, “Yes, but to what?”

To which I reply, “Precisely. Let’s move on.”

Do you have your Halloween costume ready? Mine is ready to go and it fits perfectly! I can’t wait to post photos of me in my outfit. You only have to wait until Thursday.

In the meantime, please be sure to share your Halloween costume with me by tagging me in any photos on Facebook or Twitter. I can’t wait to see what you look like!

Oh, and be sure to tell me if you’d want to be immortal or not.

Until later, enjoy life; be kind to those around you, and Happy Reading! Peace.

Weekend Forecast: Fair to Partly Castle

(Photo used from Oklahoma Renaissance Festival official website - 2015)

During the Memorial Holiday weekend, I took a road trip back in time with a few friends to Muskogee, Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival, which marked its 20th anniversary this year. We had a fantastic “ye’ olde” time!

(Map of castleton - Image used from Oklahoma Renaissance Festival official website - 2015)

We were transported to the European Renaissance community called Castleton, a bigger than life area covering many acres of period-looking structures, including quaint merchant shops and bazaars, tournament grounds, public stages, and craft stands. The costumes worn by Castleton’s denizens are immersive and realistic and the personalities of all players are both welcoming and socially engaging. One denizen confronts anyone who has their hands in their pockets with, “You can pick someone else’s pockets, but you can’t pick your own!”

In the middle of town, there’s a rustic little bank where you can trade in modern currency for hearty coins of the realm equivalencies that you use with vendors and merchants for making purchases. And, oh how the vendors love to engage you about their wares, many of which were handmade (leather goods, and crafts) or home-conjured (soaps, herbal remedies, etc.). The entire environment is like the cross between a Renaissance community and Disneyland in the 1600s!

(Photo used from Oklahoma Renaissance Festival official website - 2015)

While it wasn’t like taking an actual TARDIS trip back to the 1600s, it was immersive and highly socially engaging. Face it; properly masked technology is appreciable. I mean, it’s not only nice to be able to use modern currency or a debit card when paying for one’s chicken Shawarma or lamb kabobs, but modern plumbing is wonderful when it’s time for those infrequent restroom breaks. In fact, those tactfully placed “Ye Olde Privy” signs are a hoot, too.

(Ladies of Castleton -- PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2015 BY JAZ PRIMO)

It was my second year in a row to attend the festival, and my love for it continues to grow. I loved the boisterous welcome provided at Castleton’s entrance by some lovely ladies who placed visible lipstick kisses onto you, only to have Castleton’s residents and players poke fun at you for having visiting the “wenches” as you wander the town. One of my friends – her character’s name is Pearl – was one of those lovely ladies, and she played her role to the hilt! (Pun intended…)

(Lady Knight on Horseback -- PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2015 BY JAZ PRIMO)

Of particular interest was a rare lady knight on horseback. She participated in both the equestrian events and the actual helmed joust. She was amazing! I genuinely appreciated her posing for a photo, too.

Oh, there are foods galore to choose from, too. The fresh scent of cooked meats permeates the air and there are both wine and beer merchants when you’re ready to imbibe. As for treats, I purchased some blackberry and black raspberry jams from one of the merchants, as well as some tasty honey-roasted almonds. Next year, I plan to patronize both the chocolate fudge vendor and the kettle corn merchant.

If you’re interested in learning more about Castleton or the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival, please click HERE to go to their website. I highly recommend a visit!

However you choose to spend your weekend, don’t forget to pause for a moment in reflection for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for us. Certainly, none elected to become a statistic, but we nevertheless owe them at least a silent acknowledgment that we appreciate their sacrifice.

As always, enjoy life; be kind to those around you, and Happy Reading! Peace.