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Carpe Diem
Mar. 24th, 2015 04:12 pmEvery time I head back to the south, I find myself surrounded by friends, laughs, hospitality, nostalgia, hugs, and warm greetings. Such was the case at this year's Gulf War visit. And while I have many stories to tell, I think this particular one merits the most attention simply because it illustrates the critical importance of seizing the day.
Wandering around through Merchant's Row and the various arts and sciences encampments, a few times I walked by one particularly unique pavilions - unique in that the courtyard hosted several utterly magnificent birds of prey. I recall a few years ago when I first saw these magnificent creatures. I was happy to look at them from a distance, but really feared going near them. Yet, their handlers encouraged people to come close, look at them, ask questions, and event hold them carefully on a gloved hand. Having done this once before, but full of fear, this time I wanted to hold one of the large birds confidently, as I might have within my time period. Yet, the timing never seemed to be right. Whenever I was around, the handlers were away, or I was in a rush, or something like that was happening. Alas, would I have a chance? Probably not.
On the last day of the event, I had said my goodbyes to friends in anticipation of my trip into New Orleans. Truth be told, as much as I enjoy the SCA, I really NEEDED to get into lighter comfy clothes, have a sit-down meal in a fine restaurant, and actually have a real 21st century vacation. But as I left my last stop and began my walk back towards the hotel to pack up, a wonderful lady came out of the pavilion near me, called my name, and asked if I wanted to handle the birds. How could I say no?
I am very sad to say that I cannot recall her name (as I am HORRIBLE with names). But I know she either is or was Trimarian, as I could see her Triskelle Trimaris medallion. She spoke to me very patiently about the birds, and answered all of my naïve questions. And with the patience of an artist who truly loves her studies, she explained to me what to do, how to hold the bird, what to do if it tried to fly away, etc., etc. And then, with gauntlet on and tethered, I found myself holding a very big, fierce-looking, and majestic red-tailed hawk. Sitting comfortably with the bird on my hand, I chatted with people, and posed for pictures. There, in all my Italian finery, I sat with a live prop much as I could have way back when. What a perfect ending to my visit back in time!
Yet, time and circumstances are not always so kind.
After arriving in New Orleans, and enjoying my vacation, I received word of a tragedy. The family who own the birds had some traffic accident on their way home to Calontir. The car caught fire. Thank the gods, the family made it out safely. But four of their beloved and beautiful birds did not. I was heartbroken! How cruel fate can be sometimes! People involved in raptor-rescue put so much time and energy and love into working with birds that, from what I understand, really never develop the same bond back. So the care, and love, and respect that people have who take care of these birds much be incredibly intense. To lose one of those creatures... I cannot imagine the pain!
And to think I almost missed my chance. I was, after all, in a hurry. I had places to go. People to see. Things to do. I might very well have missed it. And I would have kicked myself!
So, to my friends and family out there who may be reading this, I remind you all of the importance of stopping to smell the roses. Seize the day! You never know if it may in fact be your last or only chance to do so.
A moment lost could lead to a lifetime of regret.
Wandering around through Merchant's Row and the various arts and sciences encampments, a few times I walked by one particularly unique pavilions - unique in that the courtyard hosted several utterly magnificent birds of prey. I recall a few years ago when I first saw these magnificent creatures. I was happy to look at them from a distance, but really feared going near them. Yet, their handlers encouraged people to come close, look at them, ask questions, and event hold them carefully on a gloved hand. Having done this once before, but full of fear, this time I wanted to hold one of the large birds confidently, as I might have within my time period. Yet, the timing never seemed to be right. Whenever I was around, the handlers were away, or I was in a rush, or something like that was happening. Alas, would I have a chance? Probably not.
On the last day of the event, I had said my goodbyes to friends in anticipation of my trip into New Orleans. Truth be told, as much as I enjoy the SCA, I really NEEDED to get into lighter comfy clothes, have a sit-down meal in a fine restaurant, and actually have a real 21st century vacation. But as I left my last stop and began my walk back towards the hotel to pack up, a wonderful lady came out of the pavilion near me, called my name, and asked if I wanted to handle the birds. How could I say no?
I am very sad to say that I cannot recall her name (as I am HORRIBLE with names). But I know she either is or was Trimarian, as I could see her Triskelle Trimaris medallion. She spoke to me very patiently about the birds, and answered all of my naïve questions. And with the patience of an artist who truly loves her studies, she explained to me what to do, how to hold the bird, what to do if it tried to fly away, etc., etc. And then, with gauntlet on and tethered, I found myself holding a very big, fierce-looking, and majestic red-tailed hawk. Sitting comfortably with the bird on my hand, I chatted with people, and posed for pictures. There, in all my Italian finery, I sat with a live prop much as I could have way back when. What a perfect ending to my visit back in time!
Yet, time and circumstances are not always so kind.
After arriving in New Orleans, and enjoying my vacation, I received word of a tragedy. The family who own the birds had some traffic accident on their way home to Calontir. The car caught fire. Thank the gods, the family made it out safely. But four of their beloved and beautiful birds did not. I was heartbroken! How cruel fate can be sometimes! People involved in raptor-rescue put so much time and energy and love into working with birds that, from what I understand, really never develop the same bond back. So the care, and love, and respect that people have who take care of these birds much be incredibly intense. To lose one of those creatures... I cannot imagine the pain!
And to think I almost missed my chance. I was, after all, in a hurry. I had places to go. People to see. Things to do. I might very well have missed it. And I would have kicked myself!
So, to my friends and family out there who may be reading this, I remind you all of the importance of stopping to smell the roses. Seize the day! You never know if it may in fact be your last or only chance to do so.
A moment lost could lead to a lifetime of regret.
