unexpected delights

[chelidon]

In keeping with my post the other day about all the unexpected gifts the universe has in store for us, I just had a lovely friend I haven't seen in way too long just totally out of the blue gift me with a gorgeous swept-hilt rapier and main gauche (I won't embarrass anyone by naming names, but the person's initials are CP...) Incredible, wonderful, delightful, I am walking on air in utter surprise and pleasure.

Which brings up something I feel it is important to say. I am so damn grateful for all the people in my life, I can't say that enough. Having you (and all those who aren't on LJ) in my life is the very best gift the universe could possibly give. Every moment of every day, you have the most precious gift of your time and your presence to give one another, and I hope you choose to do so, and also take a moment along the way to express your gratitude to the friends, colleagues, and loves you have in your life for their presence. May we choose to see ourselves and one another as the precious gifts we truly are, and to give our divine selves to one another constantly, surrounded and enriched by the abundance and blessings of each other.

Comments

[anthologie.livejournal.com]

I admit that I have sword envy, but I'm very very happy for you! Wow, what a lovely gift!

[chelidon.livejournal.com]

*smile* Definitely, all the more lovely and delightful for being totally unexpected and out of the blue. Is that a blade of yours in the icon? That's interesting work on the quillions, from what I can see.

[anthologie.livejournal.com]

Two, actually. One's a fakey costume-grade wall-mounter; it's heavy and unbalanced and not sharp, but is pretty and shiny. My bokken's also in the picture, if you look closely.

Someday I'd like a real katana, but not until I'm better trained. :)

Well, and a wakizashi. *drool*

[chelidon.livejournal.com]

Ah, you want Hatori Hanso steel... ;> Have you been to the Japanese arms and armor section of the Met museum in New York City? Many hours of time spent there, much drool streaks left on the case glass. Just the tsuba/fittings section is amazing.

From your site, it sounds like you've got a good school there, I'm jealous. Ha, you just reminded me of that one Starwood years ago where Kamp Kaos was like a mini z-list reunion, and I was beating up on Grizzuel and Graves with shinai.

If you haven't seen them already, the whole Lone Wolf and Cub series just screams your name ;> As does Lady Snowbood, though not as good a movie (IMO), still, some stuff there you'd appreciate, I think.

[anthologie.livejournal.com]

I haven't even been to NYC. (I am considering it, but at this point I'm going to need some vacation time banked before I can do much of anything.)

I would *love* to see such an exhibit. I have considered collecting tsubas on my own but they sell, on ebay, for $200+ apiece. *sigh*

It's a good school. Relatively informal. Classes are free, and I was friends with my sensei long before he became my sensei. As we move forward from being beginner to intermediate students (I'm still a beginner, but some folks just passed to intermediate) I suspect it's going to be a bit more formal, a bit more serious.

[anthologie.livejournal.com]

Re Lone Wolf and Cub, I see there's a bunch of 1970s movies, and then a couple made in the 2000s. Which ones are you referring to? Or all of them? It looks like the more recent ones are remakes.

[chelidon.livejournal.com]

Hmm, there were I believe 7 original movies, 70's-80's. I grew up with 'em in the local theatre (Hawaii), and haven't seen any remakes (heresy! ;>) Good flicks, good story, even if they do get rather silly towards the end (still good swordplay, but a bunch of James Bond-ish stuff, too). If you don't know bushido and Japanese culture, some aspects of the plot are completely mystifying, but I know that won't be a problem for you.

[lylythe-strega.livejournal.com]

Ooo...we have a new sharp pointy thing in the house? (*bounce*) Thank you, CP! ;>

And, thank you for the reminder. And, you're welcome. And, thank you...

[christeos-pir.livejournal.com]

You did catch that it's only a replica, right? Not an original condottieri's or anything. (I think it's from Windlass, via Museum Replicas.)

[chelidon.livejournal.com]

Aw, not an *original*? Well, heck.

No, you silly generous person, of course not, and I'm thrilled. I've got crappy blades to beat up for actual live steel work (why screw up a pretty blade?), a few period pieces, and a couple of ritual blades, but I'm looking at this as the perfect thing to go with the Killer Fop and Dread Pirate Wesley getups and so on. Most everything I still have is much earlier period. My Mongol cavalry saber will fill in for a pinch, but while a very practical and usable blade, it lacks a certain panache. BTW, did I ever show you the pirate rags I got from the Cutthroat Island set? Nicely distressed, and they do fit quite well. Crappy movie, weird casting, lackluster direction, decent costuming tho'. Anyway, thanks so much -- I really am tickled no end, you have no idea.