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Piparskeggrsbok
Nov. 8th, 2009
06:19 pm - Interacting with non-Asafolk...
Hail all;
Been a bit since I've posted...the following essay is a few days old and is elsewhere, too, in slightly different form:
We have all had discussions, here and elsewhere, of how best to reach the Folk outside of the Asatru Innangard.
Something I do is to participate in non-Asatru forums of various sorts; general, political, social, recreational, re-creational, mundane, pagan...I am a conversational gadabout.
I present myself as an Asatruar and ordinary, average guy.
The "place" to which I post most frequently is a medical information "community," which I joined after getting the pacemaker early last year. I post a lot of cookin_n_brewin tips, bits o' condolence, advice from my life experiences...typical, though genteel, know it all.
I've met one other Asatruar there (who seems a bit contact shy), and a couple of "Heathenish" folks...most members are followers of the "Big 3" and other such "World Religions."
However, because of the way I present myself and my beliefs, the reception has been friendly, even from some of the most devout fans of the Rabbi from Nazareth.
I was specifically invited to join a Spirituality forum because of the respectful tone of my posts, plus I am looked at as a pretty level-headed fellow there.
The other morning I wrote this little essay in reply to the question: "How hard is it for you to be spiritual in difficult times?"
[Pip note: trust me for $5.00 answers to $1.00 questions, after I give a 5¢ one ,-]
The short answer is, not hard at all.
But, let me amplify.
Within the worldview of my beliefs (Asatru), times of ordeal are part of what makes us whole beings. They are neither wanted, nor feared, but to are be lived through as best we can.
How we deal with the tough spots will build more worth in our personal store of "Orlay" than not dealing with them.
A little background is needed here...
Asatru is one of the modern re-awakenings of Northern European Spirituality based upon what we know, and come to know, about the culture, beliefs and practices of native European tribal folk. It mainly springs from those who have come to be known as Germanic and Nordic. The "sect" to which I adhere is especially tied (in my experience) to the knowledge preserved in the archives of Iceland.
Within my understanding of the beliefs within this worldview, time is looked at fairly simply.
The Past is Real. It is everything, which has occurred: words and deeds. It is the most weighty part of our existence, and is constantly growing.
The Present is the border between the Real and Unreal. That Which Has Been and That Which May Yet Happen meet, and make That Which Is Becoming; the Now in which we all live.
The Future is Unreal, coming out of Nothing and Everything; shaped by our Orlay, the Weight of our Past.
In the Northern Folkway, we look upon the universe as being a complex place, many parts acting together.
In Mythic Reality, it is 9 Worlds held together by a Web, a Worlds' Tree as it were. The Tree is watered by a Well within which our words and deeds fall, creating layers; that Orlay of which I write.
That Web is the Wyrd of all things, at once all encompassing and intensely personal.
For within that Wyrd, there are many layers...our own life, that of our birth family, our family by marriage, friends who are as close as (or closer than) birth ties, other friends, acquaintances, the broader community, state, nation, world...all of these have an effect upon us.
Our words and Deeds will have different weight based on their significance in life, sinking deep into the Well and becoming a permanent part of the Orlay, which fuels Wyrd, or staying near the top, evaporating and being forgotten, like mist on a pond at sunrise.
Hard times require us to stop and think; often times, to reassess the direction that life is taking us (that Weight of our Past).
To paraphrase a friend who lives within a belief system based upon that of the Anglo-Saxons: right action is best, wrong action is, while not desired, okay and inaction is the worst, as it really produces no outcome, no solution, good, bad or indifferent.
Doing is the key, it is what makes us.
As living my life the best I can is what the Holy Powers demand of me...no, holding onto the Spiritual aspects of my life is not difficult in difficult times.
Aug. 30th, 2009
09:26 am - Old Pip Essay
Hej all;
Here's an essay I wrote several years ago on the Asatru In Action list when we got into another of the Unie vs Folkie go-arounds. It was well received by folks left, right and middle.
Piparskeggr - Aug 30, 2001 - Commentary vis-à-vis Tolerance, F v NF...
----------------------------------------
Health and Luck All,
I've followed the various threads (Tolerance, F v NF, and so forth) with interest.
Commentary, if I may?
It is said by some individuals that one's relationship to That Which Is Holy cannot, or should not, be singularly tied to one's lineage.
Yet it is likewise loudly proclaimed by some that inner characteristics such as temper, humor, self-discipline, and so forth, are endemic to such lineage.
Is not a faithful sense just as internal and natural as temper, humor, self-discipline and so forth?
If one allows the possibility that I, for example, have a natural affinity to good food and wine because I am maternally of "Italian" descent (which in my case is an admixture of Italic, Etruscan, Illyric, Germanic, Celtic, Nordic, Iberic, Hellenic and "Old European" tribal elements).
Should one likewise allow the possibility that I have an over fondness for strong drink due to my paternal Irish-"Native American" lineage (an admixture of Celtic, Germanic, Russian, Slavic, Baltic, Iroquoian, Algonquian and "Old European" tribal elements).
Further, could one not allow that the inner part of me, that comes down these family lines, is more oriented North due to the great weight of the Germanic and Celtic forebearage than some one of vastly differing Kinlines?
And would it be not more natural and fitting for me to honor my elder forebears by continuing that which they knew and believed rather than accepting that I must adhere to a stranger's way, albeit one in which I was raised?
I believe the idea boils down to one simple element, and please excuse me if you've seen the analogy before:
Wearing an overcoat versus living in one's skin.
I can change my coat; change how I look. A new coat may even change my demeanor, through the aid of its covering nature. I have a spiffy new coat. I look and act, like a new man.
Remember how proud and happy you were when mom and dad bought you a new winter coat or a sport's jacket from your favorite team?
I recall how I felt when my dad brought me home a real US Navy Pea coat or when my wife gifted me with a London Fog woolen overcoat.
Overcoat, covering one's skin.
But, in the shower after gym class, all pretensions were stripped away. There exists nothing to hide the blemishes, or perfections. The real you is there for all to see, and stare at and giggle over...
I have worn many spiritual overcoats in my life, some beautiful and well tailored, fitting like a second skin. Others were thrift shop rejects. But, they were all coats.
I believe that I have had experiences, which stripped away the overcoat for a final time.
I stand before you, as in the shower room after gym class. All of me is seen, can be stared at and, perhaps, giggled over; but then, you also see who and how I am.
Whether the result is seen as beautiful butterfly or homely moth, the chrysalis is gone.
I am Trú to That Which is Holy. I look Northward.
Aug. 23rd, 2009
12:54 am - A memorial poem...of sorts
In light of a friend's good news (his son is coming home, safe and
sound, from Iraq), this poem is a bit of a downer.
This was sparked by a phrase I misheard during a promo for a National
Public Radio (US) program featuring Louden Wainwright III and "High,
Wide and Handsome," his new album. I heard that as "Hollow-eyed and
Handsome."
This is, though the subject is drear, an example of how a little thing
can launch one's mind in a totally different direction than the
speaker (or writer) intended.
Every moment can have a bit of Poetic Significance...even when
thinking about those who come home from war, but are never truly home
again, by way of a misheard phrase.
----------------------------------------
Home, but not home
He was hollow-eyed, yet handsome, too
Wide of shoulder and spare of flesh
Had golden hair o'er dark, red beard
Stood tall and straight, his head unbowed
The weight of years was in his gaze
As if the sights were made of lead
Had struck the light from deep within
To leave darkness behind his brow
He walked among his Kin and Kith
Alone with them, as with himself
Immune to joy and sorrow, too
A shell of what was once proud youth
The years had turned and gone by fast
He had grown well and made a choice
To serve his folk as soldier true
Had gone away and seen the wars
The days were long and full of fear
The nights went on without an end
But comrades fine were his bulwark
Against the dark that dwelt within
They fought beneath a banner bright
Its promise full of gentle thoughts
That they beheld as honor's prize
If they could but deny the foe
The wars went on without respite
The rests were few and all too short
And fellows of his band of friends
Fell all too oft before their time
His time it came, to feel the steel
Wielded by foe, unseen by him
A coward's trick, a hidden trap
It struck him down and sent him home
His body healed under the care
Of doctors fine, skillful and good
They could mend flesh and straighten bone
But they could not, weld up his soul
After wounds knit, he was discharged
And came to hearth of his boyhood
He recalled folk as memories
But felt he lived in ghost of past
He was hollow-eyed, yet handsome, too
Wide of shoulder and spare of flesh
Had golden hair o'er dark, red beard
Stood tall and straight, his head unbowed
The weight of years was in his gaze
As if the sights were made of lead
Had struck the light from deep within
To leave darkness behind his brow
The weight of years was in his gaze
As if the sights were made of lead
Had struck the light from deep within
To leave darkness behind his brow
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nostalgicAug. 22nd, 2009
11:11 am - Interesting video - Philosophy of Liberty
Having been a long time disgruntled citizen of the US, I'm always looking for someplace to hang my hat.
This isn't 100% there, but I found it worth a watch.
thoughtfulAug. 9th, 2009
08:20 am - General Miles - Sitting Bull: A pragmatic look at history...
From the movie version of "Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee."
General Miles actually vocalizes some of the same thoughts that my "Uncle" John did. John was a Mohawk.
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relaxedJul. 19th, 2009
06:48 am - In answer to, do you believe in Ghosts...
...I replied on a medical support to which I subscribe.
I accept that the world is made up of the Seen and Unseen as a matter of course, and that there is a Life beyond death. What form it takes will depend upon one's beliefs; I believe that one joins with one's Ancestors and that they can come to visit, as they still watch over you.
My great grandma Burke has been to see what I'm doing, especially during the first night of Yuletide, which in my faith is dedicated to remembering our mothers.
I believe that I have seen others of my family line; sometimes they just watch me, sometimes they give me a spiritual "poke in the ribs," sometimes they just give me a feeling that those who have passed on are doing okay.
Jul. 16th, 2009
06:52 pm - Thoughts on the Death Penalty
Hail all;
(This was a post I wrote on a list for a political group I recently joined. Be hale Y'all - Pip)
Hopefully, my words will add to the discussion.
I am for death as the penalty for certain crimes .
In the Anglo-Saxon Common Law upon which Thomas Jefferson based a good part of his thinking about what the government '...of the thirteen united States of America" would be, a differentiation was made, much like today, between murder and killing.
The main variance being, one took full credit for a killing. One might have to pay a price to heal the break with the community's "peace" in a killing, more or less depending upon the slain's "Manshot," aka wergild or blood price.
In a murder, one might not be slain in turn, depending again on the victim's place in society: wergild plus outlawry were the usual results.
But, there were times when one committed a crime against the community, which turned every spear against you and if the Earl or Sheriff didn't get you first, being slain out of hand was a distinct possibility...somewhat like the "frontier justice" of our westward expansion.
One could say, that depending upon circumstances, we have a crime (murder) or a civil matter (wrongful death).
For me, those who can be proven guilty, beyond the shadow of a reasonable doubt, of crimes such as deliberate murder, contract killings, hiring said contractors, incitement to murder, rape of any sort (whether adult victim or child), serious bodily injury such that the victim will be unable to lead a normal life, incitement to such harm and such like...these are crimes where the perpetrator has forfeited their own right to life.
I would not oppose the creation of a special Federal appeals court solely for considering Capital cases.
The US Supreme Court would be the only authority for reviewing its decisions (besides a Gubernatorial or Presidential commutation or pardon).
If one is duly convicted and all courts at state level concur, the case would automatically go to this federal capital court. Each case would be given three years of full investigation by US Marshals, legal and forensic experts assigned to this court. The court would make its ruling, with the result being either death sentence confirmed, mitigating circumstance found and commutation to life, new evidence found that changes the level of the crime (say from cold-blooded 1st degree murder to emotionally fueled involuntary manslaughter) or acquittal. All confirmations of death sentences would go to the Supreme Court for automatic review. Other decisions would return the case to the court of initial jurisdiction for reconsideration in light of the ruling.
Death sentences would be carried out within 72 hours of confirmation by the Supreme Court...and, from having looked at the various methods used over the years, I think that hanging, when done in an exacting manner, is the most humane method of execution, save a large bullet through the brain stem.
I worked in prison ministry, within my faith, for a couple of years.
There is no "redemption" behind bars.
The men with whom I worked (it was a minimum security facility) were all guilty as charged. In our first meeting; I did explain I considered them to still be Out of Law and in process of paying their Schild to society. I was there to help them figure out how to complete the process and to act as a sounding board for their ideas about how to approach our Holy Ones. As I broached the subject in a courteous, non-confrontational manner, AND engaged them in conversation about what I meant, we did get along quite well. They accepted that in many ways they would be "paying wergild" the rest of their lives.
I could gladly work with them from there.
Quit doing it, not because of the men, we still correspond, but illness was my constant companion for most of the past 4 years.
Could I "drop the hammer?"
I have, in the line of duty., and hate having done so. But, I have done a lot of necessary things in life, which brought me no pleasure. They needed doing and I was "it" at the time. (And, if someone here read my intro elsewhere in these fora, "Peacetime" service doesn't necessarily mean Safe service.)
We owe it to a civil society to rid ourselves of those who have been proven, fully, to be a danger.
I would rather make a mistake with one innocent man than keep 100 who should be culled from the abattoir.
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okayJun. 27th, 2009
03:46 pm - Post to another forum...Right to healthcare debate
Good afternoon;
Bear with me, please, I tend to long answers in this sort of discussion.
My understanding is that a Right preexists any government, as a gift of Nature's God under Nature's Laws; our Constitution acknowledges this part of our human condition, it does not grant these Rights.
From your words, which seem thoughtful to me, I believe you are familiar with this point of view. I am stating this position for our mutual audience.
However, the acknowledgment of the universality of Rights, and protection thereof by those we put in authority over us as citizens, has evolved over time, especially for those amongst us who have a "lesser voice" (so to speak). Also, the idea of who is a Citizen has broadened over man's development; ancient Rome's concept thereof and the changes therein are a good case to study, especially as it developed from kingdom to republic to principiate.
The idea of Human Rights being a separate category from Civil Rights is also a fairly recent philosophical development in the history of mankind in my view. For me, Rights are Rights; what come into play in the Civic arena are virtues, morals and ethics.
The ethics of my worldview are fairly simple. I strive to do that which is right for family, friends and community, with wisdom, generosity and personal honor. Admittedly, helping strangers outside of my community does not enter into this, as to do so would slight my ability to help those to whom I am most fully obligated. And yes, my military service would be an aberration under this ethos as it involves helping (in a way) millions of strangers.
Government will restrict our liberty, sometimes for good reason, to exercise our rights as freeborn men and women. These areas, which are licensed or regulated, then become privileges.
Constitutions and laws are set up by us (or our trusted representatives) as a communal set of strictures upon government, and upon ourselves.
Governments are also instituted to do things that smaller subdivisions of society cannot do for themselves.
My hometown could not have pulled off a project in the scale of Boulder dam; a much larger pool of resources is needed.
I am well aware of poor houses, my father's uncle Jack died in one back in the 1930's, along with his wife. It was a time when the family was unable to afford to help them. It was a hard time for everyone. But, it was still the family's responsibility to try and help them, something in which we did fail. The poorhouse was supposed to be a drastic measure of last resort supplied by the community at large (or, in this case, by the Church), which it was.
Much of my suspicion of government claiming that they are here to help is colored by a few pieces of family history: I had ancestors on Daniel Shays side of that fracas, ancestors coming to America due to help by the British during the Potato Famine years, my maternal grandfather having witnessed Fascism in Italy and my mother-in-law's family having seen Communism, both in Russia and in Greece.
I am at heart, an Anglo-Saxon freeholder, who looks upon family and community as the largest, workable, social units. Larger entities are needy, and get greedy; for money, power...look at how the Church and State grew bloated with both over the history of Europe.
I also grew up under the New England Town Meeting form of local government, a very democratic form of republicanism. =)
Any bureaucracy, no matter how benign in original intent, will tend towards consolidating its control over its sector of policy and polity; mission creep also tends to move in...justifying the bureau's existence by claiming more and more areas of responsibility, building new agencies where none need to exist at a federal level, keeping their "clients" in a sort of bondage to the conditions that bring them to the "helpers" in the first place.
Health care reform is needed, but I think any fixes need to come from the bottom up, not the top down.
Be well - Pip
May. 3rd, 2009
11:49 am - Asatru Militay Family Support - Hammer Project
I am at heart a soldier still
I hear the Call across the years
It stirs my soul and thoughts well up
Of duty done, and friendships made
Stave 209: Ye Piparskeggrsmal
Hail all;
As a veteran, albeit peacetime Guard and Reserve duty, I look upon those days with fondness and realism.
The Hammer Project, which is supported by the Asatru Folk Assembly, is an outreach project to support service members and their families.
One aspect, which is of growing importance. . .getting recognition that a symbol for Asatruars who have died as active warriors, or as veterans back home in the community they defended, deserve to have the choice of a symbol of Faith on their gravestone just as much as any other man or woman of Faith who has carried the Burden of Warding he Commonweal.
Please go to the site, http://www.hammerproject.org/ and read it over.
Also, there is a link to follow on the site for the purpose of signing an online petition in support of the Hammer Project's goal of gaining the aforementioned recognition.
Thanks in advance - Pip
optimisticApr. 5th, 2009
11:05 am - My Favorite Swing Tune
"Sing, Sing, Sing" by the Benny Goodman Orchestra, featuring Gene Krupa on drums. This is the extended version played in concert.
Enjoy - Pip
cheerfulApr. 4th, 2009
10:17 am - A song still relevant. . .
. . .today as it was in 1971, I think.
Monster (a suite in 3 parts) - Steppenwolf
"Monster" (John Kay and Dennis Edmonton)
"Suicide" (Kay, Nick St.Nicholas, Larry Byrom, Edmonton)
"America" (Kay and Edmonton)
- Monster -
Once the religious, the hunted and weary
Chasing the promise of freedom and hope
Came to this country to build a new vision
Far from the reaches of kingdom and pope
Like good Christians, some would burn the witches
Later some got slaves to gather riches
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
And she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
And once the ties with the crown had been broken
Westward in saddle and wagon it went
And 'til the railroad linked ocean to ocean
Many the lives which had come to an end
While we bullied, stole and bought our a homeland
We began the slaughter of the red man
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
And she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
The blue and grey they stomped it
They kicked it just like a dog
And when the war over
They stuffed it just like a hog
And though the past has it's share of injustice
Kind was the spirit in many a way
But it's protectors and friends have been sleeping
Now it's a monster and will not obey
- Suicide -
The spirit was freedom and justice
And it's keepers seem generous and kind
It's leaders were supposed to serve the country
But now they won't pay it no mind
'Cause the people grew fat and got lazy
And now their vote is a meaningless joke
They babble about law and order
But it's all just an echo of what they've been told
Yeah, there's a monster on the loose
It's got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watchin'
Our cities have turned into jungles
And corruption is stranglin' the land
The police force is watching the people
And the people just can't understand
We don't know how to mind our own business
'Cause the whole worlds got to be just like us
Now we are fighting a war over there
No matter who's the winner
We can't pay the cost
'Cause there's a monster on the loose
It's got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watching
- America -
America where are you now?
Don't you care about your sons and daughters?
Don't you know we need you now
We can't fight alone against the monster
thoughtfulFeb. 2nd, 2009
07:08 pm - Some of my Look at Life...
Faith is Truth without need of Proof.
Belief is Truth without Proof.
Knowledge is Truth with Proof.
Wisdom is Truth beyond Proof.
That which is Right, abides in one's heart, mind, words and deeds.
Feeling Right is in the grasp of everyone.
Thinking Right is the fruit of learning that which builds the commonweal.
Speaking Right helps to show others goodness and wisdom.
Doing Right is beyond price, as it is the Worth of our lives.
I am the Maker of Rightness within my Life, no one else suffices.
That Which I Hold Holy, my Kin, my Kith, my Community; they will tally my worth and measure what I did Right.
thoughtfulJan. 26th, 2009
08:04 pm - Fibber McGee's workshop
Hey all;
I am starting to clean up the shop a bit and looked over the tools...
Planning: drafting table, 1/4" grid desk blotter pad (22"; x 17";), T-square, #2 pencils, dressmaker's tape measure, engineer's and architect scales, protractor, set of triangles, templates of various shapes (oval, circle, square, rectangle and so forth), set of French curves, contour gauge, lead curve, set of drawing compasses, steel rulers (6", 1", 18", 48")...CAD programs work wonders, but I ain't got the knack.
Layout and patterning: permanent marker, poster cardstock (22" x 28"), scissors, carbon & tracing paper, china marker, metal scribe...
Metal cutting: aviation shears, tin snips, cold chisel, hacksaw, sabresaw, power shears...
Leather/cloth cutting: razor knives, heavy shears, hole punch, skive, lacing punch, strap cutter
Metal pounding: Hammers! - A claw hammer can do in a pinch, but much better are the following which have snuck into my tool chest over the years. Ballpeens - 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 32 ounce -- Crosspeens - 16 and 32 ounce -- Sledges/Engineer hammers - 32, 48 and 64 ounce -- Autobody and Sheet metal forming hammers - 12 different head shapes -- Farrier's hammer - 16 and 20 ounce -- Mallets - rawhide, hardwood, plastic and brass -- Homemade - various different head shapes (trailer hitch ball - 2 sizes, chasing hammers from big bolts - 3 sizes) -- And So Forth.
You can NEVER have too many hammers!
Anvils: Wright Pattern single horn - mine weighs 87 pounds, which is 3/4 hundredweight plus 3 pounds (one hundredweight is 8 stone, AKA 112 pounds), homemade traveling anvil made of an 18" long piece of heavy train track, 2 small cast steel jeweler's anvils, 2 heavy machinist vices, 2 heavy duty woodworker's vices, a B&D "Workmate" with benchdogs
Welding: MIG setup (aka "Wire" welder). -- But, with the pacemaker I now have, I can no longer arc weld with any sort of equipment. This spring I'm going to get an oxy-acetylene outfit and teach myself how to gas weld.
More power equipment: drill press, bench grinder (2), power buffer (2), sander, bandsaw, miter saw, table saw - hand (corded and battery): drills, sanders grinders, circular saws, reciprocating saws...
Non powered hand tools of most every description...
3 sewing machines...(down cellar)
We have a 3 car garage and 2 bays are full of tools, tool boxes, chests and benches, plus the work areas in the cellar...
Down cellar is the library; my wife and I have around 9 -10 thousand books, magazines, saved articles, booklets...
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crankyDec. 7th, 2008
11:30 am - US Govt - Regulation site
Hey all;
Prompted by a post on a list to which I subscribe, I looked up the Federal website for reading and commenting upon proposed regulations:
http://www.regulations.gov/search/i
This is the catch basin for all that flows out of Washington DC.
Other useful links to keep an eye on them are:
http://www.usa.gov/ (the general Federal site)
http://www.loc.gov/index.html (the Library of Congress home site)
http://www.loc.gov/law/index.php (Law library at the LOC)
http://thomas.loc.gov/ (the Thomas search engine to the LOC)
Keep an eye on the local and state creatures, too. Sometimes they can do worse damage than the Federales.
be well, be wary - Pip
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awakeNov. 21st, 2008
07:44 pm - The Viking Kitten Video
A change of pace from my songs ,-)
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sillyNov. 16th, 2008
11:27 am - New Place for Pip Songs
Here it is:
http://piparskeggrskald.podbean.com/
And here's the headline:
Welcome to Piparskeggrskald, the new home for the poems and songs of Stefn Ullarsson Piparskeggr.
For several years I've had a Yahoo! list, which I basically used as a
warehouse for online storage of some of my work.
Now that I've figured out mp3 conversion, I am switching the storage to
Podbean, which has the benefit of being accessible to everyone, not
just folks who've decided to join the Yahoo! list.
The first one I've uploaded is the oldest Uller song, "A Visit," which
I wrote for Uller Blot in the Fall of 2000 and performed in public for
the first time at Moot in March, 2001. Song quality will improve as I
get comfortable with the new medium. I'll be adding one a week, after the initial burst of activity.
I'm looking at this as a new start in my efforts for the Asatru community.
Be well - Pip
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determinedSep. 11th, 2008
05:39 pm - Coming out of a phaze
Well, I think I have had a mid-life crisis; it's like coming out of a long, dark, smothering dream.
I've written about the ordeals of Kin, Kith and self over the first half (well, 1st seven months, really) of this year.
I have come out of a period where I could function just fine at work; all those people around me distracting me from myself. At home, though: I found myself weeping at little or no stimulus, fell back on my old crutch of whiskey for a few weeks, let the bills pile up, dishes in the sink, not calling kin or kith...I know, I'm married.
Anita helps as she can, but her mobility was limited for almost 2 1/2 months due to a broken foot. Plus, she is a disabled vet, which further limits her in some ways. I accept that and love her.
Last week of August, I started to pull things together again. I brewed an ale (for the first time in several years), went to a concert and saw Blue Oyster Cult for the 20th time (7th for Anita), am getting good feedback from my new department manager and other store management. I have a new job at the store, product service instead of customer service, steady hours Mon - Fri, plus, I am writing again for the first time since early spring (save for the eulogy to my uncle).
Things are looking up, and even the IRS seems to be satisfied with my answers to the audit, thus far.
Be well y'all, I'm relearning that skill ,-)
Aug. 30th, 2008
11:50 pm - An old reply...
Good Morning Brian;
I take it from your message (which I have deleted from my reply) that you live in the Rockford, IL area, which is close to where I reside.
Read what I have set forth here, think about it and write again if you believe conversation could be worthwhile.
Let me explain a bit about my personal approach to the Holy and the Worldview I follow therefrom. It may be that conversation between us could be of use. It could be otherwise.
The religious practices within which I give worship is known variously as Germanic Paganism, Odinism, Heathenry, Theodism and so forth. I use Asatru.
Within Asatru, I have plighted my Troth to the Holy Aesir and Vanir; the Gods and Goddesses of the Elder Germanic and Scandinavian tribal peoples. It was the native spirituality of much of my ancestry. It is polytheistic in nature, following, I believe, man's perception of the world around us as being very complex.
Asatru is a modern reconstruction and reinvention from the available stories, historical documents and archaeological evidences.
My screen name reflects the fact that I feel closest to the Norse god known as Uller. Uller is most commonly known as the Bow Lord, being an unerring archer and consummate huntsman. He also is called upon as a witness to and judge of oaths, amongst other "attributes."
Being close to one god does not exclude my giving worship to Others of the Holy Powers.
I believe the Holy Powers are much more than what we humans see them as. One can find out more about Them by reading the "mythology," by discussing the stories with others, by meditation and from inspiration. I am known in my faith community as a skald (poet). I look upon Uller as an inspirer of this ability in me.
My view of the Asatru ethic for living is quite simple, I believe.
Give Worship to the Holy Æsir and Vanir. Respect and Honor the Disr, the Alfar and other Wealful Wights. Honor and Love your Kin, Kith, Friends and Forebears. Give heed to the Lore (Story and History), and to your own thoughts. Attempt to do That Which is Right for family and community; with Wisdom, Open Handedness and Steadfastness of Truth in Word and Deed. Read, Write, Love, Laugh, Hate, Cry, Cook, Build, Sit quietly with family enjoying the birds flying by... Be the best of that for which you are capable as a Man. Remember that everything you do adds Layers in the Well of Wyrd, for Good or Ill.
Some concepts that we as Asatruars look at with "older eyes" than is current.
Worship is an Anglo-Saxon term stemming from the perception of gaining Worth as a tangible exercise. In giving Worship to the Holy Powers, one is showing that you look on the Bond between Them and you as fully Worthwhile. Worship is given under the concept of Gift for Gift. The Holy Powers have Gifted us with Life, Mind and Will. We send Them the Gift of our love and trust; shown by sharing (most often) Words and Drink - things from the intent and effort of our hearts and hands.
Well of Wyrd is a concept both complicated and plain. The plain answer is, all that we say and do adds up to our past. The Well is a repository of this past. The significance of these words and deeds vary. Those with the most significance sink deep into this well, building up layers (the Orlay or personal Law of our life). The Weight of this Past is in many ways, one's Wyrd. The past shapes what happens now, which in turn shapes that which may become. The future is not set. Only the past is known. We have only now to act and speak.
Within Asatru, one boast of one's deeds and makes carefully considered oaths of future deeds. One owns up to mistakes one makes, taking responsibility therefore.
There is no concept of sin as in the Abrahamic tradition. Many Asafolk think it's quite presumptuous to believe we are powerful enough to actually offend the Gods.
One's misdeeds are against one's Kin, Kith, Community and Self.
In Elder Times, the concept of Schild did exist, and is being recovered by modern Asafolk. Schild, also called Wergild, is the payment one makes to right wrongs one has done, if such is possible. Schild can be in service or wealth, and is set either by community custom or by the offended party. One can also set Schild by approaching the offended party and making an offer.
If one's misdeeds are severe enough, one is cast out of community and declared outlaw. It is still possible to recover from this condition, so long as one can find a go-between and the schild is severe enough.
A long-winded way of saying: there is no confessional in my faithway, no absolution, as there was in the Roman-Catholic religion in which I was raised as a child and young man.
Sidebar: I left the Church in the spring of 1975 and severed my belief in Christianity later that year. It was a journey of 14 years until I rediscovered for myself the beliefs and worldview I came to know as Asatru. It still took a few years after that until I found others who believed and gave worship as did I.
In some ways, a Thew (a custom or tradition, which binds folk together) in some Asatru communities is, do not bring shame upon your Name. One's Name (reputation) is very important in Asatru. For one thing, without a Name, one is not taken seriously. A Good Name brings one respect, something which HAS to be earned.
One can regain an Honorable name by taking (as I wrote above) responsibility for one's own words and deeds.
It is not the easy path for life, but it is worthwhile.
It it a course of honor, and duty, to Kin, Kith, Community and Self.
It is one, which has caused my parents to think I have become a better man thereby.
A website, which will give more information on Asatru is: http://www.runestone.org
This is the Asatru Folk Assembly, the main organization to which I give my support.
Again, I ask that you think upon what I have written. Do some other reading and afterwards, if you think conversation would be of use, write again. We can meet for coffee at a neutral location.
in regards - Steven "Piparskeggr" Robinson, Minister ULC, Asatru Elder and Skald
[I did not hear back from Brian]
awakeAug. 17th, 2008
04:31 pm - Matorhead and Hayseed Dixie
What more to say?
"Ace of Spades" written by Motorhead, performed by Hayseed Dixie, Speed Bluegrass at its finest!
mischievousJul. 14th, 2008
08:20 pm - For my Uncle Michael
Here's what I wrote for Uncle Michael's eulogy, it is accurate to when I first wrote it, but was edited in the evening just before bed for spelling and grammar. Read it slowly and do pause slightly between the halves of the poetry lines, at the "..."s, spaces and commas. It is only about 4 1/2 to 5
minutes long, but I think that to write more would not say more.
I have written a lot over the years, but this has been one of the
hardest things to get down.
----------------------------------------
To those you love give words of thanks
When living ears can drink them in
Regretful tears may water weeds
But Kinfolk dead find them no use
My mom asked me to write a eulogy in honor of my Uncle Michael...
How do I begin?
As I write, night time is giving way to the grey light of early morning.
Wispy clouds are painted reddish-gold by an as yet unseen sun.
Another new day is upon us...another new beginning...reminding us that death, too, is a beginning of sorts.
How do I begin?
How do I, truly, boil down what my Uncle meant to me into a few minutes worth of words?
Do I try and answer the unasked questions?
Do I try and address the lost opportunities?
NO!
I will and shall, share a few fond memories.
I have shed tears for him.
I have felt great grief on behalf of his loss.
His memory deserves better.
Michael was not just my mother's youngest brother, nor merely my grandfather's baby boy (always); he was my older brother.
I could rail against the universe being unfair.
I could rant about how he did not deserve such a dire passing.
I could revile all that is Holy for taking him too soon.
I will not, for he deserves better of me.
Michael was my older brother; as boy, youth and man.
I needed him to be that.
48 Hill Street...
Mom, dad, me, and later Leonard and Anne Marie, lived on the first floor. Nonnie and Papa lived on the second. Uncle Anthony and Uncle Michael had their bedroom in the attic. It was a good, happy house, near other family, friends, church, school and work.
An image came to mind as my Mom spoke to me of writing some words in Michael's memory....he and I, sitting on the front steps of the Hill Street house. I had just come from the doctor's, once again getting stitches for one of my innumerable accidents. Michael had his arm around me, as if to say: "Steven, it's ok, I'm here..."
I can still, clearly, hear his voice...Good God, what a clumsy child I was.
How many times did he pick me up?
How many times did he get me to help?
As we grew, Michael and I did have our own friends and differing interests.
In his crowd, he tried to be a tough guy, but I never thought he really was.
He WAS strong and self-assured, always, I thought!
He did have friends who liked and respected him.
He had a bit of a reputation amongst his peers, which protected me as I grew from childhood to near adulthood and came up against some things in life.
We grew apart, as is normal, when two young men set out on different paths in life.
I went away to college; he worked.
We both married; he having children, me - none.
We both had circumstances, which took us far away from the place of our births.
Neither of us were real good at keeping in touch.
However, I like to think that I followed his example in becoming a gentle, friendly and helpful man.
He was a big influence in my life, next to my parents and grandparents.
I do believe that I am a better man for his having been not just my uncle, but, my brother.
I did get to say good bye, but I did not say hello, enough.
I weep as I write these words, and I smile, which is as it should be.
Family and friends are, truly, ALL we've got in this world.
Don't waste time on differences.
Our task is not to mourn the Dead
It is to live to carry on
Recall their Deeds both good and bad
Their Thoughts and Acts which become us
In love, AND, deep affection... always...Steven
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