Introductions

I remember most of all, the feeling of being breathless and covered in dust and sweat...my drum-worn hands nearly numb from the tingling, the heat from the bonfire at my back, I stood sky-clad in the dark with my kindred spirits.

It was Midsummer, and since it falls close to my birthday it is my favorite ritual and I celebrate the solstice and my life's journey at the same time.

A young neophyte named Widow approached me and asked me to sit with her and some others for further fellowship...and...as a practical matter of being tired and starting to chill I grabbed up my robe and wiped off my sweat a bit and walked with her to the edge of the circle and together we sat on the rough straw bales that had been placed round the quarters.

Among the gathered group of 7 was one elder male. Eyes which shone crystal blue in the fire light. He said nothing during our conversations about balance and duality, men and goddess relationships, covenants and declarations of love...it seemed as if the group assembled were nearly too attentive.

In one's and two's they excused themselves and went back to the rivalries, all but the elder. He drew up next to me and opened a discussion with these words, "When I was your age in years, I had the vigor and danced with the power you do, but you, Glade, you speak with an age that waits beyond me."

I knew not what to say, and as I opened my mouth to speak he held up his hand.

"I will be leaving shortly, but it would honor me to meet you in a less distracting space. May I call upon you tomorrow?"

Of course I accepted. I started to tell him where I had parked my truck and pitched my tent but my arm was grabbed by my good friend Bear who was in a dance spiral and in the chanting and laughter and drum beats I got swept away round the fire and back to my drum...and the elder was gone.

The nights revelry wore on and eventually I made my way back to my truck and tent and fell into a heavy, happy, peaceful sleep.

I dreamed of walking down a wooded path, carefully stepping around stones that got bigger and bigger as they went. I tripped and fell trying to get around them when, after picking myself up once again, I heard my grandfather's voice say, "You know, the difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is where you place your feet."

I next remember waking to smell of smoke and coffee. I had fallen asleep on my sleeping bag in the bed of my truck and rolled over to see someone sitting next to my tent. Knuckling the sleep from my eyes I got up and walked over to an elder man with short, fluffy "Santa" beard and a ring of white hair revealing quite the bald spot. His eyes, crystal blue in the morning sun and his smile put deep crows-feet in friendliest, wisest places by his eyes. He peeked over the top of his glasses and said, "Do you have anything sweet for nibbles?"

This was my introduction to Grand High Lord RiverStone. I didn't know it at the thyme, but my life's journey was about to change in a most wonderful direction.

More tomorrow,

Lord Glade

smiling in the dark...