A creative mind....

....a blessing or not?

I had my yearly appraisal in my Real Life job yesterday. I was very nervous about it, but it turned out I needn't have been. My boss was very pleased with what I have been doing and said lots of complimentary things about my work in the last year and direction I am taking the team.
I don't take compliments very well, and am quite critical of the work I do, but I do recognise one of the skills which is valued by my boss. I am a very creative person, always have been, and I am always full of ideas. This has been good for my work, and I have been put into all sorts of creative thinking groups. Many of the ideas I have come up with have been taken up by head office, some are seen as best practice and others are now used by teachers across the country. However it can be curse as well as a blessing to have a creative mind.

I was reading Hobbits blog yesterday.. http://hobbitripley.wordpress.com/2008/02/20/stress-top-tips/ .. and Ben had written about not letting things get out of control, about planning ahead. Unfortunately my creative mind often doesn't listen to sound advice like this. When something new comes along that interests me, I invariably get excited about it, my mind kicks into gear and a million ideas come up. Then, being the active doer type of person that I am, I want to make my ideas into reality and thats where things usually start to unravel a bit.
Often the idea is a great one but I don't have the skill or expertise to actually put it into practice.
Or the idea is a rubbish one and I fail to see that until I am halfway through putting it together.
But the most common thing is that there are just too many ideas, and I try and do them all and end up burning myself out or I create lots of half done things which 'could be great'.
I am not very good at delegating either, once I have an idea I usually want to do it all myself.
If I am lucky, which sometimes I am, I will have a good idea, be able to make it happen and enjoy doing it.

I wouldn't change it, I like to be creative and a little chaotic, its who I am. But sometimes I wish I could be a little calmer in my mind.
Perhaps I should take up meditation?

Isn't it funny...

.......you moan about the lack of buses and then three come along at once.

After my gloomy post earlier, it seems fate is determined to show me up.

Arriving in the realm tonight I decided to go explore the new islands. Passing the gyspy camp on the way, I stopped to warm myself at the fire and ended up, three giant mugs of mead later, chatting away. I have missed that kind of RP, I have spent so much time sitting in the guild doing admin.
Unfortunately I crashed and had to re-log, but arrived at the guild to meet two new people, one of whom joined as a Twilight sister, and the other who took away information on the guild to enable her to make up her mind.

Then, glory be, I made contact with Alphonsus, and cleared up about three things in the space of a couple of minutes ,I could have kissed him if I knew how!

Suddenly the realm doesn't seem so gloomy

*whistles a wee tune as she heads off to bed*

Alone

Sometimes I feel so alone in Triskele.
The nature of my timezone means that although I am helping to create RP opportunities in the realm, I have no idea of the master plans. Those who do RP there are more often than not coming online at about 3am my time, just when I really need to be in bed!
If it weren't for Malakyte (Goddess bless you) and the Acolytes in the order, I would have given the whole thing up by now.

For example. We recently received an order from the Queen and Alphonsus, to search for 5 scrolls hidden in the realm. Although its likely that my character Wren would not do this (leave it to the Dawn clerics), the order seemed pretty insistent, so dutifully I went off to find them. In due course I found them all, and they tell an interesting story of the history of the King and Queen.
However it took quite sometime to find them, I met only one other who was searching, and now I have them I have no idea what they are for, why I had to search or what the point of the whole thing was.
Especially as everyone in the realm has just now been handed the story in the general welcome pack.
We have received no notice if the search is finished or ongoing, so I have to advise the acolytes to do it, even if its pointless.
Its probable that the whole thing is being discussed by roleplayers in the twilight hours when I am in bed, but when I am online the place is empty and I am clueless.

The new Guild has arrived, a huge church like building, and it needs filled. But I have no idea of Alphonsus's plans for it. Malakyte and I have been adding things, being creative, filling empty spaces. But its very piecemeal, and some things are simply to fill space until the true furniture arrives. But what the plans are, I have no idea?
Our spell list has yet to be approved so we are powerless, and my acolytes want to know what's going on, but I cant tell them.
And to top it all off Everwind is back up it seems , so Triskele is likely to lose many of its roleplayers back there.

I know that things have been hard for Alphonsus recently with personal illness and other saddening second life things, so I understand his not being around. He has a huge job as leader, and when there are so few of us its even bigger, but I miss his guiding hand and his knowledge of the management to the realm.
I am trying hard to make it work, I love to be creative and enjoy managing things, but I don't want to do it alone anymore.

Some nights I am but a few steps away from packing up and leaving.

(I want to add that Malakyte has been great thoughout this, although she has a million things she is doing, she has taken the time to chat, discuss idea's and help create things for the guild. Thank you Mal!)

I really have to write something....

I have been in Geek for too long methinks!
Even if only to get rid of the last post, its time I wrote something, just haven't been too inspired by anything recently.
A quick Triskele catch up then.
Alphonsus has been off sick (hope you feel better soon) and I have missed him. While he's been away I have been doing all sorts of things, but have been unable to clear them with him, so I hope he approves when he gets back.
I have rented a cottage in Triskele village and set up a temporary Cleric Guild in it. I checked with Wisold (the king) and he said this would be ok, he even waived the prim limit a bit for me, which is good because it is only 80 prims and I have added over 160! I really hope I am not pushing it too much, but I am sure they will tell me if I am.(no more to add now anyhow its all done)
I made some candles and cloaks for the others in Paramay order and I reworded the cleric spell list to make it less mage like (have passed on copies to Alph and Mal for comments).
I have also been having fun creating a few cleric animation's, and am considering having a vendor in the market, but have never sold anything before so I am not too sure about it.
I also have been making a temple, based on some of the things I saw while on holiday in Orkney last year (and I don't mean the inside of Aberdeen children's hospital, which I saw a lot of on that holiday too, long story). I don't know if I will ever have a place for it, but its very enjoyable being creative.
So even though RP is minimal, creativity has been high.
In RL, work is starting to get busy now, so SL will have to take a back seat soon I think.
That's about it, glad to lose the last post (but one day I will post the wonder woman costume picture)

Am I a Geek?

Dictionary.com

geek Slang.
–noun 1. a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, esp. one who is perceived to be overly intellectual.
2. a computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)
3. a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Origin: 1915- 20; prob. var. of geck (mainly Scots) fool < D or LG gek]


*chuckles*
Well I certainly have never bitten the head off a chicken, but I was wondering about my relative geekieness the other day.

I was attending a parents meeting at my kids primary school, and when chatting to a couple of other mums, mentioned that I spend some of my time in Second Life. After briefly describing the place to them, I got a look of complete bafflement, and a polite smile.
Most 'normal' people I meet and chat to about this can't understand it, and god forbid what they would think if I were to mention dragons, hobbits and elves being friends. My husband would term me as a geek I guess.
I have always thought of a geek as a young adolescent boy, who spends his time quoting Star Trek, doing difficult maths, reading comics and playing computer games. I never considered that I might fit this category too.

I do play computer games and always have, but not obsessively.
I have watched Star Trek in the past, but I cant speak Klingon and have never attended a convention.
I used to read comics, and still seriously respect certain comic artists and writers.
I have read many Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels, although I have read many other kinds of books too.
My maths is awful, although I do have a very logical brain and enjoy puzzles and codes of all sorts.
I am certainly shy and awkward in busy social situations, and have always been a little 'odd' (in a nice way)
and now I spend my evenings playing with Gods and Goddesses, fairies and orcs, in a virtual world.

I blame it all on my mother making me a Wonder Woman costume for my 6th birthday

Perhaps I should be termed Geek, embrace the geek in me and declare it proudly. But I really wish that others could understand and not look at me as if I am not quite right *grins*

The Good, the Bad and the Neutral

Things in Triskele are a bit all over the place at the moment. Bri, the leader of the clerics guild has resigned, and there is a feeling that he was pushed rather than give a golden handshake. I have no idea what it was all about, and I don't really want to know, but I have been plodding along in my UK timezone, working on Parlamay as I go.
From reading Malakytes blog, it seems that Alphonsus will be taking over as leader, so I am sure he will inform us all of the situation once he's 'in post'.

I have used the three aspects idea, and made a note for new clerics about them, which is the reason for the blog. I showed this to someone tonight and we ended having a conversation about how to define 'Good' and 'Neutral'.
Here is the notes on Parlamay and her aspects, sorry if its a bit long, but it informs the debate.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Parlamay- Goddess of Nature
Favoured Weapon: Longbow
Alignment: Neutral
Portfolio: Forests, Fauna and Flora
Parlamay. The ever changing Goddess of Nature.
Like the cycle of the seasons, followers of Parlamay recognise that nature is fluid, it waxes and wanes, it is born, dies and is reborn a new.
As nature is, so is She.
Beautiful, ugly, loving, destroying, kind and harsh.
Yet without one there is no other, nature in perfect balance.
Followers of Parlamay live in harmony with the world around them, they are in tune with the land, they know its secrets and protect its children.
All those who respect nature can expect help, guidance and protection from the clerics of Parlamay, yet those who would harm the land and its creatures can expect the wrath of the Goddess through her chosen ones.
Clerics of Parlamay reflect the different aspects of the Goddess, and as a novice cleric you will be helped to find the path right for you. You will progress up the normal cleric ranks ie: Acolyte, Subdeacon,Cleric,High Cleric, but your duties will depend on the aspect you are aligned with.
Parlamay cleric aspects are Dawn, Noontide and Twilight, sisters and brothers

DETAILS OF THE ASPECTS
Dawn brothers and sisters
Dawn clerics run like the deer, see like the hawk, and fight like the mother bear. They are the active, protectors of the land. They roam the wild woods with the rangers, and dance with the elves and fairies. When battle is called, they are first to attend, running among the injured and helping where they can. They carry the bow, and will not hesitate to use it to defend the children of the Goddess. They are the keepers of Spring/Early Summer, and lead worship at these times of the year. They also help those who are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Dawn clerics wear blues and greens only

Noontide sisters and brothers
Noontide clerics care like the mother elephant, protect like the polar bear, and teach like the meercat.
They are the mothers and fathers of the order. They work with the peoples and creatures of the Goddess, listening, healing and caring for Her children.
They welcome new clerics, and are always ready to help a stranger. They tend to the land, grow the herb's, and keep the guild and temple well cared for. They take the time to discuss the Goddess with those who would listen. They do not carry weapons, and will not rush into conflict, but are able to protect themselves should the need arise. They are the keepers of Summer/Harvest and lead worship at those times of year. They help those with children or young animals, and preside over weddings.
Noontide clerics wear gold, yellow, orange or red only

Twilight brothers and sisters
Twilight clerics are wise like the raven, secretive as the shrew, and sharp as the peregrine.
They keep the secret knowledge of the Goddess.
They are advisers in times of need and able to judge a situation well. They know what happens in the realm, and may have contact with mages and rulers. They see the dark side of nature as being an important counter balance to the light, and although never evil, they will speak with those of the dark side. They do not rush to give opinions, but watch and choose their timing carefully.
They are the keepers of Late Autumn/Winter and lead worship at those times.
They may carry knives, and will use them if deemed necessary. They understand that death is a part of life, and will help those who are dying or have lost a loved one. They know the secrets of resurrection and are in charge of bringing loved ones back through the veil.
Twilight clerics wear, purple, black and silver only.
--------------------------------------------------------------

SO...In my mind I had the Dawn as neutral, Noontide as good with neutral leanings and Twilight as neutral with dark (not evil) leanings.
However my friend felt that Dawn was good, Noon was neutral and Twilight neutral/dark.

My reasoning was that the Dawn are like the rangers, protecting the creatures of the land and the land itself from harm, not aligned to political sides, but simply to the Goddess. Go getter's, action types. Therefore Neutral
Where as Noon, are non-combative, nurturing types. Healers and counsellors. Working with the people of the realm more. Pacifist activists. Therefore Good

In a roleplay environment the ideas of Good and Evil are very clear cut, whole races are automatically considered Evil (with few exceptions), or Good. A 'Goodie' would be unlikely to help an evil race, even if they were dying in front of them, where as a neutral character would.

So my friend argues (roughly, excuse me friend if i get this wrong) that the Dawn clerics are much more black and white, going with gut instinct , rushing into battle to defend, more childlike in their viewing of the world, therefore aligned more with 'Good'
Whereas the Noon clerics are more able to weigh a situation, helping whoever comes their way, even healing the evil races. They stand back passively from a fight, not involving themselves. Therefore 'Neutral'

This is something I struggled with in Everwind realm, because characteristics that I would consider in RL to be good, ie: helping all in need or not carrying a weapon, might actually be considered 'neutral', or even worse I might be seen as aiding the Dark side by healing one of their number.

I suppose this happens in Real Life sometimes also. The Quakers who refused to fight in the War, were doing what they felt was good, however many didn't see it that way. Do we sometimes have to do hard things for the greater good? or are we simply justifying evil.

Is 'Neutral' more good than 'Good'?
In roleplay, Good, Neutral, and Evil are much more sharply defined, and perhaps I have to face the fact that Wren the Noontide sister is not such a roleplay 'Goodie' after all.

All comments on the nature of Good, Neutral and Evil are welcomed

Wrens

It has become clear that many people arrive on this blog looking for information on Wrens in general. Below is a rather naff blog on Wrens, however further information on Wrens can be found at the RSPB

or in the US Audubon Baby Wren

So on a very random note, I want to tell you a wee bit about my namesake.

Wren's are one of my favorite birds, they are the second smallest bird in the UK , but that doesn't stop them. Despite their size they are the most numerous bird in Britain.

This is partly down to the enterprising and hard working males in the spring time.....

I tell a story to (primary) school children about this:

The male Wren is a very clever chap, he builds at least three nests, before he has met even one lady Wren.

Once his nests are built, he goes off to find a female. He takes his new girlfriend to one of his nests and shows it off.

He says ...*full of pride* "Look at my lovely nest, I made it myself you know, don't you think it would look nice with some lovely eggs in it?" *wink*

She says ...*none committal* "Hmmm... I don't know.." *points at it* "that side looks a bit loose and the neighbourhoods very noisy"

So he tells her to come and see his other nest... and so on. Eventually she finds one she likes, and she lays her eggs in it and begins to brood them.

Meanwhile...off Mr Wren goes to find another young lady, who might just like his first nest, and so on..

Soon there are at least three females sitting on eggs, one in each nest.

Now this is all fine for Mr Wren.. until.. the eggs begin to hatch. Soon Mr Wren has three squeaking, squawking, tweeting nests full of hungry chicks to feed. You can guess just how much hard work that is! But before long, all being well, the youngsters fledge and leave, off to face the wide world.

Now why does he do this? Because he's very clever.

You see, he wants lots of children, so that the world will always be able to hear and see beautiful Wrens. But if something should happen to one of his nests... like a bad cat finding it... or a big storm bowing it away, he still has two lovely nests full of baby birds left,

and Wrens will always rule the roost and be the most common bird in the country.

......................................................

Its a simplified story, but essentially true, and shows that you don't have to be big to be clever.

If you want to help Wrens this winter, consider giving them a little food. They are insect eaters and as such rarely visit bird tables, but a little grated cheese, sprinkled along the bottom of the hedge (because they are shy) will be greatly appreciated.

Also consider a specialist Wren nest box, as they will roost in it in winter to keep warm, as well as nest in it in the spring. This is really important because they are so small that, sadly, hundreds freeze to death on cold nights.

Did you know the most Wrens ever found to be roosting in a nestbox was 63!

And I thought my house was a squash and a squeeze!