July Quote! WOO!!!
Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.
Mark Twain
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Support Group
“Hello, my name is Hastur, and I am an addict.”
Every one in the circle chants in unison “Hello Hastur.”
It was all the grim masked speaker in the yellow coat could do not to smile, not that this would matter.
“It has been 28 days since last I lead the dance in dark revels in the name of horrors from beyond the stars and understanding. 28 long days...”
There is a murmuring of faceless support from the group; they all know what its like to go without your crutch, it’s hard.
“It’s not like I really miss it, it just that it feels so right. It’s like all that lives and souls on the earth are just a transitory offence to the true masters of the world and that all our great works are but quicksilver and dross before even their least servants and slaves.”
The organiser steps forward; calm and assured, his name is Jeff and he has a degree in psychology. He believes this make his qualified to help people with their problems. He has not yet learned some problems are bigger then what goes on in peoples’ heads. “It is okay Hastur” and again the figure in yellow has to suppress a grin, not that it would matter, “these feelings are natural for someone in your situation. You’ve been though a very rough time but it’s ok, you are with us now, and we understand”.
Jeff doesn’t really understand, he has never danced naked in the gibbous moonlight feeling the unthinkable power of the cosmos ripping though him showing him the grand majesty of his insignificance before the throne of gods and demons that hold sway over all that is, his only addition is to television, situational comedies no less. But he is just trying to help so we cannot hold this lie against him, much. The crack addict has a pretty good idea what the one in yellow is feeling though.
The figure in yellow takes in a quick breath and gently sobs “It’s just... the moon in nearly full tonight and it’s the solstice and there are all these THINGS going on and it so hard to tell what matters anymore and if we could just, you now, go back once more it would be like I’d never have to do it again, like no one would have to do anything again cause it would never matter again.”
The required moment passes while the figure in yellow collects himself. Glancing about, head shaking they turn to leave “I don’t belong here, I’m just trying to get it started again.” And they begin to stalk out.
Jeff pipes up, his voice nasal and vaguely annoying “It ok Hastur you can stay, we welcome you, right everyone?”
On cue and nearly rehearsed everyone in the circle holds hands smiling, some sincerely, others not, “You are welcome here Hastur, you can stay here Hastur, come back Hastur.”
There is a clatter as a mask hits the ground and a visage behind it smiles, though none can tell. “Thank you everyone for your support, but I think these meetings are part of the problem.”
That night there is screaming and sky clad dancing under the gibbous moon to the true masters of the world and now Jeff really does understand what the figure in yellow is going though, he has seen the grand majesty of his insignificance before the throne of gods and demons that hold sway over all that is, though it doesn’t matter anymore, nothing will matter ever again.
Every one in the circle chants in unison “Hello Hastur.”
It was all the grim masked speaker in the yellow coat could do not to smile, not that this would matter.
“It has been 28 days since last I lead the dance in dark revels in the name of horrors from beyond the stars and understanding. 28 long days...”
There is a murmuring of faceless support from the group; they all know what its like to go without your crutch, it’s hard.
“It’s not like I really miss it, it just that it feels so right. It’s like all that lives and souls on the earth are just a transitory offence to the true masters of the world and that all our great works are but quicksilver and dross before even their least servants and slaves.”
The organiser steps forward; calm and assured, his name is Jeff and he has a degree in psychology. He believes this make his qualified to help people with their problems. He has not yet learned some problems are bigger then what goes on in peoples’ heads. “It is okay Hastur” and again the figure in yellow has to suppress a grin, not that it would matter, “these feelings are natural for someone in your situation. You’ve been though a very rough time but it’s ok, you are with us now, and we understand”.
Jeff doesn’t really understand, he has never danced naked in the gibbous moonlight feeling the unthinkable power of the cosmos ripping though him showing him the grand majesty of his insignificance before the throne of gods and demons that hold sway over all that is, his only addition is to television, situational comedies no less. But he is just trying to help so we cannot hold this lie against him, much. The crack addict has a pretty good idea what the one in yellow is feeling though.
The figure in yellow takes in a quick breath and gently sobs “It’s just... the moon in nearly full tonight and it’s the solstice and there are all these THINGS going on and it so hard to tell what matters anymore and if we could just, you now, go back once more it would be like I’d never have to do it again, like no one would have to do anything again cause it would never matter again.”
The required moment passes while the figure in yellow collects himself. Glancing about, head shaking they turn to leave “I don’t belong here, I’m just trying to get it started again.” And they begin to stalk out.
Jeff pipes up, his voice nasal and vaguely annoying “It ok Hastur you can stay, we welcome you, right everyone?”
On cue and nearly rehearsed everyone in the circle holds hands smiling, some sincerely, others not, “You are welcome here Hastur, you can stay here Hastur, come back Hastur.”
There is a clatter as a mask hits the ground and a visage behind it smiles, though none can tell. “Thank you everyone for your support, but I think these meetings are part of the problem.”
That night there is screaming and sky clad dancing under the gibbous moon to the true masters of the world and now Jeff really does understand what the figure in yellow is going though, he has seen the grand majesty of his insignificance before the throne of gods and demons that hold sway over all that is, though it doesn’t matter anymore, nothing will matter ever again.
Monday, June 14, 2010
A Waiting Time
The “Now serving” signs number went up another lonely digit.
Everyone looks up, more out of habit now then any real belief it was their number that was being called, more out of something to do then habit but mostly out of hope and dread. Funny how those always went together.
An older woman stood out of the throng this time, maybe in her mid 50’s, stern and crow faced and scarred with a gaze that flickered over the crowd with contempt.
You haven’t been called. You are not worthy. Her eye conveyed it all.
She came to the admissions desk and I didn’t even bother to look up. I just sat reading my files and waited, savouring it.
She was trying so hard to glare the top off of my head it was all I could do not to laugh.
An eternity passes before she clears her throat to draw my notice. She gets a bare flicker of notice and I push the tissues closer to her. I can feel the gaze darken and she speaks, her voice sharp and grated and far too loud, a voice used to being listened to and obeyed. I suppressed another small smile and turned a page while she spoke.
“Do you know who I am young man? You cannot treat me this way! Men died at my hands and I drank their blood and danced under the full moon in reverence of the dark one and I brought hundreds more to the faith to perform the rites and darken the land and I will not wait any longer! I am expected and I demand my audience!”
I allow the echo of her words to fade from the vast waiting room and make a show of finishing reading the blank form I’m holding. I allow yet a few moments more to lend a texture to the silence while not even keeping up the pretence of being occupied and to allow the random noises of those still waiting to begin to drown out my soft reply. “Please wait for your number to be called ma’am.” I slowly reach for the small microphone and click it on “Now calling...”
She slams her fist down on my desk, “ME! You are calling me!” She flails the strip of paper under my nose where she thinks bound to see it.
My eyes are closed but I can see it none the less.
“Ah yes ma’am, it is indeed your turn. Name?”
“Hergas of Babylon, demon summoner”
I review my notes “Hmm, Northern or Southern Babylon?”
Her rage claims her voice while she shrieks “There is no one you could mistake me for! I am here to speak with the Destroyer and claim my due. My slaughter was monstrous and in his name. I killed and defiled holy works for power. Babies were broiled at my command and served to their still weeping parents! I am Hergas the Dark Queen of Babylon and I demand my right!”
I review my notes never glancing in her direction. “One baby.”
“What!” she screams.
“That’s what is says here, one baby broiled, it was crib death and there was a famine. A lamentable situation but...”
“And the murders and dark rituals, the corruption and the dark magics? Do they mean nothing?”
“Well yes they do mean something for there is intent, that why you have been waiting. But you were never a witch, the locusts were not your summoning, tragedy happens. The curses? Some women are barren, some men break their arms, some children get sick and die. None of this was your power, just your wish.”
Her voice changes becoming supplicant and beginning just to crack, to beg “And the men I killed? I killed and drank their blood?”
I shake my head sadly, “Again regrettable, but the trauma has coloured your vision. You killed them yes but they were brigands and thieves, you lived in a bad part of the city and they came to you with ill intent in their hearts. That you killed them hardly marks strongly against your soul. It mostly marks your foresight. As for the blood drinking... we are chalking that up to post traumatic stress syndrome and mild starvation.”
“Then why am I here at all! I’ve spoken with many here, killers, murders and witches all! Why!” The last half strangled out on desperate half sobs I take pity on her and raise my gaze to meet hers’ and open my eyes.
The light of it almost unmakes her.
“Because child everyone sins, everyone is dark and nasty and small. You have been made to wait full measure and now it is your appointment with” I glance down and she nearly collapses before I pin her back up with my eyes “Marduk. He is very disappointed in you and you are to plead your case.”
The gate behind me opens to paradise as she sees the light issue forth and she weeps not for the beauty or joy of it. But because she sees all of her great evils and deeds are as nothing against the greatness of creation.
I reach out and touch her shoulder now and she flinches (they all do) as she sees me as I am and the light of it transfixes and transforms her and she passes the gates of paradise. No longer a dread monster of ancient times, now just a humbled woman who lived in hard times who could have lived better, going to plead her case.
She walks past and none but her see what comes and I smile.
“By the Gods I love this job.” I think out loud.
And I turn back to the waiting throng, near infinite but slowly getting though whatever they call this waiting time and I let an interval of time pass and turn the counter to the next and bury my face back into my paperwork.
“I get to meet the most interesting characters.”
Everyone looks up, more out of habit now then any real belief it was their number that was being called, more out of something to do then habit but mostly out of hope and dread. Funny how those always went together.
An older woman stood out of the throng this time, maybe in her mid 50’s, stern and crow faced and scarred with a gaze that flickered over the crowd with contempt.
You haven’t been called. You are not worthy. Her eye conveyed it all.
She came to the admissions desk and I didn’t even bother to look up. I just sat reading my files and waited, savouring it.
She was trying so hard to glare the top off of my head it was all I could do not to laugh.
An eternity passes before she clears her throat to draw my notice. She gets a bare flicker of notice and I push the tissues closer to her. I can feel the gaze darken and she speaks, her voice sharp and grated and far too loud, a voice used to being listened to and obeyed. I suppressed another small smile and turned a page while she spoke.
“Do you know who I am young man? You cannot treat me this way! Men died at my hands and I drank their blood and danced under the full moon in reverence of the dark one and I brought hundreds more to the faith to perform the rites and darken the land and I will not wait any longer! I am expected and I demand my audience!”
I allow the echo of her words to fade from the vast waiting room and make a show of finishing reading the blank form I’m holding. I allow yet a few moments more to lend a texture to the silence while not even keeping up the pretence of being occupied and to allow the random noises of those still waiting to begin to drown out my soft reply. “Please wait for your number to be called ma’am.” I slowly reach for the small microphone and click it on “Now calling...”
She slams her fist down on my desk, “ME! You are calling me!” She flails the strip of paper under my nose where she thinks bound to see it.
My eyes are closed but I can see it none the less.
“Ah yes ma’am, it is indeed your turn. Name?”
“Hergas of Babylon, demon summoner”
I review my notes “Hmm, Northern or Southern Babylon?”
Her rage claims her voice while she shrieks “There is no one you could mistake me for! I am here to speak with the Destroyer and claim my due. My slaughter was monstrous and in his name. I killed and defiled holy works for power. Babies were broiled at my command and served to their still weeping parents! I am Hergas the Dark Queen of Babylon and I demand my right!”
I review my notes never glancing in her direction. “One baby.”
“What!” she screams.
“That’s what is says here, one baby broiled, it was crib death and there was a famine. A lamentable situation but...”
“And the murders and dark rituals, the corruption and the dark magics? Do they mean nothing?”
“Well yes they do mean something for there is intent, that why you have been waiting. But you were never a witch, the locusts were not your summoning, tragedy happens. The curses? Some women are barren, some men break their arms, some children get sick and die. None of this was your power, just your wish.”
Her voice changes becoming supplicant and beginning just to crack, to beg “And the men I killed? I killed and drank their blood?”
I shake my head sadly, “Again regrettable, but the trauma has coloured your vision. You killed them yes but they were brigands and thieves, you lived in a bad part of the city and they came to you with ill intent in their hearts. That you killed them hardly marks strongly against your soul. It mostly marks your foresight. As for the blood drinking... we are chalking that up to post traumatic stress syndrome and mild starvation.”
“Then why am I here at all! I’ve spoken with many here, killers, murders and witches all! Why!” The last half strangled out on desperate half sobs I take pity on her and raise my gaze to meet hers’ and open my eyes.
The light of it almost unmakes her.
“Because child everyone sins, everyone is dark and nasty and small. You have been made to wait full measure and now it is your appointment with” I glance down and she nearly collapses before I pin her back up with my eyes “Marduk. He is very disappointed in you and you are to plead your case.”
The gate behind me opens to paradise as she sees the light issue forth and she weeps not for the beauty or joy of it. But because she sees all of her great evils and deeds are as nothing against the greatness of creation.
I reach out and touch her shoulder now and she flinches (they all do) as she sees me as I am and the light of it transfixes and transforms her and she passes the gates of paradise. No longer a dread monster of ancient times, now just a humbled woman who lived in hard times who could have lived better, going to plead her case.
She walks past and none but her see what comes and I smile.
“By the Gods I love this job.” I think out loud.
And I turn back to the waiting throng, near infinite but slowly getting though whatever they call this waiting time and I let an interval of time pass and turn the counter to the next and bury my face back into my paperwork.
“I get to meet the most interesting characters.”
Monday, May 31, 2010
June Quote
So come right in cause everybody sins
Welcome to the scene of the crime
You want it, believe it, you got it if you need it
The devil is a friend of mine
Motley Crue - Saints Of Los Angeles
Welcome to the scene of the crime
You want it, believe it, you got it if you need it
The devil is a friend of mine
Motley Crue - Saints Of Los Angeles
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Mirror Traveller
"Gather round everyone!" The Professor said with a big smile. His technicians obediently dropped what they were working on and shambled over to where he was standing. The professor was in front of a large machine which he had crudely covered with an old gray sheet.
"Now I know that most of you have been working on this baby in some capacity or another. But now, after four years, we are finished! It is time to unveil" he pulled the sheet away, "my Mirror Traveller!"There was a scattering of applause which slowly gained momentum as the Professor stood in front of his creation.
After a few minutes, he held up his hand for silence. "I know a lot of people doubted that mirror travel would be possible or even wise. Some of those doubters are even in this room. But no matter: we have succeeded! First we sent inanimate objects through, such as rocks. The mirror world gave us the mirror image of the rocks in return. Next we sent test animals through with the same phenomenon. And now, here today, I am about to be the first human to test the Mirror Traveller! Since Alice, I will be the first human through the looking glass!"
His proclamation was met with gasps from the assembled. Everyone was staring at the Professor like he was mad.
"Sir," a young researcher finally piped up, "I would advise against this. While animals have successfully come through, the mirror animals aren't just mirror images of those we've sent through - they also exhibit opposite temperaments. We need much more data before we attempt such a thing!"
"This will be the best way to gather the data we need. Cats and rats cannot communicate, and we've had problems with any electronic equipment which goes through. No, we need someone to observe this world and report back. I have volunteered myself because I do not wish anyone else to come to harm. As many of you know, this has been my dream for many years now."
With that, no one was able to dissuade the Professor. And so the Mirror Traveller was prepped. The Professor stepped forward when all was ready, his senior PhD students trailing after him with a large, plain mirror. They placed the mirror directly in front of the device and stepped back. The Professor adjusted a few dials, then powered up the machine. There was a burst of light as a thin beam of energy contacted with the mirror, but then the mirror's face clouded over, revealing the mirror image of the room they were in. But the people reflected back were not mere reflections; they stared into the real world with hunger in their eyes. The Professor drew closer to the mirror.
One researcher caught a glimpse into the eyes of the professor's reflection. There was an intense gleam there, at odds with the professor's happy features; it was like the reflection was anticipating freedom. "Professor, I don't think-"
But it was too late. The professor stepped through the mirror. First his hand touched the surface, but instead of resting on the glass, it passed through; his entire body continued into the mirror. At the same time, his reflection stepped out of the mirror, seemingly through the Professor. It was immediately apparent that this was not the Professor. Where the Professor was a friendly and open man, the reflection looked guarded and somewhat sinister. What had the Professor done?
The reflection slowly took in the room and everyone who was in it. "Are there any other volunteers who want to enter my world?" he asked, a smirk gracing his features. "No? I thought not." He turned to the assistants by the Mirror Traveller. "You there. Turn it off."
"But, what about the Professor?"
"Oh, I imagine he's having a grand old time in my world. Now shut it down. And cover this mirror. In fact, I don’t want to see another mirror in this room ever again!" He watched as researchers scrambled to obey, continuing under his breath, “If he wants to be a mirror slave it’s fine by me. But I’m never going back there ever again!”
"Now I know that most of you have been working on this baby in some capacity or another. But now, after four years, we are finished! It is time to unveil" he pulled the sheet away, "my Mirror Traveller!"There was a scattering of applause which slowly gained momentum as the Professor stood in front of his creation.
After a few minutes, he held up his hand for silence. "I know a lot of people doubted that mirror travel would be possible or even wise. Some of those doubters are even in this room. But no matter: we have succeeded! First we sent inanimate objects through, such as rocks. The mirror world gave us the mirror image of the rocks in return. Next we sent test animals through with the same phenomenon. And now, here today, I am about to be the first human to test the Mirror Traveller! Since Alice, I will be the first human through the looking glass!"
His proclamation was met with gasps from the assembled. Everyone was staring at the Professor like he was mad.
"Sir," a young researcher finally piped up, "I would advise against this. While animals have successfully come through, the mirror animals aren't just mirror images of those we've sent through - they also exhibit opposite temperaments. We need much more data before we attempt such a thing!"
"This will be the best way to gather the data we need. Cats and rats cannot communicate, and we've had problems with any electronic equipment which goes through. No, we need someone to observe this world and report back. I have volunteered myself because I do not wish anyone else to come to harm. As many of you know, this has been my dream for many years now."
With that, no one was able to dissuade the Professor. And so the Mirror Traveller was prepped. The Professor stepped forward when all was ready, his senior PhD students trailing after him with a large, plain mirror. They placed the mirror directly in front of the device and stepped back. The Professor adjusted a few dials, then powered up the machine. There was a burst of light as a thin beam of energy contacted with the mirror, but then the mirror's face clouded over, revealing the mirror image of the room they were in. But the people reflected back were not mere reflections; they stared into the real world with hunger in their eyes. The Professor drew closer to the mirror.
One researcher caught a glimpse into the eyes of the professor's reflection. There was an intense gleam there, at odds with the professor's happy features; it was like the reflection was anticipating freedom. "Professor, I don't think-"
But it was too late. The professor stepped through the mirror. First his hand touched the surface, but instead of resting on the glass, it passed through; his entire body continued into the mirror. At the same time, his reflection stepped out of the mirror, seemingly through the Professor. It was immediately apparent that this was not the Professor. Where the Professor was a friendly and open man, the reflection looked guarded and somewhat sinister. What had the Professor done?
The reflection slowly took in the room and everyone who was in it. "Are there any other volunteers who want to enter my world?" he asked, a smirk gracing his features. "No? I thought not." He turned to the assistants by the Mirror Traveller. "You there. Turn it off."
"But, what about the Professor?"
"Oh, I imagine he's having a grand old time in my world. Now shut it down. And cover this mirror. In fact, I don’t want to see another mirror in this room ever again!" He watched as researchers scrambled to obey, continuing under his breath, “If he wants to be a mirror slave it’s fine by me. But I’m never going back there ever again!”
Saturday, May 1, 2010
At the Ottawa Art Gallery
"What's it do?"
"Everything and nothing."
"Like, the machine exists in a state of Enlightenment?"
"Exactly."
"So what exactly is the point of it. From what it sounds like, it just sorta sits there."
"I'm not sure you understand modern art my friend."
"I'm just saying, for $80 I would at least expect some flashing lights or something. This just sort of looks like a tin can with a screw-driver run through it. Actually I'm pretty sure that's all it is."
"This device my friend, transcends mere flashing lights. It simply. Is."
"..."
"Listen do you want the damn sculpture or not?"
"I think your salesmanship needs work."
"So's your face!" *smokebomb*
"Everything and nothing."
"Like, the machine exists in a state of Enlightenment?"
"Exactly."
"So what exactly is the point of it. From what it sounds like, it just sorta sits there."
"I'm not sure you understand modern art my friend."
"I'm just saying, for $80 I would at least expect some flashing lights or something. This just sort of looks like a tin can with a screw-driver run through it. Actually I'm pretty sure that's all it is."
"This device my friend, transcends mere flashing lights. It simply. Is."
"..."
"Listen do you want the damn sculpture or not?"
"I think your salesmanship needs work."
"So's your face!" *smokebomb*
Monday, April 26, 2010
May Quote
"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that old boy. I have machines of all kinds. Marvellous machines. They can do things...you will not believe!"
-Robotnik, Sonic Boom (Sonic SatAM)
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