Happy Birthday to Me

My brother makes all the greeting or occasion cards he sends with photographs he has taken. (I once had a calendar made out of 12 of them.) I would agree with him that this shot is so very appropriate for me given my first blog, one to which I should post more often. This photo is recent; it was taken in Belfast, Maine on March 31 of this year. I hope to be running with swords for quite a few years longer. Our senior master kendo instructor is about to turn 82 or 83. (Before doing martial arts in my 80s, I hope I'm still alive then.) And if I can't run, skipping works or even walking. As the current patch velcroed to my day bag notes, "FAILURES HAPPEN. QUITTING, HOWEVER, IS A CHOICE." It is a choice I hope not to be making just because some people might view 60 as "old."

Just Hanging Around

While we were away, the kid hung our three replica swords on the upstairs wall. One can never have too many swords hanging around, I say. There are still plenty of swords in the downstairs just in case they're needed. One can never have too many swords period.

Leaving Me Speechless

This came in the mail today, from a friend, along with a Viking knit bracelet she made me as a birthday present and another bracelet she made with a stone that seemed to her--as it does to me--to commemorate a visit we took together to White Sands, New Mexico. I was only expecting the one bracelet, which I knew was coming since I'd measured my wrist for it, and am blown away by how perfectly suited everything is to me. I mean, does this sword pendant just screams my name. I am not sure what I do to deserve such friends, but I shall try to pay it forward soon and often.

Better Late Than Never

That's the inch by which my katana is now shorter. I really should have had it shortened years ago.