The Untitled Post

Three good things, told in third-person:

Mrs. Whitworth:

Mrs. Whitworth was not always a cat, but once she was, she never looked back.

Mrs. Whitworth has been whispering in Zep's ears, encouraging her to become a powerful Shadow Priest.  She had her reasons.

Ceniza:

Ceniza tried to change to another worgen's fire mage specification, with abysmal results. So, she went back to her role model, and fared much, much better:

And although she did not get the dagger---she noticed something. Millya used a staff, too--perhaps, just perhaps--things do work out for reason. Ceniza's staff was not nearly so powerful, and in many ways she was unprotected, but finding her place, her own path, too, was quite illuminating.

Mataoka:

There is change, always inevitable change. Mataoka has discovered that she enjoys healing, and while in a raid yesterday, a beautiful Druid healer won a trinket Matty desperately needed. She congratulated the Druid, and in a few brief moments, the Druid opened a trade window, gave Matty the trinket, and accepted Mataoka's gratitude, and left:

Know Your Archetype: Star-Crossed Lovers

This post has been in draft, scratches and scribbles, for weeks. With the latest considerations, thought it may be a good time to post these thoughts (and dammit, wouldn't you know? My notebooks are somewhere else. Probably at work.)

Here is my addendum to the "death and taxes" belief:

*If you're asking, "Is this enchilada still good?" it isn't.
*There are no such things as "soul-mates."

As far as star-crossed lovers go, most likely the most famous example is Romeo & Juliet. Anyone familiar with the play has similar reactions: "What the hell?!" And, then naturally, a wondering of what might have happened if they hadn't died, if they had lived 'happily ever after.' But the tearing asunder of the love is at the core of the star-crossed nature (and nod to Shakespeare for that term, 'star crossed.' It is magical.)

Chorus:

Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;
Whose misadventur'd piteous overthrows
Doth with their death bury their parents' strife.
Romeo And Juliet Prologue, 1–8

The story is a huge ping-pong of cause and effect. Any English teacher in the upper grades worth his or her salt uses this as the primary focus of the story, and perhaps as a cautionary tale for teenagers not to get swept up in their hormones, drama, and arrogance in their perception that 'no one could possibly understand how they feel' hubris. We get it, kids, we really do.

Star-crossed lovers are essentially two people, thrown together by fate, destiny, and yet cruelly destined to never be together, to never be allowed to share their lives, build their dreams, or embrace their futures. But, because their lives are cut off dramatically short, they are forever ensconced in youth, beauty, and perfection. Quite a price to pay, though. Especially for misplaced notes, meddling nurses and well-meaning friars. But as over-done and over-analyzed as Romeo & Juliet may be, I am still haunted by an epiphany I had when I watched the most recent 1996 film version, and the gang-style violence of the families really hit home. This is what many teenagers are living with, and though they are unlikely to go down the same short path of the two protagonists, family and gang loyalties are a fact of life for many children today. Some sad things never change. Love and violence are as intertwined as an embrace.

Mercutio's performance is worth the price of admission, and a favorite character of mine

Cupid and Psyche

Some examples:
Pyramond & Thisbe (Ovid)
Eros/Cupid & Psyche (Greek mythology)
Romeo & Juliet (Shakespeare)
Jack & Rose (Cameron)
Rhett & Scarlett (stupid Civil War! Always messing things up!) (Mitchell)
Tyrande & Illidan (Blizzard lore writers)

Tyrande & Illidan? But--she's happily with Malfurion! Oh, is she? I think Erinys and I completely agree that her relationship with Malfurion is, well--more Isla Lund and Victor Laszlo than Isla Lund and Rick Blaine. Even though that dialogue is certainly cheesy in Well of Eternity, if you stop and think about it, it's sad, too. I resist the urge to put a gag order on Malfurion, tell Illidan to pull his head out and kiss her already, and tell Tyrande to kiss him back. And bring extra arrows.

Vidyala's artwork from Manalicious. Tyrande still dreaming of Illidan...

And as awesomesauce as True Love is, it doesn't take out the trash, and still yells when the thermostat is changed. (Trust me. It does.) Romeo & Juliet got off easy in some ways. Juliet never had to learn that Romeo could be a big pouty baby when he gets a head cold, and Romeo never realizes how disturbing Juliet looks when she eats toast.

One of the modern-day star-crossed realities are long-distance relationships. I was pondering yesterday how many relationships have begun in Azeroth. Think about the friendships you've made, and even though it's a voice in Vent, or text on a screen, these friendships are real, or as real as real is capable. And then I am saddened for those young lovers who are oceans apart, and because of careers, families, and other obstacles simply cannot be in closer proximity. Having been in long-distance relationships myself, I know it's bittersweet. You don't necessarily have to learn to live with the irksome habits of another human in your physical space, but right now you're probably thinking a few dirty socks on the floor would be worth it. So when I speak of there being no 'soul-mates,' I mean, consider all of the relationships in your life: there are many for whom the shoe fits. There are those who are a more perfect fit than others, to be sure, and loyalty, fidelity, and trust are the foundations for long-lasting loves. There may be more than one lid for every pot, as the old expression goes, so no need for daggers to the chest or poison viles to the lips.

There is only one thing that breaks True Love (and no it's not a nice MLT, mutton, lettuce and tomato sandwich where the mutton is nice and lean and the tomatoes perky), but death. That's it. So, young lovers, don't rush toward it. Enjoy your time now, and let the stars take care of themselves.

This is one of my favorite quotes, by one of my favorite authors:

“Love is the ultimate outlaw. It just won't adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is to sign on as its accomplice. Instead of vowing to honor and obey, maybe we should swear to aid and abet. That would mean that security is out of the question. The words "make" and "stay" become inappropriate. My love for you has no strings attached. I love you for free.” 
― Tom Robbins, Still Life With Woodpecker




Addendum: How could I have forgotten this? It was in my notes, which I have since found:
http://www.wowwiki.com/Quest:Young_Lovers

Theme songs:
Everclear/Local God
Jet/Are You Going to Be My Girl?
The King and I/Deborah Kerr/Hello Young Lovers (bring a tissue)

Picture perfect...

Mataoka, the Drippy Soggy Shaman

Ceniza, Wet Match in Dark Cave

Luperci, Who Is Not A Fail Tank

Zeptepi, of the Mismatched Gloves

Momokawa, of the Peachy Keen Tribe

One fun distraction of technology is the ability to manipulate imagery: we have always loved this, since the first camera. The Armory App is quite fun, but I've noticed that, especially on Friday this past week, I was sneaking out my phone, and not being too sly about it. Addiction to technology has brought me low, jonesing for click click bing. Momma, don't take my Kodachrome away.

On this cloudy Sunday morning, time to take stock. I avoided, procrastinated, ditched, however I want to say it, more responsibility yesterday. Have a very dear friend who keeps his weekends sacred. For the past several years, I am not able to keep my job in that box, it spills out mentally and emotionally everywhere I go, and during the weekdays I have other responsibilities so I can't stay late, clear the decks, and have totally free weekends. Oh, damn that sounds whiney. Sorry. Really.

But it's not all mental guilt- there are guilty pleasures as well. Last night our little rag-tag cross-realm group got together and finally went through all of Naxxramas. That lost boss, Kel'Thuzad, did give us some trouble, but mostly because I got over-confident. Ice, ice, baby--called in the big guns (gracias, gracias!) and done he fell (slipped on some ice I guess). Little Miss Shammypants got a great staff (which I'm still trying to figure out if that is an elemental thing, or if elemental should still use maces and shields?) a coolio-shield with a skull on it (little do most players know but that skull has a CD player and AM/FM receiver, just there, behind the horns, and a jack for headphones). And, some gorgeous leggings in her favorite, and mine, color--indigo blue. Still looking for a belt to match. Add one more thing to the list.

Ceniza---Ceniza is giving me fits. I cannot seem to obtain the gear needed to add spark and fuel to her fires. Tried to do LFR to see if I could obtain the dagger, but alas--no. No. And No. Overall, the DPS for the group was horrible, and though I got to the 33K area, it was a struggle. I looked at her talent tree again, having changed it, and this morning I changed it back. I looked over other fire mage's gear, and though Ceniza's gear is not great, and horrible compared to the goddess mage's, (still many 378 items) I keep feeling I SHOULD DO BETTER. NOW. (Why do I keep hearing the Simpson's dog trainer, "PULL THE BLOODY CHAIN BOY NOW! in my head?) And then when someone yells out N***** F*****, and an over-zealous shaman is, and has been, yelling at everyone for 20 minutes--well---

--------at the moment I need to take stock of my life, or my play life anyway.

Confess this to cross-dressing rogue, who is happily playing D3 along with the majority of folks in my play world, and another close person says to tell me in D3 no one yells N***** F*****. It's very cool and laid back. Somehow -- I don't find this believable. It seems we get more than two people in a room and there's tension.

Which leads me to this, once more:
I need a ten-main team, guys. Just casual. Don't make anything a big damn deal. Grab me, put it together once in a while, and let's go. I am all dressed up and no where to go. I don't want drama, over-sexed goofiness, nerd rage, daddy-issues, mommy-issues, bullying, harrassment, or finger-pointing.

And to my friends who don't give me grief, who make me very happy---thank you.

And if anyone is interested in having a drippy shaman, a hawt tank, a sweet but tired healer, or a mean mage on a team, you know where to find me.

Guess I'll go see what my warrior in D3 is up to.


Dare you not to sing along: Kodachrome/Paul Simon

Collective consciousness

What is it about our thinking that seems to be more than coincidental? I have noticed that something random will pop in my head, and within 24 hours, a repeat of the thought will be reinforced. For example, I'll think, "Gee, what is Archbishop Benedictus' story, anyway?" and then BAM! This blogger posted this very thorough explanation and background: The Missing Story of Archbishop Benedictus.

The question at the end of the superb article asks about other characters I am curious about, whose lore and legends may not be as defined as some. I will say that when I get around to the Know Your Archetype: El Patron, I will use this as a definitive example. Lots of daddy issues in this one.

Lately I've been strumming around Azeroth looking at the odd objects, but more on those later. Right now I'm wondering how it got to be noon and nothing is done...oh wait. Not true. I did read a great article.

Just because...

Sometimes, you just want to look hot, even if only virtually, and vicariously:

Burns, burns, burns...

Dear readers and friends, and friends who are readers, you probably have figured out that my human self, as much as I want to, cannot reside in Azeroth 24/7. We all have other interests, and this is healthy. One piece of advice I take from the opening splash-screens is "Get outside of Azeroth." Reading bits of news this morning, I cannot believe I almost missed this:

Ring of Fire Eclipse

National Geographic

This is so cool, that I'm even posting during a break at work. It's a good thing, because if my brain wasn't engaged right now in writing, I would go face-first into my instant mocha and drown a coffee-death, I am that tired (and weepy--hate when that happens). It was a long day for our stalwart Miss Matty's human self, and yet--managed to keep a smile, lipstick, and warm disposition on.

Now--I mentioned I was weepy. When I get this exhausted, and yet have many a mile to go before I sleep, and promises to keep, there is nothing to be done for it. The front part of my brain/frontal lobe aches, my eyes feel puffy and full of toxins, and those toxins need to be cleansed - hence the tears. This morning I tried to check in with the Draenei girls, and repeatedly got kicked off of the server. I guess they were trying to tell me to bugger off and kept hitting their own snooze alarms. Smart girls. I am jealous.

So, the big swirly vortex of my favorite bloggers is the new blogger thingy.
Check out Tome's, Navi's, JD's, et.al. And if I have any credibility at all, my old post on it, too, before there was an initiative.

Now, in the process of writing this, my work laptop has gone all wonky, so I am going to hit the publish button soon. There are more instant coffee packets, so--till next time. Once in a while--my only advice this morning--look up.

Too sad: Hurt/Johnny Cash
Too obvious: Ring of Fire
Just right: I walk the line...

...not when death is on the line!

Have a "thing" to go to tonight. It involves Minecraft and the masses. Wish me luck.

Had a moment to drop in and create these two scallywags:

"Never get in a land war in Asia"
Vizzini

"My name is Inigo Montoya." 

You all may be heartened to know but this film never gets old to new audiences.

As you wish...

Don't worry - Inigo, Fezzik, Vizzini, Prince Humperdink, and of course Count Tyrone Rugen (not sure how I am going to transmog six fingers) are in the works, but here is the starting cast for my "Go Hollywood" theme:

The Fire Swamps are somewhere near Tanaris, I believe, left at the dead thing, three leagues east...

Princess Buttercup

Westley in his Dread Pirate Robert's disguise

Will add pitchfork for "Poor and Perfect Farm Boy" look

Drabble: The long view...

Dornaa sat on Matty’s lap and put her tiny hands on both sides of Matty’s face. She said, “You’re old but pretty, Matty.” Matty laughed, tickling the tiny girl. “You are so right, my darling girl, and you are silly as a gnome and twice as cute!”

She thought of that now—Mataoka, (never “Mommy”), was so patient—except when she wasn’t. But she was always fair. This gave Dornaa self-respect. Matty had one request for the young Draenei—to go to Azuremyst and understand her true people again. She loved it, but home was still just out of reach.

Rubbish.

I will not go into details, and no, I am not one of the paramours, but this story pleased me:

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2011/06/26/how-the-13th-richest-man-in-scotland-is-now-cleaning-skips-in-the-us-86908-23228239/

For anyone who has ever, ever had a bad boss.

Enjoy.