Captain's Blog

The Three Lessons

Captain's Log, the 24th of July in the year Two Thousand and Nine.

WIthin each member of me crew lies a vast archive of potent stories and images, all clues to the deciphering of the Map of Wonders. RIght here on board the Black Swan is our very own Hall of Records, like Alexandria's famed Library. The heart and soul of every sailor witholds untold tales, poetry and song.

LaGrange suddenly reels back from the starboard side exclaiming,  "Confound it! What be the meaning of this damn land mass! I keep peerin' into the waves to make sense of all these signs and symbols and I be at me wit's end!!  Aaaarghhh!"

"Falcon, calm thee," steps forward Fearless Iron Gem.  "I know these shapes as clearly as they be part of me own personal mythology. I recognize these landmasses as well as me own children."  Iron Gem leans over the rail and points into the murky depths. "That first one is the key, Falcon. It represents the three lessons of the School of the Sea.  That land mass thar, you can barely make it out through the seaweed, but it indicates the first lesson: unlatch the idea.  What be locked, Falcon?  And below that swims the second lesson:  Sail to the destination.  Beyond that: the third lesson: Integrate.  The diagram for navigation be posted in the center as well as in the representation of the direction of the ships.

"Of Course! That be it!" exclaimed LaGrange!  "Thanks to your keen sight and patience, I can now make it out. But what be that darkened orb closest to us, Iron Gem?

But Iron Gem was all ready scrambling up the rat lines to the crow's nest and would offer no more.

Captain Morgan La Fey

(Journal Page by Fearless Iron Gem) 

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The Journey We Cannot Not Take

Captain's Log, the 23rd of July in the year Two Thousand and Nine.

"This is the journey we cannot not take." - Phil Cousineau, The Art of Pilgrimage

We be staring at the sea for clues.  There are clouds overhead, and their shadow drains all color from the waters below.  There be signs and symbols, temples and goddesses, and more.

We be on this new journey, not knowing our heading nor our destination.  The Black Swan be of her own mind, as always.  She will make her course known to us when she is ready.  As she previously made her very existence known to us only in her own good time.  She has invited us on this grand journey, and we be full of anticipation for the wonders ahead.

This is the journey we cannot not take.

-Captain Morgan La Fey

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Deep Sea Fishes

Captain's Log, the 22nd of July in the year Two Thousand and Nine.

In my ocean nothing is impossible.

The School of the Sea has taught us thar be no direct route. The shortest distance between two points be no straight line. To get from point A to point B,  we must venture to the edge and back.  To the edge and back.  To the edge and back.

Guided by the numinous moon and some inner compass, The Black Swan rises and falls, her breast pressed against the open flood gates of the turbulent tide.

The Falcon checks the marks on the Wagoner to the magical map below sea level.  Its depth is profound.  It changes with each passing deep sea fish. Far below 200 fathoms or more, the bottom be covered with forests of sponges, crinoids, and other invertebrates that cover mile after mile of ocean floor and feed the deep sea fishes.  There! A red dory! Ahoy! A scorpion fish!

As above, so below.

Still steady as she goes, wherever she may go.

-Captain Morgan La Fey

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The Map of Wonders

Captain's Log, the 21st of July in the year Two Thousand and Nine.

The map appears as a reflection on the water, moving with the shimmering ripples of light, changing with the breeze. 

The Falcon be perplexed, unable to explain the alchemical transformation of the mystical atlas.  The changes in the contours of conquest over centuries, the changes in the contours of the hidden world below.  Shifting in response to storms a thousand miles away.

It be hard to know the exact path that the HMS Black Swan be following.  Or the subterranean hydrography that be governing her passage. 

A cloud drifts over, and its shadow obscures the mysterious wagoner's, at least for now, but it will soon appear again.  Transformed, of course, for it be a map of wonders.  

Of her own accord, the HMS Black Swan suddenly makes a minor course correction to starboard, committing herself and crew to a new heading.  The Quartermaster reports that all lines be secure, the ship be sailing strong, and the crew be a little surprised but also excited.  Seacat Master Petey curls up at the foot of me bunk for a quiet nap.  

Steady as she goes.

-Captain Morgan La Fey

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The Secret of the Ancient Mariner

Captain's Log, the 20th of July in the year Two Thousand and Nine.

Thar be much to catch up on with me mateys without a single moment to write in me own log!  For many a day the Barbary Corsair and I be studyin' and ruminating on the curiouser and curiouser entries in me Captain's Log. It seems the alchemical explosion which altered me consciousness, also altered the pages of the journal.  We be of the need to decipher these entries when time becomes more of a friend. 

And as yet we cannot chart the Black Swan's course.  Falcon thinks the Swan be settled in her direction when suddenly she turns black tail and comes about. She be keeping us on our toes with the Quartermaster shoutin' orders, LaGrange tracing and retracing angles, me crew running about holding lines, and letting out canvas, pulling her in and lettin' her out agin.  All we can reckon is a switchback: to and fro and to and fro. So we have spent these days recounting stories, drinkin' rum, readyin the ship, and ourselves, for whatever be awaiting us on that ever changing horizon.

And in this time between time, a time of great patience and faith, I learned the secret;  Falcon's grandfather was the Ancient Mariner.  This be the key to how LaGrange came by all those mystical maps, charts and strange navigation tools!  Thar be no other wagoner like the one we sails by!  And that be how LaGrange knew where to find the treasure! Ancient stories whispered on the winds and the pull of the tides.  And since me return from the netherworld, I have a bit of that gift meself; and  in the song of the seagull, like the cry of a painful memory, I vision a land where from I stand, the sun both rises and sets.

"Look alive ye yellow bellied scallywaggers, She be comin' about agin!"

-Captain Morgan La Fey

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Moonlight Sonata

Captain's Log, the 7th of July in the year Two Thousand and Nine.

On the sixth day the rain stops and the clouds begin to disperse. I have not slept since I awoke and took command of me vessel.  As the moon rises, I enter me quarters for the first time in months. I be surprised: it be lo I had been here but yesterday morn. The room is cleaned, dusted and prepared for me as if I never left: as if it be waiting for me with the faith that I would, indeed, return.  There be comfort in this.

I settle in quietly at me desk and appreciate its smooth wooden surface. Thar be me Captain's Log, me quill pen, me black ink from China, a Green Turkish glass decanter with Sterling silver edging, and a goblet.  With a heavy heart, I remember fondly me journal writings from Key West, and feel a sudden inexplicable longing. Hesitatingly, I open me book with expectations of emptiness.  Avast! I thumb through the pages in alarm: these be not me entries!  Calming meself, I read the words of me first mate, Falcon Lagrange, and learn of the Black Swan and her journey in me absence.  There is too much to take in, and I close the heavy manuscript.  I pour meslef a glass of smoky red wine from Spain into an ornately jeweled goblet of gold.  Aye! me mates must have discovered treasure! I bet it was right where the Falcon said it would be!

Through the cabin window I see the full moon shining down upon me ship.  It illuminates the night sky behind what is left of the dark clouds creating a magnificent  skyscape in blues, purples, magentas. I raise me goblet in earnest to La Luna Bella, but it be the amber eyes of Seacat Master Petey reflected in the glass returning my gaze!  I get up quickly to unlock the window and welcome me wise old companion!  We're both still alive eh? I exclaim while scratching his ears and pulling his tail.

Just then there is a knock upon the door.  "Captain?"  "Falcon, no need for formalities, enter my friend." "Captain, we have much to discuss."  "Yes, of course, I..." "But there be one thing..."  "Falcon I think the first order of business is.." "Captain, please, this be very important and I want you to hear me out..." "But I must interupt, Falcon, because what I need to say  cannot wait..." " But you.." No I..."

In unison: "Aye, her Majesty's Black Swan has changed her course."

A warm wind enters through the open window and the cut crystal droplets and diamonds from the chandelier above play the classical sounds of a moonlight sonata.

-Captain Morgan La Fey

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Instructions for Safe Passage

Captain's Log, the sixth of July in the year Two Thousand and Nine.

The wordless song arrives on the wind,and sings the way forward.  We feel the shadow memories and we pause in the cocoon of the darkness.  The Black Swan Mother whispers of safe passage, and we ready ourselves for the new voyage ahead.

-Captain Morgan La Fey

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Heartship: a reflection of Self

Captain's Log, the fifth of July in the year Two Thousand and Nine.

Our Isle of safekeeping, Jane's Haven, is swallowed by the ocean.  The wind and mountainous waves, like Chimborazo, rock the HMS Black Swan like a baby. 

What a small song I hear.

What slow clouds.

What dark water.

I be drenched to the bone though I be not cold nor shivering.  Neither exhaustion nor hunger influence me.  I fear not, for what be left to fear?  I remain calm.  These black clouds be splendid as they tumble and crash, and then simmer, and tumble and crash, up and over and up and over and then down, down, like a heavy weight.  In this boiling Sorceress' brew be the magic:  this dark sky, decidedly full of mystery, holds no threat nor sorrow for me now.

I be where I belong.  I stand at the helm, the medicine wheel in my hands - only for balance- for the three fates, sisters of mercy, guide me ship of portent: a heartboat to be sure. I am whipped by stinging rain but what I feel is the embrace of life.

Whilst me heart be open, the sisterhood of fate tell me of the safe passage of Juana La Loca.  The rain rinses my tears and fills the ocean. 

"This is the song of the beautiful Sea Maiden, Josephine Juana La Loca:  it is a medicine story.  Her earthly body they did cleanse.  Sea flowers and seaweed they entwined in her snow white hair, and a necklace of coral circled thrice her throat.  They wrapped her in linen with limbs of starfish and wings of seagulls.  Your Captain's Chorus, led by the Turk, sang many hymns of departure as sea fog crept close.  At Sunset, mists shrouded the mummy like figure as she was taken gently by the Sea that loved her so.  Seahorses, pulling the Lunar Boat, the Polaris, escorted her down down, and down, where her spirit was freed to begin a new journey.  The ancient whales called out in endearing voices as they welcomed the Black Swan Mother back to the Sea.   And there, dear Captain, she keeps vigil over her resurrected child at the Helm. The spirit does not change.  She gave you a mirror. Behold thy new reflection."

Aye, I be the Captain and this be me heartship.  I shall not capsize, erase me history, nor silence the sirens.  I shall navigate these uncharted reefs looking for the wonders left in tide pools just to see with love what was left behind in the murky shallow waters.  Motherless am I:  This be the gift of Juana La Loca to all her children. 

-Captain Morgan La Fey

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The Death-Fires Danced at Night

Captain's Blog, the third of July in the year Two Thousand and Nine.

About, about, in reel and rout
The death-fires danced at night;
The water, like a witch's oils,
Burnt green, and blue and white.
-- Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

-Captain Morgan La Fey

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Deathwalker

Captain's Blog, the second of July in the year Two Thousand and Nine.   

Am I asleep? Were I dreaming?  Sundancers and drum talkers: you are the music I hear within all the voices clamoring for my attention. Am I talking to the wind?  I make no sound. I am a long way from home.

"Tighten that canvas!!!!!!!!!"

"But she looks snug enough Cap'n!"

"She be snug enough for any ordinary gale sailor...but this be no ordinary gale!" the Falcon booms through the howling wind.

Am I lost?  Am I dead?  All my life I be a deathwalker and I have traversed ancient lands but long for the endless seas.  Sail home.  Let go.  Beyond this drumming I hear a familiar sound. Who do I see coming towards me from the distance?  Is it my father, my mother?  I have been devastatingly alone.  Grief encloses me.  Who be swimming to me in this storm...

"If we don't cast her off this isle you landlubbers and sail this fury, we'll never live to see the light of tomorrow!"

"Aye aye Cap'n!"

I'll raise my hopeful voice above the din of my past. 

I hear nothing.

But I am not alone. 

Still thar be no sound.   How will I recover the power of me voice which has become so afeared and inarticulate?   From me deathwalking, I can hear clearly the desperate calls of me mates. I feel me fingers as I tighten me fists.  I sense me heart pounding blood through me veins. I recognize the strength of my lifeforce returning.  From the dead, I do raise my hopeful voice.  Like a shaman, I reenter the world of the living.

 "Mateys! I want that top sail off her altogether!"

The stunned crew, as if they sees a ghost, be silent and makes no movement.

"I will do it me Captain!" the first mate exclaims, without any hesitation, and, calling out to Fearless Iron Gem, and two others of the best sailors, the Falcon leads the way up the main shrouds.  While they proceed to furl and stow the sail, thar was not a breath of wind: just a low humming noise.

"Lagrange! Pinky! Nevermind the sail!  Quartermaster! Call all hands on deck!" the Captain shouts.  But the crew had sprung into action and the work was all ready finished.

While the sailors ran down the ratlines to the deck the hum had increased to a roar. Still no breath of wind stirred the sails.  The Falcon pointed, "Look up!" Immediately overhead was a small circle of blue sky round and round whose edge a dark cloud was circling with extreme velocity.  The light seemed to pierce straight down to the Black Swan as though illuminating her from within.   She stood pale and bathed in white, while all around her a pitchy blackness prevailed.

"We are in the eye of the storm," said Captain Morgan La Fey, calmly.  "Here it comes. Hold on for your dear life."

-Captain Morgan La Fey

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Sad News

Captain's Blog, the 27 of May in the year Two Thousand and Nine.  

We've just received the sad news that our sister Jane Brandley (aka Juana La Loca) has passed.

During our stay at the Hideaway, Iron Gem sat next to Jane and was inspired to create this page. Upon leaving Key West, the three wishes were not clear yet. Later when Iron Gem heard the news of Jane's illness, these three wishes came to her:

1) A black Swan

2) No Pain

3) To be with her true love

Today, Iron Gem and Falcon LaGrange have a heavy heart due to the loss of their sister but will always hold a special place in our hearts for Jane "Juana La Loca" Brandley.  You are missed.

Fair winds and a following sea.

-First Mate Falcon LaGrange and Fearless Iron Gem

Casting the Net

Captain's Blog, the 6 of April in the year Two Thousand and Nine.  

Still sorting out lotus dreams here, at least I be thinking it was dreaming.

In me dreams, I be casting a net upon flowing rivers of time and memories.  It's just a net, it be catching some things, others be escaping.

I almost have a memory of travel in an ancient land, and I be so close to discovering an ancient mystery.  But it slips through me grasp.

What be this ancient memory I be seeking?  What be this distant story that seems to want to be told, but then be hiding?  It has led me to a life of wandering and searching and pirating.   A fine life, to be sure, with the grandest ship and captain and crew in all the Seven Seas.  And yet, the mystery continues to elude me.

Am I getting any closer to that which I be seeking?

-First Mate Falcon LaGrange (for Captain Morgan La Fey, who be temporarily indisposed)

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Captain's Blog, the 6 of April in the year Two Thousand and Nine.  

Still sorting out lotus dreams here, at least I be thinking it was dreaming.

In me dreams, I be casting a net upon flowing rivers of time and memories.  It's just a net, it be catching some things, others be escaping.

I almost have a memory of travel in an ancient land, and I be so close to discovering an ancient mystery.  But it slips through me grasp.

What be this ancient memory I be seeking?  What be this distant story that seems to want to be told, but then be hiding?  It has led me to a life of wandering and searching and pirating.   A fine life, to be sure, with the grandest ship and captain and crew in all the Seven Seas.  And yet, the mystery continues to elude me.

Am I getting any closer to that which I be seeking?

-First Mate Falcon LaGrange (for Captain Morgan La Fey, who be temporarily indisposed)

www.destinyvoyages.com

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Captain's Blog, the 6 of April in the year Two Thousand and Nine.  

Still sorting out lotus dreams here, at least I be thinking it was dreaming.

In me dreams, I be casting a net upon flowing rivers of time and memories.  It's just a net, it be catching some things, others be escaping.

I almost have a memory of travel in an ancient land, and I be so close to discovering an ancient mystery.  But it slips through me grasp.

What be this ancient memory I be seeking?  What be this distant story that seems to want to be told, but then be hiding?  It has led me to a life of wandering and searching and pirating.   A fine life, to be sure, with the grandest ship and captain and crew in all the Seven Seas.  And yet, the mystery continues to elude me.

Am I getting any closer to that which I be seeking?

-First Mate Falcon LaGrange (for Captain Morgan La Fey, who be temporarily indisposed)

www.destinyvoyages.com

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