The Oracle Report

hull balance

Photo by Jessica McClure on Unsplash

Welcome to another installment of The Oracle Report where we conduct a closed-eyes random pick from a very large dictionary and do what we can to address it.

But first:

A Letter to Rhona

Dear Rhona,
You might or might not remember me, but I remember you. Just one of your guardian angels, I am here now to repay my debt to you for being one of my guardian angels. You came to my rescue, and my years spent with you helped to reshape and reinvent myself - I am not here but for you.

Some things I remember:

I remember the color of your hair and the soft touch of curls that ring your forehead.
I remember your eyes and the joy they brought looking into mine.
I remember being as close to you as anyone can be, every inch and molecule of you.
I remember the timber of your voice.
I remember your hands, your feet, your elbows, your knees, your jaw, your lips.
I remember all of this and more.
You are not alone, and we will not forget you.
The world you give so freely to is looking back at you and wants you.
The memories you gave me - I give back to you.

Thanks goes to the community formerly known as LRT of Philadelphia and worldwide, rebirthers past and present for the gift of breathing with me, and Rhona: a high priestess of the Philadelphia arts community.

Photo by Ann Savchenko on Unsplash

The Oracle Report: hull balance

hull’ bal’ance, (of a sailing vessel) the property of maintaining satisfactory trim and steering qualities when heeled at a normal angle. Random House

There could be a lot to say about this brief definition; why we could sail anywhere on this voyage so long as we maintain hull balance. There’s always something strange and unusual about these reports. Tales of mariners and open water are presenting themselves in casual conversation - but there’s more: staying the course is among the many navigational lessons in the colorful language of the Mariner (another metaphor).

We could make good use of any lessons at our discretion to guide us through predicament, the shoals and storms of living.

There are lots of ways to express these sentiments, maintaining hull balance seems a pretty good one.

Maybe we can remind ourselves that we are captain of our own vessel, the course we set and the wake we leave is ours. Trim and steer true and we reach our destinations in good order.

And when in dangerous waters let the lessons of the Mariner guide us in good stead and preparation.

The Mariner and the Traveler have something in common; sleeps in one place and wakes in another. They understand that marvel and mystery are inseparable. Sometimes we see our horizon, sometimes we don’t. Make provision for either.
But our voyages are always plying the great oceans of time and space; no voyage is greater, and a destination is always certain. So, make of this what you will. This is no more than a waveform. The spell is yours to steer, so fair sailing, proper hull balance.

Photo by Pawel Nolbert on Unsplash

Quaint and slightly relevant updates:

Of course there’s more to Rhona’s story. If you’re curious, or want to join in, navigate your way over to Notes where the thread continues.

Another installment of The Oracle Report comes to you next Saturday.

Nixed the Referrals thing for now.

Chapter 6 of The Spell of Ai revisits in your future.

As will Personal Traits.

And more rows of words.

Photo by Beth Teutschmann on Unsplash