Composing Rational Thoughts - Hmm. I've been in several conversations lately, where differing opinions were the main topic (and I'm not even limiting this to politics). In one conversation, the main concept was a theoretical separation between the opinion of the individual versus the opinion of the community, and then beyond that how one community approached its main issues versus how a younger community might approach something similar but not identical. It was an interesting conversation, but I was greatly surprised that the conversation actually escalated, rather than remain just a discussion of differing opinions. There were clearly communication misunderstandings.

In the other discussion, it was a potentially a political discussion that *could* have escalated, but I was extremely proud it *didn't* escalate. In an election season, there are times when it's possible to forget that not all your friends share the same opinions. But when we were calmly discussing various opinions, laws, election results, case law, history, and one person was able to join in with a differing opinion, I was so impressed that everyone was allowed to talk, disagree, develop the argument, and still act with respect and civility. It was a testament to chivalry, I say!

It is much more difficult to maintain that kind of rational conversation only in print. Email and Journals and Blogs and Social Networking comments don't always lend themselves to the same kind of rational conversation. Last night when I first penned this journal draft, I was writing, "when the conversation goes on and on, but it's on *my* page, I'm sorely tempted to delete the whole thread when it seems like people are listening to one another. And at the same time, I wonder if it's *my* problem --> am I the only one who thinks we're talking past one another? Maybe the participants think the conversation is going fine, and I'm the only one who's having issues with all the responses."

Then this morning I came in to find that six more posts had been written, escalating the problems I saw last night, and it ended with both passionate writers sending me apologies. They *did* both realize that the conversation had veered completely, and they both apologized to me personally and to the other writer. I have to say, I was really impressed with both of them. One, they felt safe starting a discussion like this on my home turf, and two that they realized they'd perhaps pushed the conversation a little too far and they both apologized without any prompting.

So, kudos to P, B, M, and L. Just in case they're wondering -- that's the conversation with which I was impressed last night. We didn't all agree, but everyone was allowed to speak. We probably didn't change anyone's mind, but we shared a lot of information. Awesome.

And kudos to A and R, for the written conversation that turned into everyone reigning it in, apologizing, and owning their own behavior. That really warmed my heart. Very classy, my dears. I'm very pleased to have friends such as you in my life. You made my morning.

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Coronation and Queen's Champion - So Friday was my Regular Day Off (RDO), and it was quite relaxing. I managed to schedule an appointment with my favorite masseuse, had some relaxing time reading, finished my laundry, had dinner with friends, packed for the weekend, and made it to Jeff's place by 11 pm. I crashed on his couch, and we headed out by 3 am to meet up for our carpooling. Rick was driving, and Sarina had made our hotel reservations. We met up at Rae and Renata's place, packed up Jeff, me, and Renata, and hit the road for Vegas a little after 4 am.

The only real problem with the event's weekends: We all guessed wrong for the weather. Normally "inside event" means you can wear wool, and "outside event in the sun" means you should wear light-weight linen, right? Nope. Indoor event was not an overly air-conditioned cold building. We were warm, too warm sometimes. And the outdoor event on Sunday was windy, cold, and cloudy [although very bright]. I was very happy my bard cloak was made of corduroy and velvet, although it still wasn't all that warm.

Both events were lovely, but oddly I never found myself taking all that many photos. In some ways it was just serendipity, in other ways I think I was just in that weird place where "I've seen some of this before" when you've been to many events.

Something new that I loved (and I *tried* to get photos, but I was too far away and everything came out blurry) -- Edward and Mora created two new awards in our Kingdom. We've had the "Order of the Acorn of Caid" as an award for the exceptional Children, but if you really thought about the award, you might suggest it was a Service Award. Their Majesties created the "Order of the Shining Star of Caid" for Chivalry in Youth Combat, and the "Order of the Golden Flame" for Artistic achievement by Youth. It was so fantastic to see the Premier members of these new orders received recognition for their achievements.

There was a wonderfully humorous bit for Edward's exit. He looks a lot like a garden gnome: Short, long white beard. Kora came running down the aisle, shouting, "Santa! Santa! It's half-past November and it's time to return to the North Pole!" Edward put on a long pointed hat with a fur brim, and laughing, ran down the aisle with Kora. It was perfect.

Also, it's very exciting to see Kolfinna and Sven return to the throne. If I'd thought about it, I should have taken pictures of Kolfinna's clothing both days: She really looked fantastic. (Not that Sven didn't look fantastic too, but really, she looked amazing.)

Saturday night a bunch of us went for "Vegas Buffet" for dinner, which was fun. And then back at the hotel, Jeff caught up on sleep and the rest of us stayed up chatting for a while. We had a nice lazy morning, a short day on site for Queen's Champion, and hit the road fairly early to get Jeff home in time for his midnight start time for work. I had a nice dinner with Jeff and Adrienne before heading home, and was pleased with my weekend in general.

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Lost and Found - Some good news: I finally found 2 rings I thought I lost 2 months ago. They'd somehow fallen into an open pocket on my computer bag. Some frustrating news: I somehow lost a belt and my cell-phone holster. I've called the hotel, but there's no sign of it having been found yet. It's been cold lately, so I've been enjoying a change to wear sweaters, knit hats, knit arm-warmers, and the like. I think I can pull out scarves now, too.

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Today's Blessing That I'm Thankful For: Friends who are able to carry on rational conversations