The Art of Modern Spectacle

New York | The Grapevine

The Greats and the Legends

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The grapevine is powerful. When whispers of a talent with trophies from the Olympics and studies to tend to are carried with the wind, speculation and rumors are inevitable, as is curiosity. When curiosity is piqued, knocks can be heard at the door. Many casualties come with a change in the guard. People of all ranks get stabbed in the back, poisoned, and slit across the throat. While some stay steady at their station, keeping original House Codes, others find their way out of the arena, on paths to ships offering haven and houses far & wide. Departing from a House is the end of a lifetime. As I watched the old guard walk out the door, one by one, a whisper that I would do well, or a deep stare in the middle of a decorated conference room, as they stated they were finally going to finish their studies.

When accepting an invitation, one must set aside the to-do list. What matters is how you show up and what you bring to the table. A friendly breakfast and coffee within rank can hold different origins, and are less formal than when seated with a Great. Camaraderie is built when sharing rapport. When conducted with the proper acknowledgements and respect, it will often lead to smiles of relief, extended hands, and well-wishes for the journey ahead.

Among the Strays, the sound of a familiar name and memories of a friendly face will be honored when the news is shared; he’s returned to his Origins. Messages of congratulations and respect are sent, and coffee is in the air. While there is both honor and glory in ranks and titles seated at a House, those who have mastered their craft can also choose to build their own path. A highly respected and honorable choice, as it requires the mastery of a specialty and the balance of time. An advisor and Master of Craft, who always had time to say,

“Hello!”

It was said that the best way to find him at the Olympics was to follow the trail of croissant crumbs. As we sat for coffee, we reminisced on the old days under a shared banner, in the arena, and memories of the Village. Laughing in delight at the memory of the same bundle of Earth’s marvels. Excited to share a milestone, a first personal stone. He smiled proudly when he heard I had left my own trail of crumbs through the streets of Paris.

“Paris is always a good idea. It certainly is nice to see a friendly face!”

When a helping hand resurfaces, the whispers of the grapevine will rustle through the leaves like a game of telephone. It’s best to seek as much cover as possible and divert attention in the opposite direction. Time was of the essence, and the grapevine was of two winds.

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It seems wherever I go, curiosity piques and a silent crowd tends to gather… Do they love me? Hate me? Are they gasping in shock? Clutching their pearls? Banging down my door? To my observers, know, you may not be the only ones watching.

It’s quite fun to color outside the lines. I’m certainly no victim nor martyr. Step carefully, and one might just become a muse.

The Art of Modern Spectacle: Knowing when and when not to be seen/heard. Always be aware of the eyes that may be watching and be mindful of who may be listening. The free market is free play, and while some spectators may sit behind private doors… I was let out of the box long ago.

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A highly anticipated coffee invitation from a Great had been received. I had specific stationery in mind, just in case. An afternoon where minds that see similar colors and shapes will meet and appreciate of the same summer coasts with respect for the families represented at the table. Tales of journeys and whispers of visions will shine light on different potential paths. The path that glows the brightest will be the way forward. As the time concludes, well wishes for the end of Apollo’s season are exchanged, with a highly anticipated weekend on the horizon. The final tournament of the Tennis Tours was on the calendar, to be hosted by the city. The pavement was buzzing with anticipation as the city’s circles once again prepared for collision.

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Today is a very heavy day. However, my best friend and a Great Ally have finally aligned and have become friends. I’m so happy & my heart is so whole because of it, even in my past lives, there was so much good in those worlds too. There is always joy to be had in the village. And if a friend is ever in dark waters— a sea you’ve already navigated, point her in the direction of the light.

Written with Honey

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