Sermon #1 - text

[raptura]

[Just a simple little post from username 'Bluemarine', but it's posted for everyone to see and the option to reply in any format you like is there, should you feel like it. Somebody sure has the burning desire to ask everyone a question (or piss off as many people as they can, depending).]

How many of you believe in an afterlife? Or...What I should ask is; how many of you understand that you're slaves to fate and destiny, no matter how unhappy yours might be?

You're welcome to try and change my mind on that front, if you think you have the intellect.

Comments

[raptura]

True, but you could say that about every nation to a degree, couldn't you? The world is growing smaller, but I can't say that that's a bad thing. It would make your work a lot harder though, wouldn't it? And the international squabbles are a lot more subtle than they used to be, too...

People are happy enough to engage me once I actually give them respect, which I'm relieved for! It's been a lot to learn, but I'm glad to have the chance to be educated on so many different worlds...I'm thankful.

I'm a little more jealous for the fact that you get to see your nonno so regularly, even after he passed on; I can't say that I really understand how that would work for you, but...I think that keeping strong ties to the ones you love even after they've passed helps keep them close to you, for sure. And you would've had so much to learn from him! And still do, if he's here! You're truly blessed, I think :)

I like fashion, and

this is a little silly, but I'm very fond of learning about animals. No particular kind, just learning about the beauty in this world and how different each life-form can be...The arts are wonderful too, however! And I have a weakness for music, but cooking...I'm terrible at. You'll have to teach me how to make food like my nonna would want me to, one day! If you ever have the time and inclination, of course.

[ciao]

it is true
we're constantly growing and maturing with each other's influences
though i think i prefer the subtlety that we have now over the old ways
there's not much to be desired in old practices

that's good to know though
it makes me happy that others are willing to indulge in your quest for knowledge
and possibly companionship

it would be nice if it were easy to be with the people who have left so easily
but it feels like there's a lot more that can be explained
regardless
memories are still great to have and treasure
because nobody is really truly gone if you keep them in your heart
i do feel very blessed and hope to continue learning from nonno
but more than that i want to show him my gratitude for everything he's done

fashion is always a great thing to get interested in
it can be such a great exploration in expression
but more than that an interest in animals is never silly
perhaps since you have more time here you can indulge a little more in your studies
i know there have been a lot of interesting species specific to this place
do you play any sort of instrument? or simply an appreciation of music?
i've recently bought a violin and a guitar so that i can easier indulge in my hobbies

as for cooking, i'm more than willing to help you at any time
i have a pretty open schedule so i'm very flexible as far as timing goes
though i tend to take a daily siesta at 1500
but also keep pretty late evening hours

[raptura]

If you'll pardon my saying so, do you really not worry about international backstabbing? I know it's less death and destruction, at least by a little, but I can't say I envy your position. Then again, that could just be me overthinking things too, since I have a habit of doing that! :o
At any rate, worrying about negative interactions with people too much would paralyse me, so I have to cop it on the chin whether it's online at my whim or not. Even fighting with people makes you stronger, right?

The hard part about memories is that they fade, but you still remember how you felt and how they made you feel. At least you have the chance to do more than most, and you sound like you're going to make the most of it, which is exactly as things should be! Wasting this chance would be very sad, so I hope you spend a lot of time with him.

I don't play any instruments though :(( I simply enjoyed records, mostly classical music when I was inspired or daydreaming; my fingers aren't quite quick enough to do well on any instrument, so I'll stick to studying and leave the creation to you! I haven't tried to research the local wildlife yet, but I really should...And maybe get an idea of what recipes I'd like to try cooking, too. It only makes sense that I come prepared if I'm going to bother you.

Once I have an idea of what I'd like to learn about first, and get the ingredients, is it alright if I message you? So that you're not waiting on me to get back to you, in case I get distracted. I do that sometimes xP

[ciao]

international backstabbing?
i think this is something humans are more worried about than we are
it’s true that we live to work for our people and comply with their wishes
but at the same time we have our own ideals that are very separate from that of our bosses
we tend to get along very well and understand that at times work is work
although personally speaking
i’m not a fan of following all my orders because there are those i’m close to and would prefer to avoid causing any unnecessary fuss

fighting does help to make one stronger
but also so does a steady foundation and compromise
while fighting was necessary as survival in my formative years I feel like i’ve gotten to a point where it’s not necessary as much
or that is to say that’s not the kind of strength I would like to focus on

there are details that tend to fade it’s true
i think that’s why the memories i remember the most are the ones i hold very dear
i hope this is a chance for everyone to get more out of the time they get
because I’m not the only one with a special bond

it’s no bother at all
i welcome any and all company
it’s good that you want to figure out what you would like to make
you can even join me if you’d simply like to enjoy watching whatever it is I’m making as well
or even when i’m playing the violin
though you would have to forgive me
even if I did learn to play from austria i’m not known to keep a professional composure unless absolutely necessary

it’s quite alright if you message me whenever you’re ready
it’s a new world to explore and i’m sure you have plenty to keep you occupied

[raptura]

Well that's a relief! I was worried to be honest; it seems like your work would be very stressful as is, and that burden would push plenty over the edge...But then again, you're no average person in the first place! Don't mind me being paranoid on your behalf x) And you even have a way to cope with orders you don't like, which is a smart way of doing it. Why was I worried?

All of these things help us grow; some people need more fighting and less foundation, others must compromise on everything, but you're definitely right on the matter of all three ingredients making for formidable personal mettle. And yet, two out of those three things are unpleasant, which almost makes me wonder about suffering building strength. But that's dark, isn't it? Memories and bonds help us grow too, after all. So being here and having chances that neither of us would've had at home is a fantastic thing.

I would

I'd really like to watch you at work. There's something about watching someone else do something that you can't that seems almost magical. I think experiences like that are part of the beauty of this world, so I'll definitely be messaging you soon, even if it's just to find out where you live!


(just promise you won't laugh when I'm not very impressive to look at, okay!)

[ciao]

thank you for your concern
it’s much appreciated that you would feel a thing for someone you have yet to meet
it’s true that there is a lot of stress
both internationally and locally with my older brother
but i don’t have room to complain or dwell on it much
because my priority is to serve my people the best to my abilities

suffering is not something pleasant to reflect on much
but it is true that it is necessary to help build a certain strength
for as many negative feelings that could come from suffering there is positivity to be found
though I would prefer it if other people didn’t have to suffer needlessly and will do my best to lessen it as much as I can
that’s why while being in a place like this
i can use the strength I have for the sake of others
especially those that I care for greatly
because there’s nothing i wouldn’t do for them

it sounds like you have a lot of expectations
I hope that I don’t let you down (‘-’*)৩

i highly doubt that you’re unimpressive
everybody has something that makes them extraordinary whether they recognize it or not
and I have sketchbooks filled with examples to prove it
because there’s a beauty in everyone that’s truly amazing to behold

[raptura]

Then your people are as lucky as always to have you. When I visited, they knew that much; I hope that can comfort you when it does get too much, though I also hope that you don't have to worry about that in the first place.

I've heard a lot lately that my expectations for people seem to be high, which probably causes some suffering of its own. I'm sorry for that undue stress; I really only want people to be themselves, whether that's the messier, uglier side of being human or the glorious bits. Life is beautiful, and every creature, every person crafted by God, is a lovely thing to watch at work.

That's why I want to meet and talk to people while I'm here, and to see their skills for myself. I don't have many apart from animal trivia as I said, and...It's a sight to see, someone working hard and creating something new. (And now I want to see your sketchbooks too! You've cursed yourself with your honesty :p )

[ciao]

it's not something i worry about
just because when i'm among them i could feel it
but i'm glad it's apparent to others when they visit as well
i hope to show you the same kind of gratitude for your kindness

[ there was something in that wording that reminded him of something back at home, making him give pause before continuing ]

i think so long as you remember that appreciation you have for people
and all aspects of their being
you could find it easier to be accepting of their ways
with or without high expectations

i hope you get to have a lot of great encounters
i have felt fortunate enough to have the chance to get to get to know and get close to citizens in a way i couldn't while at home
and of course
if you want to see my sketches i would be more than happy to show you
so i don't see my honesty as much of a curse a all