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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I left without saying goodbye last night. I
had too. Imagine that, dsd actually lost his temper!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Amidst the fountains of joy and friendship,
the giving, the food, the fun, the camaraderie, the happiness, the
smiles, the laughter, the revelry, the sharing, and just plain all around good
times, I overheard a comment that caused me some concern. It was an
insult, plain and simple, and an indicator of things simmering just below the
surface with at least one person. It was, straight up, second-class
behavior. There was no mirth or joy in it that would allow one
to think it was a joke. It cannot be laughed off. It was
meant and said to be mean and it had no business at our
revel.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I won't name the culprit. It's far more
effective to allow one some measure of grace. They are listening, that is
enough to know. I'd rather give them the chance to reflect and to consider
why their words would be taken as an insult, without inflaming. I hope
they will consider my kindness and that they will look deeply into the
action, the comment, and all things associated there. In this instance, I
don't believe, the real problem is on the outside. I won't even mention
what was said. Although it was a sweet, sweet irony. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Any intentionally mean or ugly behavior is
</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>simply </FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>not
the sort of thing we want to see in Raven's Fort. Happiness,
community, enjoyment, love, good feelings, friendship, brotherhood,
sisterhood, sharing, all those good things that overflowed last evening are
an overwhleming indication of what Ravens Forter's want to see in Raven's
Fort. It is my hope that by making a small issue of it here, in public, that we
won't hear of or see such things in the future. </FONT><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Having said that I would commend each and
all. It was a wonderful evening. We are on a good path. Faces
were around that I've not seen in far too long. Everyone was smiling and
having fun. My hat is off to the group first, and also to the
V&V. We've been through much and mutually suffered some growing pains,
but behind it all the bonds are strong and the future positive. Soon as
we've got a decision from the Crown, I'd say hook up the mules and get ready for
the morning plow.... You know it, You can feel it! ....it's that sandy itch in
yer drawers, Raven's Fort is on the rebound, with thanks to all, and that is a
good thing... ;)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>dsd</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>