In The Light Of A Flickering Lantern

 

   I was tired, annoyed, completely done with it all, but I hundreds of miles from home, and there wasn't any turning around now. I pull into a parking spot, rain tapping on my car roof, and out of the darkness come bobbing lights, the rain stops as I pull on my boots, fumble for my belongs, untangle tired limbs from the car to greet the strangers, the future friends who have waited through this long night to greet me. With warm words and smiles, candles flickering brightly from the lanterns they hold the two young men, dressed head to toe in colonial attire greet me to the camp, to the year 1776. They help me gather the few baskets containing my belongs from that gold car which has become my closest companion and we set off along a muddy path. The bog they call it, the pair tease each other laughing, and getting to know me as we walk through rain soaked ground the block house in the fort and after climbing a ladder I am wished well for the night, given a lantern, and left to the comfort that one can have on a rainy autumn evening, settled in an 18th century fort, somewhere in some mountains in the south. 

    It's near Ewing, VA and the third historical reenactment I have been to in just a couple months. One every other weekend and the joy of my life, yes some stress and irritation too, but finally a love something that clicks and makes so much sense in my life. Something that seems to be the sum of all the little pieces of things I enjoy and hold most dear. Weeks of sewing, planning, packing, driving, interspersed with the dregs and joys of normal life. While the actual events are few on the grand scheme they have become such a focus and will to strive for life. Not that I was doing poorly before, but this sense of community, of a people of my own soul and mind is something special to have again. 

    There is one event left of the year and then what next I don't know, but is not an end of an era, but simply an addition to a wonderfully full life. A wonderful enrichment to everything, and I stand in insurmountable gratitude to those forces who contrive it all, for 1000 and 1 ways this discovery of my people has changed the course of my life.