Why Do You Seek the Grail? (repost fom Brian Kannard)

"You see, he was going for the Holy Grail. The boys all took a flier at the Holy Grail now and then. It was a several years' cruise. They always put in the long absence snooping around, in the most conscientious way, though none of them had any idea where the Holy Grail really was, and I don't think any of them actually expected to find it, or would have known what to do with it if he had run across it." Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court My long time friend, Charlie Millson has always been supportive of the work here at Grail Seekers. He’s one of those friends that much of the topics I cover in the blog interests him, but has not plumbed the depths of the underground stream very much. Charlie was a history teacher for a number of years, so he is naturally attracted to the crypto-history Grail studies brings up. As such, Charlie asks questions and brings a point of view that is much different than those I have regular correspondence with. I received an email this week with the following in it, “Taking the Shakespearean meaning of ‘wherefore’ as ‘why’, I didn’t see any link or commentary on why people seek the grail. Why do you? A standing editorial, perhaps, might be a good starting point.” You’re exactly right Chuckles. Often I get caught up in the hunt and forget the “why” portion of the equation. I think that it is much easier to take action than it is to take stock of one’s motivations. My trip to New York for the Bloodline press conference is a prime example. Taking the steps to make that trip happen was difficult, but a much simpler task than asking myself what possessed me to do so. Percival had the same issue that I am now realizing I have. For him, the action of the quest was the simple part. Answering the question of, “Whom does the Grail serve?” was his stumbling block. I decided to look within myself to answer Charlie’s original question, “Why do you?” The answer I came up with wasn’t earth shattering or particularly insightful, although it turned out to be instructive to me. I seek the Grail because it is the ultimate end point. I realized that I have turned the Grail into an Ayn Rand knot of selfishness. No matter what your vision of the Grail is, by finding it all of one’s questions would have to be answered. It’s not the world changing power that the Grail might hold I wish to hold. The usefulness of such things is better left up to others I think. But my desire to simply have the questions answered on the myriad of topics that hit on the Grail, is why I seek. Now this doesn’t help in making me the sort of pure of heart character that is worthy enough to answer, “Whom does the Grail serve?” As my wife Laura can tell you, I’m much too cranky and temperamental to fit any type of Joseph Campbell heroic mold. However, I do have an answer to the original question. That’s a start. This also got me thinking about some of the correspondence I’ve gotten in the two years I’ve been writing the blog. From time to time I receive e-mails from readers that allude to why they are searching for the Grail. After writing the Nanteos Cup article, I got an e-mail from a woman that wanted to know if I had contact information for the Mirylees family. She had a sick family member and wanted to be able to use the Nanteos Cup for its legendary healing purpose. On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve received e-mails from folks that believe they are the end point of the Bloodline, those who know where the Ark of the Covenant is at, and have seen evidence of the Grail floating in the sky. So why do you seek the Grail? If you're willing to share your thoughts with the rest of the group, e-mail me your answers. It might help others out there to see some of the "whys"out there to answer their own questions.

Pet Sitting

You’ve found that perfect vacation; you’ve booked the tickets, and you’ve given the hotel your credit card. Now, what to do with your pet? Most casual pet owners opt for the easy way out and simply board their pets with a convenient vet and pay from $15 to $30 a night for the kennel. This practice is not without its risks, however. Kennel cough is the least of your worries. Most animals’ lives revolve around routine and familiar places and events. The kennel or vet’s office can cause confusion for your dog or cat as their daily routine is disturbed by the schedule of the boarding facility. Your animal may return home disoriented or ‘not himself’. There might be a better way to take care of your pet while you enjoy your vacation. The answer? Pet sitting. For about the same money you’d pay to board an animal, a pet sitter can stay at your home while you’re away, watching both your house and your pets. Most sitters love animals and this love is evident when they come in contact with any animal. Here is a list of things to consider when you go ‘shopping’ for someone to stay with your animals: 1.) Does this person have a client list? Can you contact another client? This information will go far in determining whether or not you feel comfortable having this person in your home and taking care of your special animal. 2.) How often will the person be at your home? Some pet sitters will agree to not actually stay at your house, but come by often enough to make sure your pet gets plenty of food, water, and potty breaks. Plus, the sitter can get the mail and change the lighting in the house to make it appear that someone is home. 3.) Bring the prospective sitter to your house to meet your animal. How does the animal react to the sitter? The old adage is true: You can trust the reactions of animals and children! 4.) Is the sitter licensed/bonded? This will help to insure that you’ve found someone who takes the job seriously. 5.) Ask the sitter why he or she does the job? The answer may help you decide if you feel you can trust this person. 6.) The best way to find a sitter is word of mouth; ask your other pet-owning friends if they know of someone they can recommend. These tips can help you begin your search to find someone who can take care of those precious animal friends while you are on your trip. The perfect trip can be spoiled if you’re worried about your pet in the kennel. A pet sitter can not only take good care of your pet, but you can also enjoy your vacation knowing that your loved one is in good hands