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and Now for Something Completely Different

Well, maybe not completely different. I often use this platform to talk about something I've heard related to Magic the Gathering. Today I'm going to talk about something I have heard more and more. Sometimes in life, media, and imagination somethings take on a life of their own, becoming more then sum of their parts, and reaching beyond the scope and measure of the seed thought which spawned them. Recently it has come to my attention that something as simple as a color, has done just that. We've come together today through the force and will of pink. For a year now this simple blending of red and white has brought people together from all across the globe, inspired and renewed friendships, shared hopes, dreams, and passions of individuals. It has in some small but measurable way, changed the world, and the people in it.

I have thought that I was beyond the scope of this phenomenon, as beyond an impressive collection of scars, I really have nothing pink in my life. Let's face it, nobody wants to hear about scars. With the approach of this anniversary, I began to think of pink in a different way, as the sum of two parts. You see, my passion, the Magic the Gathering game, does have white and red components. They represent the finely edged power of Law, and the spontaneous energy of Chaos. Just like in relationships, opposites attract, and come together to create a result larger then the sum of it's individual parts. It's the sheer polarity and vastness of their differences, which when properly combined, produce such spectacular results.

Regardless if you are an old school-er like me and call it Inkara, or a fairly new addition to the game which recognizes it as Boros, the power of this enemy pair can't be denied. October 1996, the release of Mirage brought the Magic community it's first glimpse of the sheer power and diversity wrought from the intersection of white and red. Energy bolt crystallized the polar opposite desires of white to heal, and red to destroy. Even the flavor text on the card sums it up nicely. Reflect damage encapsulates whites desire to protect, and reds desire to burn. When the two are brought together, it creates a protection so complete that the destruction is turned back on it's source.

Magic's middle years brought us Order // Chaos. This two cards in one is a perfect example of these two diametrically opposed forces. White punishes Red's nature to attack at all costs, white Red limits Whites ability to defend.

In it's more recent history the forces of Red and White have combined in new ways. The sheer volume of this combination is startling, with 90 spells in the last third of Magic's history compared to roughly a dozen during the first 10 years. Ajani Goldmne was the first multi-color planeswalker, and artfully combined control with destruction, and pain with health. Intimidation Bolt breaks new ground, damaging a creature while holding the rest at bay. Spitemare is a creature uniquly born of white and red, as it turns it's own pain back on the world.

So at the end of the day, things can take on a life of their own. Be it archaic forces of the universe, or simple colors, the net can often exceed the sum of the parts. I like to take this opportunity to congratulate the "Pink Saturday" community, and thank everyone who has helped make this more then the sum of it's part. Most importantly I'd like to thank everyone who stopped by today because of their involvement in P.S., especially if you have continued to read through to this point, past all that stuff that probably means nothing to you. If you know anyone who plays Magic, or would like to, send them our way, we will take good care of them. Most of all remember, things coming together can be more powerful then their sum, but two wrongs don't make a right. For that you need three lefts!

Comments

Kris said…
Happy Pink Saturday. Thanks for your addition to this weeks PS. I don't know much about magic, but I do know PS participants appreciate your involvement.

Kris
Beverly said…
This is a very thought-provoking review of the color pink. I really enjoyed your spin on the impact of Pink Saturday, and the approach you used to tie it to Magic.

Thank you for always taking the time to show interest in the things I do. Your listening and perspective are not only helpful, but refreshing.

But, mostly thank you for being a great son.
bj said…
Altho I have absolutely NO idea of what you are talking about here in regards to magic and cards and etc.. (*smiling), I DO understand PINK SATURDAY !! Thanks so much for writing such a great post and for joining in Pink Saturday.
I'll be back to read more of your blog..it looks so interesting.
bj
Anonymous said…
Wow :)
What a fun post and how sweet and supportive of your mom! I obviously came over from the Pink Saturday link, but I do know what you are talking about.

My son has been collecting Magic since he was 10 (Dec 1994), has recently returned to tournament play and like you does his best to educate his mom. I'm gonna share your site with my son, I'm sure he will enjoy it.
Hooray for great sons!
Nihal said…
Smiling Hello there:)
Yep, pink changed our way of living as well as looking in life. As I do always say that its been extremely fun and educational. Here's one more new I learned is about Magic and your cards:) Big thanks for sharing.

A few times I participated in PS series with a great desire and pleasure. What a year it's been fulfilled in pink and varied pink stories to-go. And, we all are connected to each other, that is what I understand from this event.

When Bev announced your participation, I wanted to pay a visit your corner, and extend my congratulations for all she's accomplished this year long.

So glad having met to the one who's the son of a very Special Person -yes Your Mom:)

Kindest~

N in Istanbul
Sonia said…
Very nice of you to join in and support your mama on Pink Saturday...
Sonia
Dru said…
What an interesting post and look at red and white...and what a nice son you are to take an interest in your mother's "pink". Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Pink Saturday to you!!
Katie said…
A most interesting post! I have only a son-in-law and I know that he plays certain games but no clue if this is one. He on the other hand has no clue about pink roses!

We adore your mom, and so appreciate you reaching in to her world to participate.

It is larger than the sum of its parts. Tends to happen when people get together!
Dixie said…
As long as you have your mom... you'll have pink...

you're a wonderful son to step out there in pink land... if even for a day.

blessings. Dixie
caren said…
Happy Pink Saturday - what a wonderful son to support your moms "habit". Lol
Being the mother of three sons, I just have to say, you are a cool fella! Your introspective into "pink" is thought provoking and I understood most of it ;) Our middle son was a Magic fan and I never completely understood that part of him either! I did enjoy looking at the cards and watching the guys play! Thank you for your part in Pink Saturday, supporting your Mom is no small thing!
Have a great weekend!
imjacobsmom said…
How sweet of you to support your Mom! Your right PS took on a life all it's own. I'm just appreciative that your Mom puts so much energy and effort into it each week. Thanks for being such a good son! Happy Pink Saturday to you! ~ Robyn
SmilingSally said…
Happy Pink Saturday and thanks for your contribution toward making your mom proud.
Tristan Robin said…
I used to have a shop which SOLD Magic cards - but I've never played - seems I missed out on something.I enjoyed reading your post

It's totally cool that you've supported your Mom's weekly blog event - HaPpY PiNk SaTuRdAy!
suesueb said…
what a wonderful perspective! magical forces are indeed often found through color!! thanks for sharing all the info and participating in this group. i think your mom's right-you're a great son!! happy pink (or red and white) week!
Nancy said…
Happy Pink Saturday! Why yes I do relate more than you think to your post...my son played the game and we still have lots of cards stored away somewhere. He is off studying writing and philosophy now. I have no doubt his gaming experiences influenced alot of what he will accomplish in his chosen field.
Anonymous said…
You have a neat mother. (I guess cool is the word).
How nice you joined Pink Saturday today.
Happy Pink Saturday.
Charlotte
Lynn said…
I'll bet you played Dungeons and Dragons when you were growing up.
My son did.
Nice of you to join forces with Mom!
Stephanie said…
I loved your post. Much to think about. And, mostly I love what your post shows about family, mothers and sons...and genuinely caring about each other enough to know what is going on in each others lives.

Happy Pink Saturday!
Magi, I read through your impressive P.S. posting, and although I did not understand some of it - as you expected - I did get the meaning... a wonderful supportive gift for your mother.
You are truly a wise Magi!

Karen
Naturegirl said…
A great post as a trubute to your mother's Pink Sat. mem. She certainly has accomplished to bring together a global community of pinkness and has developed many friendships!Your mom is such a lovely women who's love is PINK!
Betty said…
I don't know how to play Magic. I do know there is something truly magical in a son who takes the time to congratulate his mother on a year of Pink Saturdays in such a wonderful way. So, have a wonderful pink Saturday yourself. I suggest pink cake while you are playing your game.
RobinfromCA said…
What a lovely prose about pink. I have no idea about the Magic but think it's terrific that you've joined in today to support your mom!

Happy Pink Saturday!
Robin@Miscellaneous Thoughts
How wonderful that you paid tribute to your mother's Pink Saturday! Have a great weekend.

Blessings,
Sandi
Glennis said…
Thank you for your Pink Saturday post. I remember those cards when my son was interested in them. I love your explanation of them.

Happy Pink Saturday. Give your mom a hug for me.
Robin said…
And in the end.....it was the power of pink that brought us to you. :-)
Have a most Happy Pink Saturday.
Denise said…
Happy Pink Saturday! It was an interesting read. My two oldest sons have been playing Magic for about the last 10 years, I'll have to point them in the direction of your blog.
Linda said…
Welcome to Pink Saturday!

Linda
You're such a wonderful son to participate in Mom's PS event. Happy Pink Saturday! ☺ Diane
dana said…
OK---I have to admit I had to e-mail your mom to "find your name" on the list of links. She informed me that she had clearly written, in the text of her post, that all I needed to do was "click" on the spot she indicated and I would find you. While I thought I was hanging on to every little Beverly syllable, I wasn't!! SO I made sure that I DID read every word YOU wrote. I am one of those who certainly was lost with some of your Magic discussion, but it came through loud and clear how much you love your mom and how much respect you have for her. She HAS accomplished something that's pretty amazing----bringing so many folks, from all over the world together, in such a sweet and simple way. Perhaps a few world leaders should turn their heads her way and take lessons.

Your blog is so well written---I know your mom is very, very proud of you, too!!

Hope you've had a great Pink Saturday!! Dana :)
Although I haven't been able to join in on Pink Saturday as much as I'd like to this past year, I have been a blog friend of your Mom's since I started blogging, and I wanted to say "Hi" to you and tell you how much you mean to her. You're a wonderful son!

This looks like a fascinating and thought provoking game -- thanks for taking the time to join it to PS today!
jeanne said…
Hello dear one, I loved reading your analogy of red and white making the sum of two parts into pink. That I clearly understand. Your mom has started something BIG! Who knew the sum of two parts could be so successful.

Now for the magic connection. I did read every word and understood some of it. There is a connection of red and white the way you explained it in the magic game. Very impressive, and now I understand why you are such a successful magic player.

It is so sweet of you to compliment you mom with a great text on the subject of pink. Thank you for your effort and support of this pink phenomenon which all started with one pink post. Your mom is the best there is...

A... Jeanne
kimberly said…
IMMPRESSIVE!!!!
You are brilliant!!!
I loved how you broke it down into a combination of forces between red and white, brought the two together, and made me think outside my frilly box. I loved reading your post! THANKS a TON for posting it!!!!

I hope your mom gave you an extra piece of her pretty pink cake for your brilliant blog contribution.
Simply Debbie said…
Happy Pink Saturday Bithday to Beverly's great son.
I don't know anything about magic but I know I was a fish out of water just as you must be when we discuss all our pinkness
I have a great, only son also and he would be sweet like you to leave a post but the only pink he ever owned was the pink tie he had to get married in and it came off quickly after.
Thank you for your post...visit more often
...and may the magic be with you...oops, that is star wars....I kinda know about that
blessings and a big hug
debbie
Claudie said…
Well, one pinky gal over here in Canada that has joined PS for the last 9 months does know about Magic. My husband and sons play all the time. They have a collection that might rock your socks off. We started them early with Pokeman...the whole family would play in tournaments and at home. It had our then 8 year old son reading. We made the transition years ago to Magic. He is now 18. Our 16 year old son Colt loves the game as much as his father.
I love the way you transformed the colors into pink. There's nothing like a little Pink in one's life... even if it's in the cards.
You have a great mom, and I will be in N.C. to visit her along with some other great ladies hopefully soon.
Thanks for being so supportive towards her love of the computer and Pink.
All the way from Ottawa, Ont. Canada
Love Claudie
xo
Angela said…
I'm sure that you made your momma happy and proud!!!

Happy Pink Saturday!!!
Angela
Nerissa Alford said…
It's nice to have you here for Pink Saturday. I've enjoyed getting to know lots of new friends & things I didn't know (like your magic).
Have a wonderful week!
Nerissa
Susie Jefferson said…
A belated Pink Saturday! I was laid low earlier in the week, so haven't done much visiting. What a labour of love your blog is, absolutely dazzling!
Shirl said…
Hello Happy Pink Saturday! What a neat post. How nice to join your Mom's PS event.
Bless you, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

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