As part of my training, almost every morning, I have been hiking to the top of the highest local mountain in the City of San Diego, Cowles Mountain.  Today marks the 9th time in 10 days and the 24th time this year hiking up the mountain.  It is a great workout and a great start to the day.  I do this not only to train the body, but to discipline the mind and to gain greater mastery of self.

We all have our issues and mental demons to deal with, exercise is a great way to put a leash on them and take back control.

However ironic it may seem, the fastest way to build mental discipline and command is through physical training.  The mind naturally wants to avoid discomfort and resists when forced into rigorous physical activity.

By overriding our subconscious minds and the impulses of our body to quit, we gain greater and greater command over our minds and bodies.  Over time, and with varied exercises, we can train to be in command of ourselves and our lives, doing what needs to be done instantly, without hesitation.

In this way we become the architects and masters of our lives, all but banishing procrastination and fear.  I still have a long way to go, a life time most likely, but well worth it this has been.

Along with the physical and mental workout there is the benefit of the wonderful view.  There is also an spot at the top which would be excellent for training and meditation which I shall have to take advantage of soon.

-Brand Lancaster, Paladin of Avalon

I rolled back some changes to the website.  While there is a lot of information on what the Order should be and a lot of research has gone into Structure and Organization, sometimes less information is better.    There is also the matter of training and recruiting others who can help found the Order, no easy task.  So there is a lot of legwork and labor required before Avalon goes public.

I am also moving my family back to San Diego and need to take care of business on that front, plus there is a lot of work I need to do to prepare myself for Avalon and it’s arrival.

Founders of an organization have to be the pillars that support it, so I will be spending some time solidifying my own physical, mental and spiritual foundations in order to bear the responsibility and weight.  Then and only then will I find the others ready to sit at the table.

-Brand Lancaster – Paladin of Avalon



Setting the Bar.

The Order is a Martial Order, one dedicating itself to action.  So Avalon will have a PFT, Physical Fitness Test that Members and Applicants must aspire to take and pass.  The Physical Fitness Test is based upon the Army standards and measures not only one’s fitness levels, but also measures dedication and discipline as well.  It’s something everyone will have to do, myself included, so it’s time to start working out and taking health and fitness seriously.

For intellectuals this will not be easy, but that is precisely the point.  We must strive on all levels to be prepared and in doing so train our minds, bodies and spirits to be able to handle the challenges ahead.  Some may have medical issues and that can be taken into account, however, everyone needs to still strive to do their best. Time to step up.

Look under the Membership link for the PFT standards and scoring charts.

Brand Lancaster – Paladin of Avalon

Aug 012010
Avalon needs help…

The dream of creating a Modern Day Chivalric Order is too important a task for one person to do alone.  It is a tremendous undertaking and as such I am opening up the site to those who want to help Organize, Build and Start the Order of Avalon.  I had planned to organize everything and get it ready before opening up to the world, but have come to realize that is not the way it should be.  The Dream of Avalon should be founded and evolved by those who believe.

I have put off the Order for many, many years, waiting for the perfect time.  Now is not the perfect time, nor will it ever come, so the time has to be now!

As such I am soliciting input and assistance from those who would like to help.  I will be putting up more information quickly and bringing the Forums online shortly.  I will be creating Accounts and Forum access for those who wish to help.  All is subject to change.

If you want to help and be part of the founding of what will be an amazing adventure, use the contact form to contact me.  Include as much as possible about your interests and assistance you can offer.  We will be in need of all types of assistance, from trainers and great organizers, to craftsmen and general volunteers.  I will respond as soon as possible, get people’s access up and get the discussions started.

-Brand Lancaster – Paladin of Avalon

paladin:  “a leading champion of a cause” -  Merriam-Webster


I have undertaken the rebuilding of the website on the WordPress platform as it is still being updated constantly for new features, optimization and security.  The old site was hacked, essentially deleting it’s pages from the server.  Of course I was able to recover all of the deleted pages in minutes, but it did reinforce the need to switch from the e107 platform to something that enjoys a lot more active support and development.

So I am now busy copying over data, setting up the behind the scenes with the ability to have event calendars, galleries and member forums as well.  I have a lot done, just hidden from view on the main site until the time is right.  Hopefully I should be able to release more content soon.


Brand Lancaster – Paladin of Avalon

This is a new website being built!

The old site is still up at www.theOrderofAvalon.com

© 2011 Order of Avalon Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha
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