Sirius Rising

[lizziebelle]

now that's a bonfire, originally uploaded by Lizzie~Belle.

I haven't had nearly enough sleep, but I'm awake and may as well be doing something, so pictures it is. Perhaps some stories too, if my brain will cooperate. :)












The fire spinners were back this year!



A litter of tiny baby bunnies was found when they were setting up Phill's Grill.



Of course, they ended up at Babylon, where we attempted to feed them (someone went out and got baby animal formula). They eventually did eat; we let the two stronger ones go, and the other two escaped during the night.



OMG, they were the cutest things ever. About the size of gerbils.





Trish had these awesome toe shoes. She said it's like walking barefoot. They look like they'd drive me crazy (I hate things between my toes, even flip-flops), but she insists they're comfortable. They look really cool, though.







This is the dragon that topped the bonfire.



Thunderheads forming:







We never did get the thunderstorms, but we had spectacular lightning in that direction all evening. Perfect fireworks for bonfire night. :)

Here's me with Lakshmi & Tammy.



The two of them were celebrating their 20th year at Brushwood. This was my 17th.

This one came out a bit fuzzy, but I love it. It's James, smoking a cigar by bonfire light.



Oberon (from the Church of All Worlds) likes to dress as a wizard, and he looked really cool with the bonfire as backdrop.



He wandered by our campfire one night, and it truly looked like Gandalf was walking down the road. He came and sat with us for a while, and it was good to see him doing well. He's had some health problems in the past year. Seeing him the next day in his wizard hat and a flowered sarong was quite odd. *g*

I love when the high flames die down, and you can see the structure of the bonfire.



I woke up painfully early yesterday, and it was so misty and beautiful that I ran back up to my tent for my camera.



This was the view from my tent:





We had a lot of fun times, and there was very little drama. We had a spontaneous mojito night, in which Tammy and I got very silly (my cheeks hurt from giggling). There was a lot of sharing of stories, both of festivals past and of a more personal nature (I had several people tell me very personal and emotional stories, and I found myself doing the same). There is such a feeling of family and trust, it feels natural to open up with all the things we hold inside all year. It's quite cathartic.

I managed once again to not go to any workshops, although I did go to a couple of the concerts. Kellianna was great; she's local (from Wendell, MA) and does workshops at Awen Tree in Easthampton, so I'm going to have to try and make one of them soon. She has a really great voice, and does chants as well as songs. The Dragon Ritual Drummers were great as always; they dedicated the energy raised during their performance to Frank Barney (one of the owners of Brushwood, who is undergoing treatment for Parkinson's), and broke three drumheads during the show! They said that's never happened before. Kiva was also there, and it was good to see them again. It's been a few years since they've been to Brushwood. Arianna (their singer) was hanging out with us at our campfire the other night, toasting marshmallows and sharing stories.

It's always so hard to leave; as we were driving out, it felt like we had just driven in. I was ready for my own bed & bathroom, though (and my back is all "what the heck?" this morning). There were only a couple of people up when we left, which made it easier, I think. It's always so emotional saying good-bye to everyone. A lot of them I only see there.

I'm sure more stories will come back to me as I re-acclimate (and perhaps take a nap), and I have more artsy photos to share, so there will probably be another post later.

I'm so glad I went. I really couldn't afford it, but I couldn't not go. It's my family of choice, and it feeds my spirit like nothing else in my life. I feel a real connection to the land and the people there that form an intentional community that is colorful, joyful, and inclusive.

Comments

[stinabat.livejournal.com]

looks like you had so much fun!

[lizziebelle.livejournal.com]

I did. It's a great place, and a great group of people. :)

[pkmorrison.livejournal.com]

OMGs, how wonderful! Makes me feel as if I want to go next year... The misty meadow! The anvil clouds! (Surely the Forgelord was there for you...) The BUNNIES! Where is this amazing place??

[lizziebelle.livejournal.com]

This is Brushwood, in Sherman, NY. About an hour west of St. Bonaventure. You are welcome to come camp with us! It *is* camping, though. ;)

[pkmorrison.livejournal.com]

Ah, camping. Never mind...;)

[lizziebelle.livejournal.com]

Heh, I figured you might not be into camping. :)