Must be spring, the Festival season is starting.

Ok! First off, I've been asked to take part in Go West again in the Franklinton district in Columbus Ohio. This year I'll be doing a full installation, which basically means I'll get a room to do whatever I want, so that'll be interesting. That's on June the 11th (Saturday), and will be free to the public... more on that in the future.

Come July 5th I'll be Starwood bound (actually I'll be at the camp site probably July 1st or 2nd, but that's when the festival starts so whatever). For you folks just tuning in', I'm going to be vending full-out for the first time. This is going to be rather interesting!

I've posted before about going to these weird pagan/hippy camps, I don't know if I've explained them or why I go. So... er... well... Imagine going somewhere where you will be accepted just as you are. You can wear whatever you want, & meet some interesting, amazing and/or weird people, and just have a good time (as long as you're not a judgmental asshole, the golden rule is in full effect!). These are primarily geared towards people who are pagan, but not always, it depends on the event. If you're not, and you want to go you absolutely can, just be ok and accepting to what you will find. Stuff that happens at these events are... well there's lots of hanging out, there are workshops on any number of topics, from spirituality to recycling/conservation, to various crafts, to sex and sexuality, to... well you name it. Oh yeah, these places aren't open orgies, but they are more sex-positive and GLBTQ's are most welcome (there's a sizable rainbow camp at any event I've been to). Most are clothing optional, most people wear clothes, and no it's not as weird as you think (and btw I wear clothes as I don't like bugs and I don't like to get sunburned). For the folks local to me, it's kinda like Comfest, only more relaxed and with less douchebaggery. There's generally lots of music and performances, especially at the larger events like Starwood. Also, there are drum circles, and they go on for hours and hours. I go because I am a gigantic fan of places that accept people as they are, and places were people discover themselves. I've met people and had experiences at these events I would not have anywhere else. The camp-culture is very honest, people are generally in a good mood and very friendly. With regards to Starwood, I've not been to this event before but here's what I've heard. It's one of the longest running events of it's kind (31 years). It's been compared to Burning Man to people who have attended both. There are 'themed areas', art, weirdness, and at the end there's a huge bonfire that goes up several stories (I'm told they're going for three this year). Sounds interesting. Friends that have been say I should go over well there... so we shall see how that goes. If you come, find me and say hi!

Like I've said earlier, I'll be vending at this one. I'm bringing prints, shirts, stickers, buttons, and maybe some other stuff (we shall see!). This is kind of a test-run, I'm very familiar with Wisteria (where it's being held at this year) and many of the people I know down there will be at the festival, so I'll feel pretty comfortable. I want to break even at least, and get a feeling for setting up, layout of my space and all that. I'm going to do a dry run before going down of my booth set up, but at festival I'll have feedback, and I can see how it all works for me. My plan is to go up the weekend before, set up camp, and relax and have a good time. No stress, no pressure. Once this is over with I'll know what else I'll need to do before going on the road with vending (or if I should try something else).

By the way, that photo up above is one i took at a festival last year (Cornstalk at Wisteria). That bonfire was built up about 6 feet, the fire shot up to at least 20 (they added too much torch fuel).

That's what I know for now.
Later!

Past shows and what is coming next!

Well, the Comfest benefit went well. Ran into some people I hadn't seen in a while and met some new & interesting people! A couple of weeks after that I took part in the CCAD Spring Art Sale. That was my first time test driving a booth, and it was most definitely a learning experience (note to self, bring some snacks). Since then I've updated my Etsy Store with some of the new prints, and I'm working on more (lots more). I'm not showing any of the paintings I've been doing as I'm saving them for shows later in the year. I don't want to reveal everything all at once... what's the fun in that?


So anyway, I have a coupon code for my store that'll give you 10% off. That code is MAYDAY



So yeah, check it out ;)

Here's what's coming up art-wise:
On Saturday May 7th is PAPERazzi, works on paper. This show is being put on by Creative Arts of Women (CAW)at MadLab Theater in Columbus Ohio. The Facebook event page is here. The show reception runs from 4-7pm and will include visual art and performances by members of CAW. Food and drinks provided by MabLab. Stay after and watch Theatre Roulette!
address is 227 North 3rd Street Columbus, OH 43215-2530

Then, in July I'll be vending at the Starwood Festival XXXI in south east Ohio. I've never been to this festival before, but I've heard a lot about it over the years. A friend I spoke to last night billed it as 'The Burning Man of the East', and it's one of the largest festivals of it's kind. I can't speak from experience, but what I've heard is there are lots of workshops and events to work on personal growth, and lots and lots of partying. At the end of the festival they are known for putting on a bonfire that can get as high as three stories. Should be crazy-good. I'll write more about it when we get closer to the event date. If you're interested ticket sales are on sale now, and go up towards the end of May.

That's all for now! Later folks!

back in world

Well finally got the computer situation taken care of for now. I am now the proud owner of a barely used 3 yr old ibook, which may not have all the juice I want, will at least get me back on line and able to network and manage and do all the stuff I dig doing. So lets get on with what I've been up to.

Last weekend I attended Autumn Fires at Wisteria. It was a short weekend but good fun. I got to do a little iron oxide glazing on some slip cast bisque wear that my friend Casey Bradly had (see left), he runs the ceramic pit firing they have at this festival every year. So here's a fun footnote, this laptop has video editing software, so I get to show you how the event went. This was shot in one day, and shows the process from people making little ceramic works, to the firing (and the resulting bonfire party) to the finished product.

Wisteria Autumn Fires 2010 from Sara Adrian on Vimeo.

So yeah, it was brief but everyone had a great time.

& now, back to the studio! I've been buying wood panels and preping them for painting, and drawing up notes/ideas. That's my goal this winter season, just make stuff and not worry about showing and all that. With working full time and trying to make art I find it difficult to focus on showing as well, so I oscillate between being public and being... not. Just how I'm wired I guess.

It's Halloween/Samhain season, and it's time to get spooky. Here's The Raven, the poem by Edgar Allen Poe, interpreted by Omnia

A bit behind

Well let's jump to it, I have a lot to catch you up on. I've been having a few technical setbacks which have made it not-so-easy for me to update. Most recently my computer's power supply went bad, and possibly the logic board as well. It's a 5 year old mac, and becoming obsolete so... yeah I'm kind of looking for options. But enough of that! I have much to tell you about what I've been up to.

Well, last I chatted with you Urban Scrawl was immanent, well things went well and it was a good day. Bela Grimm, myself and a few random people we invited in collaborated, and I think it came out pretty decent. She provided the background and collage, and I did the more painterly stuff (as I do). So yeah, results below:

The final is 8 x 8 feet

and here's a video

the music is just so you don't hear me rambling on to people.

& here's some of the dancing, in the background you can see the skate park.

After all that was done, I went to Wisteria for their Autumn Fires Festival. Good times were had by everyone, and the weather was great. The folks from the Starwood festival inspired the folks from Tent City and on a couple nights bonfires were lit that were bigger than I am tall, so at least 5.5 feet. It was pretty laid back, and the community was great. Videos below.

Pre-bonfire, the folks in Paw Paw just hanging out

Later that night...

One of the musical acts, Brian Henke & Kenny Klein playing at Caffina's

So yeah... Good times! I'm going to do my best to keep up with things, but until I get this computer thing fixed I'm probably going to post intermittently.

But on we go!

Below is Old Crow Medicine Show, Wagon Wheel. It's been in my head lately...

Lughnasadh, I wish I had my camera.

So yeah, that was yesterday (August 1st). For those of you that are unfamiliar Lughnasadh (or Lammas) follow the link, but commonly it's to celebrate the first harvest. Interestingly enough the holiday falls in the same weekend with the Ohio State Fair. I don't know if I'll make it out this time, I have a bunch of deadlines. Ah we shall see.

One of the things I like about Columbus is that it's filled with a weirdness. Not an obvious weirdness or a funk. You can't come to my town and just stroll down the street and see random weirdness randomly. It's like the rest of Ohio, you have to be willing to look beyond the surface, get out, investigate, be open, and you will surely meet some interesting folks, and see some unexpected things. This place does not fail to disappoint the curious and the persistent. So, yesterday I met up with a friend to go to a drum circle. There are a few advertised around town, but neither of us have been. Generally we only get a chance to drum at Wisteria during festival, which isn't -that often-, maybe three or four times a year, & we never get out because we are antisocial artists. So we go, down to Como Park. There is a network of bike trails that run north to south along the Olentangy River, with many pocket sized parks like this one. We pull up and see more people than we expected drumming under one of the permanent shelters. As we got closer we saw people dancing, wearing brightly colored costumes and outfits. One person looked like she was wearing a plushy chicken headdress with a rainbow skirt and bright yellow ruffled leggings. There were a couple children in handmade costumes that looked part octopus, part jellyfish, and part sock monkey, all stitched in an array of bright fabrics. They ran around, climbed on things, having a grand ole' time with their parents who were also dressed in festive fashion. I asked one of the folks who... well I suppose hosts but he more guides, if that was normal. He said with a smile 'no, they just came out of the forest'.

The drum circle vibe was pretty friendly and chill. There were plenty of drums and other instruments left for people who just happened by. One of which was a gent who looked like a very serious biker, in his mid 40's I'd say. He stood for a while, still half mounted on his bike watching us. Then one of the guys offered him a drum, & he took off his helmet and gloves and soon he was in the thick of it drumming away for what seemed to be the very first time. He was still there when we left. This runs on every other Sunday from 2 to 4, or whenever. I'll come back when I have time. Some of the folks there also play with fire, poi, staff, and the like. I gave my info to one of the guys who will hopefully get in touch with the dude who hosts that gathering which is on Tuesdays. That would be great to get in with the fire community here.

So after we left we then went to a friend's house and met up with people I had not seen in a very long time. I was invited to a Lammas party, which had a very lovely potluck, and for games to honor Lugh we took turns hacking at cantaloupe heads with a medieval looking ax and shot a small crossbow at a target. There was much hilarity, and it was good to see old friends.

and now, back to work.

Here is Cottonbelly, Give Thanks & Praise

back from festival... and a sadness

Yes, yes I am. Thanks to Brandon for covering Columbus's Pride, very amusing.

So yeah... to say it has been an eventful week has been an understatement. This was not the post I intended it to be a week ago. I suppose, it would be best if I went in order of events. BTW this is my personal account, and more of a reader's digest. I'll wax more poetic when I do my official festival review on the Juggler.
The day before I was to head down I was packing and buying stuff (as one does when they intend to be in the woods for a week), my van decided not to start. An hour or so later AAA shows up and informs me my starter is probably going bad, and so the next morning was spent in the shop. Very not exciting, but I kind of like the car starting when I ask it to so it was a must. So 6 hours later than I had hoped I was finally on my way. 2 hours and in the middle of the heated day I arrive at Wisteria and set up camp in what folks now call OGC (maybe later I will inform you of what that means). Friends are rediscovered and all was well!
Until... I think I may have mentioned that my G-ma has been sick, well she died on Solstice morning. I get the news, and was told I didn't need to return right away as there wasn't much I could do. Memorial was set for that Friday in Sylvania Ohio (which is just outside of Toledo. For those of you keeping track Wisteria is south of Athens Ohio, which is at the other end of the state). So yeah, a little freak out was called for.

I gotta say though, if I had to find out this news anywhere, Wisteria is not a bad place to do so. I received a lot of support from my friends there (and a few acquaintances and strangers). I was given space when I needed it and company when I required it. Thanks to everyone who was there for me. I really mean that, ya'll make what happened a little easier to deal with.
On Thursday I pulled up camp and went back to Columbus, which is a 2 hr drive. I took the chance to shower and get clothes more suitable for a Christian church and drove the 2.5 hrs up to Sylvania to meet up with my family. The next day was the memorial, which was very nice. In the weeks leading up to my G-ma's death my mom and aunt took turns staying with her in the nursing home. To pass the time they wrote haikus to help express what they were seeing and feeling as the cancer took their mother away. Here's a few of them.

Liberated soul
United with the Great Source.
Eagle flaps her wings.

Earth tilts towards the Sun.
Liberated soul flies free.
Summer Solstice comes.

Life leaves us orphaned
if we stay disconnected.
Streams flow to the sea.

After the memorial, and a return trip to where my grandparents now rest, I returned home and slept.

There was some debate about me returning to Wisteria. There wasn't much I could do in Sylvania as my mom and her siblings worked out details of where to put my G-ma's stuff. I was tired at this point, because I had spent most of my time in 90+ degree heat with high humidity (this past week was a scorcher) and I was sporting a sweet trucker tan from all the driving. Plus there is no air conditioning in the van so once I am on the road I generally had been sweating like a horse. But I did go back, to process and to be among friends for the last night of the festival. Some of those folks I wouldn't see again for a long time, and besides, life is short, and my G-ma wouldn't want me to stop living mine for a second.

I got there in time to see this.

Yep! It's the Momentary Prophets! They had just started their set right as I rolled up to Caffinas. This song is the Fox Song, and they say this song wouldn't exist if not for me. Check out this previous blog post for the illustration that I did for them for fun that they turned in to a pretty groovy song. Thanks guys! It's like ice cream and a hug to me :) By the way, their new album Mandala is pretty rockin, you should buy it when it's available to be bought.

The night was spent at the drum circle, among friends. It kinda goes something like this:


So yeah. Eventful week, much of what I experienced will take time to process. I'm ok though, just tired. I took a lot of photos and videos for the event site, and most will be mixed and put on Wisteria's youtube channel. A few though I will put on mine, because I can, because I like them, so if you want go there and check it out. There's even one of me spinning fire for the Dragon Ritual Drummers. That was pretty cool I must say.

So, because she was completely awesome, here's a part of the obituary for my G-ma.
She had a biting wit, a great sense of humor, and she was pretty damn awesome I must say. She influenced me a lot, and I was lucky to have her.


Anne Retter Matthews, a member of the Greatest Generation, veteran of World War II, a retired registered nurse, a spirited intellectual, great wit and gifted seamstress, died peacefully on June 21, 2010 at the age of 88 in hospice care in Columbus, Ohio with her family at her side. She was born September 14, 1921 to Otto and Emily Retter, immigrants from Germany and Austria, in Buffalo, N.Y., the youngest of six children. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers and sisters, including Herman, Alfred, Otto, Herta and Ilse. After graduating from high school in 1939, Anne attended nursing school at Buffalo General Hospital where she became a registered nurse. In 1942 she joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. At Bowman Air Field in Kentucky she met the love of her life, Earl Rodney Matthews, Jr., whose task was to teach Army nurses how to swim. They married on September 25, 1944 at the Little Church Around the Corner in New York City. As an Army Air Corps nurse, she served at a base on Long Island where she cared for casualties from the European theatre and once met Eleanor Roosevelt. After the war, the Matthews lived in Columbus, Ohio. before moving to Toledo in 1948. In 1954, they moved to Sylvania, where they raised their six children and lived the rest of their lives.

She worked as an RN at Toledo Hospital and later was assistant director of nursing at Lake Park Hospital in Sylvania. Following the death of her beloved husband in 1984, Anne continued living independently at her home of 45 years in Sylvania until March 2010 when she was diagnosed with cancer. She was a member of the Sylvania United Church of Christ for 56 years, a member of the Ladies Literary Society, and the Book Club. She had a keen wit, loved classical music, and was an avid reader of histories, biographies and mysteries. Anne was a gifted quilter, seamstress and gardener and for many years contributed her work to the Sylvania UCC church bazaar. She is survived by her six children, numerous nieces and nephews, 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren

The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to HomeReach Hospice and Kobacker House of Columbus and the caregivers who assisted in the last weeks of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Anne Matthews’ name may be made to Hospice, the American Cancer Society or the United Church of Christ of Sylvania, Ohio.

Birds of C.A.W is up, and I'm out!

Well, very nearly. I actually leave Saturday but I have so much to do I figured I better update now. The Birds of C.A.W. show is up and ready to rock this Saturday. Come on out, it's gonna be a rockin show! The thumbnail to the left is a clip of my print that's in the show, go there to see the whole thing.

Now, as I said before, I won't be able to be there because I had arranged a prior obligation that I said I'd help out with. I will be gone till Sunday the 27th. Everything is set, house sitter is housin, all ducks are in rows (for the most part), I just need to pack and get myself ready as with the past two shows I've had not much time to do these things. However I have been here before! It will be all good and fun will be had by all.

But! I will miss both Comfest and Columbus Gay Pride! I KNOW IT'S VERY UPSETTING!

Comfest actually I'm ok with not going to. The last few years it's just gotten too crazy with too many people, it's just not the same vibe, ah well. Now Pride on the other hand...

Now sometimes people ask me if I am a gay. My mom has asked me several times actually... probably because I'm single and have had gay-supportive bumper stickers on my car... and she's weird and seems to forget the dudes I have dated in the past. Yeah, I are a straight person. No, really. Totally like the dudes for dating. Yup. I do love me some homersexuals though, and I do loves me some Pride! I learned my first ballroom dance moves at my very first pride festival, and I've always had a rockin' time since. So yeah, bummer that I can't be there.

So I worked out an alternate solution that should entertain everyone.

My friend Brandon aka branflakes0909 on the youtubes will be my guest blogger for the week I am gone. He has promised to cover Pride for me, and in general be entertaining for ya'll while I am away. I dunno what he's gonna do, maybe something like this:
It should be entertaining. It better be or I will have to kick his ass!

So yeah, just about off...

Well we gotta sign off with some music!
Here's a clip from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Origin of Love

Have a most festive Festivus Columbus, and Happy Solstice! See you soon.

What's going on & what's coming next

Heya folks. I know it's been what, a couple weeks since I posted (I try to get on this weekly at least). My thoughts and time have been occupied largely by my maternal Grandmother who is terminally ill with cancer. The extended family helped moved her to Columbus, and there has been many visits and questions and tears over the rapid decline we're witnessing. For me this is compounded with the two major deadlines that are coming up. I have to finish a piece for Go West which will be on June 12th, and various deadlines for the Birds of C.A.W. show that I'm co-curating with Helma Groot that will open on June 18. The stuff I have to do includes finishing my own piece, creating and publishing a book for the show which will be available through Lulu and Amazon, intake and hanging the show, and all of the other little bits and pieces that go along with that. With both there is not much time left, so I've been scrambling and not updating my various blogs like a good internet-whatever-artist should do.

So yeah, I'm fine really. Just a lot going on right now.

Barring any family business (which may definitely come up at this point) I still intend to be going to Wisteria's Summer Solstice Festival (Facebook event here). One of the things I haven't had a chance to update about was going down there for the work weekend. I was only there for Saturday-Sunday morning as my G-ma looked like she was going to pass so I went home early. Work weekends at Wisteria are, well, work... but a lot of fun also. A great way to connect with people, and the Memorial day weekend is a big work weekend with attendance rivaling a small festival. I spent the morning pulling weeds around the swimming pond and the afternoon painting a sign that explains the recycling procedures. That night was drumming around a bonfire and revelry. It's interesting to me how such simple things as lounging in the grass with the stars above you and friends laughing or drumming or just staring at the fire can create such feeling of community and family that no technology no matter how groovy just can't fulfill. After running home and making sure my G-ma was ok the next evening was spent with my extended family on my brother's back porch talking with relatives I had not seen in a long time. Although the circumstances are sad it was good seeing them again.

Here's something I rediscovered recently. This is Clannad, I will find you (Live)

Link-O-Rama

This past week has partly been preoccupied by family business, and partly by other business who's business is not yours. So because I'm a little doped up on allergy meds and I don't feel like ranting much, it's time for another installment of LINK-O-RAMA

1st off, for my artist friends, check out The Madness of Art
"The Madness of Art is a humorous look at Chelsea’s dynamic art scene in New York City. The Madness of Art is created by Gallery Owner and Art Dealer, Jim Kempner, of Jim Kempner Fine Art, drawing from years of real life experiences in the art business. Episodes are humorous and surprisingly realistic.

Jim Kempner writes, directs and stars in The Madness of Art along with his often co-opted Gallery Director, Dru Arstark, numerous Assistants, Interns, Art Handlers, Dealers and Artists.

The Madness of Art has been constructed through years of videotaping situations featuring artists such as Robert Indiana, Tony Fitzpatrick, Charlie Hewitt, Bernard Venet, Yoko Ono, and Steve Giovinco, as well as clients and family.

It is a fun and refreshing view of art from the gallery perspective.

The Gallery itself, Jim Kempner Fine Art, is located at the epicenter of the New York Art scene at 10th Avenue and 23rd Street. Each episode features a range of contemporary art and artists work of photography, prints, drawings, sculpture and paintings.

Stay tuned! New episodes will be revealed weekly!"

and now, some video crap

and here is something different

Ephemerisle Documentary 2009b by Jason Sussberg from The Seasteading Institute on Vimeo. My mind isn't blown, but looks interesting... but it also kinda looks like an art-douch boat party. We shall see how that develops.

So next weekend I will be at Wisteria on a work weekend (down in southern Ohio near Athens), helping clear trails and getting ready for the festival season. In a little less than a month will be the Summer Solstice festival. Here is some info from the organizers:

Wisteria Community is so pleased to announce our expanded summer
season of events and camping. Starting from June 20 through July 12,
we have three continuous weeks of activity to keep your soul fed and
refreshed. Come to one week or come to all three:
First event of the season is Wisteria Summer Solstice Gathering (June
20-27). Wisteria Solstice is an immersive intensive with hundreds of
people living in cooperative eco-spiritual culture. You will never be
the same after you experience how good life can be when responsible,
freedom-loving people come together to create a musical, artistic
atmosphere of love and creativity. Hear daily concerts on three
stages with quality musical and performance acts, workshops, ceremony,
speakers and much more. Check our Solstice pages (
http://www.wisteria.org/wisteria-summer-solstice.htm) for a growing
list of activities as we build the magical village for this turning
point of the year. Preregistration is required for Solstice, no at-
gate registrations accepted or discounts for partial attendance.

We’re becoming known for our “Temple to the Arts,” our outdoor
amphitheatre and stage with a booming pro-level sound system that
rocks the hills. Come bathe in the bliss. Enjoy the wonders of nature
in the company of like-minded others and other soul-satisfying
activities. In addition to hot showers, we have a cafeteria-style
restaurant with delicious and healthy food prepared fresh. For cold
ones on hot days, visit the Green Man Tavern.

What a year it’s shaping up to be here in the rolling hills of
southern Ohio. If you’ve never been to a magical festival before and
you are an Earth-loving person who believes in creating a better world
in a celebratory way, trust in your guidance and come join your long-
lost family. You don’t need to know someone to be comfortable here –
people are friendly and you can fit right in.

If you are a veteran of this good way of life, we’ll welcome you, your
families and encampment of friends with open hearts and open minds.
We’re getting geared up and excited and looking forward to a beautiful
year. We’ll be waiting for you to come to your summer home here in
the singing green hills. –Wisteria Community

So yeah! For more info about this and the other events at Wisteria check them out at http://wisteria.org

For music, we have the Gotan Project, Epoca

Environmentals

Well looks like the weather FINALLY BROKE here in Ohio. Weather is heating up (if you can call 40's-50's °F heat... well it's not freezing so whatever!), and the Spring Equinox is coming up in a couple weeks (March 20th this year. Because it's a solar holiday it's subject to change). I'm going to some kind of bacchanalian (2) festivus that day, and maybe I'll tell you about it... and may be I won't (if I don't it's because it was just SO CRAZY I didn't want disclose details in public). Anyway, good day to get stuff ready for planting, and starting new things, and eating chocolate bunnies. I'm starting to practice spinning poi again. I'm ok... not great. I don't perform or anything, but it's something I like to do. Here is a video of me from last year at a Wisteria if you're curious. Ah... keeps me off the streets.

So here are some interesting footnotes.

My friend Eddie showed me this link about this low impact home built in Wales. Built by the people who now live there, with only a chainsaw, hammer, 1 inch chisel, and minimal experience on another project. Most of the timber was found local. The walls are straw bales covered in lime stucco, this is a technique that was developed out in the American West in the 1800 where wood is not easy to come by. Total cost is £3000 (around $4,500 US), and nearly if not completely self sustaining. Check out the guy's website, he also has links to other orgs that build similar structures. Nice that someone is demonstrating that living with a low carbon footprint doesn't have to cost a lot.

Also, if you're into scuba diving, check out this underwater river in Mexico. Great photos!




Anyway, here's something different for you. Song is Maggot Brain by Funkadelic

the Prophets

This is just a bit of a footnote really.

Last year I got to meet the boys from the Momentary Prophets, Jake, Logan, and Ted. Good guys, fun guys, who have spent much of last summer and fall touring around the east coast, & now they're at it again.

That illustration on the left is something I did for them, & I believe they will be making tee shirts out of it soon. Also, if you buy their new album, check out 'The Fox Song'. Are these things related? Hell yeah they are!


So if you want to know more, or hear more, you can find them on:

Facebook
Myspace
Sonic Bids
and Reverb Nation

So yeah, they're off touring again. I know they'll be wandering all over the place so check their various media outlets for info. I'll be seeing them at Wisteria's Summer Solstice festival, along with other really great bands.

Below is a sample of one of their live performances, n' there you are!

Wisteria

Well I've returned from the woods.
I guess first though I should explain a lil' about where I was. Wisteria is a privately owned event site and nature preserve. There are several events held through out the year, and people come and camp and reconnect with nature & perhaps themselves. There are several places like this in the United States, but if you don't know where to look they can be difficult to locate. Advertisement is not widespread, and that's probably not such a terrible thing. The type of folks who visit places like this tend to be environmentalists, earth-spiritualists, and just about every age, level of education, and income level you can imagine. It has several spiritual sites, mounds, stone circles, a space for sweat lodges, and spaces for drum circles; as well as paths through the woods that are a little more wild than most people are used to. I've only started camping here again in the past couple years. Coming to places like this for some reason helps me re-wire a little bit, and I've needed it.

This past weekend was pretty short insofar as the time I generally spend there (which tends to be more in a 4-7 day stint vs 2.5 days). I arrive late Friday afternoon. The kitchen (Caffina's) was serving dinner, and most everyone was in good spirits bundled up against the cold. Oh the weather, it stayed in the 40's high, 32 low, and spotty misty rain. The highs were running 20 degrees colder than normal, but who lets the weather stop them from a good time? Anyway, I find a spot and pitch a tent for my friends who were coming (I stayed in my old geriatric van), and huzza the weekend began.

I guess a blow-by-blow isn't necessary. I generally camp alone, and bounce around hanging out with people I know and meeting people I don't (the advantage of not being rooted in any one place). Since the weekend was so short I spent most of it alone. Highlights were walking around in the woods & nearly getting caught in the dark without a flash light... interesting because the paths there are a little overgrown and in the deep twilight of an overcast evening with no moon in the sky it gets a wee dark. I highly recommend the experience (be safe though, bring a flashlight and know where you're going).

Generally there are no animals on site, but this time around Natural Freedom LLC brought a few horses for a workshop. I didn't attend the workshop itself, but I did stop by. When I was younger I had lessons in english style riding, & the last time I had spent any time with horses was when I lived in Colorado. These were extremely friendly and social animals, pactictulary the female Angel. You can see in the photo her pressing her muzzle to my head, which she did for at least half a minute. Very surprising, I've never seen a horse do this.

There was also the pig roast (very tasty pig), and the ceramic pit firing that happens every year. I didn't take part in the firing aside from hanging out by the fire (which gets about 6 feet tall roughly), listening to drumming and just talking to people. It was nice. On the last day I grabbed some folks and took a walk to the Fairy Shrine, which is a kind of land based... instlation for lack of a better term. People come and leave items for the land spirits, and whether you believe in that or not, it's a nice spot to visit.

So yeah, as bad as the weather sounds, it wasn't horrible. I find that these places give you what you put into it. If you choose to focus on the negative, without and within, that's what you'll get back. If you don't participate, people will leave you alone. But, if you engage the enviornment it will give you back what you need (not necessarily what you want, but what we want isn't always what we should get).
This is the last festival of the year, but if this is the kind of space that interests you I highly suggest coming next year.

More of my photos of Wisteria can be seen here

That's all for now.

This and That

I host figure drawing sessions at Wild Goose Creative every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. This past session someone asked if they can bring beer, and I don't see a reason why not (I had never thought about it before). It's fine with me just so long as people don't come or get drunk and/or disruptive. Also if people want to make an evening of it they can stop by Rhumba Cafe afterwards and listen to some live music. They seem to have jazz on Tuesdays (and I love me some jazz!). If you want to come, I post a schedule on my website or you can join my group on Facebook. It's from 6-8, and cost 7 dollars to help pay for the model.

In other news I'm pretty busy this week preparing for Wisteria's Autumn Fires. I'll be down there for the weekend. Weather report says it's going to be close to freezing at night, and raining much of the time. I'll be camping in my van (I'm not the golden girl of roughing it). The site features showers and has an outdoor kitchen but there's no lodge or indoor space, so it's bundling up, staying by fires, & bringing a lot of blankets. Sounds like murder, but the leaves are turning now, and the ceramic pit firings, music concerts, and hanging out with new and old friends is not something to be missed & worth braving cold and wet. Photos and maybe a few stories will be forthcoming.

I probably won't be able to post again till I come back, so in the meantime here is The Eden House