Simply Bonnaroo - - This post haved 0 comments

There's a music festival for every taste and every counter culture in America and Europe. Smaller festivals can average 5000 people while larger festivals attract 100000 or more. I've visited a few festivals but none of them compare to the one and only Bonnaroo. This year I volunteered for a few days on the farm and got to experience the magic first hand.

This year's headliners were great. LCD Soundystem, Pearl Jam, and Dead & Co. I felt butterflys when I found out the lineup, and read through names of great musicians. Some I knew and some I knew I would grow to love. 

I knew that I wanted to volunteer this year so my husband and I signed up as soon as the applications came out. I signed up for Festival Activities Croo so that we would be able to interact with other Bonnaroovians. We were assigned to the Roo Run and Slip N Slide. Both were excellent jobs that I would love to be involved with again next year. Slip N Slide was definitely the most fun, we got to stay cool, play with the Roo kids, and even be close enough to catch artists in The Other Tent. 

Camping at Bonnaroo is amazing no matter if you are in the GA or Volunteer camp grounds. I've been on both sides of the fence, and I can definitely say the volunteers party a lot harder. A lot of volunteers return year after year and it is a close group, even if you are a first timer. I met up with an amazing group from around the country thanks to Facebook and social media. It was such a surreal feeling to automatically be so close to these cool kids. We all came from different corners of the country, even this one beautiful Canadian lass. But we all had music in common and a desire to live life to the fullest. We showed eachother our party techniques, worked to build a camp together, shared our supplies and looked out for eachother when we were down for the count. That's a love you don't get at other festivals. A community only Bonnaroo offers. I'm truly blessed to have met such a great new fest fam. And I can't wait to travel with them again.

Panorama of the field before Dead & Co

But back to the music. My top two showes this year were the headliners Pearl Jam and Dead & Co. I've dreamed of seeing both of them since I was a kid, something only Bonnaroo can deliver. Pearl Jam rocked, they rocked hard. Apparently it was Eddie's daughters birthday. Hubby and I showed up with a few other friends, but they left to see another set, and that gave up the opportunity to dash up toward the center front. Another beautiful thing about Roo and other festivals is that you can get so close to your favorite artists. With a little patience and timing, you can be on the rail for nearly any set. The Dead & Co show was a spiritual experience. I loved the show but the people were producing this vibrating energy of love during it that attracted me more than the performers on stage. I met some beautiful souls in that field that night. And saw some spectacular sights, but what happens at Roo stays at Roo and those stories are only for our fest fam. 

I will return to Bonnaroo again. Maybe in 2017 but I still have to see where my travels take me. While Roo will always feel like a place of peaceful self expression, I know there is more to see and do in this wonderful world. I use Bonnaroo as an inspiration for everything I do in my life now. And it has put a fire in me to travel and meet people and bring as much happiness and peace to this world as I can. I hope you get the chance to experience that magic of Bonnaroo for yourself! 

Culture Appropriation and Embracing Culture - - This post haved 0 comments

The world is wide and diverse, full of beautiful people with extraordinary characteristics. Groups of people all throughout history have developed their own cultural traits to help define their society. Societies are defined by their different foods, dress, languages and everything in between.

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Often, many cultural trends are assimilated into other societies. America is generally thought to be a "melting-pot" where many cultures have settled and spread. Many sociologists believe that this will eventually happen internationally and is currently in the process. Over time, with the improving transportation system and international marketing, people are moving around the world in record numbers. We are no longer confined to small villages, the world is now at our finger tips. The internet allows us to access any information with the push of a button. With this power comes great responsibility.

Occasionally people will stereotype cultures based on the meager amount of information they think they know about them. They pick apart a specific culture and will focus on the "exotic" aspects of it. This idea is called "culture appropriation" and is a growing problem world wide. With so many different cultures, it is easy to understand the mystery tied to each history. We want to explore and be a part of something different from our norm. We must be cautious when incorporating foreign cultural traits into our own lives, careful not to offend the original culture.

This especially becomes a problem when the stolen culture come from oppressed or marginalized groups. Dominant cultures do not fully respect the cultural significance of the item they are appropriating. They turn it into something fashionable, in turn wiping out the historical meaning of the item. Laverne Cox recently discussed her view of cultural appropriation by saying "We live in a multi-cultural society where being influenced by cultures different from ours is inevitable. But when the traditions and practices of marginalized communities are used by those in power and the material conditions of those who are marginalized are not changed individually and systemically this is when cultural appropriation is deeply problematic and even potentially exploitative." 

The problem as I see it is that we are ignoring history and consuming everything in typical American tradition. We are a melting pot, so much so that we overlook and under value the original individual histories that are the reason we have these great relics. It's disrespectful and show's a lack of empathetic reverence for different cultures.

The best advice I can offer you is to enjoy different cultures at arms length. Do not adorn yourself in spiritual or ritual style clothing or accessories. Enjoy a Thai cooking class, go see a foreign film, explore Native American reservations and learn from them. They are not ours to do with as we please. We can enjoy culture without stripping it away from its origin and pretend we are appreciating it by exploiting it. 

Hippie Fashion: Drug Rug - - This post haved 0 comments

Drug rugs or baja hoodies (or jerga hoodies) are a great staple to ever hippie wardrobe! Available in a multitude of colors, drug rugs are super comfortable. They are unisex and anyone can look great in one. Usually loose fitting, baja hoodies are traditionally from Mexico, which means they can be worn in temperate or cold climates. There are conflicting rumors on whether they are made out of hemp. I assume like with most clothes, some are hemp, most are not! If you don't own a drug rug I recommend getting one, or a few.

Flashback Friday: Lennon Glasses - - This post haved 0 comments

Lennon Glasses were originally created in the late 1800's and were made popular by legendary Beatles member, John Lennon. The glasses are recognizable by their small round lenses and thin cable-like arms. Lennon wore these glasses on stage because they wouldn't fall of while he was dancing. They became popular with Beatles Mania and still remain popular today. His most famous pair was bought by The Beatles Story Liverpool, a Beatles Museum, for a million pounds.

Mood Ring Colors - - This post haved 1 comments

A few weeks ago I posted about Mood Rings. I recently found the definitions behind the different colors of the mood ring. Here's a list of each traditional color and it's corresponding meaning.

Mood Ring Colors


=Black (Jet Black To Charcoal)-Ebony/Onyx- Serious, Intense, Secret, Mysterial, Storming, Stealth, Fierce, Radical, Overworked, Turmoil, Hurt, Tensed, Enraged, Down/Dread, Moodring Unworn; Nothing/Not Working

=Brown (Java Brown To Golden Tan)-Bronze/Copper- Rethinking, Anticipation, Researching, Heated Moods, Bold, Rising Momentum,  Feisty, Rebellious, Reactive, Jitters, Nervous, Troubled, Mad, Fear

=Red (Red-Brown To Rose)-Ruby- Heart, Allured, Fierier Passion, Aroused, Awestruck, Thrilled, Spirited, Revolution, Active, Adventurous, Harassed, Insecure, Erratic, Fazed, Urgent, Danger, Angered, Alarmed

=Orange (Lava To Sunburst)-Fire Opal- Thinking, Busy, Searching, Striving Intentions, Excited, Daring Wants, Energized, On Edge, Eerier, Déjà vu, Worried, Impatient, Vice, Guilt, Unruly, Disturbed, Annoyed, Vext

=Yellow-Orange (Amber To Flame)-Brass/Gold- Mixed Feelings, Beckoning, Flaring Passion, Bittersweet, Endearing, Sincere/Concern, Challenged, Indignant, Aloof, Cryptic, Upset, Disapproval, Anxious, Dizzy

=Yellow (Olive To Golden)-Topaz- Mixed Emotions; Many Thoughts, Ok/Mellow, Fair, Vague, Emotional, Imaginative, Distracted, Interpretive, Just-So, Cautious, Unsettled, Disquieted, Strained, Foreboding Sense

=Green-Yellow (Green-Amber To Gaslight)-Peridot- Emotions Mixed, Endeavors, Simmering Glow, Hoping, Expectant, Restless, Complicated, Irritated, Conflicted, Distressed, Uneasy, Displeased, Perturbed, Queazy

=Green (Jade Green To Light Green)-Emerald- Average Reading; Neutral/Normal, Good, Fine, Nice, Easily Amused, Alert, Minor Stress, Involved, Sensitive, Guarded, Undecided, Guessing, Envious, Jealous

=Blue-Green (Teal To Cyan)-Aquamarine- Inner Readings; Normal, Receiving, Flowing, Inner Emotions Charged, Easier, Somewhat Relaxed, Enthused, Motivated, Stimulated, Renewed, Upbeat, Pleased, Into, Flirtive

=Blue (Royal Blue To Sky Blue)-Sapphire- Happy, Calm, Friendly, Assured, At Ease, Optimistic, Near Bliss, Liveliness, Playful, Grooving, Peaceful, Caring, Pleasant, Moonstruck, Desire, Warm, Giving, Lovable

=Violet-Blue/Ultramarine (Ink Indigo/Blue To Iris)-Iolite/Lapis- Intuitive, Very Happy, Deeply Relaxed, Inner Harmony, Ecstatic, Tranquil, Bliss, Content, Passionate, Lovestruck, Romantic, Aglow, In Love, Sublime  

=Violet (Dark Purple To Lavender)-Sugulite- Love, Romance, Heat, Passion, Euphoric, Sensual, Blissful, Joy, Relaxed, Dreamer, Intrigued, Perceiving, Exotic, Mystical, Impulsive, Mischievous/Sly, Irked, Moody

=Red-Violet (Wine To Mauveine)-Amethyst- Tantalizing, Volatile Love, Aflame, Romantic Vice, Emotional Extremes, Moodier Passions, Furious, Over The Edge, Sarcastic, Adverse, Upheaval, Discord, In Crisis, Nuclear 

=Pink (Magenta To Blush)-Rose Quartz- Loving, Affectionate, Warmth, Delight, Enchanted, Alright, Calmed, Pausing, Cool, Thoughtful, Curious, Pondering, Tender, Mystified, Unsure, Wonder/Shy, Infatuated, Charmed 

=Glassstone (Ice Blue To Clear)-Quartz- Psychic, Subtle, Latent Aura, Uncanny Mood, Elusive, Soundless, Numb, Phobic, Gone, Phantomlike, Undone, Emotionless, Surreal, Empty, Moodstone Unreal; Faux/Fraud

=White (Moonstone To Mist)-Ivory/Opal- Contemplating, Philosophical, Constant, Sustained, Cooled, Stillness, Temperate, Restrained, Bored, Confused, Unpersuaded, Pensive, Frustrated, Shocked/Stunned

=Gray (Zephyr Gray To Graystone)-Mirror/Silver- Reasonable, Waiting, Measured, Cooler, Distant, Somber, Inhibited, Remote, Blasé, Giving Up, Tired, Pessimistic, Forsaken, Sad, Stressed, Afraid, Wired, Paranoid


Rare Mood Ring Colors


=Mist Blue (Moonshadow Blue To Cat Eye Blue)-Celestite- Solitary, Lonely, Slightly Odd Feelings, Wondering, Suspicious Of, Questioning, Wistful, Forlorn, Wandering, Lost, Mournful, Despair, In Pain, Sorrow

=Green Eden (Green Sky To Cat Eye Green)-Chrysolite- Incidental, Coping, Surmising, Considering, Bemused Over, Quizzical, Speculation, Inquiry, Surprised, Looking, Noticing, Discerning, Observant, Supposing 

=Cobalt/Honey (Blue-Amber To Pilot Flame)-Blue Topaz- Radiance, Magnetic, Lambent Aura, Devoted/Impassioned, Sheltering, Reminiscent, Beguiled, Mellowed, Genuine, Warmed, Influenced, Suspended Disbelief

=Verdigris (Xanadu To Celadon)-Euclase- Social, Deep Heartfelt Care, Xenial, Sincere/Thoughtful, Yielding, Sensitive Emotional Calm, Affected, Wavering Aura, Revolving, Spiraling Mode, Indecision, Shifting/Trembling

=Violet/Brown (Cordovan To Gray Indigo/Blue)-Axinite- Soulful Depths, Distant Hope, Haunting Memories, Retrospective, Weird Notions, Moody, Solemn, Regret, Cynical, Disillusion, Nervous, Sad, Woebegone, Gloom

=Bottlegreen/Brandy (Earth To Aurorae Light)-Fire Agate- Ambiance, Transient, Atmosphere Glow, Drifting/Interacting, Eccentric, Rambling, Contrary, Tiring, Grim, Apathy, Off-Set, Mad, Wayworn, Jaded/Angst

======Rainbow (Paisley To Psychedelic)-Ammolite- In A Maze, Varied Moods, Zany, Changes/Phases, Multi-Tasking, Way Out, Miscellaneous, Pandemonium, Upside Down, Hyper, Indescribable, Wild 

The Mood Ring Poem

It Has Been Told Through Legend Of Old,

When The Mood Ring Changes In Color,

Thoughts Once Concealed Are Now Revealed,

True Emotions Within The Soul's Aura.

Daisies - - This post haved 0 comments

The daisy flower get's it's name from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "day's eye". This term references the way flowers turn to face the sun. Daisy's have been a hippie tradition since the movement began. Daisy's stand for peace and innocence probably because of their pure white color and open yellow heart.

Many flowers are used in hippie culture, specifically fashion. Because of their peaceful connotation, hippies wear them to express their own inner feelings of serenity. Daises were passed out during the Vietnam war to soldiers and protesters alike. There were hopes that a single daisy flower could spark a moment of peace in the hearts of the war soldiers.

Daisies can be worn in the hair and many hippies will weave rings of daisies to wear as a crown. Also known as a daisy chain, the flowers are connected through the stems in a circular pattern. You can find directions for making your own daisy chain on ehow.

The daisy is also the flower associated with the fortune telling of ones future love life. As children, we would pick the petals from a daisy and say "they love me, they love me not". The last petal would foretell the future of the relationship.

Daisy prints or patterns were also fashionable in the 60's and continue to be seen in modern fashion. Whether you like your prints loud or muted, daisies are cute and adorable. Daisy patches can be sewn or ironed onto most fabrics to add a simple statement. Many dresses carry a daisy motif as do skirts, scarves and handbags. Odds are you have a few daisy print items in your closet as well.

Next time you are in a field, make a daisy chain and pretend to be a butterfly. Or when you find yourself thrifting, look for something with a throwback daisy theme. It's sure to spruce up your wardrobe.

Mood Rings - - This post haved 4 comments

What is your mood like today? If you were wearing a mood ring, you would be able to tell based on the color the ring showed. The design was patented in 1975 when two New York inventors, Josh Reynolds and Maris Ambats. They wanted to see what would happen if they bonded liquid crystals and quartz. The design led to a  liquid crystal thermometer. They decided to capture the thermometer in a ring, encased with a clear gem of glass or plastic. The rings were either silver or gold and sold for a hefty price in the mid 70's. In no time, the mood ring was a fad that spread like wildfire.

The theory is that as your mood fluctuates, so does your body temperate. This causes the ring to change color. Of course these claims are false and it's only in our heads, the ring really has no way of indicating our moods. Air temperature greatly affects the rings temperature and color. While only a hoax, mood rings have been an amusing novelty for decades.

Flashback Friday : Adornments In Her Hair - - This post haved 0 comments

It's Friday and it's time for a Flashback. Here are some of the best pictures I've found around the net for hippies that wear flowers in their hair. It is a traditional hippie thing to do, adorn yourself with flowers and other sprigs of nature.

Have a good weekend Hippies! Peace and Love

Sexy Halloween | Taking Back Our Dignity - - This post haved 0 comments

Male Vs. Female Costumes

Every year, on the last day of October, ghosts and goblins come out to spook the living. It's also typical to see sexy bunnies, bumblebees and other miscellaneous mini skirt costumes. I've always believed that a person should wear what they are comfortable in, as long as it does not upset their morals and the natural flow of things. Wearing skimpy outfits on Halloween is a cry for sexual attention. Everyone is deserving attention. We are all worthy of expressing ourselves and being noticed. But what kind of attention are we looking for and why do we think we need to be noticed sexually?

When picking out a costume, the options are limited for women. Men have multiple costumes that aren't as sexually explicit. When a woman, who does not desire to be nearly naked, is looking for a costume her selection is diminished to outfits with the word "Sexy" in the title. Sexy Nemo, Sexy Batman and Sexy Kitty. Why can't women find costumes that don't make them appear to be desperate for sexual attention? Also, our young girls costumes are also growing sexier as the times change. The shorts are getting shorter and skin is popping through many different holes. This is not the way our children should dress and it is not a good example to be setting for our children.

This world has always been male dominated. And men want nothing more than to see tail on Halloween. If you choose to wear a sexy costume on Halloween, you are only giving in to the male desire. Some arguments can be made that NOT wearing a sexy costume is the same as giving up your rights because of male opinion. It's understandable to feel that way. But in reality, women who wear skimpy costumes ARE looking for the wrong kind of attention. They are looking for approval from males and the approval of other females that are looking for the same male approval.

There has to be a line drawn, however, so that we do not participate in slut shaming. Obviously, we are supportive of sexuality and sex. But it is important to realize that retailers and manufacturers are the guilty parties and that women are only acting on what they think they are "supposed" to do. While I do not aim to shame anyone for their sexuality, it is still important to have sexual dignity. Know your limits and don't wear something just because it's the only option on the shelf. We should not feel pressured to wear sexual outfits to satisfy sexual, male fantasies.

Halloween is about letting your hair down and expressing yourself in some creative way. Wearing the same Sexy Kitty costume as 15 other women is NOT creative. When did a scary kids holiday turn into a day of sexuality? Use your common since on Halloween, girls. If you wouldn't let your bits hang out on a regular day, don't demean yourself by doing it on Halloween. Use your imagination to come up with an amazing costume that still allows you keep you dignity in tact.

This Video Says It All

*As always, this is my opinion and I don't suspect everyone will agree.

I Spy Tie Dye - - This post haved 0 comments

Tie Dye is one of life's greatest pleasures for hippies. The bright, swirling colors are reminiscent of a vibrant acid trip. Colorful dyes are added to fabrics that have been folded into different patterns. Ties are added to secure the fabric. Where there is a tie, dye will not be able to penetrate, that spot will still be the original color of the fabric. It is possible to tie dye almost any color fabric. Lighter colors work best and white fabrics will be the brightest.

PATTERNS

• Swirl

The swirl is the most commonly recognized pattern. Easily accomplished by pinching the middle of the fabric (or the middle where your spiral will be) and twisting until it's one big roll.

• Circle

The circle is a fun, festive design. Also an easy option for beginners. Fold the material in half and pinch along a circle shaped line. The smiley face in this one is done in a circle. I love the addition of the smiley!

• Heart 

The heart pattern starts to get a little more complicated. Fold the material in half and the pinch along a heart shaped line. Tie and then color.

• Stripes

This shirt is done in the stripe or pleated formation. Start by bundling the shirt up either vertically or horizontally. Either pleat the fabric by folding one side and then the other, or you can simply bundle up the fabric and add ties to section off the colored area.

I Spy Tie Dye

Tie Dye Porn!

Sources

Folding Tips

Tie-Dye Shapes