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! 

Juggling Hobbies - - This post haved 2 comments

Some people are so focused on one thing. Doing one thing with their life, enjoying one serious hobby. Some people play 16 hours of video games, some people have read a libraries worth of books and some people can name every player that every played a certain sport. Then there's me, I'm all over the place. I can't commit to just one (or even 15) thing I love. I'm not even ADD. I just think there are far too many great things in life to limit yourself.

I find myself going through phases where I love something for a few weeks and then before I know it I'm on to something else. I've never been good at committing more than a few months of my time to something before I forget about it. I don't see it as a lack of dedication; I'm motivated to try as many different thing with my life as I can.

Nervous Vlogger - - This post haved 0 comments

A video of random nervousness!

Being Different - - This post haved 0 comments

I'm Different

Being different means being yourself. Being yourself means rejecting negative input from outside
sources and embracing things you like because you like them. I never want to see anyone going with the norm, the flow of trends that dictate if you are competent enough to fit in. Every individual is like a bright shining star, their own entity that thinks and feels in their own way. Capable of wonderful things that contribute to society as a whole and the betterment of Mother Earth.

Being different is beautiful. You are able to open up your mind to new things that break normativity. I like to see people that can think outside of the hetero-normative box. Subdivision type communalism is diminishing our populations creativity and motivation. We are more likely to assimilate and become a bland copy of our clique. When we feel strong in a group we are likely to rely on that group for support and see outsiders as possible intruder that will shake our way of life. This leads to bullying and segregation.

Being different and pushing away from the mold allows us to truly be who we are meant to be. Many people with certain social economic standing (the wealthy for example) are bound to be a certain way, never truly experiencing life through their own eyes. They are often blinded by a desire to reach common goals as their peers and forget to please themselves on the way to that goal.

He's Different

It is encouraging to see people who slip out of the social norm and embrace unique talents, beliefs, and general lifestyles. In recent decades we have seen a rise in young adults (and older adults coming into the fray late in life) gritting their teeth and tearing down socially constructed boundaries. With movements supporting a lineup of causes and spreading information to the masses, we are seeing more tolerance grow for different groups.

Being weird isn't just about the way you dress or even act. It is the acceptance of each tiny part of your entity. Expressing your desires, likes, dreams and making them reality. If you like the beach, live at the beach. Don't live in the city because certain people tell you that is where to make a living. If you are LGBT, be proud of it, there are so many people who are willing to love you for who you are. There will always be others who try to influence you life. Make decisions on where you want your life to go and follow those people that want to see you happy for your sake.

Be wild, be creative, be unique. Be who you are, don't try to be someone else. And at the end of the day remember you are special and the possibilities are endless.

Peace and Love

They're Different

Sticky Fingers - - This post haved 0 comments

Stealing is an artform. Thefts are highly thought out, planned, and constructed to be quick and sometimes dangerous.  Of course stealing can be a minor infraction, but I'm discussing a more serious crime with a lot at stake.

I've known people who steal to survive. Selling hot items for money is a big issue in many households below the poverty line. Economics can be to blame. The idea that going into a store and walking out with enough items to sell to make grocery money is easy to understand when people are jobless or homeless. Does that make it okay?

It's certainly not acceptable to steal for the average person. Children are taught not to take things from stores without paying for them first. Stealing is against the law in most (if not all) countries and it goes against many religious mores. Taking what you have not earned is socially irresponsible and brings loss to the person or people that are stolen from.

There are many types of theft including bank robbery, tax evasion, music piracy, kidnapping and carjacking. Clearly some thefts are worse than others and they are prosecuted based on the level of severity. Most thefts go unnoticed. Most serious cases of theft, such as kidnapping, are considered felonies in the U.S.

If you are stealing or know someone that has a problem taking things that don't belong to them, you should consider seeking therapy. Before someone gets hurt.

Country vs City - - This post haved 0 comments

I always feel a little bit torn between my desires to live in the country vs. the city. Growing up in the south there are only a few big cities and a lot of developing farm country. I have to drive 30 minutes to Greenville SC which is the biggest city near me. I visit Atlanta and Charlotte from time to time but only for short visits. I've spent most of my life on a lake. Mobile homes are abundant in the area although I did grow up in a 2 story home.

I believe I prefer country living with a side of city life because it allows me to return to my serenity. A lot of noise can be overwhelming, and upsets the soul. Some people thrive on the rush of the busy streets but I prefer the hum of a lawn mower in the neighbors yard.

City living is fun because there is so much going on. So many lights and signs and consumerism. Too many offices with stuffy suits and combed back hair. Perfumes that make your head hurt. In the country all we smell is nature and t shirts are acceptable.

For now I choose to stay with the trees and absorb the purity of the air. But later I may yearn for the hustle of the mean streets (not the roughneck side) and the cafe on every corner. I love to spend time in the city but I want to hear crickets while I fall asleep.

Winter Bird Adoration - - This post haved 0 comments

The Carolina's are known for their fabulous array of bird species. A few weeks ago I put out a new bird feeder next to my front window. The results have been amazing. The winter birds are happy to have fresh seed a couple times a week. The deck and the yard have been covered in small breed birds. Morning times have been the most active with upwards of 20 or 30 birds coming in for a bird seed breakfast. I use black sunflower seeds for the larger birds, like cardinals. And small seeds attract finches and other small breeds. Here are a few pictures of our local fowl, the one's I have been seeing most often.

Northern Cardinal - Male

Northern Cardinal - Female

Carolina Wren

Carolina Chickadee

American Goldfinch

You can see more Carolina birds here: Carolina Bird Club

Life Without Facebook - - This post haved 2 comments

It's been nearly a week since I deactivated my Facebook account. "Why would you do such a thing?" is the question I've received most frequently since I made the decision. There are plenty of reasons to enjoy the famous social networking site; but I find that the habit forming, sometimes privacy destroying website is better off left out of my daily routine.

I don't need to be updated every 10 minutes about what my friends, family, and acquaintances are doing. I think it's become ingrained in our psyches, since the launch of the site, to over indulge in what others are doing. Especially the non-since and personal updates that have no effect on my life. It also seems since-less to share 'every' aspect of my life with people that I hardly know. It leaves nothing special and sacred to myself and my immediate family. Facebook has become an acceptable form of bragging and boasting, and usually about trivial things.

"Facebook has frequently changed its privacy settings in the past and will do so again, always in favor of less privacy."

Facebook is also a complete time sink. The average person spends at least 6 hours on Facebook every week. With some people, including myself, having Facebook active on their computers or cellphones 95% of the time. When we detach ourselves from Facebook, it is easy to see how people put more of their time and emotion into their cyberlives than their real lives.

You can argue that all internet activity (blogging, Pinterest, surfing Google) is a waste of time. But these options allow people time to self reflect, create and inspire themselves. While Facebook generally offers insight to other people's lives. You find yourself stalking people, looking at pictures of friends you haven't seen in years and generally sacrificing your precious time on people that you only know through Facebook. Of course I am not, nor would I ever, advocating anti-social behavior. Many people see Facebook as their only means of social interaction, that is where the problem stems. Being social means (should mean) having real conversations, face to face, and experiencing life for yourself. Not living vicariously through someone else, through a computer screen.

Not only does Facebook alter (and in many cases destroy) our private and personal relationships, it's also a source of nagging idiocy. Too many people with too many opinions constantly nagging about their beliefs. I admit to my involvement and contribution to this dilemma. With the recent election, government issues and all other soap box preachers there is so much diversity that it becomes a competition. There is nothing evil about sharing your personal views of the world, as we do in blogs etc, the problem comes when we want to tell everyone how they are doing it wrong. Many people engage in harmless activism, but there is plenty to protect yourself against.

"Note to self: if you try to talk to bigots about their prejudices, you will be treated like an a stupid fool, either stop entering into these conversations, learn to let the argument go before you start feeling like a masochist banging their head against a brick wall, or remember that it is futile trying to change people." source

Deleting my Facebook has been a relief. I have more time for myself, my family, and other things in life besides the drama involving my "peers".  I feel my brain beginning to regenerate since Facebook has caused it to rot and revolt. Occasionally I get a reminder of how "left out" I am from things on Facebook, but I have to remember what it is I'm missing out on. Drama. As far as loosing my friends, those that really care about me (or you for that matter) will take the time to get in touch with me outside of Facebook. The rest aren't really friends anyway. Maybe one day I will return to the cesspool that is Facebook, but for now (and for the foreseeable future) I think my life is just fine without this distraction.


http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/facebook%20arguments

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/tech/social-media/facebook-deactivation-ireport/index.html

Four More Years - - This post haved 0 comments

I can't say that I'm surprised by the results of the election, we all knew what direction this nation was heading in. The night of the election I went to bed while we were in the midst of Romney nation. I dreamed about red states and blue states all night. I couldn't wait to see the final decision the next morning.

I woke up early to see the results and my soul literally started singing. It gives you a warm feeling to know that we are looking at politics differently these days. We want someone in office that can acknowledge our freedoms and still nurture our nation. We are coming into a new era, where people are learning that there is more to life than the value of a dollar.

This election was monumental for the fact that we have proven to the world that we are looking forward to a new America. One with minimal government impact on our lives. We still respect the power of authority, but we want to see a change in the way our government is ran. No more blatant disrespect of the middle class, taking away funding to educate our children, or dictating the private lives of American citizens. We want to reduce the ego of our nation and it's leaders. We want to strip away the brutality our "power" has forced onto less fortunate nations. We want to see harmony and a economy that supports itself, that doesn't rely on foreign oil and outsourced jobs. We want our air to be pure and our cars to put off less emissions.

No man, no face, or singular belief system will solve the issues this country has to overcome. We put too much power in the hands of one man and his "carefully selected" associates. These few people will never be able to satisfy the desires of every individual in this country and around the world. But there is hope. That every individual will make the right decisions for the own self and their own family. We need a government to assist in our attempts at happiness, but not a government that dictates our happiness.

When it comes to the economy and the conservative ideals of striking it rich, we need to relax and understand how the economy actually works. I'm not an economist, but I know that not everyone can be wealthy. We all must work to create our own destiny. There is no magical switch that the President can flip to transform our economy into a Utopian model of supply and demand.  Improving our supply and demand model is the only way we will improve our society. We have to stop spending money we do not have, stop relying on credit companies and learn the value of saving what we earn. We also have to realize that money is not the source of our happiness. True, it is better to cry in a Mercedes than in a cardboard box. But, we have to reduce our addiction to consumption and only take our fair share from the pool of stuff. We currently consume more than we can produce, which is the entire reason for importation of goods and deportation of jobs.

At the end of the day I am proud to see that we have reelected a President that has proven his loyalty to our country and the future of our country. That includes everyone, not just the wealthy. We are on our way to brighter days. Not everyone will be happy in the moment but life will move on. We will naturally evolve into a better, wiser nation. There has to be a certain optimism, we must have faith in our country and work together to succeed in making America great again.

The Carolina Renaissance Festival - - This post haved 1 comments

Welcome to Fairhaven

The Carolina Renaissance Festival is held every year in Huntersville, North Carolina. It's only open during the fall months, since the entertainers travel around the country performing in different states. You can usually visit the parks between September and November, but the dates change yearly. The Carolina Renaissance Festival takes place in a fictional town called Fairhaven. This year, Fairhaven will receive over 100,000 visitors from all around the world. The Carolina Renaissance Festival is not the largest renaissance festival in the nation but it is among the top.

People from all walks of life can enjoy The Carolina Renaissance Festival, that's one of the reasons I love it so much. Anyone with the imagination of a child would love to walk to streets of Fairhaven and enjoy all the magic that can only be found in such a mystical place. Everyone's interest peaks over the traditional jousting tournament that is held 3 times daily, but there are numerous other adventures to be had.

The fairgrounds are in the shape of a horseshoe, with niche shops lining both sides of the street. Musicians, poets, storytellers, acrobats, and even those sexy belly dancers perform on different stages throughout the day. It's even possible to meet some of your favorite acts wandering the streets of Fairhaven, greeting the visitors and usually inspiring a smile. But if you want a chance to meet with the King or Queen of Fairhaven, you're better off holding your breath. They are very busy and rarely have time to mingle.

Bards

My favorite part of the experience is seeing all of the different merchants and artisans displaying their wares. There are over 100 merchants that sell their wares in Fairhaven. Each shop is cleverly designed to resemble buildings of the renaissance. Some are designed as magical wonderlands themselves. There are many different items to be purchased at The Carolina Renaissance Festival. You can invest in your very own renaissance costume, find pewter oil bottles, hand crafted swords, unique leather designs and other pieces of art work that are only imaginable inside the gates of Fairhaven.

I was lucky enough to get to visit the festival over the weekend with my husband. We had a great time mingling with the cast and getting a taste of the magic this place holds. We were able to take a number of great pictures even though it's nearly impossible to experience everything Fairhaven has to offer in a single day. Even after going for many years, I still see something new every time.

When you first walk into the park you are greeted by a number of beautiful geese. Mother Goose and Father Goose have the first stand in the park. The children love to see these cute animals. There are also other animals in the park. There is a petting zoo which features goats and horses as well as other farm animals from the renaissance. You will also find camel rides and the Hounds of Fairhaven, a lovely group of grey hounds.

* TWIG *

As you walk the streets of the park you will be greeted by many different costumed characters. One favorite, that visitors look for every year is a cute little fairy named Twig. A few years ago, Twig was featured on the entrance ticket. She's definitely a highlight of the fair. She's so beautiful and has the most amazing wings I've ever seen. Definitely let your children take a picture with her, she hands out fairy pebbles to everyone that takes her picture. She loves the attention. She doesn't speak while in character but she has great facial expressions and a talent for acting.

The stage performances are also wonderful attractions. Whether you are looking to dance or to laugh, you will find something of interest on one of the 11 stages in the park. The dance group, The Jewels of the Caravan, are always a great attraction every year. The girls of the tribe are joined by drummers and a few other percussion players that accompany the dancers. Dances range through a number of different cultural styles. Indian, African, and Middle Eastern influences are highlighted while the belly dance is the star of the show. The dancers sashay across the stage with swords on their heads and spin with rings of fire. The danger makes the sex appeal even more stimulating. The Jewels of the Caravan are definitely a must see at the festival.

Jewels of the Caravan

If comedy is what you are looking for, then you are in the right place. Most of the acts are family friendly which makes The Carolina Renaissance Festival perfect for the children. However, a number of acts are labeled "LC" for "loose cannon" and parents are to decide if these acts are appropriate for their children. Most of them are great for older children but one of the beauties of this festival is that there are plenty of opportunities for adult fun. The most popular comedy act is put on by a trio of performers that call themselves "The Tortuga Twins", which is comical because there are 3 performers and none of them are related. Most of their shows, during the day, are family friendly and always draw a large crowd. The trio's final show is their raunchiest. It immediately follows the final jousting tournament and the crowd is even larger than the shows from earlier in the day. The jokes range from dirty masturbation humor to topical political and pop culture.

Speaking of the joust. The Royal Joust is the highlight for most festival guests. A full stadium seats over 400 guests with plenty of standing room. The King and Queen of Fairhaven, along with their court, take a seat in full view above the stadium. Keeping with tradition of the Renaissance Festival, the jousters and their horses are dressed in full armor. The danger is reduced in such a public atmosphere but the performers (and their horses) are still at risk for life threatening injuries. Again, the danger in such acts is jaw dropping and inspires the curiosity in the guests.

Brew Making

If you're going, remember to pick your faorite theme weekend. Each weekend is dedicated to a different theme. Sometimes they have Pirate Theme, Kids Theme and Adult Beverage Theme. It vary's year to year. This year we went kid free and decided to go for the Beer Garden. It was $14 for 5 medium sized cups of beer from a few different breweries. One part that particularly stuck out was the "beer making" that was set up to the side of the bar. Occasionally different people would stir the pots or add different ingredients. There was also a table set up to display ingredients that you would find in the different beer. I had fun chatting with a beer wench. She described the different grains and answered all of my half drunk questions about the fantasies of making beer.

It's no wonder that Fairhaven draws so many visitors each year. With so much to see, it's impossible to experience everything Fairhaven has to offer in just one day. You must come back year after year to truly understand the essence and the mysticism behind the festival! It's a magical place when you can go to free your mind for a day. To me it's better than Disney. The Carolina Renaissance Festival will continue to be a tradition for my family and I hope you'll find a similar festival to experience for yourself.

PICTURE TIME
(All pictures are mine. Please try to credit me if you use them.)

Father Goose

Lady Rose Recites Poems and Songs

Trolls and Shrooms

Twig's A Cutie

Hubby Approves Of Turkey Legs and Beer

I'll Use It If I Have To

I'm So Dangerous

A Tortuga Will Slap A Bitch

Whaa?

Put That Thing Away

Why So Cereal?

The Jewels of the Caravan

Talent

Met This Guy... IDK Who He Is

The Joust

Regal

Witchcraft

Do You Want To Know Your Future?

Beer Making

Two Drunk Beer Wenches

Types of Malts

These roses smell like roses... But they are metal!

Dragon Sculpture

Hamlet - These Girls Quote Shakespeare

It Really Makes Me Happy

Stone Shop

Hubby Basking In The Glow Of The Renaissance (Sweet)

This Glow Is Killer

Dragon Fountain

Audience Participation

Had Such A Beautiful Time