I am still processing everything that happened at Grow Closer. One thing that has caught my attention is how little impact I had on other people. When I look back on the festival it seemed like I was busy the whole time but I think I spent time with only a handful of individuals. I was camped near most of the Internest contingent, ate meals with them, but except for sharing a workshift with Hany, I saw them more in passing. My intention was to use the opportunity to deepen my relationship with several of the Internest folks by spending some face-to face time with them yet somehow very little of that happened.
The drive down to Lothlorien Nature Sanctuary, where Grow Closer is held, is long and the meal stop took over an hour, adding extra time. We seemed to make a lot of gas/bathroom/food/whatever stops. Given a choice I would only stop twice on the trip down for gas and bathroom and would eat in the car while traveling. However, the others that ride down in my car generally don't feel that way so it ends up being a longer trip than I like but I chalk it up to the price of having others to share the driving and entertain me on the trip:) On the way down I had an opportunity to talk for a time with Chris B. This was her first Grow Closer and she was going to facilitate a workshop - What is Sex? Unfortunately that was one that I missed. Darn!
Once there we stopped to register and say hi. This is one of the parts I really like. There is something about finally arriving, and then being greeted by friends and other festival goers at the gate that is like a home coming after a long period away. There is familiarity and friendship, joy and hugs, the excitement of new beginnings, and the potential of what might be. This year we were greeted with a strand of beads, one for each year that we have attended Grow Closer. What a lovely way to celebrate the occasion! Mine had 4 beads. I think there have "only" been 7 of these festivals. I have now been to more than half of them. Grow Closer is one of the festivals that I do try to make every year as it is small enough to provide an opportunity to visit and get to know most of the regulars as well as the newcomers, is well-organized, incredibly friendly, and just plain fun. Other than BelSummer, which I organize on our land, Freedom Fest is the other festival I try to make every year for the same reasons as above.
Each year I have camped in a different place. This year I planned on camping in Healer's Circle but when we arrived it was already pretty full so I moved back into the woods and camped along the path to Shaman's Circle across from Jack and Kim's tent. It was fairly secluded but close to the compost toilets (but not too close). The only problem with it was the mosquitoes, which were fierce this year. In the shade of the trees they were active later in the morning and earlier in the afternoon so that I came home with many, many bites despite using insect repellent. Next year I think it is back out into the open for me. The weather was nearly perfect though it began with with much humidity, it went steadily down during the festival. The nights were cool but except for Saturday night, not really cold. The days were sunny and hot but not too hot (at least for me). There was often a wonderful breeze. And the nights were clear with a star-filled sky.
(to be continued.)
Copyright © 2000 Kyril Oakwind