An Invitation

Did I ever mention that I am sooo grateful to meet you? Seriously, evolvers. I haven't felt this at home here in a looong time. Your disembodied voices inspire me like long lost friends. Your gifts are piling so high that I have to think of a really good one to return!

Well, I can share this secret. There is a little place nearby called Lothlorien which has been an unexpectedly big part of my life. It all started back in the 80's with an acid trip. The pioneering tripper-visioners heard from the space elves that they had to do this, and they did it. They bought the land and invited their friends to help them make it. There has been a lot of drama amongst all the participants over the past thirty-some years to be sure. But it's coming into it's own now.

I first visited in 1999, thinking I wanted to live there right now! And over the years I've come back again, with my kids. I think I am most grateful to this space for the opportunity to share wild human nature naturans with my kids. It's the saving grace of their public education. It's also the only context in the midwest that I have ever known where you can witness a naked person walking casually, while overhearing in-depth conversation about the latest science fiction patterns, pick up a hand made cloak or crystal or sweet donut from one of the vendors, and run down to the creek for mischief or up to the Long Hall for shared supper! Can you imagine how the FBI and local yokels treated this enclave when it was new? Over the years, quite an understanding has been forged with the local Sherrifs by courage-meet-courage. Lothlorien is sacred, protected ground.

I don't want to paint too rosy a picture, because bad things have happened too. But I do want to tell you about the bonfire drumming. Lothlorien is known best, perhaps, for it's Thunderdome. People from all over the midwest gather here at sacred festival times to share food and stories, and to dance around the great bonfire at auspicious moments in the wheel of the year.

The friendships that are forged here last. If you come, be prepared to face what you bring into the gate. This point cannot be understated. I actually think twice before I venture there, especially with my kids in tow. Lothlorien has been studied by state foresters. They document that it's weird how quickly the land has recovered and succeeded into maturity.

I hope that some of you can come to Elf Fest next week. I'll be down there one way or another. Ask for River around Healer's Circle. If I'm there they'll surely find me.

The details can be found here: http://www.elvinhome.org/
And here too now: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Elvin-HOME-Lothlorien-Nature-Sanctuary/86299833938?ref=ts