new girl's questions about rainbow gatherings

[Tisha Mc]

I've never heard of rainbow gatherings before this site. But after searching around the internet and reading some of the threads here, it's seems like something I could really get into. But I still need quite a bit more info. Do you gather more than once a year? How long do the gatherings last? Is it all over or just in one place? I live in Northern Florida and I'm hoping there is something close by and sometime soonish. What happens at these gatherings? What is expected from each person? Are noobs welcome? I have soooooo many more questions, but I'll just leave it at that for now, see if anyone even answers those. Please help. I think I'd really like to get involved.
If this belongs in a different place, I'm sorry. I'm still learning my way around this place. Only day two here. thanks

[rainbowgeek]

Though it's not exactly a good example of Gatherings, there is the Ocala Gathering likely right now in northern Florida. There are gatherings all the time, and all are welcome. As for what's expected, the question is more what you are able to give and contribute to making the gathering. YOU are the gathering.

[hippiehillbilly]

Rainbow basics, read before you post please (http://www.hipforums.com/newforums/showthread.php?t=88837&f=64)

[Tisha Mc]

I have read the Rainbow Basics. These questions are after that.
Thank you for your reply. I phrased that question wrong I guess (what is expected), what I meant is, I'm not really talented in any way that I think would help. What would I do then? Would I clean, help destibute food? I'm willing to work, I'm just not sure what a person with no talents would do. I can't build water filtration devises, or work with wood without power tools. Just wondering. I would want to contribute.

[hippiehillbilly]

it doesnt take talent to dig a shitter or spend hours chopping veggies,nor does it take talent to wash dishes,gather firewood,sort trash,collect trash or serve food.

sadly far to many come with a excuse as to why they are not qualified to do any of the things i just listed so they do nothing.

[poorphucker]

it doesnt take talent to dig a shitter or spend hours chopping veggies,nor does it take talent to wash dishes,gather firewood,sort trash,collect trash or serve food.



sure it does!

Them there some good ole fashion talents!

[tikoo]

Tisha~

you'd have so much working with wood-construction at a gathering - mostly it's just sticks and rope - for tables and chairs and taj mahals and bridges and pirate ships . bring rope and string .

[Tisha Mc]

Thank you for your answers.
Rainbow Geek, why is Ocala not a good example of a gathering? And how long do these gatherings last? I've been looking up stuff on the one for Ocala, and it looks like it's going on for weeks. Is this normal? As much as I would love to spend weeks, months, the rest of my life with like-minded people in what seems like a wonderful environment, I have to work. I know my job would not allow me to have weeks off to go to this. How does everyone else get around this? I've heard people saying that they're leaving in January for a Febuary gathering. I would have trouble even having a weekend off.

[Dragonfly]

gatherings themselves last for 2 weeks but when u count seed camp and clean up it lasts from 4-5 weeks... Ocala is a tramp/hobo gathering with a strong rainbow flavor...don't speak before u walk on wanting to spend weeks months years to be with like minded people, there is totally a burn out level...most family folk road dogs, work festivals with their crafts or do some work finders labor, or go fly a sign(traveling need gas anything helps,GOD BLESS!)ummm, there's various way to get money flow on the road.

[Tisha Mc]

Thank you, Dragonfly.
I didn't mean to commit to anything I didn't know about, I know that I need to experience a way of life before I say it's for me. I'm meaning from what I've read, it sounds like something that I could commit to. Now, I get how it would be possible to survive, even thrive on the road, and on your own. But what do you do when you have commitments, family and people who don't want to live that life, but you don't want to be far from? Family is very important to me, and while my family is open minded, they do not go as far as I do, I would not be willing to go into that form of life. If it was just me, I'd be really open to it, but I need a balance. I want to be able to be around people that share my values and learn from them, but I also want to be able to go back to my family. To do that, I need to have a job waiting for me at home. Is there anybody out that is juggling their life like I am? Or is everybody at these gatherings living a life free from these sort of worries?

[chaz2zeek]

I juggle also, Never gathered in the states but we.nt to Mexico last year. Luckily my job is seasonal so I can get time off.I met all types of people,many have jobs or are in transition.Some make a lifestyle out of it,trippin the rainbow trail

[hippiehillbilly]

Thank you, Dragonfly.
I didn't mean to commit to anything I didn't know about, I know that I need to experience a way of life before I say it's for me. I'm meaning from what I've read, it sounds like something that I could commit to. Now, I get how it would be possible to survive, even thrive on the road, and on your own. But what do you do when you have commitments, family and people who don't want to live that life, but you don't want to be far from? Family is very important to me, and while my family is open minded, they do not go as far as I do, I would not be willing to go into that form of life. If it was just me, I'd be really open to it, but I need a balance. I want to be able to be around people that share my values and learn from them, but I also want to be able to go back to my family. To do that, I need to have a job waiting for me at home. Is there anybody out that is juggling their life like I am? Or is everybody at these gatherings living a life free from these sort of worries?

i would say the vast majority of people who identify with rainbow have real lives that prevent them from traveling for any length of time.

many plan there vacations around the national gathering,some are teachers and have the summer off etc.a lot of people go to gatherings for no more than a day or two
many are like us and just cant make it to a gathering but every few years.
there is no requirement to be a vagabond.

.we do what we can do and thats all we can do..

[Tisha Mc]

Well, that makes me feel a whole lot better. I'm getting my degree to be teacher, so when that happens I'll have a lot more free time in the summer to attend the annual one, but for now, I'm at the little pay and lot of work type jobs. The ones that fire you for taking that much time off. And here in the bible belt, nobody's going to cut me some slack for going to a Rainbow Gathering. They'd be more likely to fire me for even expressing intrest in that sort of "witch craft". Small minds in these parts.

[Papillon]

You are the gathering is a true and complete statement. I think you would have a great experience by what I sense in your interventions.
When you go to one don't look for bosses and people with power because if you do some will become power players around you.
It is good that you try to understand what rainbow is. There are some outstanding people who are rainbow. And there are also some you need to be careful of. Like was mentioned a roadie gathering Ocala with rainbow flavor might even be fun!
You want to check some rainbow stuff check this youtube channel.
Visionrainbow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNNxm9TM-qk)
my 2 cents worth

[soaringeagle]

I've never heard of rainbow gatherings before this site. But after searching around the internet and reading some of the threads here, it's seems like something I could really get into. But I still need quite a bit more info. Do you gather more than once a year? they go on all the time, pretty much somewhere in the world we are always gathering How long do the gatherings last? most gatherings are officialy 1 or 2 weeks, however that is just the main week (or 2) before that theres seed camp that builds the infristructure and sets everything up for the larger crowds that come for just the main gathering. after the main week is cleanup which lasts till theres no sign we were ever there (every tiny peice of microtrash big enough to be seen with the naked eye is picked up) seed camp through cleanup, especialy for the national can be about 2 months Is it all over or just in one place? all over the world..
in july in usa we have the national which is the big one, then throughout the year theres regionals all over (nationals new mexico this year) at timesthere may even be multiple regionals at the same time, in august after the national for instance there may be 4 or 5 regionals spread out around the country. in addition, theres internationals around the earth, and the world gathering as well (the world gathering is usualy much smaller then out national i believe)
I live in Northern Florida and I'm hoping there is something close by and sometime soonish. there is, ocala however, ocala is not the best gathering, for a 1st gathering it can be ok to get a taste, but its not a really good example of a gathering experience.. ocala is held in florida in february, mid winter in nice weather attracts many homeless or road dogs, alcaholics and the rougher crowd with nowhere else to go.. on ocasion it can be a great gathering, but more often then not it lacks much of the possitivity and spirit of other gatherings.
What happens at these gatherings?well..that is the question that is hardest to answer because every one is different, every one unique and no matter how long u go you'll find stories and events to surprise you..however lets cover some generalities.. love.. as you arrive your greeted with shouts of welcome homeand hugs, theres alot of sharing and caring and helping one another to have the best gathering possible music music is everywhere, driven by a massive drum circle every camp and kitchen will have music going on much of the time, as well as wandering minsterels keeping it flowing throughout the sute as a whole.. council, council is how we govern ourselves as a growing nation, theres many small councils, for each kitchen, for calm, (creative alternative living medicine, our healing center) shante sena (peaceful place, our way of policing ourselves) and many other councils like main supply banking and so on, then theres the main family council which discisses the day to day business of keeping the gathering going safe and happy .. work theres always plenty of work that needs to be done from digging shitters gathering wood carrying in supplies building bridges chopping veggies and cooking food.... food theres many kitchens that cook food aroiund the clock, at a nationmal there may be over 100 kitchens main kitchens serve food at main circle where ppl go to gather in a circkle and share dinner together as a family, smaller support kitchens dont serve main circle but have food at the kitchens instead... spirit this is a brouad subject that means may things to many people, using the national as an example spirit centers around the july 4th celebration, on the 4th theres sillence in main meadow (and as much as possible throughout the entire site as well) from dawn till noon, which is broken by the kid villiage parade and a long ohmmmmmm then the celebrating begins, durring the sillence theres meditating and prayer for world peace and the healling of the planet.. this is the pirpose of gathering.. in addition, many camps have a spiritual vibe as well theres yoga meadow theres a few camps or kutchens that honour varios religions theres workshops in yoga meditation tantra reiki you name it..heallingthe gatherings are a healling environment so the healling can be of a personal nature and hard to describe here, so i'll just leave it at this, healling happens as well.
What is expected from each person? well again a big question whats expected is to have a great time, to remain peacefull and not cause problems.. but thise are just the basic expectations, beyond that theres whats hoped for from each, its not expected that every person does all they can to make the gathering great for everyone, but we do hope that most at least contribute to the gathering experience in some way, its hoped that each person does what they can to make the gathering the best gathering possible its hoped that we each grow from the experience and its hoped that when we leave we carry with us what we learned and spread that conceisness out throughout the world. Are noobs welcome?theres no such thing, thgeres just family that dont know theyre family yet
at your average national 2/3 of the people there may be 1st time gatherers
all are welcome. the only noobs there though are new born babies born at the gathering
I have soooooo many more questions, but I'll just leave it at that for now, see if anyone even answers those. Please help. I think I'd really like to get involved.
If this belongs in a different place, I'm sorry. I'm still learning my way around this place. Only day two here. thanksif ya got more questions om always happpy to answer them just pm me if ya want

[MagnanimityMan]

i read what everyone else had to say, and i think soaring eagle's comment should be the last one to give ya hints at what a gathering is, really . rather, i think all this is about it. if you can make it out to the woods and if you can clean a dish, if you can gather around and enjoy free food in the woods, if you can wash someone's feet or if you could just pick at some grass, i'm sure you'd be at home.

ocala was fantastic, absolutely fantastic.

i realized this...
i go out there to be with community,
we are the gathering,
yet you are the gathering, yes.
we do all love each other,
and because of thisssss - and this alone, there is the way.



--i dont think i really said anything, really.
but might i say one thing,, there is no set time to really stay or visit,
there will always be another gathering,
now, if ya can, if you're able, imagine a little light,
--or a fire--
you can always follow that right on back Home : )
we are the light of the world right now, believe it or not,
and i say this only to comfort you a s'more to stay a little while.

now, peace be with you, and by no means do i mean this conversation shoudl end, ever. ever. hello, and goodbye. i've got to take care of a lot today, so...

[WanderingturnupII]

there is, ocala however, ocala is not the best gathering, for a 1st gathering it can be ok to get a taste, but its not a really good example of a gathering experience..

You are, of course, speaking from your VAST experience at the Florida winter gatherings. Let's see, which years, and which sites, did you attend?

[ID10T]

But I still need quite a bit more info. Do you gather more than once a year? How long do the gatherings last? Is it all over or just in one place? I live in Northern Florida and I'm hoping there is something close by and sometime soonish.



He's a bit re-done of the welcomehere I let a few read for basic's. A little more real than the way its worded on welcomeh ere. I re-worded it from my 1st experience to my last years one. My 1st National was 1973. Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming to be exact and what a spiritual experience. I moved to the Forest in '75 & only still see one brother at todays gatherings that I met in the 70's in Ocala. He is still a local today!!!!


The Rainbow Family, sometimes known as the "The Rainbow Family of Living Light", is an international loose
affiliation of individuals who have a common goal of trying to achieve peace and love on Earth. Those
who participate or sympathize with the activities of this group sometimes refer to the circle simply
as "Family". "Rainbow Family" IS a reference to ALL families, classes,
races and creeds. The use of the 80's phrase "Living Light" in the longer title is a reference to the
Light needed for Living in ALL positive aspects of the environment.


Rainbow family participants make the claim that the family is the "largest non-organization of
non-members in the world". In addition to referring to itself as a non-organization, the Rainbow Family
of Living Light's "non-members" joyfully call the group a "disorganization".


There are no official leaders, no structure, no official spokespersons, and no membership. Instead, the
Rainbow Family forms a temporary community through shared "traditions" of love for the Earth and gather
to pray for peace. It is maintained by counsels consisting of any "non-member" who wishes to be part of
a counsel.


The rainbow family IS made up of tribes and families and people from all walks of life coming together as
one human family gathering together on the land. Rainbow gathering is different for every one. You may
find people creating positive community with one another, learning and teaching ways we can live in harmony
with nature, our mother earth, and each other and celebrating life together.


There is no formal organization or leadership. This is felt by many to be the spirit of the gatherings. It
is said that any one with a belly button OR Heartbeat may consider themselves part of the rainbow family.
We are welcome home as one family.


There have been gatherings called Rainbow Gatherings since at least 1972, and there has been at least one
large gathering of Rainbow Family every year in the United States on public land around the 4th of July &
forever since then. Many gather to pray for peace and healing in the world. There are also gatherings in
many parts of the world, in different countries and on various continents. Some are timed with the solstice
or equinox and at other special times and seasons throughout the year.


The gatherings are called rainbow because they are for all the peoples of the earth, from many families,
tribes, and nations. The FACT of the Hopi people native to North America tell a vision of a time when mother
earth, the land, air, waters, and creatures of all kinds were sick with poisons and ill treatment by people,
the children of ALL the races, AWARE of the RAVAGED World would grow their hair long, wear beads, and come
together with the children of all the nations to heal the earth.


Rainbow Gatherings have always celebrated freedom of choice, encourage diversity and have helped inform
generations of people about various cultural ideologies and Spiritual beliefs. Over the years these
inclusive and freeform gatherings have spawned several gatherings to include what might be termed
"Alternative Rainbow Gatherings". While many of these newer Rainbow Gatherings are still in their infancy,
they do NOT share much of the same Spirit, energy and sense of communal reverence.


While all Rainbow Gatherings share the same traditions, it is not proper that different "tribes" celebrate
these blessings in different manners. Not all Rainbow Gatherings have the same focuses which proves Better
teachings from the true Hopi Vision to the destruction by Un-Taught "Rainbow Family" and the "Rainbow
Warrior" will ONLY emerge WHEN THE EARTH IS RAVAGED.

It is in this diversity that in 2003 the "A Gathering of the Tribes" WANTED to preserve and continue certain
aspects and traditions of the rainbow. It is proven that since this, Tribal want has harmed & split the
true teachers of our children. TRIBES mainly ONLY want to prosper for themselves and again is Proved thru
CURRENT Individual Tribal customs and laws.

[Tisha Mc]

Thank you to everyone for providing so much info and for the video links. I went on youtube also to see what I could find. I saw a couple that had to do with police brutality. Do the police cause a lot of trouble at these things?

[Bumble]

Thank you to everyone for providing so much info and for the video links. I went on youtube also to see what I could find. I saw a couple that had to do with police brutality. Do the police cause a lot of trouble at these things?


Yes they do. I almost got a ticket for parking my tent too close to the main trail in Arkansas. I truly didn't know the rule and told the man that I would move it right away. At first, he didn't want to hear that.

I just got my teaching degree and a job. I want to go to NM, but with all the police activity and my high profile job I'm feeling very intimidated. :(

Just don't do anything illegal and follow ALL rules that are established by the Forrest Patrol and the LEOs.

[Tisha Mc]

Why do they have a problem with a non-violence group? Is it the drug reputation? Wouldn't that be considered profiling? It just seems a little odd that the police would have such a problem with people gathering for world peace. They're not demonstrating or protesting, only praying. That'd be like the cops being posted outside of churchs.

[Olympic-Bullshitter]

Joy, happiness, and love are feelings ... a state of being. Love everthing you can. Love everyone you can. Focus on love and you will experience that love coming back to you. The universe will bring you more of everything ... and more people to love.

[poorphucker]

Why do they have a problem with a non-violence group? Is it the drug reputation? Wouldn't that be considered profiling? It just seems a little odd that the police would have such a problem with people gathering for world peace. They're not demonstrating or protesting, only praying. That'd be like the cops being posted outside of churchs.


Welcome to the real world!

Years upon years of riff raff, drugs, assorted acts of violence, thefts, shoplifting, assaults, arson, accidents, rapes, run a ways, vagrancy, medical emergencies, broke bums, environmental damages, mental health issues, public opinion, and even the occasional murder.... are all standards for LEO to hide behind.

ANYONE that says that any of that is untrue... :p

30 years of gathering does not come without some consequences.

One un-beneficial act per year, by some unknown idiots (most likely not even "rainbow"), will add up over the years and become thirty-in-one bad things when looked at in the eyes of the law.

Gatherings have brought forth all kinds of assorted and DIFFERENT people together.

Unfortunately, there seems to be a draw from society, that dictates that some individuals will come to a gathering in an attempt to hide from their problems in the "real" world.

All too often the "real" world is forgotten and they have built an almost fantasy world around themselves and the gatherings... failing to remember that the world still revolves around them. A lot of these folk bring past issues to the gatherings that follow them. Some things that follow others can be quite dark.

Often people end up traveling after the gatherings. And we all know it takes traveling to and from the gatherings. Not many "rainbow" get by, with out their scrapes with LEO, and they end up with minor infractions that can vary from not paying tickets... to having expired insurance... to failing to ask permission to fart in some small town in BFE. They add up.

People seem to fail to realize that LEO seem to have one minor and secret goal with Rainbow... make all Rainbow felons.

Felons can not vote.

It is beyond rainbow... they want to quietly take away the voting privileges of "undesirables". Minor felony convictions are the quiet way of going about it.

Drugs make money... for the LEO!

FINES!

NEW INCOME FOR SMALL TOWNS!

A gathering just has a congregation of the type of people that LEO enjoys preying on in one convent place!

LEO knows this and will always have their vultures waiting.

It is about the money. Hippies do not have money for fines but the grants and money available to certain LEO departments is a windfall. ESPECIALLY FOR THE USFS... which is always trying to get money for their local jurisdictions. Use every bad example or incident over the years... and they get their money.

It is about what gets said on paper that can dictate what outcomes they want in the future.

It is about the threat to the church and state... and their monopoly!

They realize that the modern church destroyed the natural churches.

Man made churches can not withstand, over power, control, or manipulate the forest and the people that gather. Time has shown so... long before we were gathering.


It is all about intimidation of having so many people in one place... that they can not dictate to. They know that the gatherings are a good place to watch, learn, and listen to what is gong on in the nation amongst the grass roots. After the "big" gatherings... there are thousands of small one's in people's homes that they have no control or watchful eyes at. THIS drives them nuts.

Somewhere... is some office... sits a peace of paper that states that "rainbow" is a nuisance.

It is all about knowing that Rainbow is a "non-violent" group filled with a lot of people that have backgrounds that involved violence, and now are quite peaceful, that are sitting on a powder keg... and the LEO are throwing matches.


I think it pisses them off at how good we are at putting out fires!



The truest thing I have ever heard said about a gathering is... you find what you are looking for.

BUT... too many people become blind to what is happening around them as they look for what they want. Each and everyone has their own wants, needs, and desires. Too many people not looking out for each other and only for what they seek... is what will bring us down.

Just because you do not see the bad things... does not mean they are not all around you.

[WanderingturnupII]

Do the police cause a lot of trouble at these things?

We've had our differences. The ACLU rerport on Federal Law Enforcement misconduct at the '08 Gathering in Wyoming can be found here (http://www.free-assembly.org/gather/newsinfo/aclu_rpt-rbw08.pdf/view)as well as in older threads in this forum. The Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture is currently conducting an investigation into this matter.

[Bumble]

Why do they have a problem with a non-violence group? Is it the drug reputation? Wouldn't that be considered profiling? It just seems a little odd that the police would have such a problem with people gathering for world peace. They're not demonstrating or protesting, only praying. That'd be like the cops being posted outside of churchs.


wow, open your eyes to reality. People always hate what they don't understand.

[Dragonfly]

wow, open your eyes to reality. People always hate what they don't understand.

always and hate should never go together, because some people are entregued by not understanding then forum some kind of appreciation and willingness to understand.

think outside the box there champ...

[WavyDavy]

Tisha Mc
Being in the forrest is fun & having a job that pays well is excellent. I love to gather: party & party & work.

Life is a Circle

[zencoyote]

Life is a Circle

HUH??? I thought life was just a bowl of all-bran. (from Small Faces-Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake-late 60s)

Zen

[Tisha Mc]

I guess I'm just too naive. I thought all people would want peace. It makes me sad to think that the actions of few have defined the whole. I've always thought of myself as being pretty aware. But I guess I still have a lot to learn. Our own government can get away with killing for peace, but praying for it has people up in arms? How are people not seeing the backwards reasoning in this? I don't know anybody who wouldn't like their children to grow up in a world without fear. So, why not take a chance on a way that doesn't ruin lives in the process? They'd rather send their sons and daughters to possible death and probable mental abuse than to pray? Is a world without war, poverty and famine that much scarier? I just don't understand.
Well, back to the topic at hand. What kind of things are going on at the gathers? Is it structured, or do smaller groups break off and do their own thing? I know that there is a mass prayer time such things. But for the rest of the time, what is it that people are doing?

[WanderingturnupII]

"What do they do out there?" Didn't I hear Yonder sing that song?
A lot of your day might well be spent on the physical mechanics of staying alive, healthy, and comfortable, i.e. chopping water, digging wood, carying holes. Walking from place to place takes time. If your friend is camped a mile and a half away, not unlikely on a large site an a 4th of July annual Gathering, that's an hour round trip, if you don't meet another friend with a doobie on the way. Someone with a bit of an edumakashun, like you, might end up as media liason, or sitting at Info answering questions...not a bad job, for someone at their first gathering. 90% of the questions are of the "Where's Main Circle?" "Where's potable water?" Where's the shitter?" sort, which you can learn pretty easy, and the hard questions you can kick to someone who knows more about what's going on, and listen to the answers & learn.

You said you are getting your degree to be a teacher. In what field?

[Tisha Mc]

Wandering -
I'm getting my degree for highschool level history and math, with the hope of one day becomeing a college professor. I hate math, but I'm good at it, so whataya gonna do, right? Love history.
Helping others along, that sounds like fun. I'm willing to do anything to help. I have to admit where I fall short, though. And I'm not a very strong person, physically I mean, total mental muscles. Hard labor may be wasted on me, but where my services can be used they will be offered. I'm just afraid of getting there and being a parasite. Or worse, an ingnorant parasite. I hope for jobs to do, and wiser ones to learn from. That is all I'm looking for. That and the joy of meeting likeminded people.

[zencoyote]

A kitchen needs wood for the cookfire. 50 not so strong people go for wood. Each is only able to carry one piece of wood. Is not a cookfire still made?

Nobody requires you to do anything. You can bliss if you want to. From my experience helping out is more fun. (y'know, one of these days I might try being a bliss ninny for a day)

Ignorance is trumped by learning....no worries.

Zen

[WanderingturnupII]

I'm just afraid of getting there and being a parasite. Or worse, an ingnorant parasite. I hope for jobs to do, and wiser ones to learn from. That is all I'm looking for. That and the joy of meeting likeminded people.

As long as you're learning, you're not being a parasite. I've been doing this crazy s***t since '89, and I'm still trying to figger it out....

[Tisha Mc]

A bliss ninny, huh? I like that.
I'm happy to hear that peoples expectations seem to be very broad. Don't want to stick out like a soar thumb.

[zencoyote]

Don't want to stick out like a soar thumb.

I saw a thumb soar once. Co-worker in the woodshop decided to cut a piece freehand on a tablesaw. Got distracted...blade cut thumb off and....it soared!!!
Boss was pretty sore that an experienced joiner could be so stupid.

(((wink)))

Zen

[Tisha Mc]

I never claimed to be a good speller, or good at the English language, period. Actually, I will admit right now that it was always my worst subject. While typing that I was looking at it and thinking it just didn't look right, but I wasn't sure, so I just went with it.

[soaringeagle]

tisha
i can totaly tell that you'll walk into the site find your place and immediately feel confortable helping out in many ways
its not always about chooseing a job to do then only doing that job
many people float around seeming to have nothing to do, but that just freews them up to do anything..repair a bridge thats about to wash out..carry a bagh of onions to main supply run to info to find a radio to alert calm that someones been injured and needs help
help someone put up a confusing tent with no directions ..walk with the 6-up escourting thenm through the site
helping to dig a bus out of the mud
theres never a shortage of things that need to be done, and you dont always have to pick a job to do, som,etimes the job of the momment picks you cause you happento be there when something needs to be done


papilion its goods to see u here brother..i didnt know uposted here

and wabndering turnip u asked what years ive been to ocala..well all i can say is far too many years to keep track of
86 87 89 90 91 i dont know ..94 maybe..not every yewar maybe not even more often then not but certainly many many times
and yes theres been many amazing ocala gatherings ill always remember (the site that had the very narrow trail betweeen 2 gator ponds i remember fondly_)0
ocala wasnt always a disapointmenty and i have heard some years more recently it was beautiful (one or 2 i missed, i havent been there in 2 or 3 years) but the past maybe 10 years it can be a disapointment more often then not
i still go as often as im able ocalas needs as much good energy as possible
but more and more i find im going more for the weather and just hoping there will be a handful of the peoplke and energy that make the trip worthwhile otherwise
back a number of years though ocala was one of my favorite regionals and i miss many of the good people i met there several of which i havent seenmn since
speaking of which, does anyone know a sister namned faith from gainsville? (or at least was from there long ago..ive onlyt seen her at 2 ocala gathgerings spaced apart by years but still miss her)

oyut of the many many ocakla gatherings ive been to only maybe 1/2 were memorable as good gatherings, and in the last 10-15 years that number could be counted..well i was gonna say on 1 hand but you could almost count them on a hand held up in a peace sign (well maybe in reality it was 3)

im in no way trying to discourage anyone from going to ocvala though because i think the bad rep hasd prevented many of the people that could turn it around and make it a great gathgering again from going
its never held me back, but has lowered my expectations significantly
i still may go this year if a rides offered, but im not going to be putting much effort into it this year
(but i do hope this years will be one of the few good ones)
personaly i think ocala would improve if it was held every other year and moved around a 3 state region instewad of always being expected to happen in the samne general sarea year after year

tisha..if u do go to ocala..you most likely will have a great time
but wether or not you do..you should still try to get to the national to get a better experience
and if u can only managew one or the other id definately recommend the national over ocala

oh and in ocalo watch your puppies carefuly
the gators tend to be shy and hide in the [ponds with all the people there..but a puppie that goes for a drink might as well be named snack

[kryn_taal]

Tisha Mc,

Rainbow is a wonderful experience for SO many reasons! Many here have already given you a lot of good info about them so I won't re-hash that, I'd just like to say that if you make it to the annual gatherings you can find my wife & I camped with the Musical Veggie Cafe, along with many other great folks who make that place so fun! Hope to see you there!

[zencoyote]

I'd just like to say that if you make it to the annual gatherings you can find my wife & I camped with the Musical Veggie Cafe, along with many other great folks who make that place so fun!

Yea!!! The bassoon playing rutabaga is a sight to behold and the piano playing pumpkin is awesome!!!

Musical Veggie is good folks..imo

Zen

[WanderingturnupII]

and wabndering turnip u asked what years ive been to ocala..well all i can say is far too many years to keep track of
86 87 89 90 91 i dont know ..94 maybe.. (one or 2 i missed, i havent been there in 2 or 3 years) but the past maybe 10 years it can be a disapointment more often then not

I know damn well you weren't there any of the 5 consecutive Ocala gatherings I attended '01-'06 (or was it '02-07?), so unless you've been the past 2 or 3 years I've missed, that makes it a lot more than 2 or three years since you have been there. I would doubt you have been to an Ocala gathering since the turn of the century.

[Olympic-Bullshitter]

Do not bring back any viruses as souvenirs. Get a flu shot before you go to Rainbow, wash your hands regularly (and carry antibaterial towrlettes), drink plenty of water and take a multivitamin daily.

[Tisha Mc]

You all are making me sooo bummed that I won't be able to make Ocala. Despite the horror stories, everyone just seems so nice and inviting. I'm going to make sure that I can make nationals tough. Even if it's only for a couple of days, I will be there. I wish that I could just quit my jobs and hit the road.

[Olympic-Bullshitter]

If you find your stomach becoming upset because of your new diet, eating charcoal (pieces of burnt wood from your fire) may cure what ails you. Grind the charcoal into a teaspoonfull of fine powder, mixed with water and drink this a few times a day as necessary.

[Tuktuk08]

You all are making me sooo bummed that I won't be able to make Ocala. Despite the horror stories, everyone just seems so nice and inviting. I'm going to make sure that I can make nationals tough. Even if it's only for a couple of days, I will be there. I wish that I could just quit my jobs and hit the road.


One of my problems is my job as well. I've never been to a gathering, but just recently learned about it and I will definitely be there this year. The way I'm beginning to think is that if the gathering opens up a world of new opportunities for me, then i'm going to jump at it. It will be hard for me to just up and leave my job, but if i see a new path im going to take it.

There is too much out there to let something like a job hold us back from following our hearts.

[Tisha Mc]

If it was just me, I'd totally agree with you. But I help with my mom and brother as well. My brother hasn't yet learned how to take care of himself and my mom just lost her job thanks to this lovely economy. Even if things were okay, I couldn't just leave them hanging.

[ID10T]

If it was just me, I'd totally agree with you. But I help with my mom and brother as well. My brother hasn't yet learned how to take care of himself and my mom just lost her job thanks to this lovely economy. Even if things were okay, I couldn't just leave them hanging.


BRING THEM !!!!! If only for a Day trip !!!!!!!

PR



Satisfaction comes to those that please themselves..............

[Tuktuk08]

If it was just me, I'd totally agree with you. But I help with my mom and brother as well. My brother hasn't yet learned how to take care of himself and my mom just lost her job thanks to this lovely economy. Even if things were okay, I couldn't just leave them hanging.


Don't you just love our government:eek:

[indigo/melody]

I've never heard of rainbow gatherings before this site. But after searching around the internet and reading some of the threads here, it's seems like something I could really get into. But I still need quite a bit more info. Do you gather more than once a year? How long do the gatherings last? Is it all over or just in one place? I live in Northern Florida and I'm hoping there is something close by and sometime soonish. What happens at these gatherings? What is expected from each person? Are noobs welcome? I have soooooo many more questions, but I'll just leave it at that for now, see if anyone even answers those. Please help. I think I'd really like to get involved.
If this belongs in a different place, I'm sorry. I'm still learning my way around this place. Only day two here. thanks

look at my new posts....ok...peace out

[sonoran sam]

hey, it's your 1st trip to the gathering...you're expected to bliss-out! just kick back and soak in the scene! it's an awesome place to be but yes, there are some probs too. but the vast majority are ladies and gentlemen who look out for each other.

[Dylanchick0113]

The truest thing I have ever heard said about a gathering is... you find what you are looking for.

BUT... too many people become blind to what is happening around them as they look for what they want.

Nail on the head...well put

[Dylanchick0113]

whoa,,, its your 1st gathering so youre expected to bliss out,,,????? WTF!!!???? Really???

[zencoyote]

whoa,,, its your 1st gathering so youre expected to bliss out,,,????? WTF!!!???? Really???

Sure! Y'know, like run around naked, do lots of drugs, show up at a kitchen with no blissware, show up at CALM with bloody feet and no shoes, or having to beg a blanket cause it's cold.

BLISS!!!!!

Zen

[Tisha Mc]

I've heard some stories about things being stolen. Does this happen often?

[zencoyote]

I've heard some stories about things being stolen. Does this happen often?

No, I wouldn't say often but it does happen. As the Rainbow saying goes, "tempt not, lest you be lifted from."
Best thing to do is camp with a group. Get to know your neighbors and be sure to secure all your belongings.
Rainbow gatherings are no different than any large group. You're always going to have a few assholes...so just take the obvious precautions.

In all my years of gathering nobody has stolen anything outright from me. I've loaned out things that never came back but those were more folks spacing out or multi-loaning.

Don't worry much. Just be smart about your stuff and you'll be OK.

Zen

[Tisha Mc]

No, I wouldn't say often but it does happen. As the Rainbow saying goes, "tempt not, lest you be lifted from."
Best thing to do is camp with a group. Get to know your neighbors and be sure to secure all your belongings.
Rainbow gatherings are no different than any large group. You're always going to have a few assholes...so just take the obvious precautions.

In all my years of gathering nobody has stolen anything outright from me. I've loaned out things that never came back but those were more folks spacing out or multi-loaning.

Don't worry much. Just be smart about your stuff and you'll be OK.

Zen
Sounds like riding the greyhound. Get to know your surrounding people and you do find. Sounds like a good plan. Thanks Zen.