This was my first Gathering and I have to say, I was completely amazed at how life-changing of an experience it was. So much to say about it, which is why I felt compelled to write an article about it. If you wish to take a look, you can read it here: http://peaceandloveism.com/blog/2010/07/the-rainbow-family-gathering-a-gathering-of-the-tribes/ Loving you brothers and sisters
Nicely done, nicely said. I attended briefly with my kids (my daughter, age 23 and "adopted son" age 26)... we bailed out early due only to the cold and being unprepared for it- and I had little time off work anyway. I could take it, I've camped in subzero weather, but for my daughter it was just too much. She loves the family, loved every minute of our experience there, but just could not get physically comfortable due to cold, exhaustion, and a minor injury she was recovering from- and trying to ignore and not mention. In retrospect, given my daughter's discomfort, leaving was the right thing to do. But I am embarrassed that I wasn't expecting 40-degree weather in the middle of summer so near home! People were horrified that we were leaving... as if the love fell short, and it was nothing like that at all. Lots of love and concern... it was no crisis, we just had to go... so nice to have so much love around. Rainbow is about many things, not the least of which is taking personal responsibility and having the bare essentials needed if you show up. I failed on that one... but fucking up everything I touch has been the norm for me over the last year anyways. That I could make such a blunder kind of disturbs me way more than just having a personally-ruined vacation. It was still worth the trip. Spent an hour or so talking with someone who still know some of the people who first introduced me to Rainbow in ... I guess it was '93. Met people that I'll remember and love. Did some drumming. But it was all as an outsider. An observer. You're not a part of the gathering until you're doing the work that makes it happen. I'll never again attend on an abbreviated schedule with minimal preparation. It's important. Worth doing right, next time.
Coming unprepared? Tsk, tsk and a hearty LOL!!!!!!!!! It happens to us all. All the Gatherings Littlewing and I have gone to and wouldn't you know when we arrived at the Wyoming (2nd) Gathering and set up camp we realized we had no blissware...none...zip...nada. It was SOOOOOOOO embarrassing to ask friends for a cup and bowl. BAD HIPPIES!!!! See you next year. Tell you what...you bring extra blissware and I'll bring extra blankets. Then we're ALL covered!! LOL! Zen
hey all, just wanted to talk about what a rainbow family is? from I have read here, it sounds like a really cool time. I think it should be the way life is all the time. Full of Love for everyone. Babsie
Brother SunLion You did it right! You took your family and went , experienced the journey and shared that love with us. Looking forward hearing more. Luvin ya :grouphug:
