Home again!
Remember me? I’m Kate, and I used to hang out here all the time. Well, I’m home again—this time from Burning Man.
What is this Burning Man you speak of, Kate? you ask.
Originally, Burning Man started as a protest against The Man and having to conform to societal norms. Inventors, artists, performers, and other random rebels began converging in the middle of the Black Rock Desert for a week of communing with nature and celebrating art and diversity, ending with a burning of The Man. Now, for one week, Black Rock City is the third largest city in Nevada, and people come from all over the world to participate in the art and frivolity of the festival.
Over the years, more and more people have started to attend. This year, the line getting in was crazy.
The things people create to display out there are amazing. You know—like a ten-story sculpture of a woman arching, or a temple where people add their regrets and dreams to the walls. Or the art cars: roving disco buses in various shapes and sizes.
But I’m a simple girl. I always gravitate toward the smaller installations, like the Wishing Tree:
I pinned a wish on it for you:
One day, while exploring, we happened upon a dance party-slash-ice cream social in the middle of the Playa.
Surprise ice cream sandwiches are divine in the hot, dusty desert. There may also have been whiskey shots involved.
People dress however they want, and often in costumes…
I didn’t dress up in a furry animal suit (though, yes, I have one) but I did rock some awesome outfits. One night, I wore all silver, as did my friend Scott, who borrowed my Magic Man’s robot suit. Behold the Space Robot and his Interstellar Handmaiden:
What else did I do?
- I tangoed in the dust.
- I biked around the desert, day and night, until my asscheeks hurt.
- I drank iced lattes and got my face painted.
- I plotted my next book, henceforth entitled The Summerhill series. Stay tuned for more later.
- I read three books. The first three in the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne, if you’re interested.
- I met new people, and I saw old friends.
What was my favorite part of the week? Being with my Magic Man and kissing him in the glow of the brilliant lights of a temporary city. Our friends took great photos of us—I’ll post a couple when I receive them.
Let me tell you: I am HAPPY to be home, as fun as the desert was. I’m looking forward to being home for the next few weeks. Of course, that’s if my gypsy feet don’t start itching to travel.
What have you been up to? Also: LAUREL HEIGHTS 10! Just a couple weeks away now.
Nice sunglasses. 🙂 I’m glad you’re back.
Ooooh, I love “Summerhill” — can’t wait to read it!
Excited for your new series. Sounds like a fun and exciting time was had by all.
I just enjoy your stories so much. I’m looking forward to the next one. Whatever I am reading, I stop when you have a new release. Thank you
I’m the one in the “furry animal suit”. Thanks for the photograph! 😀
Ha ha! Awesome. 🙂