This year had its ups and downs.  I wish I'd been able to camp with more close friends, and taking care of a 2-year-old was definitely a learning experience.  There was one particularly horrible day that involved multiple rounds of vomit, a very bad diaper, and a lost shoe.  There were also days and days of dust storms, some of them whiteout conditions.  One lasted from noon until 10 pm that night (I went to bed early).

Did I have any fun?  Yes, I did.  I spent time with friends I haven't seen in nearly ten years.  I got to hang out with my brother-in-law for a day.  I saw some spectacular art.

But . . . it's different now.  The event is now up to 70,000 people, which is double what it was the last time I went in 2005.  This year, it was the first time out there for 40% of the population.  There is a ton of money invested in the large-scale art projects, which I think takes away from some of the DIY aspect, but I suppose it also reinforces community and working together, so there's that.

Burning Man was really important part of my life--not only socially, but it heavily influenced my decision to go into massage and who I've become as an adult.  However, I've gotten a little jaded, I think.  The art that once left me awestruck has become more mundane to my eyes. "How did they DO that?!?" is now "Hnh. How'd they do that? Oh yeah, I see how." 

For the newbies, though?  It's still blowing their minds, which is the important part.  My favorite takeaway this year is a sermon by an Episcopalian priest about his experience out there, a 53-year-old guy who went with his 22-year-old "I'm more of a Buddhist" daughter. It is funny, touching, and poignant, and drives home how he has integrated his experience into the default world.

The part that gave me chills is at about the 13-minute mark, when he talks about the gift that he brought:  blessings. In turn, he anointed the receiver's eyes, ears, mouth, hands, and feet--even going to far as to kiss them--before placing his hand over the receiver's heart as he finished. From there, he would say:

What a beautiful message to send out into the world.

So I guess I'm now an AfterBurner.  For the amount of money, time, and other resources needed to make me comfortable out there, I could go to Ireland for two weeks.  Or Italy.  Or any number of other places in the world, and open my eyes in new and different ways.

I got what I needed from Burning Man, and it's up to me to carry forward the change it has brought me in my life.

Living one's truth

The magic of time-delayed posting means that while I am out at Burning Man, roasting my tuchus off and possibly getting swarmed by bugs (although reports are that they've just about disappeared by now), I can also be here.  With you.

Well, sort  of, anyway.  I'll take what I can get.

Cast your virtual vote!
Voting for Best of the Boat is going on RIGHT NOW!  But you only have a few more days--voting closes at midnight on September 4th!  I'm eligible for two categories:  best massage therapist and best spa. 

People wonder if these polls make a difference.  I'm here to say that they do.  Winning Best of the Boat in 2011 was just the boost my business needed.  It gave me enough visibility to keep the lights on, and then flourish and thrive.  Because of people like you, I've been able to follow my dreams and do what I love.

Now I'm here, to ask for your vote again.  It's not just me, this time.  This spring, I took a leap of faith and doubled my overhead to help two splendid young therapists gain some traction, get more hands-on experience, and hopefully be able to follow their dreams of a successful private practice some day.

Pay it forward, they say.  Be the change you want to see in the world.

I'm putting my money where my mouth is and stepping up to the plate.  Every single spa I've worked for in town has Done Things Wrong, from deliberate misclassification as an independent contractor to violating labor laws.  I aim to do things better than they were done by me, but I need your help.  We need that visibility again. 
  
 So cast your vote.  You don't have to live here in Steamboat to make a big difference in three people's lives.  Pass it on.

In my absence
I may be out of commission in the Big Dusty, but Mr. Kelly and Chelsea are still here, keeping the lights on and the tables warm.

My first day back in the office is Friday, September 11th, but I'm currently booked up for the next few days.  I don't really get going until about the 16th or so, and then I've got a few weekends where I'm back out of town again.

PLEASE NOTE:  I expect to be out of cell range and internet access until I get back to Boulder on the 10th.  If you need anything, please contact Mr. Kelly at 970.819.6403 or Chelsea at 970.215.5736.

Dusty hugs to all.