I've been emailed some really good ideas about Kinsouth that would be feasible if I were a Petty, but sadly things don't always go the way we want them... so I think its time to give you guys an update on how the gather is progressing as far as planning goes.
I still want a beach house. Moo ha ha ha. I happen to work at one called "Our Place At the Beach" which is situated right on the dunes. I've been told so far that the price is about $1700 for 20 people. This means that if I somehow managed to get the money, I would need RSVPs this year in order to know what we're doing. In the meantime, it's a very large possibility that we're going to be camping again just like the other years - it seems to be becoming a tradition for this here gather.
So if we end up camping, I'm going to see about booking the same site we had the first year. My backyard is a last resort, people, for all it has sacred spots like sweat lodges and knooks and crannies and a house to run to if it rains. The reason why I want to avoid it is because of my parents..... That's a lot of people for them to have to deal with.
Let's debunk some myths about camping: it's comfortable, people. Especiallly among friends, and especially if some of those friends know what their doing for comfort. Those that don't come with a tent are welcome, usually, to bunk with other people. I, for one, am not afraid to share my blankets and pillows. In fact, it's nice to have someone to giggle with in the night. What's more - the gather is about practicing one's magical skills and growing. Growth usually requires that you step outside your comfort zones. If we end up camping and you're the kind of person to whine over every little inconvenience, then this gather will be miserable for you. If we end up at the beach, you might have a good time - but there will *still* be inconveniences. Keep that in mind.
Yes, the gather has social time - of course it does! But primarily this particular Blue holds this gather in order to go to work. Those that want wing stretches, etc. have found success in the past. And I only do this once a year. (Remembering workshops and other things are scheduled on travel basis.)
Every year we also have a "car pool" page on the website - those that want to save money or think they're not going to make it otherwise advertise there with contact information in hopes other hopefuls will show. This is good for the environment, as well! So give carpooling a good thought. We're a small gather, but we're a growing gather. Also, every year we hold a charity pot to help out with food and gas money aftewards - this is a powwow tradition. Gathers are community!
Every year we hold a ritual for the community. Last year's ritual was a MAJOR success - I know of one person who's wishes were literally granted by the cosmos. This year's ritual has not been decided on yet, but everyone is welcome to participate. For example, we need input! In fact its encouraged! The bonds we form through this are strong and help us to get along in the future.
Past gathers would not have happened without the help of others - I can't do it alone! Thanks, as always, goes out to Starrborrn - who helped two gathers in a row - and Midoryn, as well as Maduin, Turtle, and Ray - among others. If I have forgotten your name, then my apologies.
Final note: I work hard to make this gather as cheap as possible for everyone. Other gathers charge a *lot* of money, and this is fine, but I'm not out to have them for profit. At the first gather, I only charged $10 a person, and in the end no one paid me. Not a soul. Starrborrn I turned down. Others just didn't keep their promises - and yet I still saved all year to hold the second one. I'll be doing the same for the third.
Thanks!!
Spearcarrier Blue
