Cornerstone - 2009

What a festival!  This was my first ever Cornerstone and I spent it as a Staff person... which was awesome!!!  We were assigned to help out at the Asylum Tent, which is a safe haven for subculture folks. Many of our friends including Mo, Cecily, and Skot and Rachel of Leper hang out/worked at that tent so it was awesome.  We also camped behind the tent.  I am sooo thankful I brought my bike, "Meg", as she helped me get around the fest much faster.  Thus I was able to see and do more on my breaks.



I was exposed to so many bands but the three that stood out the most were Leper, Crossing, and Men As Trees Walking.  Yes, I know that is a strange mix, but then when has my taste as a gypsy gal not been strange?  
I also found us: a didgeridoo for Robby, a clay drum from India for me, plus a Celtic Wedding/Hand Fasting Tapestry (based off a drawing from the Book of Kells) for our wall, plus some assorted small items, all in the vendor tents!  ^_^

But I think my favorite part was the rain coming...  For one it cooled everything off; it had been stinking hot before and playing with my health.  Secondly, it meant I could do more.  Thirdly, it meant so many went mud bathing and mud sliding. LOL.  That was a blast.  I just wish I had time to do the mud sliding.  Maybe another time.

~ Morria

A Goal: Holiday Work

Snow hath come this Christmastide as of yesterday.  At last, we have good white snow.  The city looks so white and pure, thought that most likely will not last long.  Even my bike, "Meg", loves this... though I dont dare taker her out on the streets in this weather.  It looks as if tis finally time to rest her for the winter.  Until we meet again in the spring, dear "Meg".  I am sure the bike shop will care for you well.

As everyone left for Thanksgiving, and is now preparing to leave for Christmas, Robby and I are being able to pick up a bunch of extra paid work.   And that is a good thing, as in January we are journeying to Dine Bikeyah for about a week.  Other than Aaron, Skot and Rachel, and a few other families, we are not close to many anywhere...  And our Christmas was spent with Rob's family over Thanksgiving...

I love how they have made the L and other lines all festive.  In this busy bustling city, it is nice to have some good will and spirit of cheer.  I just pray that everyone, whether traveling home, journeying through the city, or snug as a bug with their computer and a cup of Zhena's Fireside Chai Tea, never forgets the Babe born on Christmas morn.  We ought not celebrate Him one morn, but all 365 days of the year.  Let us not blot out the lesson we have learned on the journeys way, and share His love all the more with those about us.

~ Morria

Chicagoland!

So, here we are!  As soon as we could get a van, we packed up.  There were only two seats, so we unfolded our dorm chairs behind the driver and passenger seat.  Thankfully Robby's dad is good enough driver, no one even looked twice.  We spend the night in Lebanon... Indiana that is.  The Super 8 Motel was really nice, and had a good Hot continental breakfast.  Then it was back on the road... no rest for gypsy souls it would seem.

So we arrived in Chicago, on a misty, hot, humid afternoon.  Our host family, Skot and Rachel, had been ill, but Skot did his best to help us get settled.  The room 505 is just a small studio with the shared kitchen down the hall, but it does have its own bathroom.  So after a quick paint job and a matrices pulled in, we are ready to go. My favorite things thus far in Chicago: Unique Thrift Store and the Free Store!  Like that is really a big surprise...

~ Morria

Honeymoon in Chicago!

What an adventure the past few days have been!  Robby and I journeyed up to Chicago, on a scouting trip to JPUSA to see if we wish to do their year long internship called Project 12.  This is also to be our honeymoon trip!  True Chicago in the winter is not where most people would go, but when have Robby and I ever been most people?  The loft we are staying in is glorious, though cold, but it is winter and to be expected.  We are enjoying the time alone.... not in his parents home.

After some scouting, a tour of JPUSA's buildings, working with Skot and Rachel at the shelter, and shopping at the Free Store, The Alley, and Unique Thrift .  Robby and I went with Skot and Rachel, plus alot of friends to drive around Chicago.  First stop  was the cemeteries of course!  But our friend the Trickster, a lone coyote, was waiting in one.  We quickly moved on, and ate at a tasty vegan cafe as some in our party are vegans.  Then it was off for more driving around Chicago. I am nearly sure Skot knows where nearly every movie here was shot.  LOL!  Needless to say, this honeymoon was not normal, but still a blast!!!

~ Morria