Whew.
As usual when getting home from an event, I am equal parts glad to have gone and glad to be back. It was quite a whirlwind. I don’t even know why, but I felt like I was away from home for a month, not a 5 days.
FPG is an enormously friendly and laid-back event. Everyone laughs a lot. Everyone teases, jokes, hugs, laughs some more, and eats well. It really is delightful.
New this year is the site, a 4H camp on a lovely, sparkling blue lake with kayaking and canoeing available. Being a 4H, the fire circle was in a shamrock. Drumming was good, dancing was good, and the only downside is the clothing-required nature of the site. Vending was unusual. A large number of homemade crafts made this vendor’s row stand out from most Pagan festivals; I saw many one-of-a-kind items.
The event prides itself on treating its guest speakers well, and rightly so. There was, I kid you not, a gift basket on my bed when I arrived. I felt so appreciated! And it is so energizing to feel that, it allows me to do my very best. I ate well (and often!), I drank plenty, I got enough sleep, the showers were hot, I mean, what else could a girl want? (Okay, wireless. The wireless antenna went down. Totally not their fault. Because I expected wireless access, I never asked Tom or Evn to cover the blog. So, sorry.)
One of the best things about traveling to festivals is the amazing people I meet, and FPG had me rooming, for the first time ever, with a genuine rock star. Wendy Rule is open-hearted and sweet, and her sixteen year-old son Reuben is traveling with her, making me miss Arthur terribly.
Other terrific speakers at this event where Dorothy Morrison, M.R. Sellars, Kristin Madden (who traveled with her twelve year-old son Karl, making me miss Arthur terribly), Tish Owens, Ann Moura, and more. Great crowd, all happy to come out because of the gift baskets and hot showers.
Also, it’s Florida. So when it gets cold at night, that means put on a fleece sweatshirt. This is a far cry from Starwood, where “cold at night” means “winter coat.” I love that.
It was great to see you!
Oh! And Barbs was there! That was awesome. Also Cosette of Pandora’s Bazaar. And Charlie, of course. And he made curry.
Starwood, where cold at night means, at some point you cross over into the inability to have fun or make any decisions, because none of the choices work. Teeth chatter and nothing helps. Stay at the fire? Too cold. Long walk back to the tent? Why, it’s only going to be colder, and you might die in your sleep.
Don’t know why this is so vivid to me right now.
You said it. I did not get to see your workshop but I did get to meet you. You are a delight as well. You are coming back to FPG correct? I am looking forward to attending your workshop.
Amanda
If they will have me I would love to come.