e-rawk

Epic, that’s what I say now every time I get the “how was it” question. Then I fall silent. There’s so much to say, so many stories to tell that I just don’t know where to start. This was year three for me and it almost didn’t happen. After last year I really debated returning. Not that it was bad per se, I just left last year feeling like maybe I was done with burning man. I just read back my 2008 entry and I did have a great time. I think it all comes down to expectations. Year one was so emotionally packed and crazy, just plain overwhelming. It’s hard not to expect the world the second time around, no matter how much I try to tell myself not to. There are some basic reasons why this year was better; better weather, smaller city, great theme. Those are all well and good but I think they are a distraction from the real reason.

The real reason. I am just in a much better place right now. This time last year I was in the process of quitting my job. I had given notice, but was still there (waiting until Sept 22). My USF MNA program was about to start. I was certainly freaking out about making one of the biggest and potentially most disastrous decisions of my life. Things couldn’t be more different this year. The MNA program is awesome. I feel like I’ve gained so much and it’s only half over. I’m not totally freaking out about ever getting a job again (not totally). I love working at SFCV. Love love love it! Getting paid (how ever much it is) also means my “event horizon” has extended considerably. So I’m much more comfortable with the big decision of a year ago.

And this last year has been an astounding revelation for me in the realm of personal connection. At some point last year I realized I had effectively cut myself off from people. 12 years of commuting to Fremont and singing all the time can do that. After effectively rendering myself unavailable to my friends I was struck with the realization that I had to do a little work to get them back. And lo and behold, I have great friends! This may seem too basic to be a “revelation” but it certainly felt like that to me.

That all just goes to say, I went into the big BM this year a much happier and well adjusted person. My expectations were effectively tempered by the 2008 experience and I wasn’t really looking for anything in particular. I think that’s why this was such a great year. (There’s probably some Buddhist out there going “duh!” right now.) By Tuesday I could feel it was going to be a good burn. I remember dancing with Darren, Manda, and others at Boombox that night just pinching myself saying “It’s only Tuesday.” (I still need to find out who was spinning that night.)

Accaplaya was fantastic this year. In accordance with the theme we sang Jocko Homo (”they tell me that God made man, but he used the monkey to do it…”). I love bringing the Devo to people. There were some great moments where audience members realized what we were up to and just went off! It’s hard to pick a favorite gig (there were so many) but have to say that singing on the tiniest stage in the world at P-cubed was pretty wonderful. We were packed so tight that we could hear perfectly and feed off each other so well. Also, folks at P-cubed get it. Yes that is me (or should I say Marlene Dubois) up there. Polly, Peggy and Claudia I owe you three big F-ing time. That dress was more of hit than you could imagine. I think that Marlene is going to be a regular feature on the playa from now on

Like I said, too many stories to tell. Crazy nights dancing until the sun came up, fantastic art on the playa (the man was so beautiful this year), the emotional roller coaster that is Playa Choir. As I said to someone at a 9am (!) rehearsal, “if you don’t show up totally wrecked at least once, then it’s not really Playa Choir.” Billion Bunny march, the brown sound, neighbors with crappy music (PleasAir I’m looking at you) and neighbors with awesome music (Porkchop!). The noobs were also fantastic (Punch in the face!).

Wow this is starting to get a little inside baseball. Here’s the rest of the pics. There’s a story as long as this blog about every one. That’s good burn. See you on the playa next year!

Burning Man 2009 Pictures

-e

Technorati : Accaplaya, Burning Man