Burning Billy

People's reactions, when I tell them where I'm going, generally fall into two categories.  There are those who get a glazed wondrous look on their faces and tell me I'm going to have the time of my life, and then there are the ones whose foreheads crease as they say, "I hope you survive."

Funnily enough, most people I talk to say they've been meaning to go, but never have, or they're planning to go, just not this year, and they all know somebody who's been.  Me, I'm going now, because my girlfriend Tater is a hardcore Burning Man veteran, and as an excited and admittedly somewhat apprehensive Burning Man virgin, I know she'll help make it an experience to treasure forever.

Farewell, my faithful LivingRomCommers!  Soon I'll be a tiny speck on the Playa, pictured above.  I'm off to have my consciousness altered, on a stretch of barren desert bedeviled by dust storms, where I'll live in a small geodesic dome for a week, help feed some 250 clowns --we're camping with the circus-ers of the Red Nose district -- and play amidst spectacular works of art and imagination, many of which will get blowed up good during the big burning finale.

I won't be blogging for the next 10 days or so; there's no cell reception out there (yes!!!) and I'm not bringing a laptop; instead, if I have any thoughts I'm capable of articulating, I'll be using this amazing invention -- an aerodynamic stylus that emits a steady stream of ink through a tiny pointed aperture when pressed to paper -- to fill an arcane object the ancients referred to as "a journal."

When I do return to this regular broadcast channel, sometime after Labor Day, I will surely have tales to tell.  In the meantime, I wish a happy end-of-summer vacation to one and all -- may your days be loving and funny!

Comments

[E.C. Henry]

Sounds like one bizzare vaccation? Guess I fall into camp II, I just hope you come back alive. Sounds like you're about to live through the seuqel of the moive "Biodome."

Anyway, sounds like you'll have some pretty wild stories to share after this adventure. Can't wait to hear about what memories you're about to make.

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA

[Christina]

Oh man!!!

I can't wait to hear the stories when you get back. As a former teenage deadhead (who did a little touring), I've always meant to go Burning Man... almost went last year, almost went this year... I've really just got to mean it and go next year.

Have a great time!!!

[ScribeLA]

Have fun! Can't wait to hear all about it upon your safe return!
Scribe

[Scooter]

Have a great time! It sounds weirdly wonderful...

[Fun Joel]

I too fall into the, would love to go and mean to eventually, but still have not gone category. Have a blast, boy-o!

[Christian Howell]

So did you guys hear that some psycho performance artist set the thing on fire ahead of schedule?

The organizers are replacing it with a smaller "man."

They guy supposedly had to cough up $25,000 for bail.

[Paul Lacques]

Did you consult with Densmore?

[mernitman]

EC: I'm ALIVE.

Christina: I DID!

Scribe: I'll tell.

Scooter: It WAS.

Joel: I'm blasted.

Christian: I was there and saw the ("premature immolation") burn! More in an upcoming post.

Lacquesman! I did not. Is he a burner?

[Christina]

We're waiting!!! (Hint, hint.) I've been checking your blog since Tuesday, for the next post. (Hint, hint.)

[mernitman]

Dear Christina,
I write to you with a mind of mush. We got back from Burning Man late Tuesday night -- I had to get up for Uni work at 6 the next morning -- it's now Friday morning and I am still a virtual ZOMBIE. Burning Man kicks your butt -- physically and psychologically -- and "weary to the bone" only vaguely describes my current state. I want to be able to write about the experience (a challenge in itself)with my usual skills intact... which means, unfortunately, that I won't be posting until late in the weekend. I'm hoping my brain will be functional and my hands healed (heavy desert weather left them swollen and cut up) by then.
Meanwhile, thanks for posting clips of your band on your blog -- you sound great, even if it's hard to see you in the dark.

[Barbara]

It's after Labor Day - and waiting for those tales to be told.

[Christina]

I'll be patient!!

Thanks for watching the videos.

[debbieb]

We love you Billy! Sending you wishes for a smooth Burning Man "recovery". We know you have some amazing stories to tell us! Writer hugs!

[Britney22]

I always wondered about burning man, I heard it is quite an experience but I would love to go with a significant other instead of alone, so I was wondering if there was someone out there that some friendly advice this morning. I just wanted to know, has anyone heard of where can find local speed dating opportunities? I read about it on http://www.singlesinmotion.com, however I’m really wanting something right here in my own home town. I mean it sounds like a great way to actually meet people face to face rather than online, which NEVER turns out for me, ‘cause I’m too picky, I guess. Please post any success with speed dating events here for me if you can! could share