Midwest Autumn Clownshow
November 3 - 5, 2007
Nahnah's Garden and Cat Ranch
Eaton Rapids, Michigan
Notes scribed by Gonzo. Note that these are Gonzo's notes, not an
"official" and complete record of the Clownshow. Hopefully the
important topics are summarized effectively.
In attendance at the location at some time:
Nahnah, Medicine Crow, Austin, Gonzo, Betsi, Terry, Dave, Jim, Jen,
Doug, Lydia, Derek, Heidi, Grace, Ua, Sarah, Elijah, Forest, Will,
Becky, Chip, Rick, Daniel, Auryn, Joosh, James, Alicia, Lucy, Johnny,
Chris. Also the four-legged Rainbows Barley, Fuzzy, Spooky, Speck,
Bagira, Ezzy, Amber. Also (invoked in spirit) Perry
Agenda items:
Summer Regional. Condor phoned Jen prior to Clownshow, suggested
Pigeon River Country. Upper Peninsula also has a lot of support.
How to get the kitchen to Wyoming? There are no volunteers at this
Clownshow to haul the trailer. There is talk of taking a subset of the
massive amount of kitchen gear in individual vehicles. There will be
continued call for a trailer-hauler and accompanying kitchen crew.
Discussion of one big Gathering vs. several smaller more regional
Gatherings. Comment: Big Gatherings, little Gatherings, medium
Gatherings, all of the above are good. Proposal for one big truly
National Gathering that is composed of many simultaneous
comings-together in multiple sites. Statement that one large Annual
Gathering increases our chances to gather with folks we have no other
opportunity to gather with. Statement that advantages of several
simultaneous Gatherings are that it is more difficult for the
Government to mount an organized offensive, the carbon footprint
required for folks to attend is greatly reduced, and more folks in
aggregate number are able to come together in the same temporal,
though not physical, space. Also, there is a desire of many to have
smaller, more intimate Gatherings with greater focus on workshops and
community-building. Much more discussion, and heartsong, remembrance
of Gatherings past, reflection on how Gatherings present have changed
dramatically through the years. Discussion of Turtle Soup having grown
to the point that it doesn't all fit in the big trailer, and the
possibility of dividing the equipment so a big kitchen can go to
Wyoming and a small kitchen can cook for a complementary gathering in
the Great Lakes.
Question: Is there energy among enough folks to pull together a
regional gathering of the tribes over the July 4 week, as a complement
to the Annual Gathering for folks who haven't the time and energy to
go to Wyoming?
Concern expressed that making any statement regarding a complementary
small Great Lakes Gathering is a strong statement that will have great
impact, and thus we need to be careful regarding making such a
decision or announcement. It is important not to divert energy from
the gargantuan task of getting a large kitchen to the Annual
Gathering.
Proposal for a council for further discussion of the potential of and
specifics for the above-mentioned gathering of the tribes. Decision
made to hold said council January 19 & 20 in Saranac.
Consensus call: Each individual is free to gather as he or she
chooses. Consensus reached.
Question posed: By identifying ourselves as Rainbows, are we
increasing our odds of an ugly death? It is speculated that on the
contrary, we are assuring ourselves of a beautiful, glorious, loving
life with our sisters and brothers.
Time out to revel in superficiality. And cake.
Consensus call: Marijuana is still legal. Inadvertently sleep-blocked
by Karmapapapa in California, paradoxically while still awake.
Sarah announced that Kelly in Rothbury has offered her property for a
Winter Regional. Added to the calendar on the traditional Valentine's
Day weekend.
2008 Calendar (consensed):