5/31/2020

​To My Grandkids,
     
​   First rule of camp: You always have to have a flower in your hair!


    This past week has been the best of my life. I have driven through Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and now California! I have met so many amazing people, and have tons of wild stories already! 
    When we first pulled in to California, we pulled over to camp for the night, and it turned out to be the best couple days of my life so far. We were parked right on the beach, so my front door opened right to the ocean!  Throughout the 3 days we stayed there, I met the most amazing bunch of people. There ended up being a group of 15 or so people that came through our camp, and each and every one was so special. We would all sit around the fire together for hours, playing guitar, dancing under the stars, and sharing our stories. We had group meals, and would come together around the fire to eat. There were people of all ages, life paths, and from all over the country- all were welcome. Some people were musical, others were listeners, some were adventurers, others were observers. We were all so different, but at the same time, the same.. When we needed to shower, we would walk into the woods to a freshwater creek and wash our hair together. At one point, Bryanna and I went back to the creek with our lovely fairy friend, Julie, and just like in Montana, we stripped down and took a leap into the COLD COLD water! Once again, EXHILARATING! As a group, we learned so much not only about each other, but ourselves as well!
​     At the end of each day, we found ourselves gathered around the fire, laughing, sharing, learning, enjoying, and EXPERIENCING life in the purest form. My lovely friend, Tysun, was showing us his tattoos, and when asked why he had a campfire, the answer was simple, but so special; community. At first, I was like oh yea cool- but then I thought about it, and truly, it is one thing that never fails to bring people together. A simple campfire that brought us all together at camp, and presented me with memories and stories I will always cherish. A simple campfire that provides us with meals to share, warmth to sit out under the stars together all night, playing music, and sharing what makes us all who we are. A campfire that connected strangers at the right place and time- a simple campfire that built a community. 
    The last day we spent together, we started the morning with a group meditation, standing in a circle together, opening our hearts and being grateful. We gave hugs, and started to say goodbye, but its never that easy to leave the ones you love, so it didn’t end there. We traded crafts, gifted special items, and exchanged contact information. There was a lovely man named Cameron, who I gifted a special item of mine, and he hand crafted me a bow and arrow. It was so special, and my heart feels full every time I look at it! After saying goodbye to the other half of the group, only a couple of us stayed at the beach. We were with a very special River Godess (to say the least!) named Sari, and she made us pancakes before we hit the road. When it was time to part ways, we ended up not being able to leave each other right away, so we stayed together for the night, and then Sari and I spent another night off on our own. What an amazing, beautiful soul she is.. I could go on and on, but I’d have to make another blog to express how much I enjoyed my time with her! (I will!)
     The whole time we were there, none of us had service, which at first was a bummer, because I’m a teenage girl who’s guilty pleasure is social media- but it turned out to be the biggest blessing ever to not have technology for a couple days. Since none of us had our phones, we were creating much more in depth relationships, and getting to know each other face to face, soul to soul, rather than being distracted by the internet and social media. 
    It was seriously the best couple days of my life, and the most simplistic. It doesn’t take material things to be happy, and it sure a hell doesn’t need technology. This world is always changing, evolving, and getting more advanced, and a lot of us get caught up in the new trends, latest technology, and temporary fixes.. Try and remind yourself to BE HERE in the present moment, because it is the only moment that ever truly exists, and you can never get it back. Put your phone down (or your flying cars by now) and get outside to experience first hand for your own eyes!! You will have the best time of your life that way, and make the most meaningful relationships!
     Go make a campfire and see what happens :)

     Even though I’m only 19, I’m still looking forward to meeting you someday! Trust me, we’ve got lots to talk about! 
                                Love, 
                                     Granny J :)

---