Author: Cynthia E. Jones (Alexandria, Virginia, USA)
Website: Click here
Photo location: Burningman, Nevada, USA
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Categories: [fun]  [heaven]  [thankful]  

Every year, in the desert of Nevada, there is a well-known countercultural festival known as "Burningman." This is a huge gathering which includes over 30,000 participants who believe in a non-monetary economy and radical free self-expression, as well as having a great time.

After Labor Day, when all the "burners" have gone home, most of us get back to work. We try to remember what life is like normally, when we're not surrounded by beautiful naked people making music, sculpture, fire spinning, performance art, and the like. But eventually, we all yearn for the Burn before another 365 days have passed. That is why Playa Del Fuego was started.

Twice a year, in May and October, "burners" from New York City, Baltimore, Philly, and Washington, DC (as well as other neighboring cities) gather in Odessa, Delaware, at a private park that lets us "do our thing." This includes more wonderful artwork, clothing optional parties, huge bonfires, and lots of new friends. I went in October for the second time, and after pitching my tent on Friday night, I wandered over to the port-a-potties. While relieving myself, I could hear the strains of "A Boy Named Sue," by none other than the recently departed Johnny Cash. I thought nothing of it until the next morning, when I saw this shrine by the light of day--"Johnny-on-the-Spot." (So named for the port-a-potty company itself.)A kind soul had set up a giant speaker to play nothing but Johnny Cash songs 24 hours a day, just loud enough for people using the restrooms. It was a classy homage to the Man in Black, and some people left flowers and whatnot on the speaker. I whipped out my lomo "action sampler" camera, which takes four little tiny pictures in a row, and took a quick shot of the shrine. Since it was one of the first on the roll, there was this great discoloration of the image, which adds to it, in my opinion.

I love Burningman. And it's not just in Nevada. It is everywhere.

Other submissions by this author: :  Faith's Potatoes  :

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