Joe's journal entry on the FL Earthskills Festival

My eyes gaze across a vast collection of tree limbs and trunks, littered by flames, swaying back and forth, rising and falling, rhythmically moving in sync, the dancers learn to move from the fire. I sat in a line of djembes, hands pounding the skins, in time with eight other hands, we called out to the night. None of us sure if the drums were moving the fire or the fire moving our bodies. This was a night of joy in the village, happy to be together, sharing a meal, fire, music, and conversations, but it would not physically last forever. A dim saddness was also present. Later that night, we walked bare foot through the damp grass, our path lit by stars back to camp. The night was still, though voices were carried by the wind for some time. Reflecting back on the past few days, I felt joy. Waking up early, grass damp, putting on warm clothes, stepping out to watch to sun come up over the hills, rissing above the oaks. Shortly after this, we walked to the fire for warmth. Standing there we were warmly greated by a member of the community. Bang bang! Ding! Bang! Clap! The sounds of pots and pans followed the deep hum of a conch shell, signaling meal time. The food is so good as I picked up pieces with my hands and lifted to my mouth, the aroma excited my taste buds. The taste was amazing. The days were filled with work and good conversations, work being: arrow making, basket weaving, pottery, or tanning hides. Late afternoon was filled with another great meal, follower by fire, dance, music, stories. The village is alive, like an organism, each member is making this possible. The place I speak of is not some distant land, not a long time ago.  It was the 2015 Florida Earthskills Gathering.

Sarah's Journal entry on the FL Earthskill's Fesival

At first, not sure what to expect. Am I acctually going to learn this weekend? Will this feel like a community? Are these people honest? We opened with a fire, started by hand, all in a circle, watching, waiting, singing. So many different people. The kind of people I have missed. Men in skirts, deer hide outfits, long dreads, hairy legs, crystal neckaces, fairy hats. Where did all you special creatures come from? Where have you been hiding? It is about time I sing in a circle with all you wonderful people. I know why you come to such gatherings. It truely is a gathering. A gathering where people come to exchange skills, crafts, ideas, and share food, songs, and stories. What an honest group of people. Without honesty, none of this would work. The honesty allows love to flow in from all directions. Mother Earth is glad that her children want to play and explore. She provides all that we could ever need or want. To reconnect with her is the main purpose of this gathering. I made an arrow using all natural materials. All from nature. A fire, bamboo, wood, feathers, sinue, hide glue, bear fat. Every part of the animal is special and useful, every plant has healing powers, every person can teach you something. I learned so much during all the workshops I went to, I learned so much about myself, met and connected with so many individuals, and become inspired to continue to connect with Mother Earth and to continue to learn from her. I am so glad I was brought back to her and given this common sense, so glad to be heald in her arms and told that there are many magical things that await, many gifts waiting to be rediscovered.