This was my first burn. I loved every min of it, it gave me a nice taste of what is to come when the man burns.

I took around 500 pix, I am happy with about 200 or so of them.

They are on my site..

http://www.ericbecker.net/pix/main.php?g2_itemId=13115

OR

http://ericbecker.net/pix
Under events, Lakes of Fire

It was my first Reginal Burn and my son & I had a great time!! Thank goodness it was “everyone” friendly …including kids they are people too ya know. G. had the most fun with the greeters station, comic books creation, pizza delivery & the JELLY BELLY!!!!. He made friends with the other kidlets and had a great experience seeing all the creative structural art. I had fun doing absolutly nothing and hanging out with great company (fellow LOF-ers:-)).
I intend on being there for years to come.

suggestions:
More showers
Shuttle to the “beach” that I heard was about 10 min away)

Amy

Hey all …WHAT A BLAST ~ ~ ~ S T U N N I N G ~ ~ ~

If any one has Photos or video of “Four Square” the 16 propane blasters (tall flamethrowers with EL Wire) at Fire town I would sure appreciate receiving a copy.

I worked so hard on the piece that I was unable to take any pix or vids ….so if you have gocuments you would share please contact me off list ~ Gracias LarzFromMarz

larzgaydos@yahoo.com

On behalf of Tick Town may I say…many many thanks to the organizers & volunteers @LOF…it was spectacular to say the least! I’ve been to BM 4 times & I thought this regional burn did a fantastic job of capturing what it’s like to be on the playa… I can’t wait for next year… Tick Town & the Snickering Tick Tavern will be back… bigger & better than ever!! I will post pic’s soon!

I just want to send a big thanks to all the organizers and participants for an awesome, awesome weekend!

As recent(ish) transplants in Chicago from SF I’ve been to Burning Man many times, but this was my first regional experience. It’s been wonderful to find such a thriving midwest community. I really hope to stay connected to all the amazing individuals we met this past weekend

big props and hugs to all!

~shayna (and chad) from SF (now chicago)

be sure to link or post photos to the LOF facebook too.

Had a great time. applaud for first timer!

-Tigger Skylar

Wow. That was quite an event. Thanks for everyone who worked so hard to make it happen.

Also, I lost a Regal Light tactical flashlight out there. It’s mat gray, it was dear to my heart, and I really would love it back. So, please email me with any info you might have. Thanks!

Lakes Of Fire turned me inside out.

Then back, but better.

Totally rebooted my system. Defragmented everything.

Entered the greeter’s station and was told “Welcome Home.” That phrase, her voice, is camping out inside me now.

Made new friends by NOT knowing how to set up a sun canopy. Indeed, the gods — some bearing dreads, strong hands and cowries, others bearing stakes, strong advice and margueritas — are everywhere.

Walked lightly on the land, brought all my garbage home to my own dumpster in my own alley. Decided it’s time to start teaching my son the REAL reasons I hate littering. And it’s NOT just about him making more for me to clean up.

Watched J climb a tree with other kids. 5 times without a scratch or poison ivy or a tick (no offense, Tick Townies.) Started to feel okay about other parents watching him a few minutes at a time. Can’t stop thinking about Amy traveling sooo much with her son. Surely there is a lot I can learn from her about balancing the single-parent thing AND being a whole woman. Wanted to cry when I woke up Sunday and they were gone.

Was freed of my Friday night depression by a mom (Kat, I love you!) convincing Jelani Saturday afternoon to go explore the Big Ship across camp with me. If it hadn’t been for her, I fear Jelani would have never let me get off our “block” of 6 families around Traffic Light Camp.

Realized his control over my life isn’t his “fault” or due to my own bad childhood — it just wound up this way. And I can change it if I really pay attention more to my own needs, not just his.

And so I have just booked my flights for a nice long trip to the playa without him, with plenty of time to prepare him and not sure exactly how he and my poor ex-husband will do without me! But they will be okay. A lot of good surprises can happen — if I’m honest to the right people about what I need.

Learned that the somewhat-Madonna-styled poet in a silk white corset (and little else) seemed a lot like me on the inside.

Learned that a very plainly dressed woman was an incredibly skilled fire dancer, a true artist.

Decided to stop worrying about whether I dress wild or plain when I perform. Together, those 2 performers were inspiring and comforting to me beyond belief.

Silently said thank you to DD and the pizza loft, even though I couldn’t take advantage of it, while carrying my J. home at midnight after the Burn.

On the way out, I got hugged by a naked lady. It didn’t feel weird. And recognized by a fellow poet who heard me perform Saturday pre-Burn and appreciated my work.

Seen, heard, accepted, appreciated. How long have I been looking for these things? How long have MOST of us?

When we got home, Jelani decided to spend the rest of the day naked — with a glowstick necklace. And not only did I spend the rest of the day wearing a scarf for a dress, I managed to hoop for 4 minutes straight. First time since I was his age.

Watched my video of the Burn. Un freaking believable.

Showed J my video of him with Stella. Just beginning to realize how much their poet/child family meant to me. Hoping this was just the beginning.

Told my ex how relieved and happy it felt to discover J and I were far from the only Black folks there! Giving thanks, feeling renewed, feeling whole, giving thanks.

Decompressed already? You’re kidding, right?? In May my studio hard drive crashed and I lost all the music I’ve EVER recorded (except what was mixed and online somewhere already.) So I’ve been rethinking my whole path as an artist. And following (*gasp*) a folk singer named Joe Pug around as inspiration towards a simpler, powerful way to express, perform, be. Then I attend my first (*anxious…*) Burning Man event. The consolidation, the learning, the re-creation of my spirit has just, JUST gotten started.

In 2007 on the playa, I came for spiritual growth. I got it. In 2008, I helped lead a camp/temple to learn, and I MORE than got my share of lessons. Here I came to build sacred space and lead others through the ways I’d been taught. It was a blessed experience, and I feel that many got what they needed from the experience, even those who simply heard about it. It was the right seed people needed. Perhaps next time indeed.

I’m glad I got to spin poi, despite leaving right before Fire Conclave. I had a hunka’ burnin’ love to get home to. I love dancing with poi with every fiber of my being. It is a release I can’t describe, and to have Freakeasy’s music, Rubee’s poetry, or Bowen’s music going to it was something I absolutely treasured.

Camp Awesome, though seemingly created completely on the fly, lived up to their namesake and more. I was eternally grateful to have you next to the sweat lodge as we did our work. I hope you all had or are having wonderful dreams.

And to Madtown, Dietrich, many others and especially Dave who helped me work on the sweat lodge, I can’t express how much gratitude I have for you all. These were the kind of touching connections that Burning Man exemplifies.

Thank you for your stories, your dances, your songs, your prayers, and of course your fire, fellow burners. It felt good to spend some time with tribe once again. While we may not know each other completely, we are all related.

Many blessings,
Ora

Hard to salvage perspective considering the amount of time myself and others spent on this event. Considering how easiliy I can be disappointed with things in life (my own hangup, I know. need to let go more), Lakes of Fire didn’t even threaten to allow this to happen. The effort has never been so much fun. I met such wonderful people from so many places. The affirmation was everywhere that, together, we created something wonderful. Talk of “Next year” began creeping into conversations by Saturday. A great Nexus of veterans, newbies, burners, Willow Ranchers, Peacefesters and more! The effigy was awesome, the campers were respectful, strike and cleanup was relatively easy (considering we’re coming off partying for five days, the art was amazing, and the organizers kept the vision alive for everyone to add to it! Thank you all for an excellent experience! This summer will be my last visit to Burning Man. Next year, it’s all LOF and closer regionals!

Wow! Normally I just go to Black Rock City, but the regional vibe was as good in a different way. The ground was “humming!” Thanks to all of the people that made it happen. You are BEAUTIFUL!

I had a great time participating in the Videogasm Body Art Project! Reading at the poetry slam, cooking pizza, playing the drums, swilling down the potato vodka, dancing at the sound camps, beating the gong, hanging with the “TICKS” (you Ticks are awesome! I painted a huge sun on one of you guys…thanks for the cig btw), fighting the bees off when I went to take a shower, giving hugs, locking my keys in my van when I was trashed, painting the sail, falling into the hole in front of the sound stage at MM (lol), dancing in the C-BUS Dome, sleeping half out of my tent in the rain after the burn, watching the burn without any fucking tv camera cranes hanging around…THE BURN WAS AMAZING OMG the LOF Regional burn was “right on!” And all of the other burners were cool! I didn’t meet any assholes. Even the guy pumping the toliets was in a good mood and I think they were subcontracted to the event. lol

Thanks again,

T-Sun

thank you shoebocks and cookie for keeping us all safe and happy. AND FED!

xoxo,
maggie

From Midwest Mayhem I thank everyone that made this event happen. From the LoF coordinators/volunteers/land providers, to the participants, theme camps, the DJs/musicians, to my camp mates, everything and everyone was solid. I cannot express enough the joy I had to meet everyone. The energy that everyone had for this event was amazing and reminded me why I absolutely love the burner community. I am looking forward to meeting everyone again and participating in future events.

Much love,
Dominus

i heard there was some kind of party or something going on while we set up the acid tongue? crazy! i heard it was pretty fun too. looking at your pictures is pretty convincing.

hey! if anybody has video of the acid tongue in action i would love to see it.

thanks to one and all who put blood and soul into making this event lift off. god speed.

b

I just wanted to say thank you to all the organizers, volunteers, participants and stray little dogs that made the dream of LoF a reality. What an amazing feat of community effort.

I also want to thank my team…
Spotter, my captain. Your “Git ‘er done” work ethic got us through the humps. Thanks for starting us off with the frame.

beebop, you nail gunnin’ nut, you. Your an amazing craftsman.

Mystic Monkey, without you we would have been stuck at port. The sails were great.

Glenn, I could hand you any task and you would run with it.

Groot & Pat, you were always there when we needed you most. Bringing us a gennie at 4:30 in the morning cause the power was out.

Krueger, you sweated your ass off and were an all around kick ass team member.

Month of Mae and Egon, your spectacular artistic talents made the SS Bacon “Metamophisize” into the UV fantasy below deck.

JB, Shoot, you climbed all the way up that mast to rig lights. You rock.

Erol, for drafting the SS Bacon in CAD so we all were on the same page. Your talents helped us well during the build.

Ghost, your words of wisdom we’re irreplaceable.

Eric G & Marilyn, your planning for fire safety was invaluable. As well as your team running through the woods chasing after sparks with water! Thanks for all your efforts.

All the Willow Ranch guys for helping us raise the masts, rig them, keeping us full of beer and mostly participating in our dream. We could not have done this without you.

Everyone else that helped by holding the end of a board being cut, moving stuff, cleaning up, bringing beer and food to us, decorating the boat with sharpies, cheering us on and being a part of the SS Bacon in some shape or form. There were a lot of people who stepped in. Add your name here. This was the biggest effigy any of us had ever built. We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help and encouraging words.

And lastly,

My wife and daughter for being so tolerant about my many hours away from home working on this. And the many hours at home on conference calls, planning, meetings etc. It’s times like these that I really appreciate her. She deserves as much thanks as me for the SS Bacon because as I was building it she was taking on tasks for both of us. I love you Lulu and EV. (and I owe you big time!)

This project was just amazing. From beginning to end it went just the way it needed to. All the compliments I received, I couldn’t just say thank you. I felt I had to spread that thanks amongst everyone that was involved. While I was the Effigy Lead, I surely was not the only leader. Within the Effigy Crew there were many leaders. I can’t brag about them enough. With just a little direction each and every member of the team took off and impressed the heck out of me. They created what is now being labeled as the best effigy burn outside of BRC. A lot of hard work, sweat, cuts and bumps and a desire to live the dream did this. There was no stopping the Effigy Crew!

I want to create a collection of all the photos and video taken of the SS Bacon. Most of us were too busy working to get many good shots. So if you’re willing, please send copies to me. poochie@lakesoffire.org.

Once again, thanks to everyone for a wonderful burn. See you next year!

Poochie

Some of you will know me as that lady who spent much of Saturday sitting in a chair and trying not to hurl, but I had more going on in my head than you might have guessed.

I was very impressed with how carefully and lovingly this event was planned and managed, and I’m grateful for every sight and encounter I took away with me. Extra thanks for Kat and Amy for helping me get through a challenging day without passing out.

I blogged a bit, so read if you are so inclined:
http://linkadelica.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/feeling-the-burn-part-ii/

Also thanks to all who have already posted here and shared their pics and videos. Mars, way to go.

L,
D

I want to thank all the organizers, volunteers and the community for putting this event on. It was absolutely thrilling to go to such an event, the true feeling of being at Burning Man (minus the dust storms) was apparent the whole time I was there.

Here are some pictures and a few short videos:

http://tinyurl.com/lsuroc

** Just editing yesterday’s letter (above) — second to last paragraph meant to say, “Told my ex-husband how relieved and happy I felt to discover J. and I were far from being the only Black folks there” Too damn moved to even write clearly…

Hey Mars!! contact me at tigentat@yahoo.com
We go up so early sunday…G was excited to get over to the amusement park.
sorry i didnt get my info to you .

thanks for the compliment too…I go through Chicago A lot

all the best
Amy:-)

You’ve got to know the feeling! LOF and the Burning Man spirit were alive and well at the Willow Ranch. Thanks to Bim and a big kudo to all the volunteers who made this possible this time and now the next. Its true the line between work and play was way blurred, as I saw it. Everyone was having fun. Please stop by the Barbie Death Village, an extension of the Barbie Death Camp, in September. I want you to revisit with me the high energy and love we shared. It’s called ‘home’ because we can be ourselves like now where else. Love the moment. Enjoy the happiness that you are. Daddyo

This was my first burn and it was a wonderful experience. Thank you to everyone who helped create such a great event.

I have photos from the event at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/destabee/sets/72157620749144414/

*** A Repost from my Facebook ***
What’s up with today?

It is the day after Lakes of Fire and I sit amazed. I’m completely overtaken by the awesomeness of my experience of the last few days. There is a lot that I could try to explain about the event, to put into words the experiences and emotions of the burn. Honestly, I could tell you about the wonderful artwork, the super splendid theme camps, the unbelievable creativity, the fabulous fun times, and the frightfully fantastic people, but none of this would really give you a clue about the true depth of this Burning Man event, Lakes of Fire. This marks one of the very few times in my life when I envy the ability to write well; I sincerely wish that I could, in some way, convey the true nature and beauty of my Lakes of Fire experience.

Arriving at the Lakes of Fire site, I was greeted at the gate by a young man. His words to me were direct and sincere, “Welcome Home! You’re with family now.” I’m sure that I must have been sporting some sort of vacant or perhaps blasé look because he concluded with “seriously, you’re with family now.” “Okay,” I thought to myself “that’s nice.” What I didn’t realize then and what perplexes me even now, is that indeed, I had arrived home.

To me, there are about three distinct things that make coming home so special. The first thing is connecting with old and new family members; those persons that in some way or another share your basic genetic build. They share some core DNA code that pulses through the bloodline: radical inclusion, radical self-expression, communal effort, participation, immediacy, and more. For me, meeting and connecting with my family was one of the greatest highlights. It was good to love and chill with my brothers and sisters: at the lollygag lounge, at the Parking Camp. It was good to get in tune to my inner rhythm with my cousins: at MidWestMayhem, at FreakEasy. And, it was good to rap with all of my favorites on the Lacota, MI Playa: with my favorite cousin from Detroit, with my favorite brother and sister from Kalamazoo, with so many others.

The second deal of coming home is the love and unconditional acceptance that is keenly known and felt, never having to be spoken. No one loves you like your family. Your family understands and knows all your quirks and still they keep you. Sure, they may have to make a disclaimer here and there like, “yea, he does that.” But, none-the-less, you’re stuck with family. Oh, I know, all that love-hippy-treehugger stuff seems a bit over the top, but fortunately there is no “over-the-top” at Lakes of Fire. The biggest thing about love is, is that you don’t realize how much of it you have till it’s not there; you don’t miss it till its gone. I hadn’t understood the depth, breadth or abundance of love given and received at Lakes of Fire until re-entering the world on Sunday afternoon where the reality of less-love was/is on constant exhibition.

And, finally, the third point – which happens to be the biggest for me – of coming home, is being able to just be you, whoever or whatever that may be! At home, you can kick off your shoes, let your hair down and do whatever it is that you want to do. After all, it’s your room isn’t, no matter how long you’ve been away. For the first time, in a multitude of years, I was able to simply be me, all me and only me without fear of alienation, rejection or judgment. Fantastic! It allowed me to know, remember who I really am. It reminded me that I don’t have to take the well worn road, but that I can and perhaps should, be different and live life following a different standard, protocol and calling. If there was only one treasure to be gained from being at Lakes of fire, this was it. I found it easy to be completely me every day, all day. I was able to learn, acknowledge and accept that which is the true essence of me.

Yea, Welcome Home!… Someone might ask me how I can be sure that this is my family. I mean, it seems obvious to me… we dress alike, we look alike and we have the same core values. But, I guess, if someone asked, I’d just answer and whisper, “Because saying goodbye is hard to do.”

And, what about today? Well, today, I sit and reflect on my journey to, through and from Lakes of Fire, my first Burning Man event ever. I remember my simple desire of hoping that, in the end, I could say, “I had a really good time.” Now, the thing that overwhelms me and what I wasn’t expecting is that, in the end, I can declare this experience as one of the best and most phenomenal times of my life. So, for me, today, the day after my first burning man event, I find myself a Burner; ready to begin an eternal burn, living up to the family name and finding the way to BURN every day!

Special thanks to a multitude of persons whom I will not name here for fear of accidental omission and inaccurate name attribution. And, many and great thanks to all of the organizers, workers and participants who so diligently worked to make this event an absolutely ASTOUNDING success!

Woohoo!
Avi

still the flames linger in my heart….for the people, purpose, love and creativity that was all Lakes of Fire and more…

Thank you for sharing all the pic links…my son who showed on several of them is thrilled as well as myself. The little pirate ran around alot and fueled up on zza!!

Take care and be well all of you, until our journey crosses paths again…..I am all the better to have been with you

mai

A great set of photos from the talented Taymar-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/taymar/sets/72157620923015632/

Hey, all
Before I put this baby to bed, I wanted to invite anyone interested in being involved in Lakes of Fire DPW next year to email me at trev10dan@gmail.com . I talked to tons of newbies that wanted to be more involved next year, so here’s an awesome opportunity and I know the work load will be super manageable (it was this year for sure with only 3 people on it at any given time). Thanks!

Dirtball Dan

Well took me long enough to post, but damn y’all, hats off well done, and a good on ya. Had a blast working/attending this event. LOF-DPW is gonna be even more bad ass next year, but that will have to wait, as I’m headed for BRC-DPW to build y’all a city, so I’ll be in Chicago on Wednesday the 29th, probably some kind of bar outing will occour, so if ya want to come and give us DPW a send off, maybe buy us a beer hit me up at thegietzen@comcast.net, and I’ll give ya my digits, and will let ya know where we’ll be when we figure it out.

Gietzen Clear…

In my mad rush to be the tardiest, I just posted an album of photos on Facebook. Nothing of the Burn since of course I pooped out from heat exhaustion, but there’s plenty of other loveliness to be had:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2023588&id=1164387959&l=51057d32a6

The beat of soooooooo many good hearts and the practice of the only thing need preached, oh it twas the best of times and all falls on the like minds working together. There just aren’t words and there isn’t time, but to all of you I thank with all my everything. Who needs sleep with memories of such a place to keep one comfort. I love you all and hope to see you as soon as possible. We have our work cut out in the days that follow and by work I mean keeping true the truth and living while we got the life in us to live. Thank you for the fruitful nights and peace of mind along the days.
Until the soonest next time,

Be well,
Alabaster Crown

Wow

Reading some of these posts just makes me so happy.
I really can’t explain all the wonderful and weird things I experienced at Lakes of Fire.

I know I remember running wildly around a burning ship with hundreds of others. I remember traveling down a dark, but star lit path, that led to another town. I rememeber ending up in the Tick Town Tavern, spinning the wheel and being put on the spot to say a Poem! I was so nervous, that someone helped me and gave me the words to Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary!

I remember meeting some wonderfully beautiful people. I do remember Mars and Jelani : “Told my ex-husband how relieved and happy I felt to discover J. and I were far from being the only Black folks there.” It was me that you met!!! lol
I met Hawkeye (where are you?), and the beautiful Alabaster, and the chillest guy, Kentucky john, who gave me an awesome hotdog filled with cheese! There were awesome fire spinners and dancers. I also remember a cool guy who reminded me of an Anime character, with the coolest shades I’ve seen.

I remember seeing the wonderful bodies of naked boys, in nothing but sneakers and shades, which I had not expected. I was happily surprised. lol. I remember the beautiful bodies of natural women, that made me question if I could ever be so comfortable.

I remember the very strange voice of a goat head that spit Hot Fire! I also remember the intricate and beautiful sounds of a violinist wearing white. I remember blowing bubbles with a large wand, and the cutest infant that chased them with passion. I also remember when that very infant forgot about the bubbles and started to wander towards the Freakeasy tent because of their music.

I rememeber having the most awesome Veggie and Meat kabobs free!! I also remember having all the drinks I could handle free, and thinking why can’t life always be like this. I remember kissing a stranger and acting wild along the path.
I remember getting lost over and over again, which made everything brand new over and over again.

If Lakes of Fire was Wonderland, then I was Alice, meeting interesting people and exploring curious places.
I loved it.

Here’s my facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2219771&id=2412308&l=797c1277c8

LOF was flowing with beautiful faces and beautiful spaces. I loved the setting in the woods/ woodland savanna and sandy grounds…my favorites were: the fire and everyone dancing around it, cooking with Joe at Camp Lollygag and awakening to a gong on a serene Sunday morning*
Blessings to all—I can’t wait to see you again~

I’m looking for other mommy & daddy burners who will be attending this year’s event. My hubby and I have been to the playa many times but never with our son who is only 3. We’d like to introduce him to our world with LOF and are looking to camp with other families – maybe with kids of similar age. I’m also wondering if I need to bring ear phones/muffs/covers for my son because of loud music??? Anyone attend before with advise? We just got back from the Fuente Eterno event in Mexico, which brings about 400 burners from California-so we’re energized and ready to continue the connections in our home-state!!