I was walking along the innermost "road" of the city during a huge dust storm. I could barely see my hand in front of my face when all of a sudden the wind let up. The dust started to clear and what do I see? A 10 - 12 foot art installation spelling out the word "MOM". It was daylight so it wasn't lit but it was still impressive. I was by myself and not totally sure what I was seeing was real. Had I conjured it up because of the goals I set for myself to see the Temple, say "goodbye" to Mom and try to accept my own guilt for not being there for her last breathe? To be honest it scared the hell out of me so I walked back to camp as fast as my legs would carry me. The next day I was out with friends on the art car and there it was again. I took a deep breathe, gathered my strength and asked if it was real. JJ confirmed it was indeed real and she looked at me as if she could read my mind saying only "I know baby I know".Over the next week I found myself drawn back to the piece. My description of it will not be adequate. Each letter was 10 - 12 feet high by 6 - 8 feet wide by 3 - 5 feet deep. It was welded metal with a flying bird cut out pattern. The lighting was placed on the inside of each letter and each was synced so that they simultaneously cycled through various colors. People were climbing inside the "O" to have there picture taken. The reactions were varied. Some finding peace and comfort, others expressing anger and rage, and there I was in awe of it all.
So that is my "One time at Burning Man..." or "the playa provides" moment for 2009.
