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.
1 comment:
That is awesome. I love the story that goes with it, even if it was a lie. (the guy making it for his mom to find her way back to camp) You should not feel quilty about not being there for moms last breath. She wanted to go that way. I feel quilty for not calling 911 because that is what she wanted, even though I know it was the right thing to do (what we did). At least you were with her for the last few days and at the house only a few steps away from her when she did finally go. I knew you where taking this hard but did not want to say anything because I knew how bad I felt too. In time we will feel better. We have each other and will make it through the tough times...the holidays are just around the corner. I'm not looking forward to those. Love you sis.
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