Have you ever had to miss Burning Man?

dragonflyannie · Post by **dragonflyannie** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 2:41 pm

I posted this in questions & advice too... excuse my redundancy, just wondered if there is more traffic here.

Hi everyone!
This year would have been my sixth year straight going to Burning Man, but I'm pregnant and my due date is September 10th and I don't think I'm going to be making it this year. I'm extremely excited about my little burner growing inside of me, but I am having difficulty accepting that I just won't be there this year. My mom asked if any babies have ever been born at Burning Man... not sure that that has happened and not sure I want mine to be the first (even though it has crossed my mind). I just don't think that's wise. So I'm going through the motions of just accepting not going.
Has anyone else ever had to miss Burning Man even though they didn't want to? Was it really that bad? I'm picturing myself being home on burn night, painting my pregnant self and running around the house naked because I can't be there!
Just looking for some reassurance that missing one year will be okay.
Love and light,
Annie

buckethead alien · Post by **buckethead alien** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 2:51 pm

My deal on this is that missing a year or two is fine, and can actually lead to good things happening.

My story in brief: I've missed two burns since 1997, both on account of babies being born. Last year, with a three-month old, I was set to go, but realized at the last minute that it was not the best idea. Yeah, I whinged and whined a bit at home and on the eplaya but after a few days of self-pity, I had an epiphany: I'll just do one myself.

So with the help of one artist friend, I built a 12' man, sent a few e-mail invites, and spread the word. On a cold, windy night I had over 100 people gathered on an East Coast ocean beach for the burn. The majority had never even heard of Burning Man.

From this a small community of like-minded freaks is growing. Pyros, sure. But artists, musicians, and people who just need an excuse to get together. It wouldn't have happened had I been able to be on the playa.

Count it as a gift, not something to regret. That's what I learned.

Rian Jackson · Post by **Rian Jackson** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 2:53 pm

the above is axactly what i was referring you to.
thanks BHA. right on cue.

dragonflyannie · Post by **dragonflyannie** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 2:56 pm

You guys rock!
Thank you, thank you, thank you...

buckethead alien · Post by **buckethead alien** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 2:57 pm

Sorry to those who may be tired of seeing this image, but I am pretty funkin proud of it. The crowd showed up later.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 2:58 pm

Just go see a very very very long movie.

Rian Jackson · Post by **Rian Jackson** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 2:58 pm

Rian Jackson wrote:the above is exactly what i was referring you to.
thanks BHA. right on cue.

[grumbles] goddamn mutha fuckin' lack of edit! [/grumbles]

dragonflyannie · Post by **dragonflyannie** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 3:00 pm

LOL!
Bob, any suggestions???

Thanks BHA for that pic... I'll look back at this thread to remember your advice and see what the outcome was for you. That's priceless. Thanks.

buckethead alien · Post by **buckethead alien** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 3:04 pm

You're welcome. I'm the guy in the back center scratching my ass.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 3:09 pm

I like this thread.

You know bringing the playa (or what you find there) back to "reality camp" is one of the most potentially revolutionary parts of the whole process. And having a child is one hell of a piece of life. Make it work.

dragonflyannie · Post by **dragonflyannie** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:42 pm

"reality camp"... i like that.
I'll make it work...

regynalonglank · Post by **regynalonglank** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 10:45 pm

congratulations on your new baby burner to be!