Making Lemonade, Radical Improvisation

[Clar-i-ty]

About 4 Burns ago, I had what I coined as my Lemonade Burn. It was one challenge after another. We had two bike stolen, equipment failed, there were camp meltdowns, you name it. But with every challenge, we did our best to just make lemonade and have a good Burn. I look back on that as the Burn I survived.

Prep for this burn is starting to present challenges too. Like today for example, when I found out I was beyond the 30 day return policy for $200 worth of merchandise at Office Max and could only get store credit. So, once again I'm making lemonade. I figure I can get batteries, munchies and probably duck tape there.

If there were going to be an 11th Principle for Burning Man, I think it should be Radical Improvisation. So I thought I'd start this thread for others to share their feats of Radical Improvisation or simply just Making Lemonade.

And it's adrift.

[FIGJAM]

2010 was my virgin year.

For 6 months I read this forum everyday before making any choices on prep.

Tents, mesh, no mesh $500 hell no, make a tent, or what?

It's hot, it's cold, what to do?

Dress up, don't bother, something else?

Finally threw up my hands and said FUCK IT!!!

And built 90% of what I brought too my first burn!

Nobody believed I was a virgin.

So yeah, radical improvisation ROCKS!!!

[Trishntek]

With theme camp infrastructure designed to optimally shelter from wind and sun, and not knowing which side of the road you will be located on until you arrive on playa,,,, I always give myself plenty of wiggle room for improvisation. Priorities change with conditions and focusing on what can be done instead getting hung up on what CANNOT be done is essential.

[C.f.M.]

Office Max, you could get the keychain Sharpies to gift, Hello My Name Is stickers, postcards and coloring supplies and postage for people to send postcards home. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Actual lemonade: http://www.officemax.com/office-supplie ... rod3450850

Water, coffee, a wireless printer to print out souvenir photos on the spot...

I think that'll end up being kind of fun.

[ConnieH]

I had no idea you were a virgin Figjam!! But some people are born burners, I believe, and you are for sure