Creation was the same way. It was the one festival I had already been to so I knew my way around the place as well as the pace of the festival. I was excited to get there and see our booth buddies from last year, sadly enough this was the first year in the thirty plus years of the festival that they haven't been there. They had held down the exact same location for every festival up until this year... kinda sad. Even with that minor hiccup I found that the most comforting thing at this festival was asking people if they had heard about us and them responding in a positive note about having our shirts, loving them, and loving what our organization does. All I could do was smile at this response, because it shows our progress. I even started talking to a girl, made eye contact and blurted out "I have a picture of you on my computer!" Needless to say she had been by to visit last year too.
Overall creation was a huge success, once we got on the right page we were really rolling and sold out of a lot of gear. Which, despite how hard as it makes still selling the shirts, was awesome! Seeing and hearing about it all clicking together is the best reward ever.
Outside of the business end of things we made some great new friends with new organizations, got to know some others that we had already been traveling with a bit better, and fully embraced the camping experience. Up until this festival we had failed to have a camp fire or s'mores. For those of you who fully register this, you know that me without my marshmallows just doesn't fit. It was a much needed treat. I also learned an awesome new treat... hobo pies! Possibly the greatest camping idea ever. Two pieces of bread, pie filling, put in a sandwich skewer and cooked in the coals of the fire. Second best pie I've had, right behind the famous Randi, Griffin, Fred, and Kodee pies. Great way to top off a festival.
The festival was full of spaz moments on my part. Some classy quotes illuminating my intelligence (or lack thereof), kept everyone on their toes. So did the lovely rubber-band I shot at my own face trying to get someone across the booth. Karma. Just to be topped off with me leaving my phone in Columbus after lunch and coffee and not realizing it until we were 27 miles out. Joy.
Sunday we hit the road again and missed a possible sailing trip with the ice cream man previously mentioned to get to Indianapolis to spend some time with our Undignified family. Like I said, it is comforting to have those familiar faces that you get so excited to see. We had a blast with Joel and Sarah, meeting their friend who had just returned from a mission and summarizing all their awkward animal jokes/ funny daily sayings. There is a good chance I gained 10 pounds in a six hour period while in Indianapolis. We had to try the classic Steak & Shake milkshakes at one in the morning, and of course 6' 5" Joel had to get us all larges as an appetizer to our 6 am breakfast made up of Oreo pancakes. Absolutely delicious, totally worth every pound that may result from it!It was unfortunate that our stay had to be so short again, but at least I know I always have a place to visit.
From Indianapolis we headed to the Windy City to spend our Independence day. Here we met up with the YWAMers and got a taste of Chicago... the big silver ball, the John Hancock building, and the Navy Pier with fireworks. Not to forget the classic deep dish pizza that made me feel as if it would have been easier to roll down the street rather than walk. It may be one of those once and a lifetime experiences, because that is far too full for me.
I have come to a conclusion, after spending the past two Fourth of July holidays in New York and Chicago I have decided that cities are not for me. Too many people, too much planning. Take me to my Mountains, with my overly nice people, little traffic, and I will be set. This tour of the U.S. is showing me that more and more with every stop. I am learning a lot about myself along this trip, and I hope to continue learning and define myself more.
Wisconsin is our next stop, I am so excited to be in familiar territory close to some of my favorite people in the world!
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