WinterSong 2004

The WinterSong of '04 began on a rainy day, in contrast to the snow we're so accustomed to. Nevertheless, we began with our usual tasty meal cooked by Jacki and Chris K. We then became divided into small groups, our mission was to tell a story about the light using the contents of a brown paper bag. We had a refreshingly brief reminder of the rules, and then fell into 'news of me' which gave us a chance to reveal what has happened in the dark, dreary world outside of Powell House. The free time gave us a chance to converse with friends we hadn't seen in a long time. In quiet time, we settled down, listening to Helen read The Bird's Family Christmas Carol. We managed through the chaos to get to bed and prepare for the next day.

On Saturday morning we had workshops like Christmas decorations, song writing, jewelry making, peace discussions, poetry writing, movement, button making, improv, and walk and talk. Then many people enjoyed a game of ultimate Frisbee. After lunch we attempted to get everyone at PoHo in one huge couch pile. We almost succeeded until we faced a chain reaction of people screaming "oww!" and tons of flashing cameras. Then we went into small groups dealing with honesty, spirituality, and some dining room decorating for the dress up dinner. Then we broke off into 3-way massage or TAI Chi. Then we segued into self-space. And after we got ready for the dress up dinner.

The evening began with the dazzlingly elegant dress up dinner, followed by spontaneous outbreaks of song. Cabaret was a favorite. Highlights included many inspiring songs, brilliant skits, soulful poems, and readings of interesting documents that shed new light on the hardships of life (OMG). The cookie skit was revived in what has been described as "respectful and amazing."

An impromptu dance-off followed the tree lighting ceremony (see below), filling the ACC with loud music and vibrant energy. Once we had mellowed down a bit we enjoyed the traditional showing of The Grinch complete with sing alongs and moans of pity for the Grinch's dog Max. After, we had a calming and much needed quiet time with a continuation of the "Bird's Family Christmas" and a huggle full of connected energy. It felt as if, out of the 80+ individuals we had truly become One.

The tree lighting. It is…it is…indescribable. Seldom have we felt such community, love, unity, and peacefulness. In the silence that followed this beautiful and moving moment, several of our number were moved to speak. Jerehme attempted to put into words what each of us felt. His speech, assuring us we were all awesome, that we just didn't understand the passion he saw us all lose ourselves in, but we do, Jerehme; We do. It was and still is indescribably beautiful…incredible…perfect…indescribably indescribable. It was just…just… wow! Well, I d'no.

As it was, this was one of, if not the most, for some, incredible weekend imaginable. From dancing to kitchen crew, singing to work projects, the love and support washed over the whole group, and we basked in our friendships. Powell House. What is Powell House? Lovely as they are, the Powell House buildings, the grounds, are not Powell House. Powell House is nothing, nothing without us. On its own, empty of love, laughter and light, Powell House is an empty egg shell that we must fill to almost bursting. Powell to the people!

Is It Funny, Is It Not?

Friday evening - Attenders were welcomed in from the bitter chill outside into the warm beacon that is Powell House. An impromptu game of Fruit Bowl sprung up among those who arrived early and expanded as others arrived and joined in. A delicious spaghetti dinner preceded a session that included a rousing game of Musical Butts and News of Me. People shared touching stories, and there was a general feeling of deep openness. The remainder of the evening included free time, Monty Python sketch viewing and readings of politically correct bedtime stories. We awoke Saturday to a breakfast of bagels, Spam, eggs, Spam, bacon and Spam (I don't like Spam!). In session we watched more sketches and discussed in small groups what makes skits funny (Spam!), and not (lack of Spam!). Throughout the day there were various outdoor excursions, including ice-skating, sledding and walking by the brave souls who dared to venture beyond our safe (not to mention warm) abode.

Early Saturday, in the afternoon, the heavy downpour of snowflakes began to soften and come to a stop. Many people were greatly appreciative of having a game session instead of work projects. We played a fantastic game of 4-on-the-Couch which was full of concentration and laughter.

Small groups were absolutely amazing. Most of the youth attenders greatly enjoyed the funny conversations on stereotypes. It gave people a chance to see things from a different perspective. After discussing stereotypes for a while we created our own skits to perform. Everyone was absolutely fantastic.

During free time, people enjoyed an immense amount of hugs and spontaneous PoHo piles. After recovering from under the cluster of our friends, we eagerly went into Cabaret. Cabaret was enjoyed greatly, and we were confronted with some stunningly hilarious poems and skits, and some performances what were just plain stunning. For two hours we sat and wondered "Where's the Spam" and "Is it Funny, Is it not?" More often than not, it was. One of the best parts was the introduction to snack at the end. Crunchy Frogs and Cockroach Clusters! Thanks Monty Python! Anybody hungry?!?

Following cabaret, we had a while to drift around, often being sucked into hugs, dances, and couch piles, not unlike black holes, really, but very nice black holes! Finally, quiet time. We lay in a dazed tiredness, listening to a few hilarious poems, and more politically correct fairy tales, reviving enough to laugh occasionally. Only a few people had enough energy to give massages, but we all had enough left to give our hugs goodnight, and drag our sleepy butts to bed, with visions of Spam dancing in our heads.

Waking up on Sunday morning, we quickly regained enough energy, after packing our bags and tossing sheets on the bed, to enjoy a much needed meal of oatmeal, yogurt, and the usual dressings-no naked oatmeal! Clean up was then attacked with relish, less so by some people than others. And more is yet to come.

What a weekend this was. The beautiful mixture of winter fun, hugs and a certain positive melancholy was much needed by all. Many of us experienced long awaited emotional conversations and relieved ourselves of a lot of weight. We bloomed together this weekend, fed by hugs, laughter and, of course, Spam. I'm sure we all agree that, however cold it was outside, we all stayed warm and cozy in the midst of this winter wonderland.

Tell Me A Tale

Once upon a Friday, 23 kids came to Powell House. Here are some of the things they liked about the weekend. Josh says he had lots of fun at the snowball fight. Ian says he liked the games and togetherness of the weekend. JC Liz (Junior Counselor) says she loved!! being in the common room with all the kids and ACTION!

We found ourselves having great adventures like sledding in the wintry white woods or standing in line for a fun, wild and crazy four-square game or passing through the portal into the land of silence with our partners in search of tasks to be completed.

During work projects, some lucky kids created esculent (tasty) homemade jelly tarts. The rest of us lucky folks got to eat them!

We had a great time during Cabaret and enjoyed 3-part stories, pillow jumping, thumb piano duets, skits, an amazing bear story (but that's another tale) and the traditional bus stop and JC skit (a really funny version of cookie dough).

Story-telling was great both telling our own and hearing others. Helen Garay-Toppins (our special Saturday night guest) shared a story for Black History Month then stayed to enjoy Cabaret. Claire Beetlestone (our special story-telling adult presence) had funny stories, stories with a moral and stories that made us think as we drifted off to sleep.

And that my friends is the end of this story but the beginning of the next.

She, He, You, Me

At six o'clock on Friday, the girls, guys, and Xs began to arrive. People of all genders were joyously reunited and a few new people began to make new friends. Session began at 8:15 after a lovely supper of pasta. We had a name whip and Christa introduced us to a game of elbow tag. The gender discussions began and brought up a lot of questions, but luckily we all have butts and the amazing Vinny led a game of musical butts to celebrate this. After this exciting game, News of Me commenced and we respectfully listened as new friends and old friends shared the recent news from their lives. Free time began after this sharing period with the Pata Pata, led by Janna.

When we were all sufficiently excited, quiet time began and we were all relaxed by the voice of Dee telling the story of Baby X, a very not-mixed-up child who captured the spirit of the weekend. A friendly huggle sent us off to bed.

We awoke on Saturday to tasty breakfast of oatmeal. Afterwards, we had a session where we broke into small groups. We discussed our knowledge of our own gender as well as the opposite. After a round of the blanket game, we had a fish bowl where we discussed the roles of males and females in society as well as how to break them.

During free time, we had many activities including skating, sledding, wink'em and snack. We proceeded on with check-in, where we had a chance to recover from our many injuries. After a relaxing massage, we reflected upon ourselves in self space. Well, either that or we slept.

After dinner, we had yet another session where we consulted a group of experts about gender and then we had another small group discussion on gender. Then it was time for cabaret filled with singing, poetry, and even a skit. After a bit more free time, we settled back into quiet time where we learned the fate of young X. Then it was off to bed where we would sleep, awaiting the next day.

On Sunday, the sleeping beauties of Powell House were awakened to remake beds and put their dirty lines in the hamper. After all beds were made and bags packed, PoHoians of all genders circled up for a delectable breakfast of bagels, cereal, eggs & bacon. After breakfast, we all started cleanup jobs which include us writing the epistle. We are sure that after a weekend of fun, games, discussion, education and enlightenment, the Powell House youth attenders will what they have learned with the world.

Creative Writing, Creative Listening

Upon arriving at Powell House we all shared joys of seeing each other. Some from January. Others from long ago. Some for the first time. The happy faces laughing as old friends meet new friends. Hugs and kisses shared. While human piles in the pillows and game room were shared. Later games were played and laughs shared. Then we had news of me where we could tell our friends our joys, smiles and sadnesses. Free time we played with everything. Inviting new room mates and Dungeons and Dragons. Taking pictures and laughing at trying to fit everyone possible on one couch. Jacki made again another wonderful dinner of tortillas. Next it was huggle and off to bed. It took some of us till past 12:30 to fall asleep but we all had a blast.

We awoke to the smell of fresh hot oatmeal which later was eaten with raisins, cranberries and brown sugar. Soon after we all settled down for session. Everybody told the first sentence of a story in which they starred. We played streets and alleys. It was hilarious. Everybody was thinking the same thing "Run chasee Run!!!" We all wrote poems and listened to each other as we strived to understand K’nex directions. By 3:30 Jackie’s butter beer was just the thing we needed. Guided meditation, though short, was relaxing as usual then an old favorite, much needed self-space. For dinner we had chicken, mashed potatoes and tofu and some chocolate cake for the birthday people. What can we say about 3-way massage? It was awesome as usual. The thoughts of cabaret were in our minds as the days end was drawing nearer.

Cabaret was, once again, spectacular. An hour, or so, of poetry, songs, poetry, and skits and this being a creative writing conference we were blessed with some beautiful and otherwise touching works of the imagination. These works were punctuated by some old favorites. Skits like: water, bus stop, and naturally, the cookie skit. Many of us have never laughed so hard!

When cabaret concluded at last, we sprang into free time with whatever energy we happened to have left. A snack of popcorn was enjoyed greatly whether it was eaten, or its ability to fly experimented with. Quiet time arrived, and many massages were exchanged, while Jens read to us the remainder of "Stop Pretending" As he drew the story to a close, we were all more than ready for huggle and bed. Excluding those of us who were already asleep of course. Then with the usual instructions for Sunday morning, Chris and Mike sent us off the bed, along with a gentle kick in the Pitt Hall direction for a select few…

Sunday morning dawned bright and early, too early for many but we eventually all packed our things and stumbled downstairs. Rise and Shine, incredibly ironic and unlikely for some, had us ready for breakfast: Jacki’s sourdough pancakes and pumpkin pie butter. A good way to start the day! We were as ready as we can get for Sunday morning cleanup, which isn’t very, but we finally finished even with those darn epistle people walking around interviewing people. (Among the many positive comments, a frequent concern ran along the lines of "the pairing up was not appreciated). But now, the final session is imminent as we get ready to end this weekend; and what a weekend it has been!

A Journey Shared:

All us men came to dinner ‘round 7 o’clock and by the time it was over we were kickin’ and rockin’. The conference started with bringing back the dead by pouring libations. Then we played a game of “walk across if you…” and through this got to know each other better. Together we spun the medicine wheel with our “manly” strength, and became eagles, mice, buffaloes and bears, discovering the different ways we think and feel about each other and the world, you dig?

During free times, we had oodles of fun playing Dungeons and Dragons inside and ultimate Frisbee in the pretty day outside. We also did fishbowl where we asked our questions to the different age groups across generations. We played many games at a high comfort level like Honey if You Love Me, Snake in the Grass, and Head Honcho.

Cabaret and the bonfire were short indeed but all agreed they were both snazzy all the same. Now it is the end of our fun and games, but we all had some manly intergenerational fun and bonding, right? YEAH!

Sex and Religion

Nobody's gonna rain on our parade! Even though there were sporadic buckets of rain, spirits were high all around. There was a mellow buzz, if a buzz can be mellow, as we trickled into the common room full of hugs, laughter, music, stories, dancing, confusion, but good confusion, old faces greeted old and new alike. For some PoHo attenders this was there first senior high conference, and it promised to be a memorable one. What else can you expect from Sex and Religion?

For whom the bell tolls? For us, of course. We gathered in the common room when summoned and gathered in a huggle, ready for nourishment, both nutritional and emotional.

Shortly after dinner, we told the group what we knew about sex, as well as words associated with sex and religion. Some eager to demonstrate needed to be suppressed. We rolled with laughter as Mike overviewed the rules of PoHo, not because rules are laughable, but Luke and Company's rendition was hilarious.

Silence is golden, so is sharing. Then what better than to share out of silence. We got news about our loved ones and their families, attaining a real community feel as we lay on the common room floor.

We danced, laughed and talked our way through free time, re-meeting in the common room for quiet time, and a meaningful story. Later, we arose from our relaxed states only to go upstairs and fall asleep.

With the conference underway, the next day proved to be interesting.

Saturday morning began, after breakfast of course, with long but enjoyable and informative session. Activities ranged from Musical Butts to small group discussions on how the religion we or our parents were brought up with has effected our view of sexuality. Many interesting discoveries were made, and it is important to note that this weekend has been commended for the deep and meaningful discussions that have arisen, both in and out of session. In another small group discussion, we focused more on sexuality by itself. What is it? Why is it important? How does it effect me?

After much needed free time and lunch, we embarked on our work projects, of which there was quite a creative assortment. Cleaning up the maze and drafting a testimony on sexuality to baking sticky buns (which we later enjoyed for Sunday breakfast mmm...) The remainder of the afternoon included self-space, session, and of course, dinner.

The evening began with some more discussion, then 3-way massage and then...

Coffee House; no, not Cabaret. Coffee House. Much the same, really, but no sign up. It may have been more spontaneous, with several people trying to get to the stage at once, but acts were just as awesome as they always are. A mix of poetry, skits, stories, music and dance kept us laughing, awed or interested at different intervals. There was a bit more variety this time, enjoyed by all. At its conclusion, a bit later than planned, we dissolved into a shortened free time, and a failed attempt to stay awake for some of us. After a snack of popcorn and rice cakes, we stumbled on into quiet time. Massages were enjoyed by some and stories were enjoyed by all, but as a mass of sleepy people, we all seemed pretty relieved to exchange goodnight hugs and drag ourselves upstairs to bed and sleep.

Morning, as usual, dawned too early for many of us, and it was a major effort to change sheets and pack, in many cases. In the end, we managed, although some missed the singing of "Rise and Shine..." (Oh, the irony...) Breakfast was filling and much needed, as we prepared to tackle Sunday morning clean up. And despite frequent assaults by those information-seeking epistle people, clean up eventually got finished. With the ringing of the bell comes the last session, and the end of the weekend is in sight.

This weekend has had a wonderful, serene atmosphere, and, although it has lacked some of the more buoyant and crazy energy of other conferences, this has allowed the topic, which many people think is one of the best, to be taken seriously. This weekend was focused and fun at the same time. The opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and treasure some last, precious moments with the seniors were much appreciated, and taken advantage of.

Now the time for departure is imminent, and we can hopefully all say, through the topic, friends, food, and laughter, this will truly be a conference to remember.

Minute on Sexuality

Sexuality is our remarkable capacity to give and receive pleasure,
comfort and mutual care through our bodies and through sensuous touch
Marvin M. Ellis, Erotic Justice: A Liberating Ethic of Sexuality

We as friends affirm that sexuality is a natural aspect of human life and that it is an ever-unfolding facet of our being. Sexuality is an outward expression of love that comes from deep within. It includes deep connections that we have with each other filled with love, trust, respect and the deepest sense of the Divine. As an extension of deep love, it is an expression of the Divine.

If approached with respect, reverence, and awareness, sexuality can lead us to a fuller understanding of others and ourselves. In our experience, we have found sexuality to have many forms from sexual intimacy to tender loving care through physical and emotional closeness. It is a predisposition to physically touch but can occur without any physical contact at all. It is a desire to share the same inner emotion through connecting with another person.

Communication, verbal and non-verbal, is essential in developing the trust for a positive sexual experience. Sexual intimacy can be hurtful and damaging so friends are encouraged to approach it with sensitivity. Sexual relationships are joyous and nurturing when they include trust, respect, mutuality and the readiness and consent of all partners.

Imagine That

We started Friday night with hot sphaghetti. After singing the welcoming song of "Love grows one by one," with our bellies full we sat down to session and played a game of squirrels and trees. We played sardines and went to bed.

In the morning after breakfast, we did session and made up a word using the first letter of our names in the small group. It was a "durumm-b (peaceful) project. For work projects we split into 5 groups. We spread out along the maze and fields, looking for sticks to pick up so the lawn mowers could mow the lawn. There were a couple of adventures. Chris's group tipped over tree and EJ's group discovered a colony of hedge pigs which are currently residing on the patio. Then we came back and had a game of snake in the grass.

Cabaret was fun and funny as always. There was a mixture of skits, sombrero man and the water skit, some of the regulars. There were also some new skits including a volcano and hedge pigs.

On Sunday we had the most delicious oatmeal cookie pancakes and sat down for a game of primate bellows before singing and worship.

EarthSong XXXI

This conference started a bit earlier on Friday for some people than for others. Early birds were very relieved to see people begin to arrive. Hugs were abundant, bounced around to each beautiful person repeatedly. Already the more mellow spirit of the conference became apparent, as couch piles and long lasting commenced more calmly than usual. The weather although supposedly rainy and cool was spectacularly perfect for Earth Song. Supper was prefaced by a round of “Tis a Gift to be simple” and by the end of silence, we were all burning to once again attack Jacki’s and Chris’s phenomenal cooking. Dinner was taken outside by many with people periodically leaving their spaghetti to tackle someone just coming in the door. Oh well; what’s the point in warm food, anyway?

Following dinner cleanup was session, with a condensed version of the rules and a News of Me packed with tales of attenders’ adventures, struggles and deep thoughts. We missed having games that session, but we enjoyed lively and creative paper bag skits celebrating connections. Free time afterwards featured brave enthusiastic souls doing the pata-pata and the salty dog rag. Snack was enjoyed until the bell rang for quiet time. Through exchanged massages, cuddles on the couch, and a story from Tom, it was soon time for huggle and bed; extra hugs for the seniors!!!

Chris and Mike’s hushed voices gently awakened the Earthsong attenders on Saturday morning. A delicious feast of muffins, fruit, and yogurt filled the stomachs in the community. Musical butts woke people up just in time for workshops. These were much enjoyed and there was a variety of activities including: collages, celebration food preparation, peace conversations, gardening, dining room decorating, a hike to Dorson’s, senior planning time, healing session and Dungeons and Dragons PoHo style.

The numerous free times were much enjoyed throughout Saturday. Games of Ultimate, Wink’em, Do-Do-Do and Capture the Flag primed a number of our group for a refreshing but chilly afternoon swim.

In later small groups many of us discussed renovating the ACC for the convenience of even more youth attenders. Others of us participated in a Buddhist meditation/Tai Chi session. A relaxing guided mediation outside relieved people of tension and stress from their minds as 3-way massage did for the bodies. An optional cradling exercise relaxed and connected a number of attenders.

Then it was time for a fabulous dress up dinner. Beautiful people enjoyed a beautiful meal of vegetables and other delicious foods. Later, during Cabaret, people enjoyed wonderful skits of songs, improv, and other amazing acts. Watching the seniors stand up around Amanda as they all sang was so touching. It will stay in our memories forever. Cabaret ended with an exciting and hilarious denouement involving an all-senior, very original version of the Cookie Skit.

After Cabaret, the group reluctantly got to their feet and sauntered toward the ACC motivated by the prospect of snack. A dance party and popcorn quickly revived the group’s tired and immobile bodies and they bubbled with disruptive excitement all through the closing of Tom’s fantastical tale of Gluck. After quiet time everyone reluctantly said goodnight to old friends and new ones too.

But the separation between loved ones could only last so long and soon the rising sun allowed the group to gather together. Jacki and Chris had a wonderful breakfast prepared of bagels and oatmeal. When the plates were all cleared the group went vivaciously to work cleaning up our beloved Powell House while the seniors went off to plant their shrub: Roger.

Session ended with a silly, sweet, reflective Senior Celebration. The seniors regaled us with a Teddy Bear’s Picnic dancing in circles around those of us seated on the ground. Red herrings a.k.a. multi-colored Swedish fish were flung out to us before three songs ushered the group into a loving period of worship where Seniors and the rest of us shared our appreciation of each other and of Powell House. A spirited rendition of Fill Me Up Butter Cup ended the ceremony.

We then partied ‘til it was time to say final good-byes: munching on a wonderful luncheon spread, catching up with newly arrived alums and attenders, and dancing in the common room. So now, to the world we say: Get ready ‘cause here come our Seniors!!!

Good Times, Good Games

This Powell House weekend was an amazing weekend! The theme was games, so we played lots of games.

On Friday night, everyone was reunited with their old friends and some new friends. We played Snake in the Grass and Rattler and Miner.” Then we heard amazing stories during News of Me. After that, it was freetime and some people did the Pata Pata. We also played Sardines. Then off to bed.

Saturday morning we had delicious fruit salad from the one and only Jacki of the kitchen. After we had a session about games. We thought about why we play games, what makes a game fun, when do we not enjoy a game, and how do we make a game fun and fair when people are at different skill levels. During small groups we thought of games. We came up with:
“Think Fast” – a modified word game;
“Ultimate Capture” – a combo of Frisbee and capture the flag;
“Pong Ping” – a combo of ping pong and soccer;
“yet to be named” – a blindfolded version of Kick the Can meets Smaug’s Jewels.
Then everyone played the games.

Garden time was a very beautiful sight. Everyone was planting, pulling, picking or watering flowers. We had very refreshing swims at the pond before lunch and after wild people in the afternoon. Ping-Pong was an on-going free time game. Three-way massage was as relaxing as self-space. We saw a Kodak moment when we hiked to Dorson’s rock to watch the sunset. Cabaret was fun. Almost everyone did an act. We ended up the night by exchanging back massages while listening to stories.

Sunday morning we enjoyed cooler temperatures and eggs cooked to order. We’re getting closer as a group and enjoying our mellow Sunday morning. Every game has an ending. Sadly, so does PoHo.