Welcome Home!

Hello my sisters (and brothers)! 

Yes, I'm recovering from culture shock. I'm not the only one, though. About 3,000 other womyn are suffering a similar fate of adjusting to societal normalcy again. If you've ever been to The Land at the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival in Hart, Mich., then you know what I'm talking about. 

Here are some of the numbers: 34 years in existence. 7 days long. 650-acre wooded land, owned by Lisa Vogel, who started the fest when she was 19. 3,000 womyn and children. Dozens of musical and comedic performers. 3 stages. Countless memories. Mich Fest = priceless. 

Mich Fest happens every August. Womyn from all over the world arrive to the Land to enjoy live music, freedom and each other. Upon arrival,  we're greeted at the entrance gate with "Welcome Home!" Tents and RVs are temporary living quarters. Free vegetarian meals are served 3 times a day. Every womyn is expected to work 2 4-hour work shifts to keep the fest going. This year I worked garbage and recycling. Other duties to choose from include childcare, kitchen, traffic, medical tent, stage set-up, etc. In other words, it's very organized.

The biggest draw, of course, is live music. 

Once you're on the land, you're free to dress or undress however you like. There's a sign at the exit gate that reminds you to put your clothes back on when you leave. And so the culture shock begins... 

Goodbye, Mich Fest. See you next year!