LIB

My heaven on Earth.

It's so hard for me to articulate into words what Lightning in the Bottle means to me, what draws me to this place, what makes me want to bring all my loved ones here, what makes me count down the days the moment the tickets are purchased...but I will try. 

I don't like calling LIB a festival, because when people think of festivals, they usually think of music festivals like Coachella and EDC, which are lots of fun, but if I miss out on those festivals...I don't feel a void in my year. I NEED LIB. I need LIB to preserve the "me" that I love, to prevent me from becoming cold and jaded, to put into perspective what is truly important in my life, all that is possible because LIB is a part of my annual plans.

LIB is better than therapy. Imagine the walls you have built, the hurt, the resentment, the pain you acquire from just...existing in this world we live in today, and then imagine having all of those things, and anything else that has dulled your shine, rinsed off of you, that is what LIB does for me. 

LIB is whatever you want to make of it. You want to sleep all day, and dance to live performance all night? You're covered. Want to attend yoga classes from sunup to sundown? They got that too. Want to take some self-help classes and heal yourself? What do you want to fix and when do you want to do it? Your day is comprised of what ever you want to make of it. I remember my first year, I would wake up at 6am, head to the main grounds, get breakfast, take it to a hammock, and watch the world wake up. If I got hungry, I ate. If I got sleepy, I napped wherever there was shade. If I got bored, I'd hop into the Learning Kitchen and learn new recipes and facts about food. 

One new aspects of this year was the lake. The lake was such a game changer because not only did it give you a place to cool off from the heat, but it made the festival grounds seem more like a village. It also helped disperse the attendees, so it never felt crowded. Plus, it was cool to see everyone's creative floaties...but I think my bacon and eggs floaties were the most original. I didn't see anyone else with them.

The first year I went to LIB, my focus was on love. I had been single for 5 years, and I had become someone who enjoyed being single so much, I had built HUGE walls so that no man had a chance at forming any sort of a meaningful relationship with me. I scheduled workshops to essentially "learn how to love again". One of the workshops I went to, the speaker had us close our eyes and envision a light coming from our heart and opening the door. I immediately started crying, it felt like a weight fell off my shoulder, and I knew I was ready to welcome love. 

Fast forward a year later, and I've found my soulmate. Well, I didn't find him, we had been working together for almost 2 years already, but after LIB, I was ready for him. I knew I had to bring him back this year, to the place that made this possible for us, to say essential say "Thank you".

You meet some amazing individuals here. Random conversations while eating a meal, or getting to know your fellow camp neighbors...you won't go home without feeling like you've been enlightened.

I used to be terrified of bees, until I was talking to a guy while I was eating. A bee had come to check out my food and I freaked out. He said "Don't be afraid the bee, he's just curious. He doesn't want to hurt you, if he hurts you he dies. And if he does sting you, then you were deemed worthy of this bee to lose his life for". As silly as it may sound, he cured me of my fear. 

I could go on and on about this festival, but I guess I should stop at some point. I already purchased my 2018 passes, maybe when I get closer to the festival, I'll make a post about how I prepare for LIB. Until then, here are more pictures!

Learning how to make Kombucha at the Learning Kitchen

There area places to rest and hang out every where. There were so many swings this year, I just wanted to swing on every one of them.

One of the three main stages.

When you walk on the bridge, you high five everyone.

I really enjoyed the structures they built this year. I felt like there were more places to just sit and relax.

Our Chip and Dale onsies were a hit!