Amazon Magic

​This past weekend we had another Amazon Work Weekend at Wayland Farm.
Our goal was to continue clearing the areas in vendors (Cuntree Crafts) and the stage area.  We were blessed with an amazing response.  On Saturday, in attendance were the following Amazons:
Monica Murray, Amy Hedrich, Venice, Lita Gonzalez, , Carol Brown, Jennifer Bridges, Andy, Leanne (sorry sisters, I don’t remember your last names!), Arlette Mican, Penny Libby, TJ Brez, Julie Lintenmuth , Sandra Higbee Patterson, and myself.
During the day, we worked like mad women (in a good way).  We had several women training other women on how to drive a tractor and grind stumps (don’t you feel COOL, Andi???) And thank you for training, Terry!  We also had women cutting trees with chainsaw (way to go Leanne, you did an amazing job! Thank you)
We also had 4-6 women that were keeping the chipper BUSY all day long.
It started raining at 2pm.  We were all very hopeful and dedicated and kept working, thinking it’s going to clear up at any time. It's hard to quit working when you are learning new skills and making a difference. The work is empowering and fulfilling. You truly feel you are making a difference and you can SEE the difference!
 
 
Alas, mother Earth decided it was time for us Amazons to convene in Pussy Central. 
We worked for an hour in the rain.  After an hour, it became unsafe to keep working since we were slipping and the chipper kept getting jammed.
Imagine how fest-like it was to have 15 women in a small little dinghy barn. We were stripping down and taking care of equipment.  We all worked together and put everything away (I backed Big RED almost into the shelter and next time I will do it all by myself, thank you Monica Murray).
At the same time, women started setting up an EZ up over by the fire.  Chairs were moved.  Chips and cookies were passed around and there might have been some very fine peach wine that was passed around.
Women started stripping out of wet clothes and dirty jokes were made and everyone enjoyed Sandra’s wet tshirt pix! Thanks Sandra.
Lita Gonzalez pulled out the massage table and started giving our weary bones massages.  Naked, getting massaged while there were 15 women flittering in and out.
Naked and soggy in a dinghy barn.
NO ONE LEFT.  Even when we were done packing up.  No one wanted to leave. 
The rain ended but we didn’t go back to work.  Because we needed to be right there in that moment, feeling the magic and the power of what we did and what we are doing.
I don’t know how to make the words come alive so you can capture and feel the spirit of this amazon work weekend.  This is not a social event, although we exchange many stories.  This is a working weekend and I DO crack the whip (metaphorically speaking, of course).  We work hard.
But everyone can feel the magic.  The sisters thrived in this magic. 
Working, sweating, and laughing together, we are creating the home of Michigan Framily Reunion.
I know that the event itself is going to be amazing.  How could it not be amazing when we have put so much energy, work, and time into the land?  How could it not be amazing with the fabulous performers that are coming?  How could it not be amazing when we come together away from patriarchy and revel in our womenhood and sisterhood?  Of course, it is going to be amazing.
But what is even more incredible and life sustaining to me is the energy and the spirit that is brought every single weekend.  I see you sisters.  You are magical.  You are the community.  You are what makes Amazon Nation great and a possibility.
We get a small taste of what a dedicated women’s community can look and feel like.  I hope you get to experience this again.  I know if you have been to Michfest, you know what I am talking about.  If you don’t know the value of women’s space, please join us at MFR but more importantly, join us for an Amazon Work Weekend.
This past weekend we also had some younger lesbians show up (thank you for getting soggy with us Nicole Roberts & April Friske!).  Several of them had been to Michfest but a few had never been to MWMF but had been to MFR.  Can I tell you that the only way we can bring younger lesbians into women’s space so they understand the value of dedicated women’s space is to just keep inviting them.  They get a taste, they get a feel, they see the magic, and they understand. 
And together, we shall RISE!!!