there are bees and hives, and flames and dancers

Image from the gathering my barn dwelling hosted a few weeks back. Talk about network intelligence... a loose structure of events and a big board of jobs for folks to sign up for (some as deputies, others as worker bees) such as Chief Kabob Consultant (who pounded the turmeric and saffron into the marinating paste and oversaw the chopping of choices for threading) and Kabob Threaders (a team of 8 who approached their job with creativity and speed, preparing food for 120 guests and wore their luridly yellow-stained hands with pride 2 days later). A flexible structure with a few simple rules: 1. Introduce yourself 2. Sign up for a job 3. No spectators. So much more transpired and was accomplished and performed and created than one person could possibly imagine. And somehow the culture makes it safe to take risks... which I think is very important. It works and it is humbling to behold and be a part of. Above and below, a glimpse at but one offering by a guest made to the opening-evening talent-show... a dance of swinging ingots of flame! Start thinking about your cog in this big, complex machine... I expect you all to attend next year. (photo courtesy dustin goodwin)