2010 Michigan: Another great Gathering!!

[Charles]

Now that I'm rested up, car ride, schedule switching, etc. I'm going to write my review as always for the JRC of this years Jedi Gathering.

Let me first say how great it was to see all my old friends, part of what brings us all here are the connections we make year to year and that we can renew these connections. I stay in contact with most of you regularly to semi-regularly via facebook, yahoo, and e-mail but it's always so good to see everyone in person.

Now let me say how great it was to see all my new friends. Everyone who I had not yet met at a Jedi Gathering years previous touched my heart in their own unique ways. I know many of you will remain friends of mine and in contact with me for a long time online. I believe in a sense we all share a bit of our hearts at these events and this time I feel I made some new connections that are particularly strong.

Now lets move onto the events. To quote or paraphrase Sensai Ross "It's like combat camp!!" well I don't know if I'll go that far. Every year our activities have a certain blend be it toward theatrics, combat, or spirituality. This year was definitely a 60/40 blend toward the combat and spirituality. I could say though it was more a blend toward training and spirituality. A few of us took some time to spar, but it was in no way mandatory and we all had a great time as always. Even for those of us who didn't spar or didn't spar as much, we had a chance to connect with very knowledgeable people in their fields and I must say I for one relished the chance to hone my skill as well as my spirit this year. I feel I came out of this gathering stronger on many levels.

This Gathering had more free time scheduled in, and to it's benefit, which was a big help. This means that connections formed this year were even stronger than last and connections renewed went from the most durable of silk rope to the strongest of steel cable.

As always the staff made us feel at home at Gammon Hall, the food and rooms were excellent, and the kids really enjoyed our impromptu Jedi Excursion onto the beach.

I can't really cover all the things that happen in a Gathering ever, all I can try to do is express the feeling of connectedness, the oneness with my fellow Jedi and friends. However I would be remiss if I didn't mention little Kairi. This was her first Gathering, and her first year of life, and I must say she was a bright shinning star who captured and cultivated us all and reduced us all to giggling little baby's at one point or another.

I can only hope everyone else has as great an experience as I did at this Gathering, I always try to give as much of myself as I can at these events, but I always feel like the richest man when it's all said and done because I receive so much.

Edit:

I also have to give my sincere approval of the Chicago Jedi Knighting Ceremony. This was one of the MAJOR highlights of the gathering. I feel it's things like this that take us a step forward as Jedi and as a community and that each individual standing up there not only earned their place, but exemplifies the qualities of a Jedi Knight. Seeing this brought a warm feeling to my heart.

[jdmcowan]

At both the gatherings, this year and last year, I have found that the bond that developes is the best thing about the gathering. All the workshops and other activities are wonderful, but what really makes the weekend spectacular is how quickly we all start to feel like family and how much fun we have no matter what we are doing. There is no question that for as much as people try to figure out how to create permenant Jedi temples, for one long weekend there is a physical Jedi Temple with living Jedi learning and practicing in it.

Last year I was intrigued by how quickly I came to feel like I had known these people for years. This year I was intrigued by how completely the intervening year fell away. Within minutes of seeing everyone again, it started to feel in many ways as if I had left their presence only a few weeks ago. Of course now while in the between time, it seems already like a year since I've seen them.

Some of my favorite memories: "I hope your Force sense is good because there's a post in the middle of the path up ahead and we don't have a flashlight." "Hydrate or Die!" "One more time - like a Jedi: I said a Vroom! Chew-a-bacca." Saturday morning breakfast by lantern light (after the power went out) and cheering the electric guys as they left in the afternoon. "They cut the pizza into a grid?!?" "Oh, so you've played that game before." "What happens at the Council meeting stays at the Council meeting." Stan waking Sensei Ross who had fallen asleep in an uncomfortable position and Ross jumping up into a martial arts stance as if he was being attacked by ninjas. Gabe: "Hey camp staff, come join us." Staff: "No, we've got to check on the campers." Gabe: "Are you sure you don't want to join us for some Jedi dodgeball?" Staff: "OK. I'm sure the campers will be fine a little while longer." "Stop! Don't throw that ball! We've got them all." FRIED CHEESE CURDS! "Sensei Ross, I don't understand how you're loosing weight if you live in the McDonald's."

...And many more. Just wait until someone finds the time to type up "the quote book".

Jeremy

P.S. When I got home and had to clean up after the flood I found another one of the Japanese vending machine "toys". J.C.

[Jedi Phoenix]

These were some of the more funny quotes too! We should have another quote book going when I come back hahahahaha!

[jdmcowan]

An expanded version of my review and a review by Kitsu Tails have been published by Force Realists(tm) (http://forcerealists.org). Feel free to check them out (and all the other current and past articles). There's nowhere to discuss the articles there, so feel free to come back here if you have questions or comments.

Jeremy

[Moonshadow]

Great articles from both of you! Thanks so much for submitting them!!!

--Moonshadow

[Kitsu Tails]

:1zz: