Ya know, I have been trying to find the right words to express how I feel about this event. And the only thing that really sticks out in my mind of this year's event is the feeling of togetherness, like being in a loving  family. So let me start from the first….

    Mary Padget (aka Country Roads) and I had arranged with Wolfpup (aka Susan Moyer) and Hummingbird (aka Eileen Stein) to share a room for the events. It was going to be just like a big slumber party! Pup, Mary & I had all gone to Ohio last year and we had a blast!. We figured that this year would be even better!

    CR & I live in Indiana (almost 2 - 2 1/2 hours away from each other) so we decided to meet in Indianapolis. I got there first and because CR & I  have a car phone, I called her. She was getting a late start & she told me she would be there in about 45 mins. I told her I had to pick up gas anyway, so NO WORRIES! We finally got together & then discovered neither one of us had a map to Camp Mary Orton! But we decided once we were in Columbus, Ohio, we could stop & ask someone.

    It takes about 3 ½ hours to get to Columbus. I followed CR in my car, JD blasting all the WAY! We got on the beltway around 4:30 & I called Econolodge to see if the others had gotten there yet, and to my delight, they were! I talked to Hummingbird & she was thrilled we were almost there!

    Within 15 mins, we were all hugging! It was great! We exchanged things that each of us had brought for the others. It was like CHRISTMAS IN JULY! We went out to eat & then went back to the motel.

    The next day, Pup & I got up and went out to Camp Mary Orton, where the John Denver Summer Celebration was taking place. We had brought things for the silent auction to help out the National Wildlife Federation save the wolves of Yellowstone.  We decided to go with a silent auction this year as opposed to just selling stuff as it did not require someone to constantly be there until the end.  This way, we could enjoy the events.

    As we pulled into the drive leading back to the camp, we spied John Rowe TRYING to put up the banner. We stopped and helped him. While we were there, Mary stopped and took pictures after we had the banner up. Sandy Wilmore joined us and the banner was perfect! Last year we all had said we would take a picture of the sign, but somehow never managed to! LOL!
 
 

Prayer Pose

    I had brought CR, Pup & Hummingbird all posters of JD. I also bought CR one for Aspen for the Sunday service. I asked her if we might use the pictures at the camp. She said sure! The picture on top of the fireplace mantel was taken by Virginia Allen and the one in the frame with the cream colored jacket, was taken by Patty Peavey (little did she know that she would be getting one for her birthday!)
 
 

Presenting Patty a gift

    When CR placed the “Prayer Pose” on the mantel, it seemed so right. It was as though it was meant to be there.

    Pup, Hum & I went out to buy some last minute things for the auction - paper, hangers, picture frames, you know, the usual! LOL!

    We quickly came back and set up.  Ellen Stapenhorst came in while we were setting up.  Upon seeing us, she came over and gave us a hug.  Soon it was time for the Opening Ceremonies to begin. One note, it was extremely humid that weekend & NO AIR CONDITIONING! It was a CAMP, but we did have fans, which helped some.

    After Sandy & the others performed the Native American ceremony of offering sage in a pipe to the four directions, Sandy's good friend, Chris Reynolds performed for us. He was quite good!

    We had lunch outside at “our table”. Patty & Robin Peavey, Kim Bailey, Dave & Bonnie Snouffer, CR, Pup, Hummingbird and I sat and talked for an hour. Some about JD concerts we had attended, some about the events that would take place that weekend, and also about our families. Last year Pup & I really didn't get to know anyone because we had to sit by the “trade table” for the Yellowstone wolves. The times we did get to do some of the activities, Gail Biddinger watch it for us, THANKS GAIL!  Plus, to be honest, we were kinda shy. We always sat in the back. Pup tried to tell me it was because we got there late, I told her it was because we CHOSE to get there late and sit in the back.

    After lunch, Robin asked us if we wanted to go for a hike in the woods. CR wanted to take on a primitive wilderness session, so she declined. Bonnie & Dave did something else, can't remember right now. But Kim said she would join us. We had a nice time on the trails, but a word of CAUTION, NEVER stand in back of ROBIN, He's libel to hit you with a low hanging branch, oh..also if there is a steep incline to climb up….YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN! Sorry Robin, but….LOL!

    We came out of the trail to find CR trying to make a fire using flints. It was neat to listen to the instructor tell about how to start a campfire. Pup even tried, but she must have had a dud for a flint….

    Next was a man named Steve Newman. He is a WORLDWALKER. He gave a very interesting talk about starting in Ohio and walking around the world. It took him 6 years.  He told of all the good people in the world, and that there were more good people than bad....

    After the presentation of Steve's, Patty, Robin & “the gang” (Bonnie & Dave, Pup, myself & I think Mary) got up from our seats and stretched, talked a bit & got some water! The Lodge was extremely HOT!!!!

    It was time now for the evening's entertainment! We hurried out to the music tent, located a short distance from the lodge. Rainbow Eagle was getting ready to do a storytelling session. He had all of us, including adults and children alike enthralled in his gift of the stories he told. He was a true master of the tale!

Next two fine young men, Mark Cormican & Tim Dabbs sang and delighted us with their renditions of Johns music. But just as they got warmed up (sorry about the pun- it was 101 in the shade! Or at least it FELT like it!) thunderbeings sounded! Yes, lightening & thunder threatened to halt the music unless they thought of something QUICK! Just as we thought we'd get soaked and have to leave, Sandy announced that the music would indeed continue.....in the Lodge! YES! The equipment was carried into the lodge and just in the nick of time! As Mark & Tim sang, we could heard the loud booms outside and see the lightening! But the concert was great! Mark even gave us a treat with a twist of the old favorite, Puff The Magic Dragon! They were both fantastic! We all sang along until well past midnight! All too soon, we had to leave.

    We all met back at the motel and soon, showers were taken and we were fast asleep.

    Saturday found the day promising. We all wanted to get there early for the Tai Chi session.  I had wanted to do this last year, but because of the table, I was tied down. Pup and I loved it!
 

Ancient American Indian Peace Shield Teachings

    We next made our way back to the Lodge for Rainbow Eagle's presentation of the Peace Shield.  With his natural ability as a story teller, you hardly knew you were being taught anything.  During the breakout session following his presentation, he gave us a rendition of Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream.

    Lunch found us again gathering around the table and sharing stories until it was time to head back into the Lodge for Lou Gold.
 
 

Lessons from the Ancient Forests

    Lou Gold opened up his session with his “talking cane” (or stick). He told how he wanted to take it on the plane once, but that the airline refused, saying it could be used as a weapon! Lou is a very neat guy. He loves the forests and will stop at NOTHING to see that they remain unspoiled. Loggers have come into National forests and clear cut trees WITH our own government's permission!

    Chris Westfall is truly a gifted musician. He entertained us with his singing of John's song and some of his own, for almost an hour. If you get a chance to see him, please do so. You won't be disappointed, he sings from the heart. He made us laugh with stories of terrorizing his little brother by singing TOOLS over and over again until his brother would cry and run to his mom for help….

    Dinnertime rolled around and as usual, we got our meals and headed out to our table on the deck. We laughed again at stories that Robin would tell, word of caution, you NEVER know with Robin if they are made up or real! LOL!

    Tom Burns held a breakout session about the planets. Although we wanted to hear it, the lodge had grown extremely uncomfortable from the afternoon's heat, and the fans didn't help. We tried to listen from outside in the doorway, but again, it was still too hot. We took pictures of one another and even with Dreux “infamous blanky”! At one point Tom came towards the door and said something and we thought he was talking about us because our conversation had grown quite loud! We later on found out he wasn't…. We left however to find a place, cool, green and shady…

    We found ourselves wandering around and finding some breakout sessions outside. One interesting lady was sitting under an awning retelling Native American stories of her people.  She also demonstrated how one thing effects another by having us weave a web.  We enjoyed that very much…

    We went back inside and closed up the bidding for the silent auction. We were going to do it after dinner, but Sandy asked us to wait until after Tom's presentation. The auction went extremely well! Pup outdid herself. She handled everything PERFECTLY! A ruff figure estimated the auction sales at around $400.00. We found out later, it was over $500.00! We were ecstatic!

    Ellen Stapenhorst held up her concert so that we could finish our auction, although no one told us this.
Pup and I made our way to our seats (I had brought 2 green lawn chairs from home & marked our spots in the front row center with them!)
 

Ellen in Concert

    WOW! What can I say about this beautiful spirit named Ellen Stapenhorst? I can tell you that she is not at all pretentious. She sings from her heart and you can tell she really truly cares about each of us. Pup & I met her last year in Ohio and we had bought her cd’s INVISIBLE THREADS & THE DANCE. On the back of them she had her address where we could write to her, so we did! She doesn't have a computer (I thought EVERYONE had one! LOL! ) so we “snail mailed” her. We again met up with her in Aspen last Oct. She gave us a big hug when she saw us. You could tell she really meant it. This past year hadn't been kind to her. Her mother had crossed over in the late winter of this year, and like a lot of us facing loss, she withdrew for awhile.

    Ellen's concert was wonderful! I sang almost every song! At several points, we could tell Ellen was pleased that we knew the words! She smiled as she sang and looked over at us! What a sweet and wonderful person she is. If you never get a chance to see anyone perform, PLEASE, go out of your way to see Ellen. She has a new cd single out called ALL OF MY SKIES. It was written by her brother Steve, who wrote it shortly after John crossed over. If you haven't heard it, I highly recommend it.

    All to soon, Ellen ended her set. And it was open mic with Brad Snapp. It was roasting in the lodge, so again, Pup & I stepped out to catch a cool night breeze… We walked around and found Bonnie Snouffer sitting by herself on a picnic bench. We went over to her and talked for a few mins. We asked her if she was enjoying herself and she said yes. It was her first year and she said that in the beginning she felt like it was a class reunion, or a camp. And that she really didn't fit in. But sharing our meals with Dave and her, really made her feel welcome! I am so glad she felt that way.

    Hum had come out and asked to speak privately with me, so we went off for a few mins. An incident had made her upset & I tried to calm her down. We walked into the lodge (which had cooled down some). I looked around to see if I could find Pup. She was nowhere in sight. I asked Hum if she was ok, and she said yes. I left her in search of my “lost daughter”, who had decided to take a stroll.

    I soon found her and we went back in to watch and listen to the kids (our next generation) sing and tell stories. There were some adults telling how John had touched their hearts as well. At one point, as I sat and looked up at John's picture on the mantel, I thought to myself, “this belongs here. It feels so right. Next year I will bring another poster (same pose & height) and donate it to the JDSC.” I looked around at all these people who I now considered my family. I love each and every one of them. I remembered connecting with Val Cooper more this year. What a wonderful sister she has become! And Julia Park. She has become very dear to me as well. Kim Bailey, whom I only met briefly last year, has become closer. It just felt so right to be among these people, my sisters and brothers! I could feel the “connecting hearts” that Val sang about in her song. The warmth in my heart was unmeasureable, something that I will feel forever.

    Again, as we headed back to the motel, Pup & I talked about the day's events and how much we were so glad we came! Soon we were tucked in our bed and fast asleep…

    Sunday, again Father Sky showed us his “blazing glory” as we got up. Mary had to head back to Indiana because she had to work that night. She was missed & as we entered the lodge and saw the picture of John was gone from the mantel (she left before we did and she had taken her picture which was ok), it left a sense of sadness. Sadness not only for the picture, but also for our sister who had left and couldn't share with us the day.

    We had missed the Tai Chi session, but we had to pack up the things we hadn't sold & carry them out to the car. It was almost time for the Peace Service & the preacher spoke to us about how John had touched each and everyone of our lives with songs as “Let Us Begin, What Are We Making Weapons For” & “I Want To Live”. Pat Stalinski is a gifted opera singer. As a whole, I'm not very found of opera, I usually can't understand it (latin, ya know..), except Placido Domingo with John singing Perhaps Love.
 
 

    I must say Pat did an outstanding job! All weekend long I wondered silently what would trigger me into shedding tears. None had fallen, that is until Pat sang, The Gift You Are. I had a whole new meaning to that song. I looked at Pup beside me. The love I felt for her was so deep. Words, believe it or not, escape me. I gave her a big hug and I began to cry as Pat sang the words. I looked over at Patty, Hummingbird & Kim. They, too, felt it. I was afraid to look behind me, but I felt we were all shedding tears. Pat then sang Perhaps Love. What an incredible song John wrote. I can clearly see why Annie loves that song.

    At the end of the service, we all hugged each other and cried even more. We soon discovered that we each were touched by The Gift You Are…

    Ellen is not only a gifted and talented singer/song writer, but she is also proficient  in the art of Aikido and Centering. She has worked with Tom Crum for many years and has become his “right hand person”. Her skills in Centering are as seasoned as Tom's. She demonstrated the use of Aikido and how you don't need to have force (or always be right) to win. I felt like each and every time I read or better yet, see Centering performed, I understand it a little more. I would love to take some classes in it someday.

    Lunch time rolled around and for the final time, we took our meals to our table. It was a sort of sad time for me. I looked at Patty & Robin, dear family I had known for a long time. Dave & Bonnie Snouffer, new family whom I had grown to love and respect. Dave had emailed me about donating his “gift” from RCA of the John Denver Country Collection. Kim Bailey, whom I wish to get even more closer to. And dear, sweet Pup..who’s love and caring I couldn't and wouldn't do without. I am so glad that John connected each of us together. My heart was overfilled with love and thankfulness for him and the love I'd shared with each of these people.

    Circle closing…Wow! What can I say? It was a time of sadness to leave this wonderful family I had come to know a bit better, and to share each of their lives with. Val sang a song that she had written about John right after he crossed over. I cried when I heard her sing.

    Sandy Wilmore had asked us to take out of our packets we had gotten as we registered, a slip of paper with a ribbon on it. On that paper we were to write what we had done last year that we had said we were going to do, and then write what we wanted to do this year & tie it to the tree. I hadn't gotten around to doing it because…well, I guess there is NO EXCUSE…. People, first Ellen and then others, went to OUR JOHN TREE, and took the slips down and read them. After everyone was finished, Lou with help from Ellen & John Rowe, brought out a beautiful canvas that people, mostly children, had using melted crayon-like (heated with an iron) substances on. Lou explained that what he saw were 2 things…Beauty & Chaos. He challenged each of us to come up and write our names on the back of the canvas & to come back next year and talk about changing the Chaos to beauty in our lives. Ellen was the first to sign, then others followed. I told Dave that I wasn't sure if I would be back next year. He told me if he had to drive to Indiana and GET ME, he would! And they live in Toledo, Ohio! Patty, took my hand and said, “Come on”. For Patty to do this amazed me because she is mostly shy around people. But I went along, grabbing Pup's hand as I walked over to the canvas. I had to explain to her later what was going on. Pup is hearing impaired, and sometimes she can't hear things.

    We had thought the ceremony was over and walked Patty and Squirrel to their cars and when we turned around, we found they were doing something else, so Pup and I hurried to what looked to be offering to the six directions...but with a sort of a twist...children were standing in front of the adults, it was like passing the pipe onto the next generation.
 

Circle Closing

    “See ya laters” & hugs were given to last until the next time. One thing we have all grown to learn, it's extremely hard to leave one of the JD family. Oh, you make up all kinds of different excuses, and one NEVER, EVER says, Good-bye. After many, many hugs, it was time to get into the Trooper for a long ride back to Indiana and my own family. Hum, Pup & I sat in McDonald’s trying to prolong the inevitable partings. We sat and talked about what we liked the most & what Hum thought of her first JDSC…

    We hugged for the longest time & promised to connect when I was to visit Pup the following week! More on that in Wolf's PA Adventures!
 

The End….
 
 

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