Rolling Naked in a Field of Daisies

I think growing up in the 70's has warped me in ways I still cannot fathom. I do know that with out the warm embracing idealism of hippiedom, I would be a crotchety conformist, hell bent on following the rules of society. The two sides of me war frequently.

I would find it appealing to live in a commune. Let's raise our crops and children together! Both would certainly flourish. I would love to share my life with people of the same mind-set. The closeness of my fellows would bring me happiness. A friend would always be there. On the other hand, I would not be able to escape the closeness of my fellows and I'm thinking we would definitely need a maid. I abhor clutter of any kind. Other peoples children, well...I'll just say it! Other peoples children behave strangely. I hate bugs! I hate being dirty. I entirely doubt my ability to farm. Add to this the fact that I don't know how any of us would make the rent and I seriously second guess my belief in the love I harbor for communal living.

I love 60's and 70's folk songs! Of course, Peter, Paul and Mary kick ass! I love singing! Almost nothing is more rapturous than sitting around, mellowed out with friends, while one of them strums out a tune and we sing along. All right! Honestly! I'm absolutely in love with this for 2-3 songs and then I'm done! I went out and bought 'Puff the Magic Dragon' for my son when he was a baby. I did it because I remembered the joy I felt whenever I heard it as a child. I popped it in the CD player and started singing to him. Has anyone actually listened to this song? I started crying. It is bone wrenchingly sad.

Free love sounds enticing doesn't it? The ability to share a deep part of yourself indiscriminately and without guilt. In fact it would be a glorious thing, right? You simply express your desires and they are fulfilled by any number of your friends or aquaintences. Yep, any number of your friends or aquaintences that are carriers of a completely disgusting malady! Some kind of venereal disease would surely be waiting for one if that road was traveled. Monogamy seems to be the safest route. True monongamy at any rate. One's partner would have to be utterly faithful as well or all sorts of hell could be visited upon a person. No free love. Big sigh.

Living in a van. Well, I could see the freedom that would afford me. The open road. No responsibilities. No working for "The Man". Meeting new people everyday and seeing every square foot of our beautiful country! Living off of natures bounty. Then my common sense side kicks me. It says, "No bathing for you! No money, no gas. Strangers can be dangerous, murderous thugs. You couldn't find food in the wild if your life depended on it." So really, when it comes down to it, I'd be living in a van down by the river. I'd smell like fish and dirty water. I'd be starving. I would fear for my very life whenever I saw a new person approaching. I'd be a complete wreck.

Protesting. This is an activity I could really sink my teeth into!! I have no firm grasp upon my righteous anger. It simply flies into the world with force. There are injustices on this earth that require loud voices to carry the truth of it to mankind! I will carry a sign and chant alone if I have to. My common sense was trying to enter in here. Hippiedom wins!! Take that conformist attitude! I am completely willing to get pepper-sprayed for a worthy cause. The thought of getting hauled off to the clinker is a bit enticing. I can sit in one spot for hours and not budge an inch, thus conquering the requirements of a sit-in! When I am right, I am right. I do require though that one know exactly what he is protesting! No blind leading the blind here! Know for what you fight! Know it well.

Drugs are not my thing. I can't stir up any hidden love for them at all. As much as people think they handle the problems of existence, I can't even imagine that. No hallucinogens here. The stuff in my mind on a regular day is scary enough, as those of you who hang out in there can testify.

So, what have I learned today? I would totally share my living space! My husband and son are good roomies so far. Free love! Oh yes! Within the boundaries of holy matrimony or it's equivilent "long standing relationship". Living in a van? Maybe a Winnebago with water, toilet, stocked fridge, full tank and door locks, driven by a recent lottery winner. Protesting? I'm in. Call me with your needs! Drugs? We don't need those. Come over, have a Mike's with me and I'll amaze you with stories. Folk songs in moderation only!

The hippie-dippiest thing I always thought would be a blast? Rolling naked in a field of daisies! I would totally do this! You are invited! We will be rolled safely in our own seperate thick blankets to protect us from thistles and rocks. When we're done I'm going to need the twigs and bugs out of my hair! See you soon.