but at the house party tonight, I couldn’t help but remember them…
what is a hipster, you may ask? Check out this article for further explanation. Needless to say, they crawl the streets of Richmond. How could I forget their existence?
the essential elements to make a hipster:
I have made an inglorious return to reality. I arrived Monday night at one in the morning only to be forced to class at nine am the next day. Luckily I’m still on my camp schedule so I’m used to getting up early with nominal sleep. It’s been a rough adjustments, being back in a place with cell phone service, loud noises, constant activities and few friends. It’s been good to see Mel and Anne, but I desperately miss all of my fellow Long Lakers.
It is strange to be a student again and no longer a teacher. Some of my classes I really enjoy, like my cocktail dress class and my physics class (go figure), though my sculpture studio is still giving me hell. I’m still frustrated with my work, how it doesn’t fit into any artistic genres and how the sculpture department just rolls it’s eyes and turns away. Today we had to share our work with the class so we could get an idea of everyone’s aesthetic. I took the opportunity to openly discuss my frustration, and it opened up alot of doors in my head.
Basically, I think I’m going to keep my wearable art stuff separate from my studio work. My fellow students challenged me to do work without using the body and I think that’s a good challenge to take. I frequently use the body as a crutch for creativity, as that’s what I’m familiar and comfortable with. I’m ready to push my other artwork and make things non-clothing related that I’m proud of. We’ll see how the challenge goes.
Not that I’m going to stop making wearable art. In fact, I’ve already got a super-mega project under way in my head… Like I said, the Uncommon Threads wearable art fashion show in Baton Rouge is going to be in December, and I’m definitely going to make a piece for it. The theme is “Cryptozoology” and I’ve decided to create my own version of the Chimera:
“The Chimaera who breathed raging fire, a creature fearful, great, swift footed and strong, who had three heads, one of grim-eyed lion, another of a goat, and another of a serpent. In her forepart she was a lion; in her hinderpart a dragon; and in her middle part, a goat, breathing forth a fearful blast of blazing fire.”
It’s a rather fiere creature, but I want to take a more elegant approach to it. I’m thinking of creating a giant collar with the three animal heads emerging from around the model’s head, with the body of the snake wrapping down the dress. It’s still all in my head, but I think I’m going to start getting my hands dirty soon, as this will probably be a very time-consuming garment.
So I’m busy as usual, just with a few less friends and alot more noise. At least I have my bicycle back.
The last day of camp is finally here. It’s strange to be sitting in the same chair that I’ve been in all summer, seeing the same view and knowing that tomorrow I will be leaving it. In some ways time hasn’t seemed to have passed at all. We do the same thing every day, same routine, same food, same people and scenery. But at the same time you can tell that time has moved on; the days are shorter, the night comes sooner. I am closer to people that I didn’t know ten weeks ago. Everything is the same and everything has changed.
Last night was the final ceremony of camp. The Annas put bags with candles all over camp, creating a path from Mainhouse down to the waterfront. We were all given candles in bowls and walked down two by two to the waterfront, where we released the candles into the lake. I walked down hand in hand with Helen and listened to Mark’s speech about togetherness before we sent our candles floating out across the lake.
And now the kids are gone and we’re striking the set that I’ve been living in for ten weeks. Taking inventory, moving all the Adirondack chairs inside, folding up all of the tables in the dining hall. It all has to go. After we finish everything we get paid and then have the rest of the day to ourselves, followed by a big staff party tonight.
It is beyond surreal that camp is over. I haven’t come to grips with the fact that by tomorrow night I’ll be back in Richmond, back in the groove of a life that I’ve all but forgotten. This camp is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I can see and feel how much I’ve changed and grown, how much better I understand myself and understand where my priorities lie. The friends I have here are some of the closest and most intense friendships that I’ve ever developed, and it breaks my heart to know that I will be leaving them all tomorrow.
There are no words for what I’m leaving and what I’ve experienced. I just know that tomorrow my heart will not be happy when I drive out of those gates.
Goodbye Long Lake, I love you.
Sometimes my job is truly spectacular. Last night I was told that I had to go out fishing to get promotional pictures for the new sports camp that they’re opening up outdoors. So at seven last night I hopped into one of our super nice motor boats and went for an hour long ride up the lake with Bart, Harry (the owner’s son) and Stan, a professional fisherman. It was so relaxing so just ride across the lake, wind in my hair, enjoying the beautiful sunset and relaxing on the water. At one point it poured rain and we all just laughed and we darted over the surface of the water.
Unfortunately we didn’t catch any fish, so I went out again this morning with Harry and Stan. This time we went even further up the lake, exploring further into the depths of the mountains where the only way to get to the houses is by boat. Two hours under the sun putting around, it’s the best way to spend a morning. We still didn’t catch anything but I’m not fussed. I think I’d be sad if I actually saw a poor animal caught like that…
Last night was wonderful. My parents showed up in Long Lake and got greeted in the traditional friendly way of camp, meeting all of my friends as they went into the dining hall and seeing a bear run across the sports field. Everyone stopped to talk to them, which was great because now my parents can associate names with faces. We ended up going out to dinner with the Annas off camp, which was a true delight. Mom turned it into a triple birthday party, treating us all to ice cream and sticking candles in everyone’s cone.
It was great to get off camp and to see my parents. It’s been ten weeks, and I’m really close with them so it was good to see them again. As sad I am to see camp end, I’m also kind of excited. New Zealand is officially less than a month away and I’m starting to formulate an idea for the Baton Rouge show, so I’ve got some activities lined up to keep me busy (typical Grace).
At dinner mom and dad gave me new camera lenses (a present from them and my grandma and uncle) which I’ve spent the afternoon playing with. SO AWESOME!!
the scorching weather of Virginia has somehow managed to infiltrate the cool mountains of the Adirondacks. Here I sit in my shack, sitting as still as possible and trying not to sweat. Today we’ve been given ice cream and cold water at every possible opportunity, put to sleep for two hours during the hottest part of the day, and now they’re giving out ice cream making lessons. I’m used to heat like this, but the mountain people don’t know how to tolerate it…
camp continues to wind down. The most exciting recent news was Mintons, camp’s version of prom, that happened on Saturday. They decorate the dining hall and turn it into a night club and everyone gets super dressed up and goes with a date. I decided to make a dress, so I cranked out a little something in a day or two, which turned out to be a BIG hit. Everyone kept complimenting me on it, though I thought it was a little bit silly looking.
I’m very lucky because Anna is a hair and makeup artist, so I asked her if she would do me up for the evening. She jumped at the opportunity and came down to the bunk early to get me ready. I felt like I was at a spa, as she made me sit in an adirondack chair on the porch and lie back while she went to work. It was fun to have someone put makeup on me, as I’m totally clueless when it comes to things like that.
Overall it was a great night. There was a red carpet that everyone walked with their date. I play paparazzi as usual and Greg was the red-carpet interviewer who would interview counselor couples as they were dropped off by Geoff on the golf cart. Inside was packed to the gills but the concert was awesome. It was just fun for everyone to step out of their element and dress up for the evening, considering we usually walk around camp in dirty clothes.
Besides that camp’s pretty quiet. Upper camp is at the amusement park all day, so I have a bit of a respite from the craziness. My parents are coming at six (yayy!) and we’re going out to dinner with the Annas. It will be odd to have the outside world come into the bubble but I’m excited to see them, as it’s been almost ten weeks.
Two things not really related to the bubble: Bart Sports, one of the counselors here, is a native of Wellington, New Zealand, where Melanie and I are going in a MONTH. He was AWESOME and wrote me out a four-page front-and-back guide to all of the awesome places in New Zealand that only locals know about. I was excited before, but now that I have this list with directions I feel like I’ll be going on a treasure hunt. Thanks Bart!!
Also, I just received an email about Uncommon Threads, a fashion show in Baton Rouge, LA that I entered in and won last year. The theme this year: “Cryptozoology” challenges entrants to construct a wearable, full garment piece of art that animates creatures of myth, both from legend and derived from the artist’s imagination.”
My headis already turning with the possibilities of things that I can do and make. Pretty sure I’ll apply for this show as long as I come up with a good idea… I’m excited to start creating another garment, as I’ve been out of comission for a few months.
But I’m still at camp for now! Only six days and on we go…
the Long Lake Salon:
ROOMIES!
ANNAS!
Jenni and Jim
me and Jim!
Mike and Alastair being ridiculous:
Greg doing red carpet interviews with Emily, Naomi and Jenni
Interviewing Dan (wearing my dress) and Robin Circus
can you believe that’s the dining hall?!
the cutest creepers I know:
me and Em:
last Rock Band of the summer was last night, and I had an absolute blast. As usual I spent my time photographing, but in between the acts I spent the time dancing my ass off. I absolutely love dancing, and anyone who’s witnessed me at a dance party knows how much I love to boogie. Luckily there are lots of great dancers here at camp (it’s an arts camp, duh) and I got to break it down with all of the counselors.
I had such a blast! I spent most of the time dancing with Jim, Carrie, Mike and Tayo and I bounced around the PAC dancing my heart out. It was a great way to release some stress and energy. When I got back to the bunk all of my girls were like “Holy CRAP Grace, I saw you dancing out there!” It’s so funny because any time I’m at a dance party people inevitably end up telling me what a ridiculous dancer I am. But I just can’t help it, I love to boogie down.
The other night I walked out of the bunk around midnight and BOOM there next door was a giant black bear! I sprinted back into the bunk and whisper-yelled “AJ, THERE’S A BEAR OUTSIDE!” Well, she has yet to have seen a bear on camp (even though there is a proliferation of them on camp) so she jumped out of bed and sprinted to the door with her camera. We proceeded to spend the next forty minutes peeking out of our door and trying to get pictures of the bear. Across the way at Lakeside there was another group of counselors doing the exact same thing, peeking out of the windows and taking pictures.
On camp goes. Less than a week left. Here’s a collection of pictures from the past week-ish:
Ana’s Birthday:
Day Off:
Counselor Talent Night:
Fire Spinning at the bonfire:
the calendar that I’ve been working on:
today has been extraordinary. Everywhere I go I have been greeted with endless hugs, greetings, well wishes, and general love. I have gotten unbelievable presents from SO many people, like fun boxes from my parents, exquisite things from my best friend and tons of boxes from my first session campers. One of my campers even made sure to come wish me a happy birthday at the exact time that I was born. I can’t even explain how bizarre and incredible it is to have had my birthday here.
Tonight we’re all going to Jimmy’s to camp and have our last day off adventure, involving camping, good food and great friends. I can’t wait.
and now I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves…
my present from the Annas, the first thing I saw when I walked out the door:
the inside of my shack, courtesy of the Annas:
from my bunk:
spectacular cake, made by the Annas:
Jenni, Jono, Anna, Emily, Anna and me with the giant card signed by the whole staff
so it’s officially two hours until my birthday (not that I’m counting) and I’ve already been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings and wishes and hugs. Everyone keeps coming up to me to wish me an early birthday, a happy day before my birthday, a happy two hours till my birthday. One of my campers just seranaded me with a song that she made up on the spot about how it’s almost my birthday. I swear, it’s totally overwhelming.
My birthday has always been a big deal at the house because I was raised as an only child, so mom went all out with decorations and stuff, but it was never a big celebration outside of my immediate family. Some kids celebrated their birthdays at school and got cakes and stuff, but since mine was dead in the middle of the summer it was never a big deal among the general public. So it’s really strange to walk around camp and have people ask me if I’m excited that tomorrow’s my birthday…
At dinner Helen and Chef Mike came out with a giant boquet of flowers and a huge card that they had made for me. It’s their day off tomorrow and they were sad that they wouldn’t be there, so they made these things for me. It was such an unexpected surprise that I randomly burst into tears and started crying on AJ’s shoulder. I think it’s because I feel so incredibly loved here, and I have so many close friends and I am so aware of how soon it’s all going to be over. I honestly have more friends and smiles here than I’ve ever had in Richmond. I’ve been happier here than I’ve been in years. The thought of leaving this magical place with these loving, kind people is horrific. But so it goes.
Not sure if I’m prepared for whatever may be coming tomorrow. Some of my campers have already given me presents, while other promise some big giant thing of a surprise and embarrassement. I walked into laudry today and the Anna’s started yelling at me to get out because I was going to ruin the surprise. So who knows, the day appears to have possibility for much mischief and embarrasment. We’ll see…
for now the Annas, Jono and I are going to watch the Leonid meteor shower, a spectacle that happens every year around my birthday, but one that I’ve never seen… sounds like a good way to kick off a birthday.
camp is slowly starting to wind down even though we still have to be in full-gear for the kids. I’ve spent the past forty-eight hours sprinting around camp trying to get every single picture that I possibly can for the yearbook, which goes to press in two days. It’s crunch time and Brittany and I are going slightly crazy.
Honestly not much to report on, as camp is just one long continuous day full of the same routine and activities.
Last night was Rock Band night [just like every Saturday] and the theme was Superheroes, so AJ and I decided we were going to get dressed up. Well, we decided this an hour before the dance, so we ran to the FAB, “borrowed” some fabric and made ourselves capes in the bunk. She went as Horse Girl and I went as Paparazzi Girl (because this session kids hate having their picture taken and then always yell PAPARAZZI! whenever I show up with my camera). Of course we were two of the only counselors who were nerdy to dress up, but we loved it. It’s always good to be silly.
Our girls just stared at us in surprise, some laughing at how silly we were, and other stunned that we would be foolish enough to walk out in to public dressed so ridiculously. That’s our bunk. For sure, we are the most embarassing/ridiculous counselors on camp. I spent the evening photographing all of the shows (duh) but it was super fun because it was so in character for my superhero, so I would run around with my cape fluttering behind me.
So that’s that. I will now fill the rest of this post with pictures from this and last session. Love from Long Lake.
Helen, my love (at Hell Night):
friendship bracelet collection:
an ode to AJ, my roommate:
It is on a daily basis
That I crawl into your bed,
Lean my head against your pillow
And spill the thoughts inside my head.
Silly looks across the bunk
or laughing on the floor,
never does a day go by
that I don’t wish to see you more.
Even when you whisper things
That make other people cringe,
I can’t help but love you more
[I’ll always put rubbish in the bin]
Creepy, this my seem to some
But you and I are just that way,
There’s nothing we haven’t said or done
On any given day.
I may have never lived with roommates;
Alone I have always been,
But every time I see your face
I just can’t help but grin.
day off. not much to say except that I think it’s really bothering me that there are only two and a half weeks left in camp. I keep having nightmares of being back in Richmond or just having trouble sleeping in general. I have nothing else that could really be bothering me, so my guess is that leaving is the cause of my severe wompiness. I just had a good cry down in the bunk while noone else was there, which is bizarre in multiple ways, as I never cry and as I believe that’s the second time I’ve cried on camp. it’s not a good sensation.
Time flies, and it’s left me just as sad as I knew it would be. and I still have two weeks left.
Last night was open fly, so I spent an hour relaxing the the trapeze net, photographing fly and bickering with Peter. Three of my favorite activities.
so I haven’t written in what feels like forever, and for very good reason. This week has been beyond insane in every way and I’ve barely been able to keep afloat. Like I said, I had SO many kids interested in learning about the darkroom that I had to stay in my shack during all hours of the day and night instead of going to shows and such. That was really stressful and overwhelming, even though it’s a huge compliment that I’m so popular. Finally it got to the point that Geoff had to come and kick kids out of my studio because he said that I had been working way too hard and it was time for the kids to leave me alone. I was so so grateful for that…
But all of the hard work has paid off because I’ve recieved so many many compliments from different people. I had one counselor come tell me that the photography stuff was his favorite part of the art show. Other counselors have come up to tell me how impressed they are with the photos that the kids in their turning out. And the biggest compliment was having Geoff tell me that I’ve been doing a really great job, and that the night photos were great. He said that if I could survive this session I could survive anything. So I feel like I’ve done a good job even though I’m completely worn out.
Other than camp mayhem there have been some good moments to the week. The best was Tuesday night. Somehow video came up with the idea to have a private photo shoot with Keegan and Veeka, a couple on camp who blow fire. I was lucky enough to be invited along for the even, so on Tuesday evening we hiked up to the top sports field and set up a giant, epic photo shoot. The video crew brought four cameras and we spent three hours doing shooting all of the different tricks that they could do. It was spectacular, out under the stars with our own private fire show. That night right there was the only reason I needed to be at camp. Spectacular.
My day off was relatively uneventful, as we just ended up going back to Lake Placid. I just spent the afternoon wandering shops with the Annas and hanging out on the beach with Jono. The best part was the last three hours, in which Jen, Jim, Emily and I hijacked the van and went to Long Lake after we dropped everyone off at camp again. We just went to Hoss’s and wandered around, getting ice cream and chili fries. When we got back on camp we got tons of blankets and piled them up on the South Lawn and snuggled up, cracking jokes and laughing hysterically. We watched the light fade and the stars appear and eventually fell asleep under the stars. A perfect ending to an otherwise mediocre day off.
Today was one of the worst days, yet again, as it was the end of parents weekend when all of the campers leave. There was hugging and crying and all sorts of tears. The whole situation gets to me. I hate being around tons of weeping, as the whole energy just makes me depressed. It didn’t help that there were torrential downpours all day while I was working at the office and running around camp trying to say goodbye to all of my campers. They’re all gone now, which is really surreal because we have a completely empty bunk tonight. AJ and I spent the afternoon cleaning the bunk and then dying our hair (I’ve put my platinum stripe back in… I missed it) and reading. It’s so relaxing to have an empty bunk, but it’s also eerie.
Tomorrow the new campers arrive and we finish off our final three weeks here. Just as I predicted time has flown by and left me wondering where the hell July went. I will blink and it will all be over. So it goes…
so I got bored (hah) a couple of weeks ago at camp… I was missing sewing so I decided to make a dress for one of my campers, Rori. She’s hysterical and always up for a good laugh, so I knew she’d appreciate a dress made with dolphins in space fabric (the most hideous fabric that we have in the FAB). A few weeks later we did a photo shoot down on counselor’s rock. It’s a pretty simple dress, but it was super fun to make and even more fun to have Rori wearing such a spectacularly ridiculous dress.
