The Social Porcupine

We live in a time where women can be eccentric without being burnt or drowned for witchcraft. It's safe to be sentimental. Naivety isn't foolishness; perhaps foolishness even is the fuel to a successful trip. The world has always been dangerous. Always will be dangerous. But where has fear gotten anyone?  I've been on the road for five months.  I hope to never pay for a hotel room while I could car camp. My flax cat and piles of wool and down linen duvet is so much more comfortable than any sanitized (or lice-ridden) hotel bed.  I've stayed with many  strangers.  I never pay for a hotel room: I've spent weeks car camping. I've stayed in several major cities. I've parked at rest stops, gas stations, churches, and restaurants.   Here is what I've done to prevent car burglary:  1. Never lock doors  Locking doors prevents nothing (or presumes I have something worth stealing).  Locked doors incite broken windows.  I've locked my c...

I'm in that last stride before stepping homeward.  I've been accepted into a six-week work study program at the John C Campbell Folk School, and my second week is half over. It's one of the fairest work exchanges I've ever found myself doing. We work three weeks for lodging, food, and for up to three weeks of classes plus two weekend classes. But even the "work" is arranged to be pleasant, if you don't mind sharing some full-hearted effort. I've grown at least half a muscle in each arm, and I've been much too busy to do anything except soak in abundant opportunity. The staff like to let you know the place is haunted by friendly ghosts. Last night my roommate and I awoke to find our bedroom door wide open, so maybe it's true. I like the idea of Olive's ghost watching over the place, walking through the gardens, and visiting the students in all her favorite places. This school seems to have a theme of unnecessary but a...