What a week of powerful exploration I just had! Within the span of 10 days, I went from tantric transformation to discovering San Francisco to fire dancing the nights away in the Santa Cruz mountains, where I communed with passionate pyros from all over the world. Oh, I have fallen in love with life again. I am ignited!

I'm also totally infatuated with the Bay area. It was in the full bloom of spring in every way, and is beautiful and exciting beyond what I'd even imagined - the city, the semi-arid, hilly Pacific landscape, with it's strange (to my eyes) succulents, enormous trees and views of the ocean, and the vibrant, colorful people. (Dragonfly, you are right on that the men there are *hot*! They walk with their heads up and a sparkle in their eyes - that felt like it was just for me! - to match their sexy, freaky style.) I am *so* moving there, and can't wait to go back!

My thoughtful, dear friend, Surprise!, rocks! She introduced me to many wonderful people and places in her Nor Cal homeland. It was really nice just spending quality time with her and having fun together, as our busy schedules in DC had kept us from catching up for a few weeks.

We met up with Tim, a red rattlesnake cowboy I'd danced with on a platform above the Opulent Temple at Burning Man last summer, where we praised the stars and greeted the sunrise in absolute bliss. Tim gave us a tour of his chocolate factory, where he lovingly makes some of the most delicious chocolate I've ever experienced - TCHO - where technology meets chocolate - it's traditional German oompa loompa machinery all technically revamped. The tour was accentuated by photos of ripe cacao hanging from tropical trees, Tim's expert descriptions of the intricate chemistry of chocolate making, and our fantasies of magnificent parties, spin jams and massive scale art construction in the vacuous warehouse world of Pier 17.

Fire Drums was enchanting! On Friday morning, Surprise! and I drove high up into the redwood forested mountains for a weekend of fire spinning workshops and dance with 400 fellow fire arts enthusiasts, who generously shared their friendly, positive energy and lust for fiery movement and dance. The cold mountain nights led to misty dawns, and I marveled at the 6-inch long, yellow banana slugs and unique “Ribbit, ribbit” calls of the Pacific tree frogs.

Surprise! and I – and everyone who tried em' - adored our new, light weight, well-made Kaivalya fire hoops. I burned mine for the first time at Fire Drums. Either fire hooping is easier than it looks, or I've done my share of practicing, as what a thrill it is to fly inside that halo of light! I was also captivated by the dramatic fire tool inventions a few folks brought out – some propane fueled! (Sean Stiltdancer would’ve fit right in.) There were fire wings, fire samba costumes, and some tools that involved dozens of wicks, rolling on spokes or swinging on wires through the air. Wow!

In the whirl of activity, there wasn’t much time for catching up, but it was great to see familiar friends out there – including Rovo, Conway, Zan and Basil – as well as connect with new friends, like Victorio, the beautiful kindred spirit in this photo. When the late night cold sapped my usual hyper-activity, our stimulating, spiritual conversations warmed my heart and mind.

The only bummer (besides returning to DC) was missing the How Weird street festival in San Francisco because Surprise! and I spent 2 1/2 hours searching for someone we'd offered a ride. Ah, well, next time – and there will be a next time, as I *am* moving to the Bay area before the end of the year! As soon as I find a job in CA, I’m there.