Adam and I set off on an adventurous journey to Can Hill, Arkansas, for their
annual kite festival, a cherished event that has been taking place for an
impressive 24 years. The festival is organized by a prominent local figure and
hosted on their sprawling ranch, just a stone's throw from the quaint downtown
of Cane Hill. As we drove over an enchanting little creek, a slight sense of
anticipation bubbled within me, even though the overcast sky hung low and the
recent windstorms had left a trail of fallen trees and a damaged chicken run in
their wake. Our energy was low, but I was determined to make the most of the
day. Navigating the gravel road that wound between large boulders and downed
trees was a bit nerve-wracking; I couldn’t shake the worry that we might get
stuck, causing a traffic jam for the line of cars inching behind us. Thankfully,
as we crested the last hill, we were greeted by an astonishing sight: sweeping,
lush fields brimming with cheerful faces, and above us, kites of all shapes and
colors danced like ethereal creatures against the gray sky.
The entry fee was a mere $2 per person, and we were delighted to find an
collection of kites for sale at surprisingly reasonable prices. After paying for
our tickets, Adam and I eagerly entered the raffle for "The Big One." An extra
large nylon kite. Our afternoon of childlike wonder was just beginning. It had
been well over a decade since Adam and I last flew kites, and a wave of
nostalgia washed over us as we recalled how our parents had shared that same
tradition of gifting kites during Easter. I could vividly picture myself in a
frilly yellow Easter dress, while Adam sported a tiny bow tie, his chubby cheeks
endearingly rosy from the chilly air and the lingering breeze of the previous
night's gusts.
I selected a bright red panda kite, symbolizing gentleness, wisdom, and
patience—traits I would need to embody while juggling the challenges of flying a
kite in a field that lacked solid winds, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and
managing my asthma and fibromyalgia.
Adam, ever the optimist, picked out two kites, encouraged by a friendly kite
enthusiast who told us that lightweight kites had a better chance of taking off
that day. Yet, true to his passion, he was adamant about trying out his dream
kite.
Despite the less-than-ideal winds, the subdued skies, and the fatigue tugging at
our bodies, our day was filled with unforgettable moments, laughter, and dreams
for the future. If you ever find yourself at the Cane Hill Kite Festival, I have
a few recommendations to enhance your experience:
1. **Bring a partner in silliness.**
Flying kites might seem childish to many, and yes, that's exactly
the point. Embracing the joy and wonder of childhood is a beautiful gift we can
give ourselves.
2. **Pack a picnic.**
Our visit happened to fall on a backup day
due to inclement weather the weekend prior. While there was some food available
in the hospitality tent, we both agreed that a packed lunch would have upgraded
our experience.
3. **Bring a blanket, chairs, or both.**
There’s going to be plenty of running involved as you try to boost your kite into the perfect air
stream, but you’ll also want a comfortable spot to relax and soak in the sights
of the magnificent kites soaring above you.
4. **Make friends.** We encountered a few devoted kite enthusiasts who could launch their kites into the sky with
hardly a breath of wind, and they were more than willing to share tips and
tricks.
5. **Most importantly, have fun.**
This delightful experience is sure to become a tradition for Adam and me, as the festival takes place each March,
right before my birthday, pairing perfectly with our annual trip to the Arkansas
Apple Festival for Adam's birthday.
Welcome to the "Wholesome Moshpit of Emotions," or perhaps we'll discover a new name for this community as we grow together. I'm Alice, and I’ll be your narrator and guide on this journey through life—specifically, my life. I'm about to turn 27 years old, an interesting transition for me as I've moved away from social media but still feel the desire to create and share my experiences with others. I hope to make a difference and leave a piece of my soul in everything I do.
Indigo
At 27 years old, I've been struggling with chronic pain my entire life, but it became a significant struggle when I was 21 and nearly lost the ability to walk. After countless doctor visits and moving across the country, I finally received a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, which I am learning more about every day, and how it affects everyone differently and can vary from day to day. I also recently discovered that I have ADHD and am on the autism spectrum, plus I have PTSD.
Casca
Despite these challenges, I do my best to stay active through my love of nature. I find immense peace in working with plants and animals, embracing the beauty of simplicity. I hope to share tips, tricks, and failures with you. But don't worry, there will also be lots of cute pictures of my animals.
Matt Damon Yes, that's his name
Alice and Lucy
My goals for this blog are straightforward: I want to express my thoughts. I aim to build a community of people who want to share life's simple joys and encourage each other to be "punk rock" in the most loving and positive ways.
You can expect to hear my opinions, thoughts, recipes, and cute pictures of my pets, along with plenty of "fail" moments as I navigate backyard homesteading, work full-time as a librarian, and manage my health and now this blog.
Now that you know me, I want to know you! I have a Discord channel that I hope to utilize to foster a greater community and connect with like-minded people. Join the channel or follow my journey in whichever way you prefer.
I am so excited to embark on this new path to create, communicate, and share. Thank you for being here, and I hope our paths continue to cross for as long as it benefits you and your peace.
