Once again, this group went above and beyond the call of duty, and it's a
joy to be a part of it.

You guys looked great out there on the desert sands. Even though we
couldn't hear our own music over the gamelan next to us, and the dances had
to be counted out, it was satisfactorily tight and a real joy to watch.
Everyone was on their A-game Burn night. Your energy was so upbeat and
vibrant that it was sending chills up my back!

We got to spin at the prime position in the Circle, a phoenix was watching
over us from behind, we had some awesome music to dance to thanks to the
gamelan next to us, the weather was perfect, and WE GOT ERIC INTO THE
CIRCLE! hahahahah...hah! Heh. So give yourselves and each other a big
hearty kudos and rest this week in the knowledge that we did a smash bang-up
job.

And now, some points to go over regarding this past year and next:

1) First - yes, it's Burning Man and stuff comes up unexpectedly. But when
we call a meeting to go over what we need to do for the Circle and to pass
out laminates and that meeting is for a certain time, it is expected that
you show up at that time. Promptly. No excuses. We've got a whole entire
week to goof off, take drugs, relax, and decide what we want to wear for an
event. There are very few times on the playa that you are needed at a
certain time, and we let you know well ahead of that time so you can arrange
your schedule accordingly. When you are late (and a few people didn't get
to the 6:00 meeting 'til 7:30) you make it harder for everyone else and that
sucks for them. Other people depend on you to show up on time. Don't make
them wait.

2) Emails with info regarding where and when to check in to Convergence by
were sent out more than once. No fewer than five (!) people (well, one
didn't get to BM because of a court date) neglected to sign in.
Unacceptable. This group is usually so on their game when it comes to
responsibility. It really is surprising that anyone would miss that one
critical duty. In the years to come, please make it a priority that when
you arrive, you check in to Convergence asap. That way, you can spend all
week not having to worry about it.

3) A special thanks and salute go to Silverback, that magnanimous,
honorable, chivalrous galoot who offered up his laminate so that someone
else could spin in the Circle. He is a prince who deserves special
recognition for having made so grand a gesture when he shouldn't have had
to. It was sad to not get to spin with him in the Circle. But it makes me
so proud that our group has that kind of honor in it. It reinforces my
perception of what kind of person performs with Phoenix Projekt: strong,
chivalrous, giving, beautiful. So three cheers for Silverback!!!

4) Thank you to everyone who offered to exchange places with me for that
night. It was very kind, but unnecessary. While it's not a certain thing,
I'm probably going to return to being a helmsman again next year. Not only
was it cool to watch you guys spin, but it also seemed fitting that everyone
who joined up got to spin. I've done this for many years now - it's
wonderful just to be with you guys there and it was interesting to discover
that - that it wasn't imperative to perform, just to share your
companionship for that moment. So thank you again.

There will be no practice this week, so rest up and relax, decompress
(speaking of which...), get your stuff unpacked, and we'll see you all next
week, where we'll have some drinks, share our stories, and begin discussing
what we're going to do for LA Decom on October 13th. Enjoy your vacation -
you guys earned it many times over!

Sincerely,

Anna Maltese