I've heard anniversaries can be the hardest on us and sometimes we don't even realize that it's affecting us. I know the 1 year anniversary of my divorce and leaving TWI was a time of incredible turmoil and some pretty scary, dramatic, unsettling thoughts, feelings and events.
I suppose that continues to ebb and flow in our memories with some years being better than others.
I love hearing about the good times before the music died. :)
Dude! Is that you boogeying down front in that middle pic?
MORE PICS!!!! :D
Since I never attended ROA, I don't feel this memory. Sometimes I am sad about this...most of the time I am very thankful for never attending ROA...because I know that I would never have left twi if I had made that strong of ties to that many people.
I am truly amazed and impressed that you seem to have weathered it all with your heart for others still whole.
I have been feeling that ol' itch myself (road trip! road trip!) but I've never linked it to my annual treks to Ohio. You could be right. It could have gotten imprinted on my brain that I must travel in early August.
What year are those pics from? (before my time, certainly)
My first Rock was 1981. Still, some decent times back then.
Sweat like crazy. Get rained out. Help everyone reset their tents. (repeat)
Go to your local Farmer's Market and buy a few bushels of unhusked corn. In your backyard, lay the corn out in a big circle. Wet the inside of the circle enough to stir up some mud (make sure to dampen the corn, too).
Get into your three-piece suit and dress shoes. At the hottest point of the day, put on a "Selah" (or Joyful Noise, if you prefer) album and go dance in the mud. It would be appropriate to be chomping on a turkey leg or big, greasy hamburger while out there.
After a song or two, you will rush inside to your air-conditioner and thank God it's twenty years later.
"Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end, we'd sing and dance, forever and a day......"
Go to your local Farmer's Market and buy a few bushels of unhusked corn. In your backyard, lay the corn out in a big circle. Wet the inside of the circle enough to stir up some mud (make sure to dampen the corn, too).
Get into your three-piece suit and dress shoes. At the hottest point of the day, put on a "Selah" (or Joyful Noise, if you prefer) album and go dance in the mud. It would be appropriate to be chomping on a turkey leg or big, greasy hamburger while out there.
After a song or two, you will rush inside to your air-conditioner and thank God it's twenty years later.
"Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end, we'd sing and dance, forever and a day......"
LOL...... :)
And, if you want to recapture those moments and feelings from just over THIRTY YEARS AGO.....drive to a small town in mid-August. Make sure that the county fair has just concluded and that there are two or three open-sided buildings where hogs, sheep and cattle were penned-up for the 4-H judging competition.
Now that you've found the sentimental setting of a 1974 ROA......take some time to breathe deeply. With a little sweat and work, clean out the old straw and manure, and bring in some fresh bales to spread around and sit on. Be sure to bring your cassette player and a couple of old twi music tapes.
Hopefully, the flies will be buzzing around to make the experience complete. And, what the heck......pitch a pup tent for a couple of nights and stay awhile. With any luck at all.....a good, hard rain will soak you to the bone.
It's good to be home again.....been away too long.
If you're in the mood for a road trip, come on down to Houston. We got heat and flies aplenty. If it makes you feel better, instead of staying at my house, we can share a hotel room, at the S&W clone here.
And J will put you on burger detail, running the grill. And I'll rent a cushman and be the gofer for bags of ice. :D
The only nostalgia I feel about the ROA is for the early years. Oh, and for that rush of hearing Ambassador One buzz the big top. I loved that.
My first ROA was 1972, and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. It was like a love-in (you youngsters, ask your parents) with actual love. Everyone helped each other, gave each other stuff. We danced, we laughed, we cried, we waved holy hands. And there wasn't a three-piece suit or a dress to be seen anywhere!! Mud? No problem. Something to play in!
Topsy, that's a very funny simulation of camping at the Rock. In later years I used to think, "Okay, either have me camp or have me dress up...not both!!
The only nostalgia I feel about the ROA is for the early years.
Yeah.......when it was fun-loving, great music, few rules, sleep late, and lots of spontaneity.
With each passing year....the numbers grew, more corps/caste system, rules brought conformity, and constant teachings snuffed out the heart and fellowship of those early ROA. Imo, by 1980......crowd management and conformity were the marching orders for us corps at these events. Yep, the last 15 Rocks were mostly a mixed bag of same ole, same ole.
And, when corps week was added.....to bring in the corps labor force to put the finishing touches on the roa grounds, it was "a different animal." The corporate chain of command replaced all those warm n' fuzzy feelings in the early 70s.
Guess I stayed too long.......because into the 90s, all that nostalgia was choked by a scream-fest of corps week confrontation.
Gee, for a moment I expected Steve and Bev Strick singing "We're off on our way to Ohio(we shall not be moved with Ted and gang in background). Come on down to foot hills of western North Carolina to southern
part of Catawba County near Startown/Newton, Maiden, and Lincolnton. We have some semi-flat valley areas, farm land(corner of Startown and Biggerstaff Roads) with plenty of woods, but with some pretty hills.
Welcome to the Rock of Ages 2006! It's good to be home again. O my Gawd, I think the devil spirit of Wierwille just temporary possed(SIC) me . Wow. LOL. Oh, it's now CD's not tapes. Personally I prefer Rebecca St. James, David Crowder, and John Tesh.
Belle- you mean it gets worse it's not even August yet?
Cool- no that is not me but I did dance in that very spot if that counts.....
Highway - the picts were from 72,73
Topie - You are bad! Actually I don't recall it raining in 73 one of the few years it did not. No mud but I did end up sleeping in the cattle barn in the Sidney fairgrounds. By the time I got to the tent it seems it was full of people I did not know.... Memo to fellow campers it is only a 8 person tent . we each can't invite everyone( and I do mean everyone) that needs a place to sleep ...... Thankfully they had brought some hay down from Hdqts for all us sleeping in the sheep barn, and actually as it turned out I met some really cool people and I had the best time in the hay there.... Don't ask! What happens in the hay stays in the hay........
Sky - funny you should mention that (See Above)
Tommy - I thought the record was "There's a place"( for Paul Vergilio).... you can find him anywhere!
Ex- my dear friend , I'll consider your offer if you will setup a full meal tent on your lawn and make me work double shifts mixing up that tasty powdered Kool aid. I live for taking my only vacation time to do this, may I have an extra shift? please sir......
Toppie- your pushing it..........
Linda - Yeah what Linda said........ "My first ROA was 1972, and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. It was like a love-in (you youngsters, ask your parents) with actual love. Everyone helped each other, gave each other stuff. We danced, we laughed, we cried, we waved holy hands. And there wasn't a three-piece suit or a dress to be seen anywhere!! Mud? No problem. Something to play in! "
Sigh........
Singing and music by the campfire under the stars..............
Oh and there we were all in one place, a generation lost in space with no time left to start again....
What a time of nostalgia..............campfire under the stars, singing and laughing, dancing, and playing in the hay. Good music and it was like a love-in. Alot of great people, willing to give and share......
Capturing these youthful moment......could apply to a number of different settings in my life.
Oh, the longing to go back to those youth-filled fun days.
They might claim to be *biblical research, and teaching* --
but the *fellowship* aspect I knew many years ago ---
is long gone.
David, the "biblical research" aspect is also gone. All they do now is re-read the same teachings with the occasional new "incident" thrown in for good measure.
WHere did you get htis pic of Selah all growed up! I remember Eddie Fisher from the 70's in Norristown and haven't seen him since 1977. Is he still in? Out? Would you PM me and tell me anything you know about his whereabouts?
They might claim to be *biblical research, and teaching* --
but the *fellowship* aspect I knew many years ago ---
is long gone.
David, the "biblical research" aspect is also gone. All they do now is re-read the same teachings with the occasional new "incident" thrown in for good measure. :yawn:
Belle -- I know!
That's why the words biblical research and teaching are in * * marks. ;)
Recommended Posts
Belle
I've heard anniversaries can be the hardest on us and sometimes we don't even realize that it's affecting us. I know the 1 year anniversary of my divorce and leaving TWI was a time of incredible turmoil and some pretty scary, dramatic, unsettling thoughts, feelings and events.
I suppose that continues to ebb and flow in our memories with some years being better than others.
I love hearing about the good times before the music died. :)
Link to comment
Share on other sites
CoolWaters
Dude! Is that you boogeying down front in that middle pic?
MORE PICS!!!! :D
Since I never attended ROA, I don't feel this memory. Sometimes I am sad about this...most of the time I am very thankful for never attending ROA...because I know that I would never have left twi if I had made that strong of ties to that many people.
I am truly amazed and impressed that you seem to have weathered it all with your heart for others still whole.
Edited by CoolWatersLink to comment
Share on other sites
TheHighWay
White Dove,
I have been feeling that ol' itch myself (road trip! road trip!) but I've never linked it to my annual treks to Ohio. You could be right. It could have gotten imprinted on my brain that I must travel in early August.
What year are those pics from? (before my time, certainly)
My first Rock was 1981. Still, some decent times back then.
Sweat like crazy. Get rained out. Help everyone reset their tents. (repeat)
Link to comment
Share on other sites
topoftheworld
Easy way to re-capture the feeling, White Dove.
Go to your local Farmer's Market and buy a few bushels of unhusked corn. In your backyard, lay the corn out in a big circle. Wet the inside of the circle enough to stir up some mud (make sure to dampen the corn, too).
Get into your three-piece suit and dress shoes. At the hottest point of the day, put on a "Selah" (or Joyful Noise, if you prefer) album and go dance in the mud. It would be appropriate to be chomping on a turkey leg or big, greasy hamburger while out there.
After a song or two, you will rush inside to your air-conditioner and thank God it's twenty years later.
"Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end, we'd sing and dance, forever and a day......"
Yeah-sometimes I miss it too......
Link to comment
Share on other sites
skyrider
LOL...... :)
And, if you want to recapture those moments and feelings from just over THIRTY YEARS AGO.....drive to a small town in mid-August. Make sure that the county fair has just concluded and that there are two or three open-sided buildings where hogs, sheep and cattle were penned-up for the 4-H judging competition.
Now that you've found the sentimental setting of a 1974 ROA......take some time to breathe deeply. With a little sweat and work, clean out the old straw and manure, and bring in some fresh bales to spread around and sit on. Be sure to bring your cassette player and a couple of old twi music tapes.
Hopefully, the flies will be buzzing around to make the experience complete. And, what the heck......pitch a pup tent for a couple of nights and stay awhile. With any luck at all.....a good, hard rain will soak you to the bone.
It's good to be home again.....been away too long.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
CoolWaters
toppie...skyrider...that's hilarious!!!!!
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Tom Strange
roger that skyrider!
and those pictures! why it seems like just yesterday the album "Virgilio Awakes" was released...
Link to comment
Share on other sites
ex10
Aye Chihuahua, Whitedove.
If you're in the mood for a road trip, come on down to Houston. We got heat and flies aplenty. If it makes you feel better, instead of staying at my house, we can share a hotel room, at the S&W clone here.
And J will put you on burger detail, running the grill. And I'll rent a cushman and be the gofer for bags of ice. :D
Link to comment
Share on other sites
topoftheworld
Oh, geez....I forgot!!!
You got to get up at 6 in the morning singing "Beauuuuuuuuutiful Ohiiiiiiiiio!"
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Linda Z
The only nostalgia I feel about the ROA is for the early years. Oh, and for that rush of hearing Ambassador One buzz the big top. I loved that.
My first ROA was 1972, and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. It was like a love-in (you youngsters, ask your parents) with actual love. Everyone helped each other, gave each other stuff. We danced, we laughed, we cried, we waved holy hands. And there wasn't a three-piece suit or a dress to be seen anywhere!! Mud? No problem. Something to play in!
Topsy, that's a very funny simulation of camping at the Rock. In later years I used to think, "Okay, either have me camp or have me dress up...not both!!
Edited by Linda ZLink to comment
Share on other sites
dmiller
From 1975, to 1985 -- ROA was the plan.
I still think of that -- from time to time.
The early years were the good ones.
1985 -- Docvic's memorial --
I drove onto the *grounds* -- and knew it would be my last time there. Ever.
Now ROA is gone.
They might claim to be *biblical research, and teaching* --
but the *fellowship* aspect I knew many years ago ---
is long gone. :(
Link to comment
Share on other sites
skyrider
Yeah.......when it was fun-loving, great music, few rules, sleep late, and lots of spontaneity.
With each passing year....the numbers grew, more corps/caste system, rules brought conformity, and constant teachings snuffed out the heart and fellowship of those early ROA. Imo, by 1980......crowd management and conformity were the marching orders for us corps at these events. Yep, the last 15 Rocks were mostly a mixed bag of same ole, same ole.
And, when corps week was added.....to bring in the corps labor force to put the finishing touches on the roa grounds, it was "a different animal." The corporate chain of command replaced all those warm n' fuzzy feelings in the early 70s.
Guess I stayed too long.......because into the 90s, all that nostalgia was choked by a scream-fest of corps week confrontation.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Thomas Loy Bumgarner
Gee, for a moment I expected Steve and Bev Strick singing "We're off on our way to Ohio(we shall not be moved with Ted and gang in background). Come on down to foot hills of western North Carolina to southern
part of Catawba County near Startown/Newton, Maiden, and Lincolnton. We have some semi-flat valley areas, farm land(corner of Startown and Biggerstaff Roads) with plenty of woods, but with some pretty hills.
Welcome to the Rock of Ages 2006! It's good to be home again. O my Gawd, I think the devil spirit of Wierwille just temporary possed(SIC) me . Wow. LOL. Oh, it's now CD's not tapes. Personally I prefer Rebecca St. James, David Crowder, and John Tesh.
Edited by Thomas Loy BumgarnerLink to comment
Share on other sites
WhiteDove
Stop you guys are killing me!
Belle- you mean it gets worse it's not even August yet?
Cool- no that is not me but I did dance in that very spot if that counts.....
Highway - the picts were from 72,73
Topie - You are bad! Actually I don't recall it raining in 73 one of the few years it did not. No mud but I did end up sleeping in the cattle barn in the Sidney fairgrounds. By the time I got to the tent it seems it was full of people I did not know.... Memo to fellow campers it is only a 8 person tent . we each can't invite everyone( and I do mean everyone) that needs a place to sleep ...... Thankfully they had brought some hay down from Hdqts for all us sleeping in the sheep barn, and actually as it turned out I met some really cool people and I had the best time in the hay there.... Don't ask! What happens in the hay stays in the hay........
Sky - funny you should mention that (See Above)
Tommy - I thought the record was "There's a place"( for Paul Vergilio).... you can find him anywhere!
Ex- my dear friend , I'll consider your offer if you will setup a full meal tent on your lawn and make me work double shifts mixing up that tasty powdered Kool aid. I live for taking my only vacation time to do this, may I have an extra shift? please sir......
Toppie- your pushing it..........
Linda - Yeah what Linda said........ "My first ROA was 1972, and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. It was like a love-in (you youngsters, ask your parents) with actual love. Everyone helped each other, gave each other stuff. We danced, we laughed, we cried, we waved holy hands. And there wasn't a three-piece suit or a dress to be seen anywhere!! Mud? No problem. Something to play in! "
Sigh........
Singing and music by the campfire under the stars..............
Oh and there we were all in one place, a generation lost in space with no time left to start again....
(American Pie)
Edited by WhiteDoveLink to comment
Share on other sites
WhiteDove
For Coolwaters........ Dig those Decorations..........
Link to comment
Share on other sites
WhiteDove
Selah all grown up............
Link to comment
Share on other sites
dmiller
That was AC '79. ;)
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Kit Sober
Oh my.
I had a call from an ex-twi friend (whose life pretty much came to a halt when the nefarious twi was exposed). I hadn't heard from in years.
It must have been because his internal clock was hoping for travel plans for getting to his happy good-food-good-fellowship-good-fun roa.
So sad that so much happiness has been torn out of our lives.
Judgement day will be good. Very good. I think.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
skyrider
What a time of nostalgia..............campfire under the stars, singing and laughing, dancing, and playing in the hay. Good music and it was like a love-in. Alot of great people, willing to give and share......
Capturing these youthful moment......could apply to a number of different settings in my life.
Oh, the longing to go back to those youth-filled fun days.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Belle
David, the "biblical research" aspect is also gone. All they do now is re-read the same teachings with the occasional new "incident" thrown in for good measure.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Out There
WHere did you get htis pic of Selah all growed up! I remember Eddie Fisher from the 70's in Norristown and haven't seen him since 1977. Is he still in? Out? Would you PM me and tell me anything you know about his whereabouts?
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Linda Z
I don't know his whereabouts anymore, but I'm pretty sure he's out. He and Gloria are divorced and both remarried.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
dmiller
Belle -- I know!
That's why the words biblical research and teaching are in * * marks. ;)
(my middle name should be facetious!)
Edited by dmillerLink to comment
Share on other sites
waysider
DM.....O.K. but it sure will look funny on your driver's license.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.