Macrobiotics Today, November/December 1994, Vol. 34, No. 6
"French Meadows 1994: Fewer Trees, More Harmony" Carl Ferré
Several days before camp was to begin I received some bad news. The caretakers for the French Meadows campground informed me that many of the big trees had been removed by the Forest Service. I was shocked. How could they log the campsite areas? Herman, Cornellia, and those of us who have grown with the trees over the years and look forward to our annual reunion and renewal expected the worst. I pictured it completely barren with more than the usual amount of dust.
To make a long story short, we were right about the dust but not about the trees. The cutting had been done with care and only a few "old friends" were missing. With some sadness but more relief in our hearts we began the task of setting up camp. The staff was one of the best ever and the camp was set up as easily as possible. (Actually it's a lot of hard work but the staff was so harmonious that it seemed easier this year.)
Understanding Adds To Harmony
In fact, if I were to describe this year's camp with one word it would be "harmonious." There were a few glitches of course like missing ride connections with a couple of campers (my apologies again to Christine and Jeff) but they were so understanding that it only added to the harmony of camp.
For me one of the greatest joys of camp is putting together a dynamite list of speakers and special guests. There is only one Herman and there is only one Cornellia and they did their usual outstanding jobs with lectures, classes, and running the kitchen. Herman and Cornellia are as genuine and warm with people they have just met as with those they have known for years and each year more people become endeared to them in the intimate environment of French Meadows.
Patrick and Meredith McCarty returned to camp after many years absence and didn't seem to miss a beat. They jumped right in the stream, gave tremendous lectures and classes, and bubbled with great enthusiasm and high energy during their stay for the first half of camp. One of the major differences with this camp was that many of the speakers' schedules did not allow them to stay for the entire camp. Thus, when Hugh Tinling and family had to leave after the first four days of camp it seemed like part of the French Meadows core family was missing. Hugh's lectures were again stimulating and conained much original thinking on macrobiotic topics. His Tai Chi class was continued by Bart Smyth, but many of the things that Hugh and Diana do behind the scenes quietly and mostly without notice by the campers went undone.
Easy Come, Easy Go
Fortunately, each time someone left there was someone coming to take their place. During the first few days many people asked when Vurnn LeRand was coming and I would show them the schedule. Many joked that he would probably show up at about 4:10 pm for his 4:00 pm lecture. However, he surprised everyone by coming into camp before lunch that day with the intention of setting up camp before his afternoon talk. Unfortunately the campers found him first (or he found the campers first) and just as darkness was falling that night I saw him with his axe and his suitcases heading out to carve out a campsite. During camp Vurnn did what only Vurnn can do, adding humor to his lectures and the camp along with good macrobiotic information.
Another speaker who had to leave early was Lenore Yalisove-Baum. Lenore always has great ideas to share along with an outgoing personality that makes everyone feel energized. When she left toward the end of camp, Mr. Muramoto and family arrived, providing an air of excitement. Macrobiotic teaching, both in content and style, has changed over the years and Mr. Muramoto treated us to teaching in the old style where you end up with more questions than answers. While some questioned the value of this style of lecturing, others were stimulated and became more curious about life as a result.
Continuity Provides the Backbone
The continuity or backbone of camp is provided by those who stay for the entire time. David and Cindy Briscoe continue to be essential members of the staff family at camp. This year Cindy assisted Cornellia in the kitchen instead of lecturing or giving classes. Since they work so well together, this was probably the single most important factor toward the harmony of the entire camp. David was willing to change his schedule at a moment's notice depending on the needs of others and still speaks heart-to-heart with each person no matter how large the number in attendance.
This year, Lino Stanchich arrived in Oroville before camp and helped us prepare for camp and even though he had to leave a day early, his energy was there for the entire camp. His lectures were super as in other years. In addition, Lino adds a feeling of stability as his faith in macrobiotic living is very deep and his way of expressing that faith is very direct and clear.
Another speaker who attended the entire camp was Andy Sherbine. After many years of experimenting with different approaches, this year we scheduled a Healing Class with Andy at 1:00 pm most every day. Andy has a unique ability to lead personal discussion groups in a very meaningful way for all who attend and several people commented that this class alone was worth the price of the camp. Also doing her usual stellar job was Lynda Paloma Mathé with Yoga and filling in after Patrick left with the Shiatsu Class.
Remembering Jacques deLangre
The highlight of this year's camp for me occurred toward the end of the variety show when Jeff Lyon and I did a tribute on violin and guitar to Jacques deLangre for all his help and energy over the years. I still remember fondly seeing Jacques at French Meadows with head erect looking around as if he were seeing much more than each individual person, tree, or other object. He was one of those rare individuals who could look and see infinity itself. We played three pieces, the first a light waltz in remembrance of the way Jacques lived, stopping at any time to give advice or a hand to others. The second piece portrayed the haunting story of the fisherman who had gone out on a stormy night to save others never to return. And the third piece was an upbeat number showing not only that life goes on but that it goes on built on the energy given by those who have gone before.
Of course to give a complete report with everyone's contribution would take writing about each person who attended camp because everyone contributes in many ways. Add campfires, a wonderful kids's night presentation, the variety show, music, dancing, swimming, laughter, volleyball, unforgettable meals, and a feeling of community for ten days in the Tahoe National Forest, and you only begin to scratch the surface of the tradition that has become French Meadows. Information and registration for next year's camp will be available by January 3, 1995.
End of Article
Author bio-statement: Carl Ferré is general manager of G.O.M.F. and the Vega Study Center and director extraordinaire of the G.O.M.F. French Meadows Summer Camp.
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