Page 168 of The Perfect Love

“Greetings, lovely ladies,” Mackie says playfully. “We’re here to escort you to the shenanigans.”

“Oh, and we brought gifts!” Hyla holds up a bag and starts pulling out T-shirts.

“All from a shop a few tents down that sells all kinds of things with feminist slogans,” Amanda says, holding up her T-shirt, which readsSmash the Patriarchywith a sledgehammer beneath it.

Mackie’s has the same quote as my Kindle case,Well-behaved women seldom make history.

Sarah’s says,They didn’t burn witches, they burned women.

Then she holds one out to Rae that says,Nevertheless, she persisted.

“We got this one for you,” Hyla says, handing it to me.

My body, my choice.

And for the second time in the last ten minutes, I want to cry.

“Thank you,” I murmur. Then Hyla shows us hers.

Not fragile like a flower, fragile like a bomb.

“That’s perfect for you,” I whisper.

“For all of us,” Hyla says.

I slip my shirt over my head and look around at my friends. Mybestfriends. My tribe. If I’m taking cues from the vibes today, my coven.

With my coven of strong, wild, messy women, I head off to enjoy the festival.

“This is the coolest idea ever!” Hyla yells, throwing her hand up in the air.

In the middle of a large field is a pile of wood and palettes surrounding a huge plywood phoenix. Markers are scattered all around it so people can write things on the phoenix—good energy they want to put out into the universe or things they wantto let go of. As the sun sets, they’ll light it on fire, then there will be music and dancing—around the fire if we want—and people will be playing drums.

We have a blanket set up on the edge of the roped off area, and we slip underneath to get markers and write our words on the phoenix.

As I pick up a marker, I look down at the phoenix bracelet that’s always on my wrist. The one Trevor gave me that feels like a representation of myself.

I find a spot on the left wing of the phoenix and write the word I’d most like to get rid of—to let go of in my life. I don’t want it anymore and I certainly don’t need it.

Shame.

I’ve carried it for long enough, and now it’s time to let go.

“That’s a good one,” Amanda says.

“What’s yours?”

She drags her finger under the wordworthlessness.

“Let’s leave it all behind tonight.”

She rests her head against mine. “Hell yes.”

We make our way back to the blanket and settle in with the girls, munching on some candied nuts. We had a fantastic time at the festival today. Even though I thought drum circles might be too hippie for me, we went to one and had fun. We learned about so many local artisans and practitioners as well as learning a lot about self-care and caring for each other. It’s been an incredible experience, and if they decide to do it again next year, I definitely want to be involved again.

A few drummers enter the circle along with Nadine and they lead us through some chants.

I am strong.

---