Meet me in the woods

Remember the famous wedding scene from 'The Graduate' with Dustin Hoffman banging from behind the glass? Isaac, without ever seeing it, improvs it perfectly screaming; MAMA!! MAMA, don't leave MAMA !!! each time I drive away.

Many times I feel a piece of my heart break off to keep him company while I am gone, but after a few minutes, we both calm down, and I find his emotional displays flattering and even refreshing.

I love that children are so unadulterated.

What a funny word that is, really. Un- adult-erated. It means pure, untainted and complete; so why are we all in such a hurry to teach our children to act like adults?

There are some wonderful things we can (re)learn from them about self-expression, but instead, we try to turn them into little adults as fast as we can.

Don’t get me wrong, I am no push over, but I do wonder sometimes about the fine line between channeling emotion and stripping our youth of their raw emotional instincts all together.

Is that really what we want to do? A little emotional outburst every now and then can clear the air and be good for everyone.

So in the spirit of connecting with your inner child, I am planning a Burning Man-esque / Woodstock commemorative folly in the Rocky Mountains this summer.

All who dare to expose themselves (emotionally rather than physically) contact me for more information about a weekend retreat where you can truly be yourself and not be judged for the fact that you like to wear day-glow and tiaras, or that you might like to be a part of a local mythbusters experiment.

Get ready toact out a scene as Jack Nicholson in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest', host a secret anti-establishment radio show from a basement studio like Christian Slater in 'Pump up the Volume', sing karaoke from a flatbed truck that has been turned into a moving lounge, or have a staged public melt-down as your child (or friend who acts like a child) stands next to you somewhat horrified.

Beware that you will be asked to leave all second guessing, worries, self-consciousness, and small talk at the trailhead, and you must be happy and willing to engage in one of the above activities or one similar that you coin, as your ticket to attend.

Send questions and proposals asap.