They called us the dreamers, the free spirits, the beloved flower children. It seemed their eyes couldn't quite capture the essence of who we truly were, perhaps because they were clouded by conventions that stifled change. They missed the beautiful light we carried in our hearts, a radiant, glowing warmth fueled by love and peace.
Our music was often misunderstood; they claimed it was the work of the devil, overtaking our souls. And yet, how could that same music create such profound connections? Artists like Joni Mitchell, Seals and Croft, and Cat Stevens touched hearts and inspired us to feel deeply, even among those who disregarded our sounds as sinful.
As free spirits, we embraced life with open arms, burning incense and adorning ourselves with flowers in our long hair and vibrant tie-dyed shirts. Our gatherings in parks and forests were filled with laughter, music, poetry, and the joyous proclamation that we would not conform to a herd mentality. We traveled in colorful vans and vintage school buses, seeking out kindred souls to unite in a celebration of peace and love.
Everywhere we went, we came with open hearts, unfazed by the disapproving stares and harsh words from the previous generations. Their judgment simply rolled off our backs as we embraced our true selves. We expressed our identities freely, never resorting to hate; instead, we shared affection and warmth with everyone who crossed our paths. Some thought we were just a passing phase, convinced we would inevitably trade our flowers for polyester shirts and mundane lives. But we stood firm, with girls still twirling in floral sundresses and poets still weaving words of beauty.
Decades have gone by, and while our numbers may have diminished, our spirits remain undiminished. We still hold dear the power of nature and the freedom to express ourselves authentically in a world that sometimes struggles to accept differences.
I’ve kept my long hair, and my trusty VW bus is parked in my backyard, a comforting reminder of the wonderful moments spent with friends who often went by names like Stardust or Moonbeam, names inspired by the beauty of the universe. Occasionally, I indulge in a little nostalgia by sparking up a joint, revisiting those vibrant sensations from years gone by. However, I've learned to steer clear of stronger mind-altering substances like LSD or mescaline, as I wish to remain grounded in who I truly am.
Just recently, I stumbled upon a delightful store filled with hippie clothing. There were racks of tie-dyed shirts, fringed jeans, love beads, and peace sign necklaces, all available for just thirty dollars each! The young woman at the counter, barely nineteen, didn’t quite grasp the spirit of who we are or what we continue to cherish. Yet, she greeted me with a warm smile as I explored her enchanting store. My hair, mostly white now, flowed long as I wore a tie-dyed shirt I’d crafted myself, the outcome absolutely an adventure. I picked up some wonderful incense, inhaling the familiar, comforting scents that transported me back to cherished memories.
It fills me with joy to see the essence of our culture still alive in small ways, reminding us that though the world may change around us, the spirit of love and peace we embraced will always resonate in our hearts. Here’s to the journey that continues to unfold, a celebration of differences and the vibrant connections that persist through time.
With love,
Mike 2025
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