aka Amber Fox

2012 gathering schedule

2012-01-29T22:59:00.001-05:00

It's time to plan your trek to the country. A return to the land, to let the inner child, that little, hunky, fem or perhaps grinning, sexy faerie dancing around in your heart out! The gathering schedule is below.

We are planning a celebration and remembrance (Victoria Day Gathering) of Howie-Sue, who lived it to the end, who managed uniqueness, a little harmless hitching and wee sarcasm to perfection and couldn't let a heart circle go uninterrupted, many times! Come share your stories and help us send Howie-Sue's fae Spirit out to the universe as only fae ones can.

Plan it now, we pick people up in Perth at the bus station or in Smith Falls Via Rail. If we know ahead of time we can help arrange car pooling to the The Land from Toronto, Montreal and or Ottawa.

There will also be Beltane on the Land this year. May 4 - 6, 2012. This event is open to any all gender Fae ones! Last year's Beltane was well received and attended, we hope to see more this year!

2012 GATHERING SCHEDULE
Victoria Day

May 18 - 21, 2012

MedItATIon Hut Floor work weekend Late May/early June, 2012 TBA

Canada Day

June 29 - July 2, 2012

25th Annual High Summer Gathering

August 1 - 6, 2012

Thanksgiving Gatherette

October 5- 8, 2012

I'm probably going to hell via the karma of pedantry

2012-01-06T20:23:00.000-05:00

"I'm probably going to hell via the karma of pedantry, or at least end up 'tarred & feathered' {wink}." - Howard Ish

Howard was kinda like that crazy uncle we all know of. I would be hard pressed to find or hear tell of someone that could match him. Eccentric is not enough to describe him, besides I think you need to be rich to be eccentric, poor folks like Howard are bat shit crazy!

A few years ago he moved to a house built for and by other fae boys. His father passed away and left Howard enough to get a car and house. Shortly after the sale of the house closed Howard got very sick. I took him to his doctor in Kingston, whom immediately called the hospital. He was in there in a flash, albeit he insisted on stopping to mail some bookkeeping stuff and post cards. He was insistent. Here I was with a guy the doctor said had to be in emergency asap and he wants to mail a postcard. Everything had stamps on them. The irony was one of the post cards was sent to me. I didn't know that at the time.

Jules, bless him, looked after many things for Howard after he got his house. The Patron Saint of Fae ones in need you are Jules. Howard was in hospital for a week and Jules asked me if I would like to go down and visit and help Howard pack up his ChatchKas. He has so many!

Jules and I drove down and this is the result of our visit... Check out the video, Howard loved it. After leaving Howard that night, we drove back to MacDonald's Corners. It was after ten that evening and found we had no wine. I had beer at the Land, alas Jules wanted wine. Out of the blue, (Jules is going to kill me for this story) Jules said, "you know, I bet Howard still has some wine." He was saying it shyly, not wanting to completely admit we were so desperate as to check Howard's place for wine. "It's Kelly's," I added, "it's fortified."

"what the heck, lets go, I said to Jules. Now I had let him off the hook, It was me that said okay! We got in the car and headed to Howie's Chatchkas palace. Once inside, we found the Kelly's, a whole unopened bottle. (How lucky was that!) I grabbed a cider from the fridge. It was like being in high school. We laughed at ourselves, all the while clutching the bottle of Kelly's. Back at Jules we sat outside and savoured the sweet Kelly's wine. (I added water to mine, but Jules was tough, he drank it straight up).

I often picked Howard up in Perth or his house to bring him to the Land. He was always charming. Harmless really! I would always give him a hug, pick up his bags, tent, sleeping bag and throw it in the truck. Then as I was doing it I would hear, "I can do that Ricky." Almost always I would respond, "So can I, see Howard its in the truck." It was a game in a way. Howard was having a tough time of it. He couldn't move much faster than a turtle on the Lanark road.

At the Land, Howard would usually be the first one up after me, arriving at the Erection (Summer Kitchen folks, when you build something you are erecting!) about 6:30. He would come in and see me. One look at me would tell him if I had my coffee and was ready for his renown waggishness! He would get the old flower vase for water to drink out of. Fill it with ice cubes then after he settled at the end of the table, silently gathering the playing cards, positioning the salt bowl, he would start playing solitaire. Not a word spoken between us. Snap went the cards. Snap, snap. Chomp chomp went the ice. He couldn't resist making his presence known. Finally, coffee brewed, we would move outside to the fire pit, me with my coffee and Howard with his fancy flame throwing lighter and pipe.

We would chat about lots of things. He would entertain me. I was a good listener, he liked that, he wanted to be liked, he tried so hard. He made me laugh so many times. Irony was his forte. It could be about the news, or some happening at the gathering. I have not met his equal in that department. His quick turn of phrase was always on the mark, often irreverent, mostly irreverent.

After moving to the country Howard often had appointments in Ottawa, He would stay at Pinkie and Roy's. He would have a a few glasses of wine, (Okay he had many). Pinkie would help Howard out and the next day Howard was still there. It was funny, that weird Uncle thing again. Howard would be off, back to his home.

Howard of course had to survive in a redneck village. That did not deter him. I would often find him hitch hiking into Lanark,wearing a fur stole and Purple overcoat. I can only guess the reactions he received, yet he was able to get rides. Howard wore his life on his sleeves. He was out there and it worked.

Howard loved being a Canadian. He loved being a subject of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second. He was for a time a member of the Monarchist League of Canada. He took it seriously, trying to be more Canadian than the rest of us. He would always vote, and he voted in the US elections as well. He hated George W Bush and Stephen Harper. He loved Bernie Sanders, the only socialist Senator in the US and a Vermontian. He loved Vermont.

When he lived in Gananoque, he would hitch hike to Perth. I or someone else would pick him up in Perth. I always marvelled at how he managed to get rides. He looked kinda rough to me. He would hold up a sign that said "Harmless". It worked. Often at the end of the gathering, Chiplandia would load up all the beer cans and take Howard to the outskirts of Perth after cashing in the cans, handing Howard the money when he dropped him off. Howard was struggling so it helped a little.

I will miss Howard, especially on those early mornings on the Land. It was home to Howard. It was his community. Howard was an important part of that community. Below is a video of Howard singing "Run around Hugh" during one of our 'Know Talent Shows'.

Howard had many friends at the Land, aka AmberFox. Don was one of them who would stop and pick up Howard these last couple of years, run him home to get his meds, feed the cat and get another lighter because he lost the last Flame Thrower. This passed summer we heard from Howard's mother. She had not heard from him in four or five days. We checked the hospitals, all his friends and nothing. Don drove an hour down to Howard's and broke in through the Kitchen window. No Howard. He was eventually found in hospital. We were all concerned. He was okay in the end and we rejoiced in that.

Howard, I will miss you. You lived it to the end.

Howard on the Land, aka AmberFox

2012-01-06T10:48:00.001-05:00

Some photos of Howard on the Land recently. He was helping lots as you can see...

Howard on the Land, aka AmberFox

Howie Sue

2012-01-06T08:59:00.001-05:00

We just received news that Howie Sue has passed away. We do not have any details yet. Howard's Mother called Ken and Chip who are both in North Carolina right now.

I will post more info when I receive it. I recall one of our many trips to hospital with Howard. The one below we recorded! It was when Howard was in hospital. He was in the process of moving to his house near the land. Jules and I went down to visit and to pack up some of Howard's precious dodads! here is the link.

2011-10-31T07:22:00.002-04:00

Hey guys, the weather looks good, sunny for the Lumberjack weekend, November 4 - 6, 2011. Some tips for your visit to AmberBEAR this weekend...

1. Bring warm clothes (socks, sweaters, longjohns can be fun) and a flashlight
2. If camping in a tent with an air mattress, bring a blanket to put under the mattress, this will help keep you warm.
3. This is a lumberjack weekend so the menu includes meat.
4. The water line is down for the winter, no showers. You can however sponge bath or use the sauna! Maybe someone will assist you!
5. Bring you fabulous plaid lesbian undies, your outfits, if you dont have any, the foxy boutique can help.
6. Bring your song on a cd or mp3 so we can play it for the Know Talent Show
7. If you don't have a talent you want to perform, no problem cause you could be recruited for someone else's show or you can be an enthusiastic audience member.
8. Leave the bug spray at home, the 'squitos and things have hidden away!
9. Its $60 for the weekend or $35 for Saturday only. More if you can, less if you are a little strapped now. We won't turn anyone away.
10. Your good humour and gay spirit will make it a great weekend.

Update on the Land!

2011-09-09T09:21:00.003-04:00

The Land, AKA Amberfox. There are many little and not so little projects to enhance the Land and preserve what is there.

Here are some of the projects the caretakers of the Land will be undertaking in the next couple of years...

Turn the Big Barn into a usable performance and play space. The big barn use to be a Dance and Party space back in the 70's. Can you imagine what that was like! Since then it has become largely a storage depot and birds have made it a little mucky inside. To date we have begun mucking out the barn. The barn has been made bird proof (we hope) and we have gotten rid of a good deal of "junk".

We envision the barn having a structure built inside. This structure would include a floor, walls and windows. It would make a large performance, play and dance space. The added benefit would also see more indoor space for gatherings during inclement weather.

To help extend the season of gatherings we also will need to improve the roadway. This will mean a little levelling and more gravel. We expect this to happen over the next couple of years.

We have received a donation of a Wind Turbine. The turbine will require some additional parts to make it functional. This will help in keeping the Land off the grid. The wind turbine could help provide power to the Meditation Hut and or the big barn and new space we are creating there!

Many of you will know of the many trails on the Land. Sadly this last year the trails were a little neglected. Next year we hope to change that. Part of the problem was that we have had a few lawn mower problems, despite the great efforts of Dew Sparkle to keep them going. That has changed as we now have a three mowers that are ready to go, including one brand new mower. The Weed whack-er is also fully tuned up and ready to roll.

Painting! This never really ends but is necessary if we want to keep what we have from rotting and falling apart. The Erection and Outhouse will require painting next year. There is also the Departure Lounge art project. Much remains to be done inside to finish the ceiling mural and special effects lighting.

Of course we are going ahead with the completion of the Meditation Hut in the spring. This will provide a space many of us have been wanting for some time. It's location near the "wishing Tree" is perfect and will afford us a place to be spiritual on our own or together. The space will be multi - use but primarily a spiritualist 'retreat'.

The gate to the Land was fixed this year. We hope to restore the fence on both sides in the near future. Much of the wood is still there, we just have to put it back together. This will make the approach to Land that much more inviting.

Our ceremonial fire pit space needs a little TLC. This is where we hold many of our extravagant fire rituals. The area needs to be mowed well and need to do some fire proofing to prevent the chance of sparks igniting in the surrounding areas causing a fire we can not control.

This year we held the first ever Beltane and the second May Pole event on the Land. You may recall last year we had a may pole at the Victoria Day gathering. That May Pole has since been moved to the big Fire Space. At Beltane this year we created a new place for our may pole. This space has been whipper whacked and mowed a few times. To keep the space (ie tame it a little) we need to mow it regularly and fill some of the holes in the ground with soil. Its much easier too go around a may pole when the ground is level.

Finally, a must for next year. There needs to be a new hole for the out house. This means we need to DIG! We have moving of the outhouse down to a Ritual you simply must see. Its fun and of course very spiritual.

The caretakers of the Land will look after much of this list of projects . Its not the intent to have Fae ones do all of this. There will be a direct benefit for all of us when these projects are completed. You may find one or more of the projects of interest. The goal is to maintain what is there, enhance the space for all of our enjoyment and ensure the Land continues to be a welcoming space for Fae ones into the future.

Don't be daunted by this list, many are simple projects, others will take a few years to happen.

Amberfox has seen a resurgence in the last two years and I am sure many of you are excited about this. Don't forget we have the Thanksgiving gathering October 7 - 10. We have many squash and pumpkins growing on the Land which should make for great meals and of course a few left over for carving and a ritual rolling carved pumpkins down the hill event at the end of the gathering!

MEdiTatiON HuT

2011-09-09T07:56:00.002-04:00

September 16 - 18, 2011 Work and Play Weekend on The Land, AKA Amberfox

One week to go and we will begin building the floor of the MEdiTatiON HuT. We have all the materials needed. We just need you! We are also accepting donations for the completion of the project in the Spring.

We will take time on the weekend to discuss what materials we will need to complete the project. So if you know where we can get good deals on materials, let us know then.

If you have a particular dish you would like to make for the weekend, bring along the ingredients and or let us know ahead of time so we can be sure to have the stuff there so you can make it.

Looking forward to a fun weekend with all our fae friends.

morning time

2011-08-08T05:28:00.002-04:00

I love the mornings on The Land. The sky is always different and spectacular in its own way. The weekend after the gathering I was on The Land. I took this picture at 4:45 am. It was much more stunning than I have been able to produce in the photo, still it conveys the magik of the place for me.

Click on image for full size...

I can hardly wait for the next gathering ---

2011-08-02T08:20:00.000-04:00

The Land aka Amber Fox is a place for gay and queer identified men. We come from all over Canada and the United States to attend gatherings. Join us in celebrating and giving to the land that sustains and nurtures our spirits and our lives

The big summer gathering has come and gone, what a gathering! It was one of the best and enjoyed by one of our largest groups to gather on the land in years. Along with the other two gatherings this year, there has been a happy growth, people of all generations have found a place to mix it up, to be, to enjoy the land and those that journey there.

From heart circles to the Know Talent Shows we have a welcoming and inviting group aka tribe, drawing like minded people together, to celebrate our life journey, to find happiness in some cases, to share it in others, to unburden each other if only for a few days, where fae ones can be themselves.

This gathering also saw the beginning of the meditation hut, a desired thing for years, now the footings have been poured. More in another post of this effort to fulfil the needs of fae ones later this week.

Here are some more pics of The Land, AKA Amber Fox and our recent gathering...

The inner child "sprayed" out and it wasn't just boy ricky as Goldenrod displays his playfulness and Gwo shares a moment with the Nasty.

Days were filled with much frivolity, fabulous meals of the vegetarian order, sustained with assistance of the lands gardens.

And dear Peaches prepares for either a great dinner or fabulous show, its always the same with our Peach! Making dinner, performing or cleaning up on the last morning. Its full speed ahead!

Summer 2010 Gathering Fun!

2011-07-20T14:35:00.001-04:00

Click on image to enlarge

Summer 2010 gathering

2011-07-20T14:30:00.002-04:00

From last years gathering!

2011-07-20T14:02:00.001-04:00

From 2010 High Summer Gathering

Resolved to sing no songs to-day but those of manly attachment

2011-07-13T12:07:00.002-04:00

Calamus begins with a poem that reads like a Call for a Radical Faerie Gathering:

In paths untrodden,
In the growth by margins of pond waters,
Escaped from the life that exhibits itself,
From all the standards hitherto published -- from the pleasures, profits, conformities,
Which too long I was offering to feed my Soul;
Clear to me now, standards not yet published—clear to me that my Soul,
That the Soul of the man I speak for, feeds, rejoices only in comrades;
Here, by myself, away from the clank of the world,
Tallying and talked to here by tongues aromatic,
No longer abashed -- for in this secluded spot I can respond as I would not dare elsewhere,
Strong upon me the life that does not exhibit itself, yet contains all the rest,
Resolved to sing no songs to-day but those of manly attachment,
Projecting them along that substantial life,
Bequeathing, hence, types of athletic love

Afternoon, this delicious Ninth Month, in my forty-first year,
I proceed, for all who are, or have been, young men,
To tell the secret of my nights and days,
To celebrate the need of comrades.

- Walt Whitman

From White Crane

High Summer Gathering

2011-07-12T08:10:00.002-04:00

This is it. Our 24th annual gathering. July 27 - August 1, 2011. Come share the joy together, renew your body and soul.

A few days with fabulous Fae boys from all over. We want you to be part of something you will remember, because were going to remember you!

The High Tea, mid summer is our ultimate and best attended gathering. Its full of fun, vitality, grand fires and spiritual undertakings for all.

The departure lounge beckons as does the infamous bunkhouse. With all that add many fabulous tenter abodes on MayPOle Cock de Sac, Path of the Snake Bend, and of course the view from Labyrinthine Heights.

Coffee brews magikly each morning, the erection rises with such elixir, ready to provide all the joy you can handle.

The Know Talent show promises to be our biggest show ever.

Appearances expected by the great Shyanne, Peaches, Pinkie, Boy ricky has a brand new film to début,

Dragon to offer up better than live Streisand, Two of three Erics plan separate numbers and perhaps one Jonathan will tickle to ivories, Ryan will tickle the ivories as well.

And the dangling 'Fae one Claude' will perform in a magical number with two others including Chiplandia.

Then there is the daily dips in the river, the trek to the sauna, the return of drumming circles, processions to match the heart circles, and an art paint group project.

Workshops on cheese making, bread kneading, make up for the Butch and or Fem fae boys, much music and of course you can be as active as in you wish. My my you could be a very busy faerie or you could watch.

The Land aka Amber Fox is a place for gay and queer men. We come from all over Canada and the United States to attend gatherings. Join us in celebrating and giving to the land that sustains and nurtures our spirits and our lives.

Canada Day Gathering Coming soon, Get it on your Mind!

2011-05-24T13:29:00.000-04:00

It's one of the most fun gatherings for queer men in the Radical Faerie Tradition. Its popular with American and Canadian Fae ones as it falls on Canada Day and Independence Day.

There will be daily dips in the river, saunas, heart circles, and the return of Fetish NIGHT! A really big Know Talent Show to go with the new awesome Tech stuff we have brought together.

Besides the usual crafty stuff you can share with others or pick up from others we await your ideas. Maybe a group art project.

The food is awesome and vegetarian. We cook communal meals, sit down and enjoy them together in the Erection. There is much fun to be had by all.

Our gatherings are getting bigger and more diverse. Look forward to seeing many others in a judgmental free space. You get to be you. If you like time alone, the land and area is beautiful in the summer. The Land provides many awesome places to be alone or together.

Of course the Gatherings at Amberfox are famous for among other things, the gourmet food and the ritualistic (Just plain Spectacular) fires and good people.

One Fae tradition is to dress (or not) in spectacular outfits. Remember, everyone at AmberFox is a star, so this is your chance to dress the part. Need help putting an outfit together? The Foxy Boutique is well stocked and plenty of boys will help you look the part. Boy drag, girl drag, animal drag, even tree or straight drag is cool. Then again, the less adornment one has, can often be the best. Its your call!

Its time to start planning. We provide free pick up at the bus in Perth or the train station in Smith Falls and we promise to get you back for your return bus or train. Just try to give us 12 hours notice, so we don't miss you!

We can also work to assist matching people up with rides from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.

We ask that you feed the Purse $25 per day. More if you can less if you can't. The land and facilities are made available by the owner and the Amberfox Faeries. Its only possible if the Purse does well.

Join us on Canada Day for rites of summer, AmberFox is a place for gay and queer men. We come from all over Canada and the United States to attend gatherings. Join us in celebrating and giving to the land that sustains and nurtures our spirits and our lives.

When Fae Boys get together

2011-05-12T15:57:00.000-04:00

Can you see the procession after dusk on Saturday
Can you see the torches
can you hear the drums
Can you hear the chants
Can you feel the heart thumping

All that and more on the Victoria Day weekend Gathering

Victoria Day Gathering

Location: The Land, Aka Amberfox

Time: ‎4:00PM Friday, May 20th

Gathering info for Victoria Day weekend

2011-05-09T07:44:00.000-04:00

Coming to the Land for Victoria Day? It looks like it will be very nice weather. This is Ontario though so anything could happen. You will want to be prepared. Suggest you bring your tent, a foamie to sleep on, a good sleeping bag, warm clothes in case of chilly nights, something to keep the rain off should it dare drip on us, and of course what would spring be like without some flies and mosquitoes. It can be buggy and then maybe not. (We do have some limited indoor space for those without a tent!)

It would be good to bring your choice of bug repellent. You can minimize bug bites by showering, (we have a fabulous shower) do not use soaps or shampoos with smelly stuff. Your sweat is like an elixir from the goddess for these flying creatures.

Our meals are all vegetarian. Not Vegan, though we could do that for some peeps. Meals are prepared communally, so no need to bring ingredients, we will put together a list from menu ideas people have when they arrive. If you have a recipe you like, bring a copy of it so we can put it in our collection of nummy eats. We ask for $25 per day. That helps cover the cost of food, propane, insurance and upkeep.

If you play a musical instrument that you can carry, feel welcome to bring it. The Know Talent Show could use your help! If not up to that, playing music outside is awesome around the fire or anytime!

Need more info or directions, email me here .

Victoria Day Weekend - 2011

2011-05-06T17:51:00.000-04:00

Its Victoria day weekend coming up! Are we ready to welcome spring to the Land? The Land is wide awake and as each day goes by we see more life leaping forward. The trees are are almost leafed out, the grass is a rich green, flowers are beginning to bloom, and your queer selfs will surely bring it great pleasure.

The Victoria Day weekend will be the first Gathering of the year and it looks to be a great year on the land. A big garden will be planted, the erection awaits to host the Know Talent Show. The promise of great sustenance assures us we are the gourmet food gathering on the Fae circuit.

As usual there will be a ritual opening of thanks around a giant fire to cleanse the land and our spirits. A Trek to the Maple Bush to remember those that left us. A Know Talent Show, and I am sure a few encounters with the alien baby could be in order.

We have an erection project this year. Its a place to meditate, to enjoy the peace, the bonding and what ever else one does with erections such as the Fae inspired ones that leap to mind. Your input is desired.

This Victoria Day I am told that Geneva, Chiplandia and two secret acts will perform for us. If you want to share your talents in the Know Talent Show, you would make us all so happy. Bring your instruments, drums are great, your voice or enthusiasm.

The bunkhouse calls, the departure lounge welcomes, the sauna invites, the erection warms, the Land holds, Fae ones together, reuniting our tribe, inviting young and old, big and small, you and me and them too.

R U Coming? Lets us NO so we can plan! #Fae #Radialfaeries #AKAAMBERFOX #queer #Gay

Amberfox gatherings

2011-03-26T17:22:00.000-04:00

Here it is, if you have been waiting fae ones. We await your return to the land, nestled in the heart of Lanark County, Ontario Canada. This is a place for queer men to be, to experiance all we can be together.

Victoria Day
May 2o - 23, 2011

Canada Day
July 1 - 4, 2011

24th Annual High Summer Gathering
July 27 - August 1, 2011

Thanksgiving Gatherette
October 7 - 10, 2011

Ricky and Issac pair up for Gender Bender Beltane

2011-03-26T17:18:00.002-04:00

Boy Ricky and Perseid De Belle Rue will use the land for a Gender Inclusive event. Though not an Amber Fox Faerie gathering, all Fae ones are encouraged to join us for Beltane. It will be vegetarian delights in the tradition of our fabulous culinary tradition.

Beltane Celebrations fall on April 30th and May 1st, soon indeed! We all hope that you can join our circle at Amberfox and share in this historic gathering on the Land. Let's be honest- couldn't we all use a little more faerie magic in our lives? Winter is OVER, the land is waking up and it's time to shake some queer spirit (and booty).

Beltane is as old as the fracking hills and a radical faerie stand-by. Traditionally it's a celebration of Spring, fertility, good fortune and good harvests to come, though for those of us this far North it's also something of a victory party for Spring and life over our longest season by far, Winter. (Not that we're the only faeries partying- trust me.)

This will be the first time we celebrate Beltane at Amberfox and this weekend will be gender-inclusive. Those of gender queer bent are welcome. We are hoping for many visitors from near and far. Suggested donation is 25$ per day. That includes meals- delicious ones hand prepared and keeping up the land and its many facilities. It may be a bit chilly, but don't worry, the Land has enough infrastructure to keep everyone warm, and the bonfires will keep everyone toasty.

Beltane is known for it's great bonfires and fire-play, especially on the eve beforehand, and has countless manifestations and names, though most include fire in their festivities. April 30th there will be a bonfire party and purification of the cavity where the may pole will stand. Last there will be a Know Talent Show. The next day at noon, May 1st, we will have our Beltane ceremony and raise the maypole (oh yes, you know we weren't going to leave the cavity unfilled darlins').

If you wish to camp you are more than welcome to and there is plenty of space. The Land is beautiful and spacious and we hope to share it with you. : )

This is Ontario so you need to be ready for any kind of weather. Bring warm clothes, a good sleeping bag, or a big quilt or blankets, a flash light, a change of clothes if its rainy and of course bring your happy clothing too. You are welcome to wear any or no clothing, its Beltane after all. The mosquito's might be interested in Beltane too but they are not always around. We have many outfits for you in the Foxy Boutique if you can't bring your own.

For more information on Beltane, you can visit the Radical Faerie website here

or the Wikipedia page here.

Thanksgiving gatherette

2010-09-24T08:03:00.000-04:00

Get it on your mind. The final blast of the year on the Land - AKA Amberfox. Come help say good bye to the land before winter blankets the land. Expect awesome food, a big heart circle, fun and games as only we can! The sauna is ready, the Departure Lounge awaits your fae spirit and of course, one last kNOw Talent show for the year.

Hope you can make it. If your tent is too cool, there is room to bunk down in The Departure Lounge and the newly renovated bunkhouse and perhaps a few other nooks we can stuff you into.

Let us know you're coming!

October 8 - 11

need directions or a ride? use the contact email in the sidebar!

We all come from a Spaceship!

2010-08-20T00:20:00.005-04:00

Peaches does it up during high tea

2010-08-19T21:28:00.003-04:00

and then there is Dragon....

23rd annual high summer tea

2010-08-03T08:48:00.000-04:00

What a gathering we had! AKAAmberfox's 23rd annual High Summer Tea was a great success.

Here are some of the faces...

About Us - "The Land" at AmberFox

2010-07-08T14:39:00.000-04:00

Come Join Us For Our Annual Summer Gatherings on "The Land" at AmberFox

AmberFox is a beautiful farm nestled among the rolling valleys of the Lanark Highlands, west of the Ottawa Valley. For 35 years, gay and queer men have come together here to share in a journey of spirit, growth, and renewal.

AmberFox is situated on "The Land" and is much more than just gay camping; it's a collective of diverse individuals who come together for what we call a gathering. Men of all ages, younger and older, gather on the land to share life experiences, sexualities, community, to party and to share the diversity of different peoples' lives.

For our short time together we live in a tent community with a central common structure that we use for dining and our "know talent" shows. As a collective community we share in the upkeep of the land. We are liberal and accepting of many diverse and unique lifestyles. We've seen it all and we offer one of only a few such gathering spaces in Canada. With our limited capacity we keep gatherings small so that activities remain fun and sustainable. The Land at AmberFox is a safe and accepting place to come out and be yourself.

High Summer Gathering

2010-07-06T13:26:00.002-04:00

Our Canada Day Rendezvous was a fabulous weekend that saw many many fae, queer and or gay men show up.

The High Summer Gathering takes place July 28 to August 2, 2010 at AmberFox, a rustic and beautiful farm nestled among the rolling valleys of the Lanark Highlands, west of Ottawa. For 35 years gay and queer men have come together here to share in a journey of spirit, growth, and renewal. AmberFox is much more than just gay camping; it's a collective of diverse individuals we call a gathering. Men of all ages, younger and older, gather on the land to share life experience, sexuality, community, to party and to share the diversity of different peoples' lives. For our short time together we live in a tent community with a central common structure that is used for meals and our Know Talent shows. We are progressive and accepting of many diverse and unique lifestyles. We've seen it all and we offer one of only a few such gathering spaces in Canada. With our limited capacity we keep gatherings small to allow the land to remain fun and sustainable. AmberFox High Summer Gatherings are a safe and accepting placae to come out and be yourself.

Are you coming? Do you want to plan a number for the Know Talent show? Want help to figure something out? Maybe you would like to lead a group in a wild round of lube wrestling or join in one of the heart circles. I expect the electronic call to go soon, so stand by your email box, it could be popping up any day now.

How much does it cost? Just $25.00 per day includes all means and your own tent spot.

Canada Day RenDezVous

2010-06-30T14:52:00.000-04:00

The gathering this Canada Day weekend is looking to be full of interesting and dynamic Fae, Queer and Gay men of many colours. We will be soaking up the sun, enjoying camaraderie, good food and the best entertainment this side of earth.

There are rumours the Aliens will send an emissary with an important message. What will that be? We won't know until the emissary arrives.   Not only will we receive an emissary, but even bigger rumours are flying around that Queen Elizabeth, Queen of Canada and a possible visit as well.

There are many changes that have occurred on the Land since we celebrated there on Queen Victoria's birthday, earlier this year.   I am sure you will be delighted with the new stage, the new alien beacon paint on the barn roof, the redone Departure Lounge and many other astonishing touches.

We are all looking forward to a great gathering, excellent weather and an almost bug free weekend. The Mississippi is running well and waiting to surround your toes and other appendages with cool magical waters in the 32c temperatures.

Bring your non-electrical instruments, drums, tambourines if you can. Your glad rags are welcome too, though if you haven't any or no room to bring them, we have a whole closet to outfit you in.

Expect great food, awesome entertainment and celebrity sitings and loads of fun from mud wrestling to horseshoes once Peaches figures out how to remove them from the stallions.

Now remember, this is Ontario in the summer. The forecast is for great hot weather and that could mean a thunderstorm or two. Bring your sleeping bag, tent if you have it, suntan lotion, toiletries, make-up if you're so inclined and bug spray.   I know I have said its been virtually bug free this year, that could change and wouldn't it be better to be a good boy scout, come prepared!

You also may want to bring your own bottled water if you prefer not to drink the fabulous well water.

Finally, if you need directions, send a note to the list. If you are arriving at Perth by bus or Smith Falls by train, let us know ahead of time and we will pick you up. How's that for service!

The gathering is from July 1 to July 5. We ask a donation of $25 per day to keep this all happening.

big hugs
Boy ricky et al

Canada Day Gathering

2010-05-31T12:06:00.000-04:00

The next gathering will the Canada Day Gathering. Looking for a big turnout, so join us if you can. The date is Thursday, July 1, 2010 to Monday July 5, 2010. The Land has sprung to life in a big way after the successful Victoria Day weekend gathering.

More info soon.

More info always available, just email us. Address in the sidebar!

Victoria Day weekend, May 21 to May 24!

2010-05-09T16:47:00.000-04:00

At Last....

The land has woken, crawled out from under the thick cold blanket of snow and is budding out all over. The time for gathering is at hand. Are you ready boys? This is a year to remember. It is because all of us are still here, we're still having fun, we're looking forward to an awesome time together on the The Land, aka Amberfox.

Are you coming, let us know if you can. See you all on the Victoria Day weekend, May 21 to May 24!

If you need directions or a ride send a note to the listy and maybe someone can help you get here. We also pick people up from the bus in Perth and the train station in Smith Falls. Be sure to tell us ahead of time what time you are arriving.

It was harvest time

2009-10-13T08:47:00.000-04:00

Thanksgiving Gatherette

2009-10-07T12:25:00.007-04:00

The Gatherette is this weekend!

Come celebrate the harvest!

October 9-12

Happy Birthday, Geneva!

2009-10-04T21:41:00.004-04:00

A birthday tribute from boy ricky to Philip!

Here's to the Next 60!

"No One Knows Who I Am"

2009-08-08T20:38:00.015-04:00

2009 Know Talent Show Highlight

"No One Knows Who I Am"

vocal by p.j.
video by chip

music by Frank Wildhorn
lyrics by Leslie Bricussedask
from the musical Jekyll & Hyde

And now the news...

2009-08-08T12:21:00.008-04:00

Foxy News Update
"we report, you decide"

Faerie Feets at the High Summer Gathering

2009-08-06T10:00:00.004-04:00

22nd Annual High Summer Tea

2009-08-05T17:06:00.003-04:00

Some of the fae ones that attended the 22nd Annual High Summer Tea at AkaAmberfox this past week!

22nd Annual High Summer Tea

2009-07-19T13:17:00.006-04:00

22nd Annual High Summer Tea

The land, aka Amberfox celebrates 22 years of continuous gatherings of male faeries in all their guises on the land in Eastern Ontario.

Come join us fae ones from July 29 to August 3, 2009 on the land. 75 acres of natures best, maple bush, wishing tree, sacred spring, ritual fires, The world famous Know Talent show, fabulous foxy boutique, luxurious surroundings with unparalleled vegetarian gourmet meals. We will reap the bounty from our very own rich garden.

A Remembrance ritual for all those that have left or in need of of our universal good thoughts to happen in the Maple Bush.

Afternoons of face painting and body painting, mixed with our very own music, other crafts and spiritual opportunities alone or together. Lots of energy, love, body, sexual, intimacy is created when we are all together. Relax in the suana, swim in the river, take in the sun's life sustaining force, see the alien baby return.

Bring your energy, spirit, musical instruments, voice, dancing feet and of course your wardrobe of choice. The foxy boutique may help you out if needed. Most of all we gather to explore gay spirit, nature, ritual, sexuality, to work in fellowship, and to party. We enjoy the unexpected things when we bring together our energy, creativity, talents, and magick. Join us in celebrating and giving to the land that sustains and nurtures our spirits and our lives.

Send us a note if you are coming!

Canada weekend

2009-06-28T16:10:00.009-04:00

Canada Day weekend gatherette (July 3 - 6) begins in less than a week!

This lil guy above was caught in our live trap, meant primaily for ground hogs. Now how do we get him out? I say we let him out here and he can add to the culture of the Land!

Just a question or two on other things...

Are you ready to bring your fae energy? Do you hate mosquitoes?

If you said yes to both questions then you are ready for the Canada Day weekend. The bugs have never been better. By that I mean, its been a dang good year so far.

So remember even thoughI say it has been a great year for the lack of the pesky mosquito airforce, this is the bush in eastern Ontario and it can change overnight. Bring your light gear to wear, be prepared to wear your favourite gowns be it a spring, summer or fall outfit. It can get cool at night, though it looks to be hot. If you use bug spray, bring a good supply.

Don't forget your favourite pillow, your sleeping bag, tent if you are not in the lounge or the bunk house and remember to bring your swimming gear, a pad to sleep on, rain gear if you have it and your glad rags.

Finally, its with sad hearts we mention Michael Jackson's passing as you all know by now. I'm sure your thoughts are with his personal spiritual adviser, Father Mike. Father Mike needs to be cheered up. He and Michael were more thriller than beat it, they had it down to the ABC's. Please be prepared to help console the leader of the Alien Baby! There will be an event to commenerate the King of Pop.

Now what is it that our own dear Claude, Ken, Chip and Ricky were building...

The land is beautiful

2009-05-31T23:37:00.002-04:00

The land is beautiful

and the Erection still stands ...

2009-05-21T12:25:00.002-04:00

The Victoria Day weekend Gathering was a fabulous time for all those fae ones that could attend. The May Pole was a very exciting and uplifting experience.

more to come

Eostre

2009-03-20T07:46:00.003-04:00

Eastre, also known as Ostern, Ostara, Ostare, Eostre, Eostra, Eastur, Eostur, Eastra, Austron, Ausos, Ishtar, and Ashtur, is generally known as being from the Saxons' Germanic heritage and was the name of the goddess of dawn, spring and fertility.

Gatherings it seems have been around for a long time, eons it seems. Some thoughts explain Eastre gatherings like this. Spring would bring new life, nature's growth would transform the Land. To explain it one would understand the earth as giving birth in the spring, creating life, so we have Mother Earth. Mother Earth would not do well without the rain. So the sky above delivered this. Sometimes referred to as the heavens, the sky took on or was made Male. Together the Earth and the Sky created the wonders of the Land.

Many groups and people have taken this as a rite of their own, perhaps renaming it, perhaps reworking it, yet the truth remains the same in the end: spring revitalizes us. A time to be reborn and the new born. Some choose to celebrate this quietly and others more loudly. There seems no wrong way to celebrate Eastre. You create alone or in a group, loosely or collectively, an appreciation and thankfulness for the coming of spring and all it symbolizes for you.

That seems to be the essence of Faeries, of gay men seeking their own non hetro foisted approach to this time. It can be of our own creation, maybe its the merging of both male and female, maybe it's a time to look ahead, to be alone or together. Rituals can be be static or change to meet our needs and desires; inclusive or apart, it does not seem to matter.

There is something magical that happens. It happens all over this planet and maybe elsewhere too every spring. I look forward to this spring, to celebrating, to recognizing the change to the Land and sharing that experience with others. What will it be like? How will I participate? Will I jump in? Will I simply observe? What personal truths will be uncovered or allowed to be?

I do know this. It is with great anticipation that I walk this way.

Ricky

PS - I am not giving up on the Easter bunny, or is that Eastre? The kid in me won't let me, it's part of my spirituality, and few things like chocolate make this boy faerie really happy!

here's more - so where does the Eostre story come from?

radical faerie spirituality

2009-03-14T14:55:00.003-04:00

somebody asked on facebook about the spirituality of Faeries...

"Are RF's members of any certain Neo-Pagan tradition, or do they come from a variety of groups? I myself am a generic NP who doesn't do ritual per se. Wicca and Druidry attract me for various reasons, but not so sure about male-female polarity... If it were possible I'd join the Minoan Brotherhood, but alas they are not in my area."

here is a well thought out response...

"Some RF's might consider their spiritual beliefs to come from a Pagan or Neo Pagan perspective, as some might come from Buddhism, Hinduism, and even Christianity.

There is no particular religious (or secular) tradition that a RF must come from. Some are atheists or agnostic. Many pick and choose and self-create, sometimes on an ongoing basis.

With the possible exception of Christianity, I would say that the general attitude towards faith is pretty much live and let live.

Some places and times of gathering are more ritual oriented than others. Basically, it's a big old hodgepodge of spontaneous spiritual (and non-spiritual) expression and experimentation based on the intentions and proclivities of the individuals who happen to be around at the time."

If you have anything to add, please do so, pretend this is a heart circle, you have the talisman in your virtual hands...

in the spring

2009-03-14T13:27:00.005-04:00

Amberfox in the spring

the erection is sitting in anticipation

the gardens will soon be rising,

reaching for the hands of faeries...

Bunkhouse legend

2009-03-14T12:45:00.004-04:00

The Victoria Day Weekend is coming, the bunkhouse is sitting empty, its quiet, resoring its energy for the new beginning that come with each spring. Waiting for you, for the faeries to come, to help raise the land from its winter slumber...

Are you going to add to the legend,

the legend of the bunkhouse boys?

Victoria Day 2009

2009-03-12T13:52:00.003-04:00

We are only 8 weeks from the Victoria Day weekend. Are you gearing up for a return to the land? Will you be bringing your bright fae self back to Amberfox? Its time to plan, get your outfits picked out, (Value Village) ought to have a great new stock with people trading in their glad rags for new!

Spring begins officially tomorrow. Its come upon us quickly, lets respond with the same vim and ... . You get the point.

See you all on line and hopefully at the farm come what Victoria Day provides!

Victoria Day Weekend May 15 - 18

Zôtres Zédons

2009-02-20T18:40:00.004-05:00

Zôtres Zédons

Quand les zédons sortent de tanière pour exprimer leur envie naturelle de s’abreuver d’extrait de lézépou en préparation de la morte saison, ils fouinent à la recherche de grands espaces où pratiquer l’hédonisme.

Les Zédons sont de nature paisible. Ils se nourrissent principalement d’espèces végétales et d’extrait de lézépou dont ils raffolent. L’extrait de lézépou fournit l’apport en protéines nécessaire à leur survie pendant la morte saison. L’extrait est le produit de la traite du lézépou, un animal qui broute à l’état naturel dans les plaines de l’est de l’Ontario et dans les monts de l’Outaouais. Pour obtenir l’extrait vital, essence de lézépou, les zédons traquent l’animal dans des réserves dédiées à cet usage. Les lézépous doivent être attrapé en vie et en vigueur. Une capture paisible améliore le rendement et facilite la pratique de l’hédonisme.

La chasse au lézépou est un travail de groupe qui nécessite la participation de zôtres zédons. Une meute de zédons peut comprendre entre quatre et vingt individus de tailles et de générations variées. On a observé, exceptionnellement, certaines meutes grimper jusqu’á 70 spécimens. Chez le zédon, seul le mâle chasse. A de rares occasions, on a pu observer un zamazone zédon se faufiler dans les rangs pour participer à la chasse. On reconnait le zédon à ses zébrures multicolores uniques à l’espèce. Donc, à la bonne saison, le zédon cherche de grands espaces pour paitre paisiblement, chasser le lézépou et pratiquer l’hédonisme.

On trouve des zédons dans toute l’Amérique du Nord, mais pour chasser le lézépou, ils se rassemblent dans des réserves dédiées à cet usage. La réserve la plus fertile en lézépou, recommandée pour les zédons zinitiés, zédons novices, et zôtres zédons est la réserve du renard ambré dans les prairies de l’est de l’Ontario. Pendant la bonne saison (grasse), les zédons s’ameutent quatre fois pour chasser le lézépou, traire, et pratiquer l’hédonisme.

Ces rassemblements sont une occasion exceptionnelle pour les amateurs de safaris d’observer de près la chasse au lézépou, et, dans certains cas, de participer en portant un costume qui ressemble à s’y méprendre à la peau de zédon. Si le cœur vous en dit, vous pouvez même observer les quatre chasses de la saison et la métamorphose du zédon repu qui suit la traite et la pratique de l’hédonisme.

Le réchauffement de la planète est la cause d’une recrudescence des populations de lézépou de zédon dans la réserve du renard ambré. La saison s’annonce particulièrement fertile : les experts prédisent un millésime 2009 exceptionnel pour l’extrait de lézépou et la pratique de l’hédonisme. Laissez-vous tenter.

The land awaits

2008-07-25T12:44:00.004-04:00

The land awaits your arrival
Fae ones be ready
The 21st High Summer Tea
July 30 - August 4, 2008

Join us for the 21st annual summer gathering July 30 to August 4, 2008 An established and growing circle of gay and queer men centred on The Land aka Amber Fox. We gather to explore gay spirit, nature, ritual, sexuality, to work in fellowship, and to party. We enjoy the unexpected things when we bring together our energy, creativity, talents, and magick. Join us in celebrating and giving to the land that sustains and nurtures our spirits and our lives.

You can reach us by Email.

Bobbing for an erection

2008-07-25T00:02:00.005-04:00

Claude is french for BOB! Bet you didn't know that!

Just in time for the gathering the erection gets a new ceiling. Five days Claude and Chiplandia bobbed to cover our heads. Ken and boy ricky cleaned up.

calling all faeries!

2008-07-20T20:24:00.001-04:00

Is she coming to the big gathering?

2008-07-18T13:49:00.001-04:00

Howie-sue

2008-07-18T13:41:00.005-04:00

Some of you may know that Howie-sue has not been well. At the Canada Day Gathering we made up an emergency wall kit and card for our Fae Howie-sue!

Howard is back home now and hopefully can take in part of the gathering.

Cover the pink! Plank the ART

2008-07-18T12:51:00.009-04:00

Just in time for the gathering! So much is being done on the Land, AKA Amberfox!

ArtStudio reno and Erection covers up the pink!

The art studio now has a cool floor thanks to Chip using some of the wood that was Howie-sue's tent platform.

The space is very cool and ready for your imagination to come alive! Assisting with this cool project were boy ricky and Ken!

The erection is going posh big time! The ceiling in the dining area is being done and will be complete in time for the gathering!!!!

Ken has acquired the services of Claude. With Chip, Ken and Ricky acting as helpers, but mostly Chip, the ceiling is coming along well.

No more will one lay back in their chair and say, "That reminds me, where's Pinkie!"

With new scaffolding, local tongue and groove (the wood silly!), Claude's masterful use of a handsaw, torn jeans, the ceiling is going up quickly.

The CC team, Claude and Chip, make up an awesome faerie work crew, the envy of any construction site you have ever seen! Assisting the crew are boy ricky and Ken!

High Summer gathering

2008-07-12T18:24:00.002-04:00

July 30 to August 4, 2008

More info to come!

Canada Day - Salopetted Cowboy or Girls

2008-06-23T17:34:00.004-04:00

Canada Day gathering is close at hand! Are you ready! The Land is alive. Wild flowers abound, trails mowed, sauna tested and inviting, waiting to wrap you in a warm embrace.

A country and western theme dinner is on! Bring along your OVERALLS or SALOPETTES. We're sure you will right at home in or out of them. Prize for the best turned out Salopetted Cowboy or Girl!

Remember this is Ontario! We need to be ready for any weather. It could rain or be hotter than " a suana".

So a tent, fly, (for your tent not your salopette) sleeping bag, foamie or mattress, toiletries and dainties, bug spray cause being in your birthday suit can invite some unwanted bites. Sun screen, a good sun hat, rain gear if you have it, comfortable sneakers and or boots, extra socks in case they get wet, swimming outfit for the trip to our local water hole and may I suggest a decent evening outfit.

If you play an instrument bring it if you can for the know talent show.

See you soon!!!!

faerie boy ricky

Ottawa gay village

2008-03-19T12:50:00.002-04:00

Amberfox Faerie Boy ricky leads fight for Gay Village in Ottawa

OK 2B GAY - TOMBOY

2008-03-13T19:18:00.001-04:00

OK 2B GAY - TOMBOY
Video sent by jief75

Just like the Land!

Thomas Bickham / Tomboy Chanteur gay Danois.
Le clip est "Absolument Fabuleux"....
http://www.tomboy.dk/
OK2BGAY Tomboy
It's OK to be Gay.Let's Rejoice with the Boys
In the Gay Way!Hooray for the Kind of Man That you will find In the Gay Way!It's OK to be Gay.
Let's Rejoice with the Boys In the Gay Way!
Hooray for the Kind of Man That you would find
In the Gay Way!Father,Figures we are.
You are a Shooting Star!You Come so Far.
I was Once in your Shoes.In a Closet Like You.
I had Nothing to Lose.Hey man,Gay man,
Pick up the Soap.Get on your Knees And Pray.
Hey man,Gay man,Release your load.You've got to seize To delay.The Gay Way!It's Ok to be Gay.
Let's Rejoice with the Boys In the Gay Way!
Hooray for the Kind of the Man That you would Find
In the Gay Way!Hooray for the Man!Oh, strong man,
Queen of the Balls,Some Brotherly Love,
Is a Pleasure for All.Come Out.Open your Eyes.
La la la la!It's a matter of size!Hey man,Gay man,
Pick up the Soap.Get on your Knees And Pray.
Hey man, Gay man,Release your load.You've got to seize To Delay.The Gay Way.It's OK to be Gay.
Let's Rejoice with the Boys.In the Gay Way.
OK to be Gay! Hooray for the Kind of Man That you would find In the Gay Way!Sing Hallelujah - Sing Hallelujah!- It's getting to ya!-It's getting to ya!-It's working thru ya!Why won't you let me do ya?-Woo!-Hey ho!Mo Hey!Ho!Mo Hey!Ho!Now remember
There's a big difference Between Kneeling Down And
Bending Over.It's OK to be Gay.Let's rejoice with the Boys.In the Gay Way!It's OK! Hooray for the
Kind of Man That you would find In the Gay Way!
Next year,Where will you go?T-t-t-to San Francisco.I bet that you know Who it would you'd
Give it by face.So you thought it was done Then there was a gay parade!The He-Man Sex Parade!
Parade!You're gay! Hooray for the Kind of Man
That you would find In the Gay Way!Oooh, REFRAIN

Howie Sue on the mend

2008-01-13T21:11:00.000-05:00

Howie Sue is in the clear for now. The "Sisters of No INdUlgence (except for Howard)", Jules and boy ricky have rescued Faerie Howie Sue. It was a scary. Howard as you know was taken to a secret hospital for treatment over missing Chatchkas. We have video of our latest Mission ImProb(e)able.

Faeries in distress anywhere can count on the Sisters of No INdUlgence to swim through Jello, battle aliens, but most of all, we will indulge any Faeries right to attend at little cost, the Babylon Clinic

Gatheretty in Toronto

2008-01-06T20:45:00.000-05:00

Denny and Chris organised a gatheretty in Toronto just before the New Year began. A small group of faeries from Amberfox joined in the fun. We had a good time. Some of those attending this fae group included Journey, boy ricky, Chiplandia, Ken, Denny, Chris and Bill. It ran from 2 in the afternoon 'till the darking winter night reached drew us away . Toronto was unusally very white and a little cold for some of us.

A fabulous gift was passed along to take to the land. It has many uses, one perhaps being useful in the new meditation space or in announcing a circle beginning. All will be known at the Victoria day Weekend when we gather to celebrate the return of spring on the Land.

Faerie F.L.U.F.F

2007-12-09T19:24:00.000-05:00

something new comes...

2007-12-09T12:31:00.000-05:00

tlusty, a Maple Leaf that can drive!

2007-11-14T02:44:00.000-05:00

WOWSER

How many of you faeries are hockey fans? better yet how many are Toronto Maple Leaf Fans?

I have at last found a reason to cheer for the Leafs! Its Jiri Tlusty.

Tlusty is a 19 year, a Czech born winger with the Toronto Maple Laughs. He has some images he took that have appeared on the internet! He seems to have been having a good time with some boys. The trouble is, Jiri is playing in a professional sports league and these kind of images seem to show him swapping spit with another fabulous looking young man.

Its gets better or worse depending on your viewpoint. He is nude in some pics. Now Jiri is having to deny he is gay. He's not gay or bi he says, and that is the line he has been fed by the Toronto Maple Laughs brass IMHO!

You be the judge...

everyone knows your name

2007-10-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

Our Canadian Thanksgiving Gatherette was very entertaining. We also had the world showing of the latest boy ricky film. We're getting better every day. Expect more to come...

Faeries just wanna have fun...

2007-10-12T15:23:00.000-04:00

Faeries everywhere like to party. The Faeries at AKA Amberfox like to party too. These clips compiled into a short film were taken during our High Summer Gathering in August this year!

Making it work

2007-10-11T09:03:00.000-04:00

There is a lot of work that goes into a successful gathering. The collage below is from the Canada day Gathering, pictures from Journey!

There are haircuts, washing clothes, hauling water, drying towels, wood gathering, and of course there is the preparation of the ritual fires.

Sometime we have to move an outhouse as we manage to fill a hole every few years!

AKA Amberfox beginners effort!

2007-09-20T14:15:00.000-04:00

Plan it NOW: Thanksgiving at AKA Amberfox

2007-09-19T10:44:00.000-04:00

Its exciting! We look to have lots of show energy at the Thanksgiving gatherette! The Clarinet playing Canadian cowboy, the infamous Geneva and Shy-Anne and maybe Malibu, the fabulous Andre, a secret performer just back from a stunning crowd pleasing tour of France and Belgium and the always unwaivering stunning talented Shimmer. Add to this the possible cameo appearance of the one and only Chi Chi. And if that is exciting enough to make you rush to The Land we have booked a special appearance of Faerie Lands most unique and dancing master, DJ Ken! I am waiting to hear for certain on a couple more acts! You know who you are, right?

Are you coming? Time is of the essence, avoid all those family stuffing thanksgiving dinners, visitations and after dinner snoring. Come to AKA Amberfox, join in creating community, fun, entertainment unrestricted by the usual thanksgiving dinner crowd. You will find time to be by yourself, wondering and taking in The Land's wonders and spirit. You will be part of a group of fun, respectful men, just like yourself. Join in a heart circle, the remembrance ritual of faeries here and there, give a massage, take one, share and smile!

And just in case you need a reminder let me share what we are all about...

"We are an established and growing circle of gay and queer men centred on The Land aka Amber Fox. We gather to explore gay spirit, nature, ritual, sexuality, to work in fellowship, and to party. We enjoy the unexpected things when we bring together our energy, creativity, talents, and magick. Join us in celebrating and giving to the land that sustains and nurtures our spirits and our lives."

Canadian Thanksgiving Gatherette

2007-09-07T09:57:00.000-04:00

Its not far away,

Canadian Thanksgiving Gatherette.

October 5 - 8, 2007

Are you coming for a last chance to gather together on the land this year? Don't miss this chance to join in the faerie frolic and camaraderie only our unique beings can create. The bright moon, the warming sun, the colours of the land, inspire and call us to celebrate together.

The Maple Bush beckons us to make the trek to remember, to recall those faeries we have known, wanted to know, who have left us in body or space.

We will dine together on communally divined veggie meals, culminating with a Thanksgiving feast fit for noble faeries, perhaps even Miss Blue Heron 2007, Pinkie, will share his secrets of success as we enjoy our meal, or Claude will tell us how one can build kitchens that feed faeries at sanctuaries all over, or Shimmer and Journey will lead us in ritual observance, Ken may be inspired to share his magical DJ gift, Geneva is sure to make her famous oatmeal cookies without oatmeal, such wonder!

There's more, what of the Chipper sound of the Canadian Cowboy's Clarinet floating out over the land, howie-sue's sweet musings of this world, and who can mop a floor with the flair of Andre. Then Rob or is it Flower or Spike, whom brings fresh energy, and we have the Eric a Canadian in spirit (Thanks Claude) and the aroma of morning's elixer of life concocted by boy ricky. And a sweet new Italian French faerie boy, Mario.

The gathering will be filled with heart circles, ritual, dancing, singing, playing and times of solitude and putting the land to bed!

Won't you join us?

If you want directions or information email edgeplayer@mindspring.com or boy ricky check the yahoo group listed in the sidebar!

Blue Heron and stuff

2007-08-27T11:00:00.000-04:00

Blue Heron Farm is hosting its annual gathering in New York over theLabour Day weekend.

A group from Ottawa is going, so be sure to look for the "official" Amber Fox tent if you're there. If you need more information about the gathering,
contact:
Blue Heron Farm
68 Streeter Rd.
Dekalb, NY 13630

Several people at the High Summer Gathering expressed an interest in attending Blue Heron, including a group from Toronto. Anyone still planning to go....???? So far from Ottawa we have confirmed Ricky,Peaches, and Chip....We're taking one car, but if more would like to join us we can take a second vehicle.

Make plans now and post them to the list!

The next Amber Fox Gathering is our annual Thanksgiving Gatherette, October 5-8. However, if there is enough interest, a "mini-gatherette" known as a Gatheretty, can happened the weekend of September 14-16. Let the list know if you're interested!

What to bring to a gathering

2007-06-22T14:33:00.000-04:00

Bring everything you need for summer camping in the woods, including a tent, warm sleeping bag or blankets, pillow, flashlight, bug repellent, sunscreen, and a divine wardrobe suitable for summer weather conditions in which all clothing styles and fashion statements are both optional and encouraged.

This is Ontario, so summer can be cool or really hot. It can rain for days or be days and days under a hot muggy sun. Bringing rain gear and shorts maybe a good idea and remember to leave Geneva's F-ing umbrella alone!

Some indoor space is available but limited in the Departure Lounge.

If you need time to be in your birthday suit, hey what can we say but join some of us.

Bring your drums, your musical instruments, your voice, your art, oils, pastels, water colours, crayons!

Bring alive your talents, energy and desire to live, celebrate and work in community with like-minded gay men.

... or do like me ... Pretend to be a Boy Scout ... Be Prepared!

need some colour?

2007-06-22T13:23:00.001-04:00

The green land turns out many more colours

You with the sad eyes
Don't be discouraged
Oh I realize
It's hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small

But I see your true colours
Shining through
I see your true colours
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colours
True colours are beautiful,
Like a rainbow

Show me a smile then,
Don't be unhappy, can't remember
When I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there

And I'll see your true colours
Shining through

I see your true colours
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colours
True colours are beautiful,
Like a rainbow.

by Cindy Lauper

Gatherette call for Canda Day Weekend!

2007-06-22T10:05:00.000-04:00

The Canada Day Weekend Gatherette begins June 29.

*Get it on your mind!*

If you are planning on coming try to let us know, you can email the list or Ken directly at edgeplayer@mindspring.com. That will help us be ready for you. The land is brilliant now and requires our presence there. You can look forward to fabulous and good Fae folks and the experience of being with men who love being men among men. Sauna energy will be high among other things, vegetarian food plentiful, scrumptious desserts, and entertainment should the energy direct us there.

The Maple Bush beckons us to remember all those that have passed through our lives, the MapleTree begs to deliver your wishes, a Ritual Fire lead by Chip and others will be like no other. Improvements made to the gardens ask only for your enjoyment, harvesting wood for the High Summer gathering and the arrival of the new improved mop brigade led by Andre should make it a great gatherette!

Need directions on how to get to The Land, aka Amberfox? Email Ken at edgeplayer@mindspring.com.

Geneva has no equal

2007-06-06T12:34:00.000-04:00

I was wondering where our Geneva was on the scale of beautiful girls. Why here she finds no match among this group of a-list wanna be stars... Im sure you agree!

Can you name them all? I expect some of you can, lets see how many you can name. A special gifting will be made at the Canada Day Weekend Gatherette for the ones who can name 20 or more...

Space transporter works

2007-06-06T09:58:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the Land has some little ones that need to be somewhere else ...

They dont know how to get away so they need some help...

...and so being good faeries we help them right?!

Some people are meaner but not Faeries, we use these cool super secret space transporters to deliver the little ones to a better home.

Im not sure but it could be Geneva's voice that finds them seeking the transporter or maybe its Howie-Sue's latest outfit that shines too bright for their unprotected eyes.

We are lucky at aka Amberfox because we have super secret space transporters and a lead Faerie who knows just how to use them.

Little things that make you go ahhhh!

2007-06-06T09:36:00.000-04:00

The land has sprung too life!

It has used every bit of faerie dust, spread across the land with each step we take.

Denny sums it up the Victoria Gatherette

2007-05-31T10:52:00.000-04:00

Dear fae friends...

Well, I did get up to the gatherette this last weekend--in fact, I got there Fri. aft. and left Tues. aft--fantastic!

As usual, once I got there, I wondered why it had taken me so long to get back to the land there. It truly is a magical place...

Usually, the first gatherette of the season is quite a small one, people-wise.

This one, though, broke an Amber Fox record--attendance peaked at 17 men.

Also, there were 3 lovely younger men from Montreal who had tried to visit last year and finally got there. Their energies were much appreciated and they took to the faes like ducks to water.

I think most folks energies were not at their highest point. There were no fun or interesting activities during the day, excepting food prep and dish washing, (wood gathering, setting the water system up, rehearsing for the follies, prancing in birthday suits, mowing, food shopping, sun worshipping, falling over the rabbits) of course.

Mind you, there was a fire outside the Erection (the communal kitchen/socialzing space) every night, and there were sweat lodges (each) night, as well (in their fabulous wooden sweat lodge).

I figure that, when I'm at an gathering space, there should be a Faeries Follies night and so I suggested that on the Sun. and spent the day rehearsing with folks as keyboard support.

There were 7 performers. The first was Brendan from Montreal who started it off reading some prose that he'd written that day that expressed his new-found feelings about being there and with the Faeries--lovely...

Andre, from Ottawa, did a very tender rendition of a Bob Dylan song. He was bewigged and sat in a rocker and spoke and sung. Lovely!

Then we had a mixture of performers doing songs. Geneva, a Toronto fae, did a heart-rending version of "I Won't Live in a World without Love". His voice is reminiscent of Willie Nelson and I just loved it.

Boy Ricky did "One Little, Two Little, Three Little Faeries" to the tune of "One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians"--very amusing!

Shimmer, from Boston, did "Nowhere To Run", a Motown number that went right over the top in mock hysterics--done in a rock vein!

Geneva's boyfriend, YJ, did a very sweet version of a Louis Armstrong song--"What a Wonderful World", and I ended the show doing three original songs of mine.

The show wasn't too long and there was a fab dessert by Shimmer (pear pie!) that held the audience hostage until the show was over and dessert was served.

Then they were off to the sweat lodge where, I'm told, it got a little frisky on two of three nights.

Ken, the owner of the land, arrived Monday evening and I stayed on later so that I could spend a little time enjoying his company.

Howie-Sue was his usual very entertaining somewhat ascerbic self--it was great to reconnect with him.

Shimmer did a rune reading for me for which I am truly grateful. (The results were encouraging.)

Otherwise, I did get to chat quite a bit with Boy Ricky who lives in Ottawa and is at Amber Fox quite a bit, particularly, of course, during the good weather.

He is a sweetie-pie and if it was not for his encouragement and help, I might not have made the bus trip schlepp up, fatigued as I was, my back still bothering me, etc. (YJ and Philip a.k.a Geneva were driving back so I got a ride with them--wonderful--and had a more relaxing return than had I had to do the bus thingy again--thanks!!!!)

I was sad, as usual, for me, to leave and it's been an adjustment being back in the Big Smoke but I come back much refreshed and full energy to get up there as much as possible this year.

Hopefully, we will be able to get up there more, organize rides, if possible.

For those who haven't been to a gathering, I hope my little description here piques your interest but do remember that the Canada Day gathering will likely have a few more men, as well as lots of fun activities, sharing and, no doubt, at least one ritual.

Denny :)

Gatherette schedule for 2007

2007-05-31T10:33:00.000-04:00

Victoria Day Weekend
Friday, May 18 - Monday, May 21

Canada Day Weekend
Friday, June 29 - Monday, July 2

*20th Annual High Summer Gathering*
Saturday, July 28 - Monday, August 6

*Thanksgiving Gatherette*
Friday, October 5 - Monday, October 8

Join us in celebrating and giving to the land that sustains and nurtures our spirits and our lives.

Jesus "Look out"

2007-05-13T13:41:00.000-04:00

Breaking news....

The Land, AKAAmberfox: He was an original faerie perhaps, then some PR firm got a hold of him and the message changed a wee bit! Anyway he said he was coming to the Victoria Day Gatherette.

His message to us was not posted to the list as Yahoo doesn't deliver scrolls. The atari was the only computer he could get his hands on. It was buried years ago.

Eventually he found private detective Johnny Germaine, (that's him in a rare candid moment on the Land) and used the Holy Mac to create a video greeting for us all. Sadly his second coming was cut short during filming, when a TTC Bus was on time.

Germaine was there, he says they were filming and he had time to say "Jesus!" The words, "look out"we're too late. "I mean, who expected the bus to be on time," PD Germaine added. "I called" Geneva with the news right away."

Germaine and Geneva, the GG twins, yes they are identical twins. (They both live in Toronto, let Co-ops drive them crazy, are faeries, love the TTC and Spiderman), suggest it maybe fitting to have Queen Vicky say a few words at the gatherette.

Perhaps Shimmer may be able to devise the perfect ritual remembrance (after he makes his Black Magick Cake of course) while The Daddy Chipster builds an appropriate celebration pyre, after a quick visit to the Opportunity shop! The ceremony may be delayed, as you never know when the oil in the car needs to be changed.

More news when details are available!

May Calendar Faerie

2007-05-13T05:29:00.000-04:00

May 2007 Calendar Faerie

The Friendly Giant i say...

Some people think all Faeries come with long hair and shimmering gowns.

Not this one, he is the master of funny faces, all things apple and lots of other stuff and he changes the oil in the car lots and the Holder of The Land, AKA Amber Fox

2006 Summer High Tea

2007-05-11T00:45:00.000-04:00

From last summers really really big show!

Cabin Fever part one

Cabin Fever part two

The only Shimmer

Run Around Hugh ... What's HowieSue up too?

News from The Land aka Amber Fox.

2007-05-10T19:28:00.000-04:00

I bring you news from The Land aka Amber Fox...

Spring is Here! Spring is Here!

Help celebrate its arrival at Amber Fox, May 18 through to Victoria Day May 21, 2007.

Ancient Saxons celebrated the return of spring with an uproarious festival commemorating the goddess of the dawn and the spring, Eastre (aka Oestre and Ostara).

Let us gather in celebration, spring being a time to sow seed and release passion. The days be brighter and longer, winter a memory. Let us feast and become willing vehicles for Eastre's passion for new life.

Gather your energies and let life burst forth! Dance by the bonfire under the light of a full moon! Be prepared for anything, including a cold and wet Ontario spring.

We have indoor accomodations (and wood heat!) in the Bunkhouse, the Departure Lounge, and the Erection. All are welcome, so bring a friend and let's make some magic!

Please post plans to attend to the list.

Check the blog for news as it develops...

Black Magick Cake

2007-05-10T19:06:00.000-04:00

Shimmer has asked if we want his
Black Magick Cake?

Shimmer asks, "If there's interest, I'll bake a chocolate cake. I'm also pondering a non-chocolate dessert."

No pondering required Shimmer...
The best thing about being a Faerie, especially a boy faerie, is that one can have his cake and eat it too!

April 2007 Calendar faerie

2007-05-10T11:17:00.000-04:00

April 2007 Calendar faerie

How this was not the first calendar faerie is a mystery. Geneva aka lots of other things, like Diva, Philip, Youpi, Malibu, Shy-Anne and some things that are really cool but i can't say those here or we could lose our blog...Her powers include making oatmeal cookies without oatmeal, awesome pancakes and and a Diva voice only angels should hear cause it makes Cher go crazy!

Here she belts out one of her favourite tunes, "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed," and let me say she beats Barbara Mandrell any day, during last year's edition of the annual High Tea.

She adjusts herself to provide the best there is ...

to an appreciative Faerie gathering, before beginning one of her classics,

"Is it Peace or is it Prozac?"

March 2007 Calendar faerie

2007-04-26T17:51:00.000-04:00

some faeries glow,

some have rouge

others can sing

but only one Faerie can Shimmer and do all that!

PS Shimmer makes the most awesome Chocolate cake!

Mr. Freeze drips away

2007-04-26T16:56:00.000-04:00

It was Easter and the last effort of Mr. Freeze barely covers the ground in the Maple Bush!

A single icicle, on the erection, slowly drips, leaving winter and Mr. Freeze behind...

The Tower says "get ready, Victoria Day is coming!"

The "Land" in Winter

2007-03-09T07:22:00.000-05:00

What happens

when no one is there

did it make a noise,

does anyone care?

Yeppers we do care...

Once again Ester has provided The fée folks with the essentials of living well! An aged tree having provided shelter for many creatures on the land is to go back to the land after it provides yet more goodness, heat for staying warm, for cooking and of course, to cleanse the body in the sauna.

The Alien Baby shrine came out unscathed as did the the Tractor Shed. The goddess has smiled upon us yet again.

February 2007 Calendar faerie

2007-03-09T06:50:00.000-05:00

Il est tout l'homme.

He know how to hammer, saws back and forth, nails it, digs right in,

yet

deep down he has a secret

he has just gotta dance...

cause real faeries don't use soap!

some real faeries don't use soap cause it just isn't an irish spring when you are not irish right Claude?

la fée gaie!

one of the jewels of The Land

Faerie skin

2007-01-18T20:56:00.000-05:00

Scroll images by bigoo.ws

January 2007 Calendar faerie

2007-01-14T00:54:00.000-05:00

we begin an exclusive feature

No where else will you see another faerie l like those that frequent The Land, AKA Amberfox.

we with the guidance of Ester feature a Faerie for the month week or day! All will be posted according to the tradition of Faerie time. We could have one tomorrow, next week, next month. till then you can feast your eyes on one of the jewels of The Land.

a second rising - live from the erection 2006

2007-01-14T00:52:00.000-05:00

Live from the erection - August 2006

2007-01-14T00:50:00.000-05:00

High Tea Summer 2006

2007-01-14T00:33:00.000-05:00

High tea, Fortunately for all of us, Geneva managed an appearance after her no show the previous evening. It turns out her rider for the previous evening's show was not met.

R, R & R

2007-01-14T00:23:00.000-05:00

from one ritual to another. here the people of the land prepare and rededicate a place of rememberence, respect and rejoicing in those that have been shared with us...

Ritual - on the land

2007-01-14T00:16:00.000-05:00

A fire happened on the land. a ritual. here you can take part if you let your virtual reality take you away!

Jerome is Magnificent!

2006-12-05T07:57:00.000-05:00

This video was too good not to share. Jerome is Magnificent!

jerome murat

the river

2006-10-29T08:42:00.000-05:00

Mississippi River near the Land

October Gatherette

2006-10-23T23:24:00.000-04:00

The Land falling gracefully into winter

2006-10-23T22:39:00.000-04:00

From the Path of the Snake - the barn and tractor shed peeking over the hill

Amber Fox in the fall

Rockaway, freshly coated, hopefully providing an acceptable landing place for the fathership bringing word from the Alien baby

The old fence that stands beside the "wishing tree".

It was a crazy summer!

2006-09-20T20:47:00.000-04:00

The trek to the maple Bush

2006-09-18T16:06:00.000-04:00

Our leader Chip takes us on an outing

The Land is changing

2006-08-27T19:44:00.000-04:00

Amber Fox in late summer. So much is changing on The Land. I can hardly wait for fall, though some mornings here have that fall feeling, nippy, sharp and still air, the deer are getting more wary, though still, they don't do more than leap and bound more than 20 or 30 metres from you.

Next gathering is on the Thanksgiving weekend, Canadian style. The second weekend in October, hope to see many of you there!

We will have many fun things to do like drain water pipes, board up windows, tidy it up before the blanket of snow covers it and spring rolls it back.