Yuccabloom: A Memoir of Meaningful Meanderings: Meeting of the Minds

Today's overcast sky didn't dissuade us from attending the last day of the International UFO Congress's 22nd Annual Convention and Film Festival at Fort McDowell Casino and Resort. I confess I was somewhat disappointed, only because I failed to encounter any UFO enthusiasts dressed in extraterrestrial costume to underline the festiveness of like minds coming together. I guess I was hoping for some measure of compensation for not being able to attend this year's ComiCon in San Diego. In retrospect, it might have been wise to attend the convention during one of the earlier days, when more people were in attendance and the energy was more vibrant. This was very much the tail-end of the convention.

We worked our way east, into the desert, 15-20 miles east of the city of Mesa, where red buttes loomed over the desert floor and distant mountains brooded high above. I attempted to take what photos I could of the surrounding scenery, but we were a people on a mission, and so there was not much opportunity, or desire, to stop and gaze at the scenery. Hence, the photographs taken while in transit.

The convention featured a variety of speakers and films about UFO phenomena, but there were also vendors selling crystals and art, books and DVDs, and providing information on a variety of issues. For instance, one featured bookseller authored several books on the role the Djinn plays in a variety of unusual phenomena. There were jewelry artists present, too, as well as people who specialize in auras and chakras and the energy properties of crystals. Of course, the majority of the vendors focused on UFOs and sold books and DVDs on people's purported encounters and abductions. I was hoping members of the late night radio show, Coast to Coast, would be in attendance, but if they had been they weren't there during the last day of the convention.

UFOs have become a major part of modern American pop culture. I confess I consider myself a hesitant believer (or wannabe believer). Don't get me wrong. I believe without reservation that there is life elsewhere in the universe. I find it absurd to think that out of this vast, infinite cosmos we are the only life in existence. But have any of these lifeforms evolved to possess the intelligence and technological advancement to enable them to make the trek through space? Then, there is the issue of the great distances between planets in space. How could anyone achieve such a feat within a reasonable timeframe? I guess part of me that is drawn to the extraordinary finds this subject fascinating, partly because I find the idea itself to be intriguing, but also because I think such cultural phenomena speaks volumes about ourselves, what we are thinking, and how we perceive ourselves and our place in the universe. People scoff at the idea of UFOs and extraterrestrials, but many religions hold highly fantastical beliefs, and yet such faith is admired. I think I consider myself an admirer of this cultural phenomenon, and wanting to believe, but requiring more concrete, definitive proof before easing into acceptance.

This artist is incredibly talented, these items are beautifully crafted.

I find this entire subculture of conventions focusing on extraordinary phenomena to be fascinating. As you can see, more of these conventions are underway this year, in case you are interested.

I was tempted to get my aura read again, since I haven't had that experience since Sedona years ago, but I was running a little low on cash.

Crystals in every variety and shape: nuggets and pyramids, spheres and chunks. I am always tempted to buy a sphere, but then get distracted looking at the crystal and stone skulls. Very cool stuff.