It’s near impossible to express why I want to visit the World Psychedelic Forum without falling into a heap on the floor and convulsing quite convincingly.
You may understand why it’s taken me a day or so to pull myself together and write here.
If I tell you about me it may bore you. But here it goes… I am an artist, writer and to pay the bills I work in broadcast media. I am currently writing a book (which will hopefully be my first) which I can vaguely describe as being about the peripheries of Islam without giving too much away. And yes I know a little about the subject being a Muslim. Although I have had an article published recently in the Guardian (on a completely unrelated topic) as a first time writer there is absolutely no guarantee by book will be published but I feel the book is needed and is a worthy cause. As I'm currently "in between contacts"
, I have the time to go.
I can break this into sections. Why I want to go to the Forum, what I can do for you and how I think the world can benefit from my going.
I want to go to the forum. That much is obvious. It will provide me with research for a chapter in my book which is seriously lacking at present. Such opportunities are rare.
I also have a passion for counterculture and the psychedelic world is a huge part of that throughout modern history. I have devoured the lifestyles of people such as Neal Cassady, Leary, Huxley, Picasso, Kesey et al.
Far from being blinded I have also examined the differences between Manson and Crick; something very troubling indeed. Evidence of why Hoffman regarded LSD as his problem child.
The event would feed my imagination, intellect and inspire me in all the areas of my creative output which include paintings, documentary, film and writing.
Enough about me.
I am pretty much able to offer you all my skills in regards to covering the event whilst there. I can conduct interviews which, if needed, can be recorded on mini disc or camera. I have over since years experience in both radio and TV documentaries. I can write coverage as opinion pieces and reporting. I can also offer some form of painting inspired by the event for whatever your needs may be. I will pretty much do anything but have to stop at sexual favours. Or honour killing. Or anything too immoral although I could scare some innocent bystanders if urgently required to do so. (I'm quite strong for a girl. Honest!)
As for the world. I hope the book I write may cause a small ripple amongst people who choose to read it (should it ever get published). As I’m sure the whole world is aware, progressive Muslim voices are consistently drowned out by the drum of extremism and tabloid headlines. Generally my motto in life is to seek knowledge, express myself and do good deeds. If it sounds like crass hippy ideals it’s because it is. I recently wondered if consume and be consumed is a better alternative but was left feeling a little confused as to why I spend my time thinking about mottos. The world will probably not become a better place from me going but that doesn’t mean I won’t try and make it so. As I suppose most of us do in our own ways.
To whoever does get chosen to go. Suck the marrow out of the event! For all of us! And I'll try and contain my envy and send you good vibes. Man.