“Let the tent be struck.” — Robert E. Lee

I used to drive a Ford van. It was a big green, gas-guzzling machine, but I loved it. She was almost like an institution of my life; ‘the girl with the van,’ that was me. I could haul people & things & even used the van for sleepovers & camping once or twice.

Come to think of it, I’ve slept in some weird places. Not only in the van, but on a trampoline & in church pews. What can I say? I’m good at sleep. But I still haven’t slept in a blanket fort—you know what’s coming up next—till last night.

My brother & I used to make sofa cushion forts & play all sorts of games in our little world, but I think Mom always had us put things away before bed. I felt like a kid as I was putting the blankets together, creating a little cave with blankets & chairs. Layered blankets, pillows & my bear completed the inside of my den. Crawling inside, I let my sleepiness do it’s thing. I woke up a few times throughout the night trying to find a comfortable position & stay warm. When I finally emerged I realized why people don’t usually do this after the age of ten. My back was kicking me & muttering doubts as to my decision-making skills.

But would I do this again? Heck yes! I like caves/homey holes. Not nasty, dirty, wet holes, but comfortable ones. So next time I’ll put an air mattress in it or just build it over my bed 🙂