Burner Resume: Pocket Pickle

Burner Handle(s): Pocket Pickle, Grave Digger, or just Elita works for me.

Defaultia Region of Origin: The murder mitten. 

Years Burning/home burn: I’ve been burning since the original “Mudsaic”, which made Mosaic my home burn. So six years or something? 

NSFW: Not Safe For Woodchips?  

Role: DPW since 2016 and part of the MOrg since 2018 

Why: Probably masochism or some sort of altered mental status 

Why does your dept matter?

We pick shit up and put it back down to make the infrastructure aspect of Mosaic happen. We also make sure y’all have wood so you don’t freeze when Reclaim decides that it’s time to have some weather. 

Why does volunteering improve your burn/make you happy/work for you?

It enables me to get to know the community. I also definitely get a sense of fulfillment from making The Thing™ happen. 

Why should someone consider volunteering for you?

DPW is a good, hardworking group of people, but when we have downtime we definitely have a lot of fun together. Camping in the DPW ghetto is also, in and of itself, an experience. 

What's your favorite volunteer story?

Burners jumping in to help keep the roads through Reclaim intact. It’s amazing to see so many individuals offer their assistance at the drop of a hat without second thought. 

What's your best burner skill?

Snark. Maybe fixing shit unconventionally when it breaks.

What's your choice nugget of wisdom for a virgin burner?

Upgrade your tent stakes. Bring an umbrella. 

Why do you love burning?

I love the genuine interactions that I get to have with people and the disconnect from default. Watching people flourish in the space we create as a community is a gift. 

Have burns changed your life? How?

Shit yeah. They’ve made me a much better person in many ways. I can’t imagine who I’d be without the burn community. 

What does consent mean to you?

Consent means to me an enthusiastic “yes”. Consent also means being cognizant of those around you and the experiences you are subjecting them to, either advertently or inadvertently. 

Which principle is primary for you and why?

Civic Responsibility, because it extends into the default world, as well. 

What keeps you sane in Defaultia?

My wonderful friends and making art shit. What do you want to be when you grow up? Some weird old lady that lives in the woods and has a shitpile of plants and weird art. 

What's your drink of choice?

Unsweetened tea or lemon water with ice. Anything with ice. Pickle brine also works.