Your community park sounds like quite a haven, and a wonderful way to meet some of your new community--goats and turkeys and sequoia and oak trees and all!
Maidu is the name of the indigenous people whose homeland you now live in--the watersheds of the American and Feather rivers, and I think a little beyond those geographical boundaries. Their language is also called Maidu. The word translates as "person," as in when someone who doesn't speak your language asks, "Who are you?" You answer "Maidu," meaning, "I am a person." Which isn't necessarily the name you would call your cultural group! The Maidu have beautiful basket-weaving traditions as do many of the California indigenous groups. I know of them through the California Indian Basketweavers Association.
Thanks for the shout-out. Big hugs to you as you weave yourselves gradually into your new community.
Leave it to you, Sus, to know the origin of the name and everything that goes with it. I am a person. Your response to my post delighted me to no end. Thank you for taking the time and for educating me. Sending you love and other soulful weavings from the land of the Maidu. You are in my heart.
Because weaving is one of your metaphors and the Maidu are widely recognized as some of the finest basketweavers in California, here are two links you might appreciate. First, a historic collection of Maidu baskets in a variety of sizes from the Chico State archives: http://archives.csuchico.edu/digital/collection/coll42/id/492/
And then the link to the California Indian Basketweavers Association. If they ever hold their annual meeting up your way, you should go to see the breathtaking array of shapes and forms and designs from the different tribes: https://ciba.org
Moving to a new place as you elders is much harder than doing it when you are young. It takes courage and a different kind of work for sure but it sounds like you are well on your way.
I moved from Los Angeles to the ruralest of Northern Indiana. I love the access to animals and nature but it took a while and using marketplace to rebuild my home before I found a friend. And now I am volunteering with Friends of the Library and our local Trap Neuter Return. Two groups of people who must at least loosely share my values in their areas of focus.
Joyce, you are the courageous one! Look at the community you’ve created. When we finally get settled, I’m hoping to do some volunteer work at the food bank. And of course anything that involves libraries is an important community and advocacy in and of itself! You inspire me. Thank you.
Is it just me, or does your post this week read more like the classic myth of "finding the village (the promised land!) after a long wandering" ... where a beloved Sister‑Crone discovers that true kinship always reveals itself in unexpected forms ... goats, wild turkeys, softball sages, cloud-streaked skies and the beautiful, quiet fellowship of walkers.
Through my archetypal lens, I see you there as the "Wayfinder" one whose longing for belonging became the compass that led you to all this living, breathing commons. For Maidu Park feels like a Sanctuary Grove, a place where all sentient beings can gather under the watch of redwood sentries, restoring the ancient rhythm of neighbourliness.
And your reflections remind me that community is less a place than a practice ... and more a daily, gentle choosing to step back into the world’s great circle.
As for community ... I'm a campfire Maiden, Mother and Sister Crone at heart.
Love and light, always, your poet friend, Deborah 🙏💖✨🔥
THIS: “And your reflections remind me that community is less a place than a practice ... and more a daily, gentle choosing to step back into the world’s great circle.”
There is a sense of finding and discovery here, fueled by curiosity and desire — A desire for practice; for meeting myself in wild and ragged places that unfold in my heart as joy.
As always, I delight in your archetypal lens — a Wayfinder. Last year I read Homer’s Odyssey and the movie releases today. The story lights me up because of its arc — a classical tale of the journey life is — the longing for what we call home and the return to our essence in that sense. So Wayfinder works — I’ve been blessed with a life time of seeking paths that would bring me home to myself.
You are in my heart dear poet friend, dear sister crone. I will listen for your whispers in the rustle of leaves as continue to walk on.
Gotta love the goats. Mickey was curious about them, but they weren’t that interested in him. It was more like, “oh yeah, you’re a dog. Got it.” And then they’d go back to chomping weeds. I’m amused by all of it. Sending love.
I love this essay, and it makes me so happy that you are enjoying Roseville and walking in and discovering Maidu. It truly sounds like a beautiful community. I loved hearing about the goats; what a great idea to get rid of the weeds! And goats are adorable (I am a fellow animal lover)!
During these harrowing times, I'm sure it feels great to have such a peaceful connection with people -- a connection that is not defined by division, but unity: the kids coming over to pet Mickey (dogs have a way of drawing people), the walkers' conversation, the beauty of nature, the turkeys. So much goodness to take in, and it's wonderful that you are acclimating so well to this community. And now you are a part of it!
The word "community" can mean so many things. For me, I have a gym community, and while some friends exercise together, and I'm a solo act, I still love the common goal we all have -- to get in shape and be healthier.
Because I need to hone my drawing skills, I signed up for two art courses that are scheduled to begin in later August. People taking these courses also want to hone their drawing/sketching skills, so there's a commonality there. I am really looking forward to it.
Lastly, I totally get what you mean by plant community. I joined a local botanic garden, where there is so much peace and beauty and opportunities to walk among such a beauty. There's something about being around nature that relaxes us. I'm hoping to take my watercolors there and paint some plants via plein air.
Walking that little trail brings me so much peace and joy, Beth. And since I’m still hotel camping, which is getting rather tight, it feels great to have so much space to walk.
Artistic community and exercise community. I love those too. I look forward to getting back to Pilates. It’s amazing how much working on a home and just getting ready to move in can consume so much time!
Sending love and hugs your way my artist friend. You are in my heart.
This warms my heart, Stephanie, and I'm so glad you found a new, if different, community. As my little family is facing a move in the near future, I wish the same for us. So, did the goats return?
What a warm, supportive note, Stephanie — thanks so much. And thanks for slotting the goats' news first (no offense), as they were legitimately 1/2 the reason I commented! I'm thrilled they're back so you and all the other walkers can see them as you go along the path. I've always liked goats, but when I saw and read about goat yoga, I became an avid fan. I find them hilarious and vote with you and the goats on politics. Thanks for making my day!
Goat lovers are us. They're gentle creatures, really. I saw one standing on her hind legs trying to get something from a tree -- some kind of acorn, or tender leaf -- not sure, but she was really working it. Maybe there will be some goats in your new area -- they were a surprise to me here, but I love that the city uses them to keep the weeds in check. Win/win. Big hugs.
Reading this made my heart happy. I'm so glad you're settling in and discovering wonderful communities like Maidu Park. There's something about walking a dog that makes meeting and talking with people easier and more natural. They are bridge builders, for sure. All animals are. I'm not a big fan of goats, though, due to a bad experience, but hey, it sounds like they are important members of Maidu Park. So I hope they get to stay.
To me, community is all about familiarity and acceptance. As Susan said, havens. A place is not a community if it's not welcoming. I love how you pointed out life is full of countless little communities and yet we all belong to the big one that is mankind. And yes, plant-kin and animal-kin are very much part of community as well, and in some ways, are far easier to build and keep connections with.
I'll be discovering new communities soon, too. As an introvert, I'll have to push myself out the door but I will do it. In the meantime the packing, sorting, and letting go continues.
I enjoyed this essay immensely, my friend. Thank you.
New chapters are always a bit awkward, goats, neighbors, the right person to cut your hair -- I love finding the excitement in the newness. Do you have a move date yet?
We now have an official move in date of the 27th and I'm counting the days. Hotel camping is getting old and tired and we are ready to have a home with a yard where we can spread out.
No doubt that you will make friends and receive a warm welcome. I have only ever experienced you as a giving person. People pick up on that kind of thing and respond favorably. Still, I get it -- it's like being the new kid in school.
Sending you all good wishes for ease and peace in your move. Oh, and there's plenty of chaos too!!! It's the nature of the beast which I've been buffering with evening hot bubble baths and early morning walks in nature whenever I can. A chance to breathe deep and know it will all get settled eventually. I'm cheering for you.
We are presently waiting to learn our pickup and delivery dates. The sorting, packing, and tossing out continues. As does the second-guessing at times. lol
I'm glad you have a move-in date set now. Yay! Thank you so much for all your kind words and good wishes, too. They mean so much. I appreciate your cheering. Doing the same for you and can't wait to read more. Hugs.
I laughed out loud at the second-guessing. I have become the Queen of second-guessing. Counting five more nights in the hotel and then the move in and Nancy, it’s not a minute too soon. Happy sorting, clearing and packing. Biggest of hugs and smooth sailing.
I have always longed for a neighborhood community that felt, if not look like, Star's Hallow of Gilmore Girls!! Everyone knows each other, each other's business and at the bottom of any dispute is kindness and caring. My husband and I found that in our current neighborhood, near the campus of Syracuse University. Most of our neighbors work at SU and as new teaching positions open elsewhere, houses are sold and new teachers move in. There is a core of "Stay puts" and we are in that group; here for 20 some years. What I love about this neighborhood is that everyone sees it not just as the block or two where they live, but as "our neighborhood." We keep in touch through talks on the sidewalk, fall picnics and group emails. We alert each other if a new animal is spotted; currently a fox, usually a skunk. A month ago, our longest resident passed away at 93; we miss him and his crazy Greek sense of humor! Last summer the church that resides in "our neighborhood" opened a Community Fridge and several of us help stock and tend it. It's a wonderful place to live and chances are, if I have my way, we'll be here for a good long while more!
What a great recounting of your neighborhood, neighbors and community. I've been very Nomadic for most of my life . Rootedness is somewhat foreign, but rootedness has recently become a source for curiosity and discovery, for learning to open oneself, reach out to others and note the ways in which we are all connected. I love your story and I will keep it with me as I go through the next several days, a beautiful testimony to what it means to love and care for one another within a village (a neighborhood). Sending you love and hugs, my friend.
I’m so glad you’ve found a place that feels welcoming as you settle in. Your piece got me to thinking about where I find community on a daily basis. It’s the neighbors in my building, some I know better than others. We chat on the elevator, in the lobby, in the courtyard. We don’t know much about each other, maybe not even names, but we share a sense of urban community. As I walk along the river on the well worn pedestrian walkway, I greet my compatriots; not the runners, they move too fast and have serious business to attend. But the dog walkers, the moms with strollers, the active agers - we all give a wave, stop for a moment’s conversation about the weather. This, too feels like community. My neighborhood has a grocery store, big enough to have everything I might need, but small enough to get to know the staff. I stop there nearly every day. The same folks doing the same jobs, but most with time to say “Good Morning” or “How about those Knicks?” Stephanie, I’ve never given it much thought, but as good writers do, you tapped into the universal experience and engaged us in community with our comments. Thanks and I love the goats! 🌻
We are so on the same page, Rosemary — I’ve started noticing the places where there are other like minded people with whom I can connect — grocery stores, neighborhoods, a Pilates class, active agers along the trails and paths at the park. It’s like this feeling of being a part of something so much bigger than any one of us. As a couple of folks pointed out here, community is a practice. Sending you love and goodwill my friend.
It sounds like you're fitting in nicely in your new home. You've only been there a onth or so and already you have roots. For a few months now, I've thought about walking up and down the portion of my street that is relatively flat. Walking has become difficult on uneven surfaces, so I'm discouraged from doing much of it anywhere. I've lived on this street for sixteen years and received the friendly welcome of a neighbor next door. We haven't really bonded though. And I'm kind of embarrassed about it. Thus, the urge to walk up and down, past her house and others, hoping to see someone and talk, get acquainted, put down those roots you write about here. Meanwhile, my own community is made up of the plants in my gardens and the animals that visit. We have discovered a western toad has moved into the sprinkler control box. There's a leak in there and he finds it dark and damp to his satisfaction. There are also blue belly lizards that frequent that box and the patio and gardens. they are territorial and fight with the skinks who hang out on the other side of the house near where I can watch them all from the swing. (my posts this week) Birds and bees find shelter and nourishment in my garden. That is my "safe" community. This county is so political that I'm nervous about connecting with many folks, including my human neighbors. You are very lucky to have found a commodious place.
Nature is community too and it’s where I have always started my journey. And our Substack tribe of writers, storytellers and artists — this feels like community too. I’ve not made many friends in recent years, and being back in California feels like home to me, so I’m hoping to create some more relationships here, perhaps more varied than what I’ve opened myself to in the past. Sending you love, hugs, and (boy do I hear you) even trails.
I too love goats and I am so happy. They are in your neighborhood and that all will be fine with them.
Sounds like an amazing beginning of a new community for you. I’m so happy about that.
Community is sharing common interest as Abbey and Libby and Woody and I head off to common roots Farm for a morning of Gardening with a community of people who have disabilities.
There will be goats, dogs, and chickens
Libby just made a big smile cause she’s right here as I talk to text
Happy settling into your new community as a continues to grow and bring you kinship
The goats are back, and they don't like politics! I'm so glad you guys have a community garden. That sounds wonderful.
Settling into this new place is a big job and I ride the roller coaster between exhilaration and fatigue. There's so much to do -- but those daily walks in nature, as you know and live, are my salvation right now. They renew me. Tell your girls I can't wait to meet them and I send my love. Let's talk soon. Sending you all love and goodwill dear woman.
Your community park sounds like quite a haven, and a wonderful way to meet some of your new community--goats and turkeys and sequoia and oak trees and all!
Maidu is the name of the indigenous people whose homeland you now live in--the watersheds of the American and Feather rivers, and I think a little beyond those geographical boundaries. Their language is also called Maidu. The word translates as "person," as in when someone who doesn't speak your language asks, "Who are you?" You answer "Maidu," meaning, "I am a person." Which isn't necessarily the name you would call your cultural group! The Maidu have beautiful basket-weaving traditions as do many of the California indigenous groups. I know of them through the California Indian Basketweavers Association.
Thanks for the shout-out. Big hugs to you as you weave yourselves gradually into your new community.
Leave it to you, Sus, to know the origin of the name and everything that goes with it. I am a person. Your response to my post delighted me to no end. Thank you for taking the time and for educating me. Sending you love and other soulful weavings from the land of the Maidu. You are in my heart.
Because weaving is one of your metaphors and the Maidu are widely recognized as some of the finest basketweavers in California, here are two links you might appreciate. First, a historic collection of Maidu baskets in a variety of sizes from the Chico State archives: http://archives.csuchico.edu/digital/collection/coll42/id/492/
And then the link to the California Indian Basketweavers Association. If they ever hold their annual meeting up your way, you should go to see the breathtaking array of shapes and forms and designs from the different tribes: https://ciba.org
xo to you!
Okay, you are truly my hero today! Thank you for these.
Moving to a new place as you elders is much harder than doing it when you are young. It takes courage and a different kind of work for sure but it sounds like you are well on your way.
I moved from Los Angeles to the ruralest of Northern Indiana. I love the access to animals and nature but it took a while and using marketplace to rebuild my home before I found a friend. And now I am volunteering with Friends of the Library and our local Trap Neuter Return. Two groups of people who must at least loosely share my values in their areas of focus.
Joyce, you are the courageous one! Look at the community you’ve created. When we finally get settled, I’m hoping to do some volunteer work at the food bank. And of course anything that involves libraries is an important community and advocacy in and of itself! You inspire me. Thank you.
Dear Stephanie,
Oh I’m so happy for you!
Is it just me, or does your post this week read more like the classic myth of "finding the village (the promised land!) after a long wandering" ... where a beloved Sister‑Crone discovers that true kinship always reveals itself in unexpected forms ... goats, wild turkeys, softball sages, cloud-streaked skies and the beautiful, quiet fellowship of walkers.
Through my archetypal lens, I see you there as the "Wayfinder" one whose longing for belonging became the compass that led you to all this living, breathing commons. For Maidu Park feels like a Sanctuary Grove, a place where all sentient beings can gather under the watch of redwood sentries, restoring the ancient rhythm of neighbourliness.
And your reflections remind me that community is less a place than a practice ... and more a daily, gentle choosing to step back into the world’s great circle.
As for community ... I'm a campfire Maiden, Mother and Sister Crone at heart.
Love and light, always, your poet friend, Deborah 🙏💖✨🔥
THIS: “And your reflections remind me that community is less a place than a practice ... and more a daily, gentle choosing to step back into the world’s great circle.”
There is a sense of finding and discovery here, fueled by curiosity and desire — A desire for practice; for meeting myself in wild and ragged places that unfold in my heart as joy.
As always, I delight in your archetypal lens — a Wayfinder. Last year I read Homer’s Odyssey and the movie releases today. The story lights me up because of its arc — a classical tale of the journey life is — the longing for what we call home and the return to our essence in that sense. So Wayfinder works — I’ve been blessed with a life time of seeking paths that would bring me home to myself.
You are in my heart dear poet friend, dear sister crone. I will listen for your whispers in the rustle of leaves as continue to walk on.
Lovely! I know Roseville well. May you thrive and enjoy it all, including the goats!
Gotta love the goats. Mickey was curious about them, but they weren’t that interested in him. It was more like, “oh yeah, you’re a dog. Got it.” And then they’d go back to chomping weeds. I’m amused by all of it. Sending love.
🩷
Hi Stephanie,
I love this essay, and it makes me so happy that you are enjoying Roseville and walking in and discovering Maidu. It truly sounds like a beautiful community. I loved hearing about the goats; what a great idea to get rid of the weeds! And goats are adorable (I am a fellow animal lover)!
During these harrowing times, I'm sure it feels great to have such a peaceful connection with people -- a connection that is not defined by division, but unity: the kids coming over to pet Mickey (dogs have a way of drawing people), the walkers' conversation, the beauty of nature, the turkeys. So much goodness to take in, and it's wonderful that you are acclimating so well to this community. And now you are a part of it!
The word "community" can mean so many things. For me, I have a gym community, and while some friends exercise together, and I'm a solo act, I still love the common goal we all have -- to get in shape and be healthier.
Because I need to hone my drawing skills, I signed up for two art courses that are scheduled to begin in later August. People taking these courses also want to hone their drawing/sketching skills, so there's a commonality there. I am really looking forward to it.
Lastly, I totally get what you mean by plant community. I joined a local botanic garden, where there is so much peace and beauty and opportunities to walk among such a beauty. There's something about being around nature that relaxes us. I'm hoping to take my watercolors there and paint some plants via plein air.
Walking that little trail brings me so much peace and joy, Beth. And since I’m still hotel camping, which is getting rather tight, it feels great to have so much space to walk.
Artistic community and exercise community. I love those too. I look forward to getting back to Pilates. It’s amazing how much working on a home and just getting ready to move in can consume so much time!
Sending love and hugs your way my artist friend. You are in my heart.
Happy you are discovering your new community. Welcome back to California, my dear.
Thanks, Len. We are loving it here and can’t wait to move into our new home. Counting the days . . . Big hugs.
Can’t wait to hear more!
Love the goats trimming the grass and weeds! Good for goats and everyone else, too!
This warms my heart, Stephanie, and I'm so glad you found a new, if different, community. As my little family is facing a move in the near future, I wish the same for us. So, did the goats return?
The goats DID indeed return. I saw them late yesterday. I don’t think they are fans of politics and I can’t say that I blame them.
May your move be smooth and may your find your people and new joys in your new home. All goodwill my friend and big hugs.
What a warm, supportive note, Stephanie — thanks so much. And thanks for slotting the goats' news first (no offense), as they were legitimately 1/2 the reason I commented! I'm thrilled they're back so you and all the other walkers can see them as you go along the path. I've always liked goats, but when I saw and read about goat yoga, I became an avid fan. I find them hilarious and vote with you and the goats on politics. Thanks for making my day!
Goat lovers are us. They're gentle creatures, really. I saw one standing on her hind legs trying to get something from a tree -- some kind of acorn, or tender leaf -- not sure, but she was really working it. Maybe there will be some goats in your new area -- they were a surprise to me here, but I love that the city uses them to keep the weeds in check. Win/win. Big hugs.
Hi Stephanie,
Reading this made my heart happy. I'm so glad you're settling in and discovering wonderful communities like Maidu Park. There's something about walking a dog that makes meeting and talking with people easier and more natural. They are bridge builders, for sure. All animals are. I'm not a big fan of goats, though, due to a bad experience, but hey, it sounds like they are important members of Maidu Park. So I hope they get to stay.
To me, community is all about familiarity and acceptance. As Susan said, havens. A place is not a community if it's not welcoming. I love how you pointed out life is full of countless little communities and yet we all belong to the big one that is mankind. And yes, plant-kin and animal-kin are very much part of community as well, and in some ways, are far easier to build and keep connections with.
I'll be discovering new communities soon, too. As an introvert, I'll have to push myself out the door but I will do it. In the meantime the packing, sorting, and letting go continues.
I enjoyed this essay immensely, my friend. Thank you.
New chapters are always a bit awkward, goats, neighbors, the right person to cut your hair -- I love finding the excitement in the newness. Do you have a move date yet?
We now have an official move in date of the 27th and I'm counting the days. Hotel camping is getting old and tired and we are ready to have a home with a yard where we can spread out.
No doubt that you will make friends and receive a warm welcome. I have only ever experienced you as a giving person. People pick up on that kind of thing and respond favorably. Still, I get it -- it's like being the new kid in school.
Sending you all good wishes for ease and peace in your move. Oh, and there's plenty of chaos too!!! It's the nature of the beast which I've been buffering with evening hot bubble baths and early morning walks in nature whenever I can. A chance to breathe deep and know it will all get settled eventually. I'm cheering for you.
We are presently waiting to learn our pickup and delivery dates. The sorting, packing, and tossing out continues. As does the second-guessing at times. lol
I'm glad you have a move-in date set now. Yay! Thank you so much for all your kind words and good wishes, too. They mean so much. I appreciate your cheering. Doing the same for you and can't wait to read more. Hugs.
I laughed out loud at the second-guessing. I have become the Queen of second-guessing. Counting five more nights in the hotel and then the move in and Nancy, it’s not a minute too soon. Happy sorting, clearing and packing. Biggest of hugs and smooth sailing.
I have always longed for a neighborhood community that felt, if not look like, Star's Hallow of Gilmore Girls!! Everyone knows each other, each other's business and at the bottom of any dispute is kindness and caring. My husband and I found that in our current neighborhood, near the campus of Syracuse University. Most of our neighbors work at SU and as new teaching positions open elsewhere, houses are sold and new teachers move in. There is a core of "Stay puts" and we are in that group; here for 20 some years. What I love about this neighborhood is that everyone sees it not just as the block or two where they live, but as "our neighborhood." We keep in touch through talks on the sidewalk, fall picnics and group emails. We alert each other if a new animal is spotted; currently a fox, usually a skunk. A month ago, our longest resident passed away at 93; we miss him and his crazy Greek sense of humor! Last summer the church that resides in "our neighborhood" opened a Community Fridge and several of us help stock and tend it. It's a wonderful place to live and chances are, if I have my way, we'll be here for a good long while more!
What a great recounting of your neighborhood, neighbors and community. I've been very Nomadic for most of my life . Rootedness is somewhat foreign, but rootedness has recently become a source for curiosity and discovery, for learning to open oneself, reach out to others and note the ways in which we are all connected. I love your story and I will keep it with me as I go through the next several days, a beautiful testimony to what it means to love and care for one another within a village (a neighborhood). Sending you love and hugs, my friend.
I’m so glad you’ve found a place that feels welcoming as you settle in. Your piece got me to thinking about where I find community on a daily basis. It’s the neighbors in my building, some I know better than others. We chat on the elevator, in the lobby, in the courtyard. We don’t know much about each other, maybe not even names, but we share a sense of urban community. As I walk along the river on the well worn pedestrian walkway, I greet my compatriots; not the runners, they move too fast and have serious business to attend. But the dog walkers, the moms with strollers, the active agers - we all give a wave, stop for a moment’s conversation about the weather. This, too feels like community. My neighborhood has a grocery store, big enough to have everything I might need, but small enough to get to know the staff. I stop there nearly every day. The same folks doing the same jobs, but most with time to say “Good Morning” or “How about those Knicks?” Stephanie, I’ve never given it much thought, but as good writers do, you tapped into the universal experience and engaged us in community with our comments. Thanks and I love the goats! 🌻
We are so on the same page, Rosemary — I’ve started noticing the places where there are other like minded people with whom I can connect — grocery stores, neighborhoods, a Pilates class, active agers along the trails and paths at the park. It’s like this feeling of being a part of something so much bigger than any one of us. As a couple of folks pointed out here, community is a practice. Sending you love and goodwill my friend.
It sounds awesome, Stephanie! 💕
West coast! I’m falling in love with it.
It sounds like you're fitting in nicely in your new home. You've only been there a onth or so and already you have roots. For a few months now, I've thought about walking up and down the portion of my street that is relatively flat. Walking has become difficult on uneven surfaces, so I'm discouraged from doing much of it anywhere. I've lived on this street for sixteen years and received the friendly welcome of a neighbor next door. We haven't really bonded though. And I'm kind of embarrassed about it. Thus, the urge to walk up and down, past her house and others, hoping to see someone and talk, get acquainted, put down those roots you write about here. Meanwhile, my own community is made up of the plants in my gardens and the animals that visit. We have discovered a western toad has moved into the sprinkler control box. There's a leak in there and he finds it dark and damp to his satisfaction. There are also blue belly lizards that frequent that box and the patio and gardens. they are territorial and fight with the skinks who hang out on the other side of the house near where I can watch them all from the swing. (my posts this week) Birds and bees find shelter and nourishment in my garden. That is my "safe" community. This county is so political that I'm nervous about connecting with many folks, including my human neighbors. You are very lucky to have found a commodious place.
Nature is community too and it’s where I have always started my journey. And our Substack tribe of writers, storytellers and artists — this feels like community too. I’ve not made many friends in recent years, and being back in California feels like home to me, so I’m hoping to create some more relationships here, perhaps more varied than what I’ve opened myself to in the past. Sending you love, hugs, and (boy do I hear you) even trails.
Thank you, Stephanie, for the excellent article about community. So appropriate. Best wishes as you settle into your new home. Louise
Thanks, Louise. Especially now, community, the word with “unity” in it, seems most important and appropriate to our times. Big hugs.
Hello dear friend,
I too love goats and I am so happy. They are in your neighborhood and that all will be fine with them.
Sounds like an amazing beginning of a new community for you. I’m so happy about that.
Community is sharing common interest as Abbey and Libby and Woody and I head off to common roots Farm for a morning of Gardening with a community of people who have disabilities.
There will be goats, dogs, and chickens
Libby just made a big smile cause she’s right here as I talk to text
Happy settling into your new community as a continues to grow and bring you kinship
Love p
The goats are back, and they don't like politics! I'm so glad you guys have a community garden. That sounds wonderful.
Settling into this new place is a big job and I ride the roller coaster between exhilaration and fatigue. There's so much to do -- but those daily walks in nature, as you know and live, are my salvation right now. They renew me. Tell your girls I can't wait to meet them and I send my love. Let's talk soon. Sending you all love and goodwill dear woman.
What community
looks like… petting neighbors’ dogs,
smiling at-work goats.
Gotta love those at-work goats. They make me grin just thinking about them! Sending you love and goodwill.