Ardent August Almanac
Love is still the only revenge. It grows each time the earth is set on fire.
–Ayisha Siddiqua, excerpt from “ON ANOTHER PANEL ABOUT CLIMATE, THEY ASK ME TO SELL THE FUTURE AND ALL I’VE GOT IS A LOVE POEM”*
Dear Friends,
At the July Community in the Round meeting, participants were asked to name a favorite summer fruit or vegetable. Mouth-watering descriptions amidst smiles and laughter ensued. Farmer Doug listed the many benefits that farm and forest endeavors bring to the community, and he wowed us with so many exciting projects—some ongoing, some imagined—that are manifesting here. People shared stories in small groups about what farming and being connected to land meant to them. No one wanted to stop when it was time for a break.
The meeting continued on a more solemn note. Katy and Anthony from Planning & Development offered the latest way they are trying to slice the development pie into realistic and workable segments. A look at the current financial picture revealed that (as with so much else in the world) “business as usual” won’t get us where we want to go. But persist we must, because this vision is too precious, too alive, too rich to NOT become true. Oh, and then we had a potluck liberally laced with foods from the farm to enjoy together.
A volunteer videographer, Random Gott, is giving members an opportunity to tell their stories about what brought them to Common Ground. When it was my turn, I surprised myself by saying that grief for the state of the world brought me here. But it’s love for the land; for this forming agrarian community, and for Earth herself that keeps me going through the obstacles.
We all are called to protect and sustain what we love. Common Ground needs your courage and contributions (including cash) to further unfold. The Almanac is your guide to many ways to engage. We hope you’ll come and put your heart into it.
See you at Common Ground,
Hope, for the Governance & Training Circle
