Memphis Democrat Column Week of 9/21/09

Aloha from Nani this week with Dancing Rabbit updates.

This week a bunch of folks from Dancing Rabbit biked, walked, car-pooled it down to the Rutledge Festival. My daughter and I biked together for the first time together, seeing as mommy just learned how to ride a bike. Just another reason why living in the country and an eco-village is so great, you get to learn new things everyday. So, after our peaceful ride through the fields we came into the festival greeted by jumping frogs and happily shrieking children. The town children where thick in competition with frog racing. Elle (my daughter) couldn’t wait to get in the race. Actually, the race turned out to be more of frog chasing. Elle, in fact, chased less and looked as though she were playing defense in an ultimate frisbee game. Besides kid fun, there were booths selling local wares, crafts, and food. When I arrived Alline and Marke were sitting at our table selling baked goods. Alline reported that we did fairly well and had an angel donate to our cause. A lot of love went into our bake sale and a lot of love will be given in return for everyone’s support. Thank you. What else? Ah, Rachel square danced and Lily and I were nearly 2009 back seat driver champions. However, we were beaten by Gladie and Oren (most worthy adversaries). We didn’t stand a chance against Oren. I believe that Oren was one with the tractor and though he was blind folded he drove better than I ever could have with glasses and GPS. We all mingled, laughed, Dave played mandolin. It was a great day.

Dan and Danielle are newly arrived residents and my new neighbors. They bring great new and exciting energy to our community with entertainment and laughter. Both Dan and Danielle are performers and we have the fortunate opportunity to watch them figure out what fun stuff they will use in their next act. Yeah! One day, all dressed in clown outfits that they fashioned, they had a photo shoot with Ziggy. I wonder if the children ever figured out who the clowns really were. I kinda hope that the kids didn’t figure it out, it’s always fun to keep the magic of kid-hood as long as we can.

Juan, Amy, and Jolyon returned home too. I must admit that it is nice to see them back on the grassy pavers and elsewhere for their daily walks. I’m sure Skyhouse feels back to normal having their family returned. Besides, it’s always better when you get to ogle over a baby and he’s so darned cute.

Joan visited for a spell too. Although, I didn’t get to visit with her much, my kitchen table is loaded with squash and tomatoes. Joan is from Red Earth Farms, but has been away. So, when she came back her garden was over run with produce. Hooray for me. And people say gardening is work. Just kidding gardeners! I admire your hard work and love it when you bring me food.

The Timberframe is looking amazing. Jennifer and her crew have been getting tons done. Ma’ikwe’s house has strawbale walls and light clay straw happening. I’ve never done natural building before and all I can say is what we all do at Dancing Rabbit in the way of building is ever so cool. Dan and Dan and Mary Beth have suddenly warp-speeded their construction. Friends can be so inspiring.

We also have a bunch of new doggies. Three new dogs, to be exact…unless, you haven’t heard of  Quila… then four. They are all getting along fairly well. My dog is finally off-leash and loving it. Mister (our dog) is a ratter too, so hopefully he’ll not only be beloved pet, but working dog too.

Well my friends, other than that, all is well with the Rabbits. We are getting a little colder here, but nothing too significant. We still work hard and enjoy life well. Love our friends and families here and everywhere. Well, I’m off to practice my back seat driving skills. Next year we will be the champions at the Rutledge Fall Festival!

Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is an intentional community in Rutledge, Missouri practicing ecological sustainability. We offer tours 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month through October. Our next tour is our Annual Open House which will run from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. No reservations are necessary. To find Dancing Rabbit, simply get to Rutledge and then follow the signs. For more information, please see our website at www.dancingrabbit.org.