Memphis Democrat Column Week of 11/9/09

Greetings from Dancing Rabbit!

It is awfully warm and balmy for November don’t you think? I suppose I am still adjusting to the whimsical nature of, well nature and weather and rain, and not rain etc. It is likely that by the time you read this we will all be huddled up indoors all cozy to avoid the bitter cold!

Hi! My name is Danielle and I am a new resident at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage. I am originally from Northern California so you can imagine my surprise almost everyday when I wake up and greet the vastness of the horizon and sky not to mention the unpredictability of the weather. It has been so incredible becoming acquainted with the landscape and climate here. My partner, Boone, a Kansan, makes fun of me for being so utterly taken by all the different kinds of clouds. But I can’t help it, the sky has replaced the ocean for me and it is a never-ending source of awe. I do believe it is how I fell in love with this little corner of Northeastern Missouri. Since we (Boone and I) are fairly new residents, our time here at Dancing Rabbit so far has consisted of a lot of observing and absorbing. It is one thing to make the huge leap of faith it takes to move from a major metropolitan area to a rural environment with the intention of building a sustainable life for yourself, your family and your community, but to actually be here and experience the day- to -day reality of this experiment is humbling, beautiful and quite profound.

What stands out most to me as I observe and become a part of this community is the dedication people have to themselves, each other and the projects they take on.  Right now I can look out the window and watch Dan put the last patch of plaster on his two- story straw bale house, a project that was started in spring and is impressively close to being winterized. Oh yeah, and his roosters have finally learned to crow! Kurt and Alline continue to plan and scheme, build and beautify the Milkweed Mercantile with the same zeal they had when I met them last August. Ma'ikwe has moved in to her straw bale house out in the new neighborhood, and there is still time made for canning, cooking, playing, singing, eating and of course celebrating. Speaking of which, Halloween was a lovely, upbeat parade of transformed Rabbits. Dennis and Sharon dressed as the winds of change, and their dog Quila came as, well, a Quila monster. Thomas dressed as a dreamer in his striped pajamas and night -cap and Ali was an elephant. Mary Beth was an eggplant. There were Christmas caroling zombies, cats, fairies and ladybugs. It may go down as my favorite Halloween to date. There really is no shortage of imagination and spirit in this community that we were so lucky to have found. Even the dedication to Halloween was evident! 

Well, it is about noon and the clouds presently are forming a general wash of white and gray over-head. I think it’s time for lunch. It’s nice to meet all of you!

Very Sincerely,
Danielle Conover

Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is a nonprofit and a residential community that demonstrates ecological sustainability in Rutledge, MO. Our tour schedule and Visitor Program will resume in the spring of 2010. Please call us at (660)883-5511 or visit dancingrabbit.org for more information.