Land Community Gatherings

[oldwolf]

Land, Community, Gatherings

Land, Community, Gatherings

Does this speak to you ? Set up a time to come visit - (open house on the weekends closest to solstices and equinoxes - or set up a different time if needed) and check out the land and people.
Preparations are under way to open this land up (still feel that starting a non-profit is one of the most important first steps of community making sure that the community as a Whole should have it's own individual recognition and voice. -* :-o Any one out there got or know of someone with some of the legal expertise needed for that ! Need some help in that area. Some have asked, why the N-P (Non [not for] Profit), any buildings on the land increases tax base - many N-Ps are exempt from property taxes. As well, you never know, someone may wish to give you a donation-grant, if they can claim an exemption on their taxes; there is also a large network of organizations that do grants to nonprofits.
Because I have been moving in this direction and partaking in like oriented events, brainstorming with others and slowly formalizing ground rules that enhance the quality of life rather than inhibit, have assumed an important part of the work. Well this missive is mainly to make sure that we can communicate as well as give you a flavor about whatever --... We are very careful about with whom we share ; to bring people who add only chaos is as bad as discouraging through rejection. Dissension is the biggest enemy of harmonious participation and it only takes one person to make a living situation uncomfortable. After living and working day in and out with a person, we should have a good idea of who they are. I accept constructive discussion but not destructive behavior, and am very willing to err on the side of caution and cast my black rock should an incoming seeker not strike me as beneficial to the community as a whole. Remember every time you bring someone into this kind of endeavor you change the goals and orientation, you change your space and what you strive for, as you bring their goals and dreams into working order for the Whole. I feel it is very important, especially in this society not to encourage co-dependency. An old Indian saying says "be careful around two hearts lest you become a two heart". If you have not read it, a quick perusal of "Co-depend no more" might stand you in good stead for dealing with the many who wish to be "saved". As we "help" others escape from the consequences of their actions, we take from them the most important thing this life has to offer - Learning and Personal Growth.

[oldwolf]

Many are the byways and hidden places where people of like mind hide in the woodwork and even some places where they flourish with a supporting network like many of us in the east could only wish for. The West which drew so many of us back when, was like a haven, where instead of striving to find 1 or 2 kindred souls in our staid communities, we found people who looked deep within and greeted your spirit - this on a continual basis and from what would be perfect strangers back here in the east. Course times have changed (ah the one constant) and many snowbirds have landed in the west and befoul the air with the pollution of the overcrowding and leave their droppings behind, not recognizing how fragile the desert environment is. Some of these are even the hippies of yor returning to places they valued so highly back when they too were starry eyed and full of the wonder of a new mindset full of awesome possibilities - before so many of us had children and the programming of "growing up" insidiously found its way into the shoulds of providing for the care of the offspring. Wonderful grounding agents that kids are they should have brought about a wondrous time of bringing a new environment of respect for the whole of creation into manifestation, taking it from a blissful way the world should be in the minds of those sharing the dream into a reality for our children's sake and a place where we could be at one with the earth and steward and care with respect for her blessings... - but so many of us got lost in the programs of the masses who had come before and handed down to us the shoulds of providing more opportunities for getting ahead for our children and spaced out that particular mindset was one of the things we had rebelled against. Seems to be a time for many people to try to gather themselves for the next shift in reality, combining resources and energy and desiring to live with people of like-mindedness ...- We strive on. The following is a gathering of information, collated together in one such attempt in the finger lakes region of NY. Any information or concepts are free to all to re-combine with their own formulations.
My family bought 126 acre hollow in '70. We had a mile long dead end road leading solely to the hollow. Gathered to date are 175 acres (free and clear). The land is so situated (shaped) as to provide easy out of sight and sound locations for individual dwellings and retreats (which I see as being interchanged according to the amount of residences present - storing personal belongings when not present so that the dwelling place can be used by others). Have about 135 acres of the 176 that are wooded (though mostly not with good cash crop trees), and so I see building with cordwood as a natural (Building The Cordwood Home by Jack Henstridge - published and distributed by Saint Annes Point Press - P.O. Box 691 - Fredericton, , N.B. Canada, E3B 4K9 - 4th printing 1980) . Cordwood builds best in the round with the diameter small enough to use logs as floor joists and rafters (I see 3 story towers with top story being open deck, covered if possible with structural glass making a pyramid to be under the stars; first floor cooking - company space and second sleeping - private space -...... but hey we all help anyone build whatever design they want, as long as there is no mutiny arising from it). Nearest neighbor is about 1 mile as the crow flies, and 2 miles as walked or driven. I've always enjoyed the freedom that out of sight and sound gives one so that others not so freedom oriented would be offended by those of us that prefer at our own discretion to be au natural. Decided that not flaunting it would be appropriate especially if we have alternatives exposition times & gatherings being open to the public. Water power would be extremely feasible; at present there is ½ acre pond with about 35' drop, about 7 springs/seeps, and a steam that does not usually feed the wetlands across the highway year round and contains no fish (a positive for diverting water). Tops of hills would also provide wind power. This is a real hollow : surrounded on three sides by large hills, the bottom land of the hollow is about 60 tillable acres with the hillsides being forested. The bottom of the hollow slopes down to an East facing mouth where the stream (not usually year round) from the watershed cuts through a narrow (about 100 yds) gap. From there, is a lower ridge that girdles the hills and leads down to the valley floor, which has a river and wet-lands. There are no buildings on the land save the collapsed house (which has a working well [no pump in it but I have a new one], an old septic system that must be replaced, and an old spur electric line abandoned in '74), and much equipment and supplies set aside over the years I now have a 1 & 7/10 mile rough driveway, up one side of a big hill across the top and down into the hollow. All of the first third of the driveway is up a N. facing steep climb (icy in the winter) and most of the across the top, about 1 mile, is a legal right of way through a neighbors property (He has 150 acres and was willing to sell the 100 acres the drive is on @$400/acre). About 5 years ago I bought 48+ acres adjoining. To put an all weather rd. through I would buy 20 landlocked acres from 1 neighbor and 77 landlocked acres from another neighbor. I expect those 100 acres to run about $15,000.00. To control the watershed [necessary for real organic growing in a world of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizer] will take min of 750 acres ideally more like 1,500 acres) - also gathered are building materials, equipment and for many years a gathering of ideas from many sources.

[oldwolf]

Too many of those that others called hippies have left behind in the realm of 'guess that's not going to happen' the dreams and visions that many shared of living with like minded people, growing closer to our higher selves and Being that is the I we would really like to Be...but sometimes have trouble translating into the material world. I found myself in the position of having to 'make it happen' on my own. Course that does not feel like what we want. We still search for that togetherness. Been working on this for longer than I care to think about, but it was a good place to raise my kids (off on their own now).
I've been involved in quite a few groups - mostly in NM and Az and have seen first hand what ego games and not holding the same ideas in common do even to committed people. Leaders who try to hold to a narrow vision or hold too much power are a bane to the kind of individuals needed to make a community happen; and so I think in terms of legal entity ownership and consensus decisions.
NY is not really the place I had in mind for a community, but the land is cheap and bountiful, the water plentiful, and the winters provide free nitrogen fixation (snow) and a very real sense of rebirth in the spring. People of Like Mindedness are easier to find out West, but then this area actually needs it more. Being that communications are the most important part of any peoples trying to work in groups, I hope that you will find in yourself a will to respond in kind. I've been long time dreaming of community.
My hope is to someday provide a platform for ; 1)public access to alt. energy and Gaya friendly endeavors; to show that we can not only be part of the cycles in nature, but can actually profit from it as well. (Living at present in the "east" it is important to these dirt farmers to be able to see that they can profit from these methods and so move them to change from the prevalent earth killing ways) 2) provide a place for retreats so that people can STOP and regroup and have remembrance - too often we are too close to the trees and forget the forest. 3)so many of us have a dream of community but we also dream of traveling. How do we keep a home base gig going and travel also. So much homesteading demands constant attention, one way seems to have enough involved for a rotating staff of like minded people; so we know we have a home base to come back to with the waysharers that we love.

BTW : Was a union carpenter (let my card lapse in "80), spent most of my construction experience as an Ind. Gen. Contractor: as well as conventional building experience, built cordwood and adobe, worked with both active and passive solar; have heavy equipment operation experience, and experience in mechanics for regular vehicles, trucks, and heavy equipment. Have on hand, tools and equipment needed for all of the previously mentioned (- some need work or maintenance before use): saws: (radial arm [2] as well as electric miter box [10"] & regular power saws, a few chain saws, a buzz saw ; drills, cement mixer, and many tools for farming both hand and tractor pulled. There are already; 2 bulldozers (1 for parts), a track loader (needs repair), a large (3 ton, 27' reach) backhoe attachment. 6 tractors, 9) 4 wheel drive vehicle, 5 trucks with dumps(1 regular and 4 stake bed, 1 with hay bale picker), 2 flat beds, 2 busses (1 full of construction tempered glass, some double paned), 1 big truck with tow boom, 3 more pickups (2 wheel), 3 vans (used for storage now), and many cars - some of which are still operative (some saved for parts - after parts are salvaged [stored in barn], most of the passenger vehicles go to a friends junk yard) - all the vehicles need some degree of maintenance and repair. have as well: 2 house trailers (1 must be cut in 2 because of roof collapse and collateral damage to the floor, 4 travel trailers, 1 pickup camper. Leaving some things out... - been gathering for community for a long time.

[oldwolf]

What follows is an ongoing unfoldment: Statement of Purpose and proposals for enactment. This material is to help collate ideas on a non-profit organization, the purpose of which is to facilitate awareness expansion and potential fulfillment.
Non-profit and community land (a non-profit co-op?)

We seek nurturing people, interested in harmoniously balancing all within the natural cycles; willing to use both existing and alternative energies and technologies, along with caring for the earth; to manifest an environment that is conducive to developing inner and outer awareness expansion, and a space for all to grow.

Goals :
Manifest on earth, make a difference
Spiritual: awareness of self - over-self - god-self
Emotional: balanced conscious remembrance
Mental : disciplines of projection
Physical : expand awareness potential
Living in harmony with the whole of the earth and all that inhabit it, conscious that all are part of the greater universe; nurture & stimulate awareness of the greater sphere: search, create, act, interact, exchange, extend, correlate, store, communicate, fulfill potential. Consciously form circles - sharing - spiraling - make a ripple wherever you are - be the being you wish to be - Make the dream a reality.
There are various ways and means by which this may be accomplished. The ideal is found within the cyclic forces of nature. System should feed system, all aiding in the overall goal of creating energy for the purpose of developing potential and expanding awareness.
The scope of ideas expressed here are but few of the many ways this concept may be actualized, encouragement is given to explore the other avenues, and not be limited to these concepts.

The N-P status requirements will be met on Spiritual, Educational, and Social fields of endeavor :
Spiritual: Conferences given of an eclective nature (i.e. non-denominational), retreats, classes, group studies, and research for understanding and active participation in the Meta-concepts of interest.
Educational: research and development, and dissemination of resulting information ; subjects of study are the following, but not limited to: spiritual-emotional-physical interdimensional studies, sources of energy that react harmoniously with the bio-sphere, the appropriate use of technologies to enhance the quality of life for all. Projects are encouraged to demonstrate any findings and ramifications of these ideas and areas of parallel interests to this organization.
Social: giving active examples of studies to the public and participating in the existing order so as to affect changes, to build understanding and cooperation with the planet and the life on it.

Some areas of endeavor :
Greeenhouses - south-facing solar heated using 55 gal. water drums, plus heated Bio-mass slurry for both plant food and heat, wood stove back up as needed (Note: greenhouses dug into South-facing slope, approx. 3 stories high/deep should keep mean temperature near 55 F prior to heating). Provides: seedling, starts, fruits and vegetables year round, sellable produce and plants.
Generating power:
Wind - because of the distance the energy gained needs to travel, the best use would be some type of storage.
Water - utilizing a 35' drop, a 9" pipe should provide enough head to provide 50 KW.. Existing pond would have to be enlarged, and a series of bunker holding ponds (Fish farms) using Ram pumps and one powered pump (Alt. fuel), to replace water used to create electricity.
Solar - all buildings would support both hot air and hot water and photo-voltaics.
Bio-Mass - utilizing the natural slopes of the land, waste products could be gathered at the lower end of the property and produce heat, methane, and fertilizers (both solid and slurry).
Fish, Worm Farms - all ponds can be used to grow fish, worm farms would provide castings for soil, aeration for the soil, food for fish and poultry as well as a cash crop.
Organic Farming - gardening for the production of herbs (medicinal, culinary, and for beverages), vegetables, fruits -- in short all edible plants; and the study to aid in their propagation, hardiness, and productivity.
Distillation - using the resources and waste of the surrounding areas, create fuels (methanol, ethanol, hydrogen, oxygen to list some), marketing the various by-products (yeast, mash [as animal feed or alternatively as ingredients for the bio-mass project], etc.); and utilizing the heat generated for productive results for any thermal needs as may be indicated; using the water needed to cool the distillation process both as a thermal source and holding ponds as a culture medium (algae, yeasts, breeding ponds, growth of tropical fish and plants).
Research and Development - search for better ways to live in harmony with ourselves and our environment : Heat-Flow-Cycling - Electricity, Hydrolysis, Ceramics Superconductivity , Cryogenics , Distillation , Tesla Mechanics ; Alt. Materials, Fuel, Energy, and Storage.
Information, Publishing Service & Outreach Program - whereby the best ideas and concepts are brought to the public by way of display (EFC) so that the information may be passed on and made available by way of working models and facilitate in communicating ideas and concepts that enhance the quality of life.

[oldwolf]

RULES OF ORDER USED TO REGULATE :
Unanimous consent and agreement of all non abstaining to :
make a rule or break a rule;
that the incoming individual is a beneficial complement to the community (6 months full residency before vote).
All rules formulated, and validated once a year by consensus but individuals may abstain from voting. .
75% or consensus of all, none abstaining, is needed to ask someone to leave - 6 months probation may be invoked.
MEMBERS: - As members, dues are $(?) per month or 25 hrs of work time per week, which provide for:
Members have community land as well as Non-Profit voting privileges. The functions and fruits of the Land are provided by the N.P.(food, water, shelter, heat and what social amenities the Land might offer).
Community property is leased only to members: consisting of 1 acre plus domicile for the lifetime of the member, expiring with either the individual's or the community's separation of ways, and reverts to the community. Improvements, with the community's prior approval, made to the lease by the individual acting alone, are to be paid to any individual leaving the community @ $5.00 per hour, plus materials; or a compromise with the value of the improvement; outside arbitration being binding.
Domiciles (community built i.e. approved plans and with community labor and materials) Any new member chooses either from existing buildings or, with approval, from a new site (to be built). Because of the nomadic nature of many, when leaving for any extended period the residence is emptied of private personal material and stored at the community storage; and the building is then available for retreats, seminars, residences for others or any other community activity.Returning members have first call on previously lived in domicile, may trade buildings, or build another - all being in agreement.
Any member who is absent for more than 1 yr. and has not made arrangements to be back in residence within 18 months, becomes an associate and loose membership land voting rights until they re-establish residency. (This protects the community and keeps the power in the hands of those who live there)
ASSOCIATES: - those who help, and may or may not live on the Land; visits, retreats, seminars, work and other community functions are open to them and their input is valued. Associates do not have dues (if not living on the land) nor community land voting rights, but do have Non- Profit voting rights.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS - associates that have been given full voting rights for the land by the unanimous agreement of the community members.
LIVING TRUST DOWRY (tools, machinery, land , materials of any sort that aid the N.P.'s said purpose) - may be made to the N.P. by way of written agreement; the terms and disposal of which will be at the discretion of each individual and the Non-Profit (kind of a dowry with strings attached - The non profit takes over and uses your assets as it's own. You come to agreement with the N.P. as to the value attached starts up an account with you personally. The non- profit has responsibility to maintain sufficient assets to balance all accounts. Should the non- profit or you wish to go separate ways the accounts balance must be paid in full within a reasonable time period.
SUGGEST YOU MAINTAIN ENOUGH ASSETS AS TO INSURE AUTONOMY.

Here's my take on it from the land perspective - as I see it : Work to be done - that's a real bone chewer, so much depends on money resources and people to do the work. Most if not all of the work should ideally be done before a large gathering - however given the nature of the beast.....
Right now there's 175 a.; for a large celebration 2 additional pieces of land must be Purchased: 1) @77 acres which has the stage sites and main listening area 2) the other 20 a. which is where a all season road large enough so semis can bring up the staging and sound equipment. Both are landlocked so the cost should not be much over $100/a. Then the road system itself must be built Forest must be cleaned (downed limbs & trees, upheaved trees, and holes filled) to make it safe. The springs, waterways and ponds should be in place (developed and bunker dams built) plus holding tanks for water both in place and for truck hauling (have 2 trash pumps [gas powered] and 2 shallow well pumps [electric powered]). This shall entail some heavy equipment and moving of earth, the bottom pond on the lay of the land will be closing the mouth of the hollow and will take the surplus earth from the other pond building. Community center (this will be located where the old homestead house was - which must be prepped and cleaned before any construction proceeds) will have: (1) the very large septic for the whole planned community (2) the community center (a large 2 story barn/storage/shop/central kitchen and food storage and communication center where gatherings can take place when the weather is inclement, and water facility[- bathing and laundry] (3) Power: there is an old abandoned (last used in '74) spur line. There is also a 35>70' drop from the existing pond (must be enlarged) which could be utilized for hydro-power - but the pendleton wheel of appropriate size and the generator must yet be purchased and the generating station built, as well the water cycling systems (ram pumps [- which are fairly easily built - if we can find the plans] and a fairly large pumping station for the lowest elevation pond. The hill tops also are viable for wind turbines. The problem is still one of transporting electric power. I would put making our own generating station at a lower priority unless we have funds for it. Available for use presently are 5 generators; 1) 3 kw, 1) 4kw, 1) 5 kw, 1) 5.5 kw, and a large deisel run bridge welder which can also be used as a generator (what the power rating that would be,I don't know).
Idealy several places should be built (ideal for community is out of sight/sound) As a community, individual ownership of all the land is a negative anyway - the whole is greater than it's parts or the sum of it's parts and needs to be recognized as such and above that the earth as our provider must be revered as well). Until the land is purchased and the community made legal, I am reticent to say publicly exactly where the land is located other than the vague in the S. finger lakes area of NY - as long as that privacy issue is respected I am more than happy to let people interested know specifics.

I am working on cleaning up the area and keeping mowed the general work site and starting the groundwork for the community building (shop), servicing the equipment, putting in the water & waste system, and making it so that we can love there without feeling like we're camping out.
With every person that becomes a member, the orientation of the community shifts - sometimes drastically as all realign their vision to include the other's. Sometimes new ways are shown on how to accomplish a goal in ways not previously looked at.
Personally I see a community devoted to helping people grow : expanding consciousness and increasing Awareness, always with the knowledge that we share our world with a host of other entities; graciously given a space to live by the earth which also must be respected. I see many of humanity have lost their personal visions and must reclaim their dreams - so I see a place where people can come to rediscover that which they have lost through inattention. Because so many of us are nomadic of heart I see one community leveraging another with many places where we can arrive and feel at once welcomed, accepted and have work there to be done that falls in line with what our own specialties of Doing are.

[oldwolf]

I am over 50, and one of the things I have been taught is that things seldom go as planned. The journey is where the lessons are and what was originally aimed at changes as times proceeds. While our children have left the nest we realize that any community is incomplete without children - they keep us humble as they unfold . The goal of any good teacher is to see the student outstrip the teacher - though of course, no good teacher could but learn and grow themselves in the process. In so far as living spaces go: I see and am building (hopefully complete by the end of this building season) a centrally located 2 story barn/storage/workshop/gathering center (with water [showers, laundry, septic] community kitchen and spaces for indoor worshops and seminars when the weather is inclement. Individual housing out of sight and sound from the others to give privacy limiting to about 1 dwelling per 10>20 acres. Ideally looking at organic farming, the watershed should be controlled. Complete control of the watershed for the hollow would probably take closer to 1500 acres than the 300>400 I hope to have toward the end of this year. Another 350 must be purchased beyond the 400 to even start to claim the label organic, but we'll have taken our own debt load to the maximum to accomplish what I've previously outlined. I've been planning this for longer than I care to admit and working toward it as long, with association with the Lama foundation in it's early days in Taos N.M., with the Sundance Cafe in Albuquerque (which dispersed when we could not agree on direction), as well as several other attempts and temporary successes around N.M.. Gathered in the southern finger lakes region of NY are equipment, tools, and material (much of which has been made defunct by the weather, hence my first priority building- wise), plus a lot of the equipment must be worked on to bring it back to good working order. Tried to cover all your questions, but I know from experience that all that some answers lead to, is more questions. Should the material of the posts mentioned and this find you feeling that this is for you all, please ask away any further questions. On the other hand if you're just interested in how some are doing it but this does not speak to you, I don't have as much time as I'd like and my attention must be focused on the work at hand - so it may take a bit before i get back to you - be patient.

As one of the many people I've learned from once said ‘though the water that comes from the heavens comes out the gargoyles mouth after landing on the heights and traversing the gutter - it is still life giving water.'



My god did you read that whole thing ?- it's a lot of pasting and editing - don't know if i have ever read the whole thing without changing something or lots to try to make it more coherent.

---------------------------
We enhance the quality of Existence
We fulfill our potential in a manner beneficial to All
We seek Full Awareness, Total Cooperation
and Complete Union with our GodSelf

Surrounded by Love......Mind creates the concept
Full of Love.................Desire provides the motivation
Channels of Love..........Doing is the test
One with Love

Life is an opportunity and becomes what you make of it

May the Light of Love ever Guide your Way
Grow on ... Enjoy !

Peace Blessings
Love

oldwolf
Waysharer@yahoo.com
nomadhermit@hotmail.com

[oldwolf]

(themnax)

eeeeee gaddz
you mention fingerlakes
i've never lived there myself
but does the name "Teall" spelled exactly that way ring any particular bells?

in brief 20hrs/wk
501k makes sense to me too

i got discouraged at bedspring acres in southern oregon
because no one was interested in making things neat and attractive
but i certainly loved what might have been

you've covered a lot of material
i may have to come back here and re read it many times
to get all of it

i have no personal experience of setting up not for profits
or any other sort of corporate entities
but have known many "secret masters of fandom"
those hard working folks who set up science fiction
and other fan run genre conventions
(alway AS not for profit corps)

i remember reading in books about land trusts
and know of both Baha'i and nominaly Hindu retreats set up that way
which only tells me that such things can and do exist
but not how to do them

i've grown up with the spirits of the land where i am living now
and know little of ancestral places elsewhere

all but the first 3 years of my life and the decade from 77 to 87
i've lived in placer and nevada counties in california
in various towns up and down donner pass, known localy, at least on the railroad, which was my environment growing up, as 'the hill'

it is a mountainous country of yellow 'ponderosa' pines and manzanitta 'chaparelle'. of wild blackberries and acorns.
deer, mountain lions and rattle shakes.

there is also the great central valley of california, food basket of the world, that is at the west end of the counties i've grown up in.

it is wonderful for growing things but much too hot most of the year, with everything getting more and more too expensive and too many people wanting to live there.

unlike my mountains where i grew up along the railroad my father worked for, which also has these days too many people wanting to live there, or cut down trees to build houses.

but up on top where it snows a lot most of the year it is still, not prestine, but solid. humankind is still the guest there, however much on paper he may claim lorship.

but down here in this hot valley - it takes a bit to immagine what the land might have looked like before all the pavement and two car garrages with 2 and half children

runnoff water from the mountains, that keeps this valley alive, still has to go somewhere so the creeks are still there mostly

and every ten years or so they get higher then people want to admit to remembering that they do

=^^=
.../\...
__________________
stay well and keep doing the wonderful things that you do ... ~

-----------------------------------------------

(oldwolf)

You know,I have to admit that this geographical placement was not by any means my first preference. Fell in love with the high desrt mountains in the SW - but between the lack of water, poor soil, way too expensive land and the overcrowding especially given the limits of the locale; and the fact that this land was available, already in the family and had for the back taxes (7 yrs worth) and ideally situated land wise for community (lots of hills and folds and forest for out of sight and sound individual set ups) I wouldn't be here. But I am and until this land is passed on into hands that will respect it and keep it whole and available for other like minded folk, I'll have to sublimate my nomadic wanderlust and grind away till it is. But the day Will come when the wind again blows in my face and new places show me the bounty and beauty of the mother who bears us.

[oldwolf]

(themnax)

i've only seen pictures of the fingerlakes country
it sure does look pretty
and my dad mostly grew up there before he ran away from home
when he was 11 during the depression of the 30s

i've been lookin at the web site of what looks like it used to
be united farm agencies, you know that big nationwide real estate
multiple listing service, and i do see some pretty looking place
at real reasonable cost.

i think any place that's pretty country side that's affordable
i could learn to call home.

i only feel tied down to where i am cause wifie's s.s.i. is here in california
well i don't want to be putting my troubles off on to someone else
so i won't try to explain more then that
but anyway there are a few reasonable places we might some day
be able to get to ourselves

there are a few counties where something affordable might be possible

i know a place where i've been that's got ten acres of sagebrush
for $4.5K total which is like 300 down and 30 a month on a 30 year fixed

it's up in the northeast of cali, next the nevada and oregon borders

there's other places reasonable too

up near bieber where there ARE trees like i grew up in
even if the're always cuttin down arround there

i know i could walk out the door and put one foot ahead of the other
and stick out my thumb and all that
have to leave every what little i got behind to do that though
so it's not real likely that i will
and if i did i wouldn't have this thing to let you know that i did

so i guess i can just be with you there in my mind and on this thing

if i was 20 30 years younger i'd be more then tempted to just
say heck with it all and head on over there

but then i'd probably show up broke and hungry and i don't think
i'd really want to lay that on anybody either

if i can ever figure out how to do something i will
but what i can and do is remember the places i've been and done
and ever once in a while maybe take the little county bus that
gets up by the trails i used to walk and go spend part of a day
doing that.

it only goes there twice a week and runs two times a day
on those two days which only gives me a few hours there
unless i set up to spend the couple of nights inbetween
which is why i'm not up there all the time

but anyway this is a nice little house that i live in
with its little garden and i got this thing
to go look at the rest of the world with
even if all it really lets me do is look
and make pictures of what i see in my mind

and put em on elfwood and vcl and places like that
i've got some on care2 too come to think of it
and <http://www.freewebs.com/lananara/> which i've got to get arround to working on some more one of these days

=^^=
.../\...


----------------------------------

(oldwolf)

Yah, I have felt you more than once with us in spirit. I do hope that you can find a way to feed your spirit a bit more as sometimes it sounds like your spirit wants to soar but feels too tied down to do so.
S.S.I. should be able to be moved to a different state - they do examine any move with a magnifying glass to make sure that the recipient is "not taking on too much" (might cost them more money) But especially if it looks solid and may cost them less, they are agreeable to changes. Sometime with disabilities it feels specially hard to move out of the ruts we build for ourselves (and yeah I do speak from experience - had 2 significant other with disabilities) - from experience I warn other to make sure they do not sacrifice their Self (the becoming and growing - the higher Self going from 1 lifetime to another to learn and grow) in their self sacrificing. But say it softly, knowing that each individual circumstance is unique unto itself and only the individuals involved can see whether co-dependencies develope and whether personal growth is stymied.
If you get a chance to travel and come out this way, the latch string is out for you and the welcome mat too - when I find it LOL.
Do appreciate the warm energy you send our way.

[cerridwen]

wow, 7 posts to fill up a single thread! It seems rather involved... groovy idea though... good luck with it!

[nwrfred]

old wolf, you have a beautiful situation developing and have much of the process necessary for further development figured out. are you ready for take off? i would definitely like to be involved with your project and would like to help it expand for maximum effect. i will be able to put in money to help buy more acres for expansion and help flow some people to help get it going. i just dropped an email to my friend andi who lives in the new paltz area and is out NY area organizer. i included the link for him to read your stuff which is excellent. he has been connected with rainbow family in the ithaca area in the past and maybe you will know him. anyway i would like him to come to visit you sometime and check out the land. another of our NY friends, bill henry, has just bought 150acres in the wassaic area for community developing also. so it looks like NY is moving right along. so do you want us to stay in touch thru email or do you want to develop phone communications? we are interested, so how would you like to proceed? look forward to hearing more. peace nwrfred

[nwrfred]

heh now young wolf, wanted to let you know that i forwarded this link to my man andi and also talked with him on the phone. he has some good friends in the ithaca area and is also psyched about your potentials. he will be reading the material and then will need to be in touch with you to arrange a visit to meet you and check things out. it would be good if we could develop phone contact. let me know what's goin on. you're only as old as you feel young wolf. as we walk together towards the promised land. peace nwrfred

[oldwolf]

Sorry it took so long to get back to you.

There are at present 3 members: Aireal (old crone on hip forums), Moving cloud of hip forums (- a German citizen), and myself - oldwolf - been around and learned enough the hard way to earn the title of old and foolish - and at times my bark is worse than the bite - please know that no offense is ever tendered though it may be rendered. There generaly is a 1>2 day lag in comunications with my being up on the land, off grid.

We would be happy to establish contact - prefer the written - I can think out what I'm trying to say, but can go to phone - the synchronization of availability to the phone would have to be worked out ahead of time to make sure I was by the phone for calling. I live and work on the land. So far I'm the member with the most experience in the building, mechanics, and specifics of community - having been involved in several decades ago in the S.W.. I came back to the land specifically to set up community here but parenting put it on the back burner till the kids were strong enough to fly solo.

We have a lack of expertise in the legal end of forming a Co-op or legal NP entity, and see this move as being the one most necessary to formalize at this juncture to continue this attempt. We see each member having one vote though individual members may have many more shares (invested) than another. We believe in Communication - a must for unaminous consent, which is the primary order of governing envisioned (the 1 exception being asking someone to leave - with a small group 3/4 - as the group gets bigger the percentage could increas to 90% to ask a member to leave).

An important point for all of us now involved is that we fully intend to have the community buy out our shares to enable the seeding of more communities - we hope to be instrumental in setting up 3> 5 more communities with some travel in between to find the next location . We are all nomadic enough to feel the need to move around and regenerate and hope that each community will be happy to see the pariahs returning LOL - we are all workers and should be assetts wherever we may roam to. I'll not speak for others in the comunity, though at present I am the mouthpiece - we communicate before response is given and agree with the tone and content - or suggestions are put forward and changes made to ensure complete group consensus.

So ... YES we are interested in opening to the macrocosm - but we are out own micrcosm as well, and all needs must be respected. We would love your help - we are open to others - we also hope that part of what we go through can help others Grow as well. We do value quality over quantity - we do not feel the need to succeed as much as the need to be true to our Selfs.

Hopefully we can all work together to help the Growth carry on - we draw to ourselves the lessons we need.


-----------------------------------------
We enhance the quality of Existence
We fulfill our potential in a manner beneficial to All
We seek Full Awareness, Total Cooperation
and Complete Union with our GodSelf

Surrounded by Love........Mind Creates the concept
Full of Love.......................Desire provides the motivation
Channels of Love..............Doing is the test
One with Love

Life is an opportunity and becomes what you make of it

May the Light of Love ever Guide your Way
Grow on ... Enjoy !

Peace Blessings
Love

oldwolf
nomadhermit@hotmail.com (nomadhermit@hotmail.com)
Waysharer@yahoo.com (Waysharer@yahoo.com)

[nwrfred]

hey now old wolf, figured i'd let you know that andi has a friend in ithaca who is asking to make the initial contact with you since that will be easier since you are both in the same area. if all goes well with that, as i assume it will, then andi will follow soon on his trail. so i don't see any problem helping you get that place rolling. also we at nwr are continuing to develop our network of communities that will be available to good folks like you to visit or stay for awhile or relocate to if you so desire. so the community development movement is moving right along. this network will allow us to visit and work and live in a wide variety of interesting places with a wide variety of interesting and kind people. it's gonna be a nice way to live eh? another interesting fact that i recently became aware of is that there are some rainbow family in mexico who have 4000 acres on which they want to build an ecovillage. they also said that there are 4000 more adjoining acres that are available. so that could be a mega project. they have a gathering there in the spring. i'll forward to you the letter i received about that project. nice to get to know you bro. peace fred

[nwrfred]

old wolf, i just got in contact with our friend bob who is in the ithaca area and who we hope can visit with you to get to know you and your project better and begin the process of figururing out how we can work together. he said that he doesn't use a computer much. but he does have a phone that you could call him at to make arrangements. 607 339 9959. you seem to be a little disheartened about the slow pace of your progress. we all feel that brother. but we are on the true path and can expect the pace of progress to pick up as the movement continues to mature. i am very inspired by the communications happening in the forum which you've helped develop and by the land you've acquired for community development. i am sure that i will be able to help both financially and by flowing interested people to that project in the future. i am consolidating my finances at this time. the money i can pull together will be invested in developing community living projects like you envision and developing a network and flow of people and resources amongst them. so hang in there brother. help is on the way. peace fred

[MagnanimityMan]

hello everyone =). my name is ethan, and i am not meant for this western civilization at all. for years i've been dreaming of communal living, while finishing up my highschool. it's so hard for me to leave, as much as i've acknowledged my spirit, and know my calling isn't this american society, and is communal living, i've been trying to convince myself i'll be alright as a teacher. i find myself falling apart, especially in a college. i know the only thing truly keeping me in school, and persueing a career are my parents. TRULY loving parents, i have just always felt i'd be turning my back on them if i were to run off to a commune (this was my deamon), however i spoke to my parents rescently about it, and i think they saw my point quite clearly. since then i've felt this burden off my back, you know? i see and feel that my purpose in life is coming together more and more everyday. i came across this thread, and knew it was everythign i am looking for in this world. people truly like me, who understand. i haven't the time to read all the posts in this thread, i must do chores, i just NEEDED to comment so i can return and read every single word by having this thread in my "your posts". and also to let you all know that there is a beautiful soul here that's been waiting for this for what seems like my life. thank you all so much, whether or not i join you, it's beautiful seeing the reality of these communes, knowing one day i will devote a life to one. i'll definitely post again once i've read everything. thank you all so so much. peace.

[oldwolf]

you know Ethan, I don't really think anyone is truly suited for this "western civilization - any style americansociety or whatever.Simply does not allow for true opening in Awareness and expanding Consciousness let alone finfing the higher Self.Indians (American) used to vision quest - as a way to contabt the overSelf and get a clue as to what they came here for .... this society has no clue wharsoever
Blessings to you along your Way

[shameless_heifer]

Oldwolf sweetie, This project will evolve faster when the spring thaw comes. There are so many looking for this very thing to commit to. I know several people who need to belong to something turning and to give so they may recive. If you don't mind I will steer them to this thread and let nature take it's course.
Back in the earily 70's our commune The Good Earth Commune in Haight Ashbury, branched out and bought some land in Oregon. It was an old logging camp called Ash Valley, with two large main houses and several smaller cabins scattered about.
We were totaly organic and raised our food and made our beer. We all had certian chores daily, some on house duty some in the gardens some working with the livestock. We changed daily so we would not have to do the same things everyday and everyone would get a chance to learn every aspect of running a farm, and learning how to do the work required to keep us afloat.
There were about 20 or so that live there year round, some came to visit from SF and we would kind of like switch back and forth to city to country. We did not own the land outright but was paying payments on it with promise to purchase 500 acers. Times got hard for the seller of property and he ended up selling us out 12 years later.
The fact that it worked for 12 years is phenominal as it was being payed for with our welfare checks and what money outside jobs brought in. It was in fact how you see the community you are working to build.
The laws on organic farming differ from state so I'm not much help there and I'm sure they have changed over the years also. If I can be of any assistance without physically being present. I am more than willing to give what I can freely and with love. I would love to come and help, but as you know I have a farm to run here and family obligations. I would turly love to be persent and teach what I can . I could teach ones to read eyes and muscle testing and herbal healing, how to can and preserve veggies and fruit. I know how to build brine boxes to cure meat, smoke meats and make jerky. Maybe I could just post it someplace if it is called for.
As far as land, I went to Real Estate School in 1990 and got my brokers liences but it has expired several years passed now and each state has different real estate laws.
I am here and can investagate or locate anything on the 'net' for times when you have no time or way to do it. What I am offering is my time if it is needed. I am willing and able to do what I can to help and be part of you. I know I am already a part of you but I mean if there is something further I can give from this end physicaly.
My love and trust you have and will retain forevermore. Blessed Be sweet wolf.

[oldwolf]

Shameless,


Thank you for your continued encouragement - you are like a breath of fresh air becckoning us to come out of the polluted city and cavort again with nature putting aside out cares and knowing that "All Is as it was meant to Be" - should only we be able to See and Hear. Ah the art of Listening and how many have stopped practicing and lost their own peace therein.
You know you are ever welcome to come join with us on any level you do so choose whether it be in the dark of night on a full moon skyclad enchanting nature to do our bidding or sending energy our Way - we shall honor you in the Doing and try to use all energies in a Way that will further the Wholeness of All.
Energy the source and resource there for the asking - there for the taking - guess you do have to open the Self to it and then know how to use it - like everything else, in using it we gain proficiency.

Should you know of a lawyer who would be wishful of helping bring this concept to fruition we have a large Need to become NP (non-profit) most of the parameters needed to incorpoate such a move are within this thread at the beginning. Knowing a lawyer you can trust and respect to do it right Knowing the where and how of the Way is something that has not yet manifested here.

We are working on the green energy as we badly depleted and overextended our resources here and synchronicity on our side or not change in that regard is needed soon. So sending positive energy in that regard would be of aid as well.

You have been there to help from the start of our communications - blessings on you for all your help

Know you are Loved and we honor your intent and help.
May Wholeness be yours along your Way

[shameless_heifer]

Old Wolf my Brother,
I have found that in all communities there must be a body. This is true for NP. We must have a figurehead, a treasurer and a council, we must incorperate. There are forms to be filed with fliling fees. These forms can be filed without a lawyer. This is a starting place a lawyer will be needed later on.
To become an Organic Farm, we must start with new unclutivated land that has never been furtilized with non organic materials. The seeds we use must be Organic from organic fruits and veggie scorce.
I would like to say at this point we need some workers in the line of getting some ground work done. I know there's a lot of people in here that has some time they might like to donate for research or maybe their expertese in this field(s).
We're in need of a Non-Profit lawyer to advise on the legal tech.
We need people to live and work the land and develope it into a community, with full rights and equal say.
So far Old Wolf and Old Crone are doing all the physicial labor and there is much to do. Moving Cloud is on her way back from Germany and will be working also.
I know that there are some of you that have been searching for something to committ to and be part of, something wonderful that is growing into something splended. Come and check it out and see if it is for you.
This is for the ALL of us who are clamering for a change, change starts within and works it's way out. You can be part of the change.
There is also a matter of "green energy" that must be addressed. In the Now money is a major tool for us to aquire the things we need to sustain us till we can sustain ourselves. I'm asking you, the ones that can and the ones that care, to send Green Relief, if you can't be with us physicaly there are other ways to contribute and be a part of something turning. This is for the ALL and we are ALL the ALL, so when I say us, you are us, we are you.
There is more land to be purchased and building to restore/build. There is a need Folks, to pitch in and make it happen, it has started, it is time to lend a hand. I hear so many say. 'What can I do to make a difference', 'Where can I go to live free and be who I am'. ' Where can I go and raise my children, where love dwells and the heart grows, where there is no fear and sleep comes naturaly. Well step right up, here it is.
Blessed Be

[oldwolf]

Wooo hooo,
Shameless,
I'm A bit too close and have inhibitions about tooting my own horn where I am involved And so am not able to post as you. Would you like to be the spokeperson ? I could start feeding you all the info and you could ask for what is not included till you get so complete a picture that no questions remain. Most of the places you may think about have been already hashed over - but one does not readily perceive that by what I've put out.
I've thought a lot about the "church" aspect of NP - one of the easiest ways to go - and one of the most abused. But shy away from seeming too formalized in the spiritual sense - I'm too much of a maverick and have been on the fringes for way too long to want to be associated with any specific organized beliefs. I want to be inclusive - not exclusive. Any one who donates a certain % (do have a handbook that I got in the '70's - that at one time I studied - ah but how much disapears over the years of non-use) of the NP assetts is not allowed by law to hold any office within the said org.. By law, as you alluded to, their must be at least 3 separate people involved as chairperson/executive, as treasurer and as secretary and these reflect the basics needed to be included and kept up within any organization : record keeping of communications and decisions is secretary, records of all outlays pertaining to assetts is treasurer, and the decision making part is executive. You can have any number of people in each and every post but by law you must have at least 1.

The problem with a lot of my information - and I've gathered a lot over the years - many things from pertaining to alternative energy, fuels, buildings, legal structured org.s, - to how do people get along, how group dynamica work .... and so many of these things come from sharing the thoughts and dreams and visions of what might be with others and getting their feedback, hearing their objections and finding solutions for them: listening to experiences and the experienced in o so many fields. Working in construction and on all kinds of equipment from big construction rigs to chainsaws from cars to massive trucks.... the problem is that it's all dated - gathered over the years and while some may still be valid, in other areas the laws may have changed or so much better a way been found.
I've always felt knowing the concepts and some type of working knowledge of building and maintenance so that you can put things together from odd parts is the best type of knowledge. - How it works. And when you know about a method but do not feel you have enough information - that you may spread disinformation - well then the information is so out there, esp. in computerland and just being able to help with the knowledge that a product or method exists may help find the solutions needed.

I See myself helping to start to put together, initiating action, and then as people come in to make it their own, slowly disengaging to go on to another project - - And interspersed with travel - one of my passions - on the road again is a song I long to sing. As I travel visiting other communities learning from solutions other people have put together , sharing what we have learned, stopping to lend a helping hand along the Way. I have always been active in the doing - hands on: getting dirty and bruised and cut and greasy... physically active. I really do not know if I'll want to continue without being able to do as well as talk.

Somewhere along the line there is a vague wish to find a community together with other people who initiate and Do.
I find in the community projects I've been associated with over the years that the people who start - the spark plugs - usually move on, to find another something to start the fire of creation a moving. These peole are the real committed ones - committed to the vision, not the success so many find necessary to continue. These people go through whatever challenges presented knowing that in finding solutions they Grow. Energy emanates from them. These I would like to live together in community with. Those who live and breath the realm of Spirit, who give of themselves to it, not caring for the resulting rewards save that of personal Growth and evolving the Self, - not for physical rewards. Sure we all need to be able to see some type of progress in order to continue with a project over an extended period, but it's the process that brings the interior results.

So when NWR fred came along - heheh i call him newfred - it seemed like our visions may dovetail - that I could be a traveling networker, trouble shooter, idea sharer... helping others to bring it to a reality. Making contacts and learning...

From of young my bent and direction has been Spirit. I am loathe to speak too much of it because so often one must have a working experience to be able to make the intuitive jumps required in going into the Beyond... and it so often sounds like "look at me - see what i can do" type of thing. From involvement with healing groups, psychic developemntal, and brainwave activity studies; I have seen that type of ego feeding as destructive of real Wholeness, and instead we become "spiritual materialist" trying to gather abilities and powers ... when that's not what It's about. So off into the land of the solitaire and yet hungry to share with others of like mind - and when you look - there are so few....
So many talk, thinking that talking is doing - talking without action, without the act as if, becomes a form of mental mastubation - a poor substitute for the real thing. And damn it can't be about what you're going to acheive power wise, because it becomes so obvious after even a short time that in the Stillness, in the Quiet, In the Focus, and Intent lays the realness of Spirit.
So we hunger and we spiral onward and some find the company they so yearn for in abundance - on the Other side. And sometimes I think that I live more there than I shall ever live here. But this land of process, of becoming needs to be the test ground of how well we really have it put together. Over there what is thought, Is; and here we must strive to See if it really works, or was it just something that sounds nice but does not Work in the light of the material manifesting - of gotta work (sweat and agonize) to make it happen...

O yadda yadda where we take it and what we focus upon tells all
Blessings be upon All as they wend their Way

--------------------------------------------
We enhance the quality of Existence
We fulfill our potential in a manner beneficial to All
We seek Full Awareness, Total Cooperation
and Complete Union with our GodSelf

Surrounded by Love........Mind Creates the concept
Full of Love.......................Desire provides the motivation
Channels of Love..............Doing is the test
One with Love

Life is an opportunity and becomes what you make of it

May the Light of Love ever Guide your Way
Grow on ... Enjoy !

Peace Blessings
Love

oldwolf
nomadhermit@hotmail.com (nomadhermit@hotmail.com)
Waysharer@yahoo.com (Waysharer@yahoo.com)

[kitty fabulous]

hi oldwolf,

well, i read the whole thing again and i think i'm going to have to keep going over it all a few more times before i get it all. please keep me posted, and hopefully when its warmer & i have my current apartment crisis ironed out i can visit. again, i'm not sure how much i have to offer, still rather new to all this but eager to learn. not sure what i have to offer besides interest, time, energy and lizziness, but i'd love to check things out and see if i can fit in.

and fortunately, i have a very deep fondness and appreciation of mud.

peace,
kitty fabu

[Lionheart2000]

Hi Oldwolf and Old Crone.

Sunday morning in Arizona--Sun shining--its gonna be 66 today..be nice having you here for tea and pujas.
We have had much rain and flooding in our area this past week even made the national weather news..many of our fellow RV'ers found their rigs floating downstream--it is drying out now, everyone's safe.

I'm In..means that I would like to offer you and yours some webspace on 60s & Further --we already have a Communes Tribute.that seems to be very popular-by traffic stats-measurements.

If you would like to post an expose--photos of your digs and you..(I know Old Wolf you are shy--BUT--I would find this important to your search for new members)...also a "short' edict of intentions and purpose...e-mail connections..and so forth. Donations...etcetera....also updates--monthly-bi-monthly, whatever.

We would be more than happy to provide the bandwidth and hosting expenses and time ...for this inclusion on our site. All the 'green energy' MammaMoon and I can offer at this time...
Perhaps--being nestled quietly on hip forums may not be getting you the exposure needed to further seed your vision....

So let us know..
We are here..
Uner Arizona Skies

In the attics of my life, full of cloudy dreams unreal.

Full of tastes no tongue can know, and lights no eyes can see.

When there was no ear to hear, you sang to me.


I have spent my life seeking all that’s still unsung.

Bent my ear to hear the tune, and closed my eyes to see.

When there were no strings to play, you played to me.


In the book of love’s own dream, where all the print is blood.

Where all the pages are my days, and all the lights grow old.

When I had no wings to fly, you flew to me, you flew to me.


In the secret space of dreams, where I dreaming lay amazed.

When the secrets all are told, and the petals all unfold.

When there was no dream of mine, you dreamed of me.


Attics of My Life
Hunter & Garcia

[oldwolf]

Lionheart & Mamamoon,


Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity you present us with.
Moving cloud comes back at the end of the month and she is the one with expertise with the camera - I might even be able to get her to do a sketch of me to post - but you wanta see me come and visit - and no that's not aimed at you both don't be taking that personal - I still hope to travel in the not too distant future and I Will stop in (with advance notice of course) and join your circle for a bit - break bread, share salt, eat some sand - you know all the good stuff - with you both. And of course if the situation has you traveling first there's aplace to pull up and rest in the freedom of peaceful nature here for you. You can be sure that we will have our own scene together for traveling - I know that space in an RV is at a premium - glad to hear yours escaped the floods without any damages.
So within the next 6 weeks we should be getting back to you...
In the meantime may your life bring you much joy and continued Growth.

[paintingjames]

yay life is good...glad to hear things are going good there...i plan to come up for a visit in spring time...

[HoneySuckleBlue]

Yes, yes, there may be a band of us:)

[paintingjames]

whiipppeeeeeeee :)

actually i think i may shoot closer for summer solstice...

[shameless_heifer]

just a little note to let the light shine in.
I'm wishing the brightest blessings to you on the earily morning, The promise of spring is in the air, the birds with their chittering as they dip down into the birdbath to get the fresh morning dew, as the last of the coyote howl at the moon in the distance. All is quiet, all is well. The sun rises over the horizon the brillant pinks and reds of the morning light brings forth life in the barnyad.
The donkey brays for his morining corn, shouting out , The day is here, everyone up, get up, the farmers coming with the corn.The goats gather in a circle, looking intently for the farmer and the corn he was bringing. The giant turkeys with their feathers fluffed ready to barge their way to the fresh corn studied the goats with a cocked eye. They knew they had to move fast if they were going to get some of that corn. They walked sideways over by the goats as to not be noticed as they pecked at the corn that lay closest to them. Breeze, the black filly snorted as the farmer brought her hay and oats. She nussled the farmer as he stroked her silky mane.
As the farmer looked out over his land with his friends gratefully eating the delisious corn he had laid out for them. He felt his heart grow with love for the animals he was in charge of. He was content. He knew the meaning of life, it was to love and care for the ones that are in your realm, to nurish and protect, to love and hornor.
I watched and grew. I knew love, I knew hornor. I drew from this my heart of hearts and fell yet again madly in love with the farmer. ( I think his tractor's sexy).
I just felt like sharing some of the love with you Dear Wolf to let you know I was thinking of you and wishing you well. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

[shameless_heifer]

Gather 'round people and check it out. I keep hearing everyone clamoring for a change and to be part of that change. The I wannas, the if onlys. How to be a hippie and what is cool. I hear, What ever happened to the Old Hippies, what are they doing to help make changes come about. We are here. Beating out a path for you, like we have always done, we are readying a place for yu to join us. I hear people talk the talk, I hear ones say, I want to live free and be real, but when you present them with it, handed out on a silver platter they don't understand. They say, wow cool, I'd love to do something like that. Then they sit and dream the dream, but let the reality slip on by.
There is something that has been put on the table as an offering. A gift. Yet no one wants to take a bite of it. Nothing has been asked, but to carry your weight. There is no cover charge, just bring what you need and be ready to pitch in. You want to build a new life and create something splended, you want to live off the land and be one with the earth. Well here it is folks, step right up and get ya some. What's that, too cold up there, well grab a blanket, build a fire, get busy and warm up. Anything worth a flip is gained by hard work that you love to do. What more could you ask for then a place to grow your own life, to grow with the fields that burst forth with life and energy as the spring brings new beginings. To be part of a community that supports itself and is based on the good for ALL. The time to move is now. There is much work to be done to ready the earth to recive the seeds of life. There are shelters to be built and roads to be paved. You want to live the life you gotta do the work. If you truly are in need of a change and want to be part of a community that is based on love and freedom, then check it out and get in the groove. All you crafters, this would be a great oppertunity to be the creative self you were meant to be. When you get your home built as the community grows think about how what you do can help others. This one weaves blankets and that one makes jelly. The possibilities are endless. All it takes is a little effort.
I just wanted to remind everyone that life is what you make it. If you dream of living off the land in a communal effort, than this is worth looking into. If you feel you have something to contribute then investigate and see if this might be what your looking for. Your fear is the only thing that stands in your way. It takes courage to live life, it takes love to bring in the light.

[oldwolf]

Thank you shameless

Blessed be the farmer who husbands the land, and the lady keeping him warm in his heart and bed.... and reverse the sexes should it be appropriate LOL
Loving you

[oldwolf]

We will be putting time aside for Summer solstice the weekend of June 18 & 19 extended into the week, through the Solstice on the 21 and full moon on the 22nd. Spend a week in the (sun -?)
See one and all who should be so moved to come

[oldwolf]

Come one come all
The invitation a sending
The welcome mat out

Weekend before summer solstice
To the weekend after
During the time of the full moon

Come gather round the fire
Find some friends
Circle round

Click on the adress below
And make the subject
Re: Solstice Gathering
For more info and directions

Blessing be on All
As we Grow on

[kitty fabulous]

weekend before? if i can get a ride with somebody, i'm in. can't wait to meet you all. don't know if i'll have the you-know-what yet, but i'm working on it.

[mariecstasy]

oh i am gonna have to mark my calendar...i have met so many wonderful people from this site and i think the majority that i would love to meet would come to your place...i would come even if i were the only one...i cant wait, if my work will allow it, to meet you:):):):)

[kitty fabulous]

marie, if you're going to be there i'm definately going, and might not even bother with summer fest the next weekend. still trying to figure out whether or not i'll have yurtness by then, tho. possibly not, but i'll bring the tofutti anyway! :p

[Lionheart2000]

Hey OldWolf,
Wow--sounds great again--alas and alack--we are to far NOW to join you and Aireal Sea..
We--if Spirit moves us..might be relocating to Bloomington, Indiana. Being from the Southwest--and making many cross country trips--we believe we know how to get there ????. Regardlesss we will be closer to you.
Have Fun--hope folks join you--and Blessings on your Event.
Peace
LionHeart & Mammamoon
Under Arizona Skies

[shameless_heifer]

Although I cannot attend in the physical, I will be joining you in the Spirit for you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I will be sending of couse something homemade out of my garden and prehaps a Spirit Candle. You know I will be sending my brightest blessings and my LOVE LOVE LOVE.

[oldwolf]

To those who can come and are planning on it , please let us know so we can send directions and tel #s - and know that we look forward to sharing with you. Lets us know how to plan for it too.

For those who cannot or are not planning to - I hope you will be able to come when the time is more agreeable to you and your situation - I do not find an overly large number of people of like mind and am not that social a person by nature - But really enjoy the quiet give and take around a warm fire with other people of like mind - never get anywhere near enough of that. Hope to see you sometime in the not too distant future, and share some heartfelt space.

And if I ever get off this damn sqirrel cage and am able to make the dreams come true without giving up way too much time making the money to do it - I'll spread my wings, and if you give me a landing place with the warmth of fellowship (you know an address or meeting place) , I'll do my best to make sure I stop by to see you at a time mutually convenient to both of us.

Don't be strangers than we already are - that from one of the wierdest of us, meanwhile
Love Love Love
and damn Do that which is yours to do, for if you do not - no one else will - follow that dream, tilt that windmill - Be that being you Are.
Love you all

[traveler3339]

I'M new to this site so I'm not sure how to do alot of stuff on it. handy as a blacksmith in a nanobot factory, but I will try to keep up with this thread. I have been looking for you people most of my life and would love to offer my back and my artistic skills to your effort. My physical assetts are little more than the van I live in, but if strength deterimination and craftsmanship are valued where you are I would love to offer it. P.S. I also know how to bind books.http://www.hipgallery.com/photopost2/data/510/18953me1_.jpg

[shameless_heifer]

Traveler, I see you!! What a beautiful soul you have, I have gotten the best vibes from your face that I must say I am happy to see you on this dreary day. Blessed Be. What a pleasent feeling. Thank you for showing up, you would be welcome in any circle of light. I know you would enjoy the company that comes together to celabrate at the gatherings, they are fabulas(hehe) and merrie, extacy and joyful, loving and gving and decated to the work. A strong back and a willing heart is always a welcome sight and a blessing.

[oldwolf]

g'day to you traveler,


Shameless be a lot closer to you than we are - but i know from experience that living in your vehicle usually means that change of venue and vista are now and then welcome - even almost needed - keeping the juices flowing; and should the feet wish to play the fiddle, follow the yellow dotted line road and your heart - our door is always open - the latch string out.
Looks like SCA as well as D& D ? - never partook in either - but have friends who did.
As I mentioned - we're a far bit away from where you're parking now - having spent 10 yrs in the high dessert, I know that it can steal your heart away, and while you're not in the high dessert you're a lot closer than I am - miss the mountains and the being peeled to the spirit feeling that I remember so well.
And should bridging the distance not be in the cards in the flesh, the spirit is where we all live more full time anyway, and physical distance is not so great a challenge to overcome in the spirit - the circle be open to you.
You be welcome

Blessings be with you on your Way

[HoneySuckleBlue]

Man I have been wanting to come up and visit you guys for along time now and was always frustrated because things kept popping up and moving me in another direction, but this year I made other plans and now they have dissolved and i am finaly able to come and meet you all...and I may have an entourage:)

If it is okay with you and Aireal, My sister (swirledmoonpie aka randybuk) and our group photographer:) , Nirgal, paintingjames, scarlettchasingroses and myself would all like to come up for the solstice. We were going to see if we could postpone it till July so we could also bring Scholarwarrior but he has a bit of a time crunch so we don't think it will work this year. Mebbe we can make a convoy Marie:p cause Buk and I will have to bring our youngest kids and won't have room in my car for extra people and I think bryan and Greg might need someone to ride with.

I really need to get a short bus...though bryan has offered the use of his brave little toaster:)

[paintingjames]

actually i kind of scrapped that idea seeing how many people yer trying to fit in there and it is a bit rusty underneath, i dont know that i'd trust the lives of all these people to it even tho i'm sure they'd enjoy the hell outta jumpin on my mattress back there

[mariecstasy]

oh i see..i wasnt included until an afterthought....*hmpft*
lol...yeah absolutely they can ride with me.i have no problems with that at all!valthough i think bryan and carrie will be living with one another at that point and will most likely want to go up with one another:) i will need to bring arianna most likely so i only have room for two adults, but we can figure it out as it comes closer.

[HoneySuckleBlue]

Not an after thought at all silly, you'd already said you were coming a few posts above, why be redundant;) :p

With six adults do you think it would be more economical to rent one of those 12 seater vans? I really have to check the prices i s'pose...I never got one of those before....

...and yeh...I guess I was still thinking carrie would be coming from the north...dont wanna jinx her moving down:& (i swear when I want something the most it will refuse to happen...)

[mariecstasy]

dude..i completely responded to this and its not here. dangit.

you can look into them but i think it will be more money in the long run because i think they are gas hogs. however, it would be fun to all ride up in the same vehicle:)

and i was just being silly...i know i wasn't an afterthought:)

[HoneySuckleBlue]

Alrightie then....I did the math and it's gonna run us about 240 bucks to rent a van for a week, plus gas. It's about 486 miles from my house to around where the Hollow is, you'd think those things get whut...18 Mpg? We'll need about 54g so that's about 126 bucks for gas round trip bringing us to a whopping 366.90 fer the van...versus about 53 bucks per car round trip...yeh know?

think I'll be driven me own car...even though a van would be sooo much more fun.

[old_crone]

Anyone short a ride is welcome to use my broom. All it takes is a little courage, and knowing on certain turns it pulls to the right a tad.

Just know we are looking forward to your coming, and the welcom mat is already out, and polished. oops sorry I polished the E off the welcom-E- there we go. gotta love the duck tape. lol:)

[kitty fabulous]

i really wanted to go, but now, i'm not so sure if i can make it or not, :( as i'll be still settling in woodstock and getting to know my new home & my new life. i may have to be working at a new job, and i'm not sure i'll be able to get the transportation for me, ken, and all 3 kids (who will still be getting to know each other at that point.)


i talked to ron in woodstock, he said he doesn't know if he's going to make it or not, either.

[paintingjames]

no kim we have to go in the van man!!
wait!! is there only 6 people gonna be goin? 6 people can fit in my car! i thought you said there was going to be like 10 or something...
maybe we can take my van!!
but can i still use your broom Oldcrone when we get there??? i got it...pulls a little to the right (so does most of my vehicles cuz i go to the last ride till i get an alighment so i'm way used to that)

[oldwolf]

Greg, Kim, Bryan, Carrie, Marie & Arrianna, and at least Kim's youngest if not both kids =8or9, and Kim said something about Randybuk coming too - sounds like too many for the old rust bucket - even with a crowded mattress LOL But you know the limitations and mayhem of distance traveling with this group better than I do.... HOOOoEEE -y'all going to be in 1 peace (sp on purpose) when you get here ?
Looking forward to seeing you all.

[paintingjames]

that will be our chant the entire drive up
1 peace 1 peace 1 peace 1 peace oh for god sake let us get there in 1 peace! kim tell your hellioin to stop putting her toes in my ears!!!!! please peace peace please!! (and that was in an uncroweded car...i can't imagine her with a mattress to rap on thats like throwing a bouncy ball gernade into a trampoline room l *shudders*
welllll maybe we can just take a convoy and let us never speak of this again

[nirgal]

It's the journey! :p Ginnies a trip HeeHee

[mariecstasy]

well i am not possitive, but as of this moment,it appears as if Arianna and I are not to take part in this particular journey. Right this moment i am in bad financial shape....thanks no child support:( but hopefully there is a rainbow after this storm because i am trying to get another job which will increase my pay by nearly double....still waiting to hear. if i get the new job however, i will not be able, least i will not feel right about asking for time off in the first couple weeks.:( i am saddened by this as i would love to make the journey and to be able to be apart of such a wonderful group of people...but i do not say that i will not ever come. perhaps this is just not the time for me. however...if the situation changes and i win the lotto or money falls in my lap i am definately there.:)

[oldwolf]

O No Marie,


We fully understand that survival and well being of the family comes before any journeys.
We were looking forward to seeing you - and if it's OK with you will put some energy toward the money scene - especially CS so maybe the dire steaights shall be not so dire. And for the new job or whatever is best for you and Arianna.
Kind of thought that this journey would be good for you both and hope you can make it if its in the cards - but we will send Energy for whatever is best for you to use as you will.
We shall be thinking of you and sending healing and positive Energy your way
Blessing to you both along your Way

[mariecstasy]

i will put my energy there too. i feel this would indeed be a good thing for us. thank you very much...

[HoneySuckleBlue]

Well, I am feeling hell bent...and bryan, after seeing the brave litter toaster there is no way I am putting my kid in there, lol, I say mebbe if you cleaned it out...but therein prolly lies the magic that is holding that baby together;) :p ..so for all concerned it might be better if i contain the kiddies in with the mommies and we caravan....and man Marie, it definately won't be the same with out your energy. I totaly understand, but it does'nt make it any easier to accept you will be missed, you too kitty.

Y'all are starting something really good though, and I am so excited watching you both!!

I hope in further years there will be many journies north...it's just breaking the seal that the hard part:p

[mariecstasy]

oh yeah, i suppose i should rsvp...*sticks out lip and claps at the same time*
I GOT THE JOB1
so we wont be able to come. but you are always there right? i want to meet you all sooooo badly. i read your words on the screen and you speaketh to mine soul. i would love to mingle our energies together, but alas my time will not be at the solstice...but it will come:)

[oldwolf]

Happy for you Mary - still feel you coming....though it may 'just' be Spirit Connecting - - you will be included in our circle
Loving you

[mariecstasy]

thank you so very much. you dont know how much that means to me:) love ya!
and my heart will be there with all of you guys cause you all have pieces of my heart anyway.

[HoneySuckleBlue]

If this is what I think it is, this should only be the begining of our trips back to the village house.

We'll scout it out for you Marie and mebbe next year this time we can actualy rent the van and all ride up together.


The best things take time and lotsa patience;)

..and a great job, no matter how wonderful the connecting will be, is important for your survival.

hehe...you made a wise choice my friend:p

(mebbe we could talk them into coming down to the beach sometime, mebbe once all the white and pink tourists take off?? There's a greyhound station right up the road...hmmm?hmmm??)

[Lionheart2000]

Hi Folks,
Thought this might be of some interest.
Love You All
LionHeart


The Summer Solstice is also known as: Alban Heflin, Alben Heruin, All-couples day, Feast of Epona, Feast of St. John the Baptist, Feill-Sheathain, Gathering Day, Johannistag, Litha, Midsummer, Sonnwend, Thing-Tide, Vestalia, etc.
The exact date varies from year to year and may occur between the 20th and 23rd of June.

People around the world have observed spiritual and religious seasonal days of celebration during the month of June. Most have been religious holy days which are linked in some way to the summer solstice. On this day, typically JUN-21, the daytime hours are at a maximum in the Northern hemisphere, and night time is at a minimum.¾It is officially the first day of summer. It is also referred to as Midsummer because it is roughly the middle of the growing season throughout much of Europe.¾

"Solstice" is derived from two Latin words: "sol" meaning sun, and "sistere," to cause to stand still. This is because, as the summer solstice approaches, the noonday sun rises higher and higher in the sky on each successive day. On the day of the solstice, it rises an imperceptible amount, compared to the day before. In this sense, it "stands still."¾

(In the southern hemisphere, the summer solstice is celebrated in December, also when the night time is at a minimum and the daytime is at a maximum. We will assume that the reader lives in the Northern hemisphere for the rest of this essay.)

How people view solstice celebrations:

People view other religions in various ways, and thus treat the celebrations of other faiths differently:

For some people, religious diversity is a positive factor. They enjoy the variety of June celebrations, because it is evidence of wide range of of beliefs within our common humanity. They respect both their own religious traditions and those of other faiths for their ability to inspire people to lead more ethical lives.

Others reject the importance of all celebrations other than the holy day(s) recognized by their own religion. Some even reject their religion's traditional holy days if they are convinced that they have Pagan origins. This is a common occurrence with Easter and Christmas.
Some view other religions as being inspired, controlled, or even led by Satan. Thus the solstice celebrations of other religions are rejected because they are viewed as Satanic in origin.


Why does the summer solstice happen?

The seasons of the year are caused by the 23.5? tilt of the earth's axis. Because the earth is rotating like a top or gyroscope, the North Pole points in a fixed direction continuously -- towards a point in space near the North Star. But the earth is also revolving around the sun. During half of the year, the southern hemisphere is more exposed to the sun than is the northern hemisphere. During the rest of the year, the reverse is true. At noontime in the Northern Hemisphere the sun appears high in the sky during summertime, and low during winter. The time of the year when the sun reaches its maximum elevation occurs on the summer solstice -- the day with the greatest number of daylight hours. It typically occurs on, or within a day or two of, JUN-21 -- the first day of summer. The lowest elevation occurs about DEC-21 and is the winter solstice -- the first day of winter, when the night time hours reach their maximum.
ignificance of the summer solstice:

In pre-historic times, summer was a joyous time of the year for those Aboriginal people who lived in the northern latitudes. The snow had disappeared; the ground had thawed out; warm temperatures had returned; flowers were blooming; leaves had returned to the deciduous trees. Some herbs could be harvested, for medicinal and other uses. Food was easier to find. The crops had already been planted and would be harvested in the months to come. Although many months of warm/hot weather remained before the fall, they noticed that the days were beginning to shorten, so that the return of the cold season was inevitable

The first (or only) full moon in June is called the Honey Moon. Tradition holds that this is the best time to harvest honey from the hives.

This time of year, between the planting and harvesting of the crops, was the traditional month for weddings.¾This is because many ancient peoples believed that the "grand [sexual] union" of the Goddess and God occurred in early May at Beltaine. Since it was unlucky to compete with the deities, many couples delayed their weddings until June. June remains a favorite month for marriage today. In some traditions, "newly wed couples were fed dishes and beverages that featured honey for the first month of their married life to encourage love and fertility. The surviving vestige of this tradition lives on in the name given to the holiday immediately after the ceremony: The Honeymoon."

Midsummer celebrations in ancient and modern times:

Most societies in the northern hemisphere, ancient and modern, have celebrated a festival on or close to Midsummer:

Ancient Celts: Druids, the priestly/professional/diplomatic corps in Celtic countries, celebrated Alban Heruin ("Light of the Shore"). It was midway between the spring Equinox (Alban Eiler; "Light of the Earth") and the fall Equinox (Alban Elfed; "Light of the Water"). "This midsummer festival celebrates the apex of Light, sometimes symbolized in the crowning of the Oak King, God of the waxing year. At his crowning, the Oak King falls to his darker aspect, the Holly King, God of the waning year..." 13 The days following Alban Heruin form the waning part of the year because the days become shorter.

Ancient China: Their summer solstice ceremony celebrated the earth, the feminine, and the yin forces. It complemented the winter solstice which celebrated the heavens, masculinity and yang forces.

Ancient Gaul: The Midsummer celebration was called Feast of Epona, named after a mare goddess who personified fertility, sovereignty and agriculture. She was portrayed as a woman riding a mare.

Ancient Germanic, Slav and Celtic tribes in Europe: Ancient Pagans celebrated Midsummer with bonfires. "It was the night of fire festivals and of love magic, of love oracles and divination. It had to do with lovers and predictions, when pairs of lovers would jump through the luck-bringing flames..." It was believed that the crops would grow as high as the couples were able to jump. Through the fire's power, "...maidens would find out about their future husband, and spirits and demons were banished." Another function of bonfires was to generate sympathetic magic: giving a boost to the sun's energy so that it would remain potent throughout the rest of the growing season and guarantee a plentiful harvest.

Ancient Rome: The festival of Vestalia lasted from JUN-7 to JUN-15. It was held in honor of the Roman Goddess of the hearth, Vesta. Married women were able to enter the shrine of Vesta during the festival. At other times of the year, only the vestal virgins were permitted inside.

Ancient Sweden: A Midsummer tree was set up and decorated in each town. The villagers danced around it. Women and girls would customarily bathe in the local river. This was a magical ritual, intended to bring rain for the crops.

Christian countries: After the conversion of Europe to Christianity, the feast day of St. John the Baptist was set as JUN-24. It "is one of the oldest feasts, if not the oldest feast, introduced into both the Greek and Latin liturgies to honour a saint." 16 Curiously, the feast is held on the alleged date of his birth. Other Christian saints' days are observed on the anniversary of their death. The Catholic Encyclopedia explains that St. John was "filled with the Holy Ghost even from his mother's womb...[thus his] birth...should be signalized as a day of triumph." 16 His feast day is offset a few days after the summer solstice, just as Christmas is fixed a few days after the winter solstice. 1 "Just as John was the forerunner to Jesus, midsummer forecasts the eventual arrival of" the winter solstice circa DEC-21.

Essenes: This was a Jewish religious group active in Palestine during the 1st century CE. It was one of about 24 Jewish groups in the country -- the only one that used a solar calendar. Other Jewish groups at the time included the Sadducees, Pharisees, Zealots, followers of John, and followers of Yeshua (Jesus). Archeologists have found that the largest room of the ruins at Qumran (location of the Dead Sea Scrolls) appears to be a sun temple. The room had been considered a dining room by earlier investigators, in spite of the presence of two altars at its eastern end. At the time of the summer solstice, the rays of the setting sun shine at 286 degrees along the building's longitudinal axis, and illuminate the eastern wall. The room is oriented at exactly the same angle as the Egyptian shrines dedicated to the sun. Two ancient authorities -- the historian Josephus and the philosopher Filon of Alexandria -- had written that the Essenes were sun worshipers. Until now, their opinion had been rejected by modern historians.

Native Americans:
The Natchez tribe in the southern U.S. "worshiped the sun and believed that their ruler was descended from him. Every summer they held a first fruits ceremony." Nobody was allowed to harvest the corn until after the feast.

Males in the Hopi tribe dressed up as Kachinas - the dancing spirits of rain and fertility who were messengers between humanity and the Gods. At Midsummer, the Kachinas were believed to leave the villages to spend the next six months in the mountains, where they were believed to visit the dead underground and hold ceremonies on their behalf.

Native Americans have created countless stone structures linked to equinoxes and solstices. Many are still standing. One was called Calendar One by its modern-day finder. It is in a natural amphitheatre of about 20 acres in size in Vermont. From a stone enclosure in the center of the bowl, one can see a number of vertical rocks and other markers around the edge of the bowl "At the summer solstice, the sun rose at the southern peak of the east ridge and set at a notch at the southern end of the west ridge."
The winter solstice and the equinoxes were similarly marked.

The Bighorn Medicine Wheel west of Sheridan, WY is perhaps the most famous of the 40 or more similar "wheels" on the high plains area of the Rocky Mountains. Mostly are located in Canada. At Bighorn, the center of a small cairn, that is external to the main wheel, lines up with the center of the wheel and the sun rising at the summer equinox. Another similar sighting cairn provides a sighting for three dawn-rising stars: Aldebaran, Rigel and Sirius. A third cairn lines up with fourth star: Fomalhaut. The term "medicine wheel" was coined by Europeans; it was a term used to describe anything native that white people didn't understand. 17

Neopaganism: This is a group of religions which are attempted re-constructions of ancient Pagan religions. Of these, Wicca is the most common; it is loosely based partly on ancient Celtic beliefs and practices. Wiccans recognize eight seasonal days of celebration. Four are minor sabbats and occur at the two solstices and the two equinoxes. The other are major sabbats which happen approximately halfway between an equinox and solstice. The summer solstice sabbat is often called Midsummer or Litha. Wiccans may celebrate the sabbat on the evening before, at sunrise on the morning of the solstice, or at the exact time of the astronomical event.

"Midsummer is the time when the sun reaches the peak of its power, the earth is green and holds the promise of a bountiful harvest. The Mother Goddess is viewed as heavily pregnant, and the God is at the apex of his manhood and is honored in his guise as the supreme sun." 12

It is a time for divination and healing rituals. Divining rods and wands are traditionally cut at this time.

Prehistoric Europe: Many remains of ancient stone structures can be found throughout Europe. Some date back many millennia BCE. Many appear to have religious/astronomical purposes; others are burial tombs. These structures were built before writing was developed. One can only speculate on the significance of the summer solstice to the builders.

Perhaps the most famous of these structures is Stonehenge, a megalith monument on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. It was built in three stages, between circa 3000 and 1500 BCE. "The circular bank and ditch, double circle of 'bluestones' (spotted dolerite), and circle of sarsen stones (some with white lintels), are concentric, and the main axis is aligned on the midsummer sunrise--an orientation that was probably for ritual rather than scientific purposes.4 Four "station stones" within the monument form a rectangle whose shorter side also points in the direction of the midsummer sunrise.

The ancients did not have access to modern mathematical algorithms to calculate the date and time of the solstice. To the unaided eye, the sun would seem to set/rise at the same location on the horizon for about five days before and after the actual solstice. Ancient people would record the days when the sun rise or set was noticeably different from the extreme position, and interpolate the probable day of the solstice.

They then used a variety of techniques to display future solstices:

A carved or painted symbol, or some other marker, would be located at the end of a long passage that was exposed to sunrise or sunset on the solstice. It would be illuminated by the rising or setting of the sun on the day of the solstice. Alternately, a hole in the roof of a structure would allow the noonday sun to shine onto a marker set into the floor.
In temperate zones, the shadow of an upright pillar would be observed at noontime at the summer solstice. The shadow would be shortest on that day.

The point on the horizon where the sun set and rose would be observed from a fixed location. A remote marker would indicate where the sun rose or set on the solstice.

Have a Beautiful Time all those who visit the Old Wolf and Old Crone..
LionHeart

[old_crone]

always be our guide.

Thank you LionHeart. I enjoyed reading your post. Say Hi to MamaMoon for us.

Mariecstasy, You are never far from our hearts, and love.

And HoneySuckleBlue, and group;

If in your search for the village house, you are in doubt you have found the right place, I could wear my new Brillant red dress, Candy apple red shoes, and Big wide brimmed red hat, as any proper lady of the Red Hat Society would do, and wave to you from the porch. Bet you can not miss that. lol

[Lionheart2000]

Hi Aerial,
Your posting reminded me of a painting Francoise Denereaz painted--a very dear friend living in Switzerland...we had this rendering on our site for quite a while>http://www.imaginaire.ch/

Peace, Love and Blessings--
MammaMoon says HIGH!
LionHeart

[old_crone]

Hi LionHeart

You will then enjoy the post I put in my personal forum today then as well,titled Your Reflection is You. :) Love to both of you.

[oldwolf]

Just stopped in to say hello - Hello - hello

On my way to say good bye - I don't forget stop n say I Love you
Gees what a wonder it would be to have all our friends gathered round
And just what does the circle include -
O we cherish you and wish you could come
Join the Circle and be as One -
That we may Grow and Change ever Beyond
Here in this process land Becoming More
Stretch and pull -
Tear down if needed to rebuild
From within is the only Way
What'er the Road
Find your burning desire and feed it true
And may you find like mind to be with you
Please Know we Love you and wish you could come
But before all ealse, wish it to come from within
Yours always has been the choice, to say other is to offer excuse
And only you can change your Way
Our Hope for you, Is to Be True to Self
Honor the Being - Be All you can Be
Our Circle is open - we do not exclude
But must focus and concentrate
And Be True ...
ALL is open for all to See -
Now are you the Being you wish to Be

Becoming is what we Do, on this here plane
Peace and Blessings to all along your Way

Loving you

[Lionheart2000]

Thank you Old Wolf,
Our spirits will be soaring to join you by the campfires and in your forest embraces.

The first peace, which is the most important,
is that which comes within the souls of people
when they realize their relationship, their oneness,
with the universe and all its powers,
and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each one of
us.
Black Elk

Peace, Love & Pancakes
LionHeart & MammaMoon

Photo--'The Cherry Tree' by RomTom © GoddessHeart 2005
http://60sfurther.com/Goddess-Heart.htm

[HoneySuckleBlue]

...hope you are ready, cause we are soon to be on our way:)

Can't wait to meet with you all and share a few days in appriciation and Love...I can hardly stand myself, lol, can't wait to get on the road!

[mariecstasy]

most positive of positive vibes to you all!!!!!!!!

[Lionheart2000]

into our imaginations and true Reality.
Peace and Hugs
LionHeart

[Lionheart2000]

From the Wheeler Ranch and Morningstar Communities of the 70s"

Flashback
Remembering fondly,wistfully sighing,cherishing memories of days gone by

days of Open Land and freedom days of Open Minds entwined days of Tribal Consciousness and recognizing our own kind

days of sun and moon and starlight outlined by the pines of Love and Peace and Light flowing from our minds

We'd all been shaken by the revolution but we knew that we could healby living lives more closely to the simple and the real

and getting down to basics and living with the land and searching for the truth and trying to understand

what this crazy world was missing with it's machines and rules and noise and seeing a different reality than winning "if you die with the most toys"

and we found the answers in the sunrise the sunset and the dayand in the very stars at night and the seasons' gentle sway

and we found the truth that we'd been seeking we'd already known ever since our birth to live life fully live it simplyand always cherish Mother Earth

Char-Char at Hippie Museum (http://www.hippiemuseum.org)

Photo--Wheeler Ranch-70's

[oldwolf]

And for those who wonder...our Intent remains strong, and we will not settle for less.
We move on and things get done slowly ....our primary focus has always been and will remain individual growth in a manner beneficial to all with Self empowerment of the individual as the best Way to Become that which we wish to Be.
Within that, we look to Intent and accept whatever come in front of us as a tool for Growth, knowing that we must Be the Change we look for. To look for others to make our vision a reality will take longer than forever, and frustrate the shit out of us as we wait and wait and wait, and bemoan the fact that it's not happening.

Blessings to all.

Namaste

[HoneySuckleBlue]

Life is an opportunity and becomes what you make of it
Your siggy says it all. Create your own reality:) Build it and they will come :tongue:

Lovin' you Oldwolf, keep your dreams alive big brother, like you said, no one else can do it for you.

[MagnanimityMan]

well i've done it... i'm done with school, and i'm working and working true for a van... come no time at all i'll be out and enjoying the seasons on the land and with nature..
tis all i dream about,
seeing this thread again is like coming across an online faeiry, inspirational and promising :)
maybe see ya someday down the road oldWolf.. i hope

[oldwolf]

Que cera, cera....
door's open
please contact beforehand for directions and tel #s and to make sure we are available
Blessings
Namaste

[MagnanimityMan]

so today, sierra and then sierra i heard at work, talkin with the boss amongst the chefs.

i'm working now... saving for a van..
but i'll be in touch~~~

[sylvanlightning]

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcxwdvw3_8gkrxs8&btr=EmailImport (http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcxwdvw3_8gkrxs8&btr=EmailImport)

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcxwdvw3_11ccvs7b&btr=EmailImport (http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcxwdvw3_11ccvs7b&btr=EmailImport)

The GARDEN-LOFT
Richard S. Currier, designer
302-A S. Stratford Road
P. O. Box 10975
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
the.gardenloft@yahoo.com (the.gardenloft@yahoo.com) or
thegardenloft@yahoo.com (thegardenloft@yahoo.com)
Leave Message: 336-251-8300

'RE: Helping to save lives - just one practical shelter at a time!
Happy Holiday! the GARDEN-LOFT is now raising money by selling the amazing BLUEPRINTS of this VENTED Dome YURT-like Shelter that has 193 sq. ft. of floor space (= to 14’ x 14’ room) for only $95.00.

Dear FRIENDS of the GARDEN-LOFT,

The holidays are upon us, and we at the GARDEN-LOFT hope that you are having a nice holiday season ! What better gift to give this holiday, than BLUEPRINTS for our amazing DO-IT-YOURSELF survival shelter, and your purchase will help us to help others as well !Please see our WEB-PAGE by clicking on the following hyperlink, see the pictures, and read the ad. Then, consider buying our VENTED dome-shelter BLUEPRINTS to help us reach the goals in our MISSION STATEMENT.

http://www.geocities.com/the.gardenloft/theGARDENLOFTBlueprintsFlyerSHORT3.htm (http://www.geocities.com/the.gardenloft/theGARDENLOFTBlueprintsFlyerSHORT3.htm)

The BLUEPRINTS are; however, not for RE-SALE, and are the exclusive rights of the GARDEN-LOFT. However, buy the BLUEPRINTS and make as many YURTS as you can to help others. Also, contact us to see if we have some of the AMAZING GARDEN-LOFT survival YURTS already made and for sale to help the needy at this holiday time. '

Doesn't look like the geocities weblink is working but I wanted to share this email from my homeless friend Rick. I'll post a recent link when one appears. He would really like to be able to set up a field of dome-shelters at the Hollow. http://www.hipforums.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

[oldwolf]

Not sure I understand...he wants to use the hollow as a manufacturing site for his survival shelters ?
Or what would we do with a field full of dome survival shelters ?
A few would be nice as they are temporary and therefore not zonable or taxable...though the way they (the system) would like to see it, may mean a bit of litigative communication.

I have learned through my own experiences to deal directly one on one, eye to eye, when trying to work together on anything....third party communication often results in confusion and doubts; and other than face to face misunderstandings are more prevalent long distance.
Maybe we can visit and he can see what he is dealing with...both the property and the people.

Not shutting the door....just saying more footwork must be done.

Thank you for thinking of us.

Much Love

Blessings

Namaste

[sylvanlightning]

Indeed, direct communication is best. I'm sure he would love to hear, from you, by email. Although he is homeless, he still is able to use a laptop via. wireless internet connection at Wholefoods. I'm sure he would enjoy visiting the beautiful land of the Hollow and is hard working and strong, perhaps he could help with any up-n-coming land development projects...

When I mentioned the Hollow, he said it would be great to be able to have a space to set up a few garden-lofts *the field vision was my addition*. He is legal savy and has initated court cases concerning unjust trespassing laws in SC and NC. He would be a good advisor on legal communications.

I had a flash when meeting him on his noble vision of providing easy and warm lodging. He has a vested interest in providing simple sustainable dwellings at primarily the cost of materials *pvc piping and weather proof tarp, the construction is meant to withstand intense elements once secured* and has gone on to drawing up blueprints in case someone wants to do it themselves.

Personally, I would love to be able to visit the Hollow and already have a freestanding yurt available in which to camp.... it would save lugging a tent and multiple blankets. They are even vented. *adding to the vision*

Much Love & Blessings

[oldwolf]

Sylvan,

I will contact him...presume those were email links first. I will refer to you in it by name and put as subject matter "oldwolf from the hollow" will write within 2 days...maybe you see him and let him know....I am terrible about deleting all mail that I do not know sender, unless subject identifies as someone I wish to open and even there I be careful.
Appreciate the information. Thank you.

Blessings

Namaste

[sylvanlightning]

My pleasure, I'll let him know.
Yes the email for Rick is: thegardenloft@yahoo.com
Hope your New Year is going well.

Namaste

[oldwolf]

And yes for those who read....this is still ongoing....very few involved, but have always strongly felt that one must not sacrifice quantity for quality.
The first few posts of this thread give the most thorough information .... was written a good bit ago but is almost all still valid....sometime or other I will clean up this forum and hopefully make it easier to follow.

[HoneySuckleBlue]

Did you end up with Rick-yurts?

[sylvanlightning]

Sure has been a long strange year.... * looking back *

Your with us in our Hearts; hope to see you, in person, again.

Loving You

[oldwolf]

yeah...remembering when many a year was long and strange

And Now.....stretches on Forever....whatever will be...Will Be

ever thankful for what is and the wonder of opening to the beauty of it all.

Loving you

[sylvanlightning]

Indeed, the All unfolds with grace, with each Season we are Blessed.

May your Hearth be warm.

[oldwolf]

And for those of you who might wonder why we do not solicite members....we would rather people felt drawn and rely upon synchronicity to show the Way

maybe it does not work well when the timing is not yet right....so, lately I talk less about us as a community and more about us as a bumbling attempt at a more rather than less self-reliant homestead with aspirations that someday people of like mind might be drawn toward coming together into community.....hahaha...that way I can continue.....never was trying to just be a hermit on my own.....sometimes though one must learn to accept and be happy and make the most of what Is....and being a hermit ain't all that bad, long as ya learn to enjoy your own company

And for those who Do.....many Blessings come along the Way of Doing...not the least of which is the Work we do that takes us further along our individual Paths into the Being that Grows into the Beyond of Becoming More.

Peace Blessings
& Love

Namaste