A Sense of Community

Community is not only something one finds when living in a house or apartment, staying in one place. Rowan and I have been blessed to find Community as we journey, as well.

Whenever–and wherever–we travel, Rowan and I meet wonderful people, each extraordinary in their own way. New Mexico has been filled with interesting people, from Rainbow Children–followers of Rainbow Gatherings (hi, Tony)–to staunchly Eco-conscious entrepreneurs with fascinating stories and shops.

In the last few days we have become acquainted with Janet, docent at the Kit Carson Museum; Sarah, proprietor and artist, of Seconds Eco; and Sylvia, ecologist and proprietor of Wildland Dance, all in Taos, NM. We have talked, laughed, and shared stories with all of them.

Janet reminds us quite a bit of Jan Dunden, of Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville and Downers Grove: direct, informative, open–even a bit brusque. She provided us with a great deal of information on Kit Carson, whose history I admit I did not know. We also discussed snakes, turtles, the feeling of the area, and her desire to move to Abiquiu. She feels the power in the area, but is not fully driven by it–she seeks something different, which she hopes will be fulfilled when/if she makes her move west.

Sarah is avidly eco-aware. Her shop contains all sorts of interesting items, recycled or repurposed: recycled cardboard “trophy heads”, solar-powered crickets and toy cars, jewelry crafted from discarded tires and other things, rugs and other household items crafted of recycled materials, and MORE! We loved perusing Sarah’s interesting wares, talking with her, and sharing stories over laundry when we ran into her and her children Jenna, Flynn and Calder (I hope I spelled that correctly, Sarah) at the laundromat. I look forward to seeing her entry in Taos’ “Glam Trash” Fashion Show in August! Good journeys to all of you, when you once again travel.

Sylvia was extremely friendly and helpful. I would love to spend more time with her, discussing the ecosystem of the area and camping, traveling, etc. Her shop is filled with the tools any budding ecologist, naturalist, or wilderness enthusiast would find helpful: she has created kits for virtually any ecological endeavor. I covet the Mason Bee habitats that are part of the restoration planting kits, as well as the Naturalist Kits. I know that our friend-at-home, Karen, would be quite interested in the native seed mixes (although they are not native to our area, anything that grows interests her), as well as some of the plant guides and tools that Sylvia carries.

Sylvia provided us with wonderful information regarding camping on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands and other places, including maps, and directions to lovely campsites and points of interest on our journey.

This morning, Early Morning Walker offered help as I checked Serenity’s fluids and tires. He also offered a prayer to the spirits for my life’s journey. Thank you, Early Morning Walker, for your support.

Thank you, all of you, for your friendship and shared laughter. We are filled with joy to have met you, and look forward to spending time with you again, some day.