Hootenanny!

So, I went to this Hootenanny at the CampHill Community in Kimberton (near philly) with my friend Zeb. I wasn't really sure what to expect but I'd been interested in CampHill as an intentional community for some years now. I had also met Zeb's friend Thomas who runs the dairy at Camphill, earlier in the winter at the PASA conference and had talked with him about life at Camphill and the process of applying to live and work there. I decided to go while the children were with their dad and I'm so glad I did. I actually almost cancelled on Zeb the night before because I was so stressed with my work and to do list and my relationship, and everything and thought it would be hard to justify hootenannying when so much was on my plate. Zeb, in his very chill, Zeb way, looked at me and said,"Terah, stress is a reason to go, not to stay...you need to get away." And you know what? He was right. I haven't done anything for myself in I don't know how long. I'm always serving other people and working in some way. I did need to go.

We had a great time! The music was exceptional and I bought two cd's that I really love, but more than the music being great, the people were amazing! It was everything I knew communal life could be and it reaffirmed my desire to really explore it and contemplate how to make it happen in my life.

It brought tears of joy to my eyes to see the way the residents exhibited such strength of character and positive self-esteem! They knew their world was about them, and they thrived in such freedom! The coworkers too, were truly in love with their work and with the folks that they lived and worked with. They danced and sang together and played games and chatted like family, no differentiation between those who were "normal" and those who were differently abled. Everyone lived, played and worked together as housemates and friends. You know what else rocked my world? The entire community is based on Rudolph Steiner and Anthroposophy! Anyone who knows me knows that Waldorf is very high on my list! It is the basis of my thoughts on child-rearing and education.

SO, this community has a farm, gardens, woodworking shop, thrift shop, bakery, cafe, knittery and so much more. The buildings were all built of natural materials and the wood was so beautiful....they were decorated with residents artwork...many gorgeous watercolor paintings hung in the buildings in huge frames! It really added to the peaceful vibe of the living spaces. I found out that there are short-term coworkers who work and live there for a year and then long-term coworkers who stay for around two years or so and then there are the lifers who plan to stay as long as they can. Everyone is assigned an area to work in based on their experiences, interests,etc. I also found out that in addition to room/board and a small monthly stipend, coworkers receive paid vacations and those with children benefit from the fact that their children get to attend the local waldorf school! (for me that would be $45,000 in yearly tuition for three children)... the place is beautiful...It's everything I've ever wanted for my children.

We enjoyed the evening of folk music and dancing and then got invited to an afterparty in the barn that was a blast! Lots of free-spirited, yet hard-working hippies letting loose and playing music, chatting, sharing recipes, dancing and fun in the barn all night. I was amazed at what a socialite Zeb was...a whole hidden side of him that I never knew of....I really enjoyed watching people play with the poi balls...if my shoulder were healed up, I would've tried it...I think I'll order some. Then the next day, we woke up and went to breakfast and then spent the day working and helping clean up from the Hootenanny. It was hard, disgusting work, but so enjoyable at the same time. Everyone has such diverse backgrounds and stories that brought them here....what a great time of sharing. I missed Andy which was nice because I wondered if I would given the tough week we had....I kept thinking about how much he would've enjoyed the scene.... I could see him dancing in the crowd and playing with fire. And of course I missed my kids..they would've loved the hootenanny, though the barn party would've been out for me if they had been there...I also was sad when I thought of Dennis...sad that we didn't work out and reflective of how often I'd discussed intentional community with him and how he had never really been into it at all...he's such a private person. I also kept thinking of him because I kept thinking how great it would be personally and professionally if he would move to Philly. Then I would really pursue coming to Camphill so the kids could be close to their dad and we could all still work and interact together. Just like I've thought so many times about how because we've separated, he's been able to exerience so many wonderful places and opportunities and now I was getting that same opportunity....whereas if we were still together, we never would've been open to that.....we would never have left our family scene to experience personal growth or interests.....that's a whole different topic. Anyway, I though of Tawoda many times over the weekend...especially when I spotted the hawks circling the farm! I know we'll always fly together in some way or another.

SO, I was talking with Zeb's friend Arden who lives there but is leaving to join the peace corps at the end of the summer and she was asking me about my life, what I do, what I'm into, etc. And I asked her about her experiences at camphill. She paused for a second and then said, "why don't you come and run our bakery/cafe at the end of summer? The people who are doing it now are leaving and frankly, their bread isn't very good!" I was in shock! This is just what I've wanted. I spoke to several coworkers and residents during my two long days at Camphill and learned about the process of applying, etc. I called Dennis and told him about it, thinking he'd have no problem with relocating closer to Philly, since he commutes there regularly during the school year for his work. Then the children would have their mom and dad in close proximity and would benefit from both life in a waldorf community/farm and resources a metro area like Philly could offer them. I mean, nothing is keeping either of us in DuBOis, now that his contract with the school is up. He commutes all over the state for his work and much of it is near Philly. He said that it sounded like a great opportunity and that I should look into it, but then called me back and said he really wasn't okay with it because he couldn't financially justify moving to PHilly anytime soon and it would kill him to be that far apart from the children. I understand that and of course want them to have a close relationship with their dad, it just seems like the answer to a long time prayer of mine and such a good opportunity. So, for now, I guess I'll put it on the back burner and hope that the opportunity will present itself again soon...but I'll never give up on it. My dream come true...living in community with like-minded people and other children who are growing up like mine...a waldorf education...making a living serving the people and offering my bread to the community and the greater community because they sell their bread to healthfood stores in town, too.....farm living with home-grown veggies, the opportunity to grow up free and healthy on a far, creative arts encompassing everyday life....media-free living......ahhhh.....