Memphis Democrat
May 26, 2008

Another glorious week has passed at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, where the men can contra dance, the children celebrate their birthdays for as long as possible, and the women wield hammers like they mean it.

This has been a big week for robins at DR. Brazen and fearless, they build their nests in the oddest places, allowing us many a glimpse into avian home life. There was even a nest perched in the rafters of the under-construction Milkweed Mercantile, where very LOUD construction goes on five days a week. Apparently unfazed and unscathed, a pair fledged successfully on Friday, flying away to a life filled with fat wiggly worms. And just this morning, as I was walking my dog, I noticed a newly fledged juvenile sitting on the path, looking a bit dazed, as if thinking "OK, I got out of the nest. Now what? Mommmmmm!?"

But we've been doing more here than watching birds. This week, with Oren Erickson?s good-humored help (and his big ol' tractor) Liat moved the school bus from its former home by Whoerle Road to its new place on West Road. It was quite a production, and everyone was out to watch the bus move slowly through the village. Ted steered the bus (on his knees, as the seat has been removed) and Liat waved to the cheering crowd from the open bus door. After aligning the bus into the foundation that Liat had prepared, Oren's work was done. Liat's, however, is just beginning. With plans for a greenhouse, bermed walls, and a roof to disguise its "bus-ness" she is determined to have a comfy home by fall. Ably assisted by Work Exchanger Peter, she is well on her way. It is exciting to watch the transformation.

And speaking of transformation, Brian/Ziggy's cob house is rising like a phoenix. Every time I walk by Ziggy, Adam, and Jeff are hard at work. It is looking beautiful, with layer upon layer of cob being applied by hand. Any day now the crew will need a scaffold, as the walls grow higher, and soon it will be time to install the windows.

Much to our delight, uber-efficient Roger Fox and his crew completed the roof on the Mercantile in record time. Now when it rains, Kurt merely chuckles and goes off to work, knowing that he, his tools, and Bob, Bear, Tom and Thomas will be dry. Windows have begun to be installed, and the building is really starting to take shape. Kurt is working on the wiring, which involves much imagining: "So. The lunch counter goes here, the fireplace goes here" where should the lights be?? It is great fun!

Tamar has been greatly enjoying teaching a yoga class at the Rec Center in Memphis on Saturday mornings. I imagine those taking the class are just as gratified, as she is a patient, intuitive teacher.

Tereza received the sad news that her grandmother Rita has passed away. Unable to attend the services in Michigan, Tereza hosted a memorial here at DR, where she told stories, passed around photos and we all drank a margarita for Rita. Our condolences and love go to Tereza's mom Joyce and her extended family.

Confirming that life does indeed go on, Sierra Radford celebrated her 13th birthday this week. Keeping the surprise party a secret from her inquisitive mind was a challenge, but we pulled it off by swearing to her that all of the adults had a very boring meeting (easy enough to believe).

Another visitor period begins next week, and it is with great anticipation that we read the questionnaire that each visitor fills out for us. What skills, interests, and talents are arriving; Who might stay; Who shares our vision. It feels like a cross between an extravagantly wrapped holiday gift and a blind date. It also reminds me of the Wells Fargo Wagon song from 'The Music Man' where all of the townspeople are speculating about just what (in our case, who) will appear. Will it be someone fabulous? Or just raisins from Fresno? We'll let you know next week!

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