LIFE INSIDE THE MAELSTROM: As Usual, on the Surface. But Just Below?

 

I look at my own life, and none of the scary stuff we’re told about is obvious; daily routines continue as usual. Work parties in the garden or greenhouse twice a week. Community Dinners once every two weeks. Those are the rhythmic special occasions in Green Acres Permaculture Village. Otherwise, for me, each morning  puppy Shadow and I go for a three-to-four mile walk, then I work on my daily blog post. In the afternoons, I continue to work on my long-running archival project for the percentage of my written work (both published and unpublished) that is worth keeping, about 85%, which adds up, so far, to about 500 entries. A typical scene, two days ago . . .

Here’s the cover of one essay out of those 500. (The check marks: one for “yes, entered into the spreadsheet,” and the other for “yes, in google docs.” “Circles” is a likely e-book candidate.)

Can you read it? Says, TOWARDS A NEW THEORY OF MARRIAGE. Ann Renee, Ph.D. (for awhile there I dropped my last name), Boise Idaho March 1981.

Plus, for me, and this is primary: two full hours of “physical culture” each day. Our one hour walk in the morning plus another hour of yoga, chikung and taichi in late afternoon.

However, just on the other side of our life in this tiny paradise, what I used to take for granted to make this community possible is eroding, due to inflation. Property taxes are way, way, WAY up. Likewise utilities, property insurance. Add to that a recent increase to 6.75% on credit line interest . . . I’m actually thinking of selling one of the three houses that make up Green Acres Permaculture Village. Don’t want to think it, but there it is. Best outcome: someone who does, or at least appreciates permaculture, buys it. So that we can continue our efforts on that property. And, amazingly enough, I have a relative who is interested. We’ll see! Not only would that be perfect, it would also be an answer to a long time intention, that I NOT be the only one who owns these three properties; with multiple owners, then our little template here can do more to inspire others in their own neighborhoods to join together in growing local food.

Even assuming this sale to a relative goes through, it’s still true that today’s post offers a caveat to yesterday’s post. There’s no way to live entirely below money inside this materialistic society. The type of capital I’m “short of” here, is monetary.

Yes. I look in the mirror, and all looks normal, despite the churning all around us: personal and community projects are chugging along, and a crucial differentiation/expansion of this place is in the offing. However, the latter is risky, and prompted by necessity. So be it!

One lesson I have learned in my 80 risk-filled years, and very decidedly:  TRUST THE UNIVERSE.

 

 

 

2 thoughts on “LIFE INSIDE THE MAELSTROM: As Usual, on the Surface. But Just Below?

  1. I love what you have created in Green Acres and have long looked to it as a model of what I want to create. Who knows what kinds of upheavals will sweep through our lives in the coming times. It is my hope that your paradise is ever an eye within all the storms.

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