Memphis Democrat
February 9, 2006

Suzanne here. We had so many days of warm weather this past month that we were starting to call it June-u-ary. But the cold weather is back with a chance of snow later in the week. Oh well--it was fun having spring break in the middle of winter. We played ultimate frisbee five times in the month of January--probably a Dancing Rabbit record. And Cecil and I jumped in the pond after Wednesday's game carrying on the tradition of a mid-winter dip. We were blue and tingly afterwards but it wasn't as cold as I would have expected.

It was good weather for me to get in some work exchange hours sorting and bringing in firewood for Skyhouse and the common house. At Dancing Rabbit folks can get money off of their community bills by doing work for the community--and bringing in wood is an ever-ongoing task. The wood we burn is mostly oakwood scrap left over from a furniture making company and it comes in large heaps of various sizes that then need sorting and stacking. Since a lot of the work I do is done sitting at a computer, I love breaking up the day by working out in the sun for an hour or two.

It was a week for fun trades. Tuesday night we had a seed swap between Dancing Rabbit and Sandhill after our community dinner. Thomas organized it and people brought seed packets they had extra quantities of to swap for ones they needed. We still have many extra seed packets, so if you are interested call first and then come by.

And Friday night 9 year old Rowan organized a Trading Blanket. Based on a Native American custom, you bring personal items you want to trade, spread out a blanket on the floor and everyones sits around it and the first person up offers their item for trade. Then each person in the circle either passes, if they do not want the item offered, or offers something of their own in return. This process continues until everyone has had a chance to bid for the item. Then the trader shakes hands with the person who has something he/she wants and the next person in the circle offers up their item. It took us about an hour and was lots of fun. Everyone seemed to come away with at least something fun--cloth bags, candles, paper fans, compasses, puzzles, balloons, and glow in the dark juggling balls were among the items that switched hands.

There were a lot of committee meetings this week and off the cuff discussions among individuals about topics we discussed during the first round of the retreat.Topics like, ecological priorities, new neighborhood design, and plans for town center. The second round is coming up this weekend and will involve 3 more full days of meetings. It is exciting to me to find out how many ideas/projects are percolating in other people's heads--I see a year of fun collaborations ahead and a lot of progress for Dancing Rabbit.

*We are seeking firewood--if you have any available please call and we will come and pick it up.

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