Memphis Democrat
July 8, 2007

This is Alyssa attempting a summary of a full week at Dancing Rabbit. Monday marked the first day of a new visitor period. Ten adults and 4 kids arrived ready to see what we are all about. Since their arrival they have been active participants in the community, helping cook and clean as well as attending various workshops.

Royce, Devon and Henry from Kirksville came over for a one night visit as well. Royce was able to play an early game of ultimate frisbee and Devon hosted a dance class.

Ironweed hosted a workday for visitors on Wednesday. We had visitors working on all sorts of projects and were astonished by the progress by the end of the day. In the kitchen, preparations for the earthen floor got underway and the entire floor was dug out. The light clay straw insulation was also completed in the loft above the pantry. In the garden, Sara and a few visitors weeded some garden beds that needed some serious attention. At my house, (Tony) Bear and I received help from numerous visitors sifting sand and clay for material to be used in finish plaster. Bear and I are in the final stages of completing the inside of our house (just in time for the baby to arrive!), and hope to complete both the finish of the wood floor as well as the last coat of earthen plaster by the end of July.

Bear and Tamar woke up early Thursday morning to join Tom on a birthday bike ride. We also celebrated Tom's birthday with a delicious chocolate cake from Alline at community dinner on Friday night.

Tamar got news that she was accepted to a yoga teacher training program this fall. She is now actively looking for funding and scholarships to attend the training. Tamar's yoga classes have been a vital part of every week for many of us here at Dancing Rabbit. I look forward to seeing what else she can bring back.

Work on the Milkweed Mercantile is moving along at a fast pace. The concrete block is now visible above ground. Deliveries of wood and materials seem to arrive daily. It is exciting to see the building take shape. Two new work exchangers, Nissa and David, also arrived this week to help with the project.

Tom and Tereza picked up a floor sander in Kirksville on Friday. Ever since, the loud sound of the machine has been roaring in both Bluestem and Larkspur. Tom and Tereza are remodeling the Bluestem kitchen into a home and plan on moving in at the end of this month. The floor in both buildings was reclaimed from the old, recently demolished Smith house. Sanded, it looks beautiful and adds just the finishing touch to both structures.

Finally, a highlight of this week was the Saturday night talent show hosted by new resident, Toby. Visitors and Dancing Rabbit residents showed off their talent (or lack thereof) with songs, poetry, shadow puppets, art, and magic. For me, the highlight of the show was a spontaneous rendition of a Saturday Night Live piece by Angela, a somewhat timid 10-year old girl.

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