The March Hare: Fall 2006 Issue 50

Homecomings • Going Home • Reflections • Nature Corner • Bernadoette • Wordy Gurdy

Come see our past issues for lots of Dancing Rabbit information.

Homecomings

Put away your frilly tutus, fellas, because we're not talking about the dance. This quarter's March Hare revolves around the idea of home, whether it be on the back of a bicycle (page 8) or within four walls that you lovingly insulated yourself (page 4). We talk about returning after years away (page 3), and all the work that goes into caring for and keeping your home in order (page 6).

Aligning nicely with the theme of this issue is the fact that Dancing Rabbit just hosted its annual Open House on September 30th. The event brought in a number of our neighbors to tour the ecovillage, and (better yet) gave us a convenient platform on which we could brag shamelessly about what we do.

Apart from allowing us the opportunity to open up our home to the public, though, the day has an interesting side effect: it provides the chance to look at the ecovillage from an outsider's perspective. One of the problems with spending your time at Dancing Rabbit is that it is so very easy to forget how unique a place it is. After living with solar panels and water catchment systems for a while, it follows that they cease to be novel, exciting tools of sustainability and fade into the background of daily life. While this is arguably a good thing (it certainly wouldn't do to be overcome with awed wonder every time you had to take out the humey), it's sad that that excitement has to dim.

Seeing the surprise and curiosity in the faces of those touring the village, though, we can again find ourselves viewing Dancing Rabbit with a fresh perspective. Straw bales suddenly become new and interesting, and the constructed wetlands a wonder of microorganismic wizardry. We can once more be able to appreciate the hard work that goes into our construction projects, and take pride in our carefully-planned gardens.

Sitting by the elm, waiting for the next tour to start, our neighbors could glimpse a bit into our lives: the squealing child happily twirling on the hammock swing, the group of Rabbits enjoying a light conversation, another playing a harmonica while relaxing in the unseasonable warmth. Looking at ourselves from their perspective, we can once again experience that sense of possibility that first drew us to Dancing Rabbit.

Homecomings • Going Home • Reflections • Nature Corner • Bernadoette • Wordy Gurdy