Moving Through the Growing Pains
by Maqui

Winter has settled upon us stewards (6 fags in the woods), a rather mild winter, weather wise, that is. On a deeper level, we are in the thick of what I think are the growing pains of an expanding community. We moved into the new pottery studio in the beginning of October and went right to work readying for the onslaught of sales for holiday gift giving. With very little time to find order, set up "shop,"," and learn how to use our new kiln, the stress of it all started showing itself. Our money flow was very tight, leaning towards slim. We took to the growing list of members - that is you - for help. Your response was great, taking us out of scary situations. We remain so grateful for all of the care and support that was bestowed to us. We were able to meet the challenge of the holiday rush with successful sales at our local art gallery, a small show in the nearby town of Grants, and a trip to see Corbeau and the Denver Faeries, which hosted what we call a "Zuniware Party". A zuniware party is a chance for friends in nearby towns to invite everyone they know to come and peruse over our latest show of pottery and have a fashion show at the same time. Much fun was had by all, and with sales mounting close to $700, we look forward to having many more. Let us know if you want to host one!

Joseph moved on to Albuquerque at the end of fall. This, of course, changed the matrix of energy here. Departing energy always leaves us reflecting on the past, looking to the future and enjoying what was shared. Joseph contributed so much in the last two years, sharing his knowledge of permaculture and especially the climates of New Mexico. He instilled a large part of himself here. Buffy went off to Tennessee to share the Solstice with our friends at Short Mountain and returned mid-January with many tales of his travels. Clay went back east around the same time and is expected back any time now. The rest of us - Eden, Owl, Durga, Arcturus, Raven, and myself shared the holiday time in a quiet setting with few visitors.

This time gives us a better understanding of each other and deepens our bonds. The joy of collecting wood, staying warm, and slowing down the pace has its rewards and its challenges. Arcturus is currently on a sabbatical needing reflection time. Raven has decided to study massage in Portland. Raven's efforts are remembered as he moves onto a new path. We all go through a variety of emotions in dealing with the inward time of winter. Learning how to share our feelings, depending on one another for the day to day flow of staying warm, rested, and nurtured.

Candlemas arrives tomorrow, which signifies the return of light. Brigid returns from her time spent learning the lessons of darkness and so we look forward to the deepening of spirit and commitment of knowledge of living in harmony.

During the winters, we have planning meetings as we map out our goals for the future. In prior years, there has been need of housing and space for comfort. With the infrastructure somewhat in place, a desire to firm up what we have started emerges. Discussions of money, pottery, gardens, finishing our houses, personal time, leads the list of directions. Yet our visions tell us that more foresight is an option, as the previous years were primarily one season to the next. The lesson of trusting that we will be taken care of has been the topic of many conversations, and with that the practice of understanding that it's not what we want, it's when.

As we prepare this letter, the weekly meeting awaits us with the discussion about what to do with the main community vehicle that has blown a gasket and how to maintain the demands that our community asks for. If anyone has an idea or a truck you don't need, let us know (4x4, please.)

We also know that this, too, shall pass.

Stay warm, be free...