Green. old friend, Lawrence

Seems like summer's in full bloom now, and it's been great on the commune. Lots of flowers and green, and the steam table has been full of truly amazing freshness. The sugar snap peas are my favorite. They're green, so I think I'm getting nutrition, and they're sweet and crunchy, which is what I really want.

My ol' buddy Steve came to visit yesterday with his wife, and we walked around the farm for a few hours, catching up and touring. Our conversation made me miss Lawrence, but more miss the Lawrence of my misspent youth. I feel so lucky to have grown up in such a progressive town, and very grateful for the educational opportunities handed to me on a plate. Now when I go back, I see a lot of economic boom, which in some respects seems a bit empty to me -- I understand there's a second Wal-Mart now, and that's discouraging. But in many more ways, Lawrence is fundamentally solid in its values, with green growing things all around, and people working together to make it a peaceful place of learning and art. I miss that.

Don't get me wrong -- Twin Oaks is chockful of growing and art. Sometimes though, it's just a bit... hmm.... constricting. I'm laughing at myself, because I remember a time when I thought Lawrence too constricting. In the ways that really matter, Twin Oaks and Lawrence are more similar than different. For example, growing up, I thought every town had a coop grocery store -- it just makes sense. Now of course, I realize what a treasure the Merc is. People just need to have control over their food source, over what actually goes in their actual mouths. And unfortunately, in this day and age, most folks are limited in their choices. Don't get me started.

okey dokey artichokey,
much love,
Kelpie