Wow! Thank you for living in this county and fostering community here. I know it isn’t simple or easy, but we appreciate all you and Jamie are doing here. We feel the love! And I’ve felt everything you said in this essay:you say it so well!
I really needed to read this today. Moving from a more progressive landscape to Tennessee has been extremely tough for me. And, admittedly, the fault has been partly my own. You explained my reservations and then gave me a solution all in this one paragraph:
“I had ideas about how people would behave. I felt combative, suspicious of my neighbors. When I considered my own values, I concluded that what I put into the world comes back to me. If I expect love and care and mutual respect, then I would have to give it. If I want radical openness, then I would have to practice it.”
Thanks for this, Keia. You help an old friend without even intending to. Love you.
grateful for yall, in many ways. Really excited to see the big breakdown of this after our conversation at the book signing. The world is lucky to have the energy and light you put back into it. Happy seasons ahead
Glad you made the leap from a "safe" city life to the "scary" country life. It is hard to forge a new path from old traditions of our forefathers who farmed the land for generations. When we moved in 1980 from the city we were skeptically excepted by the locals. Gradually we were folded into the close community when offering or asking for help with everyday farm family challenges. Learning the ways and language of the area was like living the Foxfire life. After 40 plus years, 4 children, family joys, and family loss, we wouldn't have it any other way. One piece of advice to anyone who longs for a life on the land, "Remember who you are, where you come from, AND what you can learn from those who came before you." Your and Jamie's love of life and people are a true joy to the community.
Wow. This was an amazing read. You and Jamie are the embodiment of community! Love truly is the key to pulling people together and living in community. So glad that you are here!
Wow! Thank you for living in this county and fostering community here. I know it isn’t simple or easy, but we appreciate all you and Jamie are doing here. We feel the love! And I’ve felt everything you said in this essay:you say it so well!
Thanks, Laura. Practicing is the hardest part, but the most necessary part.
I really needed to read this today. Moving from a more progressive landscape to Tennessee has been extremely tough for me. And, admittedly, the fault has been partly my own. You explained my reservations and then gave me a solution all in this one paragraph:
“I had ideas about how people would behave. I felt combative, suspicious of my neighbors. When I considered my own values, I concluded that what I put into the world comes back to me. If I expect love and care and mutual respect, then I would have to give it. If I want radical openness, then I would have to practice it.”
Thanks for this, Keia. You help an old friend without even intending to. Love you.
I need to hear it over and over too. Practicing this kind of openness is a lifelong endeavor. So glad you found it helpful. <3
grateful for yall, in many ways. Really excited to see the big breakdown of this after our conversation at the book signing. The world is lucky to have the energy and light you put back into it. Happy seasons ahead
Thanks for being such a steadfast supporter and friend. x
Glad you made the leap from a "safe" city life to the "scary" country life. It is hard to forge a new path from old traditions of our forefathers who farmed the land for generations. When we moved in 1980 from the city we were skeptically excepted by the locals. Gradually we were folded into the close community when offering or asking for help with everyday farm family challenges. Learning the ways and language of the area was like living the Foxfire life. After 40 plus years, 4 children, family joys, and family loss, we wouldn't have it any other way. One piece of advice to anyone who longs for a life on the land, "Remember who you are, where you come from, AND what you can learn from those who came before you." Your and Jamie's love of life and people are a true joy to the community.
Barbara-- thanks for sharing your experience and that tidbit of advice. Glad to have you as a neighbor nearby.
Gorgeous, my friend.
Thank you, friend.
Wow. This was an amazing read. You and Jamie are the embodiment of community! Love truly is the key to pulling people together and living in community. So glad that you are here!
bless y'all. :)
Beautifully said! We in this community are so lucky to have you !
Thank you, Carole.
You and Jamie are living examples. Thank you for the invitation-again & again & again. I love how you love-and everything you grow and cook!💜