Change is happening everywhere for everyone it seems! I promised announcements, though many of our neighbors and friends are already ‘in the know’, it’s time to break down the big shifts that occurred here at Green Acres Permaculture Village.

These shifts haven’t been easy for everyone. Sometimes change is scary and we often do our best to avoid change — even if planned well in advance and yes, even if it is something we wished to happen.

That being said, I feel that challenging times can also be viewed as new beginnings.

I’ve been playing ‘musical rooms’ here since August. I returned from a three-month long pet sitting job at the beginning of August, and moved into the larger room next to my old one in DeKist 2 house. That made the smaller room available to another pod mate, Chris.

Some time after a few meetings and discussions, Charisse decided she wanted to move into the back bedroom at DeKist 2 house. She’s been eyeballing that space since they first got the house! Andreas was open to moving into the room I was inhabiting.

Once it was green-lighted, it was decided that I would run an AirBnB out of Maple House. I would move into Solan and Daisy’s old room after they left for Colorado on September 1st [and only after a great evening of raucous fun at karaoke!]

But first — Charisse landed this sweet couch for DeKist 2 house in mid-August. It’s insanely cool and very, very cozy. [Roommate Scholtie approves.]

Solan & Daisy’s old room [but new to me]

My room didn’t stay like this long. It has since been stacked with extra furniture, shelves, CD’s, books, clothes, an extra desk and a myriad of other items I moved over and also accepted as gifts for use for the AirBnB. It has acted as a holding area for many things in transition. It turned out many of our friends were also experiencing transitions of their own.

Every door that closes another one opens. Sound so cliché, doesn’t it? It’s quite true! In between the daily work, dinners, small dramas and sometimes large ones — things began to finally fall into place … with help and whole lotta practice in patience.

Suffice it to say, both houses on DeKist Street will look decidedly different as we take turns hosting dinners indoors as the cool weather is upon us once more. [And sometimes we’ll have an additional guest joining us from the AirBnB!]

Here’s a few before/after photos of the outward transitions occurring since September:

I’ve moved into a new space, with a new roommate. Charisse has moved into a new space after being here 7 years. Andreas has a new room and several new roommates, as does Scholtie, with furry friends Amos, Hank and Max added to the mix. The critters may take awhile longer than us to get used to the new changes!

Our AirBnB guests? They may never know how much we’ve all learned about each other, and ultimately ourselves in this process. Last night’s dinner blessing from Jim said more than I could hope to convey about what makes this place so special. I can’t imagine a better ‘place to be.’

It’s been a wild Autumn equinox. In closing, I’m reminded that it began with a quiet ceremony with manoomin rice to thank the founder of our feast, Saint Jeff.

Gratitude is important in every process. This one has left me exhausted, but also inspired and incredibly humbled. This is my tribe. Miigwech.

Love and rocket stoves,
Gabrielle

P.S.: Come and see us at Maple House [more updates to come!]
Unique Private Room in Permaculture Village by IU