Links

• NPR


• Store Wars--Join the organic rebellion! (And laugh too!)


• Berea College SENS Program


• Humboldt State University CCAT

Farewell CCAT! It has been a beautiful summer!

Spirit of life... Chris and I sang the UU closing song for everyone.

Pat sharin' his new juggling skills. Go Pat go!

RAR!!! Glenn and Sean showed us that even making scary faces is a talent. Thanks boys!

Shout out for the talent show!

Ready to run Krystal and I prepare to take off in some tie-dye.

Log:
Tying up an internship is more work than I’d guessed! I spent my morning faxing my time cards and meeting with my supervisor. I spent the afternoon packing and trying to decide what I couldn’t do without seeing again. Let alone packing, which inevitably got pushed farther back than it should have on my to-do list. One last run with Krystal in that beautiful forest. We pretended to fly, it was a joyful occasion. After the run, the exciting CCAT talent show was slated to begin. Due to only one guest and no dinner yet, we pushed back the start time of the talent show and played cooperative games in the meantime. This was also a joyful time! The talent show was an incredible display of odd talents, beautiful music, and community. I never expected to meet so many wonderful people in this place. I recall early on writing about what balance of solitude I might find here. How amusing! I ended the evening by being declared the number one CCAT intern, officially (with a beautiful sash and everything), along with at least a million heartfelt hugs. What beautiful people! Just when I thought my evening was over a friend decided a night hike would be appropriate. The conversation was brimming with absolute presence. We discussed the concept of time as well as comfort and growth. All three of which are twisting together for me at the moment, I’m finally comfortable here and time has expired but I’ll take all of the growth with me when I leave.

Questions:
-It’s not possible to tie up all of the ends I’d like to, what can I get done?
-What will southern California be like?
-Will I ever have a better summer?

Feelings:
Whenever I think it’s the last time I’ll see the community forest, or a friend I always seem to run into them again. I somehow know that this will continue through out life. There’s now a handful more people I can whole heartedly count on in this world, and it’s a small place (thankfully).

Fried green tomatoes and fried eggs (both local!)

Log:
We spent our morning giving multiple tours to kids groups. It’s always so fun to have little people around. The kids we worked with today were ages 7 to 12. What a great age range! They really grasped a lot that we talked about, yet were still young enough to be easily excited.
I spent the afternoon interviewing Noelle about her CCAT experience. I really appreciate how concise she is. She seemed to pull together a lot of what I’ve heard in other CCAT interviews and explain a variety of ideas succinctly.
After working at CCAT, Krystal and I went to an African dance class. What an intense workout! There were drummers and at least 30 dancers. Krystal and I were very amused at our inability to understand the moves quickly. After the class we found out that most of the ladies dancing are part of a performance group and are very skilled at this type of dance. That explains so much. Regardless of our level of competency, Krystal and I had fun. I do love dancing!
I ended my day with a dinner of fried green tomatoes and fried eggs. Of course, we watched the movie too. Which I enjoyed, until I fell asleep, woops.

Questions:
-How can SENS reach more young people?
-How can SENS increase contact with former directors?
-Who invented time and why does it speed up?

Ladies art night at Krystals

Log:
It’s Wednesday so that means its an afternoon at the river with Carlita. Rosie joined us this time as well. We ran into a large group of firefighters at the river and I appreciated Rosie’s company because then I wasn’t the only person who wasn’t a fire fighter. Also awkward at the river was the large group of teenagers who had brought a radio and bad manners to the beautiful river. Not surprisingly Rosie was up for a small trek upstream to find quieter beaches, and find them we did. Swimming between the shadows of redwoods escaping the hot sun. It was wonderful. I can’t even begin to explain the beauty.
Rosie and I spent the evening with Noelle and Krystal. It was quite the slumber party. We found a few blank postcards to paint while we enjoyed good food and conversation.

Questions:
-How can I leave?
-The clubs coordinator visited CCAT, he mentioned what a great meeting place CCAT is and that it would be good to have other clubs meet here. How can SENS make the space they have more of a welcoming meeting place?
-Why does leaving bring people together?

Log:
I started my day by interviewing Krystal, a former co-director. It was great to have a lot of my ideas about community living validated. It was also energizing to chat about dorm sustainability programs that we’ve both been working on. It’s my dream that one day Berea will have a sustainability RA in each dorm, similar to the current chaplain position. I think it’s a necessary part of Berea realizing its commitment to sustainability.
I had lunch with Carlita. For the second time in three days I went to Luzmila’s for the tostada deluxe. Mmmm, mmm! When I returned to CCAT I helped out with the bamboo shed deconstruction, which is a huge project.
I spent my evening baking up a storm. I cooked down rhubarb and plums so I can make a fruit leather tomorrow. I made unintentional granola bars as well as two batches of plum, blackberry granola. I really don’t know what’s gotten into me lately with this cooking craze.

Questions:
-What would it take to start a sustainability RA program at Berea?
-How little sleep can I get by on?
-Carlita was the first person in Arcata I connected with and the first I’ll have to say goodbye to (recall from earlier entries that she’s a firefighter working Thursday through Sunday). What have I learned from her?

Log:
Hooray for kids! Today I got to have fun with twenty kids from a day care. We talked about appropriate technology. They were able to understand more than one might guess, for instance they could tell me that being nice to friends is appropriate and sticking your tongue out all the time is not. As far as defining technology, that was a little more difficult for them. They were so excited to see all of CCAT’s cool gadgets. I rode the pedal powered bikes and we talked about how you can get electricity from a lot of different things. Along those lines, we looked at a solar fountain and a windmill. They really got into our short walk in the woods. Before the group’s arrival I had placed a few pieces of litter on the trail. When we got to the first piece I asked if anyone saw anything that didn’t belong in the forest. They were quick to lead me to this mysterious piece of litter. They were also so proud of themselves when they spotted the pop can farther on down the trail. After we made the trail loop we went back to the patio for snack time. I asked the kids what I should do with the litter and they knew what could and couldn’t be recycled! It’s amazing how much kids know these days. I felt like I was at SENS working with the Child Development Lab kids as everyone was referred to as a “friend”.
At CCAT today I also helped organize salvaged wood in the storage yard.
Krystal and I went on a nice jog to the UU fellowship because I had left my bike there after Sunday’s service. On our way out we had to stop and eat blackberries. They were so ripe they just fell off the vine and dissolved when we ate them. We returned home to find Rosie anxious to cook up a storm for dinner. She made us bock Choy, tofu, and quinoa, all deliciously spicy. After dinner Rosie and I headed for the forest for a mini campout. We slept in my favorite hollowed out stump that must be at least 8 feet in diameter. The night hike out to the tree was so fun. We couldn’t see anything so we relied on the sound of trail gravel beneath our feet to find the path. I didn’t see anymore stardust, but I know it’s out there. It was a cozy slumber party and an interesting experience to wake up under the redwoods.

Questions:
-I think early exposure with kids is critical, but often wonder how much they are capable of grasping. At what age can kids comprehend sustainability?
-What environmental education books are appropriate for preschoolers?
-Does phosphorescent micro bacteria glow year round?

Perceptions:
It looked as if the stars were farther out than they’d ever been. The redwoods stretch so high and the stars are beyond even those giants.

Log:
I don’t think I could have had a more perfect final Sunday in Arcata. I started my day a smidge later than I’d have liked to and quickly biked off to the UU. The service was about death. What a heavy topic. It was emotionally intense as a woman confessed to a room full of people that she was tired of fighting her health and was ready to accept the fact that she would die. She was 84 years old, this wasn’t some mid-life crisis reaffirmation in comfort with death, but someone realistically close to it confronting it with bravery. The questions of the service were:
-How does your death shape your life?
-How would you like to be remembered?
-How are you working today on your legacy?
-How do you envision your memorial service?
-What symbols do you want to have there?
Answers were mostly from elders (appropriately so), and ranged from funny jokes to concentrated emotion. Humor is one way to approach death. It seemed that the general consensus was that folks weren’t hoping to be remembered as individuals, but rather as a part of some greater humanity. The responses to the memorial service question included the wise observation that memorials are for those left, and should be what they need, rather than what the deceased might have dreamed of as well as the wish that memorial services all be huge celebrations. I was reminded of Tuesdays with Morrie when someone mentioned how important it is to tell people how much you love them while they are alive. The service reminded me of my semi-recent encounter with the death of a loved one, my grampy. It was good to hear the perspectives of older folks, their comfort and acceptance of death reminded me very much of my grampy’s last night spent holding me and Missy’s hands. Family bonds are powerful things, much more powerful than the constraints between life and that which lies beyond. The reminder of life’s fragility elated me to an awe-full state of feeling alive. It was complimented by a yummy lunch and energizing conversation with a friend, Chris, in the “Garcia booth” at Luzmila’s. How I do appreciate the people who have shared their stories in one way or another! I’ve made so many connections that are fully present and real.
As if this wasn’t enough, I topped off my Sunday with possibly my final (for this CA visit anyway) river trip. Sean and I went to Jacque’s farm to enjoy his river access. Sigh. The treat of the day was floating downstream holding a rock, which made it possible to stay under water longer. We must have seen at least three schools of fish. After a lazy afternoon of floating downstream, getting out, walking upstream and repeating, we went back to Jacque’s farm for a delicious eclectic potluck and good company. I enjoyed teasing the little ones and perpetually eating. Once it was dark, a white sheet was hung from the rain gutters and their front yard became a movie theater. Under the stars, several of which were shooting, we watched documentaries about rivers in the area. Several of the films dealt with the conflict between Native Americans and agriculturist battling for water rights. We also showed “Green Eye for the Common Gal” and the audience was roaring with laughter. When it became sufficiently late, Sean and I decided the time had come to leave this place of wonderful food and entertainment for the sleepy Arcata. Many stories later, I was dropped off at CCAT and ready for a good night’s sleep…. And I think to myself what a wonderful world ;)

Questions:
-It’s so easy to be eco-conscious in Arcata. The question remains in my mind, is it better to flock to these amazing places or work to make the rest of the world more like this?
-What will become of these river fights?
-How has death shaped your life (I’m really interested in conversation here)?

Feelings:
Again I felt so overwhelmed by the intense beauty of this place! Remind me why I’m leaving…

Sushi pilgrim... Glenn in his handcrafted napkin hat.

Biodiesel rocks! Andy Cooper showed me around Footprint Recycling.

Log:
My final Saturday in Arcata logically started at the Farmers market. As usual, we weren’t in search of anything in particular. I was excited to find eggs and peaches. Then all of the sudden this crazy desire to bake came over me, so I got some zucchini for bread making this week. Noelle and I were about ready to leave when she asked me if it would be okay if we sat for a minute. Over dripping juicy peaches we sat and watched the show that is Arcata Farmer’s Market. A few people dancing… People from every generation are out today from unborn babies swelling in tummies to toddlers waddling around after one another and chasing older kids, from the college crowd to the middle aged, and even the little old white haired lady who dances every weekend. What an amazing gathering this market is! How beautiful all of these people are, from the dancers to the silent observers, there’s so much energy in this place. After a long silent observation in appreciation of the crowd Noelle and I headed back to CCAT. We stopped along the way to pick some rhubarb at CCAT’s plot in the community garden, this was important as it could potentially be a bartering tool at any garage sale we pass. Luckily enough, we found a place that would take 2 dollars and some rhubarb for a pretty blue sundress.
Rosie and I deemed it necessary to pick the final harvest from our favorite plum tree. As usual, we borrowed the CCAT ladder to get the most yummy plums in this town. Mmm, mmmm!
After fruit pickin’ with Rosie I accompanied Glenn to buy bio-diesel. Andy Cooper, a former CCAT student, started Footprint Recycling which collects waste vegetable oil and manufactures bio-diesel and soap. Andy was kind enough to give us the grand tour.
Saturday night the CCAT folks took me out to dinner at Tomo’s. I must say we sure did clean up nice for the occasion. We enjoyed sampling each other’s sushi. Dinner was capped off by making hats out of the nice cloth napkins. (Simply make a “paper cup” and viola, you’re ready for anything). To my surprise, a woman at the table next to us asked us to show her how to make the hats so she could teach her nieces. I learned that it’s not wise to try and pay for a dinner when folks are trying to treat you, such behavior can and will result in wallet confiscation!

Questions:
-Would the Ecological Design class at Berea be interested in communicating with Andy Cooper?
-How beautiful would the world be to me if I was able to retain this state of openness?
-What other great origami hats could be made from restaurant style napkins?

Feelings:
I feel like I might be approaching sleepless time soon, as I spend my last week in Arcata. There are so many things I’d like to do, so many people I’d like to spend more time getting to know, so many interesting foods I’d like to try to make with all of this fresh fruit, the list goes on and on.

• Learn about Footprint Recycling

Log:
Today I was finally able to get done some hard to prioritize reading. Also important I made fruit leather from some rhubarb that was going soft on us. I gave a few tours to new students as well. It’s so fun to meet that fresh enthusiasm. At times giving tours can be a bit draining, but with not with an interested audience.
At CCAT we hosted a movie screening of a film made by HSU Green Campus. The film was a spoof on “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”, titled “Green Eye for the Common Gal”. It was a funny, educational short film. I think it works well for the college audience. It should be online sometime soon. I’d like to see Berea work with the art department to make short films about sustainability. I really like Jason’s (one of the Berea SENS directors) idea about hosting more film viewings at the SENS house in the coming semester.
I concluded the evening with a trip to the Blue Lake Folklife festival, just in time to find out they were sold out of tickets. Luckily the concession stand workers were friendly and entertaining. They suggested that we wait until intermission and see if there might be room then. In the meantime we decided to go to the new raw foods restaurant Green Life. What a good decision it was! We ate the most incredible caramel apple pie and blue berry cheesecake. I must say that I’ve enjoyed some of the most amazing food here. After our mini-dessert we went back to the festival to find that we had perfect timing to slip in for the conclusion of the show just before they cleared the stage for the contra dance. The music was lively bluegrass and the dancing was hilarious. It’s one thing to contra dance at the Folk Center in Berea where most folks have a good handle on things, it’s another to dance with a group mostly new to the style. I really like how informal it is here!

Questions:
-What are more student film ideas dealing with sustainability?
-How much more nutritious are raw foods?
-How many people does it take to deconstruct a bamboo shed?

Perceptions:
It seemed like everyone dancing tonight was a little more free style than the crowd I see in Kentucky. I do love dancing.

Log:
Another morning cleaning party. I was reminded of Grandma today as I got out the Murphy’s oil soap for the wood floor. I appreciate the distraction cleaning provides.
Another day, another meeting, of course! We met again before the charrette. These CCATers really are interested in being as prepared as possible. As much as I’m not into meetings, I have seen their value in helping us learn about construction. Every meeting we find out something else we should research. I was glad when the actual charrette started. I found it very informative. I was also very amused by the clear roles that most folks seemed to fit into, according to clothing: the neatly dressed architect, the down to earth blue collar house mover/construction guy in a hard hat, the project managers wearing some combination of the two previous uniforms, and the students wearing jeans and chacos. If someone were to be into the comic making business we would have been prime material. We did get done what we needed to at the charrette, hooray! We roughly sited the house, after considering many factors. The three largest were land contour, ADA access, and solar window. We also explained the use of the house and worked with the architect to redesign the basement floor plan. It feels good to have made this progress. I’m really glad that construction administration is not my future profession.
I spent my evening in the woods, in my favorite stump. I always appreciate visiting the same spot at different times of day. It’s very interesting to me to see how light transforms settings. The sun was casting long interesting shadows on the trail. I was able to catch a bright pink and gold sunset through the silhouetted redwoods. What a view! On my way out of the woods I tried to find more glowing phosphorescent microbacteria. I was convinced I had found some on a leaf. When I got out of the woods it turned out that I had actually found a piece of shimmering litter. Only slightly disappointed, I am glad I picked it up anyway.

Questions:
-What should I prioritize in my last week?
-How much research went into designing and building the SENS house?
-Where is the 10 x 10 campaign in its recent push to get a solar panel on Berea’s campus?

Links of the day:

• Calculate possible solar output for your home. We used this page at our charrette.

• HEAL-a student led environmental and social justice organization at Berea. Click to read about the 10 x 10 campaign I mentioned.

Twilight canopy

Goodnight from the community forest

Mold before green cleaning

After!

Green ingredients for a sparkling clean

Log:
I got to talk about forestry this morning. I had a chat with one of the forestry professors about some of the trees on CCAT’s site. It feels good to be learning about trees, forestry strikes such a chord in me.
In an attempt to prepare for the charrette I’m trying to find out all I can about the specifics of materials used in the Berea Ecovillage.
Noelle and I prepared for the green cleaning workshop by identifying good places in the house that needed a little TLC. We found a section of mold spotted wall that really needed a hand. Unfortunately the attendance for the workshop was small, well okay, only one person came. (It is the summer after all.) So Noelle and I got a good bit of cleaning done anyway… and I won’t comment about how I feel about cleaning (I’m keeping that information secret from here on out). I must say that I was really excited that Noelle and I decided to wear matching outfits for the occasion! (A pair of jeans and the infamous CCAT tie-dyed shirt.)
Between the green cleaning workshop and the evening co-director meeting, I was able to sneak off for a run in my favorite woods. I don’t think I’d ever get used to those trees. It’s so moving (literally!) to run through those giants. Sigh.

Questions:
-What type and timing of programs would Berea Ecovillage residents best attend?
-At what point are meetings counter productive?
-How could SENS make a strong connection to the forestry at Berea?

Feelings:
I feel like I’m on a roller coaster when I run in those woods. I go slowly up a hill and then turn a corner to dip and feel the breeze gush past me just in time to bisect a beam of light that snuck in through the tall, tall canopy… I also feel like one of those cartoon characters who walks off the edge of a cliff and doesn’t fall until he looks down. I know in the near future I will leave these trees and all of this, but I’m certainly not looking down yet!

Log:
Again with the meetings! I can say that CCAT certainly is good at being prepared for meetings. If they only have one shot with a person, they prepare so well for that opportunity. Today we met with our project manager to discuss what we learned at the pre-charrette meeting. We also sent out the Spring 2005 AT Transfer (CCAT publication).
I’m beginning to see tension develop in meetings. It seems as if the intensity of living/working together may be wearing on folks. From my experience it’s that very tension that leads to real conversations full of growth. Human relations are such a huge part of organizations, although they are often overlooked. I’d like to learn more about conflict resolution and community living. Only now, after seriously working at both of the above for more than a year, do I feel like I understand the importance of relationship building (to the extent that I do).
I interviewed Sean Armstrong, a former co-director who spent a good amount of time compiling the CCAT history. I appreciated the enthusiasm and advice he offered. I am so glad that I get to see CCAT from all of these perspectives. There’s a lot that SENS can gain from CCAT’s knowledge.
Also noteworthy today, I received an e-mail from an old friend. Always a refreshing thing!

Questions:
-How effective is the CCAT steering committee?
-At what point are people comfortable enough to have honest conversations about communication styles?
-Could SENS get more labor positions? If so, how many would be a manageable number?

Feelings:
After my conversation tonight I feel excited about returning to SENS with all of the ideas from CCAT. I feel like I could hit the ground running now (which is good because that’s almost what will happen when I get home).

• Read past AT Transfers

One down, shed to go... To be deconstructed for salvagable material that is.

Log:
The day was centered around preparing for the pre-charrette meeting. In order to best utilize the architect’s time at the charrette, we met with various steering committee and community people familiar with the construction business to draft a list of questions and ideas.
Also we’re one step closer to deconstructing the bamboo shed. After removing rebar and bamboo supports we used a come-along and rope to gently pull the bamboo shed to a soft landing on its side. The morning was amusing because we had three video cameras to document the falling of the shed. The process went smoother than we had imagined, no one was hurt and a lot of the bamboo from the shed roof is in salvageable condition.
Another difficult conversation with a friend from home. Sigh. It’s especially challenging to experience a shift in relationship dynamics when I’m so distanced.

Questions:
-What is a French drain?
-How do you site a house?
-How can I balance my home life with my CA life?

Contemplation is...

Log:
“No more talking, no more fun, Quakers meeting has begun.” This was my previous exposure to the Quakers. As a child my mom used this phrase to trick us into having a silent contests with her. Today I expanded that impression as I walked to the edge of Arcata (off Q Street) for a friends meeting. I was a tad late due to the walk being farther than I had guessed and faulty directions. I heard singing and entered a room to find an assortment of couches and chairs arranged in a square filled with people raising their voices. Mid-song I was promptly handed a song book and invited to have a seat. I’ve never been able to read music, but I found the melody of the group and went with it. I even found a couple of the harmonies. It felt really good to click with the people and the music. After a few good songs, the silent part of the service began. At first it was hard to concentrate on internal thoughts, because I wanted to watch everyone in the room. I too found a comfortable silence and was able to open myself to spiritual connections. Periodically, friends stood and spoke if they felt moved. The first message shared today was in remembrance of a friend who had passed away. We were reminded not to get so caught up in our own lives that we don’t care for the world. The second sharing was in reference to a Biblical story. The woman explained that she understands the Bible by reading bits and meditating on them. I found this interesting as that’s what we were all doing in the Quaker meeting, listening and then meditating. She told the parable about Jesus cursing a fig tree that did not feed the people, just as he cursed the church that did not meet the spiritual needs of the people. She emphasized that a personal relationship with God filled her spiritually. The third person to share explained that empathy would make the world a better place and children should grow up not only knowing the word, but the practice of empathizing with the world. I appreciated all of the lessons shared in the service. After the silent time, we rose and shared recent life events. They asked about birthdays, so I told them I was excited to be 20. Joyfully, they sang “Happy Birthday” to me. I thanked them and assured them that indeed it had been a happy birthday.
I couldn’t help but think of Rumi’s “Zero Circle” during the meeting today. It’s one of my favorite poems and surprisingly applicable to the Quaker meeting.
* * *
Be helpless, dumbfounded,
Unable to say yes or no.
Then a stretcher will come from grace to gather us up.

We are too dull-eyed to see that beauty.
If we say we can, we're lying.
If we say No, we don't see it,
That No will behead us
And shut tight our window onto spirit.

So let us rather not be sure of anything,
Beside ourselves, and only that, so
Miraculous beings come running to help.
Crazed, lying in a zero circle, mute,
We shall be saying finally,
With tremendous eloquence, Lead us.
When we have totally surrendered to that beauty,
We shall be a mighty kindness
* * *
After the meeting I continued wandering and stumbled upon some stunningly ripe blackberries. It was an amazing moment, feeling spiritually filled by the berries; not unlike the surprise fulfillment that comes from my church sampling.
When I got back into town I had an insatiable urge to write, after not talking for an hour I had a lot to say to myself. Needless to say I had a very full day.

Questions:
-The even curious, should SENS have a term limit for directors? After talking with Kati today I think it would be hard to be at Berea and not be in SENS, how will we both feel about that in a year?
-How prevalent is the Quaker religion?
-As the summer draws to a close, I’m finding that more and more stories are tying themselves up neatly in my mind and morals are being revealed. How much more will I learn in these final two weeks?

Feelings:
I felt completely overwhelmed today by the blackberries, it was such a rich connection.

• Learn more about the Quakers

Marsh afternoon

Log:
I got a late start today, and I did appreciate it. It wouldn’t be Saturday without the Farmer’s Market, so I went even though the fridge was plentifully stocked. Rosie and I enjoyed the first peaches of the season. Mmm!
I went thrift shopping in search of some goodies for folks back home. A lot of the thrift shops in Arcata are rather up-scale, vintage, and pricey. However, I did find one fine green skirt. So that search was productive.
I enjoyed a call from Carla. It’s always so good to hear from folks back home. I’m able to really be my complete self talking with them, which is a good reminder for me. I spent some time at the Marsh. I’ve really been into solitude lately.

Questions:
-How long do I need to know someone before I am my entire self around them?
-What adjustment stages will I also go through in Australia?
-How will it feel to return home for a short period of time and quickly leave for school?

It's amazing what you find on a walk

Log:
Started the morning with a cleaning party! It makes me feel at home. Honestly, I like to clean, but don’t let that one get out. At both CCAT and SENS we use nontoxic homemade green cleaners check out my links to learn more.

***TO LEARN MORE VISIT CCAT WEDNESDAY (July 20) from 2-4 pm, for a free workshop on natural cleaners***

In the afternoon I stuffed the AT Transfers, a semi-annual publication put out by CCAT. It was great to fold sheets of paper and listen to Bell sing Irish folk songs.
My day became quickly more exciting when I met Sonia, a student from Ohio University. She wanted to see CCAT because there’s a similar program forming at OU. It was great to talk to someone who was familiar with Ohio, and even greater to talk to someone in a program younger than SENS. It’s so exciting to see all of that potential! I hope that we will make a lasting networking connection with that program. We also talked about the difference in the natural beauty of the west coast and Ohio. I agreed with Sonia that Arcata is a huge, showy intense beauty with the ocean and the redwoods, while Ohio is more of a calm comforting beauty with the huge sky and subtle forests.
Rosie and I visited our new favorite plum tree again. It’s so much easier to pick plums in the daylight. For the rest of my life, I’ll think of Arcata when I eat plums. I’ve never been so in love with plums. This is a perfect place to be in the summer because it’s so easy to feel connected with your food, delicious fruit specifically.

Questions:
-What variety of plum did we pick?
-At every house Rosie and I stop at to ask if we can pick fruit, the owners tell us they actually don’t even eat it. How many people have fruit trees they don’t utilize?
-How many schools have programs similar to CCAT and SENS?

• Learn more about nontoxic cleaning

Log:
I started my 20th birthday with breakfast in bed/couch. Rosie and Noelle made me the most delicious plum dumplings and fried potatoes….mmm! I must have gotten a million phone calls wishing me a happy birthday. I spent my morning cleaning the bathroom (and no one fights with me over who gets to clean the toilet here… Kati!) and doing laundry. I secretly really enjoy doing laundry. I appreciate the clean slate it provides me with, as well as the gentle scent of clothes dried in the breeze.
This afternoon we had a co-director meeting. The co-directors prioritized action items and to-do tasks for each director. The body language at the meeting was interesting to watch. It seems that the group’s dynamics are very much changing, as members become more familiar with one another.
I enjoyed a great birthday lunch as well. Noelle made me crazy bugs organic macaroni and cheese along with the classic favorite, corndogs (veggie). I don’t think I’ll even outgrow my favorite foods from childhood.
My evening was lovely with calls from family. It was unusually warm, so I went on a nice long walk in the forest. After a short nap in my favorite stump, I awoke to the most beautiful light of day and realized the absolute necessity of taking pictures. I got side tracked on my way home to CCAT and went for yet another walk to take pictures of flowers around town.
Noelle, Glenn, Krystal, and Rosie took me out to the Café Mokka hot tubs for my birthday. Surprisingly enough, it really helped my poison oak. I think the chlorine dried it out a good bit. I also received an amusing birthday collage/card, a “Klean Kanteen”, and a dainty necklace that we’re claiming came from Africa. The CCAT folks really know how to celebrate birthdays. I think anyone in the area should celebrate their birthdays with these fun people.

Questions:
-CCAT employees and co-directors go on a retreat each fall, could SENS implement a similar bonding experience?
-As an outsider watching today’s meeting, it was easy to observe subtle undertones between the participants. What am I like to work with in a meeting setting?
-I think SENS labor meetings have improved so much with our new structure. What do we do that CCAT could learn from in the way we conduct meetings?

Feelings:
It’s so wonderful and unexpected to have such good friends in my life all the way out here. I was uncertain about what it would be like to celebrate my birthday without family, but the CCAT crew made me feel at home.

Some random Arcata resident's hydrangea bush

The flowers that motivated me to take a longer walk

Rays of sun I saw on my birthday walk

Birthday breakfast in bed :)

Log:
Another Wednesday, another river trip with Carlita. I enjoyed the sunshine and cool water. I also enjoyed a nice long run when I got home. As usual, I got lost in the woods. I think that may very well be one of my favorite things to do. I’m contemplating my aging (in the very near future).

Questions:
-What should I do for my birthday?
-How many other places have a community forest?
-What has been my greatest lesson this year (age 19)?

Log:
I knew today would be exciting because we started it at Pal Camp. We gave interactive presentations to kids ages 5-12. They were even generous enough to invite us on super hero day, so the kids were ready to take on anything. We gave a short introduction about CCAT and then broke off into smaller groups. I was teaching the kids about trees. I had everyone share at least one thing they liked about trees. My favorite answer came from a tiny five year old boy in an orange shirt with a very serious look on his face, “I like trees because they’re so beautiful,” he said with a Vannah White-like hand motion. We talked about how trees produce oxygen that we need to breathe, shelter for animals, fruit, places to climb, beauty to look at, as well as many materials that we all use in our everyday lives. We passed around homemade recycled paper and discussed how important recycling is. We also took turns sitting in a bamboo chair to demonstrate alternative building materials. I must admit though the most well liked part of my station was bamboo limbo. Other stations included pedal powered smoothie making, discussion about energy conservation, and cooking with the sun. Amusingly enough we were able to throw together these stations in a few minutes as we were prepared to make smoothies only. It was a good reminded of the importance of flexibility when working with kids.

Questions:
-How could SENS connect with the education department at Berea?
-How can SENS work with more youth?
-What is the job market in this area for Outdoor Education?

Feelings:
It was refreshing to be teaching kids about the environment! Sigh of relief. It’s comforting to work with kids because it’s reassuring that I’m making the right decision majoring in Outdoor Education. It’s also so energizing to work with all of those little excited people.

CCATers at Pal Camp

Log:
A package from home really made my day today! Cookies from the infamous Grandma J. Everyone was so excited! I’m pretty sure I have one of the best families. I spent my morning catching up on e-mails. We finally got to move the worm bins out of the bamboo shed this afternoon! Lots of good work going on at CCAT, as always. I went to a campus space committee meeting today. The process state universities must use to choose contractors continues to baffle me. So much so that when I got home from the meeting at 5:00 pm, I had to take a nap. I did wake up just in time for an amazing sunset over hazy Arcata. Finally awake, I went for a short jog, picked some plums, and tried my hand at making granola again. The first batch was a bit dry but I think it will work fine with the next batch which was chewy. All in all, it was a slow Monday.

Questions:
-Age. What do you think about it?
-I have poison oak on my feet, what’s the best way to treat it?
-How can I learn to better accept constructive criticism?

Feelings:
I’m excited about my nearing birthday and contemplating leaving my teens entirely. I really don’t feel old enough to almost be 20. I don’t think age is really something that you feel anyway.

Sean and Shale's secret spot

Log:
I started my day with a call from my Kati M… so enjoyable to chat with folks who really know me. After her call I went to yet another UU Fellowship service. Another circle of people sharing their stories. I think this fellowship has something to do with my recent infatuation with stories and personal experiences. The questions for discussion were centered around the sacred. What makes something sacred? What in your religious heritage is still sacred to you? How do you experience the sacred? I took the mike for a second and explained that I still find music to be a sacred thing to share. (In response to the question about religious heritage.) It’s true, there’s something about blending voices and instruments that I find amazing. I also find nature’s solitude very sacred. Some other fascinating answers I heard were:
-the sacred is that which we seek to relieve the uneasiness in our hearts
-the sacred is that which we can destroy, but not create
-family is sacred
-being fully present is sacred

Another inspirational service at the UU Fellowship. Next week I’m going to a Quakers’ meeting. I look forward to it, but know that I’ll probably miss the UU.
Yet another trip to the river. This time Sean and Shale took us to their favorite spot. Glorious! We went exploring upstream and then rode the waves back to the spot we had set up camp at. We discussed what’s sacred to us as well after munching on potluck leftovers warmed in the sun over. I’m very sure that this is the life! It’s such a breathtaking place to live.

Questions:
-What is sacred to you? (Seriously, let’s get some conversation going here)
-How much solitude do I need in my life?
-How many people would appreciate this spiritual sampling that I’m doing?

Log:
I spent my morning hammering out flight details… Which have finally resulted in success! I’m so tickled that I have tickets to visit Pat Adams! I was so excited to go to the farmers market knowing that I had that to look forward to at the end of this internship when it will be hard to tear myself away. In celebration of my productive morning on the phone, I bought a muffin and headed for the dancing area. In the sun all ages danced to a small band of 6 drummers dressed in white. Barefoot and joyful I found myself in the midst of the moment, just where I needed to be. Sigh. Good times.
Today was such an amazing day already I was really excited to get out my sign. A lot of folks in Arcata have signs that say clever things to try and inspire people to share their food or funds, my sign was different. On a brown paper bag I had written “Tell me your story” and was anxious to see what sorts of tales it would yield. Interestingly enough, even though I wasn’t asking for anything a lot of people avoided eye contact, obviously uncomfortable. It was a different perspective, sitting behind a sign, as people really look at you differently. The first responses were awkward avoidance, cracked smiles, or people saying things like “My back hurts”. Not more than a half hour after I’d been sitting there an older gentleman came up to me and asked if I was collecting stories or what. I told him that’s actually exactly what I’m doing.
He sat and told me his life story: in the service he met and fell in love with a German girl. They married, had two beautiful children and it was happily ever after. She and the youngest child were on a trip back to Germany to visit his wife’s family when they died in a crash. After this he was heartbroken but stressed that it was his faith in people that got him through his hard times. He told me “never stop believing in people, never give up hope that the world will be what you need.” He also told me about how he had been heartbroken by his second wife who cheated on him and left him. Through it all, he believes that everyone is good. The second story was from Elie, who told me a number of unbelievable tales. I didn’t buy any of it. I was actually becoming annoyed by his obviously fake stories. Then along came Ben, who was amused by Elie’s stories and he asked for my story… I said I had many, and he requested something recent and funny. I shared the foot massage story and everyone laughed for a good long while. I considered that a fine conclusion to my story requesting for the day. I think people misunderstood my object-to really get stories, not to pick anyone up or collect anything tangible. I also think that asking for someone’s story might be a little intimidating, I mean we’re all in the process of living our stories and it’s hard to really find the moral at some times and tie things up in a neat package. I spent the rest of the day in the woods listening to rain above the redwood canopy while I stayed completely dry.

Questions:
-Stories… what do they mean to you?
-Would you stop and tell a stranger your story?
-How would it feel to hold a sign asking for money?

Perceptions:
I felt like many people are uncomfortable with anyone holding signs.

Noelle's world famous scones, stop by and try one sometime!

CCAT potluck/feast

Log:
An attempt at an early morning. I simply could not get up at 6:30am to go to the Educational Farm. I enjoyed the return to sleeping. There’s something special about going back to bed, honestly, it’s cozier than just getting up and really starting your day. When I did start my day I prepared to table on the quad with Patrick. This time the fair was for transfer students. The timing was perfect because we could invite everyone to the potluck tonight. It was really enjoyable to get to tell others about CCAT. I don’t always realize how much I’ve learned through this internship, but I was reminded when I was able to answer almost all of the questions anyone asked us.
I also finished the first draft of an article about CCAT for the new SENS newsletter (the first edition is slated to go out in August).
The potluck rolled around and we didn’t get a very large crowd. I was really excited to give the presentation about Berea’s SENS program. Everyone was really interested and amazed at the progress we had made in such a short time. Seeing the reactions everyone had to the Ecovillage and SENS house pictures reminded me how amazing our facility really is, and how fortunate SENS is to have such a house. After my presentation I asked everyone to share their favorite thing about CCAT. The list included:
-CCAT’s sense of community
-the student involvement
-the food and innovative cooking (cob oven, hot box, solar oven)
-the bulletin board with work-trade, internship, apartment and other miscellaneous postings
-the networking is so extensive—CCAT has been around long enough that people know about their program and they receive information requests from all over the world
-the fact that everything at CCAT is being rebuilt enables more students to experience the building process
-how applicable the CCAT technologies are to the average joe’s life
-CCAT changes people’s perceptions of what technology is
-how many needs are met at CCAT by plants on site.

After the potluck crowd had dwindled we took a midnight walk in the forest. After Charles assured everyone that there were indeed magically fairies in these woods we stopped to notice something glowing on the ground. It looked like tiny worms, but felt like bark. I picked up a few pieces, calling them stardust. Of course we took a small detour to the playground for the swings and animals on large springs to rock on. I took everyone to my favorite tree stump to sit in. I was surprised at how much I still recognized the path at night, having only been here a little over a month. An unexpectedly twinkling cloudy night was a fine end to another week at CCAT that went by too quickly.

Questions:
-How are Berea’s orientation weekends going? I hope that the SENS display is being used.
-What could I have done to make my presentation better? (Please leave feedback on this one, thanks for coming!)
-What the heck was on that bark/mulch to make it glow? (Please, please tell me if you know this one)

Log:
Cob cooking demonstration day started with yours truly in the kitchen. This may not be funny to some of you, but it would be if you knew my cooking. If it isn’t a potato, I’m not sure how to cook it. Amusingly enough, I attempted several recipes successfully.
Another fine day for a run. I absolutely love getting lost in the woods and running longer than I thought I could.
After a long day at CCAT I went with Noelle to Café Mokka for some journal writing and cocoa. The place was crowded as usual, so we shared a table with someone who had already sat down. I recognized that he had been at the Arcata Marsh run. I asked him if my memory served me right, and it had. I was reminded of my previous evening at the greyhound station filled with a short story. A conversation grew around the joys of running non-competitively. I was really pleased not only because Adam may find Krystal and me a ride to another race this coming Monday, but also because I had heard one more person's story.
Also worth noting today was a surprise letter from Kati. It’s so good to hear from friends.

Questions:
-What would I like to get out of the rest of my CCAT internship?
-What should I write my paper about at the conclusion of this internship?
-Obviously, becoming friends needs to be a priority in an organization that works the way CCAT does. How do different personalities play into these learning relationships?

Log:
I spent the morning tying up loose ends I had neglected over e-mail. I also spoke with the customer service department of American Airlines. I’d really hate to have the job of telling people they’ll never be able to afford to go where they want to be. I do think I’ll visit southern California, though. I’ve come this far. Around noon I left CCAT to journey again to the river. Ahh, it is summer after all. It’s summer with sun and sand. When I returned to CCAT I learned how to properly clean a paintbrush. I really appreciate the conversations I have with the co-directors individually that give me insight into how they saw the day’s events and how they fit together as a team.
Hopped on the roof to catch the sunset through the redwoods. I enjoyed a conversation about the terrible trials of middle school. I also enjoyed a conversation about different ways to relate to your past. I think that you don’t really ever “get through” things, but that you get to a point where you can see the lesson. I also think that you’ll be reminded of those lessons throughout life. It’s hard to face the fact that I’ll be leaving soon.
I went to the greyhound station to welcome Rosie back from her trip. While I waited I talked with another waiting friend of a commuter. He told me about his daughter who recently had twins and all of his kids in college. He didn’t grow up in Arcata but he’s retired here from southern California. He sympathized with my unintentionally falling in love with northern California. It’s funny what connections are made at random times in life. It’s also funny how much time most people spend waiting with other waiting people without talking with them. The whole conversation started with a small question of “Who are you waiting for tonight?” I really appreciate conversations with real connections.

Questions:
-How can I work out this visit with Pat Adams?
-Why do I have trouble getting to sleep?
-How much more connected to everyone in the world would I be if I struck up a conversation every time I was waiting somewhere?

Feelings:
In this beautiful place surrounded by wonderful people I often find myself in silent conversations with something bigger. Before enjoying food, I find myself feeling overwhelmed with blessings-so much so that I’m taken back and silenced momentarily. Every morning, when I’m met with the welcoming hugs of my CCAT friends, I’m so thankful that they’re in my life. I can’t help but be spiritual here.

Log:
Today was full of meetings and bureaucracy. There were meetings from 8:30 am-12:15! After all of that political discussion, the co-directors and I needed to get away. We ate lunch at the lovely Japhy’s (they sell soup, salads, noodles, and cookies). We returned to CCAT refreshed and ready to work. The yurt is now in the process of being weather-proofed with bio-shield.

Feelings:
I was nervous about leading the new SENS directors into friendship and new jobs next fall, but today I realized that that’s no task for one person. It wouldn’t work if it was something I was doing, but it needs to be something we all put effort into. That said, I will do my best to lead.

Questions:
-I would like to study the psychology of meetings and the roles that evolve in a bureaucratic world. What roles were established in our meetings today?
-The time out at Japhy’s was so needed! It’s obvious to me that in order to run a program smoothly, the directors need to be friends or at minimum understand each other. What’s the most fool-proof way to ensure these relationships are built?
-How can I best prepare myself for next fall’s leadership position in SENS?

• What the heck is a Yurt?

Log:
I started my day with a 5k at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. These races are a big deal with my family so it was exciting for me to be able to run one today. Krystal and I had a good time running and singing. It was interesting to me that 5k’s don’t seem to be as big of a deal out here.
After our morning run we went to the festival on the plaza to find little old ladies singing songs about peace in protest of war. I couldn’t imagine seeing this in Shelby County, Ohio. It really is a different atmosphere out here.
Back at CCAT we continued to dig out the trex pathway. After a hard afternoon’s work, I was able to take a break and call my family. They’re the only reason I’m leaving.
Our fourth of July celebration included eating a delicious watermelon on the roof and climbing a redwood to see two fireworks shows. We also made all sorts of popcorn and some cookie dough. We may have come to the end of our terribly impulsive eating habits. We reached a point tonight with the cookie dough when we were just not feeling so hot.

Questions:
-How will tomorrow’s meeting with the administration go?
-Where exactly do I fit in the spectrum of patriotism?
-Arcata seems to be so liberal, does this contribute to CCAT’s success? If so, is it possible to be as successful in CCAT-like endeavors in other communities?

Crazy fun Krystal out the window of Glenn's biodiesel car

No need for a rag-top, just give me a sunroof after a hot day at the river...

The beautiful river (this is what everyone talks about!)

Road trippin' to the river, hooray!

Log:
As usual, I started my Sunday with a religious service. I had a hard time decided whether to go the UU Fellowship or keep church hopping. Ultimately what made the decision for me was that the UU Fellowship was farthest away and I was running a little behind. I went to the First Presbyterian Church. I’ll admit that my heart wasn’t as open as it could have been because I kept thinking about the UU Fellowship service that I was missing. I did enjoy the singing at the service I attended. Also, I was impressed with a posting about becoming a conscientious objector along with other information about world peace. I was surprised at the similarities between a Catholic mass and the Presbyterian service. It’s hard to open myself to learn more about these other churches now that I feel attached to the UU Fellowship.
After church, I came home to a pancake breakfast complete with hand whipped cream and strawberries. It was amazing! I have eaten more delicious food in the past two days than I had probably in the rest of the time I’ve been here. Wowza!
The hearty brunch was to get everyone enough energy to go swimming at the river. I must admit that this has been something I’ve waited for. Everyone in northern California talks of trips to the river all summer long. I completely understand what all of the fuss is about… For starters it’s sunny and hot (Willow Creek is almost an hour inland). The water is cold and clear and the beach is rocky yet beautiful. This weekend was so much fun! I think I’m going to hang out with the co-directors pretty much forever. This will be a hard place to leave. If only my family were out here.

Questions:
-Do I want to come to HSU for a term or two my senior year?
-I still wonder if I grow more from opening myself to a group I don’t understand or being a part of the dynamic UU service?
-How long is “river season”?

Log:
Noelle, Krystal, and I started the day with a visit to the tree I found on my run yesterday. It’s really exciting for me to have a chance to share the treasures I find with willing friends. I really have seen so many amazing trees here! After the nice walk we went to the farmers’ market (of course!). The sun was breaking through the morning fog and despite our late arrival at the market we were lucky enough to get the last baskets of strawberries of the day. Yum!
After the market, Krystal and I went for a jog at the Arcata Marsh. It’s really great to have someone to run with. After our run we stopped by a garage sale in search of some kitchenware for Krystal’s new apartment. We found some pots and pans and accidentally caused a bit of a controversy. It turned out that the woman pricing items was not the woman who was running the garage sale, after some price confusion we were able to come away from the sale rather successfully. For four dollars we got: 1 stainless steel pot, 6 bread pans, 1 skillet, 1 wool sweater, and a free shiny blue kimono. There’s nothing better than appreciating someone else’s junk.
After all of that, Glenn took us all out to the beach. Sigh… It was so beautiful. We went for a swim in the ocean. (By swim I mean a quick run in and out of the freezing water). We made a small campfire on the beach and cooked our dinner. Shortly after we finished eating, some other friends showed up with more food! We did still have a fire going, so we didn’t object to Eddie’s shish-kabobs of freshly picked, homegrown, organic veggies. Neither did we object to Jessie’s homemade homegrown raspberry pie. I couldn’t have imagined a more wonderful evening than 7 friends huddled around a campfire on the beach listening to the ocean, eating phenomenal food, and telling stories under a clear starry sky. We were tempted to be annoyed at the two $90 parking tickets we got for being parked at the beach after the sunset, but what the heck it was worth it.

Questions:
-In Shelby County, Ohio, each town has a designated weekend for garage sales. Does Arcata organize their garage sales at all?
-Are the steep parking tickets in the parks a result of tight funding?
-Will I ever see trees such as these again in my life?

Feelings:
I appreciate the co-directors so much for really taking me under their wing, not only within CCAT work hours, but all of the time. At first I felt like I was an additional responsibility for them to worry about, but we’re all just a bunch of friends at this point.

• Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

The bamboo shed must come down! This is what we started working on today.

Log:
This morning was perfect for a run! The new trail I took was so exciting! I found a very beautiful tree to sit under after my jog. I’m so glad that I’ve been able to make time for running again, it really energizes me.
Plenty of hard work at CCAT on Friday work days. We took the roof off the bamboo shed and dug up the trex pathway. Both of which will need to be removed to make way for the Buck house at its new location. Under the trex path broken glass and gravel were used as fill. This is beneficial because it is reusing a waste product, broken glass, which is not accepted at most recycling centers and will never decompose. However, I think it should only be used if it can be contained. Because it was not contained under the trex, the area will forever be contaminated with glass shards. Lesson learned!
After the work day we met with steering committee members to prepare for the a meeting next week. We wanted to assure that the current co-directors were prepared with knowledge of previous terms’ promises. During the meeting, we discussed one architect’s proposal for moving the CCAT house, as well as decided priorities and strategies for discussion. I’m impressed with CCAT’s relatively informal meetings and what they are able to accomplish. Key members frequently step up to restate what has been said and gently direct the conversation.
This evening, I went to Café Mokka with Noelle again to write. I’m really appreciative of the atmosphere as well as the yummy hot chocolate and brownies. All in all, another excellent week at CCAT.

Questions:
-Is it more of a priority for CCAT to have excellent architectural plans, or to be able to completely finish all of the plans?
*It is more important to have a good vision. There are things CCAT doesn’t want to compromise, but they’d rather have a well thought out comprehensive plan.
-Where is the line between safety and trying to recover resources?
-How can I better balance my work here at CCAT?

Feelings:
With all of this writing and running, I’m feeling more like myself. Hooray!

• Learn about trex: an alternative to lumber