A few days ago I wrote about sharing a shredder with my friend Bill - a baby step towards the cohousing future we want to create. And a way to live more lightly on the earth, be frugal and not have too much stuff!
Yesterday I got another opportunity for the type of neighborliness, “We’re all in this together” vibe I’m seeking to have more of in my life. My dear friend/neighbor Julie texted me asking if her husband Pete could borrow my Forester mini station wagon to take their daughter Madelyn to band practice. Julie had their minivan and Madelyn’s stand-up bass would not fit in Pete’s Saab without putting the neck of the bass out the window in our very cold Chicago winter evening.
Often I’m home in the evenings, but I had plans to meet with a bunch of women last night. My friend Kay had been feeling a bit down and when we had tea earlier in the day said she’d like to go with me (she’s actually the one who introduced me to this group).
So I called Kay, asked if she could drive me to/from the gathering – she said yes. Texted Julie back that it was a go.
Then, I remembered my conversation with Kay about how frustrated I am that the nutritionist I saw a few years ago seems to have been right – looks like I ***am*** allergic to almonds. I had, alas, just bought a big $12 bag of almonds last week.
So in some very nice synchronicity, Pete used my car to get Madelyn to/from band practice. Kay and I had more one:one time to talk in our rides to/from the group. I gave Kay the bag of almonds – I was pleased to give them to someone I knew would appreciate them – she was pleased for the unexpected treat.
Cohousing. It’s a more formal, structured way to ensure neighborliness and community and resource sharing. Right now I live in a little suburban house in an ordinary neighborhood. But I’m creating more neighborliness and sustainability every day.
Diane,
I’m writing from McCamant and Durrett Architects aka The Cohousing Company. Our principals, Chuck and Katie, coined the term cohousing in the US and have authored many books about it. I’m glad to see that you are invested in a more social, sustainable, and intentional community to call home. Please check out the third edition of Creating Cohousing. It’s an invaluable resource for the interested and the cohouser alike, plus you can add it to your list of neighborly items to share!
Link to book:
http://www.newsociety.com/Books/C/Creating-Cohousing
[...] I’ve written several posts in this blog on cohousing – it’s been a passion of mine for many years. (See cohousing, advantages of cohousing while staying right here in my suburban house, more cohousing ‘lite’ – cooking parties, baby steps towards cohousing – the shared shredder, and more baby steps towards cohousing – aka neighborliness). [...]