Finding Family Where You Are

What the heck does this title have to do with an old boat?

In this case it's the story of Found Family, Community, and Group Projects.

This boat showed up at my dear friend's home late this winter.

Three years ago we both moved to our road. Two years ago we met each other.

On a nice day early this spring we all worked together to turn her dream of a perennial flower bed into a reality.

She and I had lots in common. Our kids were far away. We were both grieving.
Her loss was just weeks old, her husband of 38 yrs. had just passed. My loss was 3 parents in 18 months and another dying at that time, having passed since.

The boat came apart rather quickly. Many hands make quick work.

She and I have been companions in our own journeys of finding ourselves, wholing our broken bits.

Mission one accomplished! Dreams leap forward.

My childhood and her marriage had both been sketchy... Its been healing to have a sister to celebrate the ups and the downs with.

Just about gutted. Not bad for a day's work!

We spend time together daily. Several meals a week are prepared in community together. Holiday are celebrated together. This is my family.

The boat was moved into place. Odds and ends gathered to create with.

This year our mantra or blessing if you will is to grow through our gardening. Realize ourselves through making inner visions into outer reality.

The boat was half filled with material to compost after holes were put in the bottom.

To me, she has become like a mother, a sister, a study buddy, and someone I know will catch me on those days my strength fails me.

A load of sawdust to keep the weeds down around the boat.

I will honestly admit that I like the perks! A hot bath in her deep tub. A real kitchen with running water, both in and out of the sink!

The break room!

We share interest in herbs, and yarn, and self-sufficiency. We laugh and cry and dance.

The boat topped off with soil, planted with strawberries and mulched.

Community matters. Our community in this neighborhood, along this dirt road in the Ozarks, is strong and caring and deep.

The plan is to have blue flowers surround the boat bed. The arch will be a waterfall trellis.

I hope to feature more members of my personal community. Those whose kindness earn them slots on my homesteads list of resources.

Dreams become Reality!

...and Celebrate with those around us!
Family, no matter the blood, makes the world a better place.

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~all text and images are my own unless otherwise credited

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Just a girl...
Living, Loving and Dancing her way to Wholeness with the help of a Mountaintop and a Purpose.

Follow the Adventure

@borrowedearth

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