So here's West Marin Commons in a lengthy nutshell:
Commons Spaces: Projects that deal with various open spaces within West Marin area that are turned into "commons" spots. The reason I put commons in parenthesis is because commons isn't actually a physical thing, it's actually a historical term that dates back to the time of the Magna Carta which is one of many English charters that protected the people, or the commons. On that side note, the various commons spaces that are part of West Marin Commons include "the mesa" which is a sidewalk that has been made both an aesthetically pleasing walkway and an environmentally conscious garden because it has only native California plants. Another project includes a lot located at the end of Hwy 1 that passes though Point Reyes Station. This space is our current project and we are working on creating a place that represents West Marin's various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. There is a large latino population that is underrepresented in the community. To be clear: We are not creating a space for the latino population, but rather working with them to create a space that they want to have.
Commons Connect: This is West Marin Commons on-line connection to the broader public. These google groups are specifically for the use of West Marin locals. Think, craigslist for West Marin. These on-line groups are broken down into five categories: Marketplace, which is where things of monetary value can be posted onto this page. Whether the someone is looking to sell something, rent a room, or advertise a need for help with their backyard garden, the key use of Marketplace is for money. Then, there is Share. The share group is for things that are free. If someone is giving away a dining set and is not looking for any money in return, it can be posted on Share. Next is Soapbox. This is a place for locals to advertise about events going on in the community, whether they are free or not, if the event is occurring at a local business, it is posted on Soapbox. Another google group is the Over-the-hill-gang. This is a place for people looking to catch a drive into the bigger, more commercial surrounding cities like San Rafael and Petaluma.
Commons Knowledge: This is the part of West Marin Commons that is educational. It includes various workshops such as fermenting and apple pressing. The other "knowledge" aspect of it is the intellectual readings about the commons. Soon, there will be a study group that reads and partakes in literature discussion about the commons and its meaning.
Commons Collaboration: The collaboration aspect of West Marin Commons is working with other groups whether it be the general public, or partnering with another organization. For example, the West Marin Coast Guard is helping to rebuild a building on the lot of our newest project.
Commons Celebration: The word "celebration" may lead to a misunderstanding of what commons celebration is. It isn't a party, but rather the commons celebrations are events such as barn dances that bring the community together.
Giaocomini Wetland Walk
Something Simple
Friday, July 15, 2011
Learning the Ways of Life
This past Wednesday night, we had a weekly steering comity meeting of West Marin Commons. The main topic of discussion was the evolving complexity of the commons and how does West Marin Commons (W.M.C) represent and sustain itself as a facilitator of it. Essentially, West Marin Commons has been so successful, that it has become necessary to change the way the group is organized in its structure. Part of its evolution from a small, grassroots movement, to a more locally established presence, the overall communal participation has illuminated the various aspects that make up W.M.C. A recently new aspect in its evolution is the creation of five sub categories that make up W.M.C: Commons Spaces, Commons Collaboration, Commons Connect, Commons Celebration, and Commons Knowledge. Each of these categories are independent but interconnected within their principles of the concept of the commons. The struggle with W.M.C. is how do you incorporate all of these sub categories in a way where they do not become separate from one another? That is where the discussion of how to organize the overall structure of W.M.C. comes into play.
At these weekly meetings, I don't say much. I am more of an outsider observing and listening to the inner workings of an incredibly inspiring group of people that ban together for W.M.C. Part of my lack of vocals is due to the fact that I am a newcomer. I need to listen before I can add my input and opinions. Another reason is that I am learning I tend to vocalize my ideas before I've given them any thought. In these weeks of spending time to myself, there is a lot of self-reflection, and the little time that I do get to socialize, I notice that I am frantic and overly chatty in nature. So dad, hope you read this, because I think I inherited it from you. :)
I have this inherent feeling of excitement and almost anxiousness in my everyday dialogue with others. Doesn't matter who it may be, I tend to over talk. Another frustration of mine is that in my verbal spewing, I realize I say things differently from what I'm truly thinking. I struggle with the ability to articulate myself in a way where I am understood by others. I notice that I can also articulate myself best when I am writing. Why this is, is because writing my thoughts is a physical act. It takes time to physically write, therefore, I am taking the time to think about what I want to say. So, in these weekly meetings, I am training myself to just listen and formulate my thoughts before I speak. I hope to someday be a more mindful socialite and listen more and talk less. I want my words to really count. I want to be honest and fully support the words I speak. This is something I think our society has to learn in general. Life is too fast. Plain and simple. So, what I hope you take away from this blunt discourse on life, is to formulate your own opinions, and stop talking. Life takes time, so give it the time it deserves.
I promise to follow this post with an explanation of what the five sub-categories that make up W.M.C. are.
Yours Truly,
Tessa
At these weekly meetings, I don't say much. I am more of an outsider observing and listening to the inner workings of an incredibly inspiring group of people that ban together for W.M.C. Part of my lack of vocals is due to the fact that I am a newcomer. I need to listen before I can add my input and opinions. Another reason is that I am learning I tend to vocalize my ideas before I've given them any thought. In these weeks of spending time to myself, there is a lot of self-reflection, and the little time that I do get to socialize, I notice that I am frantic and overly chatty in nature. So dad, hope you read this, because I think I inherited it from you. :)
I have this inherent feeling of excitement and almost anxiousness in my everyday dialogue with others. Doesn't matter who it may be, I tend to over talk. Another frustration of mine is that in my verbal spewing, I realize I say things differently from what I'm truly thinking. I struggle with the ability to articulate myself in a way where I am understood by others. I notice that I can also articulate myself best when I am writing. Why this is, is because writing my thoughts is a physical act. It takes time to physically write, therefore, I am taking the time to think about what I want to say. So, in these weekly meetings, I am training myself to just listen and formulate my thoughts before I speak. I hope to someday be a more mindful socialite and listen more and talk less. I want my words to really count. I want to be honest and fully support the words I speak. This is something I think our society has to learn in general. Life is too fast. Plain and simple. So, what I hope you take away from this blunt discourse on life, is to formulate your own opinions, and stop talking. Life takes time, so give it the time it deserves.
I promise to follow this post with an explanation of what the five sub-categories that make up W.M.C. are.
Yours Truly,
Tessa
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Therapy Post
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| The Mesa: Garden Paradise |
Day two on the water, and I'm feeling a bit isolated. Although its beauty is to die for, the distance Marshall is from a more "busy" downtown Point Reyes Station and even Inverness is quite apparent. It is also freezing!! Ok, I'll stop complaining. Life here is pretty amazing. I just need to wear socks to bed. :)
Today I spent time in a beautiful garden up on what's called The Mesa in Inverness. I was helping out Sandra Holland, a funny older woman with corn rows that are completely grey from her age. I hope someday to be as cool as her. I am meeting a lot of great people, having lots of interesting conversation with people I would not necessarily meet otherwise. Most of these people are older, and I don't mind, and in most ways I genuinely enjoy hearing their perspectives on life and its dilemmas. I am really learning a lot about myself and my own opinions just by listening.
I am in desperate need to read, lots and lots of different things, but I am finding it harder to fit it in than I anticipated. Time seems to slip away from me and suddenly it's the end of another day. I also struggle with the urge to continue to write, especially just quick blurbs on this blog, but it is difficult to find the time and the energy. And yet another dilemma, I miss swimming and exercise in general, but I haven't had the time to fit that in either Oh, and piano too. I'm probably too hard on myself, but I really do need exercise and music in my life to pursue my other interests, like the commons.
Strange how self-fulfillment trumps everything else. I'll just leave it at that. Another day, another question to delve into.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Checking in
Well, I've fallen behind in my blogging spirit, but this next week is going to make up for it. I'm onto my next housesitting gig in Marshall, California. It's on the other side of Tomales Bay. Marshall is quiet, not necessarily a destination, but certainly worthwhile if you do so choose. It's most famous for its dairy farms including Strauss. The home I find myself all alone in, not even a cat or a dog to keep me company is that of Ingrid Noyes. I won't really get to know her since she is gone the week I'm here. But, you can certainly tell a lot about a person from their natural dwelling space. She likes music, clearly. She has a piano, several different stringed instruments and a bongo. Along with an extensive instrument collection, her house hovers over Tomales Bay. I've never had the opportunity to live in such a place. The constant stirring of the water below my feet is both soothing and discomforting, natural and extraordinary. It's hard to say if I will get a peaceful night's rest with the water underneath. But, in all it's "scariness" it really is a spectacular experience living on Tomales Bay. Although I'm not a well seasoned traveler, living on Tomales Bay is one of the most beautiful places a human being can dwell.
I'll be sure to update on exactly what I've been doing the past week or so in another post. Just thought I would say hello.
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| The dock of my current home in Marshall, California. Sunset on the Bay. |
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
A Quick Explanation
As much as I love writing my posts, I realized I need to write one dedicated to explaining what my internship is.
For the next month or so, I will be working with Elizabeth Barnet, a co-founder of the West Marin Commons. I encourage everyone to check out the West Marin Commons website to grasp a better understanding. http://www.westmarincommons.org/site/ The current project we are working on is restoring and reenergizing a small plot of land at the end of the road in Point Reyes Station. As of now, the small yellow building that is on this land is being restored. Part of the goal of this area is to create a local common space that reaches out to the minorities of the community, specifically the large Latino population that lives here.
Some of the problems that have been debated over this space is that it is a common hang out for avid bicycle riders that make Point Reyes Station the ultimate destination on their weekend trips. In turn, the locals avoid Point Reyes Station on the weekends because they feel that the high tourist popularity of the downtown ruins the local scene.
Elizabeth and I will begin to create a survey for locals to really figure out what locals, especially minorities believe will be the best way to bridge the gap between the locals, local minorities, and tourists. Other elements that will be conducted in our planning of this particular common space includes historic documentation, oral interviews, and photo documentation. I will post pictures shortly to give my followers a better sense of the space and its amenities.
Along with the main project, I will be helping with the smaller, but still vitally important bits of West Marin Commons. These smaller projects include improving the webpage, streamlining communication between the few leaders of West Marin Commons and its hundreds of supporters both in and outside the community, and expanding the overall outreach of West Marin Commons.
Hope this quick outline of my internship helps to make your following a bit easier, and overall, more engaging.
Yours truly,
Tessa
For the next month or so, I will be working with Elizabeth Barnet, a co-founder of the West Marin Commons. I encourage everyone to check out the West Marin Commons website to grasp a better understanding. http://www.westmarincommons.org/site/ The current project we are working on is restoring and reenergizing a small plot of land at the end of the road in Point Reyes Station. As of now, the small yellow building that is on this land is being restored. Part of the goal of this area is to create a local common space that reaches out to the minorities of the community, specifically the large Latino population that lives here.
Some of the problems that have been debated over this space is that it is a common hang out for avid bicycle riders that make Point Reyes Station the ultimate destination on their weekend trips. In turn, the locals avoid Point Reyes Station on the weekends because they feel that the high tourist popularity of the downtown ruins the local scene.
Elizabeth and I will begin to create a survey for locals to really figure out what locals, especially minorities believe will be the best way to bridge the gap between the locals, local minorities, and tourists. Other elements that will be conducted in our planning of this particular common space includes historic documentation, oral interviews, and photo documentation. I will post pictures shortly to give my followers a better sense of the space and its amenities.
Along with the main project, I will be helping with the smaller, but still vitally important bits of West Marin Commons. These smaller projects include improving the webpage, streamlining communication between the few leaders of West Marin Commons and its hundreds of supporters both in and outside the community, and expanding the overall outreach of West Marin Commons.
Hope this quick outline of my internship helps to make your following a bit easier, and overall, more engaging.
Yours truly,
Tessa
What Does "The Commons" Mean to You?
After an hour or so of flipping through The Point Reyes Light newspaper archives, Elizabeth and I headed over to Blackbird Cafe to catch up and discuss other projects. As our conversation wound down, Elizabeth asked out of simple curiosity what drew me to the commons. It was after my rambling and scrambling to find an answer that I realized that I wasn't exactly sure why. I will admit that the concept of the commons is still a difficult concept for me to grasp. I realize that it will take time, research, and self reflection to slowly understand just what the commons are. We talked about her experience of being in the mall in Washington D.C. and how it lacked a sense of place. That is, the mall, any mall, contains stores that you can find anywhere, food chains that serve the same dish no matter where you go. The concept of the mall, the idea of creating an absolute uniform world in order to make "life simpler,"is becoming less of a truth.
On the commons, I know of this: The commons are more of a way of life, a feeling, an inherent behavior, rather than a physical thing. It was in my dialogue with Elizabeth about the phenomenon of malls that I realized the commons comes from within. I discussed with her how I used to love the mall. Shopping, what isn't to love? It wasn't until I moved to San Francisco, and experienced the uniqueness of many local city businesses, that I noticed the dullness of the mall. The mall lacks a certain feeling of comfort. It's uniformity can be found in San Francisco, and thousands of miles away in D.C. To most, including myself, it doesn't sound like such a bad idea, but it is just how far we have gone with uniformity, that makes it detrimental to the preservation or the commons. The importance of supporting local businesses goes much deeper than economics. Local businesses preserve the people of a place. As we sat in Blackbird, I realized how much more emotionally satisfying it is to drink my simple cup of joe at a local cafe, rather than sipping my coffee at a Starbucks (which by the way, does not exist in Point Reyes). It's simple. Uniformity removes a place of its unique charm. It ignores the qualities of the people that inhabit a place.
I find myself rambling, and still unsatisfied with my write-up, I will revisit this topic as I continue my summer and contemplate exactly what is the commons? Please feel free to tell me, what are the commons to you?
Until then,
Tessa
On the commons, I know of this: The commons are more of a way of life, a feeling, an inherent behavior, rather than a physical thing. It was in my dialogue with Elizabeth about the phenomenon of malls that I realized the commons comes from within. I discussed with her how I used to love the mall. Shopping, what isn't to love? It wasn't until I moved to San Francisco, and experienced the uniqueness of many local city businesses, that I noticed the dullness of the mall. The mall lacks a certain feeling of comfort. It's uniformity can be found in San Francisco, and thousands of miles away in D.C. To most, including myself, it doesn't sound like such a bad idea, but it is just how far we have gone with uniformity, that makes it detrimental to the preservation or the commons. The importance of supporting local businesses goes much deeper than economics. Local businesses preserve the people of a place. As we sat in Blackbird, I realized how much more emotionally satisfying it is to drink my simple cup of joe at a local cafe, rather than sipping my coffee at a Starbucks (which by the way, does not exist in Point Reyes). It's simple. Uniformity removes a place of its unique charm. It ignores the qualities of the people that inhabit a place.
I find myself rambling, and still unsatisfied with my write-up, I will revisit this topic as I continue my summer and contemplate exactly what is the commons? Please feel free to tell me, what are the commons to you?
Until then,
Tessa
Monday, June 27, 2011
My P.I.C.
My work has just begun today with Elizabeth, and tomorrow I will tell you more about my adventures in Point Reyes.
Until then, yours truly,
Tessa
Sunday, June 26, 2011
The Beginning: An Overly Detailed Account for my Reasons on Living in Point Reyes, California.
If you have found yourself peeping at my profile, I would like to prematurely thank you for your interest, even if it was an accidental click of a button. If you do so choose to read-on, please, feel free to stop at anytime, for it is mostly a place for myself, and if someone out there enjoys my confusing and disconnected thoughts, even better. I'm just another stranger writing public accounts of my seemingly ordinary life. But, the greater reason for this blog is not for myself, but rather to open the door to friends, family, and strangers to the importance of preserving the commons. Read on. Trust me, you have nothing to loose, and a lot to gain.
I'm sitting in Blackbird cafe on a perfectly sunny Sunday in the town of Inverness. Peering out the white framed windows I ponder my summer plans of living a short time in Point Reyes, California. I overlook Tomales Bay, a seemingly pristine place. And it is, with its dreamy qualities, but I find myself feeling a bit lonely. Weather or not you are a stranger to me, you may be wondering who am I and how I got the idea to live in Point Reyes for a mere month.
My sophomore year at the University of San Francisco was a whirlwind of excitement and emotional ups and downs. Fall semester was an ugly road of stress and confusion of my purpose as a young college student. It wasn't until the beginning of my spring semester that I had a dramatic turn in my own personal reasons for being in college. I admit rather easily that I did not give much thought to college. Attending college was something that was expected of myself, peers and family. I felt that it was something that I wanted to participate in as a member of society, but I didn't exactly know why. Starting the middle of my second year at USF, almost a month into the new year, I had an extremely positive and giddy excitement to be back in class. Strange, maybe, but I myself did not know how far that excitement would take me. One class in particular gave me an entire new set of lenses to view my internal and external world around me.
That class was Religion and the Environment. I was excited to take the class from the very beginning thanks to my loud and beautiful roommate Carlen. I must say that her energetic and driven spirit gave me the boost I needed to get over my slump. Professor Vijaya Nagarajan taught the class. I had never had a professor like her before. Her passion for the subject, her outspoken attitude, and her method of teaching gave me the perfect amount of motivation to search for what it really meant for me to be not only a student as USF, but also appreciate my life living in one of the most spectacular places in the world: San Francisco. Religion and the Environment was the first class in my extensive carrier as a student where I was asked to think for myself. It was tough, frustrating, and most of all, the best educational experiences I had ever had. One of our assignments was to conduct fieldwork outside of class. Nagarajan gave us several dates and places where we could conduct our fieldwork to complete the assignment. One of those examples was volunteering at the Geography of Hope Conference in Point Reyes, California. At the time, I didn't really care too much about the conference, and was more excited about the idea of spending a three day weekend in Point Reyes for free. Little did I know that I would appreciate the people of such a beautiful place just as much as the place itself. I invited my great friend Robin along, knowing she would love it too!
Robin and I spent the long weekend with the Campes. It is a strange concept to most, even myself, living in a complete stranger's house. They were an older couple, with all their children grown and out of the house. Their kindness and generosity was so overwhelmingly unexpected, that I knew there must be something special about this place. Our volunteer work was simple, but great. That Friday afternoon I met Elizabeth Barnett, the reason I am back here today. It was a literary Conference. The theme; water. Fascinating and eye-opening, my passion for the environment took on a deeper, more emotional connection. Upon returning to USF, I finished out my school year with the same energy and drive as I had started with, a rare feat in the struggles of a student of any age. One of those drives lead to me ask Elizabeth if she knew of any internship opportunities in Point Reyes. Instead, she proposed I could work with her for West Marin Commons. Although it isn't your typical internship, I know that the work I will do, and the invaluable experiences I will have, that I have made the right choice to be here and work for the greater good of the commons.
So, in my lengthy account for myself, I am now living in Point Reyes again, this time, for a bit longer. I am again living with complete strangers, but for those "strangers" I am thankful for their selfless generosity. I will begin my work with Elizabeth and the vitally important work of West Marin Commons on Monday (June 27th, 2011). I will use this blog to invite the greater community outside of Point Reyes and Inverness to see the beauty in the lost concept of the commons and how Elizabeth, and many others are preserving it in their community. Thank you for taking the few minutes out of your day to read this post. More to come.
With love, yours truly,
Tessa
I'm sitting in Blackbird cafe on a perfectly sunny Sunday in the town of Inverness. Peering out the white framed windows I ponder my summer plans of living a short time in Point Reyes, California. I overlook Tomales Bay, a seemingly pristine place. And it is, with its dreamy qualities, but I find myself feeling a bit lonely. Weather or not you are a stranger to me, you may be wondering who am I and how I got the idea to live in Point Reyes for a mere month.
My sophomore year at the University of San Francisco was a whirlwind of excitement and emotional ups and downs. Fall semester was an ugly road of stress and confusion of my purpose as a young college student. It wasn't until the beginning of my spring semester that I had a dramatic turn in my own personal reasons for being in college. I admit rather easily that I did not give much thought to college. Attending college was something that was expected of myself, peers and family. I felt that it was something that I wanted to participate in as a member of society, but I didn't exactly know why. Starting the middle of my second year at USF, almost a month into the new year, I had an extremely positive and giddy excitement to be back in class. Strange, maybe, but I myself did not know how far that excitement would take me. One class in particular gave me an entire new set of lenses to view my internal and external world around me.
That class was Religion and the Environment. I was excited to take the class from the very beginning thanks to my loud and beautiful roommate Carlen. I must say that her energetic and driven spirit gave me the boost I needed to get over my slump. Professor Vijaya Nagarajan taught the class. I had never had a professor like her before. Her passion for the subject, her outspoken attitude, and her method of teaching gave me the perfect amount of motivation to search for what it really meant for me to be not only a student as USF, but also appreciate my life living in one of the most spectacular places in the world: San Francisco. Religion and the Environment was the first class in my extensive carrier as a student where I was asked to think for myself. It was tough, frustrating, and most of all, the best educational experiences I had ever had. One of our assignments was to conduct fieldwork outside of class. Nagarajan gave us several dates and places where we could conduct our fieldwork to complete the assignment. One of those examples was volunteering at the Geography of Hope Conference in Point Reyes, California. At the time, I didn't really care too much about the conference, and was more excited about the idea of spending a three day weekend in Point Reyes for free. Little did I know that I would appreciate the people of such a beautiful place just as much as the place itself. I invited my great friend Robin along, knowing she would love it too!
Robin and I spent the long weekend with the Campes. It is a strange concept to most, even myself, living in a complete stranger's house. They were an older couple, with all their children grown and out of the house. Their kindness and generosity was so overwhelmingly unexpected, that I knew there must be something special about this place. Our volunteer work was simple, but great. That Friday afternoon I met Elizabeth Barnett, the reason I am back here today. It was a literary Conference. The theme; water. Fascinating and eye-opening, my passion for the environment took on a deeper, more emotional connection. Upon returning to USF, I finished out my school year with the same energy and drive as I had started with, a rare feat in the struggles of a student of any age. One of those drives lead to me ask Elizabeth if she knew of any internship opportunities in Point Reyes. Instead, she proposed I could work with her for West Marin Commons. Although it isn't your typical internship, I know that the work I will do, and the invaluable experiences I will have, that I have made the right choice to be here and work for the greater good of the commons.
So, in my lengthy account for myself, I am now living in Point Reyes again, this time, for a bit longer. I am again living with complete strangers, but for those "strangers" I am thankful for their selfless generosity. I will begin my work with Elizabeth and the vitally important work of West Marin Commons on Monday (June 27th, 2011). I will use this blog to invite the greater community outside of Point Reyes and Inverness to see the beauty in the lost concept of the commons and how Elizabeth, and many others are preserving it in their community. Thank you for taking the few minutes out of your day to read this post. More to come.
With love, yours truly,
Tessa
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