West Marin Commons Broken Down

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.

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        

 

Therapy Post

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.

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.

The dock of my current home in Marshall, California.  Sunset on the Bay.

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.