Calliope
11-12-2007, 08:43 PM
As of today, Twin Oaks has officially accepted me as a member.
I've spent the last 10 days away (input period) at Acorn, a tiny sister egalitarian community some 22 miles from Twin Oaks. A small rural outpost of some 20 individuals and three farmhouses, specializing in organic heirloom seed growing, it's wild Virginia. A million stars at night, piercing blue skies by day. The community, compared to Twin Oaks, is downhome funkier - recycling has piled up like crabgrass, ramshackle buildings slope like sunflowers; there are few signs of pomp (O&I papers, collective quilts, even labor sheets) - yet, the neopsychedelic hand-lettered signs (such as "Be Nourished") throughout the farm assure it is unmistakably kin.
The relaxed farm family vibe at Acorn has made an easier introduction to trans for this community; there's no gender drama at all. Unlike Twin Oaks, there's no Hedwig playing everytime I'm in the kitchen, or someone presenting me with a 'gift' of Barbie merchandise, or receiving icy comments about my attire. It's more natural at Acorn - all the folks here are really friendly.
I've been farming - planting garlic, harvesting potatoes and peanuts, seeding red asparagus, processing peppers and whatnot. Plus I'm doing my share to keep the kitchen humming; I even made lunch for the community today (without mishap). Working approximately eight hours a day, I'm over quota (6 hours a day to make 42 per week) without much hassle. With the colder weather discouraging long country walks, there's few distractions from work, really. Plus, I can see the results of my labor here, the scale is that small, whereas at Twin Oaks whatever is done by one communard becomes an invisible drop in the bustle. It's great to make a difference, to be so visibly contributing. I feel more confident.
I actually like Acorn better!
So - at the weekly check in, I asked to be considered for Acorn membership. Knowing Acorn is presently at "gender cap" (specifically, not accepting at any more men), I produced my California ID, in which I am legally considered a woman. It will perhaps be interesting to see where that goes. Either way, now (after so very long) I know I have a home.
I've spent the last 10 days away (input period) at Acorn, a tiny sister egalitarian community some 22 miles from Twin Oaks. A small rural outpost of some 20 individuals and three farmhouses, specializing in organic heirloom seed growing, it's wild Virginia. A million stars at night, piercing blue skies by day. The community, compared to Twin Oaks, is downhome funkier - recycling has piled up like crabgrass, ramshackle buildings slope like sunflowers; there are few signs of pomp (O&I papers, collective quilts, even labor sheets) - yet, the neopsychedelic hand-lettered signs (such as "Be Nourished") throughout the farm assure it is unmistakably kin.
The relaxed farm family vibe at Acorn has made an easier introduction to trans for this community; there's no gender drama at all. Unlike Twin Oaks, there's no Hedwig playing everytime I'm in the kitchen, or someone presenting me with a 'gift' of Barbie merchandise, or receiving icy comments about my attire. It's more natural at Acorn - all the folks here are really friendly.
I've been farming - planting garlic, harvesting potatoes and peanuts, seeding red asparagus, processing peppers and whatnot. Plus I'm doing my share to keep the kitchen humming; I even made lunch for the community today (without mishap). Working approximately eight hours a day, I'm over quota (6 hours a day to make 42 per week) without much hassle. With the colder weather discouraging long country walks, there's few distractions from work, really. Plus, I can see the results of my labor here, the scale is that small, whereas at Twin Oaks whatever is done by one communard becomes an invisible drop in the bustle. It's great to make a difference, to be so visibly contributing. I feel more confident.
I actually like Acorn better!
So - at the weekly check in, I asked to be considered for Acorn membership. Knowing Acorn is presently at "gender cap" (specifically, not accepting at any more men), I produced my California ID, in which I am legally considered a woman. It will perhaps be interesting to see where that goes. Either way, now (after so very long) I know I have a home.