We Thrive in Community

Here and Now

Oct 23, 2023

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I spent some time In Community this weekend. Gathering with friends, meeting strangers who became friends, and just being immersed in people stew. I learned about preparing a Lombard garden for winter with Green Garden Mama and Prairie Food Co-Op.

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I visited Chicago for a comedy show at the Chicago Theater, and was delighted to discover that the Arts In The Dark parade was the reason for the significant traffic around the venue. Lots of reasons to gather, and this one was a celebration.

Chicago's marina towers at night with a parade of costumed people heading to the right — My Uncle Huey did the plaster in these buildings long ago

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Van Buren Street in Chicago blocked with a snow plow to make way for the parade. Passersby with cases of beer using the crosswalk.

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Waving Chicago and American flags, a cycle taxi, and parade-goers

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I also got to spend time in downtown Lombard for the Spooktacular family/craft/vendor event. Vendors like: James & Lauren of JL Vintage Odds & Ends, Kim Kulton & the Illinois Bee Rescue, Brian & Amy of Retro Glow Cycles, Brooke & Joe of Soapy Roads of Lombard, Nick & Jason of Spiritus Coffee, Shannon of Shanios Sweets & Treats, Antonella of Undici Gelato, and so so so many others <3

Woman wearing red bandana and scrubs to look like coveralls in a Rosie the Riveter pose. A beekeeper's market stand with a crowd dressed in costumes

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I dressed up as Jessie the Riveter --- a play on Leslie [Knope] the Riveter from Parks & Rec, which was, of course, a play on the WW2-era Rosie The Riveter. In my eyes, the message is the same: a powerful, feminine call-to-action in a time of great need in our country and around the world. In our communities. 
I felt powerful. Connected. Grounded. Activated. And seen. From that magic, the following poem has sprouted. It's a new flavor for me and I'm savoring its gentle flow. I hope you do, too. 
Love,
Jessie

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Click the triangle below to listen to my narration of the following poem (I almost typed "power" instead of poem... twice) :) Then feel free to leave a comment below if this resonates with you like it did for me.

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Thriving In Community --- Here & Now

I am found in the sprouts of spring
and spent petals of autumn.

I get lost in multitasking screens
and "fine, thank yous".

My world comes to life
before our eyes
on this page (screen)

and in our minds
when my voice
carries these seeds
into our consciousness.

We set the world aside
holding the full embrace
of our presence
of our aliveness

here & now.

A breath

before...

...the next distraction...
the breath 
   brings it back.

Here & Now.
No before, no after.
We have nothing 
but
here & now. 
Here & Now. 

Witnessed by life itself
falling in love with life itself

I see you there
     seeing me
          seeing you
     of the world
in our world

(we are) our world reflected back upon itself

We bloom
We flourish
We thrive

In Community --- here and now.

Love,

Jessie

Woman wearing red bandana and blue scrubs flexing right bicep staring powerfully at the camera — WE CAN do this.

Be Fearless and Play

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