Cycled into work last Tuesday morning, took three calls, wondered why the calls dried up... Yup, totally fired; on 6/6/06 no less. I can't say that I'm surprised, angry, or otherwise upset. The pay was good, and money is a requisite for life in a capitalist society, but in the end it was simply a job; I was not planning on answering phone calls as a career. However, it is good to know that my job performance was satisfactory to the extent that a budget shortfall was the determining factor in my dismissal. Indeed, I am at the top of the contractor hiring list come August if an upcoming software rollout warrants sufficient need for phone techs

In the meantime, it is a good excuse to dive back into the shop and make products and preparations for an upcoming show in June. Mel has been pushing for sushi related serving dishes, and I am not one to disregard good advice. A few people have requested such items at past events, and as they would pay cash monies for them, I am happy to oblige. I plan a photo shoot this week and an update to our online catalog.

My sister married good friend photovore09 this past weekend. Both friends and family arrived in unexpected numbers; shy of droves perhaps, but a sizable and motley crue was assembled. Ravers, hippies, conservative middle class, young, old; separation by demographic, cultural, financial, age, or otherwise would be a tedious chore. The best part, overall everyone had a good time. Everyone danced, many drank, and the vibe was quite positive. Even my friend Stephen enjoyed himself, and he has a particular aversion to family based social gatherings.

CCIH - Cold Chillin In Hammocks

Jeff Z, super hooper

Camping, drinking, smoking

Melanie, Lew, and Dan

Test Type & Photovore09 - moonbass in the house!

It's a pool. Hooray pool!

Sam Goody and Suncoast stores across the U.S. are closing. The Sam Goody in Ames, and at least one in Des Moines are. Melanie and I found some great deals at the Merle Hay mall location, including a cool display rack that we'll be using for our Art Fair Booth. That's right, they are selling everything- even the cash register had a price tag. Shelves, media racks, media, it's all going.

Establishing an Intentional Community is challenging and enlightening. I've been working with a small group of friends to do just that, and it's quickly become apparent most humans aren't up to the sheer patience involved. It's not surprising; our research reveals years of preparing By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation, Membership Agreements, and other legal documents is the essential first step. After all, we aren't forming the stereotypical hippie commune of the 1960's and 70's- a 'noble' struggle of anti-establishment radicals battling 'the man'. No, we're embracing fully a corporate structure; the idea here is establishing a business structure designed to assist its shareholders establish and maintain a sustainable lifestyle supported by a highly localized economy based on the natural resources available from jointly owned, expertly managed and maintained property. I refer you to the Encyclopedia.com entry for "commune", and to the Intentional Communities website.