I've just returned from Takoja Retreat Center, hidden in the sage and piñon north of Questa, NM. It's as close to the Dikelands as I can get yet. What? You've never heard of the Dikelands?? There are places hidden across the country where women can go but men cannot. It's called the Women's Land Movement, and it is international. It was started in the 70's, when Feminism ruled with an iron fist. Some women, many of whom happened to be lesbians, were audacious enough to believe they could live whole lives without men around, so they did. They bought land and built homes and cleared gardens, all without male muscle. I don't know where it started, but it grew. Now there are safe spots the world over where a woman can go and live communally, even if she's not a lesbian. There is women's land right here in New Mexico! I know, because I heard it from a friend who heard it from someone who's been there.
Think of it! I could build a little house, a tiny house! with my own hands. My daughters can help. It would be a gift to the commune, but we would use it as we pleased. Would it have electricity? Would I have to bring in water for each stay? Living off the land is hard work, and there will be no man around to chop firewood. I will need an axe! I'll miss Rion when I'm there, and I'm sure I'll miss his help plenty of times as we build. But what an adventure! Oh, to be as bold and strong as the women who came before me! I want to stand, proud of what I've built, and willing to share it.
But for now, I retreat to the domes of Takoja, where I can hear myself think. I also hear elk bugling and trees waving in the wind, drops of rain rising to THUNDER as a storm comes on. And Rion is there, working on his projects. What tranquility! As I stop and calmly think about changes and paths and shelves and shiny things, I think what a privilege it is to see the place, to know the story, bit by bit, of generations of a family carving their lives into and out of this place. What a rare treasure to smell the hidden flowers of a happy house plant, which has grown so large it covers a balcony! All of this came from the dreams of one woman, who shared her life with her children and her grandchildren after them, along with the myriads of people they all have touched along the way.
I better start practicing! I've got a lot to live up to, and all I have to start with is a little massage office and big dream!
That being said, I have to postpone our office warming party. It's entirely my fault, I changed my mind too often, and some of the important parts of the massage room will not be ready on Friday the 26th as originally planned. But please join me on Friday, September 16, 2016! I hope that's enough notice and you can all drop by on that day. Don't worry if you have an appointment scheduled, the parts missing on Friday will arrive in time!
I can't wait to see you all, whether I get my hands on you or not!
