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by Nisargo Troy As the colors of the leaves start changing and it gets dark before it’s time for bed, it is clear that the summer is slowly coming to an end. And I begin to reflect on all that has happened in the past several months. Excitements, disappointments and insights gathered from them, gains as well as losses, tremendous beauty and hard work. So much life! Right at the beginning of summer we were able to celebrate a huge accomplishment. The Preliminary Plat Application for Phase 2 (P2), the expansion of Heartwood by 14 more homes, was approved by the county! This had been in the works for way too long and was duly celebrated by those who attended the Board of County Commissioners hearing, ready to speak in favor should it be necessary, which it was not. The project was approved with flying colors!  Happy Celebrants of this Day’s Wonderful Outcome This was followed by an article in the Durango Herald, the local paper, and the county approval provided a huge infusion of energy to those working on the project. Our guest rooms have been booked throughout the summer by many people interested in our little village. Two more families have joined P2 since then. The home design discussions are in full swing by those who have committed to buying one of the P2 homes and excitement is growing. In the meantime – life goes on in the village. Flowers are blooming everywhere and the fruit on bushes, trees and vines ripen.  Here is Tina, one of our newer members, collecting some cherries. This year, the cherry trees at Heartwood were especially beautiful, studded with their juicy red spheres. We were graced with many pies, crumbles and other culinary creations at our shared meals.  Apples are ripening around the cluster.  And the sweet, sweet champagne grapes in the greenhouse are being enjoyed by all. But growth rarely comes without losses. This summer we had to say good-bye first to the Madranos, their two boys having roamed the pathways for several years. They were the ones who shared their love for donkeys with us by keeping some on our pastures, held movies on the village green and contributed to many lively discussions about community issues. We miss them, and are also overjoyed to have gained another family in the process who just arrived and are getting to know their way around.  Jesse, Anne and Evran shortly after their move into #10 Another loss are the Goldbergs, who were an integral part of starting Heartwood so many years ago. They are moving to a quieter life – they say – and we are so very grateful for all they contributed in the beginning and over the many years. Barry knew more than most about the workings of so many things in our village. He will be sorely missed, especially when things go awry within the area of responsibility of the Common Facilities Team, the CFT, the team that handles most of our infrastructure. Lyn brought her dedication to our pastures and the internal structure of Heartwood, having worked on the Pasture and Agricultural Team and the Process and Communication Team for so many years. She has been an essential member in our decision making process and so much more. We look forward to meeting the new owners of their beautiful house that was recently bought by a couple bringing – who could have imagined – 15! years of cohousing experience with them. And, there is always work to be done. 360 acres and the upkeep of the infrastructure of an entire village needs many hands. All the time. There are roads and pathways to be maintained, an entire potable water system as well as complex sewer system to be monitored and upheld to regulatory standards. There are pastures needing to be watered and mowed and fire mitigation is an ongoing project. Every so often, when the need arises, we gather for a community meeting. This latest one had been called for by the CFT. The team members presented an overview of all the areas they are responsible for, impressive since we operate our entire infrastructure on our own, except for the electricity! Roles on the team needed to get filled and a broader understanding by everyone in the community was necessary. A lot got accomplished!  Our common house accommodates not only our shared meals. All community meetings happen here as well. These meetings are also offered on Zoom for those who cannot attend in person. Detailed minutes are posted afterward. But it is not all about work around here. Luckily! Every year in the fall a large group of people head out to Utah’s Canyonlands for several days of camping. It is only a three hour drive from here, so pretty much around the corner considering distances in the Wild West. We gather around food and a bonfire, hike together in smaller groups or alone and enjoy the magical scenery of the otherworldly beauty of this area. Families go on shorter hikes, kids running on slickrock or visiting the old cowboy camp, others find longer hikes into the canyons between stunning vistas around every corner. And some venture so far, they barely make it back before dark. There is something for everyone!  Gorgeous Views Everywhere  After a day of exploration we gather in a circle before a simple dinner.  There are 12 tents hidden in these trees to accommodate almost everyone! A few RV's have room in the parking area.  But the best of all? Hanging out with friends! If you are curious about us and would like to come for a visit to check us out, consider this upcoming event. Contact Ashley at [email protected]. Maybe we’ll see you then!  In Community,
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