What a Summer it's been!

by Nisargo Troy

Greetings from our growing little community in southwest Colorado!

After a long, hot and dry early summer, the monsoons have finally arrived. And with gusto! It is unbelievably green, and all the plants and the people are flourishing. All the gardeners and their admirers are happy. 

Camping can be a bit challenging though. Hikes require mud resistant foot wear, poles, strong legs and good rain gear. Common meals are more often indoors, and not because of the heat! But everyone is rejoicing in the plentiful moisture we are receiving!

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​We have been graced with three new, outstanding members in the past three months. In May Nancy moved into Number 1, taking over for Zach, the previous owner.

Here is Nancy in front of her new home!

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In June, Sandhya and Dylan moved into the apartment at Number 18. They are still holding their spot in Phase Two, but claimed the apartment as soon as it became available so that they can be here as community members now. The move-in happened right before a big party here at Heartwood that Sandhya and Dylan had previously planned to celebrate with their local friends their upcoming wedding in California. Here is what they Dylan has to say about that:

Sandhya and I love cooking - usually it's just for the two of us or a small group of friends. Before leaving for the summer, we decided to throw a "wedding send off party" here at Heartwood. Sandhya and I agreed that we wanted to cook the food. As the party day got closer, the number of people we were cooking for increased. The final number...120. In my estimation, about 110 more than we've ever cooked for. Luckily for us, living in community means support. We had so many folks help us with every aspect of the party: from de-seeding hundreds of chilies and chopping mounds of vegetables, to assembling hundreds of enchiladas and organizing one of the biggest parties at Heartwood, what seemed like an insurmountable task became an incredible realization of the power of what is possible in community. We can't thank everyone enough for all the help, love, and support. We couldn't have done it without you.

Sandhya and Dylan in the nearby San Juan Mountains.

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​Another highlight of the summer has been a big beautiful gathering in July. It was the first time we came together as the larger community, envisioned so many years ago. One day soon we will be a community of 38 homes comprised of the 24 existing and the 14 new ones in the active planning stages now. A great number of our committed future Phase Two members were able to attend, coming from many parts of the country. It was an exiting event to have everyone together for the first time! 

I hope the enclosed photos give you a bit of an impression about our three fun days. There were group events geared toward integrating the “old” and the “new”, games to help get to know each other in smaller groups for more intimate experiences, guided site walks of the future building area and planning and discussion sessions regarding the new homes. Our regular monthly work party happened during the big gathering and included drainage ditch repairs, weeding in the high tunnel between the vegetables, fixing eroded trails and so much more. There were group hikes on the land and nearby, a time to get to know the donkeys, games, a movie on the village green, a talent show, a parade and of course, lots of shared meals!

Our big circle on the common house porch at the start of a meal.

A planning session.

A fun activity of appreciating others and being appreciated.

The walk to the future “East Wing” of the community (Phase 2).

The big parade.

A hike to Purgatory Flats.

The talent show with music, skits and poetry.

The first ever Heartwood 38 photo.

A fire circle completes the event on Sunday evening.

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Here is what some people had to say about the event:

Heartwood is starting to feel like home, and I can’t wait to get back.
 - Terri (P2)

Such a rich and totally worthwhile event to interact with future and existing Heartwood members; very grateful for the provision to do so.  It was fun and connections were made!
 - Kristi (P2)

My favorite part of the SummerFest were the small groups. What a great way to get to know our future community members better!
 - Beth (P1)

I appreciated people’s honesty and fully showing up in sharing their unique sides in order to get to know my neighbors, both old and new. This gathering has put us more on equal footing as we continue to create community together. 
 - KJ (P1)


We are diligently working toward the expansion of our village. There will be more news and more parties for sure.The next time many of us will be together again is at our yearly campout at Canyonlands, Utah in November. We can count on good company and good food as usual, spending a few days together, outside, just a few hours drive from Heartwood. I will keep you posted!


In community,
Nisargo