It all comes down to community, and food. An update from the road.

Sitting at a truck stop, somewhere in Mississippi, about 80 miles outside New Orleans. Just want to take a minute to write down some thoughts and update you all on what we've been up to. Most of the crew is in the truck stop restaurant right now, listening to the debate between Biden and Palin. I can only take so much of these politicians. I was, however, glad to hear a question on climate change. In his response, Biden used the two biggest oxymorons possible, "clean coal and safe nuclear." (Ackhh!) The fact is that neither of the candidates has any idea of what we need to do to solve the climate crisis, and they are all too invested in business-as-usual to see the solutions in front of us. That doesn't really bother me, though, because I have very little faith in centralized government. I know that the solutions will come from strong local communities, in the relocalization of food and energy production. "The time of the nation-state is coming to an end." (The prominent public figure who said this asked not be quoted... but it's true!)

Anyways (*breath) ... we left Knoxville yesterday, after being there for two weeks. Except for having some of the worst air quality in the country, Knoxville seems to be a great place to live. It's cheap, warm, has a great music scene; good conditions for a destitute activist. Further, I sense that the community is on the verge of engaging a sustainable and conscious world vision. There are several bubbles that have been growing. Set near the coal-fields and conservative Bible-belt of the U.S., it would be an interesting and inspiring experience to witness and take part in the transition of Knoxville into a sustainable community.

During outreach and organization for the Knoxville event, we made solid connections with several groups and individuals which are playing a part in transforming this small city. We had a chance (?) encounter with Tracie, an organizer of the Knoxville Permaculture Guild. At the Roadshow, Tracie delivered a workshop on urban gardening. Her partner, Chad gave an intro to permaculture. Over the two days, we had a rather solid workshop schedule, diverse and well attended. We also had workshops on water catchment, biodiesel, mountaintop removal, and of course, mushrooms!

While we were in Knoxville we received much support in the form of food donations from Beardsley Community Farm and the Three Rivers Market Co-op. Both are conscious local businessess and centers for the community. I didn't get a chance to visit the farm, but the co-op was warm and welcoming, and had a great organic herb section!

I gotta toss in a shameless plug for Smith & Associates Geothermal. They install geothermal home water-heating units in Eastern Tennessee. These guys were super chill and supportive of our project. I hope that we helped them get a little business. We also had Big Frog Mountain Solar powering our solar stage. (You might have seen these guys before. It's the same solar rig that powers the solar stage at Bonnaroo.) They drove a couple hours to be part of our event, and only charged us for travel expenses. They hooked us up. (...I guess that's a pun.)

We had a hard time booking food vendors for the event. It was something that was worrying me all along, because, you can't have a good gathering without good food! Fortunately, at the last minute, two groups pulled through and supported us. Knoxville Food Not Bombs pulled through on Sunday and served some tasty chutny, chile, and Panera pastries. I was glad we could have FNB there. They are actively building sustainable community and setting an example; take advantage of waste, care for your neighbors.

Yawah from Organic Roots Cafe was able to attend and serve her delicious and unique meals on Saturday (forbidden rice and beans... amazing!). She was so excited about our project and thankful to us for coming to Knoxville. I have to say that Yawah is one connected individual. I could feel her calming energy when talking with her. I'm glad I got a chance to meet her, and I'm glad that Knoxville has been blessed with such an individual. On our way out of town, she sent me a text message, which was well timed for myself and a close friend:

"So divinely is the world organized
that every one of us in our place and
time is in balance with everything else."

These are the types of connections I was sure I would make on this journey. With all the daunting crises, the constant bad news, and nihilistic outlooks trying to creep in and pull me back down into apathy and fear, it's so important to connect, explore and be inspired by the good individuals with positive intentions, who are "being the change" in each of there own ways. There are so many of us out there. It's important to remember that.

I've only been able to briefly touch on the connections and experiences I had in Knoxville. I still need to let you all know about the ACE conference that some of us attended in Abingdon, VA, and about my time at the UMD house. Hopefully I have time again, soon. We are actually, at this time, driving through the Ninth Ward in New Orleans. This is about to get intense, and I think we might be lost. Time to look out the window and get off this computer.

Peace, and thanks for reading.