Reverb10 – A Community That Keeps Me Intact

This is day seven in the month long #Reverb10 that I am participating in (along with hundreds of others). Each day I will be either posting here, tweeting or Tumblr-ing my answer to the prompt in order to reflect and manifest for the future. You can read all my Reverb10 posts here.

Prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? Via my wonderful friend, Cali Harris.

First, let me say that community is my thang. I purposely live in cities and towns that cultivate community. There is a feeling of wrapping you up in “their” arms, lifting you up, helping each other, inclusiveness and smiles abound. There is a presence of equality floating through the air.

I love community. I love learning about communities. I am from a small town where everyone knows your name, where farmers market is twice a week (all year round) because we love supporting local and the economy and truly, I wasn’t just raised by my parents but also by friends parents, teachers and coaches.

I have discovered a reoccurring community here on my blog. For over two years, I step up to the keyboard, I write and at the end of the post ya’ll are there to greet me, to challenge me, to support me, to say hello or just read the words I have shared with you. Eternal gratitude for you. Yes, you and this community.

I have also discovered community, more than ever, this year in Boulder (offline). I have friends that are my straight up family. It used to be, my first year here, I barely knew anyone. I wasn’t sure who to call on Saturday morning to join me for brunch. Often, I went alone (which by the way, there is nothing wrong with). When times were rough, I would cry alone, weeping in my heartache because I wasn’t sure who would want to sit by my side. I didn’t have a community…yet.

But now, into my third winter here in Boulder I have a community: A barrista that knows my name. Friends that get together more than weekly over food, wine, laughter, joys and sorrows. A job where I come into the office and can talk about my family, my sore knee or the show I saw last night and everyone remembers and knows each others lives and passions. To have a long list of people who are willing to help, if I were ever in a pinch is a blessing. A true blessing. I know, because I once had an empty list…

In 2011, I wish to cultivate and connect with more of the foodie community (offline and online). I’m fascinated, talking to chefs, food bloggers and writers and even other people who love food. I want to share ideas, learn from them and grow into my food blog. It’s in the works, the first few months works, and it’s a new “crew” so I’m learning the ropes and I love the challenge.

Where is your community? Who is your community? What do you love about them/it/him/her?