I'm an optimistic sort of pessimist. I can hold a conversation about ecological catastrophe while dancing: I see the necessity of fierce joy in our living moments even when the future looks frightening. That might make me a bit odd; but I tend to think that we can--without contradiction--embrace reality, live fully, and still look forward with hope.
Hey, maybe I'm a realist.
I mean, look at this community--it's diverse and evolutionary, maybe even revolutionary. I say it a lot, but we're all connected in a common pursuit: we want to live better not bigger, we want to feel good about what we eat and where it comes from, we want--at least this is what I gather from the beautiful people I meet in shop--to live whole lives. And it's happening. We live it. We redefine the paradigm; we defy the dominant social order every single day.
Now that's revolutionary.
Here's the good word:
News
Hours
We're only open on Thursdays from 9am - 6pm until Uni starts back up in March. We realize that this is inconvenient for some members; however, TF is completely run by volunteers, most of whom are students. People disappear in the summer and it decreases our capacity. If you desperately need a fix of organic goodness, check out the co-ops in Enmore & Manly.
Thanks for your understanding.
We love you, too.
Coordinators & Management Committee
We're still super-extra keen to get more folks involved in the co-op. Hopefully we'll be transforming the coordinating collective and some other elements of co-op organization over the summer. If you have any interest in becoming more involved please just reply to this email with the subject "involve me," email the main TF address (above), or just pop by on Thursday.
Help with Thoughtful Foods Performance Night- Friday November 14th
from Alice
Would you like to be involved in putting together a beautiful night?
We could use help with all sorts of things, such as decorations, setting up, and helping prepare food.
Anyone interested is invited to a dinner and chat on Tuesday night from 7pm, at Alice's house, near uni. Contact Alice if you want to come.
Thoughtful AGM!
from Ange
This year we are going 'all out' for our AGM and have turned into a huge end-of-year celebration. The event is our THANK YOU gift to all the volunteers, the coordinating collective, and management committee for a job well done! And in the spirit of the co-op, we are going to provide for our own amusement; that's right-- your performances! If you have any serious items to raise at the AGM please let me know too.
Performances might include singing, dancing, skits, stand-up comedy, poetry reading, musical performances, contortion of the body, puppetry, juggling, acrobats, trapeze, clowns …etc…etc. Its not serious at all, and there will be lots of audience participation too. Oh, and feel free to dress up... funny hats!
Please sign up today by contacting Angela so we can organize a bit of a schedule. Entries close 7th of November; but you can also rock-up on the night with your guitar.
For venue details see in-shop flyers or ask Ange ('cause I'm a flake & can't remember!)
Also, we'll be talking about important stuff before the music starts. You know, budgets and coordinators and all of those things. It's important that ya'll come for that stuff too. We'd really appreciate your being there.
Eggs
Please submit your egg orders to the main TF email address this week. Cheers.
Veggies
It's spring, and a finicky one at that. I wonder how veggies across the country are handling the climatic mood swings? (I notice the apple supply seems to be shuddering.) Still, our weekly boxes are full of beautiful, delicious, tender seasonal goodness. Make sure you get your order in on time to get in on the yum.
Since new people come in all the time, I reckon we're due for a break-down of the veggie ordering process. SO!
1) Grab a form
2) Fill it out accurately with the date and your member number
3) Select the size of your veggie box & put a tick next to it
4) Place cash in envelope
5) Slip it under our mightily secure door
6) Do this by 9:00am on Wednesday or, alas, it will be too late!
People do come into the co-op to check on veggie orders throughout the week, so your order & money will end up in the safe--no worries.
Don't forget to pick your veggies up by 5:30 on Thursday, and call if you're going to be even a bit late. We really appreciate that, and it ensures you'll actually get your veggies!
Please remember, if you don't turn up we'll give your vege away to someone/some group that needs it.
Community
No yoga this week, lovelies.
Newtown Festival
Newtown Festival is on Sunday 9 November from 9:30 am - 6:00 pm at Camperdown Memorial Park (corner of Lennon & Australia Streets).
There'll be music, kids' fun, a writer's stage (ooh) and an eco-area (with the Bower, bicycles, kids stuff & a clothing swap!!!). See, now I'm excited. Planet Ark will be launching a flick about recycling to kick-start recycling week (10 - 16 November) as well. Looks like a fun day, and who doesn't dig Newtown?
Walk Against Warming
It's become an annual event. Join other foot-powered earth-lovers for a walk against warming at Martin Place on Saturday 15 November at 11:00am.
Dinner Theatre
Check out Waiter/Painter at the Tap Gallery in Darlinghurst. It runs Wednesday 19 through Saturday 22 November and looks to be a wonderful, engaging ride. Plus you get a meal with your ticket (vegetarian option available), and it's cheap. $18/$15 concession.
Sydney Food Summit
There's some talk of a Sydney Food Summit early next year. If you're keen to get involved, keep an eye on the Sydney Food Fairness Alliance website. I'll try to get some more information from our sunshineiest greenie, Ms. Tessa. In the meantime, check the Alliance out.
Big Countries
Well, lovelies. It's US election week. Finally.
I'm going to be highly partisan & ask everyone for a little positive energy in the blue (that'd be Obama) direction on Tuesday while you're watching the Melbourne Cup, and maybe a prayer/wish/push into the collective unconscious before bedtime.
The Rudd election reminds us, though, that a candidate is just one person; real change takes effort by the citizenry. Politicians, even when they're noble, are blocked at every turn by red tape and special interests. If we--Aussies and Americans alike--want meaningful change in government, if we want systems that care-take instead of exploit, that build communities instead of corporate bank accounts, it's up to us.
There's never a better time to act than now. Don't forget to dance a little while you're doing it, though.
Love and summer's first tart mangoes,
Meghan
p.s.
I'll be spending Wednesday watching the results roll in. Join us if you're blissfully unemployed, or can sneak out of work. (Email me for details.)