The sweet smell of golden plums cooking in a pot with a warm undertone of cinnamon and cardamom fills the air. It is jam making day at Songaia! With the help of other volunteers and community members, we all huddled over cutting boards to process several boxes of plums, cutting into quarters to work around the pit. Taking turns watching the timer, stirring the pot and measuring out sugar and other ingredients, we all worked together to make about 35 jars of jam. Throughout the season, I have processed golden plum jam, applesauce, fig jam, and soon will be working on white currants and blackberries. This is one of my favorite hobbies and it provides a fun activity to bond with others and have some really good conversations.
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During my time at Songaia, we had several field trip opportunities. One day we took 10 flats of golden plums to the Lynnwood Food Bank. Another time, we attended a workshop at Magnusson Park about how to prune fruit trees. With each passing day, I not only learn valuable skills in the field of regenerative agriculture, but I connect with community resources, find mentors, share knowledge and stories. Social cohesion and teamwork are the glue that holds Songaia together. That is what makes an intentional community. Though members of intentional communities typically share a common social, political, or spiritual vision, Songaia works hard to honor different schools of thought and ways of doing things.
Working alongside the community, I have observed the communal decision-making process, how properties and resources are shared, how housework is divided among the community, and most importantly, the reduced ecological footprint that comes from sharing and saving all these resources. Following the permaculture principles, Songaia uses and values their renewable resources by composting, vermiculture, and regenerative agriculture practices. Nothing goes to waste here.
Working alongside the community, I have observed the communal decision-making process, how properties and resources are shared, how housework is divided among the community, and most importantly, the reduced ecological footprint that comes from sharing and saving all these resources. Following the permaculture principles, Songaia uses and values their renewable resources by composting, vermiculture, and regenerative agriculture practices. Nothing goes to waste here.
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By working together, pulling our resources, and practicing regenerative agriculture, we can all enjoy the fruits of our labors. We got to celebrate the nearing end of summer season with a Songaia jamboree complete with ice breaker games, songs, and a picnic style potluck. What a wonderful way to honor the end of the season and welcome in the fall!
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