I completely geeked out today. We spent the day in Unity, ME at the 39th annual Common Ground Country Fair, surrounded by like-minded individuals, giving freely of their spirit and their knowledge. There was so very much to absorb and take in that we found ourselves just wandering and looking, but not once did I feel out of place or uncomfortable. Just a little overwhelmed. I’m having trouble putting it all into words, so I’m hoping the few pictures I took will be kind enough to speak for me.

We got up early, and made it to the fairgrounds just after the gates opened at nine, but the parking lots were already busy. It was peaceful and gorgeous along the wooded path, and everyone was friendly. It was like being in hippie heaven. Composting outhouses, recycling and composting stations, water stations for refilling your reusable bottles. Face painting and hula hooping. Impromptu jam sessions, and more babywearing than I’ve ever seen in one place. We met cows, goats and chickens. We slid down the hill on cardboard and watched a scythe sharpening demonstration. We saw a team of horses harvest corn, and ran into a little four-year-old friend from here in Mount Vernon who called out to Swee and came running over (that felt good).

I got myself all worked up, hoping to meet Amanda at the Taproot tent, and in the end it was for naught because she wasn’t there today, but I finally became a subscriber, and had a nice little chat with the woman who was working. She was sweet, and gave each of my littles a sticker. I was too flustered to ask her name, unfortunately.

I came home with a beautiful hand-carved wooden spoon, a Taproot travel jar that is now filled with tea, and so much excitement for next year. And good lord, I cannot wait to get my chickens.