Abstract

This story moves between a back alley in Montréal and a farm in BC, a mountain in a city and the forests of Ontario. For me it has been a healing and liberating journey. It is a reflection of an unfurling into myself, into my relationship to the earth, and into myself as the earth. It is an exploration of the power of creativity, questions, stories, community, and our wise animal bodies. It is a series of my discoveries to enjoy the process and the mystery of community projects, to take the time to nurture the human connections that provide the foundation for collective projects to flourish, to find balance, symbiosis, and true safety. This story is also my invitation to others into acts of courage, presence, and perseverance to create a life-loving culture of place and relatedness in this time of transition and transformation.
I use literature from permaculture and natural farming, sacred activism, psychology, storytelling, and holistic education; these texts complement my reflections on a neighbourhood project that is transforming an underutilized back alley into a social, artistic, and food-growing space, as well as my own wilderness explorations and farming experiences. The book ends with personal reflections from neighbours who participated in the alley project. “We need new love stories,” a friend of mine said recently. This one was ripe with uncertainty, emotion, holy chaos, and heart. Enjoy.