Algon Forks is a proposed community emphasizing self-sufficiency and connection among its 45 families through various businesses and services, such as a bakery and schoolhouse. Key features include shared tools, solar power, and conflict resolution methods. While aiming for sustainability, trade with outsiders is necessary. The concept seeks to cultivate a positive, collaborative environment.
Tag Archives: writing
Algon Forks: A Self-Sufficient Society – Fiction
Algon Forks is a self-sufficient community in Maine with 45 households focused on bartering and cooperation. Members trade goods and services using community credits based on work hours. The society emphasizes community participation, skill diversity, and active relationships through events. Governance follows a classic town hall model managed by a rotating select board.
Why You (and I) Need a Writing Group
Writing is a solo journey—just you, your wandering thoughts, and a collection of Crown Royal bags in a kitchen drawer accumulating like some kind of secret weird writer shrine. But at some point, we must admit that staring at a blank screen and debating whether to start a new project, edit an old story, orContinueContinue reading “Why You (and I) Need a Writing Group”
Beast or God: Self Sufficiency in the Modern Age
Aristotle wrote in Politics that “the man who is isolated, who is unable to share in the benefit of political association…because he is already self sufficient, is no part of the city, and must therefore be either a beast or a god” (1253a25). He was born over 2,400 years ago. Yeah, we’re talking the BCs.ContinueContinue reading “Beast or God: Self Sufficiency in the Modern Age”
Early Morning Philosophy
I woke up early today, at least for me. At 5:15, I escaped from a dream that offered nostalgia and a pinch of regret, if only briefly. I considered going back to sleep and even closed my eyes in this effort. However, my mind was awake and my eyelids preferred to be open. I startedContinueContinue reading “Early Morning Philosophy”
Reenactor Withdrawals
I’m experiencing reenacting withdrawals. If there’s one negative about my current location, it’s the distance from my friends and comrades. From my classroom, I see flurries of snow. I can’t tell if they come from the heavens or the snow guns on Sugarloaf. I have coffee in a new mug I received during Christmas. AndContinueContinue reading “Reenactor Withdrawals”
Christmas Memories
Written 27 December 2024 Christmas comes and goes, it seems. I’m reminded of my grandparents’ house where the tree stayed up year round. Whether you start humming holiday tunes on November 1st or not until the 24th of December, the sought after holiday seems to last as long as it takes a nine year oldContinueContinue reading “Christmas Memories”
On Feeling Lost: A non-Buddhist’s Take on Buddhist Philosophy
“I feel so lost,” said the student. “In general or somewhere specifically?” I asked. “Both,” the student replied. We chuckled at that. “Well, that never changes really,” I say. On my way to supper, I realized that my wording cast a poor light on life. Indeed, I have yet to feel truly settled, at leastContinueContinue reading “On Feeling Lost: A non-Buddhist’s Take on Buddhist Philosophy”
Mortality and Gratitude in the Bathroom
Plans I had planned a productive afternoon. Instead, I spent hours resurrecting the Holy Roman Empire in Hearts of Iron IV. Relaxing, yes. Productive? Not quite. By the time I pulled myself away from my screen—well past the 8 pm deadline I’d set for myself—I remembered how easily I let myself get swept away byContinueContinue reading “Mortality and Gratitude in the Bathroom”
Naked Birches at Night
I wonder if the white birches feel naked next to their pine neighbors who shed no leaves in the fall. While the birches lose their cover, pines keep their needles. Are the birches jealous or perhaps resentful? I’ve walked past these pines regularly for several weeks. They stand out, white and narrow in the fuzzyContinueContinue reading “Naked Birches at Night”