Thursday, March 25, 2010

Like Sister Sledge Says

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Birds do it, bees do it. Also ants, elephants, dogs, ducks and homo sapiens. We are not solitary animals like jaguars or eagles, oh no. Most of our species live like other social predators: in community.

Families, clans, tribes, often connected by blood and a specific landscape, are the historical forms of community for humans. Over time the structure of communities has expanded far beyond shared DNA and/or location. Oh my, yes.

I've been a part of many fabulous communities in my life. At the end of the 1970's I became involved in an arts community in Kansas City. It was not formally organized, which made it even more delicious, since the usual hierarchy skirmishes that occur in community never came up. There was a small group of us who created a film collective, opened a small, funky moviehouse that showcased the weirdest films we could find. Other friends came together to produce concerts featuring small, obscure rock and punk bands that performed in the basement of the Kansas City Veterns of Foreign Wars. That community persisted for a few golden years. In the company of great friends, in (of all places) Kansas City, I saw some of the most offbeat, bizarre movies ever made, danced the nights away to bands like Jody Foster's Army, The Embarrassment and such. I drank a lot of Pabst Blue Ribbons during those years. Oh yeah.

In San Francisco I became centrally involved in the goddess worshipping, wiccan community of Reclaiming. That was an amazing time I will never forget. Wow. When I lived at Lake Tahoe, I was part of the community theater crowd - it was very fun! Today I am a part of the incredible neighborhood community of Capitol Hill.

Needless to say I am also centrally involved in this blog community, also with Facebook. Online communities are GREAT.

On April 6th I'm going to meet people who are part of another community, the film/TV community called The Difference. They are gathering 6,000 people from English-speaking countries to collaborate in many ways including the possibility of making a movie and TV show.

I didn't go looking for The Difference - they contacted me. How they found me and why they want me to join their community is a mystery, but I am intrigued. It's such an Age of Aquarius effort. And the people who are creating this community are really so lovely. I've spoken with a few of them, mostly to arrange a meeting when they come to DC. I am so struck by the fact that they aren't cynical. It's so refreshing!

I'm sure the experience of meeting these sweet Australians will yield, at the very least, a blog post, if not more.

Though mostly single throughout my life, I am a joiner. I like groups, communities and all the interesting interrelationships that are possible when people gather. And I'm so curious about The Difference. Did any of you nominate me for this project? I can't figure out how they found me. I'll find out soon enough, I guess.

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21 comments:

The Bug said...

This sounds right up your alley Reya - it'll be fun hearing you talk about it. Especially since I've never heard of the group - enlighten me!

ellen abbott said...

that should be so much fun.

I am not a joiner and it has never really worked out for me on those occasions when I have tried. Except for this blog community I guess but that is still a solitary endeavor in that I am here alone at the same time that I am participating.

Tess Kincaid said...

This brings back fond KC memories. We used to pop into the Bijou in Westport for some great movies.

Keep us posted on The Difference!

Barbara said...

Vive la difference! Are all 6,000 people coming together on April 6? If so, that's a really large gathering! I'm guessing it's just the DC contingent.

Reya Mellicker said...

Barbara the 6,000 people are from many English-speaking countries. It's based in Australia. What I've been told is that I'll have a two hour interview with one of the producers. I guess I'll find out more there.

The Difference has an FB page, and though I'm sure they have a website, I can't find it. I will definitely keep you posted!

Willow - that was such a great theater. The City Movie Center was at 43rd and Troost, kind of a sketchy neighborhood at the time, but affordable. I saw so many great films there!

glnroz said...

It is because, even with "Differences", there are a lot of "Same Likenesses" in your personality.. (gitit),, lol you will have a good time, I am sure,,thanx

Jinksy said...

I certainly find the Blogging Community is a great one, never mind any others! lol :)

Linda Sue said...

the Difference sounds like math to me...I shun math. BUT having you on any sort of team, committee, party, would be the best choice! Blogworld has saved me from "the yellow room"...Yay for Blogworld.

Tom said...

maybe they are looking for individuals who've made a difference...like the sound of that. Or it's just a guy who wants to sell you some windows. Hoo! watch out for that.

Reya Mellicker said...

I'm going to the meeting with an open mind. The good thing is, I can't afford new windows. You can's squeeze water from a rock, you know. Is that the right cliche?

Ronda Laveen said...

Very curious. And intriguing. I would go too! April 6 isn't that far away. Wow! A two hour interview? A lot of info should come out during that time. Look forward to reading about your experience.

lacochran said...

Tweren't me but congrats all the same!

Meri said...

Seek and ye shall find. Who knows?

Karen said...

Sounds cool! And I love the descriptions of your other groups/tribes/families... It's a good way to live.

Looking forward to hearing more about your experience; maybe it'll be a new adventure! :)

C.M. Jackson said...

Reya

you are the difference my dear and that is why they found you..won't be able to get to see the cherries but will definitely reach out to you when I can make a road trip your way--can't wait to hear more about The Difference! c

Rebecca Clayton said...

How interesting--now we're in suspense.

Thanks so much for the magnolia pictures. You're satisfying my floral needs until our local spring catches up!

Deborah said...

mazel they will be better for having you

Mary Ellen said...

The Difference sounds like a great community to explore - my only hesitation is the not-so-open nature of it, just from what you describe. Still, I'm sure they have good reason to be intrigued by you - and hopefully they won't make you take a vow of secrecy! Looking forward to more.

Reya Mellicker said...

I would never ever again take a vow of secrecy. Did it once. That was enough.

Delwyn said...

Hi Reya

that sounds to be an interesting project...keep us informed...

happy days

Nishant said...
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