I am super impressed with some of the ideas presented in this 200+ urban community manifesto! Collaborative Services: Social Innovation and Design For Sustainability (PDF)

I have been working on an idea for a space in town that could function as a community third space for practical arts, philosophy/literary salons, and kid/family workshops of all kinds (media training/language classes/arts).

Leave it to me to have plenty of ideas (and little to no drive to approach the ever-dreaded funding issue). But this publication asks us to rethink what and how we monetize services and products, how we use and share space, and how we view the public and private spheres.

I think our little urban village of Yellow Springs is primed for a strong third space that welcomes all ages in an informal and collaborative environment. We certainly have the local talent. That talent needs a space to play.

Contact me at brooke@whyherewhynow.org if your jazzed by this publication- I’ve got a couple things up my sleeve and could use a few partners in crime to get it going.

In the hustle and bustle of passing through this door, I have never realized how blue it is. I love how the edge is worn bare by hands of locals and strangers. My favorite part is near the bottom, where one with full hands might prop the door open for her little ones with a winter boot, or where another in sandals might stop it for a passing stroller. This door suddenly seems so deserving of our attention, and seeing it- even here- I can smell the coffee and the fresh baked goods; I can hear the piano and the lively conversation.

Folks elsewhere claim the art of the conversation is dead, but I know better.

See Also:Xenia Ave. Love Song #2