We shared ideas and knowledge for how to grow and how to grow our garden community and James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center. We shared our talents, our creativity and our love. We inspired each other. We lightened our loads and we helped to restore balance and hope that this beginning will be a lasting connection. We made observations and discoveries in a place where Mother Nature reigns. We listened with our hearts and all our senses at what nature has to teach us. We desire to practice our intricate, elaborate and sensual relationship to life on this earth.

We learned from trees how to dance, radiate and cooperate in our shared pursuit of the sun. And for the trees, we shared our precious and elegant labor, that which needs to be done to make this space more beautiful, more striking. We learned to play from the leaves. (sketch is courtesy of JBOLC volunteer, Joyce Harris)

We learned from trees how to dance, radiate and cooperate in our shared pursuit of the sun. And for the trees, we shared our precious and elegant labor, that which needs to be done to make this space more beautiful, more striking. We learned to play from the leaves. (sketch is courtesy of JBOLC volunteer, Joyce Harris)

We know that to be here is to be surrounded by sky, butterflies and finches, humming birds and humming bird moths. We know there is something dynamic and present here that teaches us about life, how to sustain life and find happiness and peace in practicing essential human labors like gardening, cooking, harvesting, preparing, serving, eating. We do this out of respect and love for ourselves, our families' and our friends' health - for the health of our Bronx Community. And through this all, we've made and are still making and maintaining our garden community.

For all of this we give thanks to you!