Have you lived in (or were raised in) a commune?

[GreenPartyVoter]

I am very interested in this and have done some research on the 'net, particularly in regards to kids on communes. I am just so curious about what that experience is like. :)

http://hippiekids.tribe.net/thread/75414970-fda4-4464-99a0-073902b6748f

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2005/apr/27/guardiansocietysupplement4

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

1. Well, I was in the Navy

does that count?

It was pretty communal.

[UTUSN]

13. Shipmate, I never expected this post in this thread!1 BwahhaHAH!1 n/t

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

15. Well, ain't it the truth?

[alfredo]

2. I lived in a collective. We had four children in our collective.

We were mindful to down play the sex and drugs around the kids. Having all those adult eyes looking out for the kids made life easier for the parent, but the parent were the ultimate authority with the kids. There was always one person ready, willing, and able to look out for the kids.

I don't know how the kids turned out. I hope they are OK.

[JVS]

4. "We were mindful to down play the sex and drugs around the kids."

You say it as though sex and drugs are major features of the communal life.

[alfredo]

6. No, we just used common sense. Kids talk, they will take your business

on the street. Common sense: don't do anything around the kids you wouldn't want the neighbors to know (legal or illegal).

[cali]

3. yes

lived on a commune, and raised my kid there for a couple of years from age 5 to 7. The commune is still going. I'm still connected to it. It's been there for almost 40 years now.

[MuseRider]

5. My plan

for my farm, when and if I end up alone here, is to open it up for other women in a sort of communal living arrangement. It is nothing I have worked out in its entirety because my husband is still in decent health but I really do not want to be out here all alone. I am going to go check out your links. Never lived in one but always wanted to give it a try.

[annabanana]

9. How far "out" is "out here"?

I hope you can arrange an "age mix".. some young & strong in with the wise and frail.

[MuseRider]

11. Not that far,

I do have neighbors but not "next door" but in sight. It is a close, very small community and I have had my farm for over 10 years but just finally moved here. I know the people and know I would never lack for help but I would rather depend on people who also depend on me in a collective kind of way. You are right about the age mix.

[shanti]

10. yes

the boomer women are growing in number and i can see this possibility! as a soon-to-be empty-nester/boomer, i've often thought about entering/starting a women's sheep cooperative, with spinning, knitting, cheesemaking, gardening, etc. in the mix...

[MuseRider]

12. I already

have a couple of goats. Little ones and male but I think of those things as well. My biggest problem is I get these notions but they are really Disney notions like when I wanted to do a winter by myself except my snow dogs in Alaska. Oh how fun I thought it would be until I really stopped and thought about it. LOL, a dreamer who has to remind herself of the reality of life.

[shanti]

14. just remember

if you can dream it, you can do it! :hi:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

7. I lived in a kibbutz many years ago

Wonderful lifestyle. Usual human difficulties and frailities, so it's not perfect (so-and-so doesn't get along with so-and-so). However, camaraderie was key. Kids were raised very emotionally healthy. You knew you were part of it. There was a sense of security unmatched anywhere. Because of that sense of security one felt calm sufficient to take up hobbies and arts and crafts and such. I was sketching back then. I haven't sketched since. This capitalistic lifestyle is too hectic and leaves me no time to sketch or much of anything else.

My opinion of what is the death of kibbutzim --> The exporting of American capitalism and greed.

[Kucinich4America]

8. I wish I had been raised in a commune.

Tragically, I missed most of the 60's and don't remember the part I was there for (and not for the reasons those who were there don't remember.) :evilfrown: