Diana Rivers

There is a large gathering in Oregon this weekend of women who live on women's land all over the country. Some are lesbian separatists. Some want a non-violent space, a bit of land and safety. Many are "off the grid," meaning they are mostly self-sufficient in food and energy. As the population of women on the land ages, some find it increasingly difficult to live on the land, even in community. And so they are having an extended conversation about intergenerational issues and aging: what is the future of women's land? There is a wonderfully informative and good-humored article about the whole phenomenon here.

Diana Rivers, now in her 80s, still lives on women's land in the Ozarks, in a house she designed, among large pieces of pottery she created. She's a writer, an artist, a community organizer, a rabble-rouser. She's fit, sharp, and still passionate about building a safer and more respectful world. I've heard about her for years. It was an honor finally to meet her in person.

I don't think I'll ever catch up on comments, but I'm very grateful for the many wonderful birthday wishes for Seth and the delight in Bella's singing.