Almost Dunn?

Doug, Johanna, Simeon and Holly are moving into 74 Dunn Ave, Toronto ON. The process is a lengthy one. There is still junk from the old tenants, there is painting to be done, and sanding and deep cleaning. We are, however, making headway. At times it feels like: "This is it!" Or at least a modest sapling that will someday bloom into a full grown community. Other times it just feels like a mess. I never expected community here, in this way, with this kind of start. There is much to do. What IS the difference between being communitarian and roommates? When do we invite others in? And how? But, right now I feel happy just sanding and painting and waiting.

Parkdale:
Last weeks someone was shot in our park. In the Head. Dead. Johanna's park. Where she has played (maybe 12 times already.) The area is full of people with mental illnesses. There is the constant smell of chain smoking even on the wide business street of Queen and we are told that the sex trade just recently has moved from an area now gentrified to where we are living. YEt, the area is bursting with life. Kids are everywhere. Ebulliant and playful. Whenever the winds is a southwesterly we get an amazing breeze off Lake Ontario (only a block away.) Queen street offers a full range of shopping options and the street car rattles along ready to wisk you to the subway and to all points Toronto. Just behind us a group of Catholic Workers a block away the Sisters of Charity..... I think this is a good spot. But, time will test. I didn't want to post twice in a row but my first post hardly counts.
-Jodie