The KY's

Cindy, Rosa, Katja, Mark, Alexis, Nick, Brenda, Vicki, Kim and I all had two things in common, we all signed up for Hollyhock’s Karma Yogi program for the month of May and we were all in some transition in our lives. For one month we shared scrabble matches, tarot readings, stories, work assignments, meals, wine, hikes, books and blogs, photographs and desires.

Alexis and Nick were travelling together roaming the states and Canada gobbling up experiences in-between college obligations. Nick is working on his PhD in philosophy answering the question: Can Science be Emancipatory? Alexis’ organization called STEPS networks artists and activists who are using art to engage communities in public spaces. Rosa and Katja are sisters from Victoria also in-between semesters. Mark came from Edmonton on vacation from his IBM job. Cindy is a community organizer, grant writer and fundraiser who sought a little refuge from life in Calgary. Brenda also from Calgary is at crossroad in her spiritual and personal life. With a degree in Architecture, Vicki is looking for a good project to sink her teeth into and will now spend the rest of her summer building a cob structure; and Kim the artist is on the move looking to leave Toronto and settle in BC with her tools and talent.

In Hollyhock-speak we were known as the KY’s. We all signed up for the Karma Yogi program and committed to volunteer 32 hours a week working behind the scenes in various departments like the kitchen, housekeeping, gardening, maintenance, production, hosting, and special projects. I learned in a host of new skills like operating a commercial dishwasher and driving a golf cart. The work was always made light when you could share your work shift a fellow KY.

I ponder who will stick from this experience. Many people have come and gone from my life. Who stays and who sticks is yet to be revealed, but one thing is for certain, this team of people that I lived, worked, played and laughed with will NEVER be forgotten.