The Commonality of Community

I had met Dylan of Songland Farms many years ago at our town’s weekly farmer’s market.  The farm was started in the Summer of 2021 by Dylan and his wife, Amber Denison on 15 acres in Central Texas. They farm regeneratively and very intensely, using interplanting methods, narrow living pathways, cover-cropping and human-powered tools; all of which lead to huge, nutrient packed yields from a very small space. The passion they pour into the land is evident in the freshness and flavor of their product.

Talking with Dylan is always enjoyable, as it seems that we share the same ethos and approach to life, but my respect for him hit a new high when I realized that he was also a successful musician. His family band KONGOS was responsible for the hit, “Come With Me Now;” a song I jammed to for many, many years prior to meeting him. 

One random Wednesday at the farmer’s market I shared that I had finished a children’s book that was going into publication.  To my sheer and utter surprise, Dylan mentioned that we should put on an event to promote my book at his farm to coincide with the launch of their upcoming food truck project. I was floored by his generosity and agreed that when the book was released in a few months, that this would be an awesome thing to do.

I got busy with life and when the book was finally released, I remembered Dylan’s offer, but I was reticent to reconnect and lock down a date and logistics with him. The insidious creep of that voice that can live deep in us became very vocal. “He had a hit song on the radio!” “Is the book good enough?”  “No one will want to come.” “What am I even doing?”

After my ego and shadow had it’s fill, the higher version of myself came back online and remembered that Dylan was a father of a young boy and that the crux of I’ll Be With You Wherever You Are is the journey of a father and son, and the eternal bond that is created through that love…this was the perfect fit.

I showed up to Songland Farms on a stormy and overcast Saturday afternoon, but like my earlier clouded thinking, the storms never materialized.  It was a wonderful event, full of community, games, delicious food (provided by Songland), and a touching, well received reading of the book.  Later, as I was packing up, recalling the events of the day, the number of people that attended; family, friends and newfound friends, I felt my heart swell with a deep understanding and appreciation.  We all rely on each other…for everything.  It’s so easy in the “convenience” of today’s modernity to isolate, and stay isolated, thinking this is some bastion of success.  When in truth, we live in this interconnected nexus of human contribution, where everyone’s involvement and effort is necessary and essential. 

Growing up, I had this idea that the genesis of our food supply started at the grocery store. I think that many children think that. It wasn’t until I matured that I realized the daily human effort that is required to nurture, grow and produce food.  Maybe that’s why it’s called the “produce” aisle, the origin of the name pays homage to the work that goes into it.  And as a society, it’s my belief that a deeper relationship is necessary to thrive.  Not only to where our food comes from, but where we come from.  Our collective stories, history and journeys.  From the start of our lives, all the way to the end, all anyone wants is to be heard, seen and loved. 

Taking time to connect with one another allows us to go deeper within ourselves and understand the role that we play in this web of life.  Say hello to the stranger passing you on the street.  Break bread with the friend or neighbor you haven’t seen in a while. Volunteer your time and say “yes” to that thing that you may be afraid of. Being in communion with one another is how we create community.