September is here!

SEPTEMBER IS HERE!

When people ask me, “How are you?” I usually just wave my hands in the air—because we all know what I mean: this (gestures vaguely at the state of the world). We’re living under fascism. And yet, in the midst of it all, I feel more rooted in my purpose and more connected to community than ever. Despite this, I’m pretty good.

I say that while fully acknowledging the privilege and luck it takes to feel that way, given the brutality of a government that enables ICE kidnappings, ignores the effects of Covid, strips away rights, and leaves so many struggling just to pay bills. The list could go on.

And still—I see so much beauty. Globally, locally, personally. I see ordinary people stepping into politics to represent working people. I see nonprofit leaders, mutual aid networks, and activists continuing to push for change in powerful ways and support each other because that's what we do. More people than ever seem to be waking up, which might be a silver lining—though honestly, I’d love to live in a time where I didn’t need to track politicians’ every move, because I could just trust they were working in our best interests.

And meanwhile, it’s my favorite season in Maine. Huge, juicy yellow tomatoes are ripening in my garden. The tourists have thinned with the humidity, and after a summer of chasing the sun from dawn to dusk, slowing down feels less like loss and more like relief. September and October always bring change for me: two years ago, a new job. Last year, searching for commercial spaces and imagining possibilities. This year—again—it’s a new job (yes, ECC isn’t my only gig!). But this one feels different: I’ll be fully remote, which means more time at ECC with you, weaving work and community together.

I feel connected, and maybe even hopeful—or maybe it’s just the comfort of togetherness. You keep reading these newsletters. You keep showing up for classes, for events, for each other. You share your art, your mutual aid, your passion projects. This little experiment—Electric Cottage Collective—has grown into a web of collaborations, art projects, and potlucks. One of my greatest joys is hearing that people who met at ECC are making plans outside the space—and sometimes even becoming real friends.

Thank you, truly, for continuing to show up.

- Liz