Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Encouraging Multigenerational Community

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

> >  On a visit to another
> > cohousing community, we were told that it was benificial to have 
> > restricted
> > membership to one third families, one third couples and one third 
> > singles.

I agree with all Raines' points and want to stress how much communities 
change. In the _two_ years since we have moved in:

1. A single became a parent of two and then of one.
2. A single became a couple with one child and a step-daughter
3. Two couples became two families
4. A single parent with one child became a single.
5. A single became a parent with a child and grandchild
6. A single became a couple with two step-daughters
7. A single is mid adoption, planning two children, siblings
8. At least three singles are couples on and off, repeatedly
9. A single parent with one child added a husband
10. A single became a couple
11. A single is anticipating adoption of a toddler
12. Two au pairs have come and gone. Third in residence.
13. At least 7 roommates have come and gone.
14. A couple became a family with two daughters and then a couple again.
15. At least three sets of parents and several adult children (and 
their children) have visited often enough and stayed in the guest rooms 
enough that they no longer seem like guests.

If we discussed pets, the story would be longer.

Maharishi of TM fame used to say "Only one word: Take it as it comes." 
And my Zen teacher used to say "Tomorrow it will be different. Or maybe 
not."

Forget the ideal balance. It's illegal anyway.

Sharon
-----
Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org

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