New Equity Member
We are excited to add Ava S as a new Equity Member! Ava has a lot to say about her new membership:
I am super excited that after around 17 years of exploring various Ecovillas and Cohousing communities—mostly just online but one in person—I have now said YES to a wonderful forming community—Sunnyside Village Cohousing. I’m so happy to have officially been voted in by all the current equity members so it’s a Yes-Yes.
I’ve known for many years that intentional living is right for me. I’m glad that I finally made this leap of faith in this journey to co-create what I believe is a healthier way of living in this complex and ever-changing world.
We are social beings by nature and it’s important—vital even—to share connection with others in which there is genuine mutual positive regard—for individuals and for the community as a whole. While there is no such thing as a panacea, intentional living at its very foundation is a commitment to looking out for one another, with a dedication to constructive problem-solving and hanging in there even when it’s tough. I am excited for the personal growth opportunities inherent in community living. Scared too? Of course. But excitement is winning out.
I am someone who greatly values my privacy and who needs a lot of time just on my own. But I also truly enjoy people, both one-on-one and in small groups. In addition to connecting, playing, creating and otherwise socializing with others, I honestly look forward to knowing that I don’t have to manage everything in life all on my own.
Also, as an introvert who can be extroverted, I greatly appreciate knowing that I will be able to enjoy time in my own cottage with just myself, and that I can also easily reach out to connect with others, and visa versa.
One very important reason I decided to become an equity member with Sunnyside is that I feel safe and comfortable with other community members. I feel safe to be myself. I genuinely feel like we are a warm, sharp, witty and conscientious group of people. I have noticed what I think of as a good mix of heart and head. I am excited for how we and new members interested in joining will shape Sunnyside into the community that it will evolve into being. Truth is, we and it will always be evolving as that is the nature of community living.
Other important pluses for me about Sunnyside are the large organic garden, a commitment to respecting and preserving nature, that we have chickens and goats along with people’s personal pets, that we are on just under five acres and that the community property borders a neighboring forest.
I am very appreciative that I will get to live with nature right outside my front door, yet that I’m also able to access neighboring cities so easily, including Seattle which is not far away. Sunnyside Village Cohousing to me has the best of both worlds.
I know Puget Sound is gorgeous and I look forward to being right there and able to explore the different islands and area. I’m also excited that Bellingham, WA and Vancouver, Canada are so accessible.
In sum, I decided on becoming an equity member of Sunnyside after years of searching and considering other communities because I believe in this community. I believe in who we are now and in who we will become as new members join. To me, Sunnyside is and will be a great mix of people in an ideal location. I am more than looking forward to Sunnyside Village Cohousing and all the cottages being completed, and for all those who join to begin living together in this warm and welcoming community.
Ava (Ahva) S.
Welcome New Explorers!
We have eight Explorers who are exploring the possibility of living in our community. We extend a warm welcome to our newest Explorers:
Here is a enthusiastic message from Kim and Lynn about why they are interested in Sunnyside and moving into cohousing:
Adventure!!!! The don’t know mind. The birthing of something absolutely new. We can see and feel the creation of safety — thanks to Jennie — from which to begin this part of our life in Sunnyside Village Cohousing. Commitment, intention, and feeling safe are the building blocks that we, as a couple, are ready to fully embrace as we move forward into actualization of the community’s dream. We look forward to meeting all the folks who are stepping in to knowing.
Kim Waldman & Lynn Gilman