I really was looking forward to be at the soap-making workshop! And it became a wonderful afternoon!

First an introduction of the soap ”masters” Eric and Marcia….I learned a lot new items about soap…. that was really surprising to me….

And Marcia and Eric are a fantastic “team”….. their knowledge, their interaction, their patience…..
I just loved to BE in the atmosphere they were creating!
Eric’s grandmother created a delicious cake….
And we…. :) we created very nice soaps….. with all the attributes available…. (and that was quite a lot!)
A cosy afternoon with a lot of joy and learning!
Thanks to everybody attending this workshop!
And many thanks for MoO-team Marcia and Eric!

Rena

I remember when I first came to the Mount of Oaks. I arrived hitchhiking and was welcomed by a couple of dogs! I was quite afraid of dogs at this time and nobody else was there. But after a few hours Baba came back from her shopping tour. By the name "Barbara“ , expected a 40 year-old American Lady, but then this tattooed Hippie-Punk-Girl with a weird haircut showed up.

So i learned quite a lot about building, gardening and animals in some weeks. I lost my fear of dogs. And I also had very good discussions about spiritual and personal stuff. When I left the place, it was clear, that this would NOT be the last time I stayed there. So I came back a few times and it was always a very warm welcome – almost a homecoming feeling.

Every time there seems to be more to learn about permaculture, gardening and sustainability. So for me it is a perfect holiday – there´s time to rest, to read, to swim in the pool, to have good conversation and meet open minded and friendly people. There is time and space to discover new things, make new experience and adventures and learn new skills. All this comes with a nice daily rhythm which encourages you to live, and work, aware of your surrounding environment and beings.

It is good for me to spend some time there out of my daily routine and out of my common consumer behaviour. You feel closer to nature and the basics of life and you learn to value more small things. You get an awareness of how to responsibly use energy and resources. And you feel this special spirit of this community. The people who are living there seem to be in the right place and share their loving and open unity with you.

...My time at the Mount of Oaks was truly special. No two days were the same, and what I got out of it is was a reflection of what I put in.
During my time I learnt about and practiced permaculture, sustainability and living in community.

These were not new concepts to me, but offered a real example of how they can be achieved in the most simplest of ways. Whilst I might not be able to replicate these teachings in their exact form in my own life, the core principles of simply living have become a part of my everyday ritual.

I would throughly recommend a visit, or a read of the blog to gain further understanding of the mission of the community. I look forward to one day returning to the land...