So much more

Many moons ago, Chris and I lived in Calgary. It was a time in our lives when we were trying to make a home in a new city, we were looking for jobs, pregnant with our first born, pretty close to broke. Yet the world felt like it was at our doorstep, so many possibilities. We were excited to get out and meet people, find new opportunities.

It was during this time we stumbled upon a grassroots group who were doing some pretty radical things to build community in one area of the city. It was clear this was a great thing happening and we immediately knew we wanted to be a party of it. Within no time we were part of community dinners, evening chats, living in an intentional house.

Part of this group was a well developed bartering community. There was a newsletter to advertise what people had to barter. It was because of this financial strain that we initially joined this group. We weren't sure what we had to offer at first, but after seeing what others offered the possibilities were limitless. We could trade our time, expertise and second hand items for those that we needed. We bartered my granola for homemade dog food for our dog. We traded books for baby clothes. Birthday cakes and vegan stuffing became homemade cheese and jam. A week of dog watching was traded for New year's in a beautiful cabin in the Rockies.

What was first an opportunity to met some of our needs without money became so much more. A barter exchange lead to an invite to participate in Christmas baking in the community room, another lead to finding a fabulous doula, a walking group to join and a dog walking exchange. We soon found friends, evenings out, opportunities that were rich and meaningful. Before long we were part of something much bigger than just trades.

Although we left Calgary ten years ago, having moved many times. The bartering and the spirit that comes with it continues to be part of our lives. The value of another person's energy, their gifts of time carries something far deeper than money could. It is an intimate experience, drawing us in closer, building community.

As the holidays approach, we have been doing some bartering. Again it was financial challenges that encouraged us to seek and meet some of our needs with bartering. People have been so receptive to this idea. Sewing in exchange for book store credit, banana bread for haircuts, a quilt for a bike, babysitting trades. As I step back, see the exchanges we are making, it is clear to see the community we are building. Friendships growing, evenings out, stories shared.