Series on Profound People: Ann Beane

Hello all - 

“So, where are you from?” Anne asked.

It’s the standard question that everyone asks when greeting a new Holden staff member. It was Anne’s second or third day of work, so I had seen her around the kitchen but had never actually gotten to talk to her. She had signed up to make the day’s bread, so I wandered over to the mixer, leaving the oatmeal in its giant cauldron behind for a few moments, and chatted for a few minutes. 

“I’m from Cannon Falls, Minnesota.”

“Ah – I’m from Shoreview!” she responded. (There are tons of Minnesotans here!)

“What do you do there?” I asked. I learned that she was a schoolteacher, having finished her education at St. Olaf College in the 1970s. From there conversation flowed naturally, and I learned that she had a son attending Luther Seminary, embarking on his internship year in Oregon. Later, we bonded over bread baking and theology talks. It’s become a ritual to sit next to each other and Vespers and catch up on our days.

In only five weeks, I’ve learned a great deal from Anne. She showed a strong work ethic and great hilarity (it’s amusing how funny a jalapeno can be when you’re making green salsa early in the morning). J I will miss her in the kitchen, but we’ve already made plans to get together for coffee in February when I return home.

There are some really fantastic people here. Both in the kitchen and out. I wish everyone could come to Holden and see what happens here – spiritually, emotionally, relationally – as God’s work abounds.

From the Village –

Dean 

10 Mile Creek Trail Adventures

Hello all –

Wow! It has been a long time! I apologize profusely for abandoning the blog for so long, but honestly – work has been crazy (we’re at full summer capacity) and honestly, nothing much interesting has happened. Work has been work and off days have been off days.

I went on a hike yesterday, though! It was my first time out of Village in over two months. We were planning on going to Martin’s Ridge, the mountain north of the Village, but we didn’t get there due to time constraints because Chalet 5 hosted Sunday morning coffee. As a result, Sally, Lena, Mike, Anna and I decided to hike around the Ridge and do some bushwhacking to get to 10 Mile Creek.

First, we hiked up about 30 minutes of switchbacks up the side of Martin’s Ridge. That was exhausting. From there, we journeyed about an hour into the Ridge, through thick forests and open views close the Creek. There were mountains on either side of us – Martin’s Ridge to the east and more to our right. Hiking through, we kept up lighthearted banter, which made the afternoon even more enjoyable.

Now - for a photo, because the internet is being really slow and only letting me upload one at a time... :) 

10 Mile Creek!

I will update again soon! 

From the Village - 

Dean 

Independence Day at Holden Village

Hello all - 


The 4th of July has come and gone - it was pretty crazy here at Holden Village. I didn't get in on many of the festivities because of work, but still - I will describe the day! 


I worked a breakfast-lunch shift. Breakfast was pretty involved - pancakes, syrups, yogurts, etc. Afterwards work continued as normal until the parade, where most of the kitchen left to participate in the float. The lead and I didn't, however, as we took the opportunity to clean up and finish some end-of-shift things. 


"Fireworks" here at the Village were different. Because of wildfire danger, the whole community gathered in the Village Center, and watched slides accompanied by bags and bags and bags of bubble wrap to mimic explosions. Definitely not as cool as the 4th of July back home.


Later that evening, I met the President of my future school, Luther Seminary! We chatted for a few minutes about Holden, and also talked about my reasons for coming to Luther and what I hope to accomplish with my M.A. It was great to make that contact! 


It's finally starting to warm up here. Feels like July. :) 


I will hopefully be able to update more from here. Work, as I say all the time!, has been crazy! I hope this finds all my readers well! 


From the Village -


Dean 

A Crazy, Hectic Week

Hello all - 

It's been awhile! I've been in kitchen gridlock pretty much this past week, not really escaping until today - hahaha. Working late one day and starting early the next does not really create for an enjoyable week, but it's over now! :) It's my Saturday, so this will give a chance to relax and do nothing for two days before having to refocus on work. Things, I feel, are really going to ramp up in the kitchen this month as guests arrive, more and more, each day, and the mine workers continue to report to work. 

Last night, I was invited up to the registrar's home (she's a woman in her mid-50's, very nice lady) to play card games with her and a few of her friends. I went up, and we had a great time playing Phase 10 - drank some wine, ate some popcorn - had a nice, relaxing evening! Her friends were from Bellingham, WA - a commercial fishing tycoon, one of them - headed back down the mountain tomorrow.

I left there around 10:00, and returned to my chalet, where my housemates and I proceeded to gather in the living room and tell stories of people who had died here in the Village. Eerie, yes. Some of them are told:

A man with a homeless group started towards the trail in an electric wheelchair. Later, at Hart Lake, when Hike Haus leads went searching for him, the wheelchair was all they found. 

---

Bus drivers went down to Lucerne, to pick up a boat full of arrivals. They found a man down towards the lake, on the rocks, dead. 

(Now, I'm sure these are myths, but still, at 10:00 at night they're fun to haunt people with - especially my housemate, Sally!). 

Random end-of-post shot! A few nights ago I was sitting out on my porch swing and took this shot of the moon over Dumbell Mountain. Enjoy! 

Moon over Dumbell

From the Village - 

Dean