Carole Brown: Losing Eden / Does Anybody Notice? Does Anybody Care? 

Sat. Aug. 6, 2022, 10 a.m.-noon
McBride Studio, 640 KS-177, Matfield Green, KS 66862

Many people fantasize about escaping the rat race for a more Thoreauvian existence in the midst of nature. Carole did just that in 2000: After living in New York City for a while, she lived in the middle of a Chase County cow pasture half a mile from the nearest neighbor, on the bank of a creek. After 10 years of off-grid living, Carole returned to her childhood home in Kansas City. Now, as she prepares to venture back to rural life, she has become deeply troubled by the decline of the natural world and the general lack of concern for — even awareness of — this loss.

One author has observed that “the Fall” is not a discrete event that happened in a mythical past, but a story that we continue to enact. It would seem that, likewise, we continue in various manifestations to play out an impulse to “regain Paradise.”

Carole will describe her move to a primitive cabin and invites others to mull over with her the relevance, or lack thereof, of it to their life course. We will begin at air-conditioned McBride Studio, then transportation will be provided to the Cabin, where a circle of chair will be arranged in shade. Walking 100 meters on uneven terrain and crossing a small creek on foot is required; the cabin has no plumbing. Wear walking shoes and pack sun protection, bug spray and a refillable water jug; water for refills will be provided. Guests are invited to bring a picnic lunch. Transportation will be provided back to McBride Studio immediately following the hangout as well as later for picnickers.    

Maximum guests: 25