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Welcome to Quarry Hill's Blog!

Quarry Hill Creative Center in Rochester, VT, founded 1946 by Barbara and Irving Fiske, is Vermont's oldest alternative community and at one time was probably also its largest. In the 60s -80s, as many as 90 people lived here.
It was and is visited each year, often in summer (but in every season, really) by visitors from all over the world.
We welcome interesting and creative people who are peaceful, bring no weapons, don't believe in hitting children or killing animals, and enjoy the beauty of Vermont and of themselves.

Most of us do not adhere to any particular dogma or religion, though many do find Eastern philosophy closest to our own thought (some of us are also members of the Quakers/Society of Friends).
We value the individual, particularly people who are energetic and have a sense of humor.
Visitors are welcome-- and prospective residents, too. There are some places for rent, others for sale. If interested, get in touch!
And, please follow the Blog and comment whenever you like!

"The symbol is the enemy of the reality, and the reality is ever one's true guide, true friend, true companion, and true self." Irving Fiske, 1908-1990

Monday, March 21, 2011

Sister Wives Season Two: "Free Range Browns"

As published this morning on Blogcritics.org TV Open Thread:



Faced with bigamy charges, Kody and his four wives, Janelle, Meri, Robyn and Christine, take their children on a “working vacation” to Kody’s family’s ranch in Wyoming, which he says has been in his family for five generations. He seems relieved to get across state lines, and to see his family again.
This is Robyn’s, and her children’s, first visit to the ranch, and a chance for her to get to know Kody’s family-- who turn out to be Janelle’s family as well!
Janelle originally came from a monogamous LDS family,as did Kody. When Janelle chose polygamy, her mother, Sheryl, was the only member of her family who stood by her. In time, she herself became convinced of “the Principle” of plural marriage, and shortly thereafter fell in love with Kody’s father.
Despite some jealousy on the part of Kody’s mother, Genelle (interesting juxtaposition of names between Kody’s mother and his wife), Sheryl, Janelle’s mother, and his father were married (three months before Janelle and Kody). After a disturbing emotional period, Kody’s mother says, when she felt that “I was taking care of the kids-- and Sheryl was taking care of Win (Kody's father), she and I became … best friends.”
After these revelations, the rest of the episode is essentially Brown cutup-style fun and games (and work). One of the daughters, McKelty, insists on riding an untamed horse and is thrown, but is ok though she seems to be in a lot of pain at first.
Most of the episode is quiet, even bucolic, compared to the turmoil the family has been facing. The whole family goes on a cattle drive to vaccinate Uncle Tim’s cattle, and paint Kody’s mother’s house. Then, to blow off steam, they go cliff climbing—somewhat to Robyn’s distress: she is a more protective mother than some of the others. (She’s still adjusting to being in this rough-and-tumble family.) One thing is sure—the Brown family has energy!
Though the family is here to relax and get some ranch work done, the tension and fear of their choice to “come out” to the world as polygamists (mirroring Big Love, which concluded on HBO tonight), runs throughout each episode. Kody’s family feels he is brave but note that few polygamist families would go so far. Should Kody and the women in his life have revealed themselves? What will happen to them? Will they be forced to split up—and what will happen to their children?
Let me know what YOU think!



The Brown kids climbing a cliff in Wyoming, with a nervous Robyn in the background. 

 Photo Courtesy TLC.

2 comments:

  1. One this is for sure... Being a parent in a monogamous family is not for cowards, I have taken the time to listen carefully to these peaple on their show... I'm not sure if it's acceptable before God (although it was permitted under the laws of the old testement... under Grace is it?) Only God Himself can judge. My personal view is they seem to have faith and work really hard to keep their family loved, informed and safe. I don't know if any of them will ever read this comment... but I wish them well and much courage. Like Meri (I think) said; "nothing worth having is without trails" Being open to the world is quite the task.
    Ps. I believe if you are not hurting anyone, you are doing no wrong.
    Helene (From Canada)

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  2. Thank you so much for your comment, Helene. I am so appreciative of your taking the time to read my post on this show and to answer. I also believe that if you are harming no one, you are doing no wrong.
    I also agree that parenting monogamously is not easy. Having done both (had more than one parent for my child and had one other parent for the second child) I can say that both have their benefits and their difficulties.
    If you want the Brown family to read your thoughts, I am not sure but you could perhaps write to them via TLC. You could also post on Blogcritics.org, the online blogzine I'm a critic for. Possibly they read these comments.
    I'd try writing them via TLC though, as they have a LOT going on!
    Thanks again...
    Isabella/Ladybelle

    ReplyDelete