I was a back to the lander, growing Libby Creek Garlic for a couple of years. Lived in Twisp about 10 years. Teepeed on land one summer until grasshoppers ate towels and silk kumono...then moved into town. People changed but the philosophy of community and sustainability lasted.

I was searching for community. Went to numerous Aeneas Valley gatherings. Living in the Methow I made numerous trips to the Antankarana Circle and Women's gatherings. I found out I was a gardener not a farmer. Went back to Seattle, worked several jobs: clerk, teacher of ESL. Retired now. My birdwatching friends visiting Tonasket saw your movie at SIFF, raved about it. Delight for me seeing the trailer and to know people like Skeeter have survived so well. I truly understand why the maker of this film would be drawn to live in the Okanogan Highlands.

Instead of a single farm community as I originally searched for, I have found a neighborhood community here in the Rainer Valley. (Seattle)

Thanks for offering your DVD at a price I can afford. This is a memory of a good chunk of my life. Linda

     posted by LInda Z. @ 12:38 AM on June 12, 2009

When it started to play I thought it was a Sufi Camp! I moved to Kauai from Southern Cali in 1968 and lived in the jungle for over 25 years (without electricity) on a lovely stream with
ponds and waterfalls. My friend, Daryll, who is
a movie buff shared this film with me and I can
not wait to thank him. My first words were "My
people!" Besides Sufi Camps there are all sorts
of these gatherings all over the world today! I
kept looking for faces I recognized. I saw my
Sufi sister Raphela from Shoreline and will
probably see more family members as I watch
it again soon. Thanks for doing the film~ I
sure loved it and can't wait to share it.

     posted by Qadriyah @ 01:57 AM on June 10, 2009

I saw your film the other night at the Seattle International Film Festival and was quite "touched" by the film and the people whose lives you portrayed.

It made me a little sad that I never fully embraced that lifestyle in the 70's as I was philosophically drawn to a more simple, back to the land approach.

I've attended SIFF for the last 10 years and have enjoyed 'independent films' and its films like yours that really can change or affirm the way one views the world.

     posted by Lilian Wilcox @ 12:40 PM on June 03, 2009

WOW! I wasn't able to go to Back to the Garden until the second SIFF showing (first one sold out -no surprise) but it was incredibly moving...I'm still really affected by it!

I too hug trees and that scene in particular made me cry...and then I couldn't really stop.

     posted by Stephanie Dorgan @ 12:22 PM on June 03, 2009

I'm so impressed with the values and the message of your film! I laughed, hooted and am so proud of you and all the characters in the movie. The message is imperative. The planet is really a fragile environment and we'd better raise our consciousness. I believe in you and your work!!!

My kids are all over me for being a hippie...but I must be doing something right because my daughter won a bronze medal in the Olympics in the BMX bike event and is working on her 4th World Championship on the mountain bike 4 cross event...she's in Scotland right now.

     posted by Jan Kintner @ 12:17 PM on June 03, 2009

Your film, Back to the Garden, flower power comes full circle, was an incredible experience for us. This is a gift you have given to people like us...Thank you for your tribute...an embodiment to peace and love.

     posted by Bob Jarmick @ 03:06 PM on June 02, 2009

I hope this film gets the exposure it deserves...It effectively validates these folks' determination to 'stay the course' for personal and global reasons. A big thank you!

     posted by Fred Rothman @ 03:02 PM on June 02, 2009

I worked with this jeffery stonhill on the alaska pipelins above the arctic circle. 1975.. what a good fellow that seen to know what to do,say and think. he taught me culture that i never knew was out there. i could tell he was enjoying the wild ride alaska gives as much as i was. what great times they were.

     posted by TOM TOM HUGHES @ 05:32 PM on May 31, 2009

Hey Kev and Judy! The article in the Seattle Weekly was great! Congratulations!

     posted by Susan @ 08:15 PM on May 28, 2009

We loved it! I want to show it to everyone.
Kevin is a talented story teller as well as a gifted cinematographer. It was visually pleasing, interesting and engaging. Thanks!

     posted by Sarah Meeker @ 09:36 PM on May 27, 2009