Saturday marked TS Design’s Second Annual Fall Harvest in partnership with farmer, Ronnie Burleson and the Rolling Hills Gin located in New London, North Carolina. The gorgeous weather and beautiful company made the group’s time spent together remarkable. However, the most notable part of the day was the message clearly sent by all in attendance: our consensus on the importance of Community.

The day began at Rolling Hills Gin, where Wes (who we learned wears many hats: manager, electrician, mechanic, and tour guide…just to name a few) gave us a run down of how the gin works. Fascinating. We explored the premises, little green plugs in our ears, bringing the roar of the gin down to a pleasant murmur. The inner workings of the mechanical side of cotton processing is quite magical. A light flurry of cotton snowed down over our heads as we spread out among the machinery, all of us with our mouths slightly agog.

After a delightful luncheon at a nearby church, we took some much needed time to get to know each other better. One by one, our group introduced themselves and told their story of sustainability that inevitably led them to join TS Designs on our adventure. From business owners to architects, and municipal planners to college students, our ranks were diverse. However, as one of us put it so eloquently, “Really, it all comes down to community.” It was just a frank and purely beautiful statement. Because, truly, when you think about it, that’s where we all gather our strength. If not for community, that business owner would have no clientele. If not for community, that architect would have little purpose behind their creation. If not for community, that municipal planner would just downright be out of a job. And for this college student, me – if not for community – it is probable that I would have never stumbled across the TS Designs family on my college campus, one of the best things that has happened to me in a long time. Not only me, but everyone in attendance was feeling the TS spirit on that lovely, crisp October afternoon. Not only does this company do the right thing by Mother Nature, but they bring it to the people as well.

Moving out to the fields of New London, it was apparent that the bonds made by our President, Eric Henry, are the kinds that most businesses always seek but may never secure. Rows upon rows of cotton, just waiting to be turned up by Ronnie’s new fancy shmancy John Deere cotton picker waited before us, and a strange exhilaration of anticipation revved everyone up – yes it was a weird and novel concept, getting psyched about farming, but it was exciting. Yet, there were Eric and Ronnie, chatting away. We all were running like six year old boys at a $600,000 cotton harvester, lining up for 3 minute rides as if it were a roller coaster. But all the while, TS Designs and one of its farming partners were just talking shop.

Community comes first. A strong community is the foundation. Everything else can fall into place after that.

Think about it: what are YOU doing to build community in your home, neighborhood, business, and world?

PEACE LOVE & T-SHIRTS,

Natalie