Back when we owned the coffee shop, I’d developed a friendship with a young college student, Tamara (names changed).  One day my work uniform was a little more laid back:   I was wearing a tie-dyed T-shirt, a hot pink bandana in my hair and a “Peace” symbol dangling from a chain around my neck.  Tamara came in, we chatted a bit as I prepared her latte and then she paid me a tremendous compliment, “You’re the coolest Christian hippie I’ve ever met!”

Last night, we had a wonderful visit with Lisa, mother of three.   When she came to the door carrying her two-week old baby, I guessed this would be a very brief contact.  But Lisa surprised us with a slew of questions for Art, and she didn’t seem tired in the least.  As they spoke, it became apparent that Lisa was intelligent and inquisitive and also determined to provide the best life for her children, albeit in an unconventional manner by today’s standards.  When I expressed delight at her truly gorgeous baby boy, she said that the baby had been born at home.  She spoke to Art about the legal issues surrounding midwifery certification.  Then she moved on to issues involving raw milk and naturopathic doctors.  Lisa had done extensive research on these topics and was pleased to have the opportunity to share her findings with Art.  The last point she wanted to make was about home schooling.  Lisa was homeschooled herself and plans on teaching her own children in the same manner.  (I did this for my daughter’s kindergarten year and have tons of respect for parents who choose this route.)

Although I didn’t smell any Indian incense, and Lisa wasn’t wearing beads (she did have on sandals), our visit provided a fascinating glimpse into the life of a real-life hippie.  Lisa’s dichotomy is that in choosing a natural/holistic approach to child-rearing, it’s necessary to have government protection and legislation to provide this lifestyle in a manner deemed safest for all.

I found myself humming the Archie’s tune, “Sugar, Sugar” as we walked away.