What is True Wealth?

Well, it can't be money, right?  I think wealth is part contentment, part peace, part relationships.  I'm sure there is more.

So if we are content, peaceful, and have good relationships, we are truly wealthy.

I'm rich! I'm rich! :)

Hermitage

Was reading The Art of Natural Building and saw "hermitage" which gave me an idea....

A few years ago I was looking into what it would take to run a Bed and Breakfast.  It's a lot of work!  But I thought this would really be an interesting thing to do.  Well, circumstances at the time made me put aside that idea - put aside but not give up!

What if it were a Nature Retreat instead!  Could create small out-buildings from local, natural elements for people to get away for a few days and spend time in meditation and relaxation.  That way each "hut" would be unique and people could enjoy creation and spend time with the Creator!

Raccoon

Okay, so this is not exactly about building, but something I'm reminded I must keep in mind when searching for a site - wildlife.  Since I had a raccoon try to break into my room through the window last night, I'm reminded that wildlife will be a factor.  I have to remember this when picking a potential home site, as well as in the design of the home.

What is the natural wildlife in the area?  How will I keep them OUT of the house without kicking them out of their own homes?

So much to think about!  What fun!!!

"House of Straw" by Carolyn Roberts

Started reading this book.  It's about a single mother who builds her own straw bale home in Arizona.  Well, if she can...I CAN!

Well, I wouldn't pick Arizona....

Church Expansion

Our church has decided to expand one of its building to accommodate larger gatherings for dinners and such.  I want to put together a proposal that they "go green" with their addition.  I think its important that we teach with our lives about good stewardship (not just be all talk!).

We'll see how that goes over...!

"The Natural House" by Daniel D. Chiras

I have no idea how I'm going to read all these books, but one leads to another leads to another and they all look so interesting!

This one is cool cuz it gives a breakdown of several types of natural homes.  It even includes log homes...ahh, NOW you're talkin!  Did you know you can buy log home kits and build it yourself?  But that is not very eco-friendly so I guess that won't be a choice.

Kinda wondering what a combination house would look like.  One with cob, straw bale and logs.  Guess I'll just have to design it myself!

Social Justice

"Growing numbers of people in the U.S. and other affluent countries are recognizing that not only will material abundance not make us happy but that the time spent working to accumulate it can make us miserable."  Robert Bolman in The Art of Natural Building.

Another book and fascinating reading.  This book is a compilation of writings by several different writers.  Not very far into the book and already loving it.  Wow, do I appreciate someone putting all these thoughts and perspectives together!

Clay anyone?

Since our backyard is mostly clay, it would be interesting to try the cob mixture to build something back there. Red clay no less.  We've tried gardening, but we have to bring in potting soil to get anything but weeds to grow. 

And I like the idea of a root cellar, but from what I've read they don't do so well in the south due to warmer climate.  Hmm...thinking...thinking...

Zeitgeist Addendum

While I don't agree with their take on Christianity, there are a lot of important things to learn from this two-hour video.  I like how well thought out and comprehensive it is.  I also like that it gives real ways to implement change.

Say That Again?

One phrase keeps running over and over in my mind: "Never buy new."  This comes from the cob cottage book and I think it is something everyone can incorporate into their lives.  Our consumerism is destroying natural resources.  So I buy second hand clothes and second hand books (about the only two things I buy). 

But I will not buy second hand food - eww!

But What Does That Mean For Me?

I've done some online surfing and found that a lot of the alternative building material homes are either in remote places or in communes.  This just does not seem practical for most people.  I understand that the reason for this is all the regulations on building. 

But how do most people incorporate these methods into their daily living?

How do people who enjoy city life use these ideas?  Installing a "green" water heater doesn't seem to go far enough. But moving out in the middle of nowhere is not going to happen on a large scale. Not sure where this leaves us.

Just ordered another (yes, another!) book:  The Natural House: A Complete Guide to Healthy, Energy-Efficient, Environmental Homes.  Hoping this gives me some ideas!