The American Dream: A Tale of Rejection (2DEC2019, part 1)

I'm just going to throw this out there--just make it real, so to speak. That way it will be just a little closer to existing in a place other than my thoughts.

I am hoping, planning, dreaming of creating a house, or maybe just a shelter really, it doesn't matter.  The point it how it's done.

I want to build an earth bag structure.  And, I want to do it without spending a penny.

All together, all connected.

 Here's why:

I love building.  As a child I grew up as part of "Peterson Construction" (at least three generations of family builders).  My dad used to tell me he would love for his three daughters to grow up to be framers.  He took pride in his work, so much pride, and still does today. For years, my sisters and I built homes, additions, decks...we even did masonry and electrical work, not just for my dad, but for other companies as well.  There is something about creating something with your hands and the act of making a mess and then neatly finishing a job that is so satisfying and energizing.  

I love being outside.  I am not meant to be indoors much.  It makes me feel anxious and usually gives me a headache.

My daughter, Luna, my biggest inspiration.

I want to help create other options for people.  I want to learn about building alternative housing, such as off-the-grid living spaces, tiny homes and net-zero lifestyles.  I'm looking for a local builder who I might be able to learn from, but I have not found one yet.  I did ask to help build a sand bag seed storage building at ECHO Global Farm earlier this year.  I am amazed at what goes into the planning and how it turned out.

Cheer's to seeing things differently.

I love the challenge of creating a really cool shelter (literally cool, even here in South Florida) that costs nothing.  I'm not even sure I can do it!

 Those are the major reasons.  There may be a little bit of rebellion in there towards the people who  are "so busy" they "can't work less", can't slow down and can't leave the rat race because they have that sky-high mortgage and utility bills.

Do we really own our possessions or do they own us? (Ah, the things you discover about yourself and your thoughts when you write as if no one will ever read it.)

But I'm fascinated by the movement toward the simpler life; the active rejection of the "American Dream" and all it's materialism.

More to come soon...I can feel that things are happening. This is much bigger than me, but I will smile and build it with pride because "No amount of security is worth the suffering of a life chained to a routine that has killed your dreams." - Kent Nerburn

Stay tuned...

It's not really that complicated.