There was the full moon, and a lunar eclipse, and the wild energies of the Red Lady. She had us learning our lessons in the mud this last week, redefining Sustainability in this deep jungle, and reaffirming our dedication to this adventure.
Beautiful days, some quick, hard rain, and the fabulous full-force waterfall... Here´s two volunteers (Eleanor and Chris) enjoying the water and the laguna, which are fantastic after a sunny morning at work on the garden...
Planting some seeds in the boxes we made out of old pallets-- seeds from all over: gifts from neighbors and local farmers, some picked in Thailand and Texas, some found along the way. All hopes of a delightful first garden.
And so...
When the clouds are thick on the valley floor and the humidity rolls around us like a thick white blanket, it occurs to us how lovely it might be to have a house. Don´t get us wrong-- tent life is grand, especially next to our Babbling Brook snuggled in between beautiful trees... but a little porch for the (funky toothless wonder) dog, and a dry spot to rest our weary heads... mmmmm.
But we tried with all earnestness and strength to start an earthbag cottage... A lovely little round spot to cuddle up... but my prayers must have been misunderstood because instead it puddled up! When we started to dig the trench foundation, we hit water-- lots of water-- and had to take a moment to reconfigure our earthen ideas. Long emotional story short, we are now using the available wood harvested from the fallen trees on our land to build our first cottage. Something creative and loving and not full of jungle water!! We have the help of our neighbor, Juan (the carepenter- extraordinaire) helping us, and a few volunteers to lend a hand. This is the first part: the posts and the floor frame, and lots of stacked lumber (which we are doing a trade for with our sawmill neighbor.)
More photos of the cottage and garden as they progress...
Send prayers and good energy our way!
1 comment:
Ohh the water! Your story reminds me of a time when Dane was digging trenches around camp to keep us from getting flooded out and as soon as he stuck his shovel into the dirt, water would bubble up to the surface. Water, water, everywhere. I hope things are going well with your house building project. It is wonderful to have a place to get away from the mud! Your former tent dwelling friend,
Jessica
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