I have returned from Canelo where I once again proved that within any self-selected group of people, I am the least artistic.  It was the Artistry in Lime and Clay class, and I knew I would have to make evident my cloven hands, but I went to learn more about earth plasters, natural paints, and how to put in an earthen floor.  I also wanted to grow more comfortable with plastering and I have to say that worked out well.  (I was still the worst of the lot, but I now believe that I can cover bales with mud and straw.)

Others in the class demonstrated their mad skills.  Victor created a coyote looking askance at the Moon that was truly cool.  Donna’s mermaid riding a wave out to sea was simply stunning (and this was her first time working with lime plaster? Unfair)… And Cy’s perfect and detailed design was simply amazing.  There were others, of course, and when compared to my wreck you’d think I was the only one to arrive on the short-bus.

But it was a great experience nonetheless and I recommend it highly.

Land spreading out so far and wide . . .

I received a letter just before leaving for Canelo.  It was from the woman who own the lot between my 20 acres and the road (she’s still a bit off from it) offering to sell me the parcel.   I had contacted her last year softly inquiring if she would be interested in selling but her price was outrageous at the time.  Over the past 6 months she seems to have done some research and had a change of heart and would be willing to part with her 10 for a price within reason (it’s still on the high side, but I have more incentive to buy it than most).

This is most excellent news.  Not only does it open up other possible building sites, I now can shorten my planned drive quite a bit – even if I do still build on the originally planned site, I can now run the road at a diagonal.  Very exciting.

A revision

The original plan had it that I would build a casita first and then the main house.  But then we changed it so that we would just build the house (it will be small enough in any event) first.  Now I think I will have to build a work-house/storage-shed/staging-area before starting on the house.  I’ll need someplace to store tools and either to go ahead and put in solar or a generator.  I will also need to site for practicing with the plasters and paints.  As in Canelo, I will probably also build some practice towers so that mixes can be evaluated.

So rather than the house right away, or a casita, I suspect that I will need a small building without much in the way of amenities for practice, storage, and all that.  I will draft a plan soon

 

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