It occurred to me that people might be interested in learning how I write.
I started out with (and still use) a list of topics that I basically brainstormed in a single session. Topics that emphasized the 'why' as much as the 'how', including things that I, and therefore probably others, have struggled with. From the outset, I wanted this book to be as much about the trial and errors as the successes, to be stories that people could relate to rather than be awed by.
A few weeks into the project I sorted the list into something resembling a table of contents (TOC), to help ensure I covered topics I may have missed in that original brainstorm session. As additional topic ideas occur to me, I add them to the list and try to figure out where they might fit into the TOC.
I look at both of these fairly often and see what jumps out at me, what triggers ideas or stories, and ponder them throughout the day, sometimes for several days. Because my goal is to have a sample chapter written by September for submission to the publisher I'm hoping will be interested in this book, I've been largely focusing on the shelter chapter, which covers not only building but living comfortably – thus the sections on staying both warm and cool. Plus it's the area most of my energies are focused on right now anyway, as I disassemble the 8x12 to make room for something a little larger.
After letting the ideas percolate, I sit down each evening and write. Longhand. I actually got the idea from an Amish woman whose column I read in the local paper some years back. She wrote her column longhand and mailed it to the paper where they typed it up. I do a little editing while writing, but most of it is just a word change here and there, the gist of the section having already drafted itself in my head. So with pen in hand, by the light of an oil lamp, with the sounds of birds chirping, frogs trilling, and depending on recent rains possibly the river at the edge of the property flowing, the words seem to tumble out onto the paper. Except for that week of writers block, where I was attempting to force out words that weren't ready yet! I'm still both frustrated and amused that what seemed a most basic concept resisted communication at that particular time! Okay, lesson learned – the right words will flow when they're ready.
Rather than have someone else do my typing, however, (which I did consider) I have discovered that I can sometimes better clarify an idea as I translate ink to electrons. I also sometimes write notes to myself in the margins to verify something that emerged from the recesses of my brain when I have internet access – usually a book title or author.
Most mornings, after feeding the pigs and other homestead chores, I sit at my desk in the main house and utilize the net access there to type and post the previous evening's writing. The past several days, however, the internet has not been cooperating, and some days I just plain run out of time to get a post submitted! So while there may be some days where nothing new appears, fear not. The ideas are still percolating, and the pen (third one actually!) is still flowing. I'm just wondering what will happen if and when the book is technically finished!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Women as Builders
I wish I recalled where I read the story, but a Michigan fellow went to Mexico where his son (or grandson?) was marrying a local gal. In conjunction with the wedding, I do not recall if it was before or after, he observed the locals building a home for the newlyweds. He described the making of roof tiles, shaping the wet mud over one's thigh, then setting them out to dry in the sun before placing the tiles atop the adobe structure. Sure, several of the tiles would break, during as well as after drying, but even those shards had useful applications elsewhere. By the time the fellow was due to leave, the newlyweds had their own home, with no mortgage, effectively built by themselves and their community.
Another unremembered source indicated to me that in many Southwestern Indian/Mexican cultures, the home was the domain of the women, not only in the keeping but also in the construction. At a friend's house recently, I watched a television show about current-day Russian reindeer herders who used poles and hides to erect tents much like the Tipis of the American Plains Indians. These too are built (assembled?) by the women.
So why does the current culture feel that building is something only a strong man can do? Doubtless the differing standards of construction has much to do with it. In many areas codes no longer allow for the types of structures women have built and lived in for countless centuries, instead requiring commercial materials that are not as easily handled by a single or group of individuals. I fully believe any woman can build her own home, whether using older indigenous styles or more modern methods. Allow the code to guide you past mistakes they were written to address, but don't be afraid to suggest uncommon methods to an inspector if you must deal with one. When my grandmother built their retirement house, she used modern methods with some adaptations. She couldn't handle half-inch thick drywall herself, so she used two layers of quarter-inch instead.
Many tools and adaptations exist to allow someone to build solo. Panel lifts, whether for drywall or sheathing, are just one example. (Book reference: Working Alone: Tips and Techniques for Solo Building by John Carroll)
One reason I enjoy working (and living) along is being able to work at my own pace, on my own schedule. I would probably get more done and more quickly if I had someone commenting when I stop to watch the clouds rolling by, or sneak off into the woods to see if that noise might be the porcupine I saw the week before, but it's those exact moments that I savor, that are my rewards for the effort I've put into redefining my life according to my own goals and expectations. I will admit to missing having that special someone to share these things with, but I doubt I will ever miss those days where one wants to be 'productive' and the other wants only to relax!
Most of all, have confidence that what you're doing isn't actually unusual. For eons, humans, just like birds and beavers, have built their own homes. It is only recently, relative to the lifespan of humanity, that we have come to expect others to build our homes for us and be indebted for that service. There is a long history of not only people, but women, building their own homes. You can continue that legacy!
Another unremembered source indicated to me that in many Southwestern Indian/Mexican cultures, the home was the domain of the women, not only in the keeping but also in the construction. At a friend's house recently, I watched a television show about current-day Russian reindeer herders who used poles and hides to erect tents much like the Tipis of the American Plains Indians. These too are built (assembled?) by the women.
So why does the current culture feel that building is something only a strong man can do? Doubtless the differing standards of construction has much to do with it. In many areas codes no longer allow for the types of structures women have built and lived in for countless centuries, instead requiring commercial materials that are not as easily handled by a single or group of individuals. I fully believe any woman can build her own home, whether using older indigenous styles or more modern methods. Allow the code to guide you past mistakes they were written to address, but don't be afraid to suggest uncommon methods to an inspector if you must deal with one. When my grandmother built their retirement house, she used modern methods with some adaptations. She couldn't handle half-inch thick drywall herself, so she used two layers of quarter-inch instead.
Many tools and adaptations exist to allow someone to build solo. Panel lifts, whether for drywall or sheathing, are just one example. (Book reference: Working Alone: Tips and Techniques for Solo Building by John Carroll)
One reason I enjoy working (and living) along is being able to work at my own pace, on my own schedule. I would probably get more done and more quickly if I had someone commenting when I stop to watch the clouds rolling by, or sneak off into the woods to see if that noise might be the porcupine I saw the week before, but it's those exact moments that I savor, that are my rewards for the effort I've put into redefining my life according to my own goals and expectations. I will admit to missing having that special someone to share these things with, but I doubt I will ever miss those days where one wants to be 'productive' and the other wants only to relax!
Most of all, have confidence that what you're doing isn't actually unusual. For eons, humans, just like birds and beavers, have built their own homes. It is only recently, relative to the lifespan of humanity, that we have come to expect others to build our homes for us and be indebted for that service. There is a long history of not only people, but women, building their own homes. You can continue that legacy!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Why I Love Tiny Houses
-They're so darn cozy!
-Everything is within reach, or just a few steps away
-They encourage minimalism, discourage consumerism
-Cleaning is fast
-They use fewer materials and resources – in both construction and maintenance
-Easier to heat and cool
-Lot of natural light
-They can make great “pocket communities” http://pocket-neighborhoods.net/
-Or leave more land to nature
-You don't need an intercom system to find other occupants
-Multi-functional rooms mean less wasted space. (A living room *and* family room? Dining room *and* eat-in kitchen? Really?)
-Less costly to buy or build
-Less costly to furnish
-Because smaller quantities are needed, higher quality materials become more affordable http://www.notsobighouse.com/
-Everything is within reach, or just a few steps away
-They encourage minimalism, discourage consumerism
-Cleaning is fast
-They use fewer materials and resources – in both construction and maintenance
-Easier to heat and cool
-Lot of natural light
-They can make great “pocket communities” http://pocket-neighborhoods.net/
-Or leave more land to nature
-You don't need an intercom system to find other occupants
-Multi-functional rooms mean less wasted space. (A living room *and* family room? Dining room *and* eat-in kitchen? Really?)
-Less costly to buy or build
-Less costly to furnish
-Because smaller quantities are needed, higher quality materials become more affordable http://www.notsobighouse.com/
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Writer's Block
I've had writers block for the last week. I remember listening to Lois McMaster Bujold (probably best known for her delightful Miles Vorkosigan series) talking about writer's block. She said her characters would occasionally stubbornly sit down, go on strike, and refuse to follow her intentions. Finally she would understand what the characters themselves wanted to do, and the words would flow once again.
It sounded very odd to me at the time, and yet that's pretty much how this past week has felt. I have the bullet list of points I wanted to make under Cooling Options Parts 2 and 3, but the words refused to flow. I made attempts, forcing the words out, but they were stilted, jerky, and refused to stay on topic, constantly veering off in barely-related tangental directions. And these are simple ideas, not even complex characters! What sort of rebellion, or strike, can this be?
I caved, I admitted defeat. I threw my hands up and said fine, I won't write about you, you obstinate stubborn cooling options! Obviously now is not your time. Who would have thought that simple living alternatives were such prima donnas, refusing the stage because they weren't ready yet?!
So who knows what the next topic will be. For now, I'm going to read a book instead of attempting to write one. And eventually I will understand just what it is my characters, er, topics, want to do next!
It sounded very odd to me at the time, and yet that's pretty much how this past week has felt. I have the bullet list of points I wanted to make under Cooling Options Parts 2 and 3, but the words refused to flow. I made attempts, forcing the words out, but they were stilted, jerky, and refused to stay on topic, constantly veering off in barely-related tangental directions. And these are simple ideas, not even complex characters! What sort of rebellion, or strike, can this be?
I caved, I admitted defeat. I threw my hands up and said fine, I won't write about you, you obstinate stubborn cooling options! Obviously now is not your time. Who would have thought that simple living alternatives were such prima donnas, refusing the stage because they weren't ready yet?!
So who knows what the next topic will be. For now, I'm going to read a book instead of attempting to write one. And eventually I will understand just what it is my characters, er, topics, want to do next!
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Pelt Concept
I recently read a wonderful book (it happened to be post-apocalyptic, a genre I enjoy, but it was actually recommended to me by a wolf expert for the realistic portrayal of wolf behavior), and there was one passage that really struck me. So much so I had to borrow the book again to get the exact text:
“Again he fell into the habit of wearing the same amount of clothing no matter what the temperature was, and being more or less indifferent to whether he needed warmth or was too hot – except that he stowed the leather jacket away. Also, the daily habit of shaving he had resumed briefly at the pass was forgotten. His beard once more was full and black. It was almost as if his clothing had become his pelt, as Wolf's pelt was his; and there was no reason to think of making changes in it simply to adapt to small changes in temperature.
So he let his beard grow and lived in his clothes. These things were unimportant.”
Wolf and Iron, Gordon R. Dickson
Imagine if we did not have cultural expectations, importance, to change our clothing daily or sometimes it seems even hourly! If we were able to wear something that was comfortable for whatever the activity, and that “small changes” of 10, 20, possibly more, degrees made little difference to our overall comfort. I have often envied animals for their ability to lie in the snow, stand in the rain, whatever the situation, with no apparent discomfort. Haired animals that thicken their coats for the cold of winter, then shed them for the heat of summer, but not constantly shrugging in and out of layers on a daily basis.
It could be argued that they may prefer to be able to change and simply aren't able. I'm inclined to believe they simply don't need to, and that humans, amazingly wonderfully adaptable creatures, have taken adaptability a bit too far and seriously limited our own comfort range.
“Again he fell into the habit of wearing the same amount of clothing no matter what the temperature was, and being more or less indifferent to whether he needed warmth or was too hot – except that he stowed the leather jacket away. Also, the daily habit of shaving he had resumed briefly at the pass was forgotten. His beard once more was full and black. It was almost as if his clothing had become his pelt, as Wolf's pelt was his; and there was no reason to think of making changes in it simply to adapt to small changes in temperature.
So he let his beard grow and lived in his clothes. These things were unimportant.”
Wolf and Iron, Gordon R. Dickson
Imagine if we did not have cultural expectations, importance, to change our clothing daily or sometimes it seems even hourly! If we were able to wear something that was comfortable for whatever the activity, and that “small changes” of 10, 20, possibly more, degrees made little difference to our overall comfort. I have often envied animals for their ability to lie in the snow, stand in the rain, whatever the situation, with no apparent discomfort. Haired animals that thicken their coats for the cold of winter, then shed them for the heat of summer, but not constantly shrugging in and out of layers on a daily basis.
It could be argued that they may prefer to be able to change and simply aren't able. I'm inclined to believe they simply don't need to, and that humans, amazingly wonderfully adaptable creatures, have taken adaptability a bit too far and seriously limited our own comfort range.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Cooling Options, Part One
Cooling Options, Part One
After I brainstormed a list of cooling options, it appeared to me that they fall into three broad categories – the environment that surrounds you, personal habits that can be adopted, and methods of cooling the body itself. Somewhat like moving from a macro to a micro scale.
Broadly speaking, the environmental category has much to do with your shelter choice. The first is geography. If you hate heat and humidity, you may not want to live in the Southeast US. Likewise, if you detest any kind of heat, both the Southwest and Midwest are probably poor settlement choices. I choose to live in the more northern latitudes in large part (but not entirely) due to an aversion to heat. Higher altitudes also have the same general effect. (There is a conversion between altitude and latitude, but I don't have the specific numbers off-hand. A quick Google search indicates one potential conversion rate is 1000' of altitude is equivalent to 300 miles of latitude, but don't bank on that without further research.) Such a move need not even be permanent – many people migrate seasonally. Retired “snowbirds” are usually the first to come to mind, but it wasn't all that many decades ago that mother would take the children to a summer house during the school break, with father joining them on the weekend. Many American Indian tribes had similar seasonal nomadic tendencies – summer fishing camps and winter hunting grounds. (This is one of the countless reasons Indian reservations were a foolish concept.)
In a permanent residence, cooling considerations used to be, and still can be, critical design elements. The courtyards of the Middle East and Mediterranean are designed to provide open yet shaded areas. The decorative grillwork on windows allowed light to enter, while limiting direct solar gain. Thick masonry walls changed temperature much more slowly than thin modern ones. Sometimes this can backfire however, as seen in Chicago's brick bungalows. Once they heat up, they tend to stay hot, leading to unnecessary deaths during periodic heat waves. Another building options is sizing the roof overhang or installing shade canopies. The main house of the property I live on uses a couple of these techniques – the thick concrete block walls resist penetration of summer heat, while the roof overhand was calculated to block the high summer sun while inviting entry of the low winter sun. There is a drawback to this fixed system, however – the concept of Thermal Lag.
Thermal lag refers to the time delay between insolation (basically sun penetration) and temperature change. We see this in the summer, when the sun reaches its maximum in June (my apologies to those in the Southern Hemisphere) but the temperatures don't reach their maximum until July or August. The same thing happens in the winter – the solar minimum is in December, but the general temperatures keep dropping into January and February. A fixed solar-blocking system can easily be calculated to limit July and August's insolation, but with the effect of also blocking April and May's, spring months where the additional solar influence may be desired. This is where adjustable systems may be preferred instead, canvas awnings for instance. These I have no experience with.
The daily, as well as annual, changes can be utilized as well. Opening up the house at night, encouraging cooling evening breezes, then closing the house during the day to retain the milder air. This is most effective in areas with significant day and night temperature changes. I'm always surprised more people don't do this, but it does require more awareness and action than simply setting an AC thermostat. I for one enjoy taking an active role in my environmental management, of feeling aware and connected to the world around me.
After I brainstormed a list of cooling options, it appeared to me that they fall into three broad categories – the environment that surrounds you, personal habits that can be adopted, and methods of cooling the body itself. Somewhat like moving from a macro to a micro scale.
Broadly speaking, the environmental category has much to do with your shelter choice. The first is geography. If you hate heat and humidity, you may not want to live in the Southeast US. Likewise, if you detest any kind of heat, both the Southwest and Midwest are probably poor settlement choices. I choose to live in the more northern latitudes in large part (but not entirely) due to an aversion to heat. Higher altitudes also have the same general effect. (There is a conversion between altitude and latitude, but I don't have the specific numbers off-hand. A quick Google search indicates one potential conversion rate is 1000' of altitude is equivalent to 300 miles of latitude, but don't bank on that without further research.) Such a move need not even be permanent – many people migrate seasonally. Retired “snowbirds” are usually the first to come to mind, but it wasn't all that many decades ago that mother would take the children to a summer house during the school break, with father joining them on the weekend. Many American Indian tribes had similar seasonal nomadic tendencies – summer fishing camps and winter hunting grounds. (This is one of the countless reasons Indian reservations were a foolish concept.)
In a permanent residence, cooling considerations used to be, and still can be, critical design elements. The courtyards of the Middle East and Mediterranean are designed to provide open yet shaded areas. The decorative grillwork on windows allowed light to enter, while limiting direct solar gain. Thick masonry walls changed temperature much more slowly than thin modern ones. Sometimes this can backfire however, as seen in Chicago's brick bungalows. Once they heat up, they tend to stay hot, leading to unnecessary deaths during periodic heat waves. Another building options is sizing the roof overhang or installing shade canopies. The main house of the property I live on uses a couple of these techniques – the thick concrete block walls resist penetration of summer heat, while the roof overhand was calculated to block the high summer sun while inviting entry of the low winter sun. There is a drawback to this fixed system, however – the concept of Thermal Lag.
Thermal lag refers to the time delay between insolation (basically sun penetration) and temperature change. We see this in the summer, when the sun reaches its maximum in June (my apologies to those in the Southern Hemisphere) but the temperatures don't reach their maximum until July or August. The same thing happens in the winter – the solar minimum is in December, but the general temperatures keep dropping into January and February. A fixed solar-blocking system can easily be calculated to limit July and August's insolation, but with the effect of also blocking April and May's, spring months where the additional solar influence may be desired. This is where adjustable systems may be preferred instead, canvas awnings for instance. These I have no experience with.
The daily, as well as annual, changes can be utilized as well. Opening up the house at night, encouraging cooling evening breezes, then closing the house during the day to retain the milder air. This is most effective in areas with significant day and night temperature changes. I'm always surprised more people don't do this, but it does require more awareness and action than simply setting an AC thermostat. I for one enjoy taking an active role in my environmental management, of feeling aware and connected to the world around me.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Seasonal Sleep Patterns
Summer arrived rather emphatically this week – 90s and humid! Of course, I picked the two hottest days of the year to deconstruct the temporary cabin. At least I'm *hoping* they're the two hottest days!
Accordingly, I have shifted to a summer sleep schedule – up early, then a mid-day siesta. Unfortunately the crows also shifted to their summer schedule – up earlier than me, disrupting my last bit of sleep. Thanks guys.
So my plan for Wednesday had been to be up and moving by 6am, three hours earlier than my winter schedule of 9am. Note that's up and moving, not just awake. Very different concepts here! I enjoy my leisurely mornings.
I woke up around 4am, and observing the brightening sky, bemusedly noted that without the daylight saving change, dawn would be around the time some of my friends seem to finally head to bed! Ah, I can sleep another hour or so, yay! Wrong. The crows started their show at 4:30. I'm not sure if it was a drama or a sit-com, but it was very noisy and lasted almost exactly one hour. At 5:30 I was allowed to drift back to sleep, and it was nearly 7 by the time I was able to get up and moving! The best laid plans...
Despite the “late” start, I actually got quite a bit done. I had expected to take most of the afternoon to work on indoor projects at the main house, and was surprised to find it already well after noon when I felt I'd had enough of the heat. I then went back to work for a few more hours in the evening. I did get my siesta nap though!
Much like the semi-annual clock change, it'll take me a few days to get used to the earlier, and less leisurely, mornings. But by mid-day, I'm more than happy to stop working in the heat and enjoy a delayed leisurely awakening from a siesta nap.
This is just one of the many methods I use to deal with heat. I have a whole list of them I'll be sharing with you over the next few days. Stay tuned, I'm sure the crow show will be back right after the break.
Accordingly, I have shifted to a summer sleep schedule – up early, then a mid-day siesta. Unfortunately the crows also shifted to their summer schedule – up earlier than me, disrupting my last bit of sleep. Thanks guys.
So my plan for Wednesday had been to be up and moving by 6am, three hours earlier than my winter schedule of 9am. Note that's up and moving, not just awake. Very different concepts here! I enjoy my leisurely mornings.
I woke up around 4am, and observing the brightening sky, bemusedly noted that without the daylight saving change, dawn would be around the time some of my friends seem to finally head to bed! Ah, I can sleep another hour or so, yay! Wrong. The crows started their show at 4:30. I'm not sure if it was a drama or a sit-com, but it was very noisy and lasted almost exactly one hour. At 5:30 I was allowed to drift back to sleep, and it was nearly 7 by the time I was able to get up and moving! The best laid plans...
Despite the “late” start, I actually got quite a bit done. I had expected to take most of the afternoon to work on indoor projects at the main house, and was surprised to find it already well after noon when I felt I'd had enough of the heat. I then went back to work for a few more hours in the evening. I did get my siesta nap though!
Much like the semi-annual clock change, it'll take me a few days to get used to the earlier, and less leisurely, mornings. But by mid-day, I'm more than happy to stop working in the heat and enjoy a delayed leisurely awakening from a siesta nap.
This is just one of the many methods I use to deal with heat. I have a whole list of them I'll be sharing with you over the next few days. Stay tuned, I'm sure the crow show will be back right after the break.
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