Goal statement revisited
...to create an ecologically sound, economically viable, low-management, beautiful and human-nurturing food forest and farm that could eventually provide eighty percent of a family's nutrition, act as a nursery for the town, and be harvested for economic gain. As it is installed and is maturing, it will be a demonstration and educational site for ecological regeneration that can be left untended for extended periods of time (in the case of renters) or maintained as a part of an internship program.
...to create awareness of the meta-context regarding energy and resource use while reestablishing connections to our basic biological needs.
...to demonstrate Permaculture and creative education in primary and secondary institutions while designing and implementing food forests and resilient systems for publicity and monetary gain.
Overview
Click here to look at the "what" and "how" of my projects.
What are the challenges?
How will I address these?
The design...
Personal - Home - Family and Friends - Work
All Zones are intricately related. This project is for my personal well-being and the areas that are in arm's length of me, but how I interact with my family, friends, town, government, and world is directly impactful. This design reflects the inseparable sectors.
Zone 00.
I want to change the community and world within which I live. I feel I am already achieving that, though to a lesser degree than I might if I maintained energy for myself. I'd like to live by example rather than acting as a "crusader."
Ideally I would spend eight hours a day sleeping, eight hours working, and eight hours creating. Of all of that, I'd like twelve hours to be for me (8 hours sleeping and 4 hours with family, crafting, making money, et ceterra).
Zone 0.
I plan to do this while running my homestead and project, Pay It Forward Permaculture and Agricultural Farm. Ideally, this house and land would provide education, food, income, community engagement, and a comfortable and beautiful space for me and my family.
Zone I and II.
My town of Andover, New Hampshire is known for avoiding interaction. There is one restaurant, two gas stations, and a school. Community members have expressed a desire to have a community gathering space like the one I am designing. I have ample support, both experiential and emotional, but I am limited by the feeling of isolation. I feel as though I am constantly working on my own to make this project happen whilst disregarding my own personal needs--which in turn makes me a weaker force--but the reality is I don't know how to ask for help. Seeming isinterest from locals, monetary restrictions and location may also be considerable limitations.
The town is demographically at odds. In general, we have very wealthy, educated, and often ecologically sensitive individuals while there are many economically distressed families who put little thought toward repatterning our destructive societal norms.
Though our primary school is excellent, our high school is notoriously difficult, causing many to end schooling there and begin working menial jobs*. Whereas, if they were to seek out their passions, they could find themselves creating stronger relationships.
This makes me feel at odds within the greater context. To address this, I would like to create an alternative economy, based on gift exchange and time-banking. If I were to begin designing without giving an estimate or contract and ask to be paid however much (or little) the customer saw fit, I think a lovely upward spiral would be created, snowballing until there was such a big collection of businesses and individuals that we would stop and make a snowman. Ideally, a local money and banking system that worked with negative interest would help stimulate economic and community growth. Value would be placed primarily in natural resources to reinstate stewardship of our Earth and simultaneously increase human health. Meanwhile, I will have a food forest in my business/home yard would provide passive suggestions to those driving by and nutritious food for purchase with classes on how to recreate such an abundance.
To make this vision a reality, I need to become more active in my community to see what the needs of the people are. I need to finish the renovation of my home, create an LLC, do some marketing, find collaborators, work on the food forest, and design courses. If I could design my time to be less sprawled, I could be more effective in moving this project forth. Time is of the essence as the project is losing money quickly. This is a recurring issue: I do not take care of my personal needs to use my time more effectively.
I plan to finish renovating the house by the summer using the help of friends, family, and volunteers. I hope to garden and sell vegetables to make some money while also designing for locals, creating a curriculum for courses, and gaining interest through marketing.
*Though I recognize value in such jobs, I notice that many become stuck in unhealthy relationships with people, food, Nature and themselves when left unchallenged to create positive abundance for themselves.
I am going to maintain momentum by monitoring my use of personal time. For my farm, I will keep updating the Facebook page, keeping involved in the community and using word of mouth to share the project's vision. Marketing and using the location of the house (next to a main route) will help as well. If I am elected Selectwoman (see Zone 3-4: Local Community), I will be known by most in the community. I will need clients, perhaps friends initially, that will advocate for my work and spread word.
I appreciate that I am devoting much of my energy to my farm project and meanwhile gleaning a lot of skill and knowledge (competence and attention) in all areas of Permaculture ethics (people care, earth care, fair share). I am thankful for my support network for giving me tips and time, as well as the opportunity ( especially financially) to make this vision a reality. My parents, bless their hearts, recognize the value of alternative education and were the catalysts and funders for this project.
Currently, the house is being insulated, heated, and sheetrock will be going up end of February. Then comes finish work, for which I am really excited to call in volunteers and those willing to learn a new skill. I am more confident in getting estimates and making decisions, both in design and finances. The learning curve was steep at first, and though my skills are still not matching up with the work that needs to be done, it has become easier to find assistance. Still, it is challenging finding the time and energy to push through the tough stuff (like writing a $7000 check) or having to make decisions against my ethics (i.e. putting in a new septic system).
My energy was recharged after a 2 month hiatus, and to maintain that power I need to become more self-disciplined in allotting time for creating and being alone to reflect. If I follow my hourly structure outlined above and design my schedule according, I could be healthier and happier and therefore more effective and efficient in my work. Good food, good sleep, and good exercise are all critical to having good relationships in all aspects of my life.
Permaculture Principles
1. Observe and Interact
Meet the community where they are at; don't want to fight upstream.
2. Catch and Store Energy
Gift giving and education
3. Obtain a yield
Growing food, growing skills and knowledge through education, income
4. Self-regulate and Accept feedback
Create a committee/cooperative, constantly observe and interact where I am at, where the community is, and where the world is.
5. Use & Value Renewable Resources
Education, food, natural resources
6. Produce No Waste
Talents used, local biproducts of mill and farms etc. used
7. Design from Pattern to Detail
Look at meta-context, local-context, self-context; Look at Nature's relationships
8. Integrate, not Segregate
Use local farms, mills, businesses, schools, officials, skills
9. Use Small, Slow Solutions
Skill-exchange, time-exchange, plan for the future but act now
10. Use & Value Diversity
Many different instructors, interns, students; Many different uses for building and site; Many different occupations (designer, teacher, laborer, farmer, artist...)
11. Use Edges and Value the Marginal
Beef farm next door, private and public schools in area, Rail Trail walking path behing house...
12. Creatively Use & Respond to Change
Providing continuous learning opportunities for resilience
To read more about the Permaculture Principles, click here
Un/Learning Commentary
I wrote this very quickly, excitedly, and with the intention of focusing on zone 00. I was very quickly drawn away from self-care to my passion of designing for the community. This is either proof that I need to put myself first and/or it is evidence that I am devoted to caring for others (and in return get much personal satisfaction).
House Specifications
..Bought February 2012 as design/build project $50,000
..Andover, New Hampshire, USA. Town population 2200
..Owned (legally) by parents; I pay mortgage and electricity, responsible for all work done
..Surrounded by 300 acres of land under conservation easement (Audubon Society)
..On Route-11, highly trafficked local road
..Built in 1948 from old school house located across the road. Owned by builder until 2012
..3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, 2 floor, poured concrete basement
Zones 00-2: Personal
Specs: ..Bought February 2012 as design/build project $50,000 ..Andover, New Hampshire, USA. Town population 2200 ..Owned (legally) by parents; I pay mortgage and electricity, responsible for all work done ..Surrounded by 300 acres of land under conservation easement (Audubon Society) ..On Route-11, highly trafficked local road ..Built in 1948 from old school house located across the road. Owned by builder until 2012 ..3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, 2 floor, poured concrete basement
Installed Fujitsu mini-split, rebates complete
Fully insulated
All exterior walls hung with drywall Patches filled
Bathrooms
Kitchen and Downstairs bathroom: Paper bag Upstairs Bathroom: Tile/Tadelakt Wood floors refinished