If we build it, they will come...

Do you have a dream of a better world?  Well, build it, and it will happen.  Whether that saying originated from Field of Dreams or the story of Noah's Arc, Alex and I use it as our motto regularly, while we dream of a peaceful, sustainable future for all.  We always think, we (and I mean the big We, Alex, me, and all of Us) need to lead by example in our professional, personal and social lives, to create positive change in the world. 

Starting our journey into Dickinsons Reach trail to visit Bill

Since our last post, we went to visit someone who has made his entire life an example and inspiration in simple living.  He built it, and we came :)  Bill Coperthwaite, now 83 years old, lives in a yurt he and his friends built, using only hand tools.  He indeed lives very simply, heating with a wood stove (and he still cuts all his own firewood with hand powered tools as well), he lives at one with nature, in a very peaceful atmosphere (and he does all this without electricity, telephone, or running water). 

One of his life goals has been to encourage young and old to live a more simple, peaceful and sustainable lifestyle, and he has done that through example, but also through encouragement, and teaching of woodworking skills, yurt building, and dare I say anti-war and anti-oppression philosophies of conscious living and positive social change.  We need more people like Bill in this world...  If you haven't had a chance to read his book yet, it is a very simple, very powerful read, and we recommend it highly.  A Handmade Life.

As we returned inspired and ever grateful for Bill's generosity, we find ourselves ever more excited to transform the homestead into a place where social gathering, spiritual healing through nature, and food growing feels good for the heart :) that is how we feel anyway :)

Léo in a hollow cider apple tree

This week, we helped some good friends plant a cider orchard for future generations to enjoy, and karma brought us some help in return, through a couchsurfer who stopped in and gladly transplanted lots of tomato seedlings and opened our first strawberry bed, and our friends Andrew and Sarah helped to move the chickens over the future garden plot so they can clear away all the grass and weeds before we till.  We even got the horseradish and asparagus in the ground, some high bush blueberries, lots of donated compost and a few shovels of dirt already removed from the future pond area. Thanks Tim!

the greenhouse is now full!

The piles of brush are becoming wood chip for the trails

Our pruned apple trees are slowly blooming once again

Sarah and Suzie helping out with the chickens and the fire

Alex and Andrew moving the chickens to their new work area :)

This season is looking to be epic.  (Epic is my new favorite word)

To all of you out there, we want to know what you are doing to build a better world :)

Until next time, be well,