May 2: Alcove Awakening Alder

Randy, one of our instructors who specializes in timber framing, gave us a safety run-through on the art studio work site. After a thorough discussion, we all got back to work. Dawn taught me how to operate the cordless circular saw and I cut her some pieces to frame in the rear art studio room windows. Fun fun. Earlier in the day, some alder saplings were cut down to make way for vehicle access to Freya's house which just had the foundation dug last week. In spirit of salvaging materials, I'm using a draw knife to skin the bark off the saplings to be used in a shelf John and I are building into the cob wall above the sleeping cove bed in the art studio. I'll have pictures when it's done, I'm sure. I really loved using the draw knife as it felt like a part of my body and was very meditative to use. It's an old school hand tool with two handles that you pull towards yourself to carve off strips of wood or bark. I was exhausted from the day but even late that night when I closed my eyes I could see myself still doing it and wanted to go back for more. I'm actually going to go do some right now as a break from typing. Hehe...Okay, 3 hours and a bowl of vegan chili later, I'm back. On Wednesday, Elke, John and I designed and started fabricating the bed, and loft storage shelf to build into the cob alcove in the front room of the art studio.

People from many parts of BC but mostly Vancouver and Victoria started arriving for the Ecovillage Convergence happening Saturday and Sunday. By tomorrow afternoon, there should be an extra 70 people on site staying for two days of some yummy back to nature and community goodness.