Changing the World One Brick at a Time

Fortunately, the Riviera Nayarit not only comprises of an ecologically diverse landscape and vibrant culture, but it is also home to international, innovative designer/builders who have come to the Pacific Coast of Mexico with a a plethora of tricks up their sleeves. Through the design/build process of our home, I have had the honor of collaborating and building relations with a handful of very skilled design/build geniuses. Rick Kahn, a Colorado based contractor who has spent a lifetime in his roots, adobe design/build, caught my attention through his interest in bringing 21st century adobe technique to Nayarit. He has introduced me to the most practical and ecologically conscious building material in the entire world, and the most applicable for our site: CSEBs. 

 Compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) are becoming the new frontier for natural, cost effective building materials. The CSEBs are essentially an adobe brick, but with the block's intense compression and added lime element, they are the most compact and sturdiest natural building material available. This high density and lime component facilitates the bug and mold resistant qualities, its sweat and sound proof characteristics, and its unique hypothermal, evapo-transpiration.  

The blocks are ideal for the Nayarit's coastline climate with it's hot days and cool nights, and seasonal spells of overbearing humidity and rainfall. With it's hypothermal, evapo-transpiration qualities, the blocks trap hot air during the day leaving the interior spaces cool and releases the hot air at night warming the living areas. This provides natural ventilation therefore eliminating the need for air conditioning. While Mexico as well as many other developing nations use the inexpensive cement blocks as their central construction material, these blocks lack any beneficial evapo-transpiration characteristics therefore confining the heat inside the interior space and feeding human dependence on energy driven cooling systems. Cement blocks also absorb humidity, which is rampant during the rainy season, thus providing hot spots for mold and mildew. 

Our design intent is to be the first home to use CSEBs for its' construction and are thrilled for the ecological benefits of the material as well as the advantageous practical application of stability, ventilation, long-term eco-footprint and cost efficiency (it is the least expensive material available). We will be able to use the dirt we excavate from our building site for the block's substance (sand and clay) and use a hand press brick machine make each individual brick on site. The brick will cure for a month while the post and beam construction is being finished and then the house will be finished within a matter of two more months. At that time, we will have a beautiful home on our jungle hillside, and our home will be one of the first case studies for residential application of CSEBs along the Mexican Riviera. We are basically leaning over the cutting edge down here!

True Life: I am a Designer/Builder

I am now officially a student of Yestermorrow's Design/Build School. With the regeneration of the seasons, my mind will be also revitalized  as I begin my Certificate Program in late May. My course load will be composed with an array of awe inspiring classes, including but not limited to Natural Building Intensive, Regenerative Design and Development, Design for Deconstruction and Reconstruction, Constructed Wetlands, Rain Garden Design, Green Roof Design/Build, Solar Design, Sustainable Treehouse Design/Build, Yurt Design/Build and Timberframing. And that's just my first month! Here's my response to one of the central essay questions on the application. It's exemplary of my passion, determination and vision. 

How will Yestermorrow Design/Build School courses contribute to your lifelong learning goals?

The experiential education provided through Yestermorrow’s Certificate in Sustainable Building and Design will stand as the foundation for my growth as an engaged global citizen and empowered woman emerging as the next generation of optimistic, ingenuous designer/builders. 

As I develop my ideology and practice of composing a regenerative built environment coexisting with the natural environment, I will be diversifying and strengthening my capabilities as a proactive global citizen. Yestermorrow will grant me the toolset and skills I need to further my life long involvement as an environmentalist, humanitarian, feminist, activist and educator to strive towards the creation of a holistic society dedicated to an existence of consciousness, gratitude and hope.

My experience at Yestermorrow will be exceptionally rewarding considering the potential of transforming the demographic of designer/builders into a landscape supportive of and indebted to the contribution of women. As a women’s college graduate, Yestermorrow’s mission of self-sufficiency and civic engagement strikes a personal chord with my life’s intention of continuing to empower myself and help others attain agency in the process. By learning how to manifest the cornerstones of basic sustenance-food and shelter - with my own two hands, and working towards diversifying the perspectives of people already in the field of design/build to be accepting of alternative theories and practices presented by the genius of women, Yestermorrow will exceed my expectations of a life changing experience. I will be proactive in graciously welcoming this new outlook on life, and address daily the ways in which I can fulfill my responsibility as an inspired and independent female designer/builder.

Yestermorrow will guide me in the formation of my core beliefs, and erect the confidence in my newly gained craftsman expertise to mobilize and create integrated social and physical spheres glorifying nature and its precious gifts. The progressive, creative, and passionate approach of the curriculum is essential in the trajectory of my personal and career goals, and in my contribution to the progress and health of the greater society. Yestermorrow serves as the only educational institution that will provide the forum for me to accomplish these intentions to thus help compose a world that sustains the brilliance of human compassion and the ingenuity of nature.

The New Frontier: Stand Up Paddle Boarding!

First time I witnessed the sport of stand up paddle boarding: Crytsal Cove, Laguna Beach, 2008.

At first glance such an activity bewildered me. I thought I was witnessing a biblical miracle of some sort. The jesus like paddler was simply poised atop of the sea gliding, almost walking, across the horizon.  As I looked closer at the paddler, I could see that the figure was standing on a large board at the surface of the ocean, and gently stroking their long, sleek oar into the waves. Once I comprehended the technicalities of this new water sport phenomena, I began to mediate on the smooth, organic movements of the paddler. As the sun was setting later that afternoon, the paddler was featured as the main event with its silhouette pronounced by the sun dipping in the horizon directly behind the picturesque 'water walker.' It was a truly awesome sight to watch from the comfort of my beach towel curled up in the warm sand and a fresh margarita on my lips. It was a perfect day.

First time I stoop atop a stand up paddle board: Ross Lake, Cascade Mountain Range, 2010.

On this year's annual Ross Lake house boat trip, I found a new mode of lake transportation-SUPing. The two stand up paddle boards arrived the same day we made the trip up into the Northern Cascade wilderness. So of course, my crazy adventure companions and I were honored to be the first to test them out on the serene, glacial waters of Ross Lake. The new additions to the Ross Lake Resort were quite large, sturdy boards, so not only were we traveling on completely flat, calm water, but the boards were very easy to maneuver and steady our balance. While this wasn't the most technical endeavor, it was still an adventure learning how to effectively execute strokes while keeping our balance and making sure we weren't simply cruising around in enormous circles. Once I was able to get the hang of using my core, legs and arm in the appropriate fashion to move swiftly across the water in my desired direction, I could chill out and consider this amazing moment. I was in the middle of a breathtaking glacier lake surrounding by jagged snow capped peaks and deep evergreen forests rising from the lake's shores. As I glided across the water surface I could observe the schools of fish swimming through a maze of old sunken fallen trees drifting into the deeps of the aquamarine lake. I felt a completely different connection to this ecosystem and landscape than I ever had before. I realized then that SUPing can transport a person in many different ways and I was stoked to be part of this new frontier.

First time I caught a wave on a stand up paddle board: Punta Mita, Mexico, 2010.

As I drove to the Anacholote break in Punta Mita with my new friends from Tailwinds Jungle Lodge, I was feeling pretty confident in my paddle boarding skills. I had cruised around Ross Lake, Liberty Bay and Eagle Harbor for hours already. I could make nice turns, paddle efficiently in one direction, and most importantly, I had never fallen off the board, but I soon realized, everything was about to change. 

The wind was up and the waves were rough. Yet, Tamara and I grabbed our gigantic boards and headed out to the break optimistically. We tried our luck on the break closest to our beach pad, but the waves were impossible to read and we were being dragged out to sea by the offshore winds. So we maneuvered our boards around a jetty and tried for a calmer break in a smaller cover. Gold mine! I was facing the waves with my back to the beach, and as I saw a set coming in I began to position myself with  a few wide turns. As I made large, wide strokes I was beginning to gain momentum, what I soon learned is the trick to paddle boarding-stroking deep and quick enough to keep that momentum to catch the wave. Thank goodness for my active body and endurance, because preparing for the waves are exhausting, but its well worth the fight. My desired wave came right up on my tail and before I knew it I was surfing. It was absolutely surreal. I looked over and I saw Tam right beside me riding the same wave. She was an awesome teacher that day. We rode that wave in together for about 100 meters and then finally had to simply flop into the water to paddle on out for another ride. 

Since then, I have caught my fair share of unbelievable rides, and have loved every minute of it. I have learned how to rotate my body on the board so I am riding like a surfer with a sideway stance that gives me more maneuvering capabilities, and I am working on turning on the waves to spice up the long, graceful rides into the shallow waters. I feel so fortunate as a paddle boarder out in the water. If its a chilly day I don't have to freeze in the water, I am sun tanning atop my board. Nothing is too small or too big for a paddle boarder to catch. I simply make a few extra strokes and I am cruising on anything the ocean gives me. Therefore, us paddle boarders can catch any wave allowing us to paddle out to deserted breaks where surfers just can't catch the waves. So, I have learned that us paddle boarders just have more fun, or at least I am having a hell of a time!

Tam showing off her awesome skills!

Tigre loving life.

Me and my big wave. Straight chilling!

Let's Get Wild!

I knew the property that my family owns in Mexico is most definitely a jungle landscape. And with the extent of my travels to exotic environments so far, I understood the reality of that environ. I have been waist deep in an Amazonian lagoon in search of an anaconda, stayed in rooms full of cock roaches, and discovered my fair share of tarantulas and scorpions while hiking as well as trying to grab my cereal from the shelf. I feel that I had a fairly solid grasp on the consequences of living in an 'integrated' environment, but the responsibility of being the figurehead for creating the space that will exist in such a wild landscape and the potential for 'co-inhabitation' had not sunk in yet.

Throughout all of our time visiting Mexico, my family and I have never heard of or experienced any crazy encounters with jungle wildlife. Even while we spent a week at an ecolodge in the San Pancho jungle with living spaces completely exposed to the elements the only encounter we experienced was with a pesky tejone (the Mexican jungle equivalent to our NW raccoons) who raided our avocado stash. So we continued to be optimistic, and were surrounded by only positive stories of ex-pat's experiences on our mountain where our property lies....that was until we heard the boa in the bathroom story.

My dad and I had traveled up to San Blas earlier in the day to visit some friends with an organic farm. When the topic of utilizing 'natural' materials for building came up in discussion, they delved into reminiscing about the removal of their large palapa (palm thatched roof) some years ago, which was unsprayed/untreated and located directly above their kitchen. When that enormous roof was taken apart, they said the workers found 2 full grown boa constrictors, hundreds of scorpions and tarantulas, and a whole colony of bats.

It made me reconsidered using palapa roofs to say the least.

They then continued on with their boa stories having picked up on my phobia, and said they stumbled on one once on the drive to town. As they were driving along, there was a huge backup for no apparent reason. They got out to check out the situation and what looked like a huge palm fallen across the road was indeed a boa. A gigantic constrictor with its tail on one end of the road and its mouth on the other with a middle at 20 inches in diameter. You know, just taking a leisurely stroll across the street. Fortunately, this was a first for them in a total of 20 years in the jungle coastline.

Later that day, we traveled back to Lo de Marcos, and met up with our neighbors for a wood fired oven pizza party. We indulged them in the stories we had heard earlier that day, which then lead to the finale. Our neighbor, David, retold his out of this world boa story to us. They have a nice outdoor shower at their place, which they use during the summer months when the cold water is the only relief for the extreme humidity. David was alone at the house when the event occurred, and was really looking forward to cooling off in the shower. He shed himself of his sweaty clothes and wrapped a towel around his waist as he trotted off to the outdoor bathroom. He walked into the front door to the vanity and cut to the right to enter the shower nook. As he turned the corner and approached the shower, he came to a sudden halt. In front of him was a full grown 10 foot long boa standing eye level. David in his towel and the boa at a whopping 6 feet tall. A small portion of the boa was coiled on the ground with the rest of its body standing like a cobra to face David in the eyes. Rightfully so, David freaked. He ran out of the bathroom and went to get some kind of long household object to direct the boa out of the shower. He came back outside with a broom and proceeded to try and scoot the boa out of the shower. Well the boa began to slide across the floor towards the door, but David made the mistake of then backing himself into the other side of the bathroom into a corner with the toilet. The snake simply continued following David into the corner. Literally, there wasn't enough room for this enormous creature to coexist with David in such a tiny space. Luckily, after a few moments of desperation and panic on David's end the snake simply left and went back to its jungle sanctuary.

I still can't get the picture of walking into a shower with a full grown boa staring into my eyes. David is a trooper.

So, my friends, that's why I am going to design a beautiful jungle oasis with windows and doors that can be closed and screened in at the leisure of its occupants. In the end, you just have to be hopeful that no boas find their way into your bathroom. Viva la vida loca!

Casa de Los Ninos: El Corazon de Lo de Marcos

While my main focus during my journey in Mexico was to design and build our family's home and obtain land to begin our organic farm, I also wanted to lead a conscious and caring lifestyle in this small, rural Mexican town of Lo de Marcos. I was able to find such avenues to do so through the fabulous community centers in both Lo de Marcos and San Pancho, and the local NGO Amigos de Lo de Marcos.  While all of these organizations have made a large impact upon the way in which I have integrated and live amongst these vibrant, lovely communities, Casa de Los Ninos has touched my heart and has a history that must be shared. 

La Casa was founded by two couples, Patti and David Martinez and Jim and Dulce Hendrich, who happened upon each other with a mutual goal of providing further resources and opportunity to the kids of Lo de Marcos. La Casa also symbolizes a very personal mission for Patti and David. The Martinez's daughter and her young family were traveling to Mexico to begin an after school program for kids when they were hit and killed by a drunk driver in northern California. Patti and David took it upon themselves to continue their daughter's mission and now La Casa serves as memorial to their lives.

Before the creation of La Casa de Los Ninos, there was no learning, community center for kids, and the resources offered at their schools and homes were very minimal. La Casa has filled the void for a safe and enriching gathering place for elementary school kids in Lo de Marcos. Now these kids have a sanctuary composed of thousands of donations from people across the globe. The building is filed with toys and games, art supplies, computers, educational materials, cultural decorations, a library of both english and spanish books, and a fully equipped kitchen. The compound also consists of a soccer field, flower gardens, patios and soon to be organic garden. 

La Casa is open four days a week for two hours during the afternoon. Up to 60 kids attend everyday of the year. This is only made possible through the kindness of its benefactors. La Casa is an non-profit organization that functions solely upon the generosity of others through their monetary donations, material donations and the gracious offering of their services as volunteers. 

The daily inter-workings of the center is directed by the main instructor, Clara, and her assistant, Triny. These two fabulous women exemplify kindness, sincerity, trust, and joy through each and every one of their actions as the leaders of this phenomenal center. Their lesson plans celebrate the vibrant Mexican culture, cherish the youth and energy of these young ones, inspire the kid's senses with new experiences and challenge their minds to strive towards moral and academic excellence. 

This next month I will be embarking on two new programs for La Casa. I will be working with two other young volunteers from the U.S. designing, organizing and planting an organic garden amongst the compound of La Casa. We will be using alternative materials for raised planter beds, such as tires and broken cement blocks. Our planting intent includes a variety of flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruits. This will be a fabulous educational and empowering opportunity for the kids. The program will compliment lessons in nutrition, dental hygiene, environmental education and waste management through the construction and use of a great new composter! 

I will also be working with the women owners, instructors and other older women volunteers to create La Casa's first ever girls circle. This will be a separate program from the daily general activities. We will meet with a group composed of girls 10-17 years old on Friday afternoons and embark on a variety of activities to facilitate empowerment and agency amongst these young women. This program is very important considering the context of the traditional machismo culture accepted amongst the community. For the first few weeks we will be transitioning an empty spare room on the compound into the girl's 'club house'/ meeting room. 

Simultaneously, there will be a boutique thrift shop opening in Sayulita by a woman connected to La Casa. She is opening the store for the sole purpose of supporting La Casa's girls circle. I look forward to the challenges and discoveries these new projects will offer, and the further impact these children will make upon my journey. 

These were photos I took during my first visit to La Casa de Los Ninos. We were making penguins out of styrofoam for the holidays. It was absolutely fantastic, and extremely messy!

-VIVA LOS PINGUINOS-