Building Gypsy RoseA Pace and a Peace I'm Comfortable With
It’s been nearly two weeks since our last trip off the mountain. My days have found routine in the equipment shed project. With settled weather and lengthening days I’m able to work for seven or eight hours a day, from the time the sun first rises over the treetops, until the pencil lines on wooden surfaces begin to fade in the diminishing evening light.
There is great peace to be found in my immediate surroundings. The snow-covered meadows and forests are so very hushed in winter. Rather than working in silence, however, I’ve chosen to bring my radio into the greenhouse each day. I begin my work while tuned to Tom Ashbrook’s "On Point." Next up, it’s "Vermont Edition", followed by "Here and Now," "The Story," "Fresh Air," and, finally, as I’m cleaning, sharpening and oiling my tools at the end of the day, I catch the first half hour of "All Things Considered."
I can’t help but note the extreme contrast between the winter peace outside my door and the stories the radio delivers from far and away. Haitian earthquake devastation, political senselessness playing out in a feeble and potentially doomed attempt at health care legislation, judicial blunders protecting the free-flow of money between corporate America and the political machine . . .
The magnitude and pace of world events often overwhelm my ability to make sense of it all, if indeed there is any sense to be made.
Here on the mountain, however, the world is at rest and the pace remains steady. Begin the day with a fire for warmth. Listen to the radio news. Coffee. Breakfast. Haul water from the stream. Step into the greenhouse and smell the freshly cut hemlock. One or two timbers per day are transformed into components of a framework that will hopefully stand at the edge of this orchard for centuries to come. It’s a pace and a peace I’m comfortable with.
Comments
I find it comforting to think of you living and working at a pace slower than what's going on in the broader world. Hope all is well with you and Marion. :)
Posted by: Stephanie Reiley | January 25, 2010 11:03 PM
It is nice to know that at one place on this earth, things are in focus. While some of the things you mentioned are completely crazy, I feel it's important to remember that some aren't. Haiti isn't the work of any man, and while an earthquake may be unlikly where you are at, any other number of disasters are.
No that you're blessed, and be thankful.
Posted by: Grant Wagner | January 26, 2010 09:26 AM
Steph,
All is well, thanks. I think of you often, hoping that all is well with you in the desert southwest.
Best,
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin | January 26, 2010 05:00 PM
Grant,
It was not my intention to suggest that my immediate surroundings are without risk. I was reflecting on the stark contrast between the peacefulness of that winter's day here on the mountain and the chaos that can be unfolding at the same time in other corners of the world. I was, in effect, counting my blessings and considering myself very fortunate to be where I am.
Best,
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin | January 26, 2010 05:17 PM
Hello Kevin & Marion
I have followed your site with great interest and i find you guys a great inspiration.I really like the way you have chosen to live your lives, very rich!
I am from South Africa and am also pursuing the idea of a little house on a trailer.
Thanks and keep it up!
Cheers, Alex
Posted by: Alex Clegg | January 27, 2010 02:31 PM
Hey,
Hopefully the winter is treating you well inside your house and hopefully the floors are nice and warm. I was wondering if you have the schematics of your utility trailer that you said you had a buddy build for you from 2x6 steel. Or is it pretty basic to draw up the spacing and all that? I also want to build a tiny home and think your building your own trailer with added space for insulation is ingenious compared to what others have done.
If you do have the dimensions I'd loved to get those as I plan my house. Just send to zac.wertz at gmail dot com
I know you are certainly busy, so I can wait as long you want.
Posted by: Zac Wertz | January 30, 2010 12:37 AM
Sometimes it's disheartening to hear the news from around the world, or even locally with the economy being what it is. I like to think, we each make our own space in this world. If we each aim for more peaceful or content relations with those around us, then we create little "circles" of peace or happiness! And I like to imagine them spreading and overlapping.
Perhaps it's a bit "corny" but it helps to fight the grimness of the NEWS!
Lovely progress! Hope you and Marion have plans for a communal barn-raising!
Posted by: Lynne | January 31, 2010 10:05 PM
Kevin, Just wondering if you have a materials list. I'm most interested in the interior siding and the exterior siding.
I would GREATLY appreciate any info. Thanks.
Richard
http://www.iwillescape.com
Posted by: Richard Spicer | February 9, 2010 03:06 AM
Richard,
I don't have a materials list for Gypsy. The exterior siding and all of the trim boards are western red cedar. The interior is sheathed with tongue and groove eastern white pine.
Best,
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin | February 9, 2010 08:44 AM