Cocoons, now there is a natural system. A system of rebirth, one of transformation from crawling to flying. i wonder sometimes if the caterpillar ever gets depressed wondering if he will ever get out of this cocoon. Do such thoughts ever enter into your mind or maybe that is just how we feel at times. Will we ever get out of this constraining bondage, these closed in walls? The cocoon as a natural system really doesn't care what the contents think or feel. It is there, created by it's occupant to protect and sustain a process of transformation, a process of change, one that the caterpillar must go through and one we often have to go through ourselves. The difficult time is in the bondage and times of walking through the valley. Sure is quiet. The time of rebirth and regeneration comes after one emerges from the cocoon. Instead of crawling, it is a time to fly. i also remember that we often create our own cocoons or walls in order to separate ourselves. Time to ponder, reflect and hope for the future.
One of the interests i have had over the years (pondering) is to research and learn the simpler ways, old technologies, time-tested methods, and this has sparked a renewed interest in researching additional pieces to a puzzle. My love for good masonry and the fireplace as the hearth of the home lead me to find a European fireplace called a masonry heater. Lately i've looked into simpler variations on this, something the common man may be able to build and afford. The rocket mass heater surfaced and the many varieties of use were only as limited as the immense body of imagination out there. Really amazing to see what people around the world are doing to survive and live with the basics, the inventive nature is very alive. Several well outfitted, well financed examples of homesteading exist, but i have witnessed that many of the simplest solutions are the most elegant and easy to maintain.
i've had my head in various research on energy and natural systems, permaculture and wood gasification. Real broad variety of sites and videos leads me to realize that there is a huge move in people to already be living a life different from where they once were and who they used to be. There is a better way and a simpler life, within this beautiful creation, just open your eyes and watch it work, then borrow the beauty and truth of the natural system. Permaculture is the best current description, with a pioneer Spirit guiding this new movement.
There are the complex, expensive solutions, but my eye was always drawn back to naturally sustaining systems. It was a real eye opener to see working examples of people helping the soil by rebuilding it and increasing the wormbed, organic matter, etc., the results are a whole host of changes in the natural system. Grasses, weeds and trees find a fertile soil, birds and beneficial insects return, and what was initially planted takes a home in the naturalized landscape. You help the soil and it returns the favor, ten to one hundred fold. Creation of natural swales on a slope allow the rainwater to percolate into the layers as it drains into the hill rather than washing over it. Building up the organic matter on these hills creates vistas of planting beds and the water allows the process of garden making to begin. Makes me want to dig more, continue growing the compost and organic base.
Beyond the land i am also looking back into a greenhouse that will morph out of and into some type of structure. i've always seen this garden house as a hybrid of multiple natural systems and technologies and there may be one possible outlet to actually build something now that the idea is pretty ripe.
There is an amazing garden in a couple places that show what is possible with a little property and an insanity and love of growing, innovating, and making a whole lot out of a small lot.
One great example is from my hometown, Milwaukee, WI . Growing Power
Will Allen, Founder of Growing Power
Path to Freedom Urban Homestead - Pasadena, CA
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and May God Bless You and Your Family,
love, ~ antbrother
