My social life can be described in a single word: Hermit-y. Yes, I live with my partner and do have a handful of friends. I just don't actually see those friends that often. And as far as building our home goes, it has mostly been a DIY build, in other words, just the two of us.
This week, however, a lot has changed. After many failed or canceled attempts at a work party (or, as we call it here in Argentina, minga) finally we got together to fill in the walls of our future home. It went ... well ... as well as I could have hoped. Then, other things happened in our small mountainous community that created a sense of urgency and also brought us together + an announcement on behalf of a fellow Hiver. Read on for the details.
When I first ventured into the world of ecological living I spent hours each week volunteering on the projects of other people/communities. Weeding in community gardens, work-trades in natural building projects, babysitting or teaching English for basically nothing. I was happy to do it then. I was learning, sharing my gifts with the world. I hoped that all the help I gave would somehow be returned to me.
And, in a way it has. I have been living rent free (or rather, in a work-trade situation) for over 9 years on various properties and was able to buy land of our own before 30 (2 days before turning 30). I have been so lucky.
As far as the help we gave to other beings returned to us well, that has been thin on the ground. It isn't really anyone else's responsibility to help build our home but, I expected that all the people who said they would love to help us out would actually show up. So many work-parties have been canceled, so many times that were meant to be about helping out with the build ended up being chatting sessions.
That is until last friday when my bestie showed up with her kids and a couple of friends to help us with a wall of quincha. Quincha - if you don't know - is a common technique here in South America for filling in wooden structures. It is made of up of earth, water, and straw - that is all! These cheap (or even free) ingredients are easy to work with and create thermic walls. The only major cost is the labor.
Here you see my friend and her daughter who were very, very helpful! We worked for about three hours and nearly finished the western facing wall in our future bedroom.
The other little boys who also attended, were, unfortunately no help ... AT ALL!
I don't want to be rude but, the behavior of these three 8-10 year olds is exactly the reason I do not want to have kids of my own. They were in no way interested in helping us out - which I totally anticipated. Even worse ended up being a hindrance and broke several things on the property, including a glass window while rough-housing and the bottom of the pool we use for mixing just for the fun of breaking things. They took down branches, they turned on hoses I repeatedly told them not to. I said "no" and "don't" so many times I got tired of saying it. I suspect that, the more I said "no" the more they wanted to do whatever it was I had prohibited.
It is hard because I had thought I had made it clear that my friend and her two children were invited, not a couple of friends who would rather break things than build things. Throughout the work-party I had to leave to check on the three boys a dozen times, meaning that I wasn't working as much as I had hoped. I ended up inventing games to keep them out of trouble and was just constantly anxious about what they might be getting up to.
Yesterday when my man & I went to continue working we saw what they had broken and now I am wondering how to continue.
My friend and her daughter are excited for a future work party. But, I only invited her + her kids this time and still she brought those extra two friends. I do not want those boys there next time. Is it rude to tell her not to bring any of her kid's friends to future builds?
What do you think people of the Hive? I need your advice!
I understand that this is part of living in community. Together we get more done. And also together there is chaos.
Still, we have this wall, built not just with our four hands but with those of my close friends too! That is truly something special.
A Common Enemy
The following day (Saturday) was a big day for our small mountainous community. We gathered in the plaza to discuss a very scary proposal. The owner of hundreds of acres of forested land wants to divide it up into tiny lots and build a whole new neighborhood!
In so many ways this proposal is illegal. This land has been wild since the beginning of time and is intended to stay that way due to zoning laws. It was really nice to see our neighbors and people I have never met come together in opposition of this proposal. Person after person voiced their opinions, fears, and ideas for combating this and other similar threats. So, it seems, this project will never happen and the acres of forest that start just outside my backyard will continue to be forever!
Help for the Portugal Fire
So, speaking of community, I was asked by @bigorna1 to spread the word about a relief effort for those affected by a wildfire that took out not only his farm but those of his neighbors too.
Normally, I don't share this sort of thing on my blog. But, since @bigorna1 asked so nicely and has long been a supporter of my blog, I am adding the following information that he requested that I share to the end of this community building post.
The following are the words that a neighbor of @bigorna1 wrote about his situation post-fire, as well as links to support the fundraising efforts if you feel inclined to donate:
"🔥 Urgent Support – A friend lost everything in the Idanha wildfire 🔥
The wildfire that began in Penamacor swept through the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, leaving behind scorched earth, interrupted stories, and deeply affected lives. Among the many losses is the home and working space of a dear friend of this community — someone who, although not born here, has contributed for years to the care of the land and the collective well-being.
🌳 His land was more than a place to live. It was a space of listening and ecological experimentation:
- A tree nursery, with seedlings grown patiently and sold at local markets, often offered to support reforestation
- A place of observation and regeneration, where he explored ways of living more closely connected to the land
- A space cared for with love — by him and also his son, who spent important moments growing up there
🔥 With the fire, he lost: * The reconditioned caravan where he lived * The almost-completed wooden house he built * All his food * Solar equipment * Irrigation system, water pump, and tanks * Outdoor shower and compost toilet * Work tools * Computer, printer, stove, wood burner * Glasses * Personal items and books full of memory, especially connected to his son
🌿 All that remained was his van, the clothes he was wearing, and what he holds most essential: his life — which allows him to begin again. A beginning he sees as a chance to do things differently, and better.
He is currently staying with friends. We are seeking financial support so he can rebuild a minimal structure on his land — a grounded, dignified starting point that will allow him to continue the regenerative work he’s always offered.
If you can’t contribute, please share. Every gesture counts 🤎
🌱 May what burned down give root to what is yet to flourish. ✨ May this new beginning be collective, cared for, and in rhythm with the land and the life that insists on continuing"
and here is the link to the post, originally in Portuguese which contains @bigorna1's info, if you feel inspired to donate to his rebuilding fund.