Our Future lies in the Youth...

I've been honoured to show you with real numbers how it is possible to build your dream home and NOT go into debt, NOT harm the planet AND create lasting Beauty and Health in your very own home.

If you missed these messages, feel free to check them out below.

Now I want to talk about how I can help you achieve your dreams.

Of course, if you are ready and able to just get out there and start on your own, go for it and let me know about it so I can support and help you as much as I can.

But if you need some inspiration and guidance, I know I can help.  I've been hosting workshops since 2007 and since 2009 have developed a hands-on intensive week of workshoping that will give you all you need to build your own dream.  And if you sit tight for a bit, you'll be the first to know about this year's special offers.

But first, let's talk about someone (you?  A friend?  Your child?) between 9 and 99.  You're already dreaming of building your own healthy, affordable, gorgeous home and of living joyfully in every moment.

Sound unrealistic?  Well, let me share with you the words of the mother of one Apprentice who came for a month last year:

"We want to thank you for all that you've done for Jackson.  He came to you to learn how to build with cob and he came back with so much more than any of us anticipated.  He learned about himself in a way he never could have here at home.  You challenged him to examine his thoughts, beliefs, heart, and life path.

You taught him about mindfulness and finding peace within himself and within the natural world.  You showed him that it's truly possible to live outside the box. We sense in him a profound shift.  He has told many stories about your adventures together, and I can hear the affection and respect that he has for you in his tone and in the way he describes you. It's very moving to me.  You were not just a teacher to Jackson, but a mentor and a friend. For that, my husband and I will always be grateful."

Living and Building Naturally inspires us to be who we really are, passionate people who want to be happy and find peace in our worlds.

I've been given so many gifts in my life, I couldn't begin to list them, but I do want to share them.  I know from growing up in our civilized world that health and happiness are not givens, that they are often difficult to achieve, even on a small scale.

It simply doesn't have to be that way; in fact, for millions of years, it wasn't.

We don't do anything "new" here.  We simply recreate the healthy, sustainable ways that our ancestors lived before our modern world took us off that path.  Sure, we take advantage of some of the fancy gadgets and what-nots, but we only choose what is best for us, after consciously thinking it through.  Living on a remote island helps ensure the conscious part!

I'm constantly inspired by the innate desires of younger folks.  Sure some have been led down the electronic garden path, but deep inside everyone is that spark that wants to live healthy and happy.  And some know that their current life is not what they want but have been frustrated so far in finding that fulfilling alternative.

Fast Cob! might be that fulfilling alternative.
 
To kick off our 2016 season of Apprenticeships, I'm both opening up applications and setting a special price for the next week only.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in our Apprenticeship Programme, I urge you to act quickly, because...

This year, we have openings for at most 6 people.  These Apprenticeships run for 1 month, with a 2nd month available if we mutually agree to continue after the first month.  During this time, you'll stay in our Guest (Prospector's) tent and live and breathe cob everyday.  We'll share meals 3 times a day and mutually plan our days together to maximize your learning.  Our weekly schedule consists of 5 full days of learning and sharing together, from breakfast to dinnertime.

Our April/May apprenticeship will have first dibs on building a Cob Chicken Coop, from scratch to finish.

In June/July, our apprentices will have the opportunity to finish the walls of a 800 sq. ft. split-level home.  This includes electrical and plumbing as well as a taste of rock wall foundations.  Floor joists from raw logs and tongue-n-groove wood flooring will also be installed.

July/August will see the roof go on: rafters from raw logs, sheathing milled on island, natural fibre for insulation, and metal roofing will all protect this home for decades to come.

Mid- August will move us into the realm of finishing: natural plasters, paints and cob floors.  By the end of the month, we'll have hardened the cob floors to the point of hosting world championship tap dancing competitions, so bring your tap shoes!

September will see us finishing the outside cob walls...and using a gorgeous natural plaster to cover it all.  Not to mention celebrating with a housewarming party!

Of course, Natural Building will be the main focus, as you absorb the way our cob buildings are designed - to work with Nature rather than against her.  You'll have as many hands-on opportunities as you'll want to learn and perfect your own version of Fast Cob!  And depending on your time here, you may be part of a Fast Cob! workshop, when a special and magical week bonds a small group of keen Cobbers.

You'll also be immersed in our way of Natural Living, using the Sun to cook, gravity to feed our water, and our natural inclinations to have fun and enjoy whatever we choose to learn and do.  Our happy hens provide crazy-delicious organic, free-range eggs, and our garden can also be abundant at times.  Wild foods will also be foraged if our timing is right.

Again, I'm opening up our Apprenticeship Programme for the next week.  If you'd like to apply, please do so during this week so you'll have the best chance of being one of those 6 people that transform their lives into the joyful, natural state that all humans once enjoyed.

If you apply this week, you'll also have access to our early bird discount.  It includes all meals, snacks, accommodation and instruction/inspiration for an entire month (and a bike if you don't bring your own).

To apply, simply visit cob.lasqueti.ca/apprenticeships, read through all the details, and fill in the form at the bottom.

I truly hope each of us achieve our dreams...sooner than later!

PS. Remember, the sooner you apply to our Apprenticeship Programme, the greater your chance of getting in and getting your preferred timeslot...there are only 6 available for 2016 and they will fill up quickly...

Let me know what you think...please leave a comment or a question for me below...and then go ahead and hit that "Like" button!)