I recently returned from a 9 day Cob building Intensive in Port Townsend Washington. The Intensive was held by Cob Cottage Company out of Coquille, Oregon.
Although, you can never really be sure of anything until you experience it, I was quite positive that I was going to enjoy this course, and wow was I ever surprised. Not only did I enjoy the course, but I absolutely loved it and could not have predicted how awesome it was actually going to be!
I learned about the existence of Cob about 9 years ago, and was interested in learning the craft as soon as I heard about it. I kept putting off the workshops because I didn't have any land to build on and wanted to wait until I could build right away. Finally last winter, i decided I was tired of waiting for the land to come and that I just wanted to go for it!
This is when I started looking into courses and decided to sign up for this one, along with the PDC. Both of these courses changed my life, and I cant believe I waited so long!
When I read the course description for the Cob Intensive, it said that I would be able to build my own dwelling once the course was complete. I was a little skeptical, but thought any amount of learning would be good learning and I can always expand later.
To my great surprise, when the course was done, I did/do feel confident to build my own dwelling! There isn't anything too much more empowering than that! (aside from permaculture :) )
Aside from the empowerment that comes from being able to build your own dwelling (in a completely sustainable way, and for very little money), the course also came with building amazing community (or Cobmunity - as we called it lol).
When 20 of us arrived at the course, i expected it would take a couple days for all of us to find our comfort zones and really start to know each other. Wrong again. Within about 4 hrs (some within 5 min) we were all a big family. So much respect, caring and open communication. It is amazing that when you build something that connects you so deeply with the earth around you, it automatically connects you with the people around you too.
There was a firm understanding that those of us interested in rolling around in mud all day are a bit of a minority, but that we can all support each other in bringing these awesome lifestyles into the world. When we left the course, i think we all took a little piece of each other with us and we all left feeling empowered to bring our new found skill (s) back into our home communities.
When I got back home to Calgary, I went through a bit of culture shock... I miss waking up and stomping on Cob first thing in the morning... I miss the composting toilet and outdoor shower... I miss waking up with a giant tree over my head...but most of all I miss my cobmunity! After a few days of the major shock, i remember that I have a great community here too, that I love oh so dearly! So back to the Urban Farm it was, back to volunteering with the Permaculture Calgary Guild, BAck to Evolver meetings.Then I realized... WOW what a beautiful life I have. How blessed I am to be able to be a part of such wonderful communities all over :) I have family everywhere I go and it is all through living a holistic lifestyle that I am able to have this. Thank you Universe!
