Some days we're too busy for photos

Working all day, focusing on one thing. The entrance to the niche. It started out wild and had to be chipped away to accommodate the form. The coup de gras was the "pillowcase" lancet arch on top.

I had to chip 30 lbs of "cured" stabilized earth out of the bags. I smacked my knuckle every 10th chisel. What is a finishing hammer anyway and why is it so mean?

Notice the hard chunks of stabilized earth on the ground. That big chunk fell on my foot.

You cannot over-support a frame ;) Trust me.

I think we really created something beautiful today! The little space is for your lantern, Rumi poetry book, drink, etc.

Oh btw, The ridge visible behind the doorway, and main dome is Flat Top Mesa, part of the new Sand to Snow National Monument created by President Obama! Wait you mean you can see a National Park FROM your house?! yeah, I guess so! See, it IS real! http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/nlcs/Sand-to-Snow.html

... And this shot taken off Hwy 62 facing Mission Creek Preserve shows a beautiful area also part of the new Sand to Snow National Monument!  https://www.flickr.com/photos/blmcalifornia/sets/72157647014279350

Windows are the eyes of your house's soul...

Isn't that how the saying goes?

Eye form out!

Window test placement, very nice fit! Will be level don't worry...

Small dome almost closed!

Sunset is exactly the same everyday...  (sarcasm)

Sunsets out here are insanely beautiful.

That's why 3 new National Monuments have been created literally surrounding Landers, the closest being less than 5 miles to Flat top, part of the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve. 
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=zp83qr3E6Qn8.k4dNnbajKEAM&hl=en_US   

http://www.wildlandsconservancy.org/preserve_pioneertown.html

Superadobe Wrestling

How do you get really strong? Real world strong? Build a house with earth.
 If you are wise you will DO IT!

Milesones

      In the beginning there are a lot of milestones, and exciting moments. Drawing the footprint, digging the foundation, first row, above grade, spring line... but then it's pretty much build build build, row after row, laying bags, lifting buckets, mixing earth (and 10% cement) maybe a tube window or pvc every few rows but the WINDOW is what I have been waiting for!

Learn by doing

Made it to the other side, but a chubby brow is stronger than a contoured brow.

Side view of the window form and bags. 

Who's Taller? :D

In it to win it

     
    A certain motivational speaker named Shia LeBeouf (R!ot remix) has inspired me.

Looks so legit from this angle!!!

                         Just hit play and keep scrolling!!!!!          JUST DO IT!!!!

This is the pic where Jon does not look like a serial killer..... 

Sad but interesting news, Piper the half Coyote was hit by a car, she is okay, but had hip surgery and is recovering in a real forever home in the neighborhood. 

I was worried I hadn't seen her, and that's why.

 I'll try to meet those neighbors and get a first hand update.

Neighbors, Family and Friends make for a good home build.

On Superbowl Sunday, my brother visited the buildsite, and the neighbors and their kids helped build and had a picnic. Every day out in the "desert" is another day of magic, beauty friendship and connection with what truly matters.

It has been so much fun to share what I've leaned from  www.calearth.org