Monthly Archives: August 2012

Packing Lightly vs. Packing Densely

Posted on August 22, 2012 by

I’ve never been good at packing lightly. This might come as a surprise to people who see the minuscule size of my luggage. I haven’t checked a bag on a plane, train, or bus since 2003. That fall I overpacked … Continue reading →

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A Vision for Tiny Cohousing

Posted on August 15, 2012 by

After studying ecovillages, communes, and ecovillages for the past fifteen years, I’ve come to believe that cohousing is the most comfortable fit for many Americans interested in collaborative living. Cohousing strikes a healthy balance between common, private, and public spaces. … Continue reading →

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Tiny House Community

Posted on August 14, 2012 by

Tiny house enthusiasts across the country (and perhaps around the world) are envisioning tiny house communities. All of us think we’ve invented the idea ourselves. I certainly did when I first described it to another cohousing enthusiast three years ago. … Continue reading →

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Haunted by Unfinished Business

Posted on August 13, 2012 by

Moving is a great time to start The 100 Thing Challenge since you have to handle most of your stuff anyhow. But it is amazing how easy it is to just move that box/bin/tote/bag (again!) without actually taking a look through … Continue reading →

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Switching Routes

Posted on August 12, 2012 by

Since moving to Portland I’ve lived in three different places, each just three blocks from the last. Yet, I’ve found these small shifts have changed which bus route I’m closest to, so I’ve switched bus routes each time. I’ve really … Continue reading →

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Oh, the Joys of Homeownership

Posted on August 9, 2012 by

Last weekend I returned to the two-bedroom bungalow I own in Walla Walla to transition it over for new tenants.  It was a long, hot weekend with temperatures reaching 102 both days. I found myself reminded both how much I … Continue reading →

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Playing with Fire

Posted on August 5, 2012 by

This week two families I know tragically lost their homes to house fires. Although both experienced major losses, one of the house fires will be covered by insurance and the other won’t. My friend’s family lost many irreplaceable possessions including … Continue reading →

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Upsizing from a Tiny House to a Cottage

Posted on August 2, 2012 by

It feels strange to be living in a whopping 600 square feet this summer after spending last summer downsizing to live in a tiny house on wheels. It’s not as though I’m bouncing around in an empty box with my … Continue reading →

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