From today, this site will get a lot busier. As well as Hilde’s blog posts and occasional videos, you will get regular news updates and daily words of wisdom. If you enjoy them, please leave a comment.
Reaching out
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A strange way of looking at the world
“If we continue to operate in terms of Cartesian dualism of mind versus matter, we shall probably also continue to see the world in terms of God versus man; elite versus people; chosen race versus others; nation versus nation; and man versus environment. It is doubtful whether a species having both an advanced technology and this strange way of looking at its world can endure.” – Gregory Bateson, 1971
Westacre is a very small attempt to change the way people look at the world. We are one, and need to learn to see ourselves as part of the whole.
Choosing my dream
You may have noticed by now: I have a lot to do. Nine weeks from now, we’re moving to Westacre. That really isn’t very long at all. Before that, we need to finish rebuilding and decorating Roger’s bungalow, get quotes from contractors on the big Westacre project, pack up our house in Harrow, do some [...]
Weather
Do you sometimes overthink things? I know I do. As a spiritually minded person, I have spent hours meditating just to become more aware of my emotions as they pass through me. My temptation is to start questioning these emotions, to try and work out why I’m feeling sad or angry or downright miserable.
There has [...]
The nature of spirits
How often do you get the chance to totally change the way you live for the better? How lucky do you have to be to be able to align your life with your deepest values and beliefs? I am immensely grateful for the circumstances of life that have given us this once-in-a-lifetime chance.
What we will [...]
Harvest
My train is hurtling through the country between Harrow and Westacre. Out of the window I can see fields of old stubble and brown earth ready ploughed for winter wheat. This year’s harvest has been brought in and is making its way to our kitchens.
Six months ago, as the year turned to spring, Alex and [...]
Video Blog Episode 4 – Plumbing
At last! Here is Episode 4 of the Westacre series. Alex tells you all about soldering a joint.
Here’s the best “how to” video we’ve found…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YQ99sgAuAE
Into the dark
It is the time of Equinox, equal day and equal night. Now, the balance tips towards darkness, and winter will follow. Even now, the leaves are beginning to colour scarlet and gold, and there is a definite nip in the air. I’m warming my hands on my cup of tea.
For me, time is going way [...]
Spread a bit thin
Yesterday, I was at our friends’ handfasting party and got talking to an acquaintance. We were comparing notes about living the life of our dreams. We agreed that it could be hard, but we need to remind ourselves that, actually, this is it. This is what we had said we would do. This is the [...]
Soldering Pipes
Things I have learned today about soldering pipes…
- It’s not a one handed job.
As a beginner, I wanted to hold both the blowtorch and the solder in my right hand. So I heated the pipe with the torch, then put it down and applied the solder. Bad idea. I guess the solder cools the metal as it melts, so you need to keep on applying heat. I’ll just have to learn to use my left hand. - Solder flows downhill.
So arranging the workpiece accordingly makes it all go a bit more easily. - Americans pronounce it “sodder”.
…For some reason best known to them.
Here’s the best “how to” video I found…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YQ99sgAuAE