I have over twenty years experience as a Certified Massage Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA. I have also worked at a health food store in the vitamin department, so I am already drawn to healing and alternative medicine. I have always had a green thumb, and periodically have had vegetable gardens.

Back in 2005, while I was still living in Santa Barbara, CA, I learned about peak oil and started reading a lot of different books about many interconnected topics. The first permaculture book I read was Gaia's Garden. I had so many ah-ha's and was so inspired reading it, I kept reading more permaculture and gardening books. I ended up designing and helping to create an edible forest garden for my landlord. Before we started, his lot was 1/3 acre with 3 existing fruit trees and 2 foot high weeds. We planted 35 fruit and nut trees, banana plants, bamboo, kiwi and grape vines; had an enclosed berry garden, compost piles, 14 chickens, herbs, 3 separate areas for veggies for crop rotation, and raised beds built with salvaged bricks; used greywater, harvested rainwater, and mini-frigerators as root cellars; and I built a swale the entire width of the yard. At that point a friend of mine, who had taken a design course, came over for a tour to see the place. She told me she was quite inspired and impressed with what I had done, and enjoyed meeting the chickens. She also asked if I had taken any pictures. I replied yes, at various stages of completion. After living there for almost two years I needed to move, but then I was hooked.

Permaculture, and being a garden farmer is now in my blood, so to speak, as well as the desire to live as sustainably as I can. I found it extremely relaxing, nurturing, and it all made so much sense to me. I believe that permaculture is a very important tool for moving into the future as we continue down Hubbert's curve. Some day I want to live again in a household using permaculture principles, working towards healing ourselves, our connection with others, and especially Mother Earth.