The Vifl

We’re living about 12 miles outside of Mountain View, Arkansas. It’s known as the folk music capital of the world. It’s a nifty place and we like it. The awesome cabin, 50-some acres, and big creek are Rachel’s parent’s retirement property. We’re not sure how long we’ll be here, but possibly another year. We have no plans following that. We currently have 3 cats and 6 chickens.

We’re expecting our first child in 4-8 weeks. We have a midwife and, as things progress normally, will be having the baby here at our home. We’re taking an 8 week Bradley birthing class in Little Rock (2 hr drive) - which is exceptionally insightful. It’s basically a natural, husband-coached birthing method. Baby boy or girl? - we’re being surprised.

I’m still working from home doing design work for Way Basics, The Rocket Group, various freelance clients, and my own stuff. I sent my first piece, Conversation Table, to a gallery in Chicago this year. It hasn’t sold yet, but the gallery owner is confident. I’m also sending one to the first US sustainable design show house in Washington, DC this fall.

Daily, we drive an 01 VW Golf or a 91 S-10. We also have a 72 VW Superbeetle that’s been in the shop all year getting an engine overhaul - hopefully we’ll have it soon. I’m also getting my 75 CB550 running/driving… hopefully will be cruising on it soon.

Other highlights of 2009 - we witnessed our cat have 8 kittens, we survived without A/C, electricity, and water for extended periods of time, celebrated Jacob’s wedding on the beach, designed and built a chicken coop and a changing table, built a bridge.