Hello there!

I hope your holidays have been merry and that you're looking forward to 2013! Several months have passed since my last newsletter (as usual, too many things to juggle during the holidays), but the distractions have all been good.

With the New Year comes new projects (a yogurt shop in Ojai) and new opportunities (an eco-community is sprouting in Ojai- now THIS is exciting!). Details to follow in upcoming newsletters.

The end of 2012 comes with a few logistical changes: a new format for my newsletters and the task of updating my email list. In order to stay current, please verify your email address, especially if I have multiple emails for you. And if you prefer not to receive my newsletters, please feel free to unsubscribe ... I don't like to get spam as much you do!

You can also stay in touch through Facebook (click here). "LIKE" my page and I'll be eternally grateful :)

I hope you're looking forward to all the possibilities in 2013! It's amazing to hear the wonderful things coming up for so many of you, such as new engagements, new baby arrivals, and other new beginnings - WOW!

As always, I am so grateful to all of you. Without an awesome community of people like you, I wouldn't continue what I'm doing. I am looking forward to sharing more in the coming year.

Warmest wishes,

After many months of research, attending workshops, and utter fascination with Tiny Houses, I finally decided to build my own. Tiny Houses reflects so much of my own philosophy regarding simplicity, sustainability, and living within my means. Building one seemed like a natural expression of myself and how I would like to live in this precious earth that we inhabit.

My design has 140sf of living space (the size of a parking space) and will be self-sufficient. Using portable solar panels, it will be off the grid and heated with a cozy gas fireplace. It will also have a large outdoor deck accessed by french doors, and lots of natural light from skylights. There may even be a roof window that transforms into balcony!

I started this project in September with tremendous help from my boyfriend Cliff. Just last week, WE COMPLETED THE FIRST WALL! You can follow the progress on my Facebook page. I hope to complete the project within a year. It's always good to announce a goal publicly to keep me on track ;).

I've worked on the Ventura House for more than a year now with Stan Tenpenny, and his team have been a real pleasure to work with from beginning to end. I believe that a successful project is a result of great collaboration between the client, architect, and builder. This is the case with the Ventura House.

I'm looking forward to see the completion of the project targeted spring/summer 2013. During a recent site visit, I was excited to see the progress, especially the new roof lines on the main house. The views to the ocean is expansive and such a dramatic improvement from the original house.

It was especially satisfying to see the clients happy with the project as I am. I'm fortunate to continue to work with Tenpenny Construction. Their professionalism is the best I've seen in the industry.

After receiving a matching fund of $10,000, The Ojai Retreat was challenged to meet it within only 10 days of notice. Long time supporters of The Ojai Retreat rallied together, and met the challenge indeed. In fact, they raised almost $10,500! I love how community support comes together for a worthy cause.

Part of the funding is to build the Shangri-La Garden and Event Center in which I helped to design. It will be used for community events and gatherings, and I'm looking forward to seeing it in construction.

YOU CAN STILL DONATE: If you missed the December 15 matching fund deadline, The Ojai Retreat will still welcome your tax-deductible donation. You can make a donation by credit card, check, or through their website (click here). We are grateful for any amount of contribution!

You can access any of the newsletters from previous months. Click here to access the list