It seems to me (and how about you?) that there's a "solar-tie" between all of us-- no matter where we stand in the annals of history.
EXAMPLE: Our on-going relationship with the sun in terms of light, warmth, and growth.
I've noticed that here, in 2008, we human beings seem to have developed a keen interest in the advantages of becoming sun-partners in terms of energy efficiency.
Photo I took at Hickory Nut Forest Eco-Community. Experts look for SUN...
NOTE: This eco-community is aiming for a net sero energy goal!
As the sun rose this morning, I mused about how things stay the same in different ways.
The Sun God RA, whom Egyptians purported sailed daily around the Earth in his sunboat guarding the power of the sun, might today be pleased to note that we still "guard" the power--but now we do it by utilizing passive solar design, and solar arrays (among other things) in GREEN -BUILT homes and office buildings. But what about taking advantage of solar power if a remodel is on the agenda? That could be a boon.
And that's the subject of this post.... Remodeling to bring in light and warmth.
And this is nothing new.
Back in the mid-1700s Queen Maria of Portugal was into remodeling, on a majestic scale. If it didn't happen overnight, that was OK with her. In fact, Queen Maria took many, many years to bring light to her country "Second/Vacation Home". (Nowadays, "overnight" might mean months, not years.)
This portrait, courtesy of Wikipedia.
As the story goes, Queen Maria left the remodeling details to the experts. Did not so much as visit her remodel- until, finally overcome with curiosity, the Queen could wait no longer to see the changes .Off she sped to the mountains, arriving in full light to marvel at the illuminated gold carvings, and gold framed mirrors throughout . How they lit up the interior halls reflecting the tracery of the Pensile and Malta gardens.
As Queen Maria admired her surroundings, her courtiers flung open the garden doors. Sunlight poured in. The mirrored rooms flashed sun-filled beams reflecting nature's bounty. "Que Luz!," she exclaimed. "What Light!."
Certainly RA, sailing about in his sunboat, could have enjoyed that moment hundreds of years ago, but back to the present! Let's revel in our own "green" rehabs, solar-powered delights and connections with the sun. It is amazing how we have evolved over the years. These days, we can pull together a stylish, comfortable, and beautiful "palace" that is also non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Take a look at this solar array and imagine what it could do for you!
photo of solar hot water heater courtesy of Wikipedia
Here in Asheville, North Carolina, modern-day hub of sustainable innovation, eco-developers,green builders, and adventures in green real estate we, like those who came before us, are really getting into Solar Power..but in novel ways.
Want to know... Why? Where? What? and How?
Check out Part II of this Series.
It follows. LMKWYT!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Read GREENOLINA'S newsabout mountain and valley neighborhoods, real estate, local day trips, picnics, and ecotourist attractions you'll just love. Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ? You can start here ...Then...Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.
__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............and always remember that " poets are soldiers that liberate words from the steadfast possession of definition." -Eli Khamarov ... We are in a sustainable world, so dream that world and make it happen!. ......................... .............
The Eco-Steward Firm, Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
It seems to me (and how about you?) that there's a "solar-tie" between all of us....no matter where we stand in the annals of history.
LMKWYT!
janeAnne, these historical posts are so much fun to read! And we finally have a bit of sun in DC after days of needed rain.
Patricia~
Glad you enjoyed this post. It was fun to write, and fun to be out on the land looking for SUN partnership opps =)
This is so fascinating. I appreciate your taking the time to educate us on these wonderful connections with eco life from yesterday and today.
"The answer" comes up everyday! Ra-ra!
Love this post! I like to think back to the architects during the Craftsman era when natural light, placement on the land were a part of the original design. As I get more involved with my EcoBroker classes (almost done!) and my LKN Builders I am realizing we have so much potential here but are definitely way behind you!
Great post, let's me ask you a question? next time to visit your local Walgreen's, ask them if they recycle the plastic pills bottles, I have asked my local Walgreen's and they just throw them in the trash...that is a lot of empty pills bottles going into the landfills if that is case everywhere...
Jack
Hi JaneAnne ~
I love the history you bring into my (our) world! You are a true educator! I have never heard this story before so it will be told again!
I spent the weekend at the NBL Grand Nationals in Louisville, KY. The change in color of my skin is true testimony to the power of the sun! I love your idea of the "solar-tie" that binds us! I truly believe clean energy from the sun is one piece of the recovery puzzle for our country!
Joan~
You mentioned the "wonderful connections with eco life from yesterday and today...." and I am thinking there is so much to be learned if we look backward while also looking forward...=)
Dena`
You sure hit the nail on that one...the answer does come up every day!! ..now all we need to do is follow the answer for some light-filled moments. . .
We can NOT live without the sun!!! We as humans take it for granted every day -- thank you for this simple reminder janeAnne