Just got an e-mail from my friend Cristina in Gratallops. The well permit we have been waiting for seems to have arrived in Falset, unbeknownst to us. We went through all the legal procedures at the Agencia Catalana d'Agua in Tortosa, under the guidance of the ever thorough Jeff Greensmith (fincasdirect). On that same visit, we took a tour of wells and vineyards in the area with a representative from Besó Palleja. Turns out they have secured some sort of permit, not sure how. We needed a permit to clear land, plant vines, set up irrigation, etc. Perhaps that's the permit they've secured. Always an adventure.
One thing we've learned is follow procedure, be attentive and respectful of the law. And yet there are twists and turns. As the network expands, so does possibility.
If you ever want to visit the Priorat, and I recommend you mark it on the map of dreams we all keep pinned to the wall, go to Gratallops. The most delicious wine imaginable, and vistas beyond belief. Find Waldo and Cristina at Cal-Llops (cal-llop). You won't be sorry. Their story is a marvel, their hotel a slice of heaven.

An inspiring film

Just watched a fabulous film about farming, life, poetry, poverty, loss, gain, life. This next phase of life we are planning is a leap of faith. Not the same program. We know little about farming olives, planting grapes, living on solar, water from a well. But, hell, we didn't know anything about raising a family and that turned out stupendously. The bumps and twists are what keep you on your toes. An olive farm in Spain has been on the radar. Let's see where it takes us.
Check this film out. It's inspiring. http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/realdirt/
(realdirt)

Plans are heating up

Casita plans are coming along. Our architect, the invaluable Cyrus A. Dochow, is coming up with some great solutions. It's a daunting task to go from 3,400 square feet, which is what we live in now, to 500 square feet. But we are up for it. This is the new order, my friends. Gone is the model that involves overconsumption. We rattle around our present house like lost souls. Our dream of olive trees and vineyards, solar existence, and a year round vegetable garden are fast becoming a reality. Stay tuned for further developments. We await permitting for the well. Our man on the ground, Jeff Greensmith at (fincasdirect) is doing a splendid job of working his way through the permit maze. If you ever want to find your dream property in Catalonia, contact Jeff.
I have been developing infrastructure to make my creative life viable wherever I may find myself. The sarasutton label (sarasutton) is developing nicely, our jaunts to the greater NY area developing new friendships, building a solid client base. This last round lasted two weeks, and we were fortunate enough to crash at the dwarfbaby (dwarfbaby) compound with Violet and Shane. And I finally have a site up for my artwork at (saradochow). All growed up. Stay tuned for the further adventures of Tapas Smurf and his Pitufa.