Rural construction is mostly spontaneous, giving rise to a rich diversity of built forms. Within this organic complexity, our strategy is not to assert ourselves through contrast, but to inhabit the context with quiet modesty.
Work or social media can become addictive, and the bonds between people can suffer in the process. Designating certain spaces as screen-free zones helps provide a clear delineation between work or school and family time. Social media, office or school gossip, and work demands all erode time that could be better spent on personal growth through hobbies or the formation of social bonds.
When our child's fifth birthday came around, we found ourselves utterly exhausted not just from the day-to-day work of parenting, but from the pressure that seems to accompany birthday parties these days.