|
|
A Look Back and a Look Ahead
Last year at this time,
we were wondering what was in store for us as the recession really hit
home. This year we know. We've seen so many of our assumptions about
how things work come under scrutiny, and many people have felt as though their
lives have been placed on pause while the economy and the world order sort
themselves out.
The press and media have
been extremely interested in the Not So Big message this year, and it appears Not
So Big has now gone mainstream. Sustainability
is coming of age, and the words "not so big" encapsulate a sensibility that
many now aspire to as more appropriate for the times.
As you'll see from the
articles (listed at right) making up this minizine, this year has brought many
wonderful gifts and opportunities for me.
One key item not on the list, but worth mentioning, is that my plan to
bring a television series into being is taking shape, with a few acts of
providence helping the dream along over the past few months. Keep your fingers crossed for me, and I'll
tell you more as soon as I'm able.
I hope you'll enjoy
exploring the articles and links, and will visit me online in the near future.
Note: If you are using Safari as your web browser, you may need to right click or control click in order to open some of the links within the articles below. We apologize for the inconvenience.
|
Now Available for Pre-order:
More Not So Big Solutions For Your Home
 I'm excited to announce that another Not So Big book is on the way. Due out in
bookstores March 2, 2010, More Not So Big Solutions for Your Home is a compilation of articles I wrote for Taunton
Press' Inspired House and Fine Homebuilding magazines. Like its
predecessor, Not So Big Solutions for Your
Home, this new book is chock full of valuable information about
everything from what to do with a room that's too tall, to dealing with the
teardown phenomenon in our inner ring suburbs, to designing a laundry room that
works. Read more
Return to top
|
|
Join Sarah on Facebook and Twitter
 The last few months have been an adventure in the world of social networking for
me. For quite a while I resisted Facebook, not really understanding what it was
or why it might be a useful tool to communicate with readers, friends and fans.
But after much urging from my staff, I decided to give it a try, and quickly
recognized its benefits. Read more
Return to top
|
| A Vision for Not So Big Communities
 Ever since moving to the United States as a teenager in 1971, I've believed that
there is a better way to shape human settlements than what is currently
practiced in this country. I was born in England, where it is not unusual to
see houses that are many hundreds of years old. Although in many cases the
floors are uneven and the finishes have been redone many dozens of times over,
the original bones of the structure are still as beautiful as when the home was
new. Read moreReturn to top
|
Short on Clients? Register for the Directory
 When I first wrote The Not So Big
House, it occurred to me that though I was telling my readers to find a
good architect, designer, builder or remodeler to help them realize their Not So
Big dreams of home, I also knew that it was quite a challenge to find such
people. So to help homeowners search for professionals in their area with the
skills and the Not So Big know-how to assist them, I launched the Home Professionals Directory on the Not So Big House website. Read more
Return to top
|
| Not So Big Home Plans
 If
you've ever had a chance to visit the Not So Big Plans for Sale page on NotSoBigHouse.com,
you might have noticed that there is a wide variety of architecturally designed
plans for people looking for better (though not necessarily bigger) homes. In the coming year I will be increasing this
selection by developing plans to address the needs of two markets in particular
-- cottages that are truly compact; and smaller but better-designed houses for
builders who want to improve their product line for the new economy. Read more
Return to top
|
| Sarah's Upcoming Appearances
 Several of you have written to me asking for more details about my upcoming
appearances, so I thought I'd share with you my plans for the next few months.
As we head into 2010, many organizations are seeking the Not So Big message,
both for home and life, as part of their upcoming events. The
message is obviously timely as many parts of our culture grapple with
downsizing, rightsizing, and living with greater balance and
sustainability. Read more
Return to top
|
| Come to a Not So Big Life Workshop
 This February, I have the privilege of offering another weekend workshop at
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. The Not So Big Life workshop is ideal for anyone engaging in the
inner journey, from beginners to long time students of any spiritual tradition.
It offers a way to take all that you are learning on your journey to the next
level, helping you to integrate what you are coming to know into everyday life. Read more
Return to top
|
Sarah's Book Recommendations
 Every year, a number of authors and publishers invite me to
provide endorsements for books they are working on. This gives me the
opportunity to read some wonderful books that I wouldn't otherwise have known
about. I also sometimes have the opportunity to contribute to a book or two in
some way each year. Here is this year's collection of books that have come
across my desk. All of them offer powerful insights into our current
circumstances, and are well worth reading. Read more
Return to top
|
|
The Year End Review: A Tool for Finding Your Own Not So Big Life
 All of us have dreams for ourselves and our lives, but sadly, most of us don't
live them because we never take the time to listen to what our hearts long to
do. In The Not So Big Life, I encourage
readers to engage in an exercise I call "The Year End Review" in order to find
the true meaningfulness they long for. Read more
Return to top
|
|
Happy New Year!
 Although it's been a year
for the record books in terms of the economy, it's been an amazingly productive
time for the incubation and nurturing of new opportunities.
I have a feeling that 2010 is going to see many more ventures come to fruition -- each of
them tailored to the needs of this more frugal era.
Wherever your own life is
leading you, and no matter how different it may look than it did a year ago, I
hope you'll see the potential in it for a better, though not necessarily
bigger, life that's full of the richness that comes from living in and for the
moment. Ultimately that's all there
is. I wish all of you a fulfilling and
abundant 2010.
Sarah
Return to top
|
|
|
Sarah's Websites
The Not So Big House site is full of useful information for people wanting to know how to build a house that favors quality or quantity.
The Not So Big Life site is what Sarah describes as the second half of the book, providing a community through which to engage your own not so big life.
The portal to all of Sarah's websites, Susanka.com also has some great resources for architects.
|
Not So Big Life Website Tips
Roger Parker wrote a wonderful article for his blog, Published and Profitable, about how to use Sarah's website, NotSoBigLife.com. Thanks Roger for a great explanation. We couldn't have said it better.
|
Sarah's Dream Window
Sarah recently designed her dream window for a Marvin Window campaign.
Click here to see a video and read about the window. If you mouse over Sarah's picture on the left, you'll see links to her bio and the video.
|
Sarah was interviewed in early November of 2009 during her visit to Lewisville, Texas after giving a talk at the Timbercreek Zero Energy House. Click here to watch the video interview.
|
Share the News
Do you know someone who might enjoy reading the Not So Big Minizine? You can use the button below to send it to them.
If you would like to continue to receive Sarah's newsflashes and minizines, go to either The Not So Big House or The Not So Big Life and sign up for the email list there. If you are on either list, you will automatically be added to the Minizine email list.
Want to read past issues of the minizine?  Click the button to go to the minizines page on the website. | |
