The Windlands as a Reality
Believe it or not, we've actually given this a lot of thought! We have a business plan, complete with structural descriptions (which you will find given at their appropriate locations throughout this site) and four phases of development. We have a mission statement. We have the experience and expertise to coordinate and carry out the programs we have described in the business plan, and we have the enthusiasm for the project. All we actually lack at the moment is the money, and the time for me to do the research to find the money. So, for the moment while I go looking for that elusive time, we are building the Windlands here in this nebulous place, and are excited to see what it becomes. If you are interested in some of the bare-bones details of the real-world version, please read on. Keep in mind that parts are still in process. As stated in my bio, I would like to build the Windlands in Scotland as I have always felt that was the perfect place for it to reach its full potential.
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Mission
Statement |
The Windlands exists to provide, to as broad a
spectrum as possible, access to the arts and humanities to facilitate life
enrichment and physical and emotional healing through art, music, and studies in
the fields of literature, humanities, alternative medicines, and other areas
that will enabling healing of individuals of all ages as well the planet upon
which we live.
(The Windlands should be a place where people may
come to learn and to heal, utilizing music, art, and meditation to heal both
mind and body. ...to show people that they have the innate power to improve this
world and better their lives with the simple tools around them.)
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Implementation
of the Mission Statement |
To the extent of our ability, we will offer the
above to the general public, at all levels of education, skill, and age group,
encouraging access to all of our programming through hands-on workshops,
lectures, study groups, and residencies, offered as free-of-charge, scholarship,
and fee-based programming.
Our library will revolve around the mission
statement and will actively research and seek out all pertinent materials
available on these focal points, to build a premiere study collection available
as a free resource to the general public.
In an effort to see that all interested
individuals have access to our resources, we will offer as many free-of-charge
and scholarship programs as possible, utilizing weekly library study groups,
day-long free library lectures, free concerts, readings, and art fairs, as we
will encourage all participating artists to donate one weekend of free
instruction in their field of expertise.
To continue our expansion and growth as a viable
community resource, we will work continually to build a partnership with local,
regional and national experts, thereby creating a valuable network of
information, counseling, and education.
We will work closely with the area Chamber of
Commerce and local travel agencies to put together packages of information for
potential visitors, and will use other local attractions to enhance our draw
(i.e. list local museums, performing arts centers, events, with schedules of
their annual programming).
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Phases
for Building: |
Phase
I: Choose and purchase land for the entire project.
This land shall encompass no less than one hundred acres, some wooded,
most cleared and open, with ponds and/or streams.
This land shall abut a state park or be in close proximity to a state
park or large natural recreational area.
The locale will also offer year-round activities such as golf, skiing,
water sports, etc. as an added family draw.
This land shall be properly zoned for the planned business capacity, as
well as the residential aspects. This
land shall be situated close to a city and airport, within no more than
fifteen minutes driving distance from the city to allow ease of access for
local residents.
During this phase, the library, arts center, and
my home will be built, the perimeter road will be set around the acreage, and
the initial gardens will be installed. The
gardens will include the landscaping around the arts center and the library
gardens.
The arts center will be opened as the first focal
point, fronted by the highway for maximum visibility.
We will begin with one-day lectures, short art workshops, and ongoing
programs for area residents.
The library will be constructed, landscaped, and
equipped during this phase, but no regular programs will be offered at this
point.
Phase
II: this phase will include construction of the chapel and the
auditorium/music center/concert area. Room
for expansion will be maintained around the auditorium.
The chapel area will be landscaped, and the Marian garden constructed
at this time. We will
expand our one-day seminars and lectures to utilize the auditorium, and will
offer small concerts from the outdoor concert area.
Phase
III: this phase will see the community center added onto the auditorium, and
this will house a small mini-mart for students/guests, a lounge/cafeteria
area, and a suite of rooms to house guest speakers/artists.
The portal structure will be erected at this time, on an elevated area
of ground where it may be visible to the surrounding area.
At this time we will expand to 2-to-3 day seminars and workshops, with
lodging at local motels, and will introduce our first nature and Earth
Literacy lectures.
Phase IV: this will be the final phase of major construction.
Several guest bungalows will be constructed, most based on
double-occupancy, but one or two larger to accommodate families.
These bungalows will be equipped with small kitchenettes.
A stable facility and paddock area will be built to house draft horses
for hay rides, sleigh rides, etc. throughout the year.
At this time we will begin our full offering of
retreats and study weekend and week-long programs, concerts, music programs, and
lecture series.
Work will continue on the gardens throughout the
phases of development, and a very small number of homes may be added (at each owner's
expense) around the rear perimeter to accommodate any staff who wish to reside
on the land.
