IHM Journal

“What’s Dowsing Got To Do With It? Sustainability, that is!”

Sun, 09 May 2010 16:12:12 GMT

In the old pioneering days of the American Southwest, and still today, cool, clear water is the most delightful and satisfying beverage of 100+ hot summer days as well as necessity for life. From these early days, and still today, there’s a way to detect rushing underground streams which can provide the landowner with a mighty natural resource for living: the well. That tradition, art and “witchery” is called dowsing, and the person who performs this service is a dowser.

Dowsing occurred from the time of the Renaissance in Europe, and obviously provided fodder for anyone wishing to engage or attribute properties of superstition to its practitioners.

The dowser uses the forked Y-shaped branch of a tree, perhaps a willow or hazel nut. This is called a dowsing rod or divining rod and looks like this:

Perhaps it was in these early times that stewardship began, in the identification and harnessing of water’s precious resources for communities. The neat thing is this tradition. It’s not superstitious; it’s scientific and it works. I have proof.

JoAnn Olson, owner of Sedona’s Briar Patch Inn purchased her Oak Creek Canyon property, complete with well. She recalls: “I would love to take credit for finding the well at Briar Patch. It was there prior to our purchase of the property. My dowsing experience was with an old timer known for his talent, who took me out to an undeveloped area of Sedona. He first walked over the land, and then led me to do so. Eventually I was able to locate the same locations of possible water that he did. I was fascinated with the concept and explored many areas on my own, but cannot claim the origin of the Briar Patch well.” Kids and grownups alike can engage in the practice of dowsing during their visits to the Inn. It beats the vortex experience as the magnetic pull of the stick makes you feel wonder for the properties of the earth!

JoAnn is a pioneer with her knowledge of the Canyon and its magic. She’s been a “stewardess” of the planet, and Arizona in particular, long before the green movement began. Since 1983, she’s honed the magic and explored the wealth of her 8 ½ acres, carefully preserving the ten original wood cabins while continuing to grace the canyon with houses of stone; providing hearth and home for guests respite who heartily savor the well water coming from their cabins’ spigots; sheltering the Canyon’s wild foliage and arbors by maintaining meandering nature trails for guests to enjoy; highlighting the sights, sounds and smells of a primeval sycamore-filled forest interspersed with creek rhythms quietly running or insistently rushing by. Where Nature is the performer, guests learn to relax and enjoy the concert. Attendance is free; the performance requires little: eyes, ears, heart. The real part of the green movement is this return to simplicity.

Essential to such simplicity are abiding techniques at Briar Patch Inn: housekeeping done with water and vinegar occasionally complemented with Murphy’s Oil Soap. “I find chemicals offensive, expensive and cause of health problems,” JoAnn simply states.

Composting and recycling are other daily environmental practices. More than 15 years ago, JoAnn explains, “Sedona Recycles” was established by two women who built a park for children with their profits. The duo employ handicapped workers from Rainbow Acres and acknowledge them as the best employees they’ve ever had.

Although the following are not technical sustainable features, they sure make life more authentic if you’re new to the Southwest. The Briar Patch Inn offers a welcome alternative to families in search of changing their children’s daily tethering to media of all sorts, which, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s study released January 20, occupies a stunning 7 ½ hours of daily life for kids 8-18! The Lodge library filled with books, games, fireplace and nooks, offers alternatives to outdoor treks to relax, think, enjoy, read, eat, play (or even use your wireless notebook if you must!)

The Briar Patch Inn in no way resembles a briar patch unless it would be to evoke the magical world of fairy tales. In both, sculpted giant hedges beckon discovery. At Briar Patch Inn, these labyrinths of ivy, pyracantha or vinca-carved paths lead to cabins named, “Sycamore”, “Ponderosa”, ”Owl”, “Creekside”, or “Casa de Piedra”. Very English-like, and cozy, to name your own guest home, most often providing your own fireplace; and not often with a television.

Filled with discoveries of hand-made furniture, wandering within suggests Goldilocks’ adventures. (My grandchildren actually took turns narrating and acting out this childhood story!) But Goldilocks didn’t discover a hand-written, personalized welcome note wishing her “warmth and connection”. Neither did Goldilocks delight in viewing hand-woven baskets/tapestries, Southwest art/artifacts or hand-carved gnarled wooden handles for cupboards, chests or doors. Yes, Goldilocks ate porridge, but you can do that with the steel-cut oats or homemade granola provided during complimentary breakfast. You might prefer homemade, thinly-sliced South African multi-grain bread*, literal basket of evenly divided hard and soft-boiled eggs, luscious yogurt or the quiche du jour. Alice in Wonderland might enjoy the orange marmalade….Later in the afternoon, mulled cider washes down the homemade cookies and brownies….”Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!”

Staple values like this probably are very Norwegian (Olson Family heritage), but enduring human values are equally important. JoAnn wants each guest to be as happy and peaceful as possible during his/her/their stay. That’s why, even in the current economy, cabins are often sold out for individuals, couples, families coming to relax, reunite, celebrate. And, JoAnn admits, they are “pricey”.

Even better, the staff at Briar Patch Inn need not worry about unstable employment. JoAnn considers the Inn’s commitment to them a priority. Some staff have worked at the Inn for more than 20 years. Others invite family or friends to join the team. Job sharing is also practiced by one husband and wife couple.

JoAnn often is visited by Hopi and Navajo artists and artisans who sell their jewelry to her for the Inn and its guests. Her concern for America’s Native peoples is manifest in her choice to award five scholarships each year to Native American graduate students at Northern Arizona University. JoAnn shares: "The ability to do this brings joy to my heart in that I feel education can be an instrument to help alleviate so many of the problems evident on today’s reservations.”

Add a touch of technology when it’s advisable to do so, such as hot water on demand so the precious stuff isn’t wasted. The comfort of home away from home is conveyed with original art and artifacts in the Lodge as well as in each guest cabin, and it’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a Norwegian hand-woven rug and a Navajo designed rug. I guess that’s where the looking/seeing comes to play.

What’s amazing is instant immersion into and identification with this haven along Oak Creek. This is the essence of spa! The rhythmic insistence of the creek; the rustle of the leaves; the baying of the three sheep whose job it is to keep the grass groomed; the sighting of javelina families mashing their outdoor beds for the night; the silent invitation to explore, the comfort beyond a notion of “home”…this is the province of Briar Patch Inn, serenely nestled in tranquility.

Years ago, when JoAnn was a young mother, she and her husband often traveled to Oak Creek Canyon with their children. It was love at first sight when JoAnn and her husband, “Ike”, discovered the spot that would become home. It was “just right” and, fortunately, JoAnn was able to trade her family’s Paradise Valley home for this property. In JoAnn’s words, it was “serendipitous”.

Originally starting with 2 ½ acres, the Briar Patch Inn grew to encompass 8 ½ acres. The Olson Family cherished the original ten cabins originally built by a German carpenter, Mr. Raache, to provide respite to Hollywood stars in pre-motel days. Fondly named, “Rocky’s Cabins”, the “Robin”,” Blue Jay” and “Heron” remain accommodations of choice for repeat guests still today.

A family business, the Briar Patch Inn is managed by JoAnn’s son, Robert (Rob) Olson, Innkeeper. JoAnn points out: “We have a working relationship in that he takes care of the things he does best and are not my favorite involvements and I do what I enjoy, which is meeting guests and overseeing details of the cabins and the lodge. I believe it works out quite well for each of us. It was great to have him return from work overseas in Egypt and Saudi Arabia and take over so many responsibilities.”

Rob Olson, general manager and innkeeper, chooses to apply stewardship by empowering his staff of 13. The Lodge staff of reservations and front desk representatives share the title of innkeeper with him. Rob says: “They are responsible for the entire property—making decisions that affect the day-to-day operations. I am the overall general manager, so I receive comments from the various staff asking my opinion on matters that continually arise.” The dining staff use family recipes in breakfast and snack offerings. The grounds staff care for the unfettered foliage and populous growth of their Canyon lands. Gathering this extended family of Briar Patch Inn was a reverse recruitment process, according to Rob. “When I came to manage the Inn, I decided I would take responsibility for doing things right until I found people who had the caring and sophistication I was looking for.” (We’ve heard the truism, “Build it, and they will come.” Rob waited, and they came!)

Managing comes second nature to Rob as he’s surrounded himself with this marvelous energy resource of people, again, giving sway to people and their conservation in human resource management, as a unique form of sustainability. Rob continues: “In my 14 years of being here, no one has ever been late to work. Everyone is a self starter; no one needs monitoring. Here, no one looks over his shoulder when the boss is around.

Rob has taken innkeeping to another level because his staff are the primary guests, and, as such, they’re a family. His solo years as a helicopter mechanic in Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been replaced by resolve to “do the right thing” always for the Briar Patch Inn, its “fabulous workers” and guests. Loyalty is a phenomenon demonstrated here on a daily basis from the heart out.

Empowerment and trust are sustainable initiatives of management. Here, the Head Chef, Juana, uses her judgment to purchase needed items not handled by the local purveyor, Sedona Produce, whom the Briar Patch Inn relies upon for bulk items such as eggs, fruits, vegetables all “boxed and ready to go”. TRESemme is the Inn’s choice for refillable shower plastic containers of shampoo and conditioner. Hypo/allergenic glycerine complexion bars graced with the Inn’s logo are hand-sized and feel just right, like flattened stones in the palm of your hand. To maintain the hypoallergenic ambience, pets are not allowed; consistency has its boundaries.

Cabins feature a 50s system of baseboard heating. Rob has recently replaced some of those structures while replacing electric space heaters with 220 units formerly employing 120 v for optional heat/air conditioning. “We are always looking for more efficient ways to provide heating and cooling in the cabins,” Rob states. The certified ADEQ water operator for the Inn, Rob monitors the property’s own water system, pulling the creek for irrigation over the grounds when necessary. “I try to improve the quality of life for everybody,” Rob maintains. “The more I am here, I realize I have the best job in the world!”

Receptivity to wayfarers has kept JoAnn’s heart open and availed Briar Patch Inn’s guests of the talents of culinarians, wood carvers and jewelers throughout the years. There’s a harmony of spirit here that is palpable, refreshing and healthful. This can be enhanced with the sensational experience of outdoor massage at the recently completed creekside Gazebo, privately arranged facials or Tibetan healing therapies onsite.

“Oak Creek is known as a healing, natural oasis,” Rob comments. The creek in the vicinity of Briar Patch Inn is fed by several springs which converge to provide a force that diminishes to a trickle a short journey up or downstream.” Mother Nature and JoAnn reign in this earthly paradise, a singular spot on the planet, where all you need to do is look, listen and enjoy. Enter your heart. You’ll find it at Briar Patch Inn! For further information, see www.briarpatchinn.com.

# # #

Note: recipes available upon request for:

Baked goods;

Honey Bran Bundt

Carrot Muffins

Cranberry Oranage Muffins

Cranberry Nut Torte

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry Muffins

Quiche:

Tortilla

Vegetable

Tomato Feta

Jalepeno Quiche Muffin

Chili Relleno

Other items:

Homemade granola

Hard and soft boiled eggs

South African 7 grain bread

Prunes in orange cinnamon sauce

Fresh fruit

Plain yogurt

Alba Wejebe’s Wordless Heart:

Sun, 09 May 2010 16:07:50 GMT

Intuitive Massage in Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona

Close your eyes and let yourself go. Absorb the penetrating echoes of rushing water through Oak Creek Canyon. Sink into the table, discreetly positioned for privacy at Briar Patch Inn’s Massage Gazebo, as you begin your experience of outdoor massage. Your masseuse is Alba Elena Wejebe. Fall into yourself as Alba covers your eyes with a small pillow. Only the sounds and breaths of the earth and the touch of healing massage are your awareness.

Alba loves the quiet of Briar Patch Inn, and massage is the way she communicates in this space which she identifies as “wordless heart”, intuitive communication of massage. Alba’s been engaged in this service since 1993 when she chose to practice this profession of “loving people”. Wejebe knows the release of endorphins make the client feel well. She likes to work slowly and spends the majority of her practice in Sedona at Briar Patch Inn where clients have a choice of in-room or outdoor massage.

Alba credits the existence and ambience of the outdoor Massage Gazebo to Owner, JoAnn Olson, whose design sensibilities created the elegant dedicated sandstone-floored space, heralded by oversize hand-carved double wooden doors, protected from the elements by a hand-built stone retainer wall; divided by luxurious draperies reminiscent of the Inn’s bath décor; supported by custom cupboards and served by extremely sturdy massage tables complete with arm shelf; option for propane heaters to make outdoor massage an unduplicatable experience on a winter’s day in full view of the breathtaking landscape, or by night swathed by twinkling lights. You can come as you are or ensconced in the plush robe supplied by the Inn. Alba states: “There’s a sense when things are fully congruent that really makes a difference: the sounds, breezes, and the beauty of the Canyon. The outer room of the Gazebo provides a transition for the client to adjust sensibilities before entering the Massage Room.”

Alba uses Alba Botanicals, featuring kukui nuts, and jojoba. She uses jojoba and Shea butter for feet and hands. “When you do a hot stone massage, the therapist needs to be able to slip the stones easily across the body. Jojoba and Shea butter help that process.” Clientele of hot stone massage towel off upon completion of the hot stone massage; otherwise, for other types of massage, permitting the oils to remain on the body temporarily continues to enhance the healing process.

Alba shares the fact that there are modalities for infant massage and/or for small children, stating: “Usually, children take no more than 30 minutes and remain clothed. This decision is totally up to the parent. Often, parent and child will have a side by side massage. You’re never too young to teach a child the appreciation of touch. . .I’ll ask if the child would like the head or hair touched. . .The child needs to be comfortable.”

Since many families visit Briar Patch Inn, sometimes it’s difficult for everyone to have a massage due to the necessity of child care; however, sometimes, parents take turns or choose to do the side by side approach. Whenever or however it happens, clients relish that hour, states Alba, “absolutely being able to receive”.

Alba continues: “The role of water is magical. Oak Creek Canyon as the backdrop really makes the difference in each massage. Primally, the sounds are soothing, responding to a higher experience of yang or release of negative ions with yin. Encompassed by this natural world of sounds and _____, support is even encouraged through the sturdy wooden table, giving clients a sense of strength. The eye pillow allows clients to go toward a quiet space where everything is at peace.”

The busy, racing mind halts. You feel present, connected. Distractions fall away. For now, you have a different sense of what is real and important. You feel part of the whole rather than alienated . . . Alba says, “If I were to give advice, I would say: “Be gentle with yourself. In whatever way you can, nurture yourself by being gentle and kind, as though you were a little child.”

She should know…it was through paying attention to her own intuition that led Alba to discover the world of massage. Understanding herself as a kinesthetic, Alba progressed from a professional ballroom dancer to a student, then practitioner of massage. Her Cuban/Lebanese heritage made her a natural for love of dance and her kinesthetic orientation is a great help in massage therapy. It’s interesting, Alba says, “that the first way we interact when we enter the world is through touch. It’s the main form of receiving information and communicating with the world from birth. For athletes, it’s a very physical thing. For psychics, it’s a sensitivity. Intuitively, the muscles relax when people just let themselves go. Even the arms, as extensions of the body, tell you how you feel about your responsibilities in life and certainly an area to take into your awareness.”

Language of the body is complemented by Alba’s fluency in Spanish, Italian, French and English. A student of anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, contraindications and pathology, Alba is also a resource for those interested to learn relaxation techniques. She’s a firm believer in the tranquility achievable through a stay at Briar Patch Inn and regards her 7 years of service there to date as a privilege. “At Briar Patch Inn, there’s a sense of well being and being connected with everything, with all that is, with nature, and with yourself,” concludes Alba. “That’s the crux of what Briar Patch really offers. For the period of time you are there, you have a sense of that, and it’s an experience you can tap into at will, making life easier anytime, anywhere.”

IHM Selected to head Hotel Asset Division for CREOBA.

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:34:00 GMT

The Commercial REO Brokers Association, (CREOBA) was formed to assist the Banks and Loan Servicers in selling their Foreclosed Commercial Properties.

Ray McLaine, CREOBA President, pointed out that, “Last year 4.5 Billion Dollars in Commercial Real Estate was foreclosed by Banks. This year, that figure could reach $20 Billion with $200 Billion more to come in the next two years.”

The Commercial REO Brokers Association is working with the Banks and Asset Management Companies to create "Standards of Service and Best Practices" between the Bank REO Departments and the Brokers that will be selling their foreclosed properties.

Visit CREOBA

IHM_Creoba Datasheet

All the Right Moves: Integration not Isolation – Key to Sustainability

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:47:09 GMT

In the Executive Roundtable moderated today by Roger Platt (Senior Vice President, Global Policy & Law, USGBC) at Greenbuildexpo (www.greenbuildexpo.org) the input of Ray Anderson (Founder and Chairman, Interface, Inc.), Tony Arnel (Chair, World Green Building Council and Green Building Council Australia), Michael Crow (President, Arizona State University), Mike Lafitte (President, Americas, CB Richard Ellis), Mark Nicholls (Senior Vice President, Corporate Workplace, Bank of America), Robert Peck (Commissioner for Public Buildings, GSA), Arne Sorenson (President & COO, Marriott) presented considerable thought on issues ranging from where we’ll be in five years regarding sustainability, the job market current and future as it pertains to sustainability, influence of sustainability on personal lifestyle, customer loyalty, and employee expectations.

One of the principal areas of awareness is daily lifestyle, i.e., eliminating Styrofoam cups from workplace and personal use; incorporating sustainability training into educational and workplace training; choosing auto purchase with maximum usage in mind; purchasing services and products from exclusively certified sources/vendors; investing money “where your mouth is”.

The simplicity of returning to elemental seasonal living, reflected in Kurozawa’s last film, Yume, portrays the human need for connection, balance and harmony. Greenbuildexpo involves thousands of exhibitors and hundreds of speakers but the deeper and broader areas of concern pertain to energy conservation, wise use of natural resources, walkable live/work spaces, informed education and per the referral of ASU President, Michael Crow, elimination of training “sustainability simpletons” and adding sustainability to the core educational value of existing curricula which espouse other universally-recognized principles such as free speech , justice.

The USA’s GSA, per Bob Peck, in five years will be a “green proving ground” for the 100+ federal agencies implementing operational changes. Peck notes we have to “think differently”, commenting vigorous debates need to focus on consolidation vs. dispersal of energies.

Marriott International reflects the consolidation principle, noting its alliances with Bank of America, Fairfield Inn (250 hotels) and Courtyard by Marriott prototypes, (now numbering 160 to be increased to 190 within five years), unburdens franchise owners from the responsibility of green design “by scratch” and ensures consistency in its global presence, thereby also stimulating support by green supportive hotel guests.

Tony Arnel mentioned he had just retrained 50 licensed plumbers in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia to understand the principles of sustainability in noting the differences between black water, gray water, solar installations. Unlike the USA’s situation, Australia has only had a 6% unemployment rate in the global financial crisis. Its industries invest heavily in solar technology and have just come off 12 years of drought. Phoenix, AZ whose residents utilize 850 liters of water per day, per person, contrasts with Melbourne’s 3.6 million population and has a projected allowance of 150 liters of water per day, per person. Arnel emphasized the need for a cultural shift in developing minimum standards for energy efficiency, international policies for rating tools, etc.

Ray Anderson of Interface summed it up when he said sustainability offers a “better way to make a better profit” against the “competitor who doesn’t get it”. Built environments involve Tony Arnel’s “quadricsec” of individual, neighborhood, community and city, lest we forget, the world.

For information on the November 11-13 GREENBUILD®, see www.greenbuildexpo.org.

A Conversation with Mayor Rob Adams of Sedona, AZ

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:33:03 GMT

Born on a small ranch south of Albuquerque New Mexico, Mayor Rob Adams has lived in the American Southwest all his life, residing in Arizona for 25 years as well as previously residing in Colorado and California. Adams reflects: "I have witnessed the growth that has occurred during my lifetime with disregard for sustainability of our resources. Because of the unplanned
growth, we have sprawling cities, lack of public transit, air and light pollution, concerns about sustainable water supplies and numerous other environmental impacts.

Adams continues: "The thought that keeps occurring to me is, we are losing what has attracted people to the West. In my own family, my mother brought along with her the culture of the Eastern part of the USA (Ohio); my father was from a ranching family and was a roommate of Edward Abbey. Together they blended a way of life defined in a love of the land, respect for hard
work and a lifestyle based on family values. I was brought up as a steward of the land long before this phrase became a buzz word. I don't want to lose my heritage and that's why I decided to get active and run for Mayor of Sedona."

"Why do people come here?" Adams queries. "Wide open space, friendliness of the people, relaxed lifestyle, the uniqueness of our environment, clear view of the night skies, availability of solitude, lack of pollution," Adams responds with the qualification, "I don't think there is a model of a sustainable community out there and I think this bodes badly for the future. We have to plan where we want to go and plan for how we will sustain our growth."

For Adams, Sedona is an incredible place to be in a leadership position, inspirational, exhilarating, invigorating, and receptive to opportunity. Sedona is surrounded by national forests; therefore, limited in terms of growth. Adams explains: "We can plan what we want to look and feel like as a community without being distracted by rampant growth. I think we have the
opportunity to shape ourselves as a model city in the USA."

Adams continues: "We know what our barriers are going to be. We have done some unique things by declaring we don't want to have an abundance of franchises, big box retail or car dealerships as they don't suit the character of our community. From one standpoint this fits; from another, this creates a challenge for us. And that challenge is that our opportunity for revenue generation is relatively limited. How are we going to be sustainable from a revenue generating point of view?"

The Mayor illustrates: " Somewhere between 2-4 million people come here each year. We have to become sustainably oriented by thinking green, preserving and enhancing our environment, enhancing the City to reflect the way we live. The architecture must fit. There should be a continuity of architecture, not sameness. Think about Santa Fe .We don't need an over the
top image but one in balance with the area's landscape.

Regard for the land is another penchant for Mayor Rob Adams as he suggests: "Think about the way our indigenous people used their resources and could not go beyond what they built. According to my understanding the indigenous people did not really live in Sedona but rather regarded it as a sacred area."

Adams would like to see Sedona as a stand-alone destination with world- class resorts and environmental sensitivity. He illustrates other US cities which have succeeded in implementing their vision:

Paradise Valley, AZ: luxurious real estate, tree-lined avenues, world class resorts and spas, antithesis of strip malls, relaxed environment offering a taste of the desert. Santa Fe, NM: displays Spanish culture and history, adobe architecture, Spanish costuming/dress, dance music, unique food, and world-class art colony. Authentic cultural environment lends additional
flair. Source of inspiration for people like Georgia O'Keeffe. Ashland, OR: originally a mining town; its population of 30,000 has preserved the character of the original town. Like Sedona, Ashland is built along a creek. Offers a creek walk with ponds, pedestrian and bicycle friendly; huge tourist attraction. Adams continues: "How do I view Sedona? Expand beyond the hiking and jeep ride image to embrace fine dining, entertainment, creek walk, arts friendly, convention center, e.g., move to the top of the food chain in terms of a destination while being perceived as economically sustainable and environmentally sensitive. Taking care of our environment: this is the way we need to be living and the principal condition of being environmentally and economically sustainable. The City's art reflects the community. Sidewalks and bike paths extend the impression of the neighborhood's homes and vice versa."

Adams maintains an open door policy and invites input from residents and businesses. He's suggested an online q/a chat room for the League of Cities and Towns so exchange can be developed on issues pertinent to city leaders. In the seven months of his administration, Adams has maintained his own personal fitness regimen daily while also exploring ideas addressing the community's concerns. A self-confessed detail-oriented businessman, Adams is an entrepreneur who's acquired a deep respect for City operations expressive of "the heartbeat which makes things happen". Whether it's report review, attendance at Chamber music concerts, art openings, parades, film festivals or Boys and Girls Club events, Mayor Rob Adams is getting a better vision of what Sedona's residents want and where they want to be as a City.