Happy New Year,
It is a mind game to wrap my head around the year 2010. That does not compute on a visceral level! How can it be 2010 when it was just 2000??!! It is certainly a good time to evaluate, contemplate, and celebrate!
Soledad Canyon Earth Builders enters the new decade with optimism, opportunities and options.
Optimism comes from the view of the world that provides a person and a business with hope. It looks at any situation and makes the best of it. We have many reasons to be optimistic. We have work. We are building houses that provide more than homes. They are quality structures that will last for many, many years. The emotional payback is long term.
Opportunities are there for the taking. Each day we have an opportunity to make our homes better. If we know better, we do better (Maya Angelo). We learn to be better from our clients, our business partners, our readings, our associations, and our own quest for learning more-the internet 
sure makes that easy!
And third, options. Each day we can choose one option over another option. It can be in terms of a building product, a decision about which way to build it, or just a simple decision such as how to respond to a client. Each decision by itself can be small, but has a cumulative effect. It results in your reputation, how people view you and your business, and your well being.
The Barker’s home is taking shape. The framing is taking place, the trusses are on site, the windows are ready to be delivered with a phone call, and the weather is mostly cooperating! The Barkers are in town and have, to the delight of our crew, provided hot drinks and breakfast burritos to the Crew several mornings! What a treat for them!
The Rincon de Amigos home is being insulated today. The first phase of open cell spray foam insulation is being applied. It is going to “close up” the house. All windows and doors are installed. The plumbing, electrical and framing inspections are complete. Everything approved. We will complete the insulation of the garage and sound insulation early next week and on to drywall installation. Owner, Nancy, will make her first on site visit in another week. She will be here to finalize the courtyard wall and see her home first hand. They will be moving to Las Cruces when their home is complete, otherwise they have been receiving picture updates during the construction. Building a home for someone who is not living here yet is easy for us. What allows us to do that is the extensive planning we do before we break ground. All selections, 
budgets and decisions have been made. We just have to line up everyone and build the home!
We have an opportunity to participate in a project to build a home not far from our office in an infill area. All the homes (33) in the subdivision are proposed to be Green Certified with solar power. If you know anyone interested please contact me. It would aim to be in the $250,000 price range.
On the fun side of life in Las Cruces, the last month has provided many events, and social gatherings that make Las Cruces (and New Mexico) so enjoyable. Many I been with the great people in my life. The Legend, Willie Nelson, brought joy to my spirit last night. He preformed the first of 50 concerts in El Paso. His music has touched my life for the last 30 years! He is going strong, with a voice unmatched by anyone!
I had the opportunity to visit one of New Mexico’s treasures over the Holidays, Ojo Caliente. It is a Hot Springs Resort/Spa an hour north of Santa Fe—a beautiful spot, with comforting hot mineral waters. A day trip while we were there included the historic Sanctuary of Chimayo and the Ghost Ranch area. Oh so beautiful.
Closer to home was just plain fun with family and friends, good food, good movies, and a blazing fire. What I know for sure is there is nothing that can make you feel better than the special people in your life. Take the time to enjoy them, appreciate their individualities, and look at life from many sides.
We wish you the best in 2010. We welcome and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your life. If you are ready to build a home in Las Cruces we would be thrilled to talk to you. We will offer you opportunities, optimism, and options!
This time of year I run across many inspirational thoughts. This one caught my eye…. It’s imperative that you bring forth your soul’s greatest desire, that you pick one goal to achieve in the outer world and one goal to achieve in your inner world.
Here’s wishing you a year that you have a desire to set goals and a year that you want to reach those goals!
Happy New Year,
Pat Bellestri-Martinez
Lady Contractor/Builder of Homes