Twisted Oak is the inspiring, true story of a family seeking a more sustainable life in a complex, technology-driven world. Their journey leads them to build a self-sustaining home and lifestyle in the sunny mountains of southwestern Colorado as they pursue their goal to maintain a balance of respecting the natural world and continuing to remain engaged in the modern world. Follow Kristina and her sons, Austin and Andy, from their initial vision and dream of a more simple life, through their triumphs and their tears as they research, design, and build a home with the support of their family and the skills of newfound friends. Rejoice with them as they learn and find unexpected healing and new strength on the road to an abundant and fulfilling future.

Along with the heartwarming story, Twisted Oak is full of technical inserts and plenty of practical tips from an engineer who not only designed her home, but helped build it, and has comfortably lived in it with her family since 2011.

"Kristina makes sure that we know how interesting and luscious life can be on the other side of the 9-5. Though your adventure may be in Durango, Taos, or across the globe, in an Earthship, a yurt, or something yet undiscovered, she reminds that we solve the same problems — which materials to use, what source of power and method to employ to grow food and manage water, and how to produce energy, and manage waste (to name a few). These are the seedbed for creativity, satisfaction, and even happiness. By sharing what brought her to her decision to live a hands-on life, we can recognize that it is more important to be willing and interested than skilled up in advance. What seems more important is a desire to grow and live in harmony with people, resources, and nature. Kristina lets us in on her creative process which produced a beautiful home that oozes with details and shines with achievement and thoughtfulness. Watch out, once you read this story, it may become impossible to settle for a standard lifestyle and cookie-cutter home."

~ Joy Martin

Free lance writer  Durango, CO - www.joydotdot.com

Kristina Munroe PE, a professional engineer, lives in Durango, Colorado with her two sons, Austin and Andy, at their home the named Twisted oak, a house that heats and cools itself, generates its power, collects and heats its household water, and manages its waste in an environmentally responsible way.