Hitting Send

It has been a year since I packed up and left my home of almost eleven years, sunny Los Angeles, and made my way back to my BeLoved Northern California. Perhaps it was my own naivety, as I didn’t realize that living in wine country was still ‘the country”, which allows for fresh air, very little traffic, and many mountains to climb, but is also an adjustment in many cold, cloudy days, rain aplenty, and a whole lot of mud. There’s also an element of isolation from certain social activities and limitations in ones buying potentials. It has brought with it many adventures, joys, challenges, lessons, Beautiful new friends and Blessings. There are days when I miss LaLaLand, and my dear friends there, but then my best friend calls and says something to snap me out of it, like, “I’m on the 405 and LA is just one big parking lot! Do you have a couple of hours to talk?” haha She’s not kidding, and I’m reminded that driving twenty traffic-free minutes through the vineyards to get groceries may not be so bad after all.

When I look up at the Northern California night sky, I am awestruck by the innumerable twinkling stars brightly blanketing the immense, dark vastness above me. Sadly, the sky in LA has but a sparse smattering of what the eye can behold in the North. I was able to experience the night sky at its finest this fall when, after some trepidation, I accepted an invite to a birthday party “up on the mountain”. This would allow me to experience what I’d been hearing about, people living off the grid. I nervously traveled past the vineyards and up a country mountainside to join my friends, promises of amazing live music, dancing, food, and delicious home-brewed ales on my mind. I could have sworn my iPhone laughed at me when I checked it for guidance part way up the mountainside only to find the dreaded ‘no service’ flash at me. “You wanted to experience this,” I reminded myself as I continued my climb through the maze of signless dirt roads. The nearly moonless night allowed me the luxury of not having to witness the steepness of the cliffs on the right of me as I slowly crept along mile after mile, pushing through my city girl fears. I reminded myself of the many dangerous city streets I’d braved, and how traversing a mountain in the dark shouldn’t be so tough. Relief warmed me as I gazed upon the community building and parking lot full of trucks. Yes! People! Wise ones, who know of the necessity for 4-wheel drive vehicles! I took a deep breath, congratulated myself for making it, and gazed up at the sky above me. My jaw dropped. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before in my life, and I marveled to myself, “Are there really this many stars in the sky?” A friend spotted me and made her way over to welcome me, stopping to point out certain constellations and the milky way. I was overwhelmed by its magnificent Beauty and the knowledge that I was right where I belonged.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

As I’ve made my way through the winding roads of the wine country around me, I find myself fascinated by the various manifestations of Beauty the vineyards take on throughout the changing seasons. The fertile lushness of Spring and juicy Summer months, the richly textured shades of Autumn, and the sharp contrast of bright yellow mustard and orange California poppies growing at the feet of the stark, slumbering vines in Winter. I Love the bright colours dancing fancifully as the winds tease the valley floors before making their way up the deep green mountains beyond. While it was my desire for the cheery Spring energy to finally be upon us which sent me in search of it, I’m also consciously in preparation for the energetic shift which will occur with the changing of seasons.

Daffodils are a sure sign of Spring!

“I’m looking for signs of Spring,” I informed the gardener on the grounds where I reside, “Have you seen any?” I had wanted to learn more about the yellow mustard growing so plentifully across the miles of vineyard surrounding us, and thought he’d be a good resource. I learned that they were volunteers, but that mustard had been planted at the base of the vineyards in years past as a pest deterrent. This is why I saw it so commonly. Well, I welcome the Sunny yellow colour in my surroundings, Dear Reader, especially during the Winter months! The gardener told me to check out the blossoming chard before returning to his gate building project. Yes, a break in the rains, and activity is abustle.

Awwwwe! The baby doves

While I have been feeling rather Spring Feverly, I also appreciate that there are two weeks left ahead of us prior to the arrival of the Equinox, when seasons shall officially change, and with it the energies. Right now, we are supported by the waning moon and last weeks of Winter, and I am choosing to utilize it by meditating upon any blocks I may have to the new and exciting things to come. Using this time as a Spring-cleaning of the mind, body and spirit, we can recognize and eliminate that which is no longer serving us. Whether we have outdated beliefs about ourselves and others, general preconceived notions, or behavioral patterns we wish to change, now is the time to release these. Then we can embrace the wonderful life just ahead, where doors shall open and situations shall align bringing forth a life that makes our spirits lift, and heart bloom. Just ahead is that which we truly want to have Spring forth. What could you release to allow yourself to live your best life and dreams?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Trees are poems that earth writes upon the sky..

She was the first thing I noticed about my new home. With her large moss covered trunk, her many branches reaching high into the sky, the conifer tree stands 150 feet tall in her magnificent grander. Surely, Dear Reader, you can imagine my delight at the presence of a Sacred tree, my desire to learn more about her, and my longing to sit at her base in meditation. The tree’s a twin, you know? From its base, a branching of two, it is thus considered to be a Sacred tree by the Native American Pomo tradition, a tribe which inhabited this area long ago. She’s also a heritage tree, protected by a county ordinance, and recorded as being over six hundred years old. Can you imagine what she’s seen?

The wonder is that we can see these trees and not wonder more.

While her thick trunk has branched out over time, she is a ‘Lone Wolf’ regally stretched above the valley, bearing witness to the history of the land, and many Sacred ceremonies. While impressive, it isn’t the age nor height which makes this Douglas Fir tree so special, but the location in which she has lived since the 1400’s, as its considered inhospitable for her kind. Yet, despite poor soil and weather conditions, she has grown and thrived. Home to many more creatures than I can imagine, including a beehive tucked into a nook in the trunk, I found mushrooms growing against the lush green moss, and a Beautiful spiderweb drifting in the cool morning breeze.

How she came to be, we’ll never know, it probably wasn’t a human though. Indigenous tribes were the only ones residing in the area in the 1400’s, and as they were not known for planting fir trees, it is thus believed that the seeds for this tree were brought incidentally by a traveling animal. Grow she did, the landscape beneath changing form as shelters and roads were built near by. A group of Bahá’í’s owned the land, gathering often, I’m told, for speeches and ceremonies beneath the Sacred tree. About one hundred years ago she was visited by Luther Burbank, who identified the conifer as being over five hundred years old, which is consistent with what arborists are saying today. She currently watches over a retreat center and animal sanctuary, which is also my new home.

For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider,
every green tree is far more glorious
than if it were made of gold and silver.

She stands strong, deeply grounded, she knows the earth’s secrets, yet also converses with the heaven’s above. As I sat at the base in silent meditation, I felt Blessed by the presence of this Amazing Sacred tree, whose gentle heartbeat pulses with the music of Mother nature and all life, a part of the whole, sharing simple truths and wisdom. What a Wonderful gift is the heritage tree.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

I was recently invited to visit a butterfly garden and thought it would be a Wonderful field trip upon which to take my BeLoved Readers! Aren’t they fascinating insects? They go through such a dramatic metamorphosis, beginning as an egg, out of which hatches a little caterpillar, it then goes into an inactive pupil stage in a chrysalis, later emerging as a colourful winged adult. What a transformation! I Love these Beautiful creatures! How can one not admire their Beauty? Since they feed primarily on the nectar of flowers and need specific flowers upon which to lay their eggs, the plants are considerately and thoughtfully landscaped for them at the Hallberg Butterfly Gardens in Sonoma County, CA. A Gorgeous treasure set among miles of vineyards and apple orchards. What a gift!

Run by 92-year old Louise Hallberg, who has lived on the property her entire life, the gardens have an apple orchard to one side, eucalyptus trees on another, the green mountains in the far distance, it is a dreamy, magickal place. As mentioned, it is filled with very specific wildflowers for the resident butterflies. Flower-lined paths lead one into grassy meadows of nectaring plants, a host also to many bumblebees. Lucky visitors may glimpse the Beautiful butterflies flitting about. Flit, flit.. yes, yes they do. And, some, such as the skippers, dart about so quickly, I did not stand a chance of capturing pictures.

The woodpeckers have been visiting hehe

The dragonflies were pretty Amazing, too! They were incredibly large and flew high up above the trees, much to our delight. The dragonfly pond adds an enchanting Beauty to this truly special place. The soft murmur of bubbling water in the pond mixed with the wind gently dancing through the trees. Lovely!

Louise had considerately awaited our arrival to release a few of the emerged California dogface butterflies. The above cage was brought out, and among its chrysalis-filled treasures, were a few of the California state insect, ready to make their way into the world. What’s that? You didn’t know that California had a state insect? Nor did I! hehe But, we do! The California dogface butterfly! Are you ready?

Isn’t it Beautiful? Yes, yes it is, indeed! And, how very kind of it to sit still while I took a picture! Thank you, Dear One! Sorry you did not want to open your wings a bit more, but we shall take what we can get, and be Grateful! Ohhh, but Loiuse had yet another surprise in store! Ready?

The above Painted lady was a welcome visitor just prior to our departure. A Lovely send off. Many thanks to Louise and the butterflies for sharing so much with us. It was a memorable and special adventure to have had. What treasures lie among your neck of the woods, Dear Reader?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

It was a Gloriously sunny day which begged for an adventure. But, where to go? I’d already been to the local lake; perhaps it was time to venture into the neighbouring county, appropriately named ‘Lake County’. Nestled between Northern California’s famous wine areas of Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino County, Lake County is home to a number of Beautiful lakes, including Clear Lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake in California. I chose, however, to head for Lakeport, as I had heard that it was a Lovely town in which to spend the day.

Winding through the curvy mountainside roads, climbing higher, past many vineyards, the journey into Lakeport affords one an opportunity to appreciate the Beauty for which Northern California is understandably known. Through the green forest surroundings, I spied the first of the various lakes for which the county is named. The very deep and aptly named “Blue Lakes”, which consists of two lakes, Upper Blue Lake and Lower Blue Lake, offers a Gorgeous escape. Resting at the base of a canyon, the majestic nature of this 125 acre body of water is breathtaking. There’s something very mysterious about these dark blue lakes which run so deep, they cannot even be measured.

The first four pictures in this post are of Blue Lakes, Dear Reader. Are you not mesmerized by the Amazing colours? Whether one chose to visit for lunch, fish from the pier, or take a boat along the exquisite water, I imagine the experience would stay with one for years to come. And, isn’t the gazebo charming? I envisioned a warm evening of live music and dancing! Can you see it, too?

Having eyes to look out there lets your consciousness out farther. Having ears extends your consciousness out farther. Learning something new extends your consciousness out farther. Learning of the existence of another town over the hill that you didn’t know about extends your consciousness out farther, expands your mind, expands your consciousness.

On the road again, past fields of wildflowers, green and golden mountains, and many orchards. I was particularly drawn to the orchard shown below, with its row after row of trees, light and dark intermingling between their branches. I could easily have sat beneath them for hours, absorbing the serene energy I felt emanating from the area. Isn’t it Wonderful?

At last, the roads revealed the quaint town of Lakeport, with it’s historic downtown and tree-lined streets. Incorporated in 1888, it is the oldest community in Lake County. Offering a museum I’m told is quite worthwhile to visit, a Beautiful library building, and lakeside park, it is very charming, indeed. The lake itself conjures images of a long ago Sausalito, yet to be built upon. It’s easy to understand why many pioneers returned to the area at the end of the gold rush to settle permanently into the area. With its temperate climate, it is also a great place for farming.

The lakeside park was thoughtfully planned to include play structures for the children, park benches for picnics and barbecues, all structured around a gazebo. There were many locales out appreciating the sunny day, the sounds of kids playing carried on the refreshing breezes. How Lovely! After some lakeside appreciation, a walk down main street and a yummy chilled mocha, it was time to journey back home.

On the return, I felt called to capture a picture of the alluring wildflowers, of which there are many, sharing their colourful blooms with the golden fields expansively stretched on each side of the road home. Oh, yes, I do so Love and appreciate my gorgeous Northern California home.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

I’m going to share with you, my BeLoved Reader, one of my favourite places to visit in the Mendocino County area in which I’m visiting. While there are many Gorgeous examples of Wondrous Beauty around me to appreciate, it is actually the cemetery where I find my great solace. It is here where I can take a Lovely stroll, feelings of Divine peace and harmony surrounding and dwelling in me. It isn’t necessarily the most extraordinary of cemeteries, but, with the Magnificent mountains sweeping its borders, vineyard to the side of it, and many wildlife visitors and inhabitants, it is a Wonderful place to walk and be.

Upon arrival, one is often greeted by the many deer, who’ll stand on the vast, green expanse of grass at the graveyard’s front entrance. So accustomed to locals, these deer didn’t take much notice of me as they happily grazed.

As one might expect, there are sweet angels watching over the property.

With its many trees, it is often an interesting juxtapositioning of light and dark throughout the grounds. I Love the way the Sun filters in through the tree branches, the cacophony of woodpeckers and chirping squirrels drifting on the frequent breezes.

Oh, ho ho, who’s that over there?

I Love the moss-covered trees throughout the grounds…

Can you see the young deer in the middle of this pic?

Awww! Cuteness! This little squirrel was kind enough to allow me to capture his snack time!

Of course there is also plenty of religious symbology as well; something I always find quite fascinating, admittedly.

Most of the crosses are traditional Christian crosses, like the one below. Also known as the Latin cross or crux ordinaria, it is the most common symbol of Christianity, intended to represent the death of Jesus when he was crucified on the ‘True Cross’ and his resurrection in the New Testament.

While it intuitively seems Latin in design, my research found a few Celtic crosses which resemble the one below, though none as simplified.
Many thanks to anyone who can tell me the name of this cross..

No mistaking this very impressive Latin cross…

On the other side of the graveyard, another family of deer! Oh, yes, it is Spring!

With their red bark, I Love the Manzanita trees! Aren’t they Beautiful?

One of my favourites on the grounds…

Just look at the Spectacular mountains surrounding the area…

A reminder of what matters most… yes, solidarity…

For in the circle of Life, we are all ONE, regardless of when this is recognized.
Thank you, Dear Reader, for sharing with me a place I find very special indeed.
Where have you found unexpected solace?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

I perhaps owe being a painter to flowers.

When my mother asked me to join her on an adventure to the Mendocino Botanical Garden recently, I had no idea it would be a journey so rich in Beauty. I was clear that I was supposed to go, despite my reservations about the distance to get to our destination, albeit a Gorgeous drive over the Mendocino County hills, through the redwood forests, past beaches and coves to the small town of Fort Bragg, CA. Once there, we were greeted by a Lovely pond, seen above, which evoked images of one of my favourite painters. I was immediately very Grateful to be there, although still unaware of the exquisiteness which lay ahead.

The journey through the gardens began in a circular, open area, with small ponds, statues and flowers in bloom; a hint of the tremendous and awe-inspiring wonder upon which we would feast. “I see them!” my mom happily declared upon spying some of the rhododendrons she’d come to photograph. I turned to take in the very large and impressive red and pink flowers, and understood why she had made such a long trip. Do you see, Dear Reader?

The Earth laughs in flowers.

Yes, of course these Amazing trees, standing much taller than I, were extraordinary, but there was something magickal about this place, and I felt drawn into it, anxious to explore the paths to see what lay ahead. I was enraptured by pockets of Beauty all around me.

What could be down this path?

So accustomed to the bright orangey California poppy, I was quite taken with this white variety.

How Sweet are these Five Spots flowers?

Each flower is a soul opening out to nature.

Dance along the path with me!

This Lovely pond left me with an overwhelming desire to stay the night, awaiting the potential fairy play. Don’t you see how inviting it would be for them?

Where flowers bloom so does hope.

Isn’t it truly Amazing that someone thought this place up and created it for our pleasure? What a gift!

This gate is so Creative!

View from a bridge.. can you see the stream?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

In true Northern California form, it had been raining incessantly for days straight. At the first sign of a break, I thought it an opportune time for an explorative adventure to the lake. With directions in hand, I made a last check of the weather and sky.. hmmm, a lot of clouds, but they were white puffy clouds rather than the ominous-looking ones threatening a down-pour. Yes! Let’s take advantage of this opportunity! I made my way up the mountainside to the picturesque lake.

Nestled between the rolling hills, Lake Mendocino was created from the construction of Coyote Dam, and offers Beautiful sweeping views of the valley. This impressive lake has 1,822 acres of surface area, and is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer. On the day I visited, there were a few people fishing from the water’s edge, and a lone boat gently drifting along, but I know people enjoy other nautical activities at the lake, such as water skiing and jet skiing. There are also areas set up for camping and barbecuing.

As I made my way along the paved pathway which lies parallel to the lake, the cacophony from the geese was unavoidable. They were grouped together by the little island in the lake’s middle, and they were very, very vocal! lol A few geese made their way up on land, shaking themselves off and squawking.. hopefully with delight! They seemed to be having fun and it cracked me up. I made my way down a rocky makeshift path to capture the above picture. Can you see them?

I climbed the hillside back up to the path and continued along with my adventure. The mustard caught my eye and I admired the Gorgeous tree in the center of the field. Other hikers made their way past me, as I stood snapping pictures and gazing out at the Amazing, relatively unspoiled landscape. After almost eleven years in Los Angeles, I crave nature, and am very Grateful for both the land below and blue skies above.

There were many buzzards circling about in the sky, and I shall admit that I envy them. What can they see as they drift through the air, high above the mountain tops? It looked like fun to me!

As I was walking back out to my car, I spied this Beautiful clover! Wow! Isn’t it pretty? And, I Love the little purple flowers juxtaposed throughout. Lovely. I thanked the lake, mountains, and active wildlife for offering such a special afternoon escape and headed back home.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

“There’s always something getting between you and your meditation practice, Antonia,” my mother joked with me. I cracked up! Ah, yes. First the squirrel orgy and now the mommy and daddy scrub jays squawking at me! lol Well, I shall not fall into anthropocentric thinking on this one, as I know that, to the jays, I am the uninvited guest in mom’s yard, and that these Beautiful scrub jays are merely protecting their sweet babies from my presence. The babies emerged from their eggs a few days ago, and so, when I stepped outdoors for my morning meditation, I was met by two Lovely scrub jays who perched nearby to where I stood and squawked their disapproval.

“Feed them peanuts,” mom suggested. ooOOoo, that appealed to me! Yes! As the “I’m not here to harm you, only to meditate” Loving energy I had sent them had not been met with the open-hearted nature in which it had been sent, perhaps a contribution to the new family would reassure them. I made my way along the side of the house, fist full of peanuts, and whistled, just as my mom usually does. Yet, they were not convinced, and did not greet me as they would have her. Hmmmm… Perhaps I should just meditate on the front porch.

I made myself comfortable on the front porch, grounded in, and began meditating. Fortunately, I was almost done and was making my way back to this realm when the squawking began again. haha Evidently I was still too close to their nest, as the daddy jay was now sitting in a nearby camellia bush, none too pleased with me. Oh, dear. “I’m sorry! I’m just trying to meditate, not harm your family,” I wanted to explain to him, while respecting his vigilant protective nature. There really is no way to build chi energy faster than outdoor meditation, and as I am most definitely in need of some restorative energy building, I would like for some sort of agreement to be made during my little visit upon the property. However, I also understand that one cannot barge into a new environment and expect to be accepted right away. Some things take time. Perhaps there is a morning walk to the local park in my future!

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

I was reminiscing about my early years in Sausalito recently. Well, I had actually been thinking about my Love for the Golden Gate Bridge, which invariably leads to thoughts of the picturesque hillside community of Sausalito, adjacent to San Francisco. When filling out my Myspace/Facebook type pages, I tend to write “pick one” as my hometown, but, if forced to choose, Sausalito would be the real answer, as I spent the majority of my first five years there, and returned there for another year in later years. And, what a charming place it is!

My early home was up on one of the steep hills, overlooking the water, with fortunate views of San Francisco and glimpses of my BeLoved Golden Gate Bridge. After mom had put me to bed at night, I would sneak out of bed, stand on my little bench and stare out the window at the glitter magnificence of it all in awe, wonder and utter delight.

My mom would Lovingly put me in my stroller and walk us down the hill for adventures along the World-renowned waterfront. It has a Mediterranean feel, breathtaking views which draws tourists from around the globe.

Our journeys along the boulevard were often accompanied by hikers, bikers, and the many people disembarking from ferries carrying them from across the bay. The water itself was often busy with various nautical activities; the sailboats, windsurfers and occasional cargo or passenger ship were other points of interest, adding to the overall charm of the city on the bay. But, my greatest fascination was with the Bufano sea lion sculpture. Okay, it was Lovely if real sea lions were visiting as well, but would the tide be low enough to see that Beautiful sea lion I so adored as a little girl?

The famous downtown fountain

If the adventure continued past the center of Sausalito, we would arrive at the marina, where the sailboats line up in row after row, and following this sat the very intriguing houseboats. At least, I have always found them to be quite fascinating. Otis Redding’s Doc of the Bay comes to mind, so I’m guessing I’m not alone on this one! *giggle*

When my mom emailed me yesterday asking if there was any chance that I wanted to meet her in Sausalito for Easter brunch, I smiled. Yes, mom, that sounds exactly right to me. How Lovely is that? Wow! It seems like the perfect meeting place, which now lies between us, a reasonable distance for an impromptu visit between BeLoved mother and daughter. YAY! It feels so good to be home.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia