Karinaland River

Fairy Wand     Every year this  plant being  spreads its arms wider and wider, taking up almost the whole patio. My entrance door is protected :) Visitors have to pay attention now, figure out how to weave their way through long spiky leaves, four feet high. Some of Fairy Wand’s flowering stalks are reaching into the sky towering at seven or eight feet. Everyone asks for the plant’s name, all admire her. Over time her fuchsia bells unfold their skirts for all kind of bees, including big bumble bees and humming birds. Then the seed pods start to form slowly, hanging, dangling, dancing in the breeze. She gives a long-lasting show, her stages of transformation are manifold. This is what I admire about Fairy Wand. Carefully studying her every day gives lessons about the process of maturing, shapeshifting. Every summer this time, I can’t resist to write about her, she spreads so much delight.    For more stills, click links below to previous years' entries, like my  Ode to Fairy Wand  S

Atman         The empty space, hot sun, and stars at night. Cleaning up in the garden, a gentle breeze on my sweaty skin. Presents are still trickling in, surprising me... touching me. A couple of days ago, Bob Ng, my cello teacher, sends me this beautiful note and audio gift:    “As I thought about the silence which must have settled on your garden after the chain saws and workmen had completed their task, I was inspired to record my transcription of "Atman" as a tribute to Mama Oak.  According to Google,      Atman is a Hindu word that means 'soul or spirit'. Essentially, it refers to the real person inside an individual. It is made of part of the spirit of Brahman, who Hindus believe is the one true ultimate God. Therefore, it is not something that can be seen or touched, but it is eternal and everlasting.     I'm sure that Mama Oak had an interior soul that is as real as the ones that we humans experience.  This song is for her.”     Months ago, I ask Bob to t

  Transformation   Throughout my (almost) seven decades, I have engaged in the process of change as directly as possible. No battling or fighting – but rather  dancing  with :) no matter what hardship. This guiding melody forces me to listen to whatever life is  gifting  me. To be sculpted & tempered with as much consciousness as I can muster. Desiring to learn, be present, be molded by the forces bigger than us. Growing – inner and outer transformation.      Mama Oak’s transformation – evaporating into another Gestalt? – is a joyful and exhilarating dance and adventure, lasting three days. My allies, natural curiosity and courage, help me to be present with all my senses, body and mind. The kind, and extremely skilled crew of six and the foreman Luis allow me to be around the whole time of this very dangerous work. My agility and 360-degree awareness are the necessary skills. Observing, taking photos, knowing when to get quickly out of the way, and pointing out certain pieces of w

  Good Bye and Celebration of Mama Oak’s Life and Majesty   On Saturday July 2 – our first true summer day this year here in Berkeley – about 30 friends, old and young – are meandering through the Open Karinaland Garden , up and down the stairs. Contributing delicious food, snacking, gathering in groups on the several levels of patio and terraces beneath the live oaks. It is a sunny hot day that ends in a balmy sunset, everyone is enjoying the views, bright faces of nasturtiums, intoxicating scent of my iridescent sweet peas, and the welcome shade beneath the trees. Mama Oak feels honored, celebrated, admired in her majesty and magnificence.     ...how I used to swing by launching from the terrace wall to fly high into the oaks...    (photo by Fern)     My longtime friend Renate, takes up my invitation prompting guests to wear a flamboyant colorful outfit. Her playful overalls from Creative Growth artist Lulu Sotelo, who is one of her favorites, fits perfectly into  Karinaland . So fun