Calling by Name 

In 2008, I envisioned, designed and then build in close collaboration with a professional carpenter a tiny casita (10’ x 12’) with deck in our backyard. “A room of my own” under the beloved oaks. With skylights and windows on all sides so it would feel like a tree house. To my surprise, the project took on a life of its own. A new world opened up, a new life on the hill started to emerge. At that time, the canopies of the old coastal live oaks with their sculpted massive branches were still very dense, bringing much shade and cool. The four live oaks were forming an impressive far-reaching grove, including a huge cork oak and a tall incense cedar. Then the following spring, I design another cottage (10’ x 10’) as my bedroom. The adventure keeps unfolding, an irrepressible vision propels me. Did I ever really plan on all of this that is now manifesting? It feel as if destiny is guiding me.

 

Now, at this point, the hill going further up has to be stabilized – I am the daughter of an engineer – and be safely terraced. This is heavy work. Nevertheless, two Guatemalans are working with me on this rustic, and unusual project. They had built their own homes on steep terrain back home. I want curves, snaking stairs, a terrace at the top. Then an orchard. It all feels magically self-propelling, improvisational, and simply miraculous. Finally, I realize that steps will have to be build all the way down, for my elder husband and visitors mainly. Back then, I am only 54 years old and still invincible. At the very end, returning from teaching one late afternoon, I find Juan and Gabriel standing at the bottom cement step, below the section with the wooden stairs, broadly smiling at me, waiting…

The capital letters of KARINA feel like a last offering. And, can you see the paw prints on the right? I laugh – feeling like it is my birthday. “It is clear,” I exclaim beaming, “that the squirrels have signed off on the project. It’s great to get their approval. I am relieved – so happy, mucho feliz!”

Close-up squirrel’s paw signature

This story I often tell to visitors. Most people don’t even question my account. Are they perhaps still connected to their childhood's imagination? They seem to understand the truth of what I am saying. Or are they keeping quiet to not disappoint me? The younger kids, or grandkids of friends, will nod seriously, impressed. Maybe ask "really?" while climbing higher, dreamily pondering the possibilities in this world. How wonderful to be acknowledged, be seen and heard, and welcome! For almost two decades the backyard was kept wild, deer nursing their offspring year after year, fawns racing up and down the steep hill, a big buck lounging under the apple tree close to the house. Bob and I loved it that way. Each of us so busy with our own projects, we enjoyed the overgrown wildness with its majestic grove, similar to Tilden Park.

Stairs to bedroom “Paraiso”

 

Nowadays, only two live oaks and the cork oak are left standing. Loss and growth has been happening. Each year in spring, the hill is green, lush and colorful, with nasturtiums cascading down the terraces. Then in late summer and fall, the vegetation needs to be cleared out. The landscape almost barren now, dry. Climate change has brought high fire danger in the area. The physical work needed to take care of the hill with its 108 steps, I embrace it, just as the land embraces me. The casitas are still standing, waiting for my resting, writing, meditating, the deck with view for lunches and dinners with guests.

 

Sixteen years later, I am still deeply awed by, and grateful for, the close and intense relationship between me and the trees, land, and wild animals. Their acceptance. Our co-existence. Racoons, squirrels, owls, mountain lions, foxes, snakes, hawks, skunks, opossums, gophers, rats, mourning doves, jays, bush tits, finches, lizards. Ferocious winds, torrential rainstorms, blistering heatwaves, and much more. I don’t consider myself the “owner” of this land – I am the steward, my responsibility and tasks are to listen, and do whatever is needed. We are on the unceded land of the Ohlone people. We are only stewards. My thirty-three years here have taught and gifted me many lessons, incredible riches, joys, and delightful luxuries like swinging in Mama Oak. And constant change. Keeping me healthy on all levels – quince, apples, plums, Asian pears, wild strawberries, black berries, potatoes, onions, nopales, cactus fruit, rosehips, medicinal herbs and flowers, and the acrobatic thieves – you know who I am talking about…

 

How wonderful to be called by name!