santa cruz
I made it to Santa Cruz before the train of atmospheric rivers. I’m grateful to have gotten up north during a quiet spell before the beaches you see here were pounded by monster waves, piers destroyed, trees down, rivers overflowing and roads partially fallen into the sea. The beach is now covered by masses of storm debris, mostly wood from fallen trees fed into the ocean from creeks, rivers, or collapsed bluffs.
The good friend I visited is safe and dry in her Seabright home where she lives high above the turbulent San Lorenzo River.
These photos were the calm before the storm. I couldn’t be happier that I changed my plans to go to Mendocino (200 miles further north) where I would have been unable to return home due to flooding, mudslides, and fallen trees. I was scheduled to drive home on 12/31
Instead I drove home on the 28th, through the foggy central valley, and got home before the atmospheric rivers rolled in, one after the other.
I couldn’t have asked for more peaceful sunny weather while I was here.
Here is the little place I stayed in Soquel. Sunshine and cold clear air. I loved my time here close to the redwoods. This little unit attached to a main house is also safe and dry after the wild weather in dear Santa Cruz.
I got a great lead on a mobile home park from the owner. She has a friend who just purchased a home there. I was worried about a nearby creek, but the park is in good shape after all the devastation throughout the area. It’s come to my attention that I’ll have to take good notes on flood/mudslide danger wherever I relocate.
There will be more atmospheric rivers in my beloved state. I’m afraid this is just the beginning. It’s the price we pay for living on the edge of a continent during the times of climate change & warming. Oh the mighty Pacific! Oh California!
Bobi and I sat here on my first night watching the sun set. This is after the storms.
santa cruz mobile home parks
I loved the mobile home parks I saw in Santa Cruz. Most are resident-owned parks.
around here
We got our share of rain here in LA. We need the water desperately, so we have to take what we get. Even if it all comes so suddenly. No trees fell, no walls collapsed, no mudslides on my property. All of my neighbors weren’t so lucky.
But life goes on. We all adapt and keep going.
The scenery is gorgeous. Like a picture postcard. Only better. These photos from a recent walk in my neighborhood.
Moss Cottage as seen from across the hills. Somewhere in that tangle of green. Resting on its little knoll.
Otto and Iris rest too. Mostly together, but sometimes apart. Staring at the world outside. They’re ready for the windows to be flung open and the sounds of the world to reach their ears.
Long ago in Spain, I attended a birthday party with my big sister and some neighborhood kids. 1966
My dear old house. I had handrails installed a few months ago. They are awesome! My knees appreciate something to grab onto when I make my descent.
More scenes from my hillside ramble.
sketchbookery
Okay friends, that’s all she wrote. Keep me posted on your wanderings near and far, your art-making practices, and all the lovely things you’re observing in our world.
I leave you with a verse from the poet Wu-Men as seen in the wonderful 40-day Mindfulness Daily meditation class I’m doing with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.
