Last year Emily Nelson, with the help of many friends, built a labyrinth on her Gualala ridgetop property. She invited friends to bring a rock from their property to be a part of the labyrinth, which Rick and I did. If you build it, they will come - right? Emily recently found this beautiful Bobcat walking her labyrinth and kindly allowed me to share this photo with you.
Last spring I noticed twigs in the vine below and wondered if a birds nest was being built. Days went by and a few more twigs appeared. Then I looked up and found a fully made and ocuppied Stellar Jay nest. Yes, it pays to look up once in a while! The nest has been refurbished this spring so we can expect another family of these beautiful birds.
One of my favorite wildflowers has begun blooming in the forest. For years I didn't know this plant had blossoms. When I discovered the creamy blossoms hanging down from the leaves, it felt like I had found a prize in a contest Mother Nature was playing. Fairy Bells often grow near False Solomon Seals and now I am enjoying both of these lovely wildflowers in bloom.
It seems early but tell it to the first Alum Root, which has just bloomed on the forest floor. Its tiny white flowers caught my eye and I called out to Rick in delight. The leaves of this native wildflower look like maple leaves and they carpet many of the trails where we hike each morning. It's a member of the saxifrage family and their root has healing astringent qualities. Bazillions of blooms to follow this single wildflower in the months to come.
My best to you from the Mendocino Coast! Jeanne Jackson, Gualala
A large Redwood tree named the Grandfather tree thrives in a clearing by Quinliven Creek near Gualala. It grows slowly with shade on its trunk and sun on its crown. Every day Rick and I touch this tree. I also whisper a few things that are important to me. It's important to allow magic to enter your life - this tree is one way I allow magic to enter mine.
For perspective, you can see Rick looking up at the big tree. Huckleberry, our golden retriever, is more interested in chewing on a branch. The second photo shows you what the tree looks like if you were looking up.
