Bicycling the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve & Across the New Bike Overpass Once called a "Mythical Bridge.”

“The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.”

—Zeno

My friend Bill Rothenberg and I rode out to Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, with the intention of riding across the new 1,400 foot long,12-foot-wide bridge that crosses over US Highway 101 that Bill had been reading about. The new pedestrian and bike bridge that cost $23.1 million to build replaces the Benjamin Lefkowitz underpass that was built in 1989, which was only open an average of six months a year due to seasonal flooding. Once called the “Mythical Bridge” because of long bureaucratic delays, the new bridge finally opened in Palo Alto on November 20, 2021. It will provide Palo Alto with year-round access to the Baylands, the Adobe Reach Trail and other outdoor amenities. The new bridge was rededicated to Lefkowitz, a native of Brooklyn, New York who advocated the cause for bicycle safety and access in Palo Alto.

To get to Baylands Nature Preserve, we parked at Shoreline Lake. The Preserve, that begins beyond the perimeter of the lake and near the South Bay is the largest tract of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay. An amazing fifteen miles of multi-use trails provides mixture of tidal and fresh water habitats. Additionally, the Preserve encompasses 1,940 acres in both Palo Alto and East Palo Alto. It is an important habitat for migratory shorebirds and is considered one of the best birdwatching spots on the West Coast.

After riding the rutted and bumpy little sand dunes close to the water’s edge, Bill and I circled the commuter Palo Alto airport, watching private pilot owners, the titans of Silicon Valley tech companies, and private equity executive being flying in and out. We also passed a large golf course, and stopped to revisit and pay homage to the abstract bike sculpture by artist James Moore, called “Bliss in the Moment.” This shrine commemorates renowned Bay Area cyclist William Bliss and his work on the San Francisco Bay Trail and bicycle safety issues. Shortly beyond this point we made our way across the new bridge.

When we completed our ride, we headed back over the new bridge, toward Shoreline's Bistro Cafe. I commented to Bill, that we didn’t see many birds close-up like we usually do. But, many of our bike rides to the Baylands usually brought with it, some unexpected surprise. Suddenly, as if I was granted a wish by the universe, as we approached the boat rental dock, there appeared an amalgamation of birds rarely seen together in this spot (see video clip). There were American coots, shore birds, bright white Egrets lining the shore like sentries at the gate, squawking seagulls, and my favorite, the great white Pelicans. It was nature at its best and our bike ride felt more complete. When we got to the Bistro Cafe right on the lakefront, we placed our bikes to the side, and ordered lunch. Bill had fish and chips and I had a chicken fillet sandwich on sour dough with lettuce, caramelized onions, a feta salad on the side with pomegranate fruit, and taro chips on the side as a pesky, but interesting looking duck began begging for food. I offered a couple of taro chips and it went on to the next busier table.

Afterwards, we were still hungry for more—riding that is, and rode a few miles through the Permanente Creek Trail under pass tunnel and beyond, before returning to Shoreline to upload our bikes on Bill’s SUV for the ride home, feeling fulfilled, and appreciative for a pretty special day and all the city planners and visionaries who made this possible.

Video Clip of my Up Close Encounter with an Elegant Great Blue Heron in the Creek

It was cold outside (46 degrees) by Northern California standards an I was debating weather to take a late afternoon bike

ride. I had just lost my best childhood friend and wanted to be in nature. Even the wine colored Patagonia Fleece Jacket my son

bought me for Christmas didn’t cut the feeling of what seemed like cold Arctic air. Then I felt a drizzle. At this point I wasn’t totally committed to continuing the ride and I was prepared to cut it short. The drizzle ceased and I made my way to the Los Gatos Creek trails just past the spillway of Vasona Lake Reservoir.

Everything was green and the creek beds were flowing like a rapid river. I stopped to check out the flow and as I turned around I spotted a stunning Great blue heron wadding in the water amongst the reed and rocks. I took a few photos from a distance and decided to make my way down the ravine to get closer. I was being careful not to scare it off because they cans be skittish. But, with the sound of the rushing water it didn’t hear me.

Or, maybe it did hear me since it began to move on its’ long stilted legs. I decided to take a short video to record its’ movement and the sound of the roaring water rushing into the creek from the spillway. It was so calm and elegant. When it got to a small boulder, I saw it quickly move its head and yellow beak down beneath the water and pierce a silvery gray small fish. If I blinked I woulld have missed it. It had been stalking its’ prey. Persistence paid off for heron and me. Instead of riding 5 miles, I did ten. I didn’t feel cold any more. For the heron it was his evening meal. It felt like a moment of grace and observing the natural order of things.

What I learned from the Great Blue Heron:

Wade into life

Keep a keen lookout

Don’t be afraid to get your feet wet

Be mindfully patient

Look below the surface

Enjoy a good reed

Go fish

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Mourning Doves Give Birth and Take Refuge in our Open-Aired Atrium

within reach they sit, yet forever beyond my grasp. I’m filled with a quiet happiness when I see them. I am comforted when they sing to me.”

—Mary Oliver

The last time I saw the baby dove, at this point a fledgling ready to spread its’ wings, it was sitting calmly taking refuge in front of the buddha statue in our garden (photo), and in the blink of an eye it was gone, but not forgotten.

Many cultures see doves as a sign of love, hope, peace, grace, gentleness and purity.This is the second year in a row that mourning doves built a cozy little nest in the same hanging flower planter in ouropen air atrium in our front patio recently remodeled with Tuscan style pavers and stone planter box.Mourning doves begin building nests early in the spring season and continue as late as October. This one was born around September 11. I’ve learned that doves who have raised a brood will return to that same nesting site year after year and that the nesting parents don’t range far from the nest. Both the male and female dove cooperate in nest-building and brooding. Their flimsy or should I say dense delicate nests are made of pine needles, twigs and grass. Mourning doves have three broods in a single year, each one in a new nest. The female lays two eggs—one in the morning and one at night. The father sits on the nest during the day and the mother takes the night shift. They hatch in 14-16 days, and the babies fledge in another two weeks. However, the parents continue to provide care if needed for another week or two. The baby as seen here is laying under its’ mother’s wing. Cecile and I often witnessed their presence from our kitchen window that looks out to our atrium. I often used a small step stool to quietly monitor their progress.

The mother dove didn’t flinch, but her and her baby looked so vulnerable.When I took serial photos over time with my iPhone she did blink her eyes at the soft sound of the click. New research suggests that some birds may know who their human friends are, as they are able to recognize people’s faces and differentiate between voices. Being able to distinguish between friend or foe could be the key to the doves ability to survive. Cecile and I like to think we were trusted friends who had their best interest at heart.

Postscript: The low-pitched, owl-like cooing sound frequently heard in early March give the mourning dove its name. The sound is referred to as an “advertising coo” or “perch coo.” Cooing males advertise their presence and readiness to breed. Their single-minded purpose is to attract a female. Unlike last year, the nest only had one egg instead of two leaving us wonder if one egg wasn’t viable or was raided by a predator. It is true that doves do mate for life, but the life span is very short, lasting several years.

Exploring Organic Gardens and Visiting Enchanting Farm Animals at Hidden Villa with our Granddaughter Lyla

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

—Frank Lloyd Wright

“It was a really nice day, a really nice outing.”

—Lyla (after our picnic lunch)

Cecile and I took our granddaughter Lyla to Hidden Villa, a farm and wilderness preserve in Los Altos, to explore an organic farm, gardens and greet the

farm animals. They including lounging pigs, a regal looking ram, playful smiling goats, mellow chickens, gentle sheep and miniature jersey cows.

Some had colorful stage names like Etta the goat, Gordan Ramsey, the Horned Dorset Ram, and cows, Emelie and Harvey Milk. Nothing compares to nature’s

beauty and intelligence, from spring’s hopeful blooms, and seasonal vegetables and herbs and the whimsy

and joy of well-kept farm animals that bring joy and calm to so many visitors.

The recent four consecutive day 90-degree heat wave had eased up by 10 degrees. There was a mild breeze and plenty of open space to explore.

Farms are a magical place for little eyes and hands. I have fond memories of vacationing on a farm owned by family friends in the foothills overlooking the Amalfi coast when I was a child. The benefits of visiting an organic farm gives a child the opportunity to discover where the food comes from, how it is grown; and spending some time

outdoors in the fresh air. It is fun for kids and adults. Hidden Villa is part botanical garden, hiking grounds, retreat hostels and nature center. My wife Cecile, a former Chicago school teacher used to volunteer chaperoning kids in middle school field trips when are kids were young. Hidden Villa was a favorite destination. She would assist them in growing vegetables and herbs. Toward our two-hour visit, I took Lyla to the gardens while Cecile was setting up lunch at a picnic table nearby. After we ate, she joined Lyla and me to revisit the gardens that were teeming with life. The bees were pollinating, little lizards were slithering about, butterflies were gracing one flower after another, and hummingbirds were hovering above a water feeder and zipping about. Every conceivable herb and vegetable were labeled and growing in abundance.

After lunch, prior to making our way back home Lyla said: ”It was a really nice day, a really nice outing,” which reminded me of the biblical quote: “Out of the mouth of babes.”

Cecile and I are truly convinced if you bring joy to a child, they will mirror it back to you in unexpected moments.

Hidden Villa is the legacy of the late Frank and Josephine Duveneck who purchased the property near Los Altos, CA in 1924.

It is an educational nonprofit whose land stretches over 1600 acres of open space in the beautiful foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Their mission was sharing the land and creating humanitarian programs that have inspired many generations. Their vision was

to create a just and sustainable future for all by preserving the wilderness and manage the farm as a family ranch. Hidden Villa

today focuses on environmental education and sustainable agriculture, while sharing an abiding respect for all living things.

The earliest known stewards fo this land are the Ohlone Indians and Franciscan missionaries. Every year, 30,000 people participate in one of their programs and an

additional 20,000 visitors come to explore the organic farm and gardens, hike the beautiful trails and greet the farm animals including school groups and summercampers.

Postscript: Flower Supermoon Total Eclipse Visible from the Bay Area May 26, 2021, 1:47—6:01 AM

Named after the abundance of flowers blooming this month. It also happens to be a “Supermoon" because its elliptical orbit brings it to earth

Cloud Appreciation & a Bird Feeding Frenzy by a Mother & Child

Clouds have no families, no responsibilities. Born wanderers. Die, wanderers. They absorb every vapor (pain) in themselves and cry them out in the form of rain only when they’re full to their brim. White, translucent, innocent.”
—Akita Bala

All this weather turbulence of late has brought about some amazing and hypnotic cloud formations. Some of these photos—mostly of clouds—were taken on the Los Gatos Creek County Park and trails in between the latest rains. Once a former South Pacific Coast railway line, this urban green space is home to the Los Gatos Creek Trail, a mostly-paved route that runs about 10 miles from San Jose to the Lexington Reservoir. Other cloud groupings were photographed in the community where we live. Anyone can look and see the clouds, but it is worth the extra effort to seek out places where the clouds can be seen unobstructed by buildings. telephone lines and the like.

Clouds have been doing what they do for millions of years. Our cave swelling forbears have enjoyed the same sort of cloudscapes that we do now.

Cloud formations, for all who take time to engage them, are a magical part of creation, capable of altering our moods and reflecting our inner landscape of thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Staring deeply and mindfully into clouds or other parts of nature takes me away from my incessant chattering mind and into that sweet, still place within, that fills me with the experience of feeling alive and connected to all that is. 

In an interview with KQED news, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society, said he believes the world needs more cloud-enthusiasts. Cloud gazing, he says, provides a much-needed respite from the fast-paced, digital age. I happily agree. 

Postscript: One of my favorite pix is the one I took of the mother and child feeding the seagulls, geese, ducks, and pigeons. I couldn’t ask for a better set up.

Capturing the Great Blue Heron in Stillness and in Flight

“In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the stillness.”—Robert Lynd

I spotted this magnificent Great Blue Heron while walking along the nature trails around the perimeter of the lake where we live. It was standing motionless in the weathered reeds, gazing into the water for prey with all the stillness of a monk meditating in a forest monastery.
When I first made my approach, only its’ head was visible.
Then, sensing my presence it began to walk towards the water. Suddenly, it spread its wings, and was ready for take off. It then folded it neck into a “S” shape, lifted itself, and soared to the other side, trailing its long legs behind. I had hoped to capture a few still shots and was fortunate enough to photograph the sequence of its majestic flight path.

Symbolic Meaning of the Great Blue Heron:

Calm
Graceful
Patient
Versatile
Tranquil
Mindful
Determined
Independent
Confident
Resourceful

Herons live in the NOW and teach us the vital practice of maintaining stability, calm, focus, and fluidity in our lives.

An excerpted Poetic offering called Heron Rises from the Dark, Summer Pond
by Mary Oliver

So heavy
is the long-necked, long bodied heron,
always...a surprise
when her smoke-colored wings
open
and she turns
from the thick water,
from the black sticks,
of the...pond…
and slowly into the air
and is gone.
Then, not for the first or the last time,
I take a deep breath
of happiness…
this decision,
this trailing of the long legs in the water,
this opening up of the heavy body
into a new life: see how the sudden 
gray-blue sheets of her wings
strive toward the wind; see how the clasp of nothing
takes her in.

Photos of the Blue Heron taken at Rinconada Hills
Photo of the statue of the monk taken at Breathe Together Yoga studio

Our Beautiful Golden State is Burning: Turning to Poetry to Make Sense of it All

"The natural world is violent and dangerous as well as serene and benign."—Thomas Berry

I awoke the other day with my eyes burning and a queasy feeling in my stomach. Cecile wasn’t feeling none the better. We normally keep our sliding door on the second
floor of our town home open to get fresh air when we sleep.
The news hadn’t hit us yet about the two raging fires that were hitting both sides of the state.
In spite of the sour smelling air we took our son’s dog, Daisy for our usual early morning two-mile walk.
When we rounded the bend to the front of the Clubhouse of our gated community. 
I photographed the sun blazing through the back of the fronds of a tall, solitary majestic palm tree, giving it the appearance of being on fire. It had a mystical quality to it.

Later, we learned about the catastrophic Woolsey fire in and around Malibu that had engulfed Southern California.
As if that weren’t enough, we heard news of the Camp Fire in Northern California that consumed 80-90% of Paradise, located in Sierra Nevada Foothills, making it the deadliest wildfire in the state’s history.

It didn’t take long before the seasonal winds carried smoke-filled air from the raging fires to entire East Bay including Silicon Valley where we live.
Even those who were lucky enough to buy an N95 mask that filters soot from the air, health officials were still advising people against being outdoors.
Die-hard Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49er fans attended their respective games. The risk of exposure to poor air quality in the unhealthy range is that microscopic particles seep deep into our lungs and enter the bloodstream.

In times like these when a fire makes a mockery of the name Paradise, by unmercifully burning the small, residential town down to the ground, I turn to the solace and irony of poetry.

"California night. The Devil’s wind, the Santa Ana, blows-in 
from the east raging through the canyon like a drunk
screaming in a bar.
The air tastes like a stubbed-out cigarette. But why complain?
The weather’s fine as long as you don’t breathe.
Just lean back…lights turned out, windows shut against the [fire] storm and count your blessings...
Relentlessly the wind blows on. Next door catching a scent, the dogs begin to howl. Lean, furious, raw-eyed from the storm, packs of coyotes come down from the hills where there is nothing left to hunt.”
—a poem by Dana Gioia

Our hearts go out to all of those who lost their homes and loved ones during this horrific calamity and a deep sense of gratitude to the firefighters and other first responders who risked their lives.

Photo 1: I captured in front of clubhouse where we live.
Photo credit 2: Helicopter over blaze by a TV news team 
Photos: 3 & 4 were taken of vendors with masks at the Saratoga Farmer's market

My Encounter with a Majestic Deer in the Open Meadow at Rinconada Hills

It’s been said that if there is a race between a lion and a deer, the deer often wins because a lion runs for food and a deer runs for its’ life. Purpose is often more important than need.

Cecile and I were just beginning our early morning walk. She was trailing behind me with Jason’s dog Daisy.
Suddenly, I heard a loud rustling noise in the bushes far to my right, and the flash of a large animal appeared through the trees. It was a stag. Startled, It made a sharp turn across the road to the left. I could hear its hooves making contact with a long white catch basin as it clumsily tried to gain its footing. It rumbled across the terrain like a 350 pound thoroughbred then disappeared into the bush.

I walked further down the path hoping against hope to get another glimpse. After all, a deer sighting of this kind is not a common occurrence on this large tract of land where we live. Just as I was ready to give up, there it stood, out on the open meadow on my left, maybe 40 feet between us. It stared back at me, as if daring me to make the first move. It's elegant rack etched out against the back drop of the field and the trees like a king of the forest.

Time seemed to stand still. I retrieved my camera hoping to capture its image before it fled. I snapped a few shots.
By this time Cecile and Daisy had caught up to me and I pointed to this majestic creature. I had wished I had a greater zoom lens, worried that my iPhone camera wouldn’t capture its essence. Then, I told myself to relax, experiencing this moment in time with this beautiful creature is the “essence.” 

I felt like I was in a dream like state, watching something unfold that was surreal and imbued with some sort of meaning. In Buddhism, the deer symbolizes harmony, happiness, peace and longevity. If one were to look up the symbolic meaning behind “stag,” you’ll find repeatedly that the animal represents an in-between state, a world connecting dreams and wakefulness—the world of intuition. The antlers are like a crown, that grow beyond the body, bringing it closer to the sky revealing its sacredness. The fact that the antlers fall and grow again also makes the deer a symbol of regeneration.

Antlers are said to act as a spiritual antennae, urging us to be more mindful of our thoughts and perceptions and directing us to a higher state of awareness. In this faced paced world of technology it seems to be a message worth heeding.

Ecstatic Flower Blossoms & Stalking the Elegant Great Egret for a Winning Photo Shot

“Flowers are sweet. They have short beautific lives. They offer much pleasure. There is nothing in the world that can be said against them. Sad, isn’t it, that all they can kiss is the air. Yes, yes! We are the lucky ones.” —Mary Oliver

Cecile and I passed this Royal Blue Hydarangeas on the walking trails with the blue green pond in the backdrop near our townhome. These classic flowers—first discovered in Japan—coalesce together to form a signature globe-shaped head resembling pompoms. They symbolizes heartfelt emotions, used to express gratitude to others for our being understood. 

The Great Egret visits us from time to time. They boast a showy brilliant white plummage and are found around the world. I have sighted them in Asia, Canada, Africa and Australia. Locally, we have seen them at Shoreline and Vasona Lake. They have long black legs and feet, long graceful necks and straight, pointed, yellow bills.

I discovered this one wading patiently in the shallow water of the pond stalking fish. I watched it stab and grab a tiny fish into its mouth. Egrets also prey on reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. I was doing a bit of stalking myself—for that perfect photograph. I managed some nice closeups but was hoping to capture it in front of the waterfall.

Well, I got my wish. Feeling I got just a little too close, the egret took off in flight. I not only managed to get a photo of it landing, but when it reached the opposite shore it began moving toward and then in front of the waterfall. Bingo! I had my “money shot.” Now that is what I call a happy accident or was it the power of my intention in operation? When they fly, their neck draws back in to an S-shaped curve. 

Their feathers are stunning. Sadly, these elegant birds were hunted to near extinction towards the 19th century.
Their feathers were used to make hats. Following conservation efforts, their numbers grew well into the 20 century. The Great Egret was chosen as the symbol of the Audubon Society, the environmental organization that was formed to protect birds.

The glorious Tropical Canna Lily has bright large yellow-orange blooms and exotic multi-colored striated foliage. They symbolize magnificent beauty, brilliance of truth and sacredness. It is native to southern Africa. Canna Lilies are also known as the tantalizing water dragon and trumpet lily, though in fact it is not even a lily. It was misnamed by a famous Swedish botanist, Carolus Linnaaeus, and was later corrected by German Koch, a German botanist.

Last but not least is the red Epiphyllum Cactus Flowers (Jungle Cactus). Epiphyllums can be found in Mexico, the Carribbean and through Central America and South America. Hybrids like this one, are commonly referred to as “Orchid Cacti” due to their luminous blossoms resembling tropical orchids. They are hardy and easy to grow. I was first introduced to the Empiphyllum by my next door neighbor, Howard who hybridizes them. He has one growing in a pot and in a long planter on our neighboring patio wall. We get to enjoy them during their short blooming period. They take your breath away.

Enjoying the Breathtaking Ambience of Nature and Wildlife Outside our Door

“I could not be a poet without the natural world…For me the door to the woods is the door to the Temple.”
–Mary Oliver

In the early morning, mid-day and after dinner, Cecile and I and Jason’s dog Daisy set out on the walking trails literally steps from our door.
We are immediately transported to a happy place in the midst of a 100 acre wooded area we call home at Rinconada Hills.
We pass the cactus gardens I can see from my home office window, a plethora of mature shade trees that line the self-guided nature trails that traverses a wide variety of terrain. 
The many tiny lizards flit about as they feel the vibration from out feet.
We could see and hear the mischievous squirrels shimmy straight up the tallest of trees in a way that defies gravity and then playfully jumping from branch to branch.
We see the many shy white cotton tail bunnies (we feared were wiped out by the coyotes) shift about trying to take cover as we draw near. The cherry trees and plum trees are bearing fruit, but too early to eat.
We climb the path to higher ground and then make our way down and around the pristine lake where the geese take their goslings for a swim when they are not grazing on
the grass. The aromatic smells from the pine and eucalyptus trees clears our sinuses.
Other than the few neighbors and their dogs we have come to know, we are alone to share the moment and majesty of this place. It reminds me of the poem by Mary Olliver called “When I Am Among the Trees,” that I have taken an exerpt from that goes like this:
"When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and pines,
they give off such hints of gladness,
I would almost say that they save me, and daily…
I never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say, “and you too have come into the world
to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light and shine.”

Capturing The Beauty of The Mahogany Mourning Cloak Butterly While It was Sunbathing

"Nevermore will a flying flower drift by you unnoticed..."
—Flutter-Blog 

During a walk on the trails of Rinconada Hills with my wife Cecile, I experienced my first sighting of a Mourning Cloak Butterfly (Nymphalis Antiopa, 1758 by Linnaeaus) basking in the sun. It was laying flat atop a low lying green plant with dry woody stems near the water’s edge of a cascading pond near our town home. I was amazed it allowed me to get close enough to photograph it without flying off.

This Mahogany brown butterfly with light tannish yellow edges is named after the funeral shawls worn over a pale dress or petticoat by grieving widows. The darker brown band around the main wing is accented with pale blue-lavender spots that adds to its beauty.

The Mourning Cloak butterflies, do not migrate long distances but hibernate over winter through a process called “cryopreservation,” that involves the secretion of chemicals which acts like anti-freeze during the winter months. In the spring they emerge as adults ready to mate (much sooner than other butterflies). Males mate with several females. Sadly, these stunning and graceful creatures live for about a year and die soon after mating. I discovered that the reason it was basking in the sun is to warm up its flight muscles making it possible for it to fly about. Actually all butterflies need to warm up before they can fly. It is theorized that the dark wings of a Mourning Cloak make it easier to absorb the spring sun. The Mourning Cloak is found in many regions of the world including California. One of the reasons it is so widespread is that this striking flier uses a variety of host trees such as the Cottonwood, Willow, Popular and Elm to flourish. Their main diet is tree sap and decaying fruit and they extract salts and minerals form mud. Their main predators are insect eating birds. The males are highly territorial and defend their territory from other males, other butterflies, hummingbirds and even Scrub Jays. They have also been seen head-butting a human hand, demonstrating that even a delicate butterfly can put up a fight if necessary.

I was invited to send my photo to inaturalist.org to help scientists interested in studying years fluctuations in the butterfly population. With more rainfall occurring in California following years of drought the Mourning Cloak butterfly has been making a comeback.

Photographing the Cloud Play and the Sunset After the Rain Storms Hit the Bay Area

"Like moody states of mind, no cloud is so dark that the light can't shine through."

I’m a big fan of sunsets that are embraced by whimsical cloud formations, especially when they occur right outside our window or can be viewed from the street leading up to our home. A good sunset is one that has the power to stop you in your tracks and say OMG. It’s a romantic encounter with Mother Nature if only for a moment. You know it won’t last, so you savor every bit of its' fleeting presence. I thought I was done shooting and then the crescendo—fiery red clouds emerged as the sun went below the horizon line.

A Magical Encounter with an Uber Turtle and His Little Ride-Share Companion

“Try to be a turtle at ease in your own shell.”—Bill Copeland

A Turtle can withdraw from the world just like humans until they feel safe. Only we lack the cover of a protected shell. At least they have a choice. When they want to bask in the sun to warm themselves they find a log or a rock. If there is no room they climb the back of a larger turtle.
When they want to cool off, they float in the water like a moving island. Should they be hungry, they just scan the surface for insects. And, when a small turtle wants to travel it simply hops aboard an “Uber” Turtle to ferry it across the lake—in this case a stones throw from the waterfall near our home. Turtles have poor vision, but can feel every vibration—like a human sneaking up on them. I waited patiently to take these photos hoping these majestic creatures wouldn’t sidle into the water like many times before.
Luck or perhaps grace was with me this morning as I was able to capture the moment.

What Turtles Taught Me: Turtles are very symbolic, often viewed as the doorway between our world and mythic underworld. In fact, some cultures believe that turtles are actually holding up the world. They are the oldest reptiles dating back from 157 million year ago. It’s shell is modified ribcage and part of its vertebral column. Consequently, they cannot be separated form its shell any more that we can be separated from who we are.
Even though turtles don’t mind when other turtles stack on top of their shell, they are not social creatures. That being said, they do show us how to grow old gracefully and about living in harmony with our environment. When we feel anxious, the pace of life gets too hectic, and our minds are spinning out of control, they show us how to slow down and go with the flow. Peace!

Bumble Bees, Givers & Recievers of Pleasure & Ecstasy and Wise Messengers

I had to get up real close and personal to capture the first two photos of a yellow-faced bumble bee. They are docile and peaceful by nature and tend to avoid human contact. However, if they feel cornered—with no avenue of escape—they will not hesitate to defend themselves. 

These beneficial insects are native to California, and are important pollinator of plants. They are here to help and teach us, not to hurt us. Bumble Bees zig-zag from flower-to-flower collecting its nectar. Their wings beat around 130 times per second. This allows them to perform a unique service called "buzz pollination," vibrating flowers until they release pollen. The pollen then attaches to its sensitive hind legs. The large load they collect is carried in “pollen baskets” which are dish-shaped indentations on their hind legs. The pollen is then passed onto other flowers, creating a process of fertilization.

The bumble bee symbolizes community, brightness and lightness of being. They remind us to slow down, smell the flowers and taste the sweet nectar of life. Their dance-like plant-to-plant movement represents the interconnectedness of all living things. Bumble bees are wise messengers
bringing the secrets of life and service. They teach us to be mindfully focused with the matter at hand, and to be fully engaged in our creative endeavors. They symbolize being productive while the sun is shining and to extract and savor the sweetness of life. Many ancient cultures considered bees to be messengers of the gods. 

The following poem by Khalil Gilbran speaks to the reciprocal relationship of giving and receiving between the bee and the flower:

“…Go to your fields and your gardens, and you shall learn that it is the pleasure of the bee to gather honey of the flower, but it is also the pleasure of the flower to yield its honey to the bee. For to the bee, a flower is a fountain of life, and to the flower, a bee is a messenger of love, and to both, bee and flower, the giving and the receiving of pleasure is a need and an ecstasy.”

Bee Kind!
Bee Happy!
Bee Yourself!

Photo credit 3: chumcubo.com (bee on gold flower)
Photo credit 4: Liam O'Brien (bee on spike lavender flower)
Quote credit 5: Mary Kay Ash (Aerodynamically...)

Our Cactus Garden Evokes Sweet Memories & Teachable Moments about Life

My home office overlooks our community cactus gardens on each side of the walking trail Cecile and I mindfully walk on each day. It also reminds me of my late mother, Maria who grew up in Sicily, and loved eating the fruit of the cactus. How fitting that these mysterious succulent plants would become such a source of enjoyment in my retirement years.

I first became acquainted with this particular species of cactus plants as a young boy while visiting our family in the old country. 

When I was 13, I drove my uncle’s Vespa and saw the cactus plants along the beach. I’m told they are a cheap and effective method of erosion control in the Mediterranean basin. Prickly pears are the fruit of the Opuntia cactus. My grandparents called them “Figidiini,” in Sicilian dialect. They can be eaten fresh, candied, mashed into marmalade, and can even be made into a prickly pear-flavored liqueur called “Ficodi.”

In those innocent days on the island, I attempted to pick a few of the prickly pears off the cactus plant—gloveless. My fingers prickled with pain for days afterwards. My mother had to pull them out with her tweezers. Every Sicilian family have laughingly told the story of American GIs in WWII, who plucked the fruit right off the cactus plant and bit into it. “Yikes.”:-)

We ate the fruit but not until the pinchy spines were peeled away by my nonna—and after it sat chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours. Unlike me, she knew what she was doing. When she cut back the peel, I was surprised to see the color of the prickly pear fruit, which ranged from bright yellow to orange, and evoked a fragrance of citrus. It “did,” look like a pear—with an indentity crisis. The juicy soft pulp contains tiny hard seeds that Sicilians simply swallow.

Their taste is similar to a sweet watermelon. They contain 85% water, are rich with Vitamin C, and have lots of other nutrients and phytochemicals. For people who want a little more kick to their fruit, Sicily make a prickly pear-flavored liqueur called “Ficodi” is produced. It has the flavor of a medicinal aperitif. 

Opuntia Cactus are also seen scattered throughout the Israeli hillside and looks like a natural part of the Israeli landscape. They were actually imported to Israel from Arizona and New Mexico and planted to serve as natural barriers and dividers. In Israeli, the term Sabra (in Hebrew), alludes to the tenacious, thorny cactus plant with a thick skin that conceals a sweet, soft luscious interior. It is a term of endearment for Israeli Jews, who are referred to as being tough on the outside, but delicate and sweet on the inside.

In the Native American tradition, cacti represent protection, patience, strength and endurance. They can survive difficult conditions, their roots run wide and deep. They continue to flower in the face of adversity. It is a great metaphor for the human condition that reminds us that we are capable of being strong and resilient, that we can survive whatever life throws in front of us, that we can flourish in good times and bad.

Bryce Courtenay author of “The Power of One,” talks about the cactus plant in a section of his book that resonated with me and drives home this point:

"The cactus has all the blessings…It has humility, but is not submissive. It grows where no other plant will grow. It does not complain when the sun bakes it, or the wind tears it from the cliff or drowns it in the dry sand of the desert or when it is thirsty.

When the rain comes it stores water for the hard times to come. In good times and in bad it will still flower. It protects itself against danger, but it harasses no other plant. It adapts perfectly to almost any environment. It has patience and solitude. The cactus has properties that heal the wounds of mend and from it comes potions that can make man touch the face of God or stare into the mouth of hell. It is the plant of patience of solitude, love and madness, ugliness and beauty, toughness and gentleness.”

Postscript:  Our neighbor, Lucy Vagonov, former chair of the landscaping committee at RInconada Hills is responsible for the installation of the cactus gardens that bring resident walking the trails and walking their dogs so much pleasure. 

The Hypnotic Glow and Quality of Stillness of a Cactus Flower

"Flowers don't worry about how they're going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful." —Jim Carrey

I am grateful to Howard, our next door neighbor, who has been nurturing a bright red cactus flower in a pot that has a short but showy blooming period. He called it an Epiphyllum (Greek: for upon the leaf), and he has been hybridizing these type of plants for over 20 years. As shown in these photos I took, It sits on the corner of a wall that borders our back yard patio. When the sunlight hits it, it exudes a hypnotic glow and a quaity of stillness and silence that sometimes eludes me during the course of a busy day. I literally “love” this flower, and in a reflective moment, I realized that Love is not about possession, but about appreciation and beauty, and a sacred wellspring that is always available to us if we take the time to see.

Our Friends Butterfly Garden & Reflecting on Personal Transformation

Recently, our friends Marianne, an artist and children’s book writer, and her husband, Brian a musician, composer and professor of music at San Jose State invited Cecile and I for dinner at their home. We were taken by the luscious grape colored flowers in their back yard. “We planted them to attract butterflies,” Marianne said. She proceeded to show us a photo she took of a Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly with striking yellow and black tiger stripes and distinctive orange spots near its tail. The Swallowtail is typically seen in gardens and urban park environments. Next to the Monarch, Swallowtails are the most common variety of butterflies.

In Chinese culture, two butterflies flying in tandem represent love. Butterfies symbolize a long life. In fact, in Mandarin, the word butterfly is hu-tieh, meaning 70 years. In the U.S., releasing butterflies at the end of a wedding ceremony bodes well for the marraige. 

The butterfly is the symbol of creativity, freedom and joy. Butterfies also represent growth and change, leaving the comfort, familiarity and safety of their cocoon to discover a new world, in a new form, trusting that their untested wings will allow them to fly with confidence, grace and freedom. A butterfly teaches us that exiting the cocoon suddenly opens a new door. It shows us the beauty and power of personal transformation. It is a natural process, just like breathing, but unlike breathing it can’t be forced or manipulated in any way. It is an inside job. 

Often transformation comes through hardships. We go kicking and screaming. Then one day we take a deep breath, and submit to the process of change that is brewing inside us. Other times, transformation comes to us by choice. We begin to see things more clearly and it becomes an invitation to learn, grow and change the trajectory of our lives. Whatever way it comes about, the outcome is the same. Like the butterfly, we all have the opportunity and ability to emerge from our cocoons—transformed.

1-Photo credit: Marianne Bickett
2-Photo credit: Original watercolor of Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly by Christie Michelsen: brightspiritrising.com

Hiking, Swinging Over a Creek, and Visiting a Toppled 1,000 yr old Advocate Tree in Aptos, CA

After my story of the uprooted 30 ft. Aleppo tree in our gated community appeared in the Los Gatos Times Observer, I forwarded it to Kathleen O’Malley, an Aqua Yoga fitness instructor at BayClub, Courtside. Like myself, Kathy is a devoted nature lover. She emailed me a photo along with a note to let me know that at the moment she received my news item, she was at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos, CA. She was at the site of the 1,000 year old "Advocate Tree," that had toppled during the winter storms. I decided I had to go see it for myself and pay my respects to this grand daddy of old-growth redwoods. So I recruited my friend Jimi Hunter to join me.

Jimi and I made several attempts to find the fallen remains of The Advocate Tree by following the map (poorly, I may add) given to us by the ranger at the entrance to the park. We retraced our steps, crossed wooden bridges, and climbed over other fallen tree limbs. I even slid off a long slippery log into the creek—landing partially on my right lower extremity—while trying to get to the the other side. Fortunately my cell phone camera in my left pant pocket didn't get wet. It's been said that Sometimes you have to make a wrong turn before you find your way. My wife Cecile will tell you that's the story of my life:-). It turns out Jimi is as geographically challenged as I am. But perserverance paid off and we found the giant redwood.

Before it fell from grace, The Historic Advocate Tree, was an old growth coastal redwood, more than 250 feet tall and measuring 45 feet in circumference. The majestic tree was named after a conservation group, responsible for the maintenance and improvements of the nearly 10,000 acre park including 30 miles worth of walking trails. The climb to the top of the massive 20 ft. root structure that was completely upended was somewhat daunting, especially for someone like myself who has a bit of phobia about heights.

The Advocate Tree had a colorful past. It was around during the time of the Anasazi (“Ancient Ones”) cliff dwellers, believed to be ancestors of the moden Pueblo Indians. It was alive when Genghis Khan ruled Mongolia; when Joan of ark was burned at the stake; while William of Normandy invaded England; when the Spanish Conquistadors conquered the Americas, during the African Slave Trade, The Salem Witch Trials, The American Revolution and the Civil War. 

According to a local resident, he had heard the colossal tree topple over in a resounding crash that shook him to his core on Monday, January 9, 2017. When we got to the site, there it lay—broken into several monumental sections. I now understood why locals were saddened, feeling as if they had lost an old and faithful friend. 

The California Poppy—where California Bees Sleep

"At the close of a summer day, tired-winged bees to a safe shelter fly, to poppies, who wrap them away...in a lullaby..."
—Grace Hibbard, 1901

Thanks to the record rains we had this past winter and Spring, the signature orange-golden California poppy flowers are blooming. I took the first two and fourth photo in the wooded areas behind our town house.

The California poppy is an attractive native wildflower. More than a century ago, in 1903 it became the state flower and protected by state law prohibiting anyone from picking or destroying it. April 6 was dubbed California Poppy Day. 

On cooler, windy, cloudy days and chilly nights, the poppy closes its’ petals to protect it’s reproductive organs. The golden poppies are what the children call sleeping flowers; and as evening approaches they close up. Tucked snugly inside the petals in a warm embrace one can find bees fast asleep with their legs tucked up, and their shiny bodies covered with pollen. 

Early Spanish settlers called the poppy copa del ora (cup of gold) due to its cup like appearance when fully open. 
California poppies make their greatest showing, on the grazed lands of California hillsides since animals avoid eating the bitter-tasting plants. 

Native California Indians used poppies for food and medicine. The plants were boiled or roasted on hot stones to eat as greens. Other tribes used the flower as a potent scalp rub to kill lice, and still other tribes used it as a poultice of fresh root for toothaches. The poppy plant also has sedative and analgesic properties and some say it can be used to treat pateints with insomnia and anxiety.
Photo credit: The fourth photo with the bumble bee foraging for pollen was taken by Kathy Keetley Garvey.

Postscript: Grace Hibbard's full poem circa 1901:

WHERE CALIFORNIA BEES SLEEP

When the cold white fog rolls in from the sea,

At the close of a summer day,

Tired—winged bees to a safe shelter fly,

To poppies, who wrap them away

In blankets of soft, shining, satin sheen—

Silken coverlets fit for kings,—

And breezes sway in a lullaby way

The bees with the tired wings.

But lo! when the the sun shines out once again,

And kisses the tops of the trees,

The poppies unfold into cups of gold,

And away fly the honey-bees.

In Honor of Earth Day: Visiting with Canada Geese & their Goslings

The destiny of humans cannot be separate from the destiny of Earth [and all living things].                                                                                                                          —Thomas Berry

Cecile and I have been captivated by these Canada Geese and their adorable goslings we visit during our morning walk at the main lake—a stone’s throw away from where we live. 
Geese symbolize the sacred circle of life, cooperation, communication, knowing when to lead and when to follow. I was suprised to learn that Geese are not really from Canada. The true migratory goose was almost driven to extinction from excessive hunting over 50 years ago…

By happenstance, wildlife officials in some areas of the country began a national recovery program by taking and incubating nest eggs from “decoy” geese they had captured to lure other geese coming down from Canada.

Eventually the young were deposited throughout the US., sometimes in areas where geese weren’t present. Consequently, the resident goose was born. Resident geese don’t migrate to Canada since in part, they don’t know the way…Eventually, their young offspring were drawn to U.S. parks, lakes and ponds…They stay in the U.S. because this is where they were born…”However,” says journalist Mary Lou Simms, "If some handsome, non-migratory dude finds the love of his life in a migratory group, his life instantly changes. He becomes part of the cycle for which he was originally intended. They head for Canada because the female determines the nesting site.”

Canada geese resist being touched or petted…The way they show affection for humans and each other is by a honk, chirp or coo. Geese usually hiss when strangers come too close…especially, while protecting their newborns. “When they fall in love," says Simms, "It is a lifetime committment. They mate once a year and the parents-gander (male) and goose (female)…raise their young goslings together, sharing the responsibiities.” As they say, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.🙂

Resident geese—who have fewer challenges in the wild—can live to be 25 or 30 years as opposed to migratory geese who are exposed to CLIMATE CHANGE which on one hand improves breeding due to warmer conditions but on the hand, places the mother at more risk of being attacked by predators.
Source cited: Mary Lou Simms, Journalist, Investigative reporter for The Huffington Post blog