A Sense of Place -
2010 and 2009 Columns
June, 2010 The Crow
IMy entire immediate family is standing on the edge of a canyon located on my family's ranch. It's nearly sunset. My mother asks each of us to take a handful of my father's ashes and spread them on the edge. We do. She wants some of the ashes to blow over the cliff, and we all take a collective gasp as she steps right up to the edge of rocky ledge. The wind carries the remainder into the void and immediately a huge bird flys up out of the canyon. Some of us see a crow. Some of us see a hawk. My mom turns to us, amazed, hopeful "Do you think that was Dad's spirit?”
May, 2010 The Tip of the Iceburg
When I first started with Central Coast Natural History Association, I couldn't believe my good fortune to work towards such a great cause that was so close to my heart: preserving and promoting our local State Parks. The Parks were so spectacular, and I thought, having just been here a year when I started, do the people who grew up here know how lucky they are to have these parks? (I have since been learning, that yes, the natives do in fact know).
April, 2010 The Elevator Speech
When I first became the Executive Director for (big breath) "Central Coast Natural History Association," (drag in another breath) it took me about six months before I could say that in one breath. Many times, before I get to the end of it, I see peoples' eyes glaze over, and I know I'm in trouble. Even if I get past our name, I often have to explain what that means, and let's just say, "It's complicated."
January, 2010 The "Unnatural" History in our State Parks
This time of year, there are usually Black-
December, 2009 View from a State Park Bench
Whenever I get a few minutes to myself and take a breather while at the Museum of
Natural History at Morro Bay State Park, I take the "road less traveled" to the south
of the museum. About half way around is a park bench on the path. It's one of the
most beautiful and restful vistas I have ever seen. Above me on White Point are Chumash
Grinding Holes (some view from the kitchen!). This time of year, there are usually
Black-
November, 2009 A Sense of Place: Your California State Parks
Many of you know our local parks to be a fabulous place for a quick drive, a picnic lunch, a good surfing set, or a "must do" for your out of town guests. We love our parks. But how many of you remember that you are landowners? And not just a tiny bit of land, but thousands and thousands of acres? These parks are literally yours, your legacy as citizens of the State of California. I’ve been invited to write a regular column here about your landholdings, your parks.