Coastland Contemplations - by Michele Oksen
2011 and 2010 Columns
December, 2011 Coulter Pines – From Earth to Heaven
Years ago it was customary that my parents, brother, and I venture into the heart of the Santa Lucia Mountains to our property, select, and harvest the perfect Christmas tree. Of course, nowadays we buy a live tree and plant it after the holidays, but back in the 1960's we had a different tradition. Somewhere to the side of the truck trail, usually on the uphill slope, we'd see an appropriate sized Coulter pine, cut it down, strap it onto the top of the station wagon, and haul it home.
November, 2011 Wind – Transmission of Clear and Direct Communications
For the most part, wind on our Slo Coast is simply a cleansing ocean breeze. You can enjoy wind that makes music in the pines. You can appreciate, more often than not, that wind here blows in good quality air rather than blasts off your hat. Sure sometimes it challenges your good hair day, gives you a reason to bring along a jacket, or makes it difficult to keep your high profile vehicle in between the lines of your lane on the road, but rarely does it generate fear that our homes will sail off to Oz.
October, 2011 Coffeeberries – Relieve Stress, Laugh a Little
While hiking the woodlands of our SLO coast you may see signs left behind by black bears. One of the most common indications that a bear walked the trail before you is a big pile of bear poop. This time of year these piles are likely full of seeds that resemble coffee beans because the coffeeberry shrubs are ripe with fruit.
September, 2011 Jade – Be a Gem, Practice Patience
So many beautiful landscapes, seascapes, people, foods, and fun activities make our SLO Coast a great place to live or visit. And if you're in the market for acquiring some kind of treasure from this area you're in luck because we have them everywhere. Even something as seemingly ordinary as a stone from one of our beaches can be a cherished prize.
August, 2011 Prickly Pear Cactus – Live and Learn
Travel along our SLO coast and you might notice patches of prickly pear cactus along
some of the roadsides and hillsides. Not only does prickly pear cactus, Opuntia ficus-
June, 2011 Madrone Trees – the Beauty of Transformation
These SLO Coast woodlands of ours support many kinds of trees. There are quite a few types of oak trees, several varieties of pines, sycamores, big leaf maples, and madrone trees—to name a few.
The madrone trees—not the brush called manzanita but full sized madrone trees—have leaves that are scoop shaped and serving spoon sized. These leaves adorn elegant branches that extend out like the graceful arms of posed ballerinas.
May, 2011 Driftwood—the Art of Surrender
Beachcombers come from all over the world to explore our coast. Especially after a substantial storm when driftwood is plentiful and strewn all over our beaches. Some come specifically to harvest the free wood that lands on our shores.
April, 2011 Wildflowers—the Beauty of Authenticity
Not only are wildflowers attractive to bees and butterflies, they appeal to bouquet makers as well. When it comes to a gift from—and for—the heart there's nothing like a handpicked mini wildflower arrangement to lift our spirits. I say, "mini" because my mom taught my brother, Eric, and me to be frugal with the wildflowers. She explained how they needed to stay rooted in order to come to fruition and cast their seeds. That way, nature's display was insured for generations to come.
Note: columns prior to April, 2011 were originally published under the name, “Nature’s Voice”
March, 2011 Grass – a Well-
Are you one of those people who love all the green grasses that cover our SLO coast hillsides this time of year? Those of us who are fortunate enough to live here know how to enjoy the soothing sight of the lushness while it lasts. When we have occasion to drive along any of our local highways we can't help but take inventory of the green as it all too soon turns to the color of a golden Palomino.
February, 2011 Bay Laurel -
They are the woodlands enchantresses. They seduce the mind. They beckon the will. They are special trees, better known as Bay Laurels. Not only do Bay Laurels' beauty and aroma arouse the senses, their hearts inspire craftsmanship worldwide.
January, 2011 Shorelines – Tricky Transitions
A new year offers a great occasion to focus on transition from one stage of personal development to another. Sounds simple right? Just decide to change and, "poof," out pops perfection. No fuss, no muss. We wish. More like, "poof," out pops a pimple from all the stress of trying to be perfect. Patience with oneself, as well as others, is important during this process. Change can be challenging.
December, 2010 Sunlight – Feel the Love
Oh joy. The shortest days of the year are here. Unfortunately for many people this bums us out, especially since this occurs right when we're expected to be merry. Personally, short daylight hours make me feel more like a bear than a bearer of gifts. Sometimes I truly wish hibernation was an option.
November, 2010 Acorns—Hope in a Nutshells
If you've ever tried eating a raw acorn you might wonder why squirrels, deer, birds, and horses find them so tasty. Yuk. The critters can have them. However, I will say if you're inclined to work really hard for your meal, acorns prepared properly are delightful.
However, I will say if you're inclined to work really hard for your meal, acorns prepared properly are delightful.
October, 2010 Nature's Voice Moonstones – Glimpsing the Glorious
In these challenging times we instinctively know it's good for us to visit the seashore. Nature encourages health. Time spent in the great outdoors is not an indulgence. It is powerful medicine.
One great way to take in some nature is to spend an afternoon at Moonstone Beach in Cambria. Not only is it a favorite destination for moonstone enthusiasts, it's also a fabulous place to soothe the soul.
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