North Coast Winds by Robin Joy Wellman — April 2020
First, my thoughts and prayers are with each of you and especially anyone who has been affected in any way. I would be remiss if I did not say something. So far, the ‘coast is clear’, at least as far as I know. When I turn inside and say a ‘prayer’ (call it what you want) from my heart, it is for our earth and all beings. The song ‘Breathing Under Water’ by Emeli Sande is especially comforting as the words, “I believe in miracles” is a good saying about now. I pray for miracles and for healing. We all do. Please take a look and listen. Have something to wipe tears away! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye-3d2QCz2o
We all are talking about, learning about, and living with this pandemic (which is what we should be doing). For this moment let’s focus on the Earth since it is Earth Day Wednesday April 22. When I read about the air clearing, the water clearer, neighbors’ texting as they identify bird calls, and families spending time together outside this is the good news. Our Earth needed this pause. Our earth is breathing! And now we all get a chance to change our global and local footprint, to clear our calendars, to be home, and a chance to self-reflect on our lives.
Working in your garden providing for your own needs is super. However, when you make a run to the grocery store maybe call one person (whether older or young) and see how they are doing and what they might need. It can keep more people at home and that is a good thing. I want to highlight Anchor Bay Grocery Store in Anchor Bay and the sweetest owners Barbara and Alfredo. It is truly my pleasure as I have known them for over 25 years. They have always been in the grocery business and they were my ‘go to’ staff when I had a question. They treat their customers with love and kindness. Their food is the best of quality while their store is charming and full of details, fresh local sustainably grown custom cut meats, wild fish, organic veggies and products, plus homemade soups and sandwiches made fresh every day. From Facebook “They also have gluten free and vegan options. Anchor Bay Store is the only store on the Coast to sell Navarro Wines, which pair very well….” Reviews from costumers share the same sentiments “Not only a great market with attention to organic and GF food, but owned and staffed by great community-oriented people”. Most importantly it is a small store and good social distancing can be practiced. Go local and make the drive to Anchor Bay Store. Along the way stop and enjoy a walk on the beach. Check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anchorbaystore/.
[Unfortunately at time of press all parks have been closed due to the pandemic, but keep these in mind for the brighter future]
With most events being cancelled on our coast I want to highlight the parks around you. [Unfortunately at time of press all parks have been closed due to the pandemic, but keep these in mind for the brighter future]. Salt Point State Park has numerous trails along the bluff, the pygmy forest, open prairies, rhododendrons, and old growth redwoods. For more info visithttps://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=453 . For a short hike the Gualala Bluff Trail is beautiful and offers some nice views.https://www.mendocinolandtrust.org/trails/southern-coastal-trails/gualala-blufflands-trail. And for a longer hike the Stornetta Public Lands has miles of hiking. https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/10003970/2 . There are several pullouts to share a sunset. With changes every day being noted on it is best to make sure these parks are open. Please follow the advice and directives of your county and state officials.
Now that you are home please send me a note about how you are doing, what is your game plan, are you getting outdoors, friendly reminders for neighbors. I would love to hear from you. I hope you brighten your day listening to the sounds around you. Here are some words from Elton John’s earliest album -
“I meant to do my work today, a brown bird sang in the apple tree … and a butterfly flitted across the field and all the leaves were calling me…."
http://www.eltonography.com/songs/i_meant_to_do_my_work_today.html
By the way if you learn this verse it is more than 20 seconds when washing your hands. Many blessings.
