Startled
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Willits
When we came, a patch of mountain was already cleared to let sunshine, in this dense woods. We moved heaps of tree trunks cut in one meter logs to be used as steps in the terraced slopes. Matt was resting after being stung by yellow jackets nesting in the ground. I lifted a log to the wheelbarrow when I heard hissing. I looked down. Out of reflex, I dropped the log and jumped because a rattlesnake was taking aim to strike! I guess with my sudden movement, it was also jolted and coiled back. Funny, we both startled each other.
Eco-Comfort
Wednesday, September 9, 2009MELC, Willits
It was a typical four-cornered room with layered twigs for walls giving you that airy feeling and a cloth for a door. A hanging wooden button (a chopped tree branch) tells if it’s occupied or not. Turn Green for “Go” (Yes you can) and Red for “Stop” (Wait for your turn). After you’re done drop a handful of hay and close the lid then spray the room with eco air freshener. All except me use this avant-garde toilet because at the back is the woods, and that’s where I go when nature calls.
As Big As Your Ear
MELC, Willits
I stooped and whispered, I will tell you a secret about these eggs. What? Willow whispered back. The best tasting egg is the one that is as big as your ear. One by one, she grabbed an egg and hold it against her ear. When she came to the last one, I exclaimed, It’s just as big as your ear! She shrieked in delight. Later, as Willow munched on a hardboiled egg, we gathered as she tells the story of how she found the best tasting egg ever, but will not tell exactly how. It’s a secret, she said.
Being Fastidious
MELC, Willits
Max’ Dad Harry came one evening. He was garbed in a wizard’s wardrobe complete with a walking stick. It was an enchanting night all right, the stars were out and it was a bit chilly, the camp tent was illuminated only by a faint light. Then Harry started telling his stories, mostly of Indian gods and kings and immortals. Two of them are about being “fastidious”. Until this night, I never knew such a word exists.
Country Singing & A Stuck Van
MELC, Willits
Greg and Ashley just moved in from Florida to Northern California so they still have that distinctive Southern twang. Greg plays the guitar and sings country. Hayden joins in with his heavy Australian accent while I hum with their music. Hayden was traveling with Jo in a van which got stuck in soft mud, and all the power and might we had were spent to wiggle it out.
A Bit Of Tree
MELC, Willits
Mattia was toying with his finger. He seemed to be bothered by it. I asked, what’s wrong. He said, There is a bit of tree in my finger. I couldn’t quite get what he meant until he showed me the splinter in his finger. It was a bit of tree all right. Later, Maria asked where Matt is. Elena said, He is still in the toilet washing away the dirtiness in his body. I could not contain my laughter with these stories so they stuck in my brain.
