Small Stone: January 9, 2014

Reflecting is a January pastime for many of us ─ the year that is past and how we envision the year ahead. Almost unconsciously, I have been looking at reflections in windows, the bay and even in my own mirror. Walking along a nearby street, I saw this incredibly clean and polished motorcycle and realized that what we cherish is so often a reflection of who we are…I think I know a bit about the owner of this spotless machine. I have no idea who he/she is, except the pride in this particular possession is definitely a reflection.

Small Stone: January 8, 2014

Watching this beautiful piece of seaweed drifting in San Francisco Bay was a moment of serenity this morning. Gray skies added to the sense of closeness and modified the colors of the water and plant. Nothing sad, it was not about being detached or floating helplessly. Simply an appreciation of beauty and the peaceful feeling of that moment.

Small Stone: January 7, 2014

It is clean up time here for the Christmas trees. Every street corner seems to be a resting place for fading holiday greens.  I had not thought of the terror that will befall humans for disregarding the nature of pines…”you humans will soon meet the same fate”. These signs are attached to trees up and down the streets of my neighborhood. It will be difficult to sleep tonight, post-consumption ritual.

Small Stone: January 6, 2014

A consortium of nonprofits in San Francisco has started providing mobile showers and toilet facilities in specially refurbished/decommissioned buses from SF MUNI for homeless people around the City. The “comfort vans” are run by a group called Lava Mae (coined from the Spanish lavame--“wash me”). They take the buses to where the homeless people actually are located...the folks don't have to come to a facility.

 As part of their civic awareness to help with crowdfunding online for the project, they recently had an artists contest to come up with outrageous art that would call attention to the project. This is one of three toilets that artists re-imagined. This one is called "comfurt". It caused me to laugh when I saw them today at the Women’s Building. And then, thinking about what life would be like without a shower or a private toilet made the smile go away. A great project.

Small Stone: January 5, 2014

The weather here remains unseasonably warm and dry. I spent sometime in my little winter garden pruning back, watering and just enjoying the morning sun. On a walk through nearby Dolores Park, people were firing up barbeques, playing Frisbee and just lounging in the sun. Strangely, both of these things brought on feelings of un-ease and even a little bit of guilt at enjoying the day. Both the environment and our economy need actual winter to prosper. Makes me aware of how guilt was always at the edge of pleasure in my upbringing. Monday will be warm and sunny again, and probably tinged with that familiar feeling. And, looking back at previous year's postings here....there is a similar January picture. Ah, how things don't change.

Small Stone: January 4, 2014

Through the years when life was uncertain or plans not clearly made, I would imagine going on a jet to some place that I never had seen. Or, sometimes actually go. Even putting my foot to the pedal on my beloved cars would substitute for that when I was much younger. Today, I saw this marvelous vapor trail…one of several planes leaving San Francisco flying west into the sunset. Life plans are uncertain at the moment. And, I realized that the escape to far away places fantasy is gone.

Small Stone: January 3, 2014

The process of turning gold from a friend’s orange tree in Sonoma into marmalade had a couple of big issues today. First of all, they brought two huge paint buckets full of oranges…after 6 small batches we had about 40 jars and still one bucket full …the photo is what is remaining. A LOT of work, but a lot of fun, too. We laughed and fussed and it was a great day of friends cooperating on a “sweet” project. Sadly, the last batch was on the burner nearly too long…the old Belgian cast iron pot now has a serious patch of burned sugar that is soaking. Most of the jars will be gifts of California “gold” to friends and acquaintances over the next months. A significant portion will be on my toast these winter mornings!