California Dreamin', part 3

For this last glimpse of Davis, California

I offer you this

from the central park

Overhanging the bench -

artichokes!

I'd never before seen an artichoke growing

and it made me laugh

to see it so boldly there.

The first thing that came to mind

was a descriptive paragraph 

written by one of my 11th grade English students

nearly 30 years ago.

The student described a woman in a blue scarf

standing in an artichoke field.

The image was so vivid that I've carried it in my mind

all these many years -

So intriguing, the words and images

that stay with us,

don't you think?

A woman in a blue scarf

standing in an artichoke field.

xx

California Dreamin', part two

More from Davis, California

We are made of many pieces

We are playful

(See me in the overhead mirror?)

Trees bring peace

The wonder of an apricot tree!

The elegance of redwoods!

Such calm in this park

in Davis, California

such tranquility

xx

California Dreamin' and Being . . .

Book tours have often led me to coastal California

to San Francisco, Los Angeles,

San Diego, San Jose

but this past week I've been in the central valley

flying into Sacramento

and then on to UC-Davis

where I worked with teacher candidates.

Near my charming cottage/inn

was a small park with elegant gardens

and each morning before the workshops

I spent time here.

Amid the roses and lavender and scores of native plants

were intricate mosaics

and sculptures

Even the waste containers were decorative:

More tomorrow from this special park

but first I need to say

that as special as the park is - 

the people I've met at UC Davis

are even more special:

one of the most memorable trips ever -

and I came away with such hope

and a very full heart.

xx