Nature, Unfiltered: The Rattlesnake on the Steps
While clearing leaves near the lower steps of the property, a small rattlesnake appeared curled tightly against the wood after being startled by the sound of a blower. The patterned snake blended naturally into the surrounding steps and stone.
Listening to the Wild: A Day of Stillness and Birds in Topanga
This weekend, I spent a full day outside at the retreat center in Topanga—lounging in the sun, slowing my breath, and tuning into the sounds of the natural world. As spring blooms across the hills, I found myself drawn into a deeper relationship with the birds around me: hummingbirds, falcons, owls, and a stunning pair of California quail. Their songs, dances, and quiet presence became the soundtrack to a day that reminded me how nourishing stillness can be.