This is an updated version of a blog post I wrote in 2011!
I hope you enjoy!
On Mother’s Day in 1997; we purchased this vacant lot. It is a little over two acres; however it seems like more because it is in the middle of 90!
On one side is a 40 acre nature preserve protected by the Land Trust. There is a lovely trail through it; maintained by the Montecito Trails Association. It will be a nature preserve in perpetuity.
On two sides, is a 42 acre estate which belonged to a friend of my Mother’s from Pasadena who was 100 years old when we bought the lot next door. That estate is the last one of its size left in the heart of Montecito. There is one house on the other side.
This is the house next door.
Tracey Jackson
It’s amazing what happens when good taste and good intentions merge!
Sep 13, 2011 @ 9:45 pm
penelopebi
this one…..and I appreciate all of them with all my heart…..brought tears to my eyes. I took my daughter (who is now 41; to Kenya when she was 16 , and we visited Isak Dinesen’s house! I read that book, and loved it. I do not remember the “pond” story. I must have remembered it on some level. It is the same story!! Thank you!!!
Sep 14, 2011 @ 5:24 am
penelopebi
Thank you , Tracey…….love you!
Sep 14, 2011 @ 5:26 am
penelopebi
Oh Brooke! It is because of you that I have a blog! And what joy it brings me! Thank you!
Sep 14, 2011 @ 5:29 am
Tara Dillard
You are Russell Page. Do you have his, The Education Of A Gardener?
Our bodies react to the ions of water, forcefully pulled. A lucky few are highly attuned.
In a landscape Russell Page had it. Once you read his words you’ll realize all you ‘felt’ & did.
Alas, I had to remove a pond (I had built) to put in my conservatory. 1 pond remains….
Love your duck stories.
Garden & Be Well, XO T
Sep 14, 2011 @ 1:13 pm
penelopebi
Oh my! I sat and laughed for 5 minutes this morning about this comment! I approved it; and it asked me “are you sure you want to do this?” And then I laughed five more minutes!!! That is the compliment of a lifetime!!!
Heather
My goodness, I do believe that it is possible. I have seen a ghost (unfortunately) and so know that there are things that we can’t explain in this world–so happy that yours was such a happy one!
Sep 13, 2011 @ 9:56 pm
Karen
What a great story and history lesson for the beautiful area you live in. I have always thought Montecito was a little slice of heaven!
Thanks for sharing.
Karen
Sep 13, 2011 @ 10:58 pm
velvet and linen
Your property is such a magical place. I think of you as Snow White, with your chickens and ducks and all of the creatures on your property loving you!
I think they know and appreciate all that you have done for them. They live in paradise!
xo
Brooke
JOAN
for the love of a house
So happy that you listened to the command! It is beautiful. And, I’m thinking the ducks are happy you did too.
joan
Sep 14, 2011 @ 12:27 am
Bette
Penelope,
What’s meant to be will be and so it is. How lovely that you “hear” what is shared for the greater good. Thank you for sharing this lovely history and beautiful intervention for the love of nature.
Sep 14, 2011 @ 3:09 am
Pamela
This reminds me so much of Isak Dinesen in Out of Africa. Do you remember the scene in which she is trying to convince her manservant to help her build a pond?
“If you put a dam here to stop the water…. then I can make a pond here.”
“This water must go home to Mombasa.”
“It can go home. After we make a pond.”
It’s a lovely pond. So happy you put it make where it should be!
Sep 14, 2011 @ 4:44 am
Well, I think you discovered you have dousing gifts. Now you can have a side line.
Best,
Liz
Beautiful!!! Good for you sticking to your guns! Your intuition was right!