Letters to the Editor for November 15, 2009

Fond farewells

Dear Kenwood,

During this time of year, when the nights are longer and the autumn weather beckons us to pull inward, to start storing our energy, I am inclined to look within and count my blessings. My life has changed so much this year, but change is a constant so what can I do? I miss Kenwood – the quiet, the quaint, the familiar, the stars, the smell. My commutes are long but how could we give up Kenwood School? When big changes happen in a family, consistency is one thing that a child needs; maintaining the loving support and awareness of the staff and families at Kenwood Elementary has been one of the best things for my daughter. Thank you!

As a school community, and village, we are also lucky to have Barbara Greenup and Edwin too! Barbara is absolutely amazing with her tireless efforts to make the holidays special with annual decorating bonanzas. It really is amazing what she does and Halloweens seem to get better and better each year. It’s even more amazing to think that lights and splendor are still on the way with Christmas just around the bend!

Speaking of Christmas, I want to remind everyone to shop local. As long time friends of Michael and Aspen, I’m eternally in awe with respect for their hard work. The feed store is a creative endeavor indeed – full of the whimsical, with what many people consider to be the best music source in the world! The soundtracks are diverse, always ahead of the curve with sounds from Pink Martini, Harry Belafonte, Iz, Madeline Peyroux, Melody Gardot and more – all there while we get our pet supplies, feed, and daydream our gardens into a sanctuary. We are very fortunate to have Swede’s and if there is anyone who can pull off the Kenwood Farmhouse, they can do it! Gifts galore, artwork, children’s toys and even handmade beeswax candles. Between the delicious coffee, the clothes, garden art, and honey, both shops have added beauty to my life. And because of their relationships with the winery folk and generous vendors, a number of successful fundraisers have been possible over the years. It’s been outstanding. (For those of you who don’t know, my friendships with Mike and Aspen were the reason I came to Kenwood while pregnant with Nelly. They are also her godparents and we have celebrated many holidays and birthdays together along with other special friends- you know who you are!)

Then there’s the immediate neighborhood around the school – Janis Jennings first created a gorgeous sight adding a porch and garden to her home across from the school, and then not one but two, classy shops. The creativity and drive appears endless.

I especially want to send my love to the Fletcher Family, whose son, Brian, was one of the greatest joys we met along the street on our walks. He always had time for a chat and smiles and eye contact. We cherish his memory and keep his light in our hearts especially since September marked two years since he left our living world. Still, we know he’s doing something special for the Supreme Ultimate Creative Source of All Life. How could it be any other way considering he did so much in his time alive?

I also appreciate the Kenwood Community Church and the Community Club and the giving people affiliated with both. The presence of both and the friends from each are meaningful to me.

I still haven’t figured out how to predict my future but regardless of what comes and where my path will lead, I will never forget the many treasures that have made up the joy I’ve known living at 171 Randolph. Everything from an unplanned home birth on the living room floor to stocking up preserves from the fruit trees, birthday parties, camping at Sugarloaf, and running the 10K for the 4th of July have made me glad I can remember the good ol’ days of yesterday. There are too many names to mention but to you who’ve shared in my life and the life of my family, we are grateful.

Love and Blessings, Kenwood “Walnut Town!” May your holiday season be marked with heartfelt joys and slow food at the table with your loved ones.

Keep in touch,

Celosia Mae Arcadia

Santa Rosa

Dear Editors,

In March 2007, I had the great fortune to move to Morton’s Warm Springs in beautiful Glen Ellen. Once again, change is in the wind for me and I will be moving on. I would like to express my great appreciation to the people of Glen Ellen, Sonoma and the surrounding communities.

Thanks to my tenure, I had the pleasure to welcome fifth generation families and share their joy, speak with Sandy Morton Sandine, her husband, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, as well as Tine Sherman, granddaughter of Mabel Miller Conalt, and the Bozettos. Collaborating with such great organizations as the Sonoma Ecology Center, Valley of the Moon Teen Center, and the Bouverie Preserve was incredible and educational.

I am most grateful to the 13 Healing Moons of the Great Turtle Mystery School that brought their prayers, teachings and healings to this land and water. Ah, the Valley of the Moon will always have a place in my heart.

Many thanks and blessings to you all.

Marian Elton Seiter

Glen Ellen