Fire Ecology

August 6, 2016Jessica Neafsey

Two weeks ago Friday, I left home as the #Soberanesfire crested and moved through these coastal mountains... Upon returning, it took my breath away to see one whole facade of my home covered in an incredible diversity of #moths and beetles, who all appeared to be resting... Among them I met this handsome guy.. A #ceanothussilkmoth, or #Hyalophoraeuryalus... What a time to emerge - these moths only live two weeks as an adult... This one was born into the chaparral's season of fire. Lacking a mouth or digestive system, these moths gain their wings and feathery antennae to seek out their mate... I would wear these colors and patterns in pursuit of the same, wouldn't you?!! Something sexy coming soon!!! #animacalifornia #everydayecology #ecoliteracy #conservation #connection #fortheloveofawildlife #fireecology

Hope to see lots of beautiful wildlife-inspired art and poetry at this year’s California Wildlife Day celebration! #Repost @californiawildlifeday with @get_repost ・・・ California Wildlife Day is in 4 weeks!!! Do your kiddos have their submissions ready for the art and poetry contest? Here are the guidelines... #cwd2019 #wildcalifornia

“Be really whole, and all things will come to you.” Lao Tzu #koa

Day is coming to Carmel!! Come make beauty like this for a Morning Altars hands-on workshop at Palo Corona Park - Saturday March 16 at 10 AM - the link to register is in my Instagram bio — $30. #Repost @morningaltars with @get_repost ・・・ “The feeling we get from these geometric patterns weaves us back into a recognition of oneness and connection. It reminds us of the greater collective story we are a part of: that all the infinite ways the many in life are becoming one.” 🏵 Excerpt from “Morning Altars: A 7-Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit with Nature, Art and Ritual”

Come meet earth artist @morningaltars Day Schildkret for a lovely evening book talk at the shop here in downtown Carmel, and get your signed copy in advance of the altar workshop the following Saturday at Palo Corona! See previous post.

As this glorious winter gives way to the first poppies blooming, and the renewal of spring, join us for Anima’s first ever community event – an altar making workshop led by one of my favorite living earth artists, @morningaltars Day Schildkret! Day’s new book, “Morning Altars: A Seven Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit Through Nature, Art and Ritual,” is filled with exquisite ephemeral earth art and beautiful writing from his own heartfelt journey, which invites us all into the joy and meaning that can be found in this simple practice of bringing our creativity to nature. Whether you’ve dabbled or are newly curious; any age; rain or shine, join us for a morning of collecting, clearing, creating, sharing, and releasing on the banks of the Carmel River at our beloved newest park – Palo Corona. This landscape, the former Rancho Canada Golf Course, is itself in a process of renewal and rewilding under new stewardship by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District – what a perfect place to engage for what I promise to be a fun and beautiful morning! Day will be doing a reading and book signing at Anima in downtown Carmel Thursday March 14th at 6:30, with books available for purchase in advance of the workshop. Wine, juice and chocolate will be served, and all ages most welcome! In Day’s words: “Morning Altars is like a cookbook filled with a visual feast meant to inspire you to nourish your life. It is my hope that the stories move you, the wisdom empowers you, and that the seven-step recipe teaches you how to craft your own beautiful earth altars to not just feed your life but as an offering back to this wild and wonderful planet.” The Morning Altars Workshop will be held on Saturday March 16th from 10 AM-2 PM at Palo Corona Regional Park (former Rancho Canada Golf Club) at 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA 93923. There is plenty of parking, and restrooms on site. We will meet at the entrance to the Discovery Center and walk an accessible path down near the river for the workshop. More info to follow. You can register for the event here: https://e.sparxo.com/MACarmel And explore Day’s website for more context here: https://www.morningaltars.com/al

POPPIES popped! #seasonsofCalifornia

What color are you underneath? #polypodium #redwoodforest

What color are you underneath? #oxalisoregana #redwoodforest

What kinds of longing does winter awaken in you? For me it’s wanting to be swimming deep in warm water. This February finds me remembering Fiji........... Let yourself dream, and book those tickets! Winter reminds us to take care of our souls, calls us beyond ourselves, and the everyday ❤️#peaceofwinter #peaceofthewild #peaceofwater #onebreath #onelife

I just might have to make a rainbow silk to honor this glorious winter!

Sold! One of the Black Cottonwood series just found a home in Toronto, Ontario. Love sending visitors home with an authentic piece of California ❤️ #populustrichocarpa #bigsurriver #fineartphotography #carmelbythesea

Really feeling the yellow today! A sunshine valentine from me to each of you! ✨⭐️⚡️🌕☀️🍋💛🌼 As May Erlewine @may_erlewine sings so sweetly “Count your blessings while you can, Take your loved ones by the hand.” #unconditionalkindness #lovealllife

Look who decided to burst into bloom today, in the midst of these powerful storms! No wonder I wanted to wear yellow this morning 💛 Thanks for making me smile #bulbine. Shop is open!

“I searched, but no one else had your rhythms, your light.” Pablo Neruda #vitis

When change comes in fast and warm....... #monasterybeach #lovechange #seasonsofcalifornia

Thanks for the love @carmel.chamber ❤️❤️❤️ #Repost @carmel.chamber with @get_repost ・・・ Beautiful new pieces at the incredible Anima located in San Carlos Square in Carmel. #animacalifornia #visitcarmel #carmelchamberofcommerce #carmelbythesea

“From wonder into wonder, existence opens.” Lao Tzu (Witter Bynner translation) Marking four decades today, I am feeling especially grateful in this moment for one of the greatest gifts I have ever received, which is having learned through my dear father @ejneafsey0 what it means to hold, and to live into a deep unconditional love of life itself. From moment to moment! Thank you, Papa❤️

An escapee from the herbarium camouflaging itself on my chopping block! More ❤️’s from the plant kingdom. #oxalisoregana

Big beauty sometimes just appears before us, commanding our awe and presence. Then there is the kind of beauty that is found or received through earnest searching and dedicated, optimistic openness to the unknown, which can be small, or subtle, and yet yield a feeling of wholeness and sense of truth that takes the breath away, with a very special kind of quiet joy....

✨Thanks Dan✨A good message made perfectly clear through its beautiful imperfection.....

ANIMA promotes celebration of local biodiversity, while supporting ocean conservation through Mission Blue.