Soul Magic
Waking Up Here –
Pt 2 of 5
Thoughts
from a Canadian Resident in Santa
By Ellie Braun-Haley
In our quiet village setting, I’ve often taken walks along a pathway that takes me through an archaeological site. If I but glance down at the earth beneath my feet, I am sure to spot shards of pottery, reminders of another culture from another time. In our yard, we have come across pottery pieces of unusual shapes and sizes, some with painted markings faintly visible. Each is a puzzle part, a whisper from yesterday.
The moat house is what I call the home of one neighbor, just
two blocks away. He has to cross a small bridge to reach his home. I’ve actually
never seen his home as it’s surrounded by tall walls, adorned by vines, and
embellished by brightly colored flowers. Across the road from him, a new home
is being built and next to it is a humble dwelling with one entire wall
constructed of wattle and daub. So as I stand there I can see both the modern
of today and the very ancient methods of home building.
My walk takes me through a park then back down the street
where a man works with three others. He is the master stone builder and he is teaching
the others to carve the rock into his famous masterpieces. He offers to do
something for our yard and I know my husband wants to commission him for a
fountain. The rock being used is from a quarry only four minutes away and when
I look up the slopes of the mountain I can see another quarry where onyx is
found.
This is a tranquil location yet not without sound. At fiesta time neighbors came by to ask if we would like to be involved in a special party, one that could involve more than a hundred villagers. This was a welcome opportunity to be a part of the community.
Later that night as if on cue, well over 70 villagers arrived. A skit was enacted, then music was played and many danced. After only one tune, everything was packed up and the entire party walked down the road two blocks where we all participated in like fashion at the home of another villager. After one tune, the party moved yet again to another home. After a few stops we soon realized this would be repeated quite a few more times.
Please visit http://www.sfpnn.com/SoulMagic/Soul2007/sm032707.htm
to view photos and vicariously travel
with me.
— © Ellie Braun-Haley