The Valley Fire and Harbin: why its my jewelry inspiration

The Valley Fire which erupted 2 weeks ago on September 12th in Lake County swept through over 40,000 acres and destroying over 900 homes. Thus displacing thousands of good people, many of whom I knew and loved as heart centers of our extended northern California cultural creatives community. a couple of hundred of those who lost there homes were residents of Harbin Hot Springs, a place that I lived 12 or 13 years ago.

Not only was Harbin Hot Springs the place where I sought to begin my life anew after a devastating jewelry theft in Los Angeles that left me without a means to continue my artist career at the time, but it was the place I married and worked with my first husband, and got engaged to my current husband a decade later. Harbin, and its astounding facility know at the time as the Watsu Center was a place that we were entrusted as General Mangers, beautifying, taking care of the hundreds of students that came through those gates to learn the Aquatic Healing Arts. The Watsu Center at that time was an accredited international school for Massage and Aquatic Body Work.

It was a powerful and empowered time in my life. I was touched by so many creative people and has the honor of being a space holder and steward for many peoples transformative experiences. I have enjoyed the sacred land there and its healing waters countless times since then and have always considered it one of my main sanctuaries. I know Im not alone it that feeling.

So when my former husband called me two saturdays ago, breathless, adrenalized, telling me he just saw a fire rage over the hillside across the valley from this home and that Harbin had been completely evacuated and was on fire, I could scarcely comprehend it. I doubt many of us who knew could imagine such an unthinkable loss was really underway. The next day the news was confirmed through friends texts and of course media outlets. I was shocked, devastated, and incredibly sad. I was mopping all the floors in my house, sobbing and mopping. Over the next several days more pictures and stories came in. Incredible.

I created a FB page called Harbin in our Hearts and an alter to memories, impressions and our love of Harbin and her community. But that wasn’t enough. That monday when I sat down at my work bench to contemplate my next creation, I knew there was more I needed to express. I needed my work to speak to the prayers I had in my heart for Harbin, and allow my deep impressions and the Archetypes I’ve experienced there find voice in the manifestation of my jewelry creations. Atleast during my period of mourning and deep rememberence.

I’m still in it. Settled in more and feeling more acceptance and peace about it, but also touch by the inspiration that has been flowing when I connect with the spirit of that place. Its really tapping in to something very specific to my localized perception, but also to a much larger group consciousness or field. Its hard to put into words but the access is broad. I’m gathering inspiration and guidance from the Nature there, The Devas, the Stories, the Dramas. Its rich.