The Final Push

xtina — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 03:19:05 +0000

The thread of life is so fragile, yet sometimes it seems so stubborn and strong. Some very bad news popped up over my twitter stream during the course of the day. Seems that a young Marine pilot on a training flight encountered some mechanical failure in his jet and the plane came down in a suburban enclave some miles to the northwest of our little abode causing a fire and damaging homes. The pilot walked away, but it seems that 3 members of a family of 4 have been confirmed dead. This is simply horrific. Horrific for the dead, but mostly horrific for the remaining family member (if he or she is ‘fortunate’ enough to have survived).Â I can’t imagine the ache of the survivors.

At 11:30 this morning, twas just a December morning, people doing whatever they do in the course of day then within a half of an hour, this neighborhood suddenly becomes ground zero for an unthinkable accident. This is the reality that we block out everyday. Tis but a tenuous thread that keeps us here. Most of us will not see the end for many many years, but it can happen at any time anywhere when the thread snaps and we become another harrowing tale. There are times that my thoughts are darkened by the thought of “What if this is the last time?”. Fortunately it’s not an overwhelming preoccupation, but the thought comes unbidden and unpredictable. In those moments I try take a last gulp of whomever shares my physical space and appreciate the intricacies of the instant while navigating the living breathing moment.

Tis better not to become too focused on the rare chances because you can be limited by the statistics. For example, when you get on plane you don’t think too much about it crashing (oblique Weeds reference). But sometimes the thought of its tender vulnerability can cause you to slow down and see where you are and what really matters in the long run. Life is fragile and tough and its many contradictions give it a piquant and provocative bouquet, but it is better savored than rushed. My heart goes out to the people whose lives have been affected by this incident. This is one of those ‘unthinkable’ events that marks people for better or worse. Most of us will move on but for some the end is here and now.

Around town: San Diego, California

xtina — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:11:11 +0000

Opening the door to Urban Seed & Flower is a little like opening the lid to a treasure chest except it’s as big as a house and full of magic. Owners Maurice and Michael, highly respected landscape architects, have filled this beautifully renovated building with wondrous objects from their trips throughout Europe and across the US. The store is filled with beautiful vignettes, each revealing a small history that creates a gracious mood. Ask questions when you’re here as both Michael and Maurice are great story tellers and their anecdotes magnify the beauty and glamour of their offerings. They carry a wide assortment of unique objects and decorative accents, including furniture, lamps, glass items, jewelry for self and home, candles and more. They have a knack for finding small, independent artisans who lovingly produce exquisite pieces that delight discriminating shoppers. The building has two charming gardens that are beautifully designed spaces where each object inspires and transports the visitor. I plan on spending many more afternoons in their atelier, absorbing the beauty and love as manifested in this delightful shop by this remarkable couple. More pictures.

Urban Seed & Flower
2856 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone:619-584-7768
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, noon to 5

Organic Mutant » local

The Final Push

Around town: San Diego, California