Route-Spain
Come join a walk around Spain and absorb Don Quixote’s secret to great writing that inspired Spanish poets as well as international writers such as Paulo Coelho, Virginia Woolf, Hemingway, A. Dumas and Pablo Neruda, amongst others. Awaken your Forest Flaneur in natural spaces, delve into the history of the masters in Spain’s classical and contemporary artists and engage in the adventure. See Blog for details and click on Take a Walk for more personal contact.
Route-France, Glacier Inspires
Come see and touch where European writers flocked at the turn of the last century, mesmorized by glaciers and forests with amazing mushroom varieties on the slopes of Mt. Blanc. Frankenstein amongst other creative works were inspired by this daunting and magnificant landscape. The fast rate of glacier melt in recent (2015-2019) years will astound you and change your life as compared to the last 100 years! Take a Walk slowly to appreciate the essence of our planet. Learn the Forest Flaneur method with intention to build a colour palette you can take home and share.
Route-West Coast, USA
Gary Snyder grew up on the West coast of USA and spent time on Mt. Tamalapais contemplating life from a cabin. He invitied writers and poets from San Francisco, such as Jack Kerouac. Dharma Bums was a light memoir of this experience. However, Mt. Tam has been the center of an awakening of the “Opening of the Mountain” almost 50 years ago to bring city dwellers to the unique landscape close to San Francisco on a yearly basis to pay homage to the watershed of the area. Muir woods stands at the base of the mountain and redwood trees are spotted on several trails. Big Sur, just 2 hours south of San Francisco is a writers haven since the 1950’s with an array of poets finding their calling in the wild. Pacific Grove is another hidden treasure with Asilomar coastline and Point Lobos to conjure up imaginative narratives walking in the footsetps of authors since the 1920’s.
Route- UK, Lake District
William Wordsworth chose the Lake District as his residence to create several of his masterpieces, including the Prelude. His walking style along the “fells” (hills) and climbing along the rocky ridges gave rise to his unique poetry. He calls us to join behind his footsteps along with other writers that found this remote landscape a beauty that even today amazes you with colours of changing leaves in the fall and grasses in bloom side by side with sheep grazing slowing on the hillsides. Click on Take a Walk to receive more information.
Route-Japan, Haiku Origins
Japanese poets created their own style of poetry and Zen meditation that have made their cultural heritage unique. Come find out more about walking through their bamboo forests and Zen gardens that inspired their “wabi sabi” in search of enlightenment. Click on Take a Walk for more information.
Sample Route: Customize
You may want to inquire about a custom route to explore a walking route with the Forest Flaneur methodology. Take a Walk to inquire about your ideas.
Walking behind G. Snyder along side the California Redwoods.
Walking behind Wordsworth in Lake District (UK).
Mini Zen Route:
The Farm
Stars on the ground shine!
Stage 1
Zucchini blooms in March 2020 became the first star of the garden. In the midst of chaos from lockdown, these wonders broke through the blue skies to blossom!
Elegantly growing to maturity!
Stage 2
At ease in their rich soil, blossoms turned into fruits! The bright yellow stars transformed into a bountiful harvest with a lovely pollination from butterflies and bees attracted to the sunflowers.
First fruits of labour smile on us all!
Stage 3
Strong arms and prickly leaves gave protection to the Zucchini family as it matured under hot sun above mole tunnels. Our palettes and tables were provided a plateful of nourishment all summer!
Zen Mini Flaneur
The Farm Project