1-21-10 The Laguna de Santa Rosa inundated with flood waters, looking south from Occidental Road ~ Copyright © 2010 Cynthe Brush

The Laguna de Santa Rosa is the second largest freshwater marsh in northern California. Called the “river that flows both ways,” during heavy rains, the Laguna flows south carrying floodwaters away from the Russian River, reducing its flood levels. After rains subside and Pacific Ocean tides fall, the Laguna reverses its flow, returning the floodwater north, back into the Russian River and eventually to the ocean. Other water enters the Laguna from a collection of creeks, tributaries, springs, seeps and sub-surface flows. Because of this diverse water supply, the Laguna ~ through primarily a marsh ~ has characteristics of a stream, creek, seasonal wetland, open water, and other aquatic habitats in various locations.

WED 2:30pm ~ Hills over Lake Sonoma, one of our drinking water reservoirs, had received 8.01 in. rain since the storm onslaught started on SAT. After beginning the new year at 10-year lows, Lake Sonoma rose nearly 8½ ft in 48 hrs. gaining 10,843 acre-feet overnight / now at 90% capacity. Lake Mendocino rose nearly 7½ ft. gaining 11,150 feet / now at 69% capacity. Bill & I are going Read more

'Violet Pink Sunset' ~ D'Gravure™ Etching, Copyright © 2007-2010 Cynthe Brush

Our local natural flood plain ~ The Laguna de Santa Rosa ~ part of the Russian River watershed is world renown, so I learned yesterday from a local creeks management employee. A valuable wetlands ecosystem, the Laguna serves to catch excess water from back-to-back seasonal rainstorms that drench Sonoma county every few winters, usually in January.

A fellow Nikon photographer and nature lover, this friendly man told me there’s been a concerted effort over the years to restore the Laguna to its natural ecology…rectifying more than a century of Read more

'Cameo' Flowering Quince, detail Copyright © 2005-2009 Cynthē Brush. All Rights Reserved.

Every November, a wonderful non-denominational church community, The Center For Spiritual Living, hosts an art show & sale to showcase the talent of their artistic members. It also functions as a fund-raiser for the ‘Center’ and supports good works charitable projects in our Santa Rosa area.

The first year Bill and I have participated, this year’s art show theme is Spirit Expressing tying into the current month’s topical theme of CREATIVITY. Facets of which are being explored in thought-provoking, practical Sunday sermons by their witty and brilliant minister, Dr. Edward Viljoen.

Selecting pieces for an art show is Read more