I took on the bridge project because I had a vision of a thing of beauty at the crossroads of our community. My plans originally included more extensive stonework, but in the end I settled for a strong and simple foundation with a pyramid at one end. I collected stones for over four years, but the reality is that I had all the ideas but never laid a stone until Travis came, with his 25 years of experience as a mason, tiler and general builder. He has done an inspiring job with meticulous and creative care.

On the mystical side, one of the ideas I had was to put stones in the wall from all over the world, thus building an energetic bridge back to their source countries. Many wonderful contributions have been made by the community and neighbors to this end. Travis also spent time researching and building special Organite devices (based on Wilhelm Reich’s Orgone principles) as a means to possibly clear the air/water of pollution, EMF, chem trails, etc. On the physical side, our process included digging out, rebuilding and reinforcing sections of the ground up to five feet underneath the corner stones and then cementing those to the ground in a continuous pour. We spent extra time and effort making sure the work would survive long-term vehicle traffic and possible creek overflow.

After Travis designed and formed up the walls of the bridge, several people helped when the cement truck arrived—thanks to Brent, Ryan, Seaver and several others for timely help at that stage. We faced the concrete walls with attractive stones and crystals. Ivy had the idea for Chakra-color stones and I envisioned engraving them with the corresponding Sanskrit symbols. Travis spent a day, with a little technical drawing help from Peggy (thanks, Peggy!) engraving the symbols.

In all, Travis spent a lot of thought and energy making sure the vision I had for the bridge would have the best chance of long-term durability and beauty, much as I imagine he did for his home remodeling clients. It’s been a wonderful father/son project for me and I look forward to completing it with him in the near future!

Gaspar Robles, an 11-year member, founded the free store and tool share at Earthaven. Gaspar dispenses flower essences, guides trauma release exercises, and offers chiropractic care in the community. Travis Robb is Gaspar’s son.

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A couple of days ago I had a most pleasant visit with Gaspar. We sipped hot herbal tea, munched on pecans and exchanged some wonderful stories at his cozy space in the Bellavia Gardens neighborhood. Gaspar came to Earthaven in the summer of 2003 and became a member soon after. He is a wonderful force of positivity, healing, and beautiful energy that he shares with members and visitors continuously.

Gaspar has over forty years’ experience as a practitioner of chiropractic healing arts. He’s often known to give out flower essences to those in need of personal healing, and to everyone during difficult community meetings to bring ease to all involved.

He teaches “Magical Passages” twice weekly for energy enhancement, shares “Brain Gym” techniques, offers a variety of other healing modalities, and hosts collage picture-making parties.

Gaspar with Earthaven friends, NikiAnne and Mana.

Gaspar is passionate about the local Earthaven currency (known as Leaps), which is earned by community service work and often traded for goods and services. He has instigated several barter fairs and has been instrumental in extending the Leap system beyond Earthaven to include neighbors. He also established the “Free Store,” where folks can drop off items no longer wanted and, perhaps, pick up something that is needed.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg about one member who gives and receives in this wonderful and amazing community!

 Rae Jean has always lived on the edge one way or another. For the last seven years it has been at Earthaven. Along with raising heritage chickens, ducks, veggies and herbs, she designs and creates knitting patterns.

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