Carol Felixson, MEMBG Docent and Communications Coordinator
Like Maria in the Sound of Music, who sings of "raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens", I too have a few of my favorite things. "When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad", I will seek out a favorite piece of music, a favorite brand of tea, or, even better, a dark chocolate candy. And I will ALWAYS seek out a favorite place to visit.
The Nest at MEMBG ranks high on my list of favorite places to go to, not just on campus but in all of west Los Angeles. Of all The Nest's qualities, its coziness is what attracts me the most. It is nestled in a semi-circular formation in the north garden adjacent to the Botany Building. There are several rows of wooden benches, substantial enough to sit on comfortably yet with an inviting and informal look. It is ringed by plants, trees, and a river rock ledge almost all the way around. It even boasts a writing board hidden in a river rock wall, which can easily be released with the flip of a hand. And it is shaded summer and winter by a towering female Ginkgo biloba tree, whose leaf has become the logo for the MEMBG docent program.
The Nest is multi-functional. It is used as an outdoor classroom where new MEMBG docents train and from where the docent led tours begin. University classes, religious organizations, and community groups meet there also. I've attended annual departmental awards ceremonies there, as well as photography and art exhibits, and memorials for beloved faculty and staff.
When I remember to make the time, I go there just to sit. There is a certain peaceful "buzz" I experience there that is grounding, healing and intoxicating. Often I'll meditate. Other times I'll compose poetry or draft some other type of personal essay. Many times I just look around with a soft gaze. From there I enjoy viewing the different colors and textures of green plants surrounding and beyond The Nest. And with it as my base, I like looking at the garden's visitors as they walk about. Some have a definite stride and apparent agenda for their day, and others have the gift and luxury of time to just meander.
Several years ago The Nest was the site of EARTHDAY AT UCLA. It took place the day after the massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado and was particularly poignant. Gentle of speech and strong of spirit, Jimmy Castillo, a Gabrielino/Tongva elder, held the overflow gathering of toddlers to grandparents in rapt attention. Opening the event, he reminded those of us sitting there that awareness and care of the earth is something that we must do everyday. And he passionately and forcefully reminded us that, "we need the children."
When that day began, I certainly felt like the "dog had bitten, the bee had stung, and I was feeling quite sad". After the EARTHDAY event ended, I just sat quietly in The Nest reviewing in my mind all that had occurred. When I saw a five-year-old girl climbing on the rocks bordering The Nest everything seemed to come full circle. She was there with her mom and was delighted to inform me in a very loud voice that she was at our Earthday "party" during the day. In her enthusiasm she seemed to me a living example of Rudyard Kipling's moving statement, "...something hidden. Go and find it. Go and look behind the ranges-something lost behind the ranges. Lost and waiting for you".
The Nest, one of my favorite places, is an inspiring spot from which to look for something hidden, something healing, lost, and waiting for you. Go.