Travels with Heart: Here and There

By Annie Bowler, May 1, 2026 Vol 34,

I’ll start with a short health update but if you don’t know what I am talking about, refer to last

month’s blog.

It took a while for my heart, and my head, to get used to its new battery-powered system, but

five weeks post-procedure, I am doing quite well. I absolutely love that my heart now beats as

steady as a metronome. I never realized how often that my heart used to beat in crazy rhythms

until now; what a relief this has been! I am gaining strength and look forward to getting back in

good shape by summer. I will be ever grateful to medical researchers and all medical staff who

helped to have a better quality of life, as well as to everyone who has supported me along my

heart journey. Here’s to many long hikes again soon!

I stopped by the Loomis library recently to enjoy the beautiful demonstration gardens there. It’s

a fine place to relax but perhaps more importantly, these gardens are a place to learn. If you

want to make your gardens more bird, bee, and butterfly friendly, use less water or ditch

pesticides, learn about no-mow grass options, or get some inspiration about how to have lovely

gardens that don’t take too much work, head to the Loomis Library Demonstration Gardens!

Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make the gardens possible but especially Placer

County Master Gardeners and the many locals who donated to enable the gardens to come to

be. These demonstration gardens are a gem!

I was moved by the NO KINGS Rally in Sacramento on March 28 th . 10,000 people attended the

Sacramento rally and march, where old friends and new joined together to voice their concerns

for our Democracy. My singing group, Voices of Liberty, sang with gusto, I thoroughly enjoyed

the moving sculpture created by McClatchy High School students, and the brilliant signs, but

especially the peace and solidarity among all who attended. Sacramento was one of thousands of rallies held around the world. The world is watching.

What fun days we’ve had! John was headed to Indonesia to visit our family, but I needed to stay

behind (doctor’s orders ) but we had a mini vacation before he left. The Bay Area did not

disappoint.

We stayed on Alameda Island, which is a haven from the hectic pace of nearby cities. We spent

time with a longtime friend, David Kelly, and his wonderful new partner, Helen, at their lovely

townhouse that’s overlooks Alameda Bay and Oakland just beyond.

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John and I walked and enjoyed meals along numerous stretches of Bay Area shores, savoring

the incredible views from many different vantage points.

We took Bart across the Bay, then walked to the Chase Center on our way to a Bruce

Springsteen concert. It was amazing! Bruce may be 76 years old, but that guy’s got stamina,

incredible musical skills, and a giant heart; his E Street band is a truly talented group of

musicians! I would go again in a heartbeat. Bruce directed the entire crowd, who happily sang

along.

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After the concert, we took a Pedicab to the Embarcadero Bart station, which was an adventure.

I enjoyed seeing the beautiful new sculptures as our Pedicab rolled along the Embarcadero. We

got on the wrong Bart car, but people helped us to correct our error with little time wasted. I

am grateful that in such a big city, so many people are willing to help others.

For two old farts, John and I had great fun hanging out together. I will miss him. But according

to family members, John is already sidelining coach for our granddaughter Alma’s high school

football team. Rumor has it that, “an overseas expert coach is preparing game plan to defeat

the brits on Saturday.” :) Footnote: Alma’s team beat the Brits on Saturday

I’ll tell you what; there's always something special happening at the Farm but last week was

extra special!

I dropped by the three-day, nature-based art retreat that was held recently at the Flower Farm.

This immersive retreat offered scholarships to trauma survivors, including veterans and seniors,

introducing them to the meditative and healing power of artistic expression in a calming,

verdant atmosphere.

Participants received hands-on instruction by exceptional Placer County artists, including

watercolor painting by Diana Tharp, Juan Pena and Mary Pivetti, wet felting by Terry Shearn,

sculpture by Tyson Snow and drawing by Don Scott. 

The retreat linked nature-based fine and multimedia arts to mental health, trauma recovery,

and creative innovation. The retreat was the brainchild of Mary Pivetti, who has personally

experienced the healing power of art. Many thanks to for the generously of retreat sponsors

Karen Killebrew, the Arts Council of Placer County, the Auburn Arts Commission, and Placer

County Board of Supervisors. The next art retreat is tentatively scheduled for March 2027 at the

Flower Farm. 

Sierra College celebrated Earth Day in a grand way. The Sierra College Jazz Band and

Voices of Liberty entertained the crowd, but my favorite moment was when some talented

Sierra College jazz musicians joined our group for an impromptu jam fest. Ag Students sold

plants that they started from seed, there was lightly used clothing and book giveaways,

lovely repurposed and handmade clothing were on display. There were many educational

booths and activities that offered ways to help people have a lighter impact on the

environment. The sun was out; music and activities were enjoyed by all.

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With signs of spring beauty everywhere, Earth Day reminded me of wise words by my

personal hero, Dr. Jane Goodall, “ We should treat every day like its Earth Day, for earth is

the only home we have.”

Peace to each of you, my friends.