So many things at the museum are an on-going pleasure to me. There is a truly beautiful story behind the Labyrinth, and on this day in 2001 I remember going to a labyrinth discussion and meeting Lea Goode-Harris, Founder and Creative Director of the Santa Rosa Labyrinth Foundation, and talking about adding a labyrinth at the museum in the shape of Snoopy’s head.

On the Museum’s 10th Anniversary, Lea sent me this photo and her Haiku offering.

Haiku My Heart – Leaves Turning

Leaves turning to fire…
Kindle this passion of heart,
true to your desire…

              *****

This flame… is just a fallen leaf, in the Fall sun at the Snoopy Labyrinth at the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA.

It takes my breath away, every time I look at this picture. And reminds me…to really take the time to look, and listen to the voice of my heart, following the passion of my truest desire…

Lea Goode-Harris, 2012

              *****

Here is a photo of the just planted labyrinth in 2002 from the roof of the building. You can see Snoopy’s collar, his nose – the round rock the farthest away – and his eyes, eyebrows and ear – the center of the labyrinth. This is such a good view that it has been suggested we put a web-cam up there so people can look at our website and enjoy adults strolling, children running, and the occasional child on a bicycle or parents pushing a stroller.

In fact, the type of grass we planted in the labyrinth in 2002 didn’t like our soil, so we replanted it with a new type which we were told would be better in our adobe soil. It IS better, but it has its downside of clumping and thatching and leaving spaces. So far we have “artistically” arranged some smooth stones of varying sizes in those spaces.

I suspect some time it will be a “rock” labyrinth, but I hope not too soon.

In all of our pondering and angst about how the Labyrinth was progressing, we have looked for expertise and actual hands-on work and re-furbishment to Michelle Bellefeuille of Belle Feuille Garden Design here in Santa Rosa. Michelle has orchestrated all that has been needed to help us maintain it.

I love seeing people walking the labyrinth and enjoying it. I often stop to tell them the story behind it.

This group was happy for me to take their photo part way through the over 400 steps to the “ear” and back.

Look some day for the web cam if you visit the Museum.

                                                                                                                                       —Jean Schulz