A few weeks ago, after we shared a video of the Sanctuary build in 1995 in our Hollyhock Talks Newsletter, we received a heartfelt message from someone who was part of that special project. She wrote to tell us how much it meant to see those memories resurface, and how her time at Hollyhock set her on the path to meeting her life partner.
She sent a beautiful letter, along with a photo of the two of them, captured in a joyful moment on the Hollyhock deck. This year, they’re celebrating 30 years together. Here is LaDonna and Matthew’s story, in her own words:
“My Hollyhock story began in the summer of 1992 as I was making a move from Ontario to Victoria to begin a brand-new chapter in my life – first Island adventure was a Healing Voice workshop with Jill Purce – freeing my voice and soul for the new… I remember sitting on the front deck steps with Rex Weyler and him telling me of his vision for Hollyhock and telling me that my hair color matched the cedar trees!!!
Then in March of 1995, with my Massage Therapy Practice going strong in Victoria, I came for a work retreat for the Sanctuary – I recall vividly the sacred spirit all around me – and I took to the forest to create a ritual asking for my Soul Mate to come into my life – I recall calling in the four directions as I circled one of the sage trees… I also prayed to the Ocean as I have always felt the strength of the Pacific in my veins having spent much of my childhood on the shore in Southern California…
Less than a month later I received my first call from Matthew, a neighbor in Victoria insisted we meet although he had never done this before. Matthew was then living in Prince George and working as a Social Worker – we spoke everyday thru April and then met in Victoria on Beltane,May 1st and the rest, as they say, is a wonderful history.
We lived in Victoria for a few years and then to Vernon where I taught Massage at the Okanagan College – then in 1999 the grand adventure of moving to Kona, Hawaii where I also taught and practiced and Matthew worked as a Social Worker – We returned to Canada and lived and worked in Calgary until 2007 when we found our forever roots here in the Kootenays in the caring community of Creston..
However – in 2004 at end of summer, beginning of September, we traveled to Hollyhock together for a couples workshop, tantric, I remember the first circle of introductions and I said “This is where I conjured Matthew in 1995!!!” [Attached] is a great photo of us sitting happily on the Hollyhock deck at that time… I am retired now, however, as I used to say to my more tech savvy clients “I am high touch, not high tech”.
Our mantra when we moved here has been “We are learning to stay” – quite a practice for our Spirits and we feel so blessed to be here at the southern tip of beautiful Kootenay Lake, which at times reminds us of a view just like from the shores of Cortes.”
– LaDonna Smith
From the call of the Pacific, to the forest ritual at the Sanctuary, to meeting Matthew on Beltane, and all the winding paths they have traveled together since, it feels like such a testament to the magic that can unfold when we open ourselves to possibility. We are so honoured to share this thread of Hollyhock’s tapestry through LaDonna and Matthew’s lens of experience. 💛
Congratulations to LaDonna and Matthew on 30 beautiful years of love, partnership, and shared journey. What a radiant milestone!
Find the 1995 Sanctuary Build Video here!
