楽園 (rakuen: paradise) ~ pleasure + garden

"Thyme on 43rd stirs the imagination, ignites the senses and finds the light within all of us." ~ T.L. Alton

There is a Japanese word that can be used to describe Thyme on 43^rd; Niwa translates into "Pure Place." The elements of trees, water and foliage combined with stone craftsmanship; make a visit to Thyme on 43rd, flow with the movement of traditional Japanese gardening. 

As a writer, I am currently working on completing my first novel, Under the Sitka Tree in the sanctuary of these extraordinary surroundings. The owner, Evelyn Faulkner and designer Hayato Ogawa have transpired an area of land into breathtaking splendour, which opens your eyes to wooden and stone structures, in addition to a variety of water features. 

Today, I am taking a break from my book and reflecting on the ‘secret’ Japanese gardens that are located in the vicinity of Brookswood-on 43^rd in Langley, British Columbia. 

Encompassing the area is a cascading waterfall, whose constant surge fills into a pond stocked full of Koi.  Fragments of granite, basalt and brohm are pieced together in intricate designs, along with newly installed black tusk. As for the location of where I write, I am surrounded by wooden beams tanned by the sun and with crimson splashes of colour embracing my inspiration. The elements of bamboo, a circle design surround me, while stone work is at my feet. As I peer out, I see a Blue jay drinking from a stream at one of the vessels. 

This is not simply a garden to write in, it is to be marvelled for every ounce of devotion which has been given to its existence. 

I take a deep breath and allow myself to escape into the gardens way of life. As I am about to snap a picture, a familiar buzz makes me focus on what is in the air around me. The image I see is breathtaking…before me is a Hummingbird with stunning fuchsia colouring! It flits about and I am in awe of its vibrancy. This makes me smile knowing of my daughter’s connection to these petite, luminous birds. Stepping back, I close my eyes and realize it is here, amongst the solitude that I am at peace. In these gardens, there is no room for worries; the welcome mat seems invisible to my grief. Yet, it would be allowed to enter should I chose…but only under my direction. 

This autumn, I am planning to gather a group of bereaved parents and rent the sprawling, lush private grounds for an afternoon. I believe this sanctuary can be a respite for our bereavement. Somewhere- that we can openly share about our losses- while being soothed by nature. If anyone is interested in contacting me, please send me an email: power2b@shaw.ca for more information.

For those wanting further details on hosting other events such as fundraisers, weddings, private tours, corporate events, photography opportunities, filming and other opportunities, please contact Evelyn Faulkner directly. 604 534-5902. Or email Evelyn  at  info@thymeon43rd.com

I want to express my gratitude to Evelyn in offering me the space amongst her Thyme on 43^rd Japanese gardens. She has been kind to promote me as an author on her website.  

http://www.thymeon43rd.com/t-l-alton/

When asked for a photograph for Thyme on 43^rd’, I jumped at the opportunity to provide the snapshot of me in London. Back in May, I travelled for two weeks with my partner Paul, back to his home. We were fortunate to go on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour of Harry Potter. It truly was the experience of a lifetime, filled with the extraordinary wit, imagination, and talent of J.K. Rowling. At Kings Cross in London, people lined up to have pictures taken at the legendary 9 ¾ platform. I was one of them as I had shared a similar experience at Universal studios with Shayla, back in the summer of 2011. We spent an entire day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando! My daughter knew how much I admired J.K. Rowling as an author. Her determined spirit saw the once struggling writer, pursue her dreams to the fullest!

An addition to the Thyme on 43^rd website is a garden writer from Fort Langley. Abby Palmer’s blog, Green Slate, discusses the manner of fusing the elements of nature to our own environment. Her feature articles about gardeners in the Fraser Valley, introduces her readers to places one may never have known. Abby contributes a monthly newsletter about Thyme on 43^rd . You can visit her blog at  www.greenslate.ca

Another branch of Evelyn’s location, which reaches out to the entertainment industry, includes filming. Incorporating her Japanese gardens into a movie was done by the recent Hallmark Production of “The Colour of Rain.” 

 To follow link>  watch the trailer here.
 

Equally, adding to her beautiful gardens being part of a film production is Evelyn’s 1957 Buick that is an elemental part of an upcoming motion picture by Tim Burton. Currently, it is being filmed around Vancouver and is called “Big Eyes.” 
The possibilities of people, groups, businesses and organizations utilizing the spacious grandeur of Thyme on 43^rd are endless. Assortments of the following are suggestions: Scrap booking classes, artists painting or drawing. Poetry readings taking place under the stars, book release signings or writing. Likewise, the ideas of quilting, meditation circles, yoga and Tai Chi, in front of the waterfall, offer a variety of boundless inspiration.

The opportunity “Where Body and Nature Harmonize,” make this rare gem a place to be discovered! 

By T.L. Alton

THYME ON 43RD ~ Brookswood Luminaire

When people lose someone they love, the inclination to forget self-care is a consistent factor in the grieving process. Recently, it was brought up in conversation that I must be doing well as I am able to write posts in my blog. I shudder at the notion that someone can define me as in good health, merely because I chose to share words. For me to be carrying on daily, it takes every bit of strength and courage; even to face the world. It is much easier to ‘hide’ behind a computer screen than to actually be in society on a regular basis. When I do venture out, it is to specific places where I feel that I will be in control. Additionally, I prefer locations which reflect the harmony I am seeking.  

THYME ON 43^RD JAPANESE GARDENS is one of those settings that transformed my intention of finding some peace into reality. This stunning place was discovered in December of last year, when I was not looking forward to the holiday season.

Upon arriving at the location in Langley, B.C, the grounds had been transformed into a breathtaking winterscape of brilliant LED lights, Christmas décor and a fusion of warmth; all found in the outdoor structures. 

Every detailed adornment was blended in a whimsical style. Combining the beauty of nature with exceptional golden baubles, lighted deer and a captivating angel, gave the impression of tranquility layered with elegance. 

 My attention was pulled in many directions as I kept finding the loveliest of objects interspersed amongst the Japanese Gardens. Walking over the wooden bridge, I was drawn in by the sound of a cascading waterfall, which plunged into a pond filled with multicolored Koi fish. I strolled along the stone interlocked with lush thyme and found myself, along with my partner, being welcomed by the element of fire at the outdoor hearth.

It was pointed out the roof covering the seating area was active with living plants, which promote a clean atmosphere and is a habitat for birds in the area to come nest. All of the spectacular grounds were created and designed by native Japanese landscapers. 

As a person who has volunteered many years of dedication to community and assisting others, I understand the value and importance of giving back. What impressed me with THYME ON 43^RD JAPANESE GARDENS was the owner- Evelyn Faulkner’s purpose for opening her one- acre gardens to the general public; for a period of time back in December. She kindly asked for any donations to be made at the gate entrance to the gardens, in support of Ronald McDonald House. 

A recent post by Evelyn Faulkner on THYME ON 43^RD JAPANESE GARDENS Facebook page states:    

“Thank you to everyone for their generous donations to Ronald McDonald House during our recent event, Brookswood Luminaire! We raised $5200.00 which enables a family to stay at the house for 80 nights! Well done!”

As I am not on Facebook anymore, I was fortunate to still be able to access the update and provide to my readers, the generous contributions people made over the holiday season, to the worthy cause of Ronald McDonald House.

Being a mother who has lost a child, I was able to connect with Evelyn Faulkner’s purpose of supporting an organization that assists families when they are facing challenging times. For me, I found grace under the shelter of palm trees, in the midst of a darken night aglow with marvelous simplicity. It was a place where I could abandon my sorrow and accustom myself to the sheer idea of wellness. 

This one evening in December, uncertain of what I may find, I was greeted by the devotion of those wanting to share the true essence of what Christmas is all about: to stir the imagination, ignite the senses and find the light within all of us. 

By T L. Alton 

* I would like to further add THYME ON 43RD  JAPANESE GARDENS is seeking Corporate Sponsorship. As Evelyn would like to open her garden 1 day a week for respite, for caregivers and people needing healing in any way. If she were able to secure Sponsorship, she considers it a blessing.

* Thyme on 43rd is located at 21004 43 Ave. For further information on booking THYME ON 43^RD JAPANESE GARDENS for Fundraisers, Private Tours and Events, Contact: info@thymeon43rd.com or 

Telephone: 604-534-5902