The Nest and Gatehouse Cottage

08/09/2026

Gatehouse Cottage...

08/07/2026

Three lovely notes from recent guests at the Nest and Gatehouse Cottage. It is a joy to be able to share God's Pocket with them.

airbnb.com/h/nestsji

airbnb.com/h/gatehousecottagesji

A few openings left in August.
September is filling up.
And fall and winter months are enticing.
Come rest in this magical place.

04/30/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dsxc3ee5e/

Save the date for the 25th Annual San Juan Island Lavender Festival at Alchemy Art Farm on Saturday & Sunday, July 18–19! We are thrilled to continue the tradition of this wonderful event, which was brought to life and stewarded for many years by Pelindaba Lavender Farm and Stephen Robins. Stroll fragrant lavender fields in peak bloom, enjoy stunning photo opportunities, and celebrate the magic of the lavender fields with art, music, and community. Explore handcrafted lavender products and artwork and take part in hands-on creative activities for all ages throughout the fields. With live music, local food vendors, community art activities, and free admission, it’s a joyful weekend celebrating lavender, art, and community!

Saturday July 18, 11am-8pm
Sunday July 19, 11am-5pm

More details at alchemyartcenter.com/events/2026-lavender-festival

04/26/2026

4.16.26
"Meditation by the Pond at God's Pocket:
Sitting by the pond
Amid the cries and calls and tweets of the red winged blackbirds singing their love cries to a potential mate
Violet green swallows dipping rapidly but gracefully through the air to catch their prey
A calming breeze blows lightly over the reflective waters while pairs of mallards and buffleheads share a slow paddle
I had hoped for the colorful wood ducks like last year
Maybe they are still hiding in their tree cavity creating a love nest
Distant knocking on dead trees providing the woodpeckers a meal
Salmon berries are beginning to bloom their fushia pink in opposition to the paler pink currents that first invited the humming birds to drink

The tassles of alder blooms called male catkins decorate the ground while tree pollen greens the dark pond water and dusts the earth
The fluff the cat tails let loose floats upon the surface
seed down to insulate the birthing naaids as spring advances
An earlier walk through the orchard
The trees have aged...some are full of blossoms
Trying to guess what trees I planted here
Cherries plums pears..an apricot a peach a walnut and the many apples
Fruit often shared with others who live here
Who know just when to pick it
New leaves sprouting unfolding into the spring air
My grandson's Camperdown Elm I planted in celebration of his birth
Gnarly contorted branches greening up seeking to hang to the ground despite the deer's yearly pruning
The lilacs green with purple and white flowery tips ready to burst with fragrance for Mother's Day bouquets
Blue and white wings changing colors as the Echo Azure butterflies flit and fly like fairies and then go mudding in the wet earth left from yesterday's rain

Such a rich day of beauty
intense colors magnifying the the life around me in the bright light
Breathe deep peace within
Knowing joy tickles my toes
And laughter plays through my thoughts
Gratitude pleasures my soul

Artist:God. Photos/poem by Shannon Bailey.
God's Pocket Photography/Art.