ALTADENA
I lost my sanctuary, my home, in the Eaton fire. Palawoo, Altadena. The Canon Cottage. A serene retreat for dreaming. 47 acres of nature, mostly untouched save for black bears, bobcats and so many deer (my friends and frequent visitors). Whenever I would tell people where I lived, I would say, well, Los Angeles, but not really. I live in Heaven.
About a week before the fire a neighbor let me borrow this binder of old photographs, newspaper clippings, and poetry, all about the property. This place has been so loved long before my time. It has (had) a soul.
My home (a small studio on the bottom floor of the original main house) was built by outdoor lighting pioneer, stage magician, “the mystifier” and “magician of light” F.B. Nightingale in the 1920s. The property was built with quirks like hidden rooms, koi ponds and waterfalls, arched doors, carved stone statues and outdoor lighting elements that blend with the natural beauty of the Altadena foothills.
The property was later inhabited by rouge astronomer and “Big Bang Heretic”, a performance artist whose most iconic “art project” was when she ran for president of the US in 1984 - rad, and many more eccentrics. It feels (ouch - felt, rather) like another world from LA, with special creative and magical energy circling around.
Nightingale would light up the star on top of the hill in the month of December and on holidays. My current (former, rather) landlord (angel) kept up the tradition. It was like a beacon home. I could see it from the 134 and when I’d be driving home alone late at night I would squeal, that’s my house! How lucky am I! Palawoo!
I am so lucky to have lived here at all, so lucky to be alive. My heart is with the foothills, the wildlife and neighbors who lost everything.
MY HEART IS WITH LA, THIS IS NOT OVER, fires continue without enough resources to fight them.
I pray for positive regeneration
I believe community will come together to heal
We are a city of storytellers and we will create change out of the chaos
Thank you to firefighters, first responders and everyone offering help here and afar
I believe in us
Love one another
If you have any images of, information about, or memories of Palawoo, please get in touch - I am trying to gather and preserve as much as I can about this beautiful, historic, soulful place. A gem to be forever remembered. Please email daniela@danieladawson.com - thank you.