Bob Mattson, Barbara Sparhawk, and Black Walnut

Last week I got an email from a friend and fellow blogger in Carmel Valley, Barbara Sparhawk. What an amazing lady. Her life has been so rich and diversified, I want to be her when I grow up. She wrote for CBS News, FOX, and others in NYC, all the while doing huge murals in NYC, Coney Island and other places. You can find a sprinkling of who she is here: hawk’s Perch

Any way, she emailed me about a walnut tree that had shed a limb that she wanted to offer to a Big Sur wood carver. Rock Knocker is such a carver, so I asked if he would be interested. “Hell yeah!” he said, and so we were off to see the Farm Center in Carmel Valley on Robinson Canyon Rd. I hadn’t been since I moved to the South Coast, and there were LOTS of changes! I love what the place has become – an artist’s colony. Here are some photos of that journey.

I am convinced that Barbara is a soul sister from a past life. If not, she should be!

Barbara carried 90% of the wood to Rock Knocker’s truck. What a gal! I’ll make sure there is a bowl for you, but RK says it will be at least a year before it is ready to carve. If he won’t carve it, I will. My maiden name is “woods” for a reason!

bigsurkate

Appointed appellate counsel for indigent defendants (retired.) I have lived in Big Sur since 1984, first on the north coast, and on the South Coast since 1989.

View Comments

  • I hope you got a look at her painting and gallery. Stunning and inspiring work, or should I say play!

    • I DID, and only wish I hadn't left my camera in the truck when I did, or there would have been a photo of that incredible space, with Barbara in it!

  • Kate, what a sweetheart you are. You've bowled me over, speechless. The only thing to add is that I want to be Kate when I grow up. Also Rock Knocker.That was a fabulous day. Can't wait for more branches to fall!

  • I/WE of the Central Coast of CA and everyWhere have and express great gratitude for your vision and love in action.

  • I love Barbara and miss her presence in the Big Sur Village. Now I know where to find you sweet Barbara, and know even more about your beautiful soul.. I will come to visit you soon, great write up Kate and I can envision your past life together. Bet you two kicked up some talk and inspiration for free thinking.

  • Sounds like a party at the Farm Center. Kate, I loved the picture of Barbara with the flying hair.

  • Being a horse enthusiast, Kate, that last photo caught my eye. Is that the inside of the farm center? All those saddles are so interesting!

Recent Posts

Plaskett Fire Virtual Community Meeting Tomorrow, 9/7

The Los Padres National Forest, in collaboration with California Interagency Incident Management Team 7, will…

18 hours ago

Timber Fire Flare Up – Photos by Sharen Carey

Photos taken from Lower Clear Riodge between about 6 am and 10 am.I am informed…

18 hours ago

Plaskett Fire, Day 12, 9/6, Morning Update

2026 Plaskett Fire Incident Update Los Padres National Forest Sunday, September 6, 2026 Fire Information:805-257-9891 Email:2026.Plaskett@firenet.gov Forest Closure Information: Monterey Ranger…

2 days ago

Timber Fire, Day 30, 9/6, Morning Update

Operational Update Video for September 6th from Los Padres National Forest on Facebook. Daily Update:…

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.