2. The Land Match

I moved back to the Bay Area in 2017, and immediately the search for land began. I visited many plots, ranging from vacant lots costing $1 million to ones that were almost unlivable for $20,000. I was patient, persistent, and was surprised when the opportunity arrived. During the pandemic, my financial situation changed, and I found myself with the resources to finally act on my dream. I was also living in a 250 square foot apartment near downtown Oakland and desperately craved space to be outdoors.

I connected to BIPOC femme realtors I felt safe meeting in woodsy places alone. I was shown various plots. One day searching on Zillow or Redfin, a vacant lot I had my eye on dropped significantly in price. I texted my realtor and she recommended I go see the site. Lucky for me, I went on a very rainy day. And the moment I set foot on the land, I knew it was the place. I placed my hands on a wet mound, feeling the warmth of clay between my fingers. It was as if the land itself was welcoming me, pulling me in deeper- holding my hands. I felt a spiritual connection—like we were one. This was more than just a plot of land; it was a sacred place. I began to see the land not just as a place to build but as an altar. A space where I would honor my journey as a land steward, a healer, and a creator.

I’d had a vision some years before, during a meditation session with a friend, Mario Pineda, a graphic recorder. He guided me to explore what my future home would look like. The vision included a hill with a view of the ocean, rooted in the Earth’s energy. When I touched the land that day, everything lined up. It felt like coming home.

The timing was right. I had the cash and my deep longing to commit. I prayed for 10 days straight to be clear on this decision. I wrote a letter when I made the offer telling the current owner my plans. I bought the land in cash in 2021, knowing it was the foundation for something much bigger.