Friday, May 30, 2025

Party: Oh Happy Days Reunion (6/1)




WHAT HAPPENED?
Building may be gone, spirit lives on
Potluckers gathered to cook on four separate stoves in a very green garden with wild birds singing that made the mindfulness instructions seem easier to incorporate. New stimuli in an unfamiliar garden allows all of the senses become alive to what the feet are feeling (sensing), what fragrances of vegan food cooking are wafting, what sights and sounds are being taken in with new faces and networking opportunities, old friends and new fellows in acts of collective compassion, and finally the many delicious flavors from the grill, gluten-free vegan protein doused with Korean BBQ sauces over brown rice angels hair noodles and fresh kale, strawberry cheese cake from Silverlake. The sixth sense (the mind) had many delights to watch dispassionately with great interest but not self-interest, not "How does it relate to me?" reckoning, measuring, surmising, simply taking in. The health community in Altadena-Pasadena has remained cohesive and strong with loving bonds for Oh Happy Days Vegan Cafe and grocery. Music, slam poetry, and heartfelt talks were featured as we ate more than we could comfortably hold -- Korean, Mediterranean, Indian, Mexican, all-American grilled veggies, baked potatoes, kombuchas, punches, teas, and all of the usual entrees. The guest of honor was overwhelmed with the show of affection and enthusiasm for bringing back the store.

Survivor John Hopkins
Once upon a time, there was a vegan restaurant, grocery store, and vitamin shop in Altadena (Los Angeles) called Oh Happy Days.
It was in a time warp and felt like a den of vegetarian hippies and an old-timey General Store after hiking down on Lake Avenue from the Cobb Estate (home of Groucho Marx) and White City, looking down on LA, Orange County, even Santa Monica Bay and Catalina Island.

We are all Friends in the new Los Angeles
The local Native Americans -- now called the Kizh (Tongva, Gabrielenos) -- must have loved the view of their land next to Hahamog'na (headwaters to the LA River starting Pasadena, near the Rose Bowl), east of the Tataviam Tribe in the Valley (Fernandeño), They would have loved it more if they could eat here with the hippies and health conscious.

Burned in Eaton Fire

The shop burned down in the Eaton Fire, along with the owner's Altadena home, vehicles, and those of his workers. Read all about his harrowing survival:
The comeback Reunion/Potluck
John Hopkins controls the music like The Fonz
Clearing the Eaton Fire debris has taken months, due to its size and also clearing Pacific Palisades. But things are developing apace.

In the meantime, before it formally reopens, Oh Happy Days is returning to its monthly Potluck Parties with a REUNION (with music and mindfulness meditation) at nearby home:
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