A detour that became a destination. The Hidden Tricks of Lime Ridge Hills invites readers to look beyond the surface of the trails that divide Concord and Walnut Creek. This is a story of finding sanctuary, chasing the seasons, and discovering that the most important path we walk is the one that leads us back to ourselves.
Summary
The Hidden Tricks of Lime Ridge Hills is an intimate, contemplative journey into the heart of the landscape that defines the border between Concord and Walnut Creek. What began as an exploration of local geography evolved into a deeper, seasonal study of personal transformation and spiritual grounding.
Through vivid observations of the changing landscape, the narrative captures the subtle, often overlooked “tricks” of the hills—the way light plays across the ridges, the shifting tapestry of flora through the seasons, and the quiet power of nature to act as an anchor in a restless world. More than a memoir of place, this book serves as a meditative guide for anyone seeking to reconcile the demands of modern life with nature’s enduring necessity.
By chronicling a personal connection to this terrain, the book invites readers to witness how intentional time spent in the wild can restore internal balance, foster mindfulness, and reconnect us to our own sense of purpose. Whether you are a local hiker or a reader seeking a sanctuary of your own, these pages offer a testament to the idea that sometimes the most profound discoveries aren’t found on the maps we follow, but in the stillness we find along the way.
About the Author
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Susiani Djauhari Tan
My story began far from the life I live today. Raised in the vibrant, close-knit world of my Peranakan heritage in Bekasi, Indonesia, I carried the values and traditions of my roots with me until I moved abroad at age 24. A pivotal moment in my youth came at age 13, when I converted to Catholicism. It was then that I met my mentor, the late RM FX Mudji Sutrisno, SJ—a renowned Jesuit priest and poet who introduced me to the literary world. His wisdom and encouragement laid the spiritual and creative foundation for my life, shaping me into the Christian woman and writer I am today. Later, learning French taught me that we can find a home in new words, just as we can in new lands.
But my greatest lesson in bridging worlds came when I became a mother. Navigating the American landscape as an immigrant, while raising three children, one with Down syndrome, turned my world upside down and forced me to redraw the map. The Hungry Chromosome series is my love letter to that journey. It is written for every parent who feels like they are walking a path without a guide—for the immigrant families striving to provide a beautiful, inclusive start for their children, and for anyone who has ever had to find strength in the “detours” of life. I write to show that no matter where you come from or what challenges your family faces, there is a way to nurture joy, embrace your roots, and create a legacy of faith and resilience.
