CITRUS HILLS MOBILE HOME PARK | DADE CITY Painting Mandalas On Rocks
By Susan Slater
Linda Hershey runs a monthly craft group in the Citrus Hill MHP on 98 in Dade City. This park is a bit of a hidden secret further on Rte. 98 past the other communities. It is set in a wooded area right off the highway, isolated from the building going on around.
This month the art project was to paint Mandalas onto rocks. Purchased from a garden store, the rocks are smooth and fit for acrylic paints. A Mandala coloring book is laid on the table to reference designs for the rocks. A mandala (Sanskrit for “circle”) is a design from a central point with a series of dots and lines radiating outward. The design represents the universe and spiritual connection.
In Hinduism and Buddhism this practice is used for meditation. Focus on the mind, create and move towards enlightenment. It is a relaxing process. The room was very quiet and serene while the ladies painted.
Citrus Hill is made up of 50/50 permanent residents and snowbirds. The women in the class come from Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, Vermont and New York, mostly snowbirds. Other activities at Citrus Hill are Card games, Board Games, Bingo, Pickle Ball, Shuffleboard and more. The dog owners have a dog park. The clubhouse has a pool table and a place to exercise.
The ladies have a monthly luncheon in local restaurants. The guys play golf at the city course two days a week and the third day, travel to another course. Every park has their ice cream socials. “Everyone likes ice cream!” The residents planned a beautiful Valentines Day Dance and have a food truck come to their park once a month.
The ladies consider their park very friendly. So much so that if you walk your dog or take a walk, it will take you hours because everyone stops to talk to each other. ♥
