Lane von Herzen: Email to Portola Valley Gardener

My Third Novel's Conclusion, My Heartbreak

My heart begins to break when I think about completing this particular book -- because this narrative has sustained me like no other story I've known. It's both more personal and more universal than my other works. But beyond memory and archetype, it's a cri-de-coeur about needing to become the person one is destined to be. And in the writing, I have met my own life's work, my own fated journey -- having the sense all the while that the pages are suffused with a resonance, an energy, an electrified field that defies explanation. Writers hope and pray to be overtaken by a work in this way -- to be conscripted into passionate service of a profound story. To experience it even once in a lifetime seems a great privilege. I still have several months before this novel is complete, and this constitutes my reprieve. Because I'm not ready for the beauty to end.

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Email to Portola Valley Gardener

Angel, there are allegations that you and your team may have profited from making knowingly false statements about my family members, my property and myself.

If this is the case, please provide me with your written statements, as well as those of your workers, so that I can refute them in a timely manner.

If you do not provide me with specific information regarding any problems or suspicions you encountered at my property or interacting with my family members or myself via return email within 24 hours of this communication, you will be confirming that my property was perfectly normal -- if in need of your gardening services -- during the whole of the two days you and your crew spent here. You will also be confirming that all of your interactions with my family members and with me were honorable, respectful, and lawful in every regard.

Angel, I must say that I have some questions with regard to the Japanese maple that was removed without discussion with me, as well as the tarp placement over the removal. I discussed this with Kiersten and she mentioned that you would follow up with me on Friday, a courtesy that did not take place.

Angel, while I do not believe that your participation in knowingly falsified law enforcement reporting is at your initiative, I have explained to you that I am a human rights advocate and therefore greater care than usual must be taken with regard to your truthfulness and integrity in all respects.

Thank you for your cooperation with this important issue.

Sincerely yours,