A Lucious Preview Day for Us Instructors

The next morning, Saturday, September18th, Jean and I wake to crisp mountain air and sun peeking into our cozy Tamarac cabin. We torch up the gas fireplace for warmth and mood and sip our coffee, excitedly chattering about how to spend the free day we have before "Women's Journaling Retreat" participants start arriving.

We do have some "required" assignments in prep for the Retreat thought. One was for me to run check out the place I'd envisioned for our morning yoga ~ I wanted to make sure it would be sunny and warm at 9am, our planned yoga time. And then, next, Jean and I wanted to take the Duck Lake hike to familiarize us with the trail ~ we planned this hike for Wednesday of the Retreat.

So while Jean was cuddled into the cabin I zipped down to the Mi-Wuk Rocks (yes, where these actual holes were worn by the Mi-Wuk Indians who summered in this very valley and ground their food in these granite pockets!) to see if the sun was upon them. And sure enough, the sun stretched out over the rocks (of course, I had to take a bunch of photos with the long morn' shadows).

But, then we dawned our packs and Jean slid into her new hiking boots ~ off we head for the total, round trip 4 mile hike. The stop at the top of the ridge we have to hoof over provides impressive views but, not to surpass one of my favorite valleys where Duck Lake is located. Adjacent to the lake are old, deteriorating cabins with rich warn wood and rusted materials aplenty. And my beloved giant Aspen trees are here too, where I was astonished how much they'd grown in girth from when I last saw them probably 8-10 years ago. More to the right of Duck Lake resides more lush spans of rock, topped with sculptural trees and punctuated granite boulders. But by the time we reach that area, Jean's new boots are raining havoc on one of her toes. This dip in the water proved a playful delight for more than just her feet. Direct quote from Jean: "joy from watching the catfish trying to nibble at my toes as I soaked my aching feet in the lake ... after our first day/2 mile walk in my new boots ... an exhilarating acclimation of the area before the class began on Sunday. We were so excited about our planned lessons and so eager to meet all the participants." Yep, we counted them ~ around 25 lil catfish swimmin' in the shadows. All refreshed from our pause, Jean sought out a log and I, a rock, taking an hour to sketch the lovely Duck Lake and the surroundings.

Back up over the ridge to our cabin for barefooted relaxing on our sunny porch. Jean iced her toe and I drank in the smells and breeze off the lake. We remained at the cabin for dinner as we needed to began thinking of packing everything up for our move over to the biggest cabin in the morning.

A day full of nature and just like Jean said of getting "acclimated" to the spirit and energy of the Sierras . . . could it have been any more perfect?

Arriving at Lake Alpine, Anticipation

This textual trek back through my days at Lake Alpine will flood my memory with smiles. I'm so excited to share this day-by-day commentary with you, hoping to vicariously share some of the experience. Not only will I be including my text and images , but Jean has added lil' snippets which I'll pop in too! And many of the best photos will be from images shared already by my amazing participants. So here goes . . .

Jean and I arrived late afternoon, Friday, September 17th about an hour apart. Her drive took about 5-6 hours, mine was a full 8 hours. She was the early one and had already done this creative rendition of our temporary cabin, The Tamarac, when I arrived. For two nights we'd be in this more compact lodging, until the largest cabin, The Ponderosa, was available. The cabin had small rustic touches that "made" the charm. Each time we entered the bathroom, one couldn't help but smile. Now "who" has had a bear accompany them in the bathroom before? And the cute triangular sink fit demurely into the tiny corner of the bathroom. The walls were of this assembled logs and added to the cozy, warm feeling of the rooms.

After unloading, we took a quiet walk around the lake. The clear blue sky reflected majestically in the calm water and as we headed back to the lodge, we notice the "approaching-full-moon" phase is watching our movements. Next to the full view windows of the restaurant, we sampled the dinners at the Lake Alpine Lodge. Substantial and mouthwatering was our verdict - oh no! Good thing we had many activities that would help us work off the mountain meals.

We nested into our cabin for an early to bedtime, ready for a full discovery day tomorrow. The adventure had begun ~ and my mouth was watering with anticipation!!

Jean's Samplings

I promised to tease you with a snippet of what my amazing Tandem-teacher, Jean Warren, will be offering up. So here's some teeney lil' postage stamp size images that will give you something to digest and, at least for me, to drool over.

Perhaps you can start to guess some of the words or questions Jean will be asking along these "sketch lines"? Could you see things differently if you attempt to portray your world with these kind of images? How are these different from how you usually work artistically?

One of the many things I have admired about Jean's creative process is that she moves beyond or approaches what she chooses to express often in ways I can't even imagine. This, I hope, will help me perceive the world around me with new eyes. And that is a gift not just for us artists but, it can present a fresh perspective with which to experience our lives. In fact . . . a favorite quote I often apply to an uncomfortable situation in my life is "Above all else, allow me to see this differently."

I'm very excited to be pushing myself right along with you other participants in this expanding retreat by having Jean Warren lead us into experiencing in new ways.

"Cooking" Culmination

Ok, Jean and I have been cooking up the week's agenda for our retreat. I'm telling you it's going to be an interesting and expanding week!

Jean has us doing some things to stretch our memory, imagination and perception. She's always been such an adventurous creative, I've long admired and been frightened of her process. Her ability to problem solve in a painting has fascinated me. So, along with you all, I will be stretching and re-shaping my capabilities as I paint right along with you under Jean's gentle direction.

And me, I'm polishing up some new processes I'm just discovering in my explorings, as well, as trying to whittle down the existing possibilities I already have all written up. I want you to get only the juicy-iest stuff! The more time I spend in my journal, more mistakes I need to resolve and more emotions I want to express, the more I have to share with you. Believe me, it's not always a planned expedition. I like to include a sprinkling of spirit experience. So I'll offer optional morning "Sun Salute" (weather permitting, of course) and a sampling of Buddhist Meditation too. I'm so excited to encourage all of us to be more extravagant in our self-investigation and our risk-taking ~ to discover our limitlessness.

Both Jean and I are "chewing" on the balance of sharing lots of delicious processes, while wanting to give you plenty of private time for your individual development and indulgence. We want you to bring your dictionaries and thesauruses so as to play and augment your ability to express in words too. In addition to pigment play, I'm adding some "stitching" projects and emotion expression, beyond mere words!

And . . . as soon as Jean zips me a photo sampling of her "secret" plans for you, I'll post it here.

We've already got some pretty amazing women (one fabulous lady just finished knee replacement surgery a few weeks ago) signing up for this experiential retreat, I'm "fairly sizzling with delight" (who can tell me from where I got that quote?) waiting to see who else will be joining us. Come along, join in the pleasure of time to yourself, the wonder of nature and the deepening of spirit as we touch others lives.

A Little Conversation ~ Jean Warren's Watercolor Passion

Just to give you a little taste of from where Jean Warren's watercolor and sketchbook passion evolved and let you get to know what's in store for you . . . here's Jean:

"My passion for the Sierras grew after our family moved to California from the East coast 40 years ago. We couldn't get enough of Yosemite as we camped and hiked week after week. And then, a revelation - as I delved more and more into the versatility and portability of watercolor - that this grand outdoors could be my studio! There it was, full of inspiration, color and movement - just waiting for me to compose into a painting with a life of its own!

I use my sketchbook to think, to search for meaning about what it is that I want to say about the scene before me. Why does it excite me, or not? How can I put ME into the painting, my thoughts, my personality, my spirit; my discoveries? What is art about for you ... place, life, memory, celebration, spiritual, exploration, decoration, or the paint itself? I'm truly honored to join you as we paint, journal and learn from nature and each other!"

Basic Workshop Information

Just to get you some of the structure of the Women's Journaling Retreat, I'll elaborate on the basics.

Food, a basic necessity, especially when we are outdoors and exerting ourselves with new exposure (on several levels) is a big concern. Our location is limited to a small store at Lake Alpine Resort and another of similar volume at the Bear Valley Resort. Any personal favorites and most fresh food, I recommend you bring with you. We want everyone to have their personal needs met but also, to provide a gathering time over meals. So here is what Jean and I have cooked up (sorry for the pun) for . . .

Food:

- A "Welcome Dinner" with a two/three choice menu selection (you will be requested to pre-order) will be catered, Sunday, September 19th, the evening you arrive. I just spoke with Gigi, the owner, who said last year they had a heavenly "Squash Ravioli" to "die for."

- Participants will furnish their own breakfasts & lunch preferences. With a full kitchen in the large cabin, The Ponderosa, we can attend to our own needs and pleasures! The smaller, Studio Cabin will have a coffee maker, small refrigerator and no stove. We will all meet and work out of the larger cabin.

- Evening meals (3) will be furnished, with the exception of the Murphys' and Bear Valley evening meals. The Lake Alpine Resort Restaurant will be serving only on weekends.

and Lodging:

- Cabins have heat available. Bedding and towels are supplied. There are no TVs or phones. Cell phones probably won't work unless you have Verizon. There is a pay phone at the Lodge.

- The Lodge has internet connection on a secure system. So you'll need to connect near the Lodge. Also, the boats will still be available to us!!

- Our gathering center for the retreat will be the large two-story cabin, The Ponderosa. It has one large room, 2 seperate bedrooms (1 upstairs, 1 downstairs) and 1 large room with 4 beds. The bathroom has a tub/shower available.

- Sharing the largest cabin, The Ponderosa, there will be a sliding scale, relative to how many ladies to a room (only one private room, first come first serve) and what room is selected. With 2 different rooms (since Jean and I will be occupying one bedroom) and various sleeping arrangements available, we can accomodate nearly everyone.

- If we have an overflow or preferences, we will make available the smaller, Studio Cabin. It consists of one large room, 2 bunk beds (1 double, 1 queen) and small under counter refrigerator, coffee maker and no stove. The bathroom has a shower.

As women register, we will formalize any special food/lodging needs.

Now on to the juicy stuff ~ the things the Retreat will be made up of. Again these may change depending upon any special expeditions we invent or may be available to us (like a demo by a local Restoration Artist). These are the format for our days. We've wanted to keep travel to a minimum to allow a peaceful, settled air to permeate our days.

Itinerary information includes:

4 days:

- spent in the Lake Alpine Resort area, class instruction, hiking and ample private time for journaling, relaxation and reflection

1 day:

- drive into Murphys for "local color", sketching and dinner

- the Retreat will run from Sunday evening, with "Welcome Dinner" and end Friday afternoon. There will be an option to stay Friday evening if participants elect, and then leave Saturday.

How I Fell in Love with Lake Alpine

When I was living in California, I treasured my relationship with the Sierras - it had to take the place of my passion for the Rocky Mountains where I was raised. Early in my courtship with my hubby-to-be, knowing my loyalty to the mountains, he introduced me to the Lake Alpine area. We have camped there many a time and eventually, I grew very comfortable there.

I grew to know the "territory". The trails just up back our campsite were moderate and required no vehicle to access the trail head. The little village that the Lake Alpine Resort created with it's store, restaurant and cluster of cabins created a hub of activity and the owners were always a pleasure. I knew the swimming hole I loved to refresh in, the lake cove where it was always quiet, and the span of mystical granite with historic holes carved out by Natives grinding their food. On day trips, we'd brave it up to Ebbetts Pass and Mosquito Lake or for more of civilization, we'd drive to Bear Valley or Murphys. I felt at home there.

Later, we'd get our week-long camping trips all planned out. I'd be drooling inside to get to my favorite rock I'd discovered where I did my morning yoga . . . and . . . then, as my hubby got busier with his contracting business, we'd have to cancel the trip when he got jobs. I was disappointed and felt helpless.

In my spiritual path, I was learning to take charge of taking care of my needs. And, to be honest, nature, like the Lake Alpine area was one of my needs. So, I started planning a yearly trip up to Lake Alpine, by myself, only I was staying in one of the cozy lil' studio cabins in the village. I'd take a different hike daily, sketching, savoring the rugged, gorgeous mountain country. My precious personal journals are filled with images and several of my favorite fine art pieces were inspired from those visits.

Perhaps you can see, the return to this place, so precious in my memories, is pretty magical for me. I feel this special place helped me grow immeasurably and will always remind me of my core connection to nature, how it fills my soul with joy and strength. But to share this with all you very special women who choose to come along with Jean and I, I can't even find words to tell you my excitement and joy.

Our hope is that this "Women's Journaling & Sketching Retreat" will provide a place of sanctuary, growth, and renewal for all you who share it with us.

Namaste'