SpiritSong Retreat

An hour and a half from home, I drive up the mountain, enter a narrow road through tall pines and beech and turn into wide cleared fields atop steep rock ledges under a big open sky. I feel my heart expand with peace and joy. This is the land I call SpiritSong.

I built an off-the-grid retreat here, working in harmony with a strong team of local people. Collaborations, using materials leftover from construction and gathered from the land, are now becoming furniture, railings, fences, stone walls and patios.

Being careful not to violate the spirit of this land while making a quiet shelter that feels part of the outdoors, moving huge boulders from the surrounding fields to create outdoor living spaces in concert with nature and working on such a large scale are all dynamic and new experiences for me.

After many delays and during a summer of steady rain, the building went up during the only two weeks of clear skies. Weather-proof material was installed on the roof. At the end of the day we looked up to see a rare sight here – six eagles circling! As one dipped down we all felt goosebumps, tears, and a profound sense of blessings bestowed. It poured the next day.

Here is where I go to rejuvenate my spirit, re-connect with nature, dream and muse, and live in simplicity and gratitude.