I Was Never a Sun Worshiper. I Got Skin Cancer Anyway.

When my old college friend Katie Couric—you may have heard of her—saw my hideous Instagram post sporting the three-inch surgical scar I incurred after a melanoma surgery, she asked if I’d write a piece for her daily newsletter, the (excellent) Wake-up Call. Of course, I said, and here it is.  Katie is big on cancer… Continue reading I Was Never a Sun Worshiper. I Got Skin Cancer Anyway.


More on…Art of the Soul Retreat at Rancho La Zaca,
March 2022

As we resolve what we want to do in ’22, might we also choose how we want to be? I’m thinking if we get the being part right, the doing will come naturally, hearing our heart’s song and aligning with our purpose will follow. This is the Art of the Soul.  Your soul’s voice is your… Continue reading More on…Art of the Soul Retreat at Rancho La Zaca,
March 2022


Art of the Soul
Retreat at Rancho La Zaca, March 2022

Light on the horizon at Rancho La Zaca

Your soul’s voice is your True Self speaking. It is who you were born to be, your deepest meaning and your highest purpose. In this weekend retreat we’ll explore a variety of fun, take-home-able, non-woo-woo tools and techniques to access your soul’s voice via mind, body, and spirit.


Can a Mid-Life Conundrum Inspire a Creative Second Wind?

Well why the heck not? It did for me and it can for you too. Just let it. This is an essay I wrote recently for Veranda Magazine, in their special California issue, January/February 2021. Reprinted here with permission, and revised to make sense, since it is me we’re (I’m) talking about and on my website. … Continue reading Can a Mid-Life Conundrum Inspire a Creative Second Wind?


A Time to Pie

Christmas is a  most excellent time to pie, don’t you agree? And yet you want this pie to be special. You want to honor tradition but add your special twist; to meet your guests’ expectations, but not to exhaust yourself. You got it: Not one but  two  utterly divine desserts you can make in advance,… Continue reading A Time to Pie


Watermelon and Tomato Salad
with Arugula, Feta, and Herbs

Watermelon and Tomato Salad with Arugula, Feta, and Herbs, from California Cooking and Southern Style by Frances Schultz, Recipe by Stephanie Valentine. Photo Deborah Whitlaw Llewelyn

If ever there were a time for a watermelon and tomato salad, it is NOW in the middle of August. I am writing this from the coast of North Carolina, where I grew up coming in summers, and hun there is no doubt that it is the middle of August. Just ask my hair, Anyway… Continue reading Watermelon and Tomato Salad
with Arugula, Feta, and Herbs


Art of the Soul – Retreat at Rancho La Zaca, October 28-30, 2021

Your soul’s voice is your True Self speaking. It is who you were born to be, your deepest meaning and your highest purpose.  In this weekend retreat we’ll explore a variety of fun, take-home-able, non-woo-woo tools and techniques to access your soul’s voice via mind, body, and spirit. You’ll use your creativity, but you don’t… Continue reading Art of the Soul – Retreat at Rancho La Zaca, October 28-30, 2021


Paint the Splendid Santa Ynez Valley with Tim Horn — June 24-27, 2021

Chileno Valley Road, by Tim Horn

Join award-winning California artist and virtuoso instructor Tim Horn  and me in the stunning Santa Ynez Valley for painting en plein aire and relaxing at Rancho La Zaca. If you are not familiar with Tim’s work, feast your eyes. Our painting locations will include mountains, vineyards, beaches, and Rancho La Zaca itself, all set amid the breathtaking backdrop of the Valley… Continue reading Paint the Splendid Santa Ynez Valley with Tim Horn — June 24-27, 2021


Clarity Begins at Home – 2nd Workshop Begins February 23!

My office two apartments ago. I was wild for the emerald green lacquer desk I bought from Kelly Wearstler. Schumacher toile. LIght fixture ABC Carpet. Interior Design John Oetgen, but he would probably want me to point out that the butterflies were my idea ;D. Photo Max Kimbee

GOSH, we were excited about our “Clarity Begins at Home” workshop, and apparently you were too, because it sold out in three days. So we’ve opened a second, and we hope you will join. In case you missed, and to save you the clicking back, here it is: From January 8: The pandemic of 2020 has… Continue reading Clarity Begins at Home – 2nd Workshop Begins February 23!


Clarity Begins at Home – Workshop Beginning January 28, 2021

My old living room two apartments ago. Light-filled and curated without being cluttered. A spirit-lifter for sure. Interior design John Oetgen. Photo Max Kimbee

The pandemic of 2020 has left even the fortunate among us weary and perhaps wondering if we are living/working/being in the world as we best could. We haven’t spent so much time at home since… ever. As a result, consciously or not, many of us have felt a connection between home, self, and our sense… Continue reading Clarity Begins at Home – Workshop Beginning January 28, 2021


Bring Your Light to the World

Around May of this crazy ass year, a funny-as-in-haha-funny friend of mine was talking about how long it had been since her last pedicure, root touch-up, Botox, et cetera—and she ended with, “I’m kind of excited to see what I really look like,” which sounded even funnier with a Texas accent, which she has. And… Continue reading Bring Your Light to the World


iPad Painting Workshop at Rancho La Zaca

iPad painting by Anne Ward, teaching at Rancho La Zaca August 20-22

If ever there were a time for creative wellness, it is now. You with us?! Discover the beauty and power of your own creative voice,  and join us for this first-time-ever, very small, safely distanced iPad painting workshop at Rancho La Zaca. We invite you to an all-inclusive* iPad painting workshop at our beautiful Rancho… Continue reading iPad Painting Workshop at Rancho La Zaca