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This past June I made a trip out to Ghost Ranch, NM with my daughters, mother, and sisters. While there, we took classes on pit-fired pottery, blacksmithing, and colonial tinworking. The atmosphere is very conducive to creativity--no phones, no television, no traffic--just beauty wherever the eye can see, in a community of artists, musicians, writers, etc. Ghost Ranch is surrounded by trails that are perfect for hiking or horseback riding, and in addition to the classes for adults, a range of activities is available for children of all ages. A full week of "R & R" is also an option for someone who just wants to relax. The accommodations are just the kind of spartan living that so appealed to Georgia O'Keeffe (at least where we were staying), though greater and lesser options are available. The week of classes ended with an "Artisans Show" at the Ghost Ranch Arts Center. While snacking on homemade brownies, coffee, and tea, we enjoyed looking at the creations of others--including such things as calligraphy, Bulto style woodcarving, retablos, miniature quilts, Navajo style weaving. After a busy week of our own classes, it was nice to see what our fellow "ranchers" had been up to. After the show, we took a walk over to the Labrynth, where it is suggested that you "pause at the entry into the labyrinth. Allow what comes naturally to guide you. Be yourself on the path. You need not hurry nor plod along. Walk it naturally." It was the perfect ending for a perfect week. (back)
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