The word “refuge” has never been better suited to a place or experience. Imagine scribbling in your notepad, overlooking Tomales Bay with a cup of just-brewed coffee and a freshly picked apple from the garden at your side.
After a week of peace and quiet, I feel more human. The beauty of the land, the warm atmosphere, the brilliance of our fellow activists in residence, and the grace of our hosts helped us heal and create.
Mesa Refuge played a critical role in my transition from nonprofit executive to author—helping me find my voice when I needed it most. Mesa’s grassroots orientation makes it a rare jewel among residencies.
I wrote at the edge of the restored wetlands of Tomales Bay. Like grief, the terrain was in constant flux.