Cotswolds Diary, Day 4(th of July!)

As I settle in – and am not yet quite – I did want not to miss a return to Hidcote, and my friend Jonathan (MFJ) wanted to go, too. As a side note, happy to report that in driving there (he offered but I wanted to practice) I only hit the curb once, though… Continue reading Cotswolds Diary, Day 4(th of July!)


Clarity Begins at Home 2023

New Year, New You! What will you achieve in 2023? Will this be the year that your resolution to “get organized” gets real? Will you clear a path toward your purpose? Join Barbara Reich and me in the return of our (super-popular!)  Clarity Begins at Home workshop on Tuesdays from January 31 through February 28, 11… Continue reading Clarity Begins at Home 2023


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?


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. I loved that apartment and had just to walk by this light, airy living room to lift my spirits, and most of the time, it worked. 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


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


A Chat and a Laugh with Flower Magazine’s Margot Shaw

What do bar fights, the Piggly-Wiggly in Tarboro, and spiritual connection have in common? Find out in my interview with Flower Magazine Editor-in-Chief Margot Shaw. When Margot asked me to do an online chat just for fun, I said I am all about just-for-fun. I’m also all about Margot, who is the coolest, and I would do… Continue reading A Chat and a Laugh with Flower Magazine’s Margot Shaw



It’s Here and It’s Yummy !!!!!!

Wildly anticipated… at long last… just in time for the holidays… TA-DA!!! California Cooking and Southern Style was released yesterday and we are all a-buzz here at Rancho La Zaca. ESPECIALLY about the first official post-publication review in the Head Butler… Click on it. It’s short, I promise, and it includes three free recipes! Here’s… Continue reading It’s Here and It’s Yummy !!!!!!


Drum Roll Please… Announcing New Book! Sneak Preview!

About time, I know! I’ve been bustin’ to tell you and I hope you’ll be bustin’ with delight, if, um, not at the seams… because it has some seriously good calories. Coming in November, it’s called California Cooking and Southern Style—100 Classic Recipes, Inspired Menus, and Gorgeous Table Settings. A mouthful 😉 but no reason to… Continue reading Drum Roll Please… Announcing New Book! Sneak Preview!


America’s Best Party Hosts… Gosh!

I’m just not one of those people who wins things. Except for that time I played Bingo with my sister at a spa like ten years ago. My prize was shower gel and moisturizer and I had them bronzed for posterity. Now I might bronze my party shoes. What a huge honor–and surprise!–to be named… Continue reading America’s Best Party Hosts… Gosh!