Art of the Soul Retreat
Coming Soon

Your soul’s voice is your true self speaking. It is who you were born to be, your greatest joy and your deepest meaning.  In our Art of the Soul 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. And please feel free… Continue reading Art of the Soul Retreat
Coming Soon


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?


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


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


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!


The Most Brilliant Hors d’Oeuvre You’ve Never Heard of

Bagna Cauda in all its olive-oily-garlicky glory. Recipe and photo by Stephanie Valentine.

An easy, do-ahead hors d’oeuvre full of rich, buttery, garlicky goodness–delicious and different and everyone loves it. Drum roll please…Bagna Cauda, or “hot bath” in Italian. It’s also a Christmas Eve tradition in Italy’s Piedmont region. Perhaps it will become one for you?


Happy Thanksgiving Decorating and Beyond

Happy Thanksgiving from our ranch to yours. Here’s a glimpse of last year, in case you’d like a little last minute inspiration. These feathered turkeys have become a staple in the entry hall. I ordered them from the Internet (no idea the source, sadly).  This is his mate on the opposite wall. You will notice they are both Toms.… Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving Decorating and Beyond


Hello Spring, a Toast to Green and Lavender, and a Contest!

Spring began officially on March 20 with the vernal equinox, when the sun appears directly above your bathing suit drawer. Astronatomy* aside, spring is about green, which I love. I’m throwing in lavender for fun, because they are great together.


Holiday Centerpiece With Birch Bark, Foliage, Fruit, and Flowers

Here is an impressive but easy centerpiece for the holidays or any day. For mantel or table, the size and height are easily varied. Use any combination of foliage, fruit, and flowers. Make a mess and it will still be beautiful. It’s an anything-goes thing.