Dear Magical Breitenbush,
Oh, how I will miss your sweet refuge in the guest cabins. I met you in September 1986 at the annual Herbalist retreat and I fell in love with you. In those days, there was only the far meadow pool, really not developed – with cinder gravel on the bottom that would stir up into the water with any movement. But the water! Always divine, inviting, relieving, grounding – bringing me back to the earth, the land, the source.
Breitenbush, you are my renewal! Over the last 34 years, Breitenbush has been a second home. Upon arrival, that first breath is unforgettable – the mixture of the scent of the trees with the land, the quietness, the love that so many people have felt over decades. Then the descent into the cabins with the wheelbarrows or sleds.
So many memories over the years. Laughing until my sides hurt at the herbalists’ talent shows in the Lodge and music in the Lodge or down at the River Yurt – singing and drumming. Walking quietly the trails to Devil’s Creek and the Emerald Forest, and taking splendid photos. Soaking in the far meadow pool when it was only 12F and getting out to find my towel had frozen solid and was essentially unusable, and my long hair was frozen. Meeting with friends of the Breitenbush community over the years: hugging, discussing, loving during meals. And meditating each early morning in the Sanctuary: in quietness and solitude and watching the snow gently fall.
I love you Breitenbush – Thank you for all the healing, renewal, inspiration and love over the years.
My memories are precious and stored with utmost gratitude. You will also be renewed, restructured and rebuilt with caring hands and open hearts!
Thank you for your GRACE.
Love and Blessings,
Ellen (Breitenbush Guest and Community Friend)
