Dear Ranchers of Peace,
As the days grow shorter and the air begins to cool, I feel an invitation from the autumn into reflection on the season past. Summer felt milder in the shadows of the Oak trees and under the spring of the waterfall at the playground, which was the hangout of choice for the Jolly Ranchers (Windermere residents under 10). In my time with them, more often than not, on our way to the playground, we stopped—stopped to visit resident dogs Baja and Bucket, stopped to “meditate” at the labyrinth, stopped to dig a hole by the mailroom, stopped to climb into a cave, stopped to blow bubbles through a tube at the pond. In the delight of these littles, I’ve gotten to slow down, to stop and take in the natural and added beauty of Windermere, and to reflect on what it might be like to grow up here.
Twice this summer, Lisa and Hugo and their two sons, Luca (8) and Oliver (4) did extended weekend stays at Windermere. Having visited Windermere as a child Lisa, in her own way, did grow up here, “As we toured the land, memories flooded back to me of horseback rides, picnics, J-R seminars in the barn, and mostly the joy of looking out across those expansive vistas, trying to catch a glimpse of the herd roaming wild and free.” The wonder of Windermere was not lost on Lisa’s children. Less than 24 hours into their stay, Luca announced, “I am staying here forever.”
On one of their visits, their family was joined by another family—Kevin, Ellen, Zander (6), and Mischa (4)—who experienced Windermere for the first time. Both families joined Windermere residents to prepare the garden soil for next year’s planting.
“It might sound funny that our families delighted in spreading manure through the garden but that was our experience,” Kevin shared. Although, they enjoyed the process, residents and the visiting Jolly Ranchers alike gladly put down their pitch forks to harvest and eat carrots from the garden and to hop off to see the goats who provided all that manure.
Treble, the baby goat who we introduced in last month’s newsletter was, of course, a fan favorite. However, he is no longer Windermere’s newest resident. This past month, for Milo’s birthday, Lani gifted him a pregnant longhorn, her calf, and a steer. This may have been more of a surprise for Bully, our longtime resident steer, than it was for Milo.
As our community expands, I’m delighted to hear the reflections of first-time guest, Kevin, “Windermere is a place to experience the natural reciprocity of service.” Service seems to be the call that has brought all the current residents here and it’s been my experience that I’ve gained far more than I’ve given.
“In the Peace of Windermere, Service unites us,
Receiving through giving, Spirit delights us.
Amidst the oaks' whispers and views so divine,
May the circle of Service forever entwine.”
~Kevin, Windermere Guest
If you feel called to share your gifts, talents, skills, or abilities in Service at Windermere Ranch, please respond to this newsletter with your intention.
Photos & Videos
Scenic views at Windermere Ranch. Enjoy these photos and videos from Milo, LeiLani, and ranch guests.
We love you. God bless you. Peace, be still,
Ashley, for Windermere Ranch
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