The Catskills

A Day at the Manhattan Country School Farm- A Photo Essay

Autumn is perfect time to take a trip to the country to soak in the colors, crisp air and quiet. Here's what happened when I ventured to the Catskills recently. We met at the Manhattan Country School Farm for an overnight retreat. A time to collectively reflect as educators before the beginning of a new school year.

I was in my element. Despite calling New York my home base, I am a country girl at heart. I need to be around nature to feel creative and human.

Apples anyone?

Or how about some tomatoes?

This can has the life! I was envious of her. Every time I turned around, there she was purring peacefully beneath this nook or that.

 

This was the absolute highlight of my trip. The cow was so warm and steady. It took a few pulls, but she gave me milk.

I felt a true sense of accomplishment!

 

I also met this little calf. Can you believe he's only a few months old.

I met a group of three little pigs. They were lovely.

If you look into the eyes of a pig, I mean really look, they are startlingly human and gentle.

 

 

 

The big red barn

The gift of stillness and peace

The brocolli has such a regal essense.

This was my meditation spot

Boxes of vegetables in neat little rows. When I retire, I want to be a farmer.

 

Winter Nuptials Beneath the Stars in the Catskills

There is a place in the mountains where the air is refreshingly crisp. Yesterday's snow lingers forming crunchy banks that glisten in the sun. It is a quiet place, a creative space, where one can withdraw from the outside world and engage their senses. It's a place of brooks and streams and nature trails; where the stars weave an elaborate story as they beam down from the velvety midnight sky. They call this place the Full Moon Resort.

I doubt I would have found my way here, high up in the Catskill mountains, miles past Woodstock on my own. While open to individuals in search of a relaxing weekend or week, the Full Moon Resort is best known as a place for retreats, workshops, music festivals, and weddings. I made my way up the side of the snowy mountain as a guest at a fabulous winter wedding.

 

My good friend and fellow blogger Tracy (of the IICD and Mozambican posts) chose the Full Moon Resort as the setting for one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever had the pleasure of attending. It was a full weekend affair, that began on a Friday with a bonfire and barbecue, continued on Saturday with the lovely nuptials in a beautiful converted barn, and culminated on Sunday with an afternoon brunch.

The intimate weekend was a special way to celebrate Tracy and her new hubby Mike.

Cell phones do not work at the Full Moon, there are no televisions in the country bed and breakfast style rooms. Guests were out and about, feet crunching through the snow, communing in nature, and catching quiet writing, reading and photography breaks. It was a weekend of love, friendship, and abundant creative inspiration.

 

 

With the snow-covered mountains in the close distance, the sound of babbling brooks, and the beautiful wintry scenery, the Full Moon Resort forms an ideal backdrop for winter nuptials beneath the stars.

The Full Moon Resort: 2 Valley View Rd, Big Indian, NY 12410. (845) 254-5117.