The Dwelling in the Woods

A few weeks ago, I booked a reservation at The Dwelling in the Woods in McGrath, MN to get away. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into…all I knew was that I would be in the middle of no where, someone would cook my meals for me and I would stay in what is called a “hermitage” with no tv, no phone, and no internet access. Last weekend, I traveled to The Dwelling to “recharge my batteries” and it was a wonderful experience.

Upon arrival we were greeted by Patricia, the organizational director, who is the most welcoming and kind person you could ever meet (even though we showed up later than planned). She gave us a tour of the property and led us to our hermitage called the Birches. I assume this is beacause the cabin is surrounded by Birch trees! 

The Birches

The hermitage was big enough for two people, contained all of the essentials including a bathroom with a shower, a wood burning stove, a kitchenette stocked with breakfast food, an old couch, a comfy recliner, a table and chairs, a spiral staircase that leads to a sleeping loft and large windows to sit and watch the beauty of nature that surrounds you. The space was filled with charm and you have no choice but to smile everywhere you turn. 

You can refill the bird feeder outside whenever you want and watch the northwoods critters feast to their hearts content. We saw Blue Jays, Chickadees, Pileated Woodpeckers and a naughty squirrel that would storm the feeder from time to time. No deer came out while we were there, however I am sure they were around.

Northwoods

Located on roughly 100 acres of land, there are trails in which you can snowshoe, ski, or walk depending on the season. Being that the land is shared with many critters and animals (and the occasional black bear) you are given jingle bells to take with you on your excursions. The bells are intended to alert the animals of your presence and makes it so that you do not startle them. 

Emphasis is placed on spending your time at The Dwelling on whatever it is you came there for. You can participate in daily morning meditation, but only if you want to. The peace and quiet of nature influences you to simplify your life, if only for a short while…an experience that many people forget to schedule into their busy lives. I returned to civilization with an increased sense of clarity, a stomach full of home cookin’, and an abundance of loving energy.

Thank you to The Dwelling in the Woods!

Check out their website at http://www.thedwellinginthewoods.org.

Natural Beauty Jewelry will be exhibiting at the first annual Holiday Gift Market on December 13, 2008. This event takes place at the DECC (Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center) . There will be a variety of vendors exhibiting home décor, apparel, accessories, jewelry, novelties, pottery, gourmet food, toys, and much more.

Holiday Gift Market – December 13, 2008

Show Hours: 10:00am-7:00pm

Address: DECC- 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall – Entrance B

Natural Beauty Jewelry will be exhibiting at The Festival of Trees 2008. This event is sponsored by The Junior League of Duluth, a volunteer organization that raises money to help their community. At the event you can expect over 140 of the area’s top crafters and vendors showing their wares.

The Festival of Trees – “The Northland’s Largest Holiday Arts and Crafts Show”

Location

Lake Superior College, 2101 Trinity Road, Duluth, MN 55811

Dates/Hours

November 22, 2008 /8:00am-4:00pm

November 23, 2008/10:00am-3:00pm

More Information

http://juniorleagueduluth.com/duluth/npo.jsp?pg=fundraiser&article=506

Hope to see you there!

Last weekend, I spent a mini-vacation in Duluth, MN for Grandma’s Marathon & Half Marathon. I ran my first half marathon and finished in approximately 2:16:00, just under my goal time of 2:30:00! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Duluth, it is located along the shore of Lake Superior lending a beautiful view for runners this time of year. The half marathon starts 13 miles north of Duluth and finishes in Canal Park which is packed with cheering spectators. It was an amazing experience, and although I can’t say whether I will do it again, it was a true test of endurance, comittment and determination.

In addition to running the race, I was able to spend some time along the shoreline searching for Lake Superior agates (the official MN state gemstone). Lake Superior agates vary in red, orange and yellow coloration often with banding caused by the oxidization of iron. It is amazing to think that a glacier deposited these agates and the many other stones found along the shore over a billion years ago! I wasn’t lucky enough to find an agate, so I purchased a few at a local shop to take home with me. Below is a picture of the shoreline and a picture of my Lake Superior agates.