Thirteen years have passed since we opened the doors to the ranch for the first time. Without missing a beat...we opened up the Ranch a few weekends ago to one of Jorma's specialty workshops. Though small in numbers, the group was over the top in the spirit they brought to our little piece of heaven. Winter seems to be gone (hopefully) and despite the overcast sky, everything about the light that shines through the hearts of musicians broke through that platinum ceiling. The mix of students came from all over the U.S. They came in from Los Angeles, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Delaware, Mexico City, North Carolina, Florida and South Carolina. Some of them were repeat offenders and others were new to the Ranch. By the time Saturday rolled around it was as if we’d all known each other for years. That is the magic of the Fur Peace Ranch. We are doing it again this weekend with Stefan Grossman, Larry Coryell and Jorma. This time the group is large and though we’ve just gotten underway...the magic is clear. The students have all been here over the last 13 years at one time or another. Some of them know each other and some are just meeting for the first time. Four are new to the Ranch but have been taken in by others and they are all off playing guitar after an amazing lunch prepared by Chef Chris. Pot roast taco's with Chipoltle brownies for dessert!

Years ago when we had the idea to open the Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp, we were moved by the land to build something. It did not happen over night. I was still in the throws of my life choices at that time. Eventually as I became healthier my eyes opened, my heart grew and I was able to see that it was the land that brought us here and it was time to learn some unknown lesson. It was in 1991 shortly after we first moved here...I went for a drive trying to escape my misery, but there I was, stuck with me trying to get a way from me. Every turn, around every corner of the winding roads that is my home, was more stunning than the last. The puffy white clouds, the rolling hills, the cows, the grass so green it hurt my eyes...and this voice that kept at me so lovingly. I heard, “Look at this beauty. Get out of your hurt and look at what is yours.” I finally gave in. Instead of fighting this internal struggle, I started to sail around the corners. I was laughing and gasping for air at the beauty that is this land that kept showing itself to me. When I reached the end of the road I was on, I turned back around and sailed back the way I came to be sure I wasn’t having a mental break down. I wasn’t having a break down. I believe that I had become so sick and tired of being sick and tired with myself, that there was no where else to turn except into the arms of these hills that were wrapping themselves around me like a mothers love.

Everything is connected. The land, the Ranch, the dream, the students, the music, the food, the land...and the circle keeps swirling every session...every year. Onward............