The Russian River Valley is a stunning part of Sonoma County, California. Driving on quiet forest-vineyard roads carved through the countryside brings a feeling of nostalgia I can’t quite name. While the rugged coast is not far away, life along the river feels a bit more relaxed. It was exactly what I needed.

It’s been a long year. My birthday is in mid-September, and by the time it rolls around we are usually in peak late summer where I live, the heat and light unyielding. The sun gives us one more tiresome gasp before relaxing post-equinox. Plants and creatures seem to know the seasons are changing— but not fast enough.

Retreating to the forest, finding myself again

We planned this getaway a bit last minute as a much needed assertion of freedom. Between a family funeral, personal health concerns and community upheaval, much of my non-work time has been taken up by things that demand attention but offer little agency to influence outcomes. Have you ever felt like you were in the midst of difficult or even harmful dynamics, but couldn’t do much about them? That’s what a lot of this summer was like.

I wanted to mark this year with a sense of returning to myself. The forest offers this for so many of us— the wisdom of trees who have witnessed decades if not centuries of human activity, and can remind us that sometimes we want things to happen before they’re ready.

There was a part of myself that felt like she was racing through a confusing labyrinth looking for answers, getting lost. The trees invited me to go into that maze and call her back.

What to do in the Russian River Valley

If you stay somewhere lovely, you don’t have to do much of anything. The quiet of the trees invites inhaling and exhaling the expansiveness and gratitude that is missing in our busy, stressful, imposed-upon lives. There are hikes and wineries, restaurants and outdoor activities for those who want to put a thing or two on the agenda. We really enjoyed hiking, exploring, and dining— but also just wanted some time to reconnect, read, journal and linger over morning coffee.

Things to do:

• Go strolling through the beautiful Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. There are flat areas and also more intensive hiking and camping. If you can afford it, pay for parking! You’re supporting the park. Follow all the signs.
• Taste cheese at Bohemian Creamery. You can purchase a tasting plate or just taste a few and purchase your favorites. We really enjoyed the flavors of the cheeses, particularly Three Trick Pony.
• Have lunch at the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, or splurge and stay there. We loved everything they served in their shaded dining area, and admired the cottage-style garden afterwards.
• Relax at The Stavrand, a boutique hotel nestled in the redwoods. They have a lovely breakfast, refreshed rooms, beautiful design and quiet places to sit. Plus, it was time to harvest pears and quinces and we took home bagfuls for jam!
• Wander around Duncans Mills, a town on the way to the coast. There’s a wonderfully curated bookstore, vintage shop, and other cute places to stop and purchase gifts. I bought a fantastic book about Mumbai, India that I’ve had in my Amazon cart forever. And then I bought two vintage vases and an incredible Bill Blass scarf!
• Grab a tasty and casual dinner at Boon Eat + Drink, and wander through the funky town of Guerneville.

Enjoying life more

My shoulders have been tight, my brow furrowed, and my teeth clenched at various points throughout this year. I’ve felt stress peak in my body at the very physical level, and— even when the threat or stressor has passed— the stress stays elevated. I can’t explain it other than that there’s been a lot on my mind and heart lately, and it’s costing me.

But… life is still a gift. I wake up to a magical sunrise most days. The flowers and herbs I’ve planted have thrived this year, offering their beauty, fragrance and healing powers. There are people I love and who love me. Work is deeply meaningful, but even without it, we are whole.

These are no small miracles and we don’t get these days back.

So, as trite as it might sound, I walked away from my too-short time in the woods with the commitment to enjoy life more. And I mean really to enjoy it— with genuine gratitude, humility, generosity, and appreciation. Even if I thought life would look different at this point, there are so many gifts to receive. Maybe if we look at the gifts for what they are, rather than what they could be, we can exhale a little more.

A great wild mercy

I’ve recently fallen in love with Carrie Newcomer’s songs. As a Quaker she writes in a way that reflects the settling power of the holy, and it’s nourishing to my spirit. I’m borrowing her words as a prayer these days. 

There’s a big wide sky filled with stars
That feels so close but feels so far
I’m tired of all the rage tired of all the worry
I’m looking for some peace trying not to hurry
I’m leaning into something absolutely sturdy
I’m ready for a great wild mercy
A great wild mercy
A great wild mercy