| Farmstead Workshops |
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Summer 2009 Farmstead Retreats "Let the beauty we love, be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” ~ Rumi Join us at Finnriver next summer for a weekend of wholesome living and lively learning on the land. Retreats at our organic farm on the Olympic Peninsula offer your an opportunity to dig in, breathe deeply, and open wide. We invite you to connect and create. Learn to cultivate abundance on the land by doing farm service in the fields alongside farmers; then taste the fruits of your labor during farm-fresh meals. Gain inspiration from fields and gardens; then learn from skilled craftspeople, artists and chefs as they inpsire and educate you in the fine and farmstead arts. Schedule of Retreats (Dates below are not set in stone yet.) The Handmade Hoe • July 10th-12th Work with local craftspeople to hew your own hand-made hoe. Woodworking and forging are age old arts used to craft both the necessary and the beautiful. Reclaim farm wisdom, learn essential skills, and take home an authentic and useful farm/garden implement. This retreat reminds us of the value of our tools and the joy of making something essential with our own hands. The Art of Farming • July 24th-26th Life on the land can be an inspiration. While farmers know that there is an art to farming well, we at Finnriver also feel the creative impulse extending to the fine arts. During this retreat guest artists will support you in exploring methods in watercolor and acrylic painting, using the landscape of the farm as your creative space and the fertile ground as your muse. Set your creative spirit free, with a paintbrush in one hand and ripe berry in the other. The Baking of Bread • August 7th-9th Imagine grinding your own grain, then learning from a master baker how to mix, knead and shape a traditional rustic loaf. Next imagine stoking the outdoor cob-earthen oven. Finally, see yourself tasting the warm bread you baked, satisfied that the labor of your hands will now nurture your body with wholesome, home-made, farm-fresh sustenance. Come learn and enjoy the art of baking bread. Daily Retreat Schedule: The following offers a general overview of a sample retreat schedule. Throughout the day, farm guests will have time to explore the fields, pick berries, contemplate the creek, or hang out on a welcoming hay-bale. We strive to balance being productive with being at peace. Retreat guest have the option to stay for a fine Fresh Fare catered dinner and/or camping by the creek. 8:00 Breakfast Serve yourself cereal and tea. Pick fresh berries from the fields to start your day sweetly. 8:45 Morning Yoga Join us for a morning stretch with a certified yoga instructor. Take deep breaths to start the day well. 10:00 Farm Service This is our time to work the land that feeds us. During this time you will participate in the authentic labor of the farm. Bring gardening gloves; wear your farm duds. 12:00 Community Lunch Gather ‘round the picnic tables for potluck–style community lunches. We will harvest produce from the fields to mix up the freshest of salads. 1:00-5:00 Workshop Session This is the time to take inspiration from the land and to feed the creative spirit. Make, paint, carve, bake or forge something true and good. 6:00 Fresh Fare Dinner Dinner on Friday serves up a fine catered meal using farm-fresh organic produce, with delicious dessert too. Taste the flavors of Finnriver. Relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. 8:00 Outdoor farm film or Campfire We will gather around the campfire or in the Cider Hall to reflect, ruminate and celebrate. Accommodations: Participants are welcome to camp by the creek at Finnriver for a rustic taste of true farm life. Bring your own tent and camping gear. We have the Cider Hall to serve as a community space and cooking happens communally at our outdoor camp kitchen. Rustic bathhouse and fancy port-o-potty on site. We can also refer you to several nearby state park campgrounds and local bed and breakfast inns. Check in time for weekend retreats begins at 5:00pm Friday. Self-serve dinner Friday night. Please arrive by 8pm. Check out Sunday afternoons by 4:00. Thank you for refraining from bringing dogs or smoking at Finnriver. And please take note—this is a working farm and there are certain safety considerations to keep in mind. Watch your step, stay off the equipment and keep a safe distance from farm animals. We do keep bees here too. Costs: Retreat cost is either $500, or $600 with catered dinner and camping, for the weekend. Workshop materials provided, as well as select meals/provisions. Camping by the creek is available from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. We can also refer you to local state parks and inns for alternative accommodations. All retreats are family-friendly with kids 8 and under paying a partial fee. In order to support guests in finding a peaceful focus, we ask parents to delegate an adult to supervise youngsters during workshop sessions. Children must be accompanied at all times on the farm. Your retreat fee goes to support local, sustainable, rural economy. We are honored to welcome you to our farm. REGISTER for a retreat by emailing us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it We will ask for a 50% deposit to hold your spot. The balance may be paid when you arrive. 5 person minimum required to run retreat. We will refund your deposit if enrollment is insufficient. We thank you for coming to live & learn with us at Finnriver Farm~ to cultivate beauty, to nurture well-being & to celebrate life on the land… •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Along with weekend retreats, Finnriver will host a series of afternoon workshops in the age-old arts of preparing, creating and crafting, drawing upon the products and possibilities of the farm. Check back in the Spring for course schedule and details. Sample courses include:
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