After a week of peace and quiet, I feel more human. The beauty of the land, the warm atmosphere, the brilliance of our fellow activists in residence, and the grace of our hosts helped us heal and create.
Mesa Refuge played a critical role in my transition from nonprofit executive to author—helping me find my voice when I needed it most. Mesa’s grassroots orientation makes it a rare jewel among residencies.


We were told we would get more writing done than we anticipated. I didn’t believe it…and then there I was, two days before the end of my residency, with a full first draft of my book.

The word “refuge” has never been better suited to a place or experience. Imagine scribbling in your notepad, overlooking Tomales Bay with a cup of just-brewed coffee and a freshly picked apple from the garden at your side.
