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.
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.


I wrote at the edge of the restored wetlands of Tomales Bay. Like grief, the terrain was in constant flux.

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.
