Essential Freedom in Simplicity--Refresh your Inner Life

Essential Freedom in Simplicity--Refresh your Inner Life

The mandala above is my own work, crocheted in embroidery floss.  It holds a great complexity in its pattern, and yet it resolves into a simple design that is pleasing and refreshing.  The piece is about 11' in diameter.

For me it is an illustration of quiet concentration, a project which anchored me during a difficult period of my life.  By focusing on the overall design while yet handling all the details, I was able to move forward without getting stuck on what was happening around me, since I was busy thinking about what was going on inside of my own universe.  A pretty neat little trick for mediation, this needlework stuff!

Focusing on the things that are working rather than on my own ideas about "how things should be" has been a great key for serenity. 

There is so much in life that is not subject to our own control, yet by creating objects of beauty, that same energy can be made visible in a form that transcends its original function.  The beauty outlasts the force that created it.

So I want to share with you the product of this experience, and invite you to join me for creative relaxation and community  her in Big Sur.

There are many types of creative retreats being planned and created here in Mill Creek.


Come and visit!

Three ways to visit me:

www.bettyofbigsur.com  My web site, where you will find information and updates about events and my work,

www.etsy.com/shop/bettyofbigsur, a shop to showcase and sell examples of my art and fashion designs,

www.retreatcampchecklist.com, a checklist about camping retreats, to let you know what is here, and let me know what you would like to have, and to do, in Big Sur!  Fun, quick, instant feedback!

Retreat Camp Philosohpy

Here is an example of Camp Philosophy!  The very simple way of living that centers around the camp fire is illustrated by the fabulous kebabs, so easy to prepare and so much fun to eat.

Barbecued vegetables, meats and breads are a staple of camp life.
Anything that can be made more simple adds to the fun.

That's the beauty of it!

Just the basic level of having plenty of good food and company, along with a minimum of concern for things that take a lot of upkeep , the everyday concerns of living large, the busy thoughts of keeping up with things....this will bring about a level of relaxed interaction that causes the mind to experience a type of pleasure based on contact with nature.  We are talking renewal!

Fresh air, clean water and beautiful surroundings will refresh the creative spirit with vibrant and powerful new energy.

If you would like to learn more about how to have a really great experience outdoors in a fully supported camp environment, please contact me at
retreat@bettyofbigsur.com.
Betty Withrow
(831)667-2314


Come and visit!

Three ways to visit me:

www.bettyofbigsur.com  My web site, where you will find information and updates about events and my work,

www.etsy.com/shop/bettyofbigsur, a shop to showcase and sell examples of my art and fashion designs,

www.retreatcampchecklist.com, a checklist about camping retreats, to let you know what is here, and let me know what you would like to have, and to do, in Big Sur!  Fun, quick, instant feedback!

Nacimiento Road

This view of Highway 1 from the bottom of Nacimiento Road shows the character of the South coast area of Big Sur, with its rugged cliffs and winding ways.  The vegetation near sea level is relatively small, and shows the twising effects of wind and the hot temperatures of summer, alternating with the rains of winter.

As one proceeds up
Nacimiento Road, the forest areas in the inside corners of the road grow more frequent and the trees larger.  Some small habitats that go up very steep terrain hold the dens of wild animals, and deer are very frequently seen jumping to and from the road along their well established trails.

Redwood trees grow right next to the road, and they are larger higher up the hill.  Further back in the canyon, the forest environment is thick and the trees still show the effects of the 2006 fire that passed through.  The north side of the canyon has much more vegetation than the south side, and the trees are much larger.  This is because the summer heat on the south slope evaporates so much of the moisture.

Nacimiento Road was built in the late 1800s, using labor from China.
In the early days it was best by bandits who would hide aboe the road to swoop down upon the unwary.
Miners who wanted to take their gold to the valley would use alternate and secret trails to get there.
the road was a narrow way of unpaved clay, slippery and dangerous in the winter months.
When I first lived in the mountians, getting to town was a pretty big deal!
Nacimiento was a dusty mess in the summer, too...It was paved in the mid-1970s.

It is the only road over the mountains, between Highway 1 and Route 101, that is located south of Carmel Valley Road, far to the north, and Highway 46, south of Cambria.

It holds scenic vistas of amazing splendor and is a popular viewpoint for artists.

Nacimiento Road is kept open as the highway of choice by Monterey County for transport of heavy equipent used to maintain and repair road circuits in the area.
In the event of land slides on Highway 1, it is the main access route for the entire region, passing through Fort Hunter Liggett to the east before intersecting Jolon Road which goes to Highway 101.

My studio and home are in the upper reaches of Mill Creek, off a couple of ridges from this famed road.
To learn more about my work, and  get in touch with me about getting out into the wild in a comfortable and fun way, 

fill out this checklist: www.retreatcampchecklist.com

Like to see my work?  Visit the web site at www.bettyofbigsur.com 

Like what you see?  Visit my Etsy shop:  www.etsy.com/shop/bettyofbigsur