High Elevation, Deep Inspiration: On the Edge of the Rockies

Even without rainbows, our time in the Rockies was nothing short of magical. For six days and five nights, nestled just outside Rocky Mountain National Park in the quiet charm of Grand Lake, Colorado, we came together not just as voice and ‘ukulele enthusiasts—but as a creative, open-hearted community ready to explore, grow, and connect.

Surrounded by towering peaks, wildlife, and the crisp mountain air, each day unfolded with a rhythm of its own—layered with laughter, music, discovery, and transformation. We began as strangers and quickly became collaborators, cheerleaders, and friends. From the first strum on the deck overlooking the mountains to the final notes of our Salon of Sharing, this retreat became a space where courage was met with kindness, curiosity led to breakthroughs, and music wove us together in ways words alone never could.

In the end, it wasn’t just about what we played or sang—it was about who we became in the process. The mountains echoed with our songs, our laughter, and the kind of connection that doesn’t fade with distance. We leave this week transformed, recharged, and deeply grateful—for the music, the memories, and the promise of returning.

Tuesday (Day 2)

Our first full day was bursting with energy and discovery!

We plunged into the pulse of the 12-bar blues, crafting strum patterns across genres and unlocking the groove in our playing.

With Sally’s expert guidance, we danced confidently up and down the fretboard, turning soloing into a joyful, expressive adventure.

One-on-one, private lessons with Marnie and Sally kicked off, and the breakthroughs came fast—walls came down, lightbulbs lit up, and something powerful began to shift in the music and in ourselves.

Wild Wonders of the Rocky Mountains

Throughout our retreat in Grand Lake, the wildlife offered its own kind of music and magic. From the quiet presence of a young male moose near the cabin to the playful scurry of chipmunks and the golden-mantled ground squirrel, nature was constantly reminding us to stay present.

We spotted white-tailed deer, elk grazing in the meadow, curious yellow-bellied marmots, and even rare black-footed ferrets—all adding to the sense of wonder.

While no bears made an appearance (phew!), the beauty and rhythm of the natural world became part of our inspiration, echoing through our songs and creative moments.

Napkin Art

There is something special at Shadowcliff after the dinner bell rings. At each meal, the most important decision wasn’t what to eat—it was which napkin to choose.

Floral? Striped? Stars?

Each one felt like a tiny fabric oracle, subtly setting the tone for the next creative adventure. Some of us chose carefully, like we were curating a mood board. Others just grabbed the loudest pattern available, hoping it would summon creativity – or at least keep crumbs off our lap.

It’s as if the polka dots held ancient wisdom.

Who knew table linens could hold such power?

Reflection Time (aka Free Time)

During our unstructured moments, the retreat opened up into a world of wonder and exploration.

Some wandered into the charming town of Grand Lake for a coffee or a glimpse of local art, while others took peaceful strolls to the lake or hiked to the nearby waterfall, letting nature’s rhythm inspire their own.

Many found quiet corners around the Shadowcliff grounds—on porches, under trees, by the rushing river—to dive deeper into their relationship with the ‘ukulele, trying new chord shapes or simply letting their fingers follow where curiosity led.

Every pocket of free time became an invitation—to wander, to reflect, and to reconnect with creativity in its purest form.

Not goodbye but until next time!

Saturday morning arrived with quiet reflections and full hearts, as we parted ways with warm hugs, deep gratitude, and a gentle until next time.

As we packed up our instruments, it was clear that this week was about more than just music—it was about connection, courage, and creative discovery. Each person brought their unique voice and spirit to the circle, and together we created something truly special.

We leave the mountains not only with new skills and songs, but with renewed inspiration, deeper confidence, and a musical community that will resonate long after the final note.