BY: JOSIAH DEAN

It’s been 3 months since we arrived! Wow, has the time flown by. I wanted to introduce myself and let you know about some sweet additions that await your Balch Experience. First a lesson from this summer…

On moving day as we were unloading the truck I got pretty badly injured, so that dramatically shifted my moving-in experience. Really it provided me an opportunity to stop look and get present with being here. Figure out where we were and what the next step was (literally).

This inspired the launch of Bliss at The Balch–Spa Treatments and Wellness Programs. Although sitting on the patio in the bright sunshine and or lounging in a hammock gazing at the wide open fields do a great job, I wanted to give you more ways to relax, reconnect, and rejuvenate.

You see, in addition to being the Innkeeper’s wife, I’m an art therapist turned purpose coach—I’ve guided women in transforming themselves and their lives for over 20 years in private and group sessions. Women blossom when given a chance to create and express yourself. It’s a key to making great things happen in your life. And when you don’t…trouble brews and pain ensues!
I’m also an author, I’ve written a book, The Magdalene Path so women can connect more to their feminine side and access power, beauty, grace and ease they didn’t know possible—based on teachings from Mary Magdalene. I show women how to connect to their own Divine Guidance so they have clarity and confidence about their decisions being aligned with their ideal path. I also help emerging Feminine entrepreneurs remove the blocks that are getting in their way of living their big dreams.

I’m excited to bring these gifts to the Balch Hotel. I see the Balch as a perfect place to rest, renew and restore—whether you do that yourself, with some friends, as a couple or in a group. There’s little here to distract you, and plenty to do if you want it. We’ll be offering more retreats and workshops with painters, poets, writers, yogini’s and dancers who are interested in bringing their gifts here to share with you. And we’re happy to customize something just for you and yours. (PS If you’d like to offer something, contact me, our schedule is still developing.

Bliss at the Balch is a chance to unplug from your life and reconnect with yourself, your loved ones and the things that matter most. Life is complicated these days and it takes a concerted effort to take care of ourselves. And if we don’t who will? See what we’ve put together here

I learned that this summer and it’s been a refreshing reminder. There’s lots more I could share about what it’s like to live in a historic hotel, but for now, I’ll sign off and see you here soon! If you want to connect more with me: Claire@BlissBreakthrough.com or www.MagdalenePath.com

Balch Blessings,

P.S. We are working on more great events like Supper Club, Thanksgiving and Hometown Christmas. We still have dates available for your holiday events give us a call (541-467-2277) or shoot us an email for more information.

Events: Here and Near
Our Free Summer Concert Series continues THIS SATURDAY on the lawn with our next concert on Saturday September 19, 4-7 pm. Kory Quinn shares his refreshingly homespun take on Americana. We saw him play the Threshing Bee and he’s worth the trip! Enjoy food from Kramer’s Market, wine, beer and, in anticipation of the cooler nights, we’ll have hot cocoa! Come join us on your blanket or lawn chair. It’s super fun!

Keep an eye on our Events page for more details.

Just to the South… Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree Sept 25-28. The Jamboree serves to teach, inspire and share the Bluegrass music experience. The workshops, slow jam, showcase and band scramble are excellent creative musical explorations, with highlights galore! Pre-paid weekend music passes is still only $25. Tickets info and festival line-up is available here.

Car Is King + Maryhill Arts Festival: Celebrate Sam Hill’s love of roads, the automobile, and the arts during this two-day festival (October 3 & 4, 2015) devoted to the auto and the arts. Maryhill Museum is combining two popular events this year — the Car is King Weekend and the Maryhill Arts Festival into a two-day celebration of creativity in all its forms. More information here.
Harvest Celebration Weekends at Maryhill Winery, October 3-4 and October 10-11. Cruise over to Maryhill winery for wine tasting, live music, Bocce, Grape stomping, barrel tasting and food available for purchase (Saturday 10/10 only). Free hot dog and marshmallow roast on Sunday 10/11. Create and purchase a commemorative grape, tie-dyed Harvest Celebration t-shirt. More information here.

More music to the south! 13th Annual Shaniko Ragtime and Vintage Music Festival, October 9-11. Just an hour to the south the folks in Shaniko are putting together a great lineup of ragtime artists. Call 541-489-3434 for more