It is rare in these days of too much stress, packed schedules, increasing workloads and pushing to do more, faster, with less, that we take the time to retreat. To slow down, breathe deeply, really “see” the amazing world that surrounds us. To reflect, refresh, and renew our minds and our hearts. To spend the time doing the things that we love. The Clearing Folk School in Door County, Wisconsin, is one place that allows us this space to “be”. I have just returned from my annual trip to The Clearing to spend a week teaching, immersed in fibers and spinning, surrounded by the spirit of Jens Jensen and his “school of the soil”.