The View
Yes…I know, I am lucky! This is the beauty I get to witness day after day out my office window. I’m pretty psyched that I gave up the cubicle 17 years ago and came here to Woodstock to be an Innkeeper. It has been a journey!
You too can come and enjoy the view…and why not THIS weekend? There are still a couple of rooms left…there are still a few Ramble tickets at Levon Helm’s barn…why not get away from it all NOW?
peace,
Karen
What a beautiful start to the day – about 3″ of fresh powder – just enough to go sledding, skiing and enjoy the magic of winter. The roads are all cleared here in Woodstock and soon the hill on the Comeau property will look like Currier and Ives as young and old go sledding. Come join the winter fun. We even have a special: 50% off a second night mid-week stay for January!
The Woodstock Inn on the Millstream was awash in a light dusting of powder this morning.
One of my days off this week was spent hiking up Overlook Mountain…something I have not done for a year due to an injury. Zelda and I took off about 1pm and had the most marvelous, silent beauty filled hike (Willy is slowing down and can’t do the 5 miles). There is just nothing like a hike in the woods…in the winter. Usually I run it…up and down..frantic about staying in shape…frantic about constantly challenging myself…but due to an injury I just had to walk. Lo and behold I actually saw the beauty and had the time to take it in. If I had been running…I would have missed this nest, that bird, this ice formation….those bare trees framing the sky.
I began to think about the new year…and what I can do differently …in my life…my work…my relationships…with myself, friends and family. Number one…slow down! About 5 years ago my guests (and great friends!) Ann Axelsson and Archie Pollheimer bought an inscribed rock for me as a gift…guess what it said? “Slow Down.” Maybe it is time to embrace that rock…that concept.
Happy New Year dear friends…slow down if you need…speed it up …whatever you do…don’t miss the beauty of this life.
Overlook Mountain
Here at the Woodstock Inn as we head into the holiday season I want to wish all a very safe and joyous holiday. It is not without heartache however considering the tragic loss of life this past year, most recently in Newtown, Connecticut. I pray nightly again…and I pray for peace and comfort to once again enter the lives of each and every family torn apart by this unspeakable tragedy. The other night I was invited to a local restaurant’s holiday party and as I watched the many children run around the room dancing and shouting for joy, I experienced both pure joy myself (for a child’s joy IS infectious!) as well as incredible sorrow. I will somehow in my own private way honor each life lost in Newtown, both the children and the fearless adults who gave their lives and most likely saved countless other children that day. May we all heal together for I believe no one can bear the pain alone and so we all must carry it and move forward remembering that light and love prevail….always.
May God bless you and your family this season…this year…and forever more.
Karen
This weekend you can shop local in our town! Don’t miss the 31st annual Woodstock Holiday Open House where all the doors are open…the music plays…holiday cheer flows and this small town extends good energy and cheer to all!
Then… on Saturday hop on over to Levon Helm’s barn for what will be…an amazing Ramble. For info and tickets go to www.levonhelm.com
peace,
Karen
At the Woodstock Playhouse!
The Woodstock Playhouse production of “A Christmas Carol” ends this weekend. You simply must not miss it! Other upcoming events at this wonderful gem include…The Woodstock Chamber Orchestra on 12.16 @3pm. You can purchase tickets by calling 845.679.6900 or go to their website and purchase them online. Also this weekend at another famous barn…don’t miss the Ramble and get a chance to be a part of Jimmy Vivino and the Black Italians live CD recording! Check out www.levonhelm.com for tickets and info.
peace,
Karen
The beauty of a November sky here in the Catskills…well, it is just something to behold! I took this photo on a hike with the kids…just before all the leaves came tumblin’ down.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we here at the Woodstock Inn feel blessed and fortunate to have made it through yet another hurricane fairly unscathed. We continue to send good vibes & prayers to all of our friends in New Jersey and New York City who were far less fortunate and now must rebuild their lives and homes.
Rambling continues at the barn at Levon Helm’s and I’m pretty sure you can still get a ticket for this weekends show…and you can still get a room at the best place in town…
www.levonhelm.com
peace,
Karen
From the Caribbean to the Northeast United States Hurricane Sandy has impacted so many I just don’t know what to write. So many of our beloved guests are still without power, heat and the basics of life as another storm (this time possibly bringing snow) threatens the area. In my own hometown the Misquamicut beach area was devastated as were most of the homes. Even in the Hudson Valley most were only recently restored to power. Miraculously the Woodstock Inn was spared both damage and a power outage which was extremely helpful to some of the refugees who were evacuated from NYC. I had a small group of absolutely amazing guests who rose to the occasion and kept calm when we had a couple of close calls with some very large trees falling…luckily in the right direction. We are attempting to do our small part by sending down sheets, towels, clean up rags and the like with some local residents who are driving supplies directly to those in need a few times a week. Thank you Rachel Sun! Be safe, be smart, don’t forget to vote and most of all don’t forget to love.
peace,
Karen
Yes, beauty has a sound …. in the forest…where you should be…where I spend most of my free time… here in the Catskills just a short drive from my home/your Inn! Come visit and experience the beauty!
peace,
Karen
It’s that time again in the Hudson Valley…autumn…perhaps your favorite time of year to travel to the Catskills and stay at your favorite Woodstock Inn and take in the fall colors, the fairs, the apple picking and of course the Halloween parade in Woodstock NY!!! This weekend do not miss the ever popular Sheep & Wool festival in nearby Rhinebeck, NY.
Book now for Halloween as you may know it’s practically a national holiday here in Woodstock, NY!!
peace,
Karen
