"Julia and Julia . . . "

Hearst Castle

Greetings all,

I'm just kinda feeling the need for something 'spiritual' this evening. It's been a tough day - and two more long days before the weekend sets in. So when in doubt - and in need of one of those elusive 'ahhhhhh's' that get you through the day - I'm turning to the sublime Julia Morgan.

But, not the exalted spaces of Hearst Castle. Tonight, I need something more grounded.

Something more intimate.

More organic.

More personal . . . .

Merrill Hall. the interior.

This is a lesser known Morgan project - The Asilomar Conference Center - just outside of Monterey on the California coastline. Building began in 1913 on a space for the YWCA to hold their annual conference - and the California coastline was chosen for its breathtaking beauty. And even better - Julia Morgan was chosen as the architect - to create these breathtaking Arts and Crafts structures.

Asilomar Conference Center

Merrill Hall. from the exterior.

"in 1913, the YWCA® held a contest to name their new property on the Monterey Peninsula. They received hundreds of entries.

The winning name came from a Stanford University student, Helen Salisbury, who made up the word Asilomar, derived from the Spanish words "asilo" meaning retreat or refuge, and "mar," meaning sea, hence "refuge-by-the-sea."

Ahhhhhh. I know these steps so well. They lead down to the ocean. The perfect place to take a deep breath. to press 're-set.' And prepare to start fresh with the new day.

Best,

tartanscot

for more information on Asilomar.

for more information on Hearst Castle.