Life at CARCHES RANCH definitely has been a constant learning experience. The most important lesson we have learned while living here is to have faith in the rhythm of nature. Slowing down, listening, observing, and taking it all in stride hasn’t been such an easy task for us, but, gradually, we now can take a deep breath and soak in the healing aspects of nature. Being at peace, not worrying, taking it easy — definitely a challenge especially with the daily concerns of health, working, maintaining finances, and driving here and there; yet, we keep on a’pluggin’ and remember to appreciate life in all its nuances…..enjoy
CHESLEY
THANKFULLY, HE’S ALWAYS ON HAND TO ANSWER THE FAMILIAR REFRAIN “CHESLEY, CAN YOU FIX THIS OR MIX IT?” WHETHER IT BE A COMPUTER, AN ENGINE, A FLAT TIRE, OR A SHARP NOTE, HE’S NOT ONLY “THE FIXER” BUT THE RECORDING “MIXER” TOO!
Chesley’s unique technological and engineering talents, along with his witty humor and friendly manner combine to make an indelible impact on those who meet him. At any given time, he’s either mixing, mastering, recording and/or fixing computers. His musical ear is finely tuned, his attention to details steadfast and sure. He knows how to mix the magic of the musical performance for the best results (See the sections of this website: Music, The Recording House, and Chesley’s Computers).
Chesley backs up his passions with scholastic achievements. He has received four degrees at Mendocino College. These include: Information Communications Technologies Associate of Science (Honors), Recording Arts and Technology Associate of Arts, Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer, and Associate in Science in Math for Transfer. Additionally, he has worked as a Math Tutor at Mendocino College, started Chesley’s Computers, recorded live and studio performances for individuals, bands, and symphonies, and helps with the many chores on the Ranch. He plans to continue his scholastic pursuits in electronic engineering, information technology, and recording engineering.
CAROL & PADDY
WONDERFUL PADDY, WHO FOUND HIS WAY TO OUR DOOR ONE MORNING, AS IF TO SAY “YOU CALLED? I’M HERE TO HELP.” MOST OFTEN YOU’LL FIND US DOWN AT THE BARN PLAYING WITH THE HORSES.
Carol’s mainstay throughout her life has been an earnest desire to learn and to help others (in whatever form they may be) along their journey. Her passions include counseling, writing, playing music, singing, painting, gardening & just generally horsing around. Her scholastic pursuits have led to studies in psychology, music & creativity. Carol has been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT #18269) for over 30 years and combines her intuitive insights, counseling skills, and musical abilities to help individuals achieve their fullest potentials.
Paddy welcomes all guests to the Ranch with his happy tail wags and exuberant barks. He loves going for daily walks to the barn to visit with the horses. His nightly rides around the neighborhood top off a day of gentle patience and guarding his charge–a job he takes quite seriously, to be sure.
SCARLET – THE BOSS
SCARLET KNOWS HOW IT IS. A NUDGE FROM HER KEEPS US ALL IN LINE. A STERN LOOK CEMENTS THE DEAL IF THERE’S EVER ANY DOUBT ABOUT WHO’S THE BOSS. OF COURSE, IT’S ALL DONE QUITE LOVINGLY AND FOR OUR OWN GOOD.
Scarlet was on her way to be a bucking bronco at the rodeo but, fortunately for us, her life took a turn to become part of our CARCHES family. She is quite intelligent and has healthy self-esteem and will clearly let others know the rights and wrongs of life. She loves music and listening to Carol’s folk songs and Kitaro down at the barn. She serves as quite the wonderful role model of kindness and love yet strength and self-confidence. She’s no pushover and sometimes will get in a debate but negotiates terms quite willingly when approached with respect, love, and gentleness. Her sense of humor twinkles in her eyes when she looks at you and acts a bit grumpy, puts her ears back, and then comes up and gives you a big old nuzzle. She truly teaches us all how to enjoy the “Now” and let go of the worry! Thank you Scarlet!
GOLDSTAR – OUR GUIDING LIGHT
GOLDSTAR’S PURE WISDOM FOREVER GUIDES US. HER MESSAGE IS JUST SIMPLY THIS, “LOVE’S THE ANSWER. JUST BE TOGETHER & KNOW EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT. I’M RIGHT HERE TO HUG YOU.”
Goldstar learned the ropes and won many ribbons in the dressage arena during her thirty-two years. Finally, in 2004 she was ready to settle down on the Ranch where she gallops with Scarlet across the field for fun. Night time finds her sleeping under the stars and shining her love to the world.
BLOSSOM OUR HEART & SOUL
SHE IS OUR BEACON OF HOPE, FAITH, AND PERSEVERANCE FOREVER AND EVER.
Blossom’s the empath of the bunch. We look to her everpresent shining spirit to guide us. She understands life and shows us how to follow our hearts. She’s a survivor who refused to give up in the face of all hardships. Nicknamed “Sweetie,” she came from Ukiah CA to share her beauty with us. Her gentleness and sensitivity guides us to understand the unseen senses that we feel or intuit rather than see. With Blossom by our side, the beauty in life is always upheld.
DAPHNE – LIGHT & LAUGHTER
DAPHNE’S OUR BABY OF THE BUNCH. SHE RAN IN TO HIDE BEHIND THE LAUNDRY MACHINE FOLLOWING A NEARBY FIRE. WE FOUND HER THANKS TO HER LOUD MEOWING. As you can see, she’s quite content enjoying herself and playing with her friends. She’s shy and wiggles when cuddles and jumps out of our arms with a mischievous smile ready for the chase. Definitely full of life, she reminds us everyday and in every way to laugh and be happy!
FLUFFY – WISDOM
WELL, HE WASN’T QUITE SURE AT FIRST BUT HE DECIDED TO STAY FOLLOWING A FIRE NEAR OUR HOME, TO JOIN HIS FRIEND, DAPHNE. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT HE’S HERE! He comes when he’s called and steadfastly looks into our eyes with great wisdom and care. We can’t not hug him and say “Thank you, our dear Fluffy, we love you!”