Inscapes is a remarkable memoir about one woman's determination to follow her desire for a life of spiritual freedom that leads her from Oregon to San Francisco, to Paris and beyond. The author's journey of transformation, from solitary alienation to a sense of belonging in the world, is insightful, funny and moving. Bauer's exploration of the dynamic influences of "place" offers a powerful glimpse into her mind and spirit. Each new home that she makes for herself- whether it be in Oregon, San Francisco, Paris, the Virgin Islands, Mexico, Baton Rouge, or the High Plains-brings the author closer to understanding the intimate connection to the natural world that has shaped much of her inner life. In her uniquely sparse, ironic prose, Bauer brings to life the episodes and settings that have defined her existence thus far. From hitchhiking through Europe and playing an active role in the 1960s cultural revolution to working as a cook on an island paradise and discovering her spiritual calling to become a teacher, her travels provide her with rich opportunities for mapping her inner journey through life, as she puts "the story I imagined for my life into play in the outside world."