San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker, David Sedaris’ Santaland Diaries, Scrooge: The Haunting of Ebenezer, The Spirit of Christmas at Winchester Mystery House, Belrose Holiday Tea Party, Wacky Winter Wonderland, ’Tis the Season for Science, astrobarry’s Astrology Salon, The Golden Girls: The Christmas Episodes, East Bay Pagan Meet and Greet, Downtown Martinez Ghost Walk, Garden Gate Pamper Fest, Holiday Lego Show, Family Day at Sienna Ranch, Sing for Your Life, Memorial Service for Herb DeGrasse, Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!, Noon Year’s Eve, Tipsy Tow Program, South Bay Pagan Salon, Wicca Wednesdays, A Starry Evening Under the Night Sky, CAYA Fun For Everyone: Snowshoeing, CAYA Sprouts: Chabot Space and Science Center, Shamanic Journeys for Interfaith Mystics, Writing My Memoir
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San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker
Wednesday, December 26-Friday, December 28,
see website for detailed schedule and ticket prices
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
http://www.sfballet.org/tickets/production/overview/nutcracker
“On Christmas Eve, 1944, the audience at San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House experienced the American premiere of Nutcracker. An instant sensation, the ballet launched a national holiday tradition.
San Francisco Ballet’s sparkling production of Nutcracker, set here in our own City by the Bay, has introduced audiences of all ages to the magnificent world of ballet. This holiday season, experience the beauty and athleticism of SF Ballet’s international cast of world-class dancers in Nutcracker, a San Francisco tradition since 1944.”
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David Sedaris’ Santaland Diaries
Wednesday, December 26-Saturday, December 29
see website for schedule details
Eureka Theater, 215 Jackson Street, San Francisco
$40
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/294629
“Santaland Diaries - 11th Smash Year!!!
Combined Artform is celebrating eleven years of the San Francisco tradition, Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris and adapted to the stage by Joe Mantello. David Sinaiko puts on his elf hat and boots to return to the Eureka Theatre as everyone's favorite elf, Crumpet. No one captures the craziness of the holidays like David Sedaris. Come see the show that critics and audiences love and keep coming back for more and spend the holidays with Combined Artform at the Eureka Theatre.
Nominated for a SF/Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award for Best Solo Performance.
Called by some America's premiere humorist, Sedaris creates a brilliant evocation of Christmas as seen from the other side through the eyes of a Macy's elf. Our hero confronts the screaming children, bossy parents, flaky elves, and apathetic Santas with hilarious results!”
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Scrooge: The Haunting of Ebenezer
Wednesday-Sunday, December 26-30,
Wednesday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 5:00PM
final week
The Boxcar Theatre Studios , 125A Hyde Street, San Francisco
$16
http://www.boxcartheatre.org/scrooge.php
“Boxcar Theatre brings their brand of the Christmas spirit to the tenderloin with this reimagining of Dickens iconic Holiday tale.
On a cold Christmas eve a solitary man journeys into the darkness of his haunted soul to confront the ghosts of his past, and the source of his self imposed misery. Will a chilling brush with his own mortality be enough to earn his redemption? With but one small ember of humanity still burning within his cold heart, he must find a way to free himself from the chains of his own making before it is too late.
This one-man performance strips away the sentimentality while remaining true to the wit and fire of Dickens' masterpiece of storytelling - his glorious language, vivid characterization and compelling social conscience.
Make a pilgrimage to the tenderloin for a story that still resonates even in the most hardened, unsentimental of us Scrooges.”
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The Spirit of Christmas at Winchester Mystery House
Daily and Select Evenings, December 26-30
Winchester Mystery House, 525 South Winchester Boulevard, San Jose
see website for schedule and ticket details
http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/christmas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84q4YbI1fTU
“Come celebrate the wonder of Christmas at Sarah Winchester's fabulous 160-room mansion, elegantly decorated for the holidays.
Sparkling lights dance off of priceless art glass windows
Garlands, wreaths and candles grace the mantels of 13 fireplaces
The gardens and gables are aglow with thousands of twinkling lights
Music fills the air and lifts the spirits
Over 30 festive trees are abundantly adorned with hand-crafted ornaments, collected from around the world and created by local artisans. Each tree is designed to complement the room's character and decor, while reflecting the heritage of Santa Clara Valley and the Bay Area.
Featuring:
Silver Snowy Owls, Daisies, Citrus, Art Glass Ornaments, Peacocks, Cherry Blossoms, Fleur De Lis and Blue Velvet… and the ultra glitzy $25K Storage room!
More Fun Activities (not included with admission)
Half-acre outdoor straw labyrinth for kids of all ages
Train Rides
Wine Tasting and Toasting
Family Christmas Photos
Daytime Tours
Daily 9:00AM-5:00PM, November 22-December 31
Tour Length: 60 Minutes
$30 Adults (13-64), $27 Seniors (65+)
$20 Children (6-12), 5 and under free
An all new Mansion Tour experience with exquisite, designer Christmas trees, decorations, shimmering lights and all new information about Mrs. Winchester's priceless art glass windows.
Evening Events
Select Nights, 6:00PM-8:00PM, December 13-30
Tour Length: 30 Minutes
$20 Adults (13-64), $17 Seniors (65+)
$15 Children (6-12), 5 and under free
Multiple live performers on each event night from the 13th through the 23rd, from youth choirs, brass trios, roving carolers, solo violinists and more! Explore the Mansion by candlelight, as exquisite, designer trees paint the rooms with a festive glow. Holiday music fills the mansion. Evening entertainment on select nights.”
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Belrose Holiday Tea Party
Mondays-Saturdays throughout December, 1:00-4:00PM
The Belrose Theatre, 1415 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael
$25 per person
reservations required, please call 415-902-5188 or e-mail 2TeaOrNot2Tea@att.net
http://www.thebelrose.com
http://www.thebelrose.com/Belrose_News.html
“Tea Parties at The Belrose are Back!
Come enjoy 4 weeks of The Belrose Tea Party with family, friends, and co-workers.
Mondays through Saturdays, 1:00-4:00PM
$25 for this experience includes:
A Pot of Fine Organic Tea
Tea Sandwiches
Petit Fours
Cookies and Scones”
The Belrose Theatre is a beautiful and truly magical place!
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Wacky Winter Wonderland
at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach
Wednesday, December 26-Tuesday, January 1, 10:00AM-5:00PM
final week
Playland-Not-At-The-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito
see website for admission details
http://www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org/calendar_01.html
“Playland-Not-at-the-Beach is open every weekend and most holidays, but for this last week of the year, we're going to let visitors in Monday through Friday. Join us for special activities and family fun for an entire week, so come see us more than once if you can. A great way to pack a bit more fun into the year before it is over. Whether you are 5 or 105, you deserve to have a bit more fun!”
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’Tis the Season for Science
Daily, December 26-January 6
California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
see website for schedule and ticket details
http://www.calacademy.org/holidays
http://www.calacademy.org/holidays/?t=2
“Enjoy wintry festivities and family fun that explore the diverse and often surprising ways that birds, bears, and other animals survive and thrive in winter. Share warm tidings at the Academy’s seasonal celebration November 16, 2012 through January 6, 2013.
Celebrate Winter
Returning for a third year is our special exhibit, ’Tis the Season for Science. Enjoy indoor snow flurries twice an hour in the Piazza. Examine mounted specimens of a polar bear, snow geese, monarch butterflies, and more, and discover how these animals survive using one of two winter strategies - heading south or staying home.
Live Reindeer
Meet a pair of live reindeer in the East Garden. Don’t be confused by their antlers. Reindeer are the only species of deer in which both males and females have antlers.
Snowman Theater
Come inside an immersive digital dome shaped like a giant snowman to explore the science of Earth’s seasons. Children ages five and older will gain a new perspective on our planet and enjoy a close-up look at animals adapting to seasonal changes.
New programs for all ages are geared toward animals in winter, including:
Reindeer Rendezvous
Daily at 12:00PM
Ever wonder how reindeer are able to travel so far? Get up close with live caribou and discover why these animals are known as the Nomads of the North, migrating up to 3,000 miles per year.
Holiday Migration Quest
Daily at 1:30PM
Team up and investigate the winter migration patterns of gray whales and monarch butterflies by participating in a friendly game show-style trivia contest.
Specimen Spotlight: Migrating Monarchs
Thursdays at 11:30AM
Discover the amazing life cycle of monarch butterflies, which migrate thousands of miles each winter, and view beautiful specimens in the Academy’s Naturalist Center.
For a complete list of programs, see our Daily Calendar tab.”
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astrobarry’s Astrology Salon
Thursday, December 27, 7:30-9:30PM
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Suggested donation $10-$20
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
http://www.astrobarry.com
“Join a lively astrology discussion led by astrobarry in this informal interactive group experience. Topics covered in each Astrology Salon will vary, based on who attends and what's going on in the sky. The Salon is intended to provide burgeoning astrologers with a chance to practice their chart interpretation skills in a safe, fun environment. Attendees should have a good working knowledge of the astrological language. Please bring 5-10 copies of any astrology chart you'd like us to discuss (free charts available at http://www.astro.com ).”
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The Golden Girls: The Christmas Episodes
7th Annual All Drag Xmas Exdrag-a-ganza
Thursday-Sunday, December 27-30,
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 7:00PM
final weekend
Victoria Theater, 2961 16th Street, San Francisco
$30
http://goldengirlssf.eventbrite.com
http://www.victoriatheatre.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature&v=JH0pd3q6pNU
“The San Francisco Golden Girls All Drag Smash Hit is back for The Holidays.
The popular all-drag production of the popular ‘80s sitcom features San Francisco drag personalities, Heklina, Cookie Dough, Matthew Martin and Pollo Del Mar; as TV’s favorite Miami retirees Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche and Rose.
Manuel Caneri and Laurie Bushman also guest star.”
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East Bay Pagan Meet and Greet
at The Mystic Dream
Friday, December 28, 7:00-8:30PM, and the fourth Friday of every month
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
donations accepted
http://www.themysticdream.com
“Come and join other witches, warlocks, and pagans as we come together in community to some food, and maybe a few laughs. Come and meet some of the other magically minded people in the East Bay area. Coffee and tea will be served. Feel free to bring a small food item to share.”
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Downtown Martinez Ghost Walk
Friday, December 28, 8:00PM, and the fourth and fifth Friday of every month
tour starts at Main Street Martinez, 649 Main Street, Suite 106, Martinez
$25
http://www.mainstreetmartinez.org/php/GhostWalk.php
http://www.cvparanormal.com
“Take the 90 minute guided walking tour through Historic Downtown Martinez to discover the hidden past, little known facts and tales of days-gone-by.
Tours conducted by Central Valley Paranormal.
Tours are limited to 25 people. Advanced ticket purchase recommended. No children under 12 years allowed. Teens 12-17 years must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a flashlight, wear comfortable shoes. Bring jacket and wear comfortable clothing”
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Garden Gate Pamper Fest
Saturday, December 29, 11:00AM-5:00PM
Garden Gate Center, 2911 Claremont Avenue, Berkeley
free admission
http://www.gardengatecreate.com
“Thank you for the enthusiasm with which you have received our new art center, all the classes and events, the music and the fine art. We look forward to sharing the space with you in 2013!
And now... before we all shift our attention to the new year... an act of gratitude for the old year:
You have taken care of all the friends and loved ones in your life, now its your turn! Come, pamper yourself. For your pleasure, we have invited talented local artists to bring you:
Henna art–decorative body adornment (just in time for New Year's Eve!)
Massage to work those knots out
Delicious handmade chocolate
Beautiful handmade jewelry
Sensual herbal concoctions
Hand turned fine wood bowls
Hot cider and live music to make the experience complete.
May the new year bring you bright beginnings.”
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Holiday Lego Show
Saturday-Sunday, December 29-30,
Saturday 10:00AM-4:00PM, Sunday 1:00-4:00PM
and every Saturday-Sunday through January 6
Bay Area Family Church, 2305 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Leandro
$1
http://www.playbuildingbricks.com
“Everybody is welcome to see a Lego winter display this December.
This is a special Lego show. It is a fundraiser for the 7th and 8th grade Principled Academy students. All Proceeds will go to their Washington DC trip coming this spring 2013.
Come and enjoy the display and at the same time support the 7th and 8th graders.
Opening Dates and hours:
December 9, 2012 - January 6, 2013, Every Saturday (10:00AM - 4:00PM) and Sunday (1:00PM - 4:00PM)
Closed all other days
Location:
2305 Washington ave, San Leandro, CA, 2nd floor
Admission: $1 per person
The size of this display is smaller than last summer and there is NO Lego for sale, but there is plenty of Lego to play with!”
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Family Day at Sienna Ranch
Sunday, December 30, 12:00-4:00PM, (and the last Sunday of every month)
Sienna Ranch, 3232 Deer Hill Road, Lafayette, 925-283-6311
$85 includes up to five people, advance registration required - see website
http://www.siennaranch.net/Family_Days.html
“On the last Sunday of each month, Sienna Ranch will open its doors for a special family and community day. Come enjoy the activities, good company, healthy food, and the wholesome environment at Sienna Ranch. Family Day is fun for all ages.
Horse and pony rides, sustainability education and projects, archery, hayrides, survival skills activities, and more. Bring your own picnic lunch or buy from one of our healthy food vendors.
Family Days are on Sundays, 12:00-4:00PM.
Family Day Pass is $85.
With the purchase of a family pass, you will get
admission to Sienna Ranch family day for up to 5 people
3 horse ride tickets
3 archery tickets
5 hayride tickets
participation in the featured hands-on sustainability or survival skill activity
unlimited animal visits to goats, sheep, chickens
special demonstrations, entertainment, or hands-on projects (vary from month to month)
Note: Food and special services offered at an additional cost. For additional archery and horse ride tickets, please purchase a second family pass.
Family Days are limited to 40 families, so register soon!”
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Sing for Your Life
Sunday, December 30, 12:00PM-12:00AM (Noon-Midnight)
First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison Street, Oakland
Donations accepted (suggested $15), your voice welcomed!
http://www.circlesing.net
http://www.reverbnation.com/show/9076568
http://www.sovoso.com/tours.html
“Sing in the New Year with SoVoSo's 12 hour Circlesong. This wonderful group of vocal virtuosos will take turns leading the ever-changing crowd in a voice orchestra.
CircleSinging can be described lots of ways: vocal improvisation, vocal “jamming”, add-a-part/change-a-part, vocal orchestra, “voicestra”, a “drum circle” for singers, or just plain “make it up” singing.
This event is open to all (singers and non-singers alike). Drop in or stay the whole time. Sing or listen. Socialize or meditate. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to commune with your community.”
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The Fellowship of the Spiral Path welcomes you to attend...
Memorial Service for Herb DeGrasse
Sunday, December 30, 5:00PM
BFUU Main Hall, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
Donations gratefully accepted
http://www.thespiralpath.org/calendar/view_entry.php?id=298&date=20121230
“A time to remember Herb DeGrasse, long-time Spiral member, treasurer, coordinator of Gateway Circle.”
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Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!
Monday, December 31, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Charles M. Schulz Museum, 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-579-4452
Adults $10, Students, Seniors, Children 4-18 $5, Children Under 3 Free
http://schulzmuseum.org/learn/calendar-of-events/?EventId=12546
“Celebrate the New Year with hands-on crafts for kids, a balloon drop at noon, and root beer toasts at noon and 3:00 pm!”
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Noon Year’s Eve
Monday, December 31, 10:00AM-1:00PM
Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos
$12 adults, $8 ages 5-17 and 65+, under age 4 Free (includes museum admission)
http://www.hiller.org/noonyear2012.shtml
“Give your little ones a chance to celebrate the New Year at the Noon Year's Eve event sponsored by Bay Area Parent. Enjoy music, prizes, jump houses, face painting, a balloon drop and more at the Hiller Aviation Museum.”
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A New Year’s Eve Public Service Announcement
“Had a bit too much to drink counting down to 2013 and now need a safe ride home?
AAA’s Tipsy Tow Program offers a free tow for drinking drivers in Northern California – members and non-members alike - from 6:00PM on New Year’s Eve 2012 (Monday, December 31st) until 6:00AM the next morning, in Northern California, Nevada and Utah.
For Tipsy Tow, call (800) 222-4357 (AAA-HELP) and tell the operator ‘I need a Tipsy Tow’ for a free tow of up to five miles. Service is restricted to a one-way ride for the driver and his or her vehicle to the driver’s home.”
For more information see: http://sf.funcheap.com/aaa-tipsy-tow-free-car-tow-home-years-eve
Thanks to Pixie for letting me know about this!
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South Bay Pagan Salon
Tuesday, January 1, 7:30PM (and the first and third Tuesday of every month)
Cafe at Books Inc, 301 Castro Street, Mountain View
for more information, contact Jason Mankey at panmankey@gmail.com
Jason says:
“We'd like to formally invite you to join us the first and third Tuesdays of every month for the South Bay Pagan Salon. The SBPS is a discussion and networking group, dedicated to talking about ‘Pagan Things’ and networking in the Bay Area. Generally we'll start each meeting with a specific topic to get the discussion rolling along, but after we get started it'll be rather open ended with the participants dictating where the discussion will go.
We hope you'll join us.
No donations required, heck, if you show up I just might buy you a cup of coffee.
If you've got questions, I might have answers. Email me (Jason) at panmankey@gmail.com”
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Wicca Wednesdays
with Didi
Wednesday, January 2, 7:30-8:30PM,
and twelve more Wednesdays through March 27
Serpent's Kiss, 2015 N Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 831-423-5477
$28 per class module or $300 for the series ($65 savings with advance registration)
for more information or to register, please call 831-423-5477 or e-mail mail@serpents-kiss.com
http://www.serpents-kiss.com
“I am very excited to share my knowledge and experience with you.
The series is structured as a 13 week course, culminating with a Full Moon ritual on the 13th week.
Wicca 101 with Didi
Module 1: Paganism, Witchcraft & Wicca - discussion of the history and anthropology of polytheistic belief systems.
Module 2: Getting started - the art of honoring your own energy. We will discuss techniques of creating sacred space, grounding, centering, visualization and meditation.
Module 3: Magick and Intention - Tapping into our personal power. Focus and the power of words - written, spoken and thought.
Module 4: Elements - Honoring the elements and working with elemental power.
Module 5: Magickal Tools & Altars - What are Magickal tools? How to consecrate and use them. Basic altar construction.
Module 6: What is Ritual? Creating your own ritual - intention and focus.
Module 7: Ritual Construction - creation and cleansing of sacred space, grounding and centering, circle casting, calling the quarters.
Module 8: Ritual Construction continued - calling/invoking Deity, raising energy and doing the work, cakes and ale, thanking and releasing Deity and the quarters, opening the circle.
Module 9: Connecting with Deity - a discussion about pantheons, honoring, invoking and working with Deity.
Module 10: The Wheel of the Year - Sabbats and Esbats
Module 11: Spellcasting - constructing intention, doing work on behalf of others, corresponding days, lunar influences.
Module 12: Circle Etiquette - Perfect Love and Perfect Trust - What it means to create Magick with others.
Module 13: Esbat Ritual - Honoring the first Full Moon of spring.”
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A Starry Evening Under the Night Sky
with Stargazer Li
Friday, January 4, 8:30-11:00PM - WEATHER PERMITTING
location in Sebastopol - address given upon registration
$20 per person
Limited space is available, only room for 20 cars, so register soon!
http://stargazerli.com/happenings/136-a-starry-evening-under-the-night-sky
“Come join me for an evening out in a field under the stars, guided by a green laser wand, learning to find your way around the night sky and the names of the stars and constellations, while hearing folklore from many different times and cultures. We’ll see Jupiter, Orion, the Twins, the Dog Star, and so much more...
To Register, Email Me with the numbers of adults (no kids this time) that will be attending (and in how many cars), and how you know me.info@stargazerli.com
I’ll email back to confirm you're on the list and then I'll email you details on the location and what to bring in the days before the event. Plan to arrive around 8:00PM to get situated before full dark. And know that we may go a bit past 11:00PM.”
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CAYA Fun For Everyone: Snowshoeing At Donner Lake Memorial State Park
Saturday, January 5
for more information, please contact Cross Sidhe at cayafunforeveryone@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/groups/CAYAFunForEveryone
Cross Sidhe says:
“Love the snow? Always wanted to see snow? Want to learn to snowshoe for free? Then come and join Caya Fun For Everyone’s first snow trip!
Snowshoeing is fun and easy. If you can hike you can snowshoe. That simple!
If you do not own snowshoes and poles then message me for rental info.
Cross country skiers are most welcome!
We will be leaving Crockett around 6:00AM. Crash overs can be arranged. We will be arriving at Donner about 9:00AM or later. We will be shoeing around the lake till we get to a mutual half way point. Afterwards we can sit back, take in the view, and play in the snow.
There will be no set time to go home.
I have three seats open in Hecate. Hecate is a 4x4 with severe weather tires. I do have chains and de-icer. If you are planning on meeting us there please have tire chains or cables. I have de-icer for your windshield wipers upon request.
Please help with gas of $25. If you are down on your luck then send me a private message.
If you are interested in coming or driving please message me. All seats will be confirmed.
For more CAYA Fun for Everyone trips and happenings. Please join the Facebook page
or send an e-mail to: cayafunforeveryone@gmail.com
Blessed Be!
Cross Sidhe”
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CAYA Sprouts trip to Chabot Space and Science Center
Sunday, January 6, 12:00-3:00PM
Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland
admission: under 2 years old free, age 3-12 $11.95, age 13-18 $12.95, adults $15.95
http://www.facebook.com/events/422272897846142
http://www.chabotspace.org
“We have invoked the Star Goddess many times in CAYA rituals, so now lets go and learn about those celestial bodies we hold so dear. Join CAYA Sprouts for a fun filled afternoon at the Chabot Space and Science Center from 12:00 to 3:00PM on January 6. You can take a simulated moonwalk, watch a film about Mayan civilization and mythology, check out the many exhibits, and look through a telescope at the observatory. This is a trip you won't want to miss!
Meet at the Skyline Bistro on the main floor of the Spees building at 12:00PM.”
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Shamanic Journeys for Interfaith Mystics
with Katrina Leathers
Sunday, January 6, 3:00-5:00PM
El Cerrito, exact location given upon registration
Sliding scale $15-$25, limited to 6 people
to register, please contact Katrina Leathers at ktrix13@msn.com
“Shamanic journeys have been practiced around the world for millennia, in our search for connection to the invisible forces of our world. Whatever your spiritual orientation, the shamanic journey can be a means to explore non-ordinary levels of reality, and make connections in that realm. This direct experience is a powerful source of teachings, guidance, and healing.
We will meet in a small group, in my office in the El Cerrito hills. You will learn the basics of shamanic journeying, and how you can integrate journeying into your own spiritual routine. We will spend about a third of our time in the journeys, and have plenty of time for personal reflection, sharing and questions.”
Thanks to Lorelei for letting me know about this event!
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Writing My Memoir: A Journey of Discovery and Cathartic Self-Expression
A 10 week Writing Workshop/Retreat Series (Part 1)
with Veenaa Saynana
Saturday, January 19, 1.30-5.30PM
and 9 more Saturdays through March 23
Bay Area location given upon registration.
Early Bird Price: $497 if paid in full by December 31, 2012
Regular Price $597
http://www.veenaasaynana.com/memoir-workshop
“I am thrilled to present this 10 week workshop/retreat series, and I invite you to immerse yourself in a joyful writing experience that will be unlike any other. Once a week, we will escape far from the madding, perhaps maddening, crowd, to a retreat haven that is within a 30 minute drive from downtown Berkeley and Oakland, set up in the hills, close to greenery and open spaces, where our minds can actually come to stillness and be inspired; where our creative juices can flow like honeyed nectar.
Consider these questions:
Is there a story buried deep inside of you, a tale of an awesome journey of ups and downs that has shaped you into the person that you are? Has that story been yearning, burning, simply waiting to be told?
Have the skeletons in your closet been grinning ghoulishly, taunting you with insider secrets that never let up in the eternal quest for healing, pushing you to put pen to paper, in pursuit of a cathartic release?
Have you thought of writing your memoir, leaving behind a powerful written legacy to inspire, educate or illuminate the lives of others with the wisdom you have gleaned in the course of your life?
Have you been stymied by technical details or perhaps lack the necessary motivation and perseverance required of such an endeavor?
Here is the help you need.
This course is offered to a small, powerful group of individuals united in the common goal of writing a memoir, in a nurturing and supportive space, receiving the technical expertise of story crafting, peer evaluation, group support and the added incentive of accountability.
We will cover a wide range of topics - from intention setting and purpose of writing to clearing away any writers’ blocks, to crafting your message, creating a narrative arc, research and planning, editing and rewriting, peer evaluation and more.
This course is held over a 10 week period. Participants are asked to commit to the entire period, even if they are unable to attend every session. You will have access to a digitally recorded session if you are unable to be present.
The workshops are divided into segments with a teaching component, 2 writing slots, sharing and peer evaluation. There will be a support network created through which participants are encouraged to post their pieces for critique and to receive support should they need it. There will be time given to ceremony and healing to clear blocks when and where appropriate.
By committing to a 10 week writing series, you are making a powerful statement of commitment towards writing your memoir. If you have been receiving a powerful push to write, to putting down on paper your own powerful journey, the story of your life, your incredible life - then I invite you to take this first step now.
The Gift
You will be held in a creative cradle, nurtured and supported by a wise, compassionate, experienced facilitator and a support group of powerful writers, all united in a common goal. You will set a list of practical intentions to which you will be held accountable by the group. You will receive motivation, peer support and evaluation to help you with crafting your story. You can give yourself the gift of retreat out into nature, which in itself is such a gift, to allow your creativity to blossom. You believe behind a lasting legacy, the gift of the story of your life, for your children and your children’s children. And should you decide not to publish, if that is not your goal, then the experience, the catharsis of writing is a gift in and of itself.
What a priceless gift!
Veenaa Saynana started teaching writing skills in 1982 in Singapore elementary schools. She then went on to teach creative writing to people of all ages. She has also taught auto-writing workshops in Singapore, New York, Oregon, Canada and Bali. She is the author of Mary Magdalene Speaks- Pathway to Empowerment, a channeled book that she wrote on a spiritual journey down the Pacific Northwest. She is a multi-faceted performer who created ‘Christmas Nipples’, a comedic one-woman show that had Berkeley in titters (pun intended) for 2 years! She has a successful international healing and coaching practice through which she empowers others to live more fulfilling and abundant lives by following their authentic passion. She has been strongly drawn to put her life-story in memoir form and invites those with a similar calling to join her in her exuberant endeavor.
Registration Details: A $100 deposit is required to confirm your place. The balance must be paid one week before the start of the course.
Paypal the amount to veenaasaynana@gmail.com, or mail a check to Veenaa Saynana with your details including email and phone number to: 1034, 61st St, Oakland, CA 94608.
Details about Part 2 will be announced later.
Venue: A haven with a natural setting, a 20 to 30 minute drive from downtown Berkeley/Oakland
If you have any questions, please email Veenaa at veenaasaynana@gmail.com”
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Have a Singing, Dancing, Remembering, Stargazing Week!
Molly Blue Dawn
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