What do you wish for?

Do you base our choices on what you want, or what you think you're supposed to want? Let yourself feel what you feel and want what you want, THEN engage your mind in the process. The best wishes are born from your heart.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for the Week starting Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Belrose Holiday Tea Party, Art of Tarot, Awakening the Sacred Body, Death Cafe Presents: How to Make the Most of Your (Finite) Life, In Her Name Circle: The Divine Feminine has been Shipwrecked, Woodland Egg Ornaments, astrobarry’s Astrology Salon, Off Book Off Broadway, Troilus and Cressida, QED, The Party, Sharon Knight In Concert, Raise The Youth, Slavic Choral Christmas Concert, Wintersongs - Oakland, The Nutcracker by Yoko's Dance Academy, A Silver Bells Holiday at Ainsley House, Christmas Revels, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, Holiday on the Farm, Queen of Death: Release for Rebirth Creativity Retreat, Sonic Alchemy Workshop, Vintage Jewelry and Artisan Holiday Boutique Party, Christmas at Sea, Community Seed Yule Ball, Day in the Life 1901, The Sea Shellabration, Winter Concert with Margaret and Kristoph of Broceliande, Laura Inserra Solo Concert plus Musical Instruments Sale, Solstice Flame Trance Dance Activation, KPFA Crafts Fair, Magic Toy Box Tea, Crucible Gifty Holiday Sale, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair!, African Dance Song and Drumming, Hour of Code for Kids, Lake Temescal Natural History and Species Identification, A Winter Wonderland, Intro to Indigo, Wintersongs - Menlo Park, A Cup of Tea with Spirit, The Winter: East Meets West, Holiday Open House at the Ainsley House, Dreeing Our Weird, Seventh Annual Project For Awesome, Solstice Gathering at Anubhuti, Caroline Casey Diving Into The Dark Winter Solstice Tour, The Terracotta Prince, A Winter Gift: Legends of the Celtic Harp, A Christmas Carol Staged Reading
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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

“Tea Parties at The Belrose are Back!
Come enjoy four 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 Tea
Tea Sandwiches
Petit Fours
Cookies and Scones”

The Belrose Theatre is a beautiful and truly magical place!
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Art of Tarot
with Rabbit
Wednesday, December 11, 7:00-9:00PM,
and one more Wednesday, December 18
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$35 per class

“Rabbit brings back one of her most popular classes, specifically designed to help you learn to tune in and trust your own intuition as a reader of tarot.

Sure, you can just look in the book at the traditional meaning of the cards, but in order to truly be a reader you must learn to listen carefully when they whisper their secrets in your mind. This class will get you OFF the book and help you turn ON your own personal intuition.

Rabbit’s unique method will have you able to offer accurate readings after your very first class, as long as you are willing to dare to believe yourself and trust your inner voice. Practical exercises and demonstration readings take place in each class, so you have the opportunity to give and receive practice readings, trouble-shoot areas of insecurity, and begin to build your internal reference library of tarot symbolism. This class fills up quickly, and space is limited, so please call to reserve your spot today.”
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Awakening the Sacred Body
with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Part four of a five part series
Wednesday, December 11, 7:30-9:00PM
and one more date, January 8
Sacred Stream Center, 2149 Byron Street, Berkeley, CA 94702
$20 in advance, $25 at the door (may sell out)
For more information, please e-mail info@sacredstream.org

“Join Bon Buddhist meditation master, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, in the practice of meditation and reflection. Through bringing together the focus of the mind, breath, and physical movements, you will be taught simple and powerful exercises to open your body and release the obstacles that obscure you from recognizing the unbounded space within. Discover inner refuge and the gifts of spaciousness, awareness, and warmth that bring healing and benefit not only to you but also to your relationships with others and the greater world.
This is a five-part series that takes place on September 26, October 29, November 13, December 11 and January 8. You can take one class or all five. Each class is a discrete set of teachings and it is not required that you take the classes in any particular order. This series takes place at the Sacred Stream Center in Berkeley. Funds go to the Tibetan Children's School, part of TANC (Tibetan Association of Northern California).”
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Death Cafe Presents: How to Make the Most of Your (Finite) Life
with Karen Garber
Thursday, December 12, 7:00-8:30PM
The Sunflower Center, 1435 N. McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma
Free
For more information, please contact Karen Garber at purplekbg@yahoo.com

“At Death Cafes, people come together in a relaxed and safe setting to discuss death. The objective of Death Cafe is 'To increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.’

Karen is a hospice nurse working in the Petaluma community.”
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In Her Name Circle: The Divine Feminine has been Shipwrecked
with Joy Reichard
Thursday, December 12, 7:00-8:30PM
Ann Benner Room, UU San Mateo, 300 E Santa Inez Avenue, San Mateo, 650-342-5946
$10-$20 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds

“The voice of the Divine Feminine is re-emerging in human consciousness, bringing us a new vision of the sacredness and unity of life.

Her mythology from diverse cultures around the globe illustrates her many representations and rich symbolism offering role models and guidance to modern women and men. Her message is one of peace, compassion, and respect for all life.

If you are seeking to learn more about the Divine Feminine, then please join us on the second Friday of each month as devotees of the Goddess gather to celebrate her many manifestations with ritual, movement, myth, song, divination and guided visualization. A $10-$20 donation is appreciated.

This month’s circle:
The Divine Feminine has been Shipwrecked:
Mary Magdalene, Disney and the Little Mermaid
Featuring Christy Michaels

Why did Disney select this painting of Mary Magdalene as the ‘Treasure’ found in the Little Mermaid?

You maybe surprised to discover why.  In the first version of the movie, The Little Mermaid, Ariel with her red flowing hair (a Magdalene symbol) defies her patriarchal father who has forbidden her to find the ‘treasure’ in the sunken ship.  Buried in the deafening silence of the deep sea, Ariel raises up the ‘treasure’ - the Georges de La Tour painting of Mary Magdalene.

Why is Mary Magdalene the ‘treasure’?

Why did Disney pick this particular painting out of all the Renaissance paintings to choose from?

Disney was trying to wake people up to know and understand that when the Pilgrim’s ships sailed over, the Goddess was shipwrecked.  We are just now ‘discovering’ her because of our collective growth in consciousness now has given us eyes to see - for those who choose to see.  Her ‘discovery’ however is key to our survival, if we can awaken in time.

There is much more to the story of this painting, which is a series of three.  They point to Mary Magdalene’s awakening?  The actual full story of her awakening is missing.  We suspect it may have been contained in the missing pages (1-6 plus more) from her Gospel.  Perhaps La Tour had a complete copy of her Gospel in his possession.  A careful study of all the symbols in the three paintings by La Tour seem to match the content of the missing pages in a channeling by Claire Nahmad and Margaret Bailey and as outlined in the steps of her awakening in the Gospel of Mary.  I believe it was this awakening that set her apart from other women. Truly she is an enlightened woman.  She is Mary of Magdala, the only woman who stands alone, a woman of her own rite.

At the end of the slide show lecture, there will be a Q and A before we will take a break.

Group Meditative ritual experience (like a guided sound healing journey) of the steps outlined in Mary’s awakening process as described in the book and painted in the paintings.  Incorporated into the ritual will be an honoring to Lady Guadalupe and in preparation for the Magdalene meditation people will write their prayers for anything that is bothering them and offer them to Our Lady who has told us she is here for us.  Then we will follow the steps the Magdalene took in her own journey within that gave her the inner knowledge  - Gnosis of the ALL.

Christy Michael, MA, has a Master’s degree from Goddard College in Clinical Psychology and did her thesis work on the impact of eastern religions on the growth of transformative psychotherapy in the West.  In 2000, she became passionate about the Divine Feminine with the discovery of the newly translated version of Gospel of Mary Magdalene by Professor Le Loup.  She has traveled throughout England, Scotland, and France studying and visiting the sacred sites devoted to Mary Magdalene.   Christy has studied with several scholars, including Elizabeth Kelley, who is an Ordained Priestess of the Holy Order of Mary Magdalene (which is an unbroken lineage with a documented paper trail going back to the first group of women Mary Magdalene ordained as a Priestess in the South of France, who then ordained down through the ages as a secret order. One woman a year was elected for this sacred ordination and lineage.)

Christy was ordained as a Priestess by Elizabeth and Lady Olivia into the Lyceum of Sophia on 10-10-10.  Something was sparked in her at that ordination.  Within 2 weeks she had a vision of leading a ritual honoring the consciousness of Mother Mary for conceiving light and birthing an avatar.   In a month’s time, she was standing before a 100 people, leading a magical night of ritual and wonder, as if she had always been doing this.  The visions keep coming, and she is now a regular presenter of talks and sacred rituals at Unity in Marin.  She offers a monthly book study on the Gospel of Mary.

She currently travels and lectures on the Gospel of Mary, taking on a Jungian exploration into the mysteries of this Gospel, exploring the teaching from a non-dualistic consciousness point of view, which she feels translator Jean- Yves Le Loup captured.  She lives in Marin County, California.”
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Woodland Egg Ornaments
with Tiffanie Turner
Thursday, December 12, 7:00-9:00PM
Handcraft Studio School, 5885 Doyle Street, Emeryville, 510-332-6101
$55, limit 20 students

“Using blown out chicken eggs and gorgeous Italian floral crepe paper, Tiffanie will guide you through the process of making beautiful and memorable woodland ornaments reminiscent of pine cones, acorns and other wintery specimens. You will make several ornaments that you can give as gifts (or keep for yourself) in a style that can be replicated throughout the year by just changing the color palette, and also learn tips on how to manipulate the crepe paper into more advanced shapes.

Tiffanie is an architect, artist, performer and homemaker, and is the person behind the blossoming paper art of Papel SF. Tiffanie has taught classes for Martha Stewart Living, as well as at Makeshift Society in San Francisco and here at Handcraft Studio School, and most recently has begun teaching online classes through creativeLIVE. Her work is on display year round at Rare Device and has been featured in recent One Kings Lane sales. She documents almost everything she makes and does at corner blog.”
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astrobarry’s Astrology Salon
Thursday, December 12, 7:30-9:30PM
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Suggested donation $10-$20

“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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Off Book, Off Broadway
presented by Un-Scripted Theater
Thursday-Saturday, December 12-14, 8:00PM
playing through December 21
Un-Scripted Theater, 2nd Floor, 533 Sutter Street, San Francisco
$20

“For years, the Un-Scripted Theater Company has delivered complex, rich improvised theater to San Francisco audiences. This winter, our experienced ensemble of actors brings to life the emotional power and realism of the contemporary musical. Through storytelling skills honed over more than a decade, our improvisors will explore the intricacies of modern life by creating a fun, original, full-length new musical each night. Discover a style of improvisation that has won Un-Scripted Theater Company the award for Best Theater Company in the San Francisco Bay Guardian.”
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Troilus and Cressida
Thursday-Sunday, December 12-15,
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 7:00PM - last week
Impact Theatre at La Val's Subterranean, 1834 Euclid, Berkeley, 510-224-5744
see website for ticket details

“It is the seventh year of the Trojan War. Everyone is battle-weary, and no one is really sure that the war is still worth pursuing. In the Greek camp, troop morale is at an all-time low as King Agamemnon can’t persuade Achilles to get off his ass and fight. In Troy, royal family members debate whether they should just give Helen back to the Greeks and be done with the whole thing. And yet, love still flowers: Trojan Prince Troilus pines for Cressida, who plays hard to get until she can no longer deny her desire for him. But just as they finally come together, a political trade rips them apart. In a world where everyone speaks of honor but few actually embody it, the play exposes the callous ways in which the petty whims of the privileged few endanger the lives of the millions beneath them.

Since 1996 Impact Theatre has spoken to a new generation of theatregoers and longtime enthusiasts alike who want to see something fresh and fearless on stage. Our audience ranges from students to professionals to seniors, all of whom share a taste for exciting, unpretentious theatre that doesn’t conform to traditional assumptions of what constitutes high culture.”
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QED
presented by Indra’s Net Theater
Thursday-Sunday, December 12-15,
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 5:00PM
playing through December 22
Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley
$28

“Indra’s Net Theater
presents QED
By Peter Parnell
Inspired by the writings of Richard Feynman and Ralph Leighton’s Tuva or Bust!
Directed by Bruce Coughran

Dates: November 29-December 22, 2013
Times: Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday Matinee 5:00PM
Venue: Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley

This play is an exploration of the extraordinary life of legendary Nobel Prize-winning Physicist Richard Feynman. Feynman began as a young man working on the Manhattan project, and then created a reputation as an inspiring and charismatic teacher, a brilliant physicist, as well as a practical joker. He had a flamboyant love of life. Near the end of his life, he was nationally visible as the scientist on the Presidential committee investigating the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. This fascinating and enigmatic figure is remembered by many, and this play probes under the surface of genius, to find the heart of the man inside.”
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The Party
a fundraiser for The Imaginists
Thursday-Sunday, December 12-15,
Friday-Saturday 8:00PM, Thursday and Sunday 7:00PM
playing through December 22
donations accepted

“Once upon a time there was a party and you were invited. Polite conversation was had, games were played, and the very best food and drink were served. You sat next to a charming person who told you an intriguing story. It snowed. And when you left the party you felt changed, moved, and ready for anything.

We hope you will join us.

Limited Seating.

The Imaginists present a new work in progress this December. Please consider contributing to our winter fund drive if you value smart, engaged, experimental theater right here in Santa Rosa.”
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Sharon Knight in concert
Friday, December 13, 7:00PM
Serpent's Kiss, 2015 N. Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 831-423-5477
$25

“San Francisco songstress Sharon Knight is a Celtic folk singer in leather armbands. She plays octave mandolin as if it were an electric guitar and sings as though she means to summon a storm. Her penchant for combining fierce and gutsy bravado with ethereal beauty, a hearty dose of fantastical lyrics, and an obvious love of storytelling has inspired her own musical style, Neofolk Romantique. Although her musical foundations are solidly built on her Celtic heritage, Sharon has never been one to hold fast to tradition, preferring instead to look to her roots for inspiration and then chart her own path.

That path often sounds less Celtic and more ‘Folktales that ran away with the Faeries at the turn of the century and took cover in an old trunk bound for the circus, which was then commandeered by pirates.’ She likes it this way.

Sharon’s distinctive voice and striking poetry have won her a loyal following across the country. Together with longtime collaborator Winter, she tours nationally several months out of the year, performing at festivals, masquerades, conventions, cafes, shops and house concerts. Her music has been heard on over 300 radio stations, enjoyed Top 10 status on MP3 and NAR charts, and has captured the attention of major labels and independent labels alike. Her music has been featured in two independent films, Beatific Vision and The Commune. Sharon and Winter are also the founding members of the gothic tribal folk metal band, Pandemonaeon.

The music of Sharon Knight combines a love of antiquity and romance with an affinity for the haunting and melancholy, adds a hearty dash of feistiness, and reminds us that we can all see the world through the eyes of enchantment.”
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Raise The Youth
Friday, December 13, 7:00PM
Throckmorton Theatre,  142 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, 415-383-9600
Adults $60, Students $15
“Our 6th Annual Celebration and Benefit for our youth program, Throckmorton Youth Performers

A fun family evening featuring food and wine, auction items and a youth performance showcase with highlights from this year's productions including: Anything Goes, Sweeney Todd, Monty Python's Spamalot, The Wizard of Oz, Throckapella, and more... Brought to life by the original cast members!

Throckmorton Theatre relies on donor support for a third of our operating expenses. Proceeds from Raise the Youth are dedicated to sustaining Throckmorton Youth Performers.

The Throckmorton Theatre is a nonprofit multidisciplinary performing arts center dedicated to uniting our community through the transformative power of the arts.  Our support for artistic experimentation, collaboration and education attracts extraordinary creative talent and ensures a steady diet of inspired and engaging programming.

Our youth program, Throckmorton Youth Performers, provides first class performing arts and musical instruction and real world performance opportunities to Bay Area youth.  Our professional quality productions provide immersive training and experience for young actors and musicians.”
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10th Annual Slavic Choral Christmas Concert
with Lowiczanie Polish Folk Ensemble
Friday, December 13, 7:30PM
Church of The Nativity, 220 Fell Street, San Francisco
$15

“Lowiczanie Polish Folk Ensemble presents the 10th annual Slavic Choral Christmas Concert, a rich tapestry of seasonal carols and winter songs of East-Central Europe and the Balkans, featuring traditionally costumed Community artists from the Bulgarian, Croatian, Hungarian, Jewish, Moldovan, Polish, and Ukrainian Bay Area populations.

The Slavic Choral Christmas Concert presents powerful to the lighted-hearted performances based on the rich fabric of East and Central-European and Balkan folk and sacred holiday music. The repertoire encompasses a multitude of mesmerizing styles ranging from simple folk themes (pastorals) to close-harmonized sacred carols - all presented by Community Artists. The annual joyful Concert finale features over 60 artists onstage to lead a rousing audience sing-a-long of both European and American carols. The event's Central European holiday marketplace atmosphere is enhanced by seating under hand-hewn shingle ‘huts’, spicy aromas of mulled cider and wine - one complimentary glass per ticket holder - and the opportunity to purchase hand-crafted artisan gifts.

Lowiczanie Polish Carolers, directed by Jola Jankowska, together with Lowiczanie Folk Band musicians are joined by the Ukrainian Bay Area Carolers, Halyna Lorczak, director; Bulgarian Koledari Group, Tanya Kostova, director; Hungarian Folk Singing Circle, Zina von Bozzay, director; Dalyte Kodzis and Lilla Serlegi, who accompanies herself on the ancient, ‘old’ Tamburitza, or ‘samica,’ present carols from Poland and the Croatian peoples of Hungary, respectively. The spiritual Christmas traditions of Serbia are represented by Baritone Ivan Vuksanovic.

The two-hour program is visually beautiful - highlighted by traditional ethnic dress of the participating Slavic communities - and enriched by the virtuoso musical talents on display: Lowiczanie's folk orchestra (Kapela ) features Susan Worland on violin, Nicolai Prisicar on accordion and Roman Titcu, formerly of the internationally-renowned band, Roma, (both are originally from Moldova) on cimbalom, and Pawel Walerowski of Poland on cello. Other musical surprises feature artists from of Bulgarian, Croatian and Jewish backgrounds.”
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Wintersongs
with Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble
Friday, December 13, 8:00 PM
St. Paul's Church, 114 Montecito Avenue, Oakland
$20

“Few things evoke the magic of the winter holidays as the transcendent splendor of the human voice. Kitka has researched and discovered a treasure-trove of seasonal music from a wide variety of Eastern European ethnic and spiritual traditions. Wintersongs showcases material ranging from rousing Slavic folk carols to lush, meditative Eastern Orthodox sacred choral works... from pre-Christian incantations for the longest nights of the year to Medieval Sephardic Chanukah songs to original new pieces inspired by the beauty and mystery of wintertime.”
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The Nutcracker by Yoko's Dance Academy
Friday-Saturday, December 13-14,
Friday 8:00PM, Saturday 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Jackson Theatre, Smith Center, Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont
$25

“A family tradition, with choreography by Yoko Young and dancers from Yoko's Dance and Performing Arts Academy, is the perfect way to celebrate the season! Live symphony orchestra accompaniment with maestro David Sloss on Sunday afternoon, December 15.”
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A Silver Bells Holiday at Ainsley House
Friday-Sunday, December 13-15, 12:00-4:00PM
Ainsley House, 300 Grant Street, Campbell, 408-866-2757
Adults $8, Seniors $6, Youth 7-17 $4.50, Children Under 7 Free

“In the beautiful, historical Ainsley House in Downtown Campbell, all of its 15 rooms will be transformed into a warm, inviting home for the holidays with the theme of A Silver Bells Holiday.  The entire house will be decorated by local interior designers, house decorators, florists, and volunteers and will feature a special holiday boutique, full of unique delights for holiday shoppers.

Tours will be offered November 14-17, November 21-24, and November 29-December 19, 12:00-4:00PM. Proceeds from the tours as well as sales at the holiday boutique will benefit the non-profit Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House Foundation.”
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Christmas Revels - A Theatrical Celebration of the Winter Solstice
Friday-Sunday, December 13-15
Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00PM and 5:00PM
playing through December 22
Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland
See website for detailed ticket prices and parking information.

“It’s the Shortest Day, and ghostly revelers gather in the chambers of venerable Haddon Hall for their annual celebration. There's a knock at the door, and in comes the family of John Manners. He is the 9th Duke of Rutland and landlord of the premises. Manners wants everybody out because the Hall is about to fall, a victim of progress and the demands of economics.

What will happen to Haddon? What will be the fate of the Spirits that inhabit it, not to mention their annual Revels? Will the joy of celebration, community and madcap revelry be enough to deter the Duke from his plan? The battle is joined and just as the outcome seems apparent, there is another knock at the door…”

My experience with The Christmas Revels is that it is both ridiculously fun and sublimely moving.
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Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Friday-Sunday, December 13-15,
playing through December 22
see website for schedule and ticket details
Marin Theatre Company‎, 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, 415-388-5200

“Perfect for the whole family, this festive ghost story opens, as does Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, with Old Marley dead (‘as a door-nail’). However, the focus never leaves his chained and burdened soul, remaining in the ethereal planes of the afterlife.

Given just 24 hours to redeem himself, Jacob Marley scrambles to reform his former partner in greed - that ‘squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner’ Ebenezer Scrooge. This is going to be one long night… of spirited fun!”
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Holiday on the Farm
Saturday, December 14, 10:00AM-2:00PM
Forest Home Farms Historic Park, 19953 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, San Ramon, 925-973-3284
Free

“It’s hard to spot Donner, Blitzen and the others when they are hard at work pulling Santa’s sleigh, so come to the farm to see a pair of live reindeer. They will be visiting from 10:30AM-1:30PM.

Shop the Holiday Market for unique gifts from over a dozen vendors.

Tours of the Farm and the Glass House Museum (fee) - decorated for the holidays
Visits with a Victorian Santa
Victorian ornament making
Stuff your own teddy bear (fee)
Old-fashioned games
Tractor rides
Sheepdog demonstrations
Family entertainment
Food available for purchase”
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Queen of Death: Release for Rebirth Creativity Retreat
with Danielle Saunders
Saturday, December 14, 11:00AM-6:30PM
Creative Juices Art Studios, 432 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland
$115 per person or $200 per pair, includes lunch

“Join us for a day of creative fun! We will call in the archetypal energy of the Queen of Death to aid us in renewing our lives to release that which no longer serves us! We will set sail to old patterns of scarcity, doubt, fear, and separation through painting, ritual and play. After we have said our goodbyes, we will usher in our New Year's intentions through visioning our Rebirth.

Men, women, couples, friends, families will paint together, laugh, cry, and release the old.

Our retreat will be held in a beautiful art studio near Lake Merritt in Oakland. Our lunch will be a catered vegan feast. Bring snacks to share, and a pillow and blanket for some gentle guided meditation.

Danielle Saunders, MFT is a Transition-Dweller Extraordinaire, the Queen of Cats, a lover of glitter, roses, and good smells. She will delight in your presence and welcomes in any qualities you wish to transmute into love and wholeness.

Advanced registration required. $115 per person or $200 per pair.
E-mail daniellemarysaunders@gmail.com with the subject line ‘Queen of Death’ for registration and payment instructions.”
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Sonic Alchemy Workshop
with Sharon Knight
Saturday, December 14, 2:00-5:00PM
Serpent's Kiss, 2015 N. Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 831-423-5477
$45

“Join Sharon in an afternoon of song, movement, sound, and drumming to shift what s stuck and rekindle a sense of enchantment in your life.

Sonic Alchemy is a process of transformation using music as the catalyst. We start with the premise that, like a musical instrument, we can go out of tune . When we do, we lose our sense of connection and purpose, and life loses its glimmer. Sonic Alchemy rekindles our song, that we may regain a sense of harmony and magic in our lives.

In this workshop we will sing, drum, dance, and work with bells and Acutonics tuning forks to give ourselves a music-driven energy tune-up to reinvigorate and refresh ourselves for the holiday season.”
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Vintage Jewelry and Artisan Holiday Boutique Party
Saturday, December 14, 2:00-7:00PM
Community Center, 936 Shorepoint Court, Alameda
Free admission

“A Vintage Elf Production
Live Music, Yummy Treat, Holiday Shopping

Beautiful Vintage Coats and Clothing
Holiday Bake Sale
Local Artisan Creations

Clothing and Toy Drive"
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Christmas at Sea
Saturday, December 14, 3:00-4:45PM
Aboard the Balclutha, Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco
included with vessel admission, Adults $5, 15 and under free

“This special holiday celebration features live music, refreshments, ornament making, a story reading, and a visit from Santa Claus. All activities are held aboard the 1886 Glasgow-built square-rigged ship Balclutha, berthed at Hyde Street Pier. The Dogwatch Nautical Band starts the festivities at 3:00PM, performing traditional sea chanteys with a holiday twist. Kids of all ages will enjoy ornament-making activities and refreshments beginning 3:00PM. As the band concludes its performance, park ranger Carol Kiser will read from The Night Before Christmas, followed by the arrival of the jolly fellow in the red coat. Santa arrives at 4:20PM and will listen to children’s wishes until the program ends at 4:45PM.”
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Community Seed Yule Ball
Saturday, December 14, 5:00-11:00PM
Clubhouse, Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz
$8-$20 donation appreciated; no one turned away for lack of funds
bring a potluck item (see details below) and a canned food donation

“Come one, come all! Bring the family to the Yule Social!
A celebration of Joy and Merriment.

Gather at 5:00PM, Feasting at 6:00PM

Festivities to follow…..
Dancing with DJ Julian, spinning tunes from across the decades to get everyone wiggling.
Two raffles! Including one just for the youngsters.
The fabulous Photo Booth returns for your amusement.
General Fellowship and Fun as we welcome the return of the Sun….

Sliding scale donation: $8.00-$20.00 per person (no one ever turned away for lack of funds.)

Potluck Offerings:
Air Signs: Savory
Fire Signs: Salads
Water Signs: Sweets
Earth Signs: Sips (non-alcoholic)

Please bring enough for 6 small servings, and label your ingredients.  We’ll see you and your clan at 5ish on Saturday, December 14th!  (All Community Seed events are clean and sober.).”
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Day in the Life 1901
with the Hyde Street Living History Players
Saturday, December 14, 6:00-9:00PM, and the second Saturday of each month
Aboard the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco
included with vessel admission, Adults $5, 15 and under free

“Step into the past as you board our historic ships. Help the sailors on Balclutha raise the staysail in the morning and return for musical fun during the afternoon dogwatch. Learn about life in 1901 from the ferry passengers on Eureka, or join Mrs. Galan on the Ark houseboat for an afternoon tea to discuss issues of the day.

Witness a dramatic re-creation of the 1901 labor strike that shook the San Francisco Waterfront in July. In September, picknickers in period swimsuits frolic on the beach. Don’t miss President McKinley’s visit in May and the Old Time Maritime Christmas celebration in December, with all the ships decorated as they were in 1901.

December 14: Old Time Maritime Christmas
In the evening, 6:00-9:00PM, join us for our costumed Living History players Old Time Maritime Christmas. Turn back the clock to Christmas in the year 1901, where you will meet captains, wives, crews and passengers aboard the floating historic vessels.

Refreshments will be served, with sea music performed by Richard Adrianowicz and Peter Kasin.

Lamplit tours by a costumed nightwatchman leave from the Hyde Street Pier entrance every 20 minutes beginning 6:00PM. Last tour leaves 7:40PM. Each tour lasts approximately 55 minutes. Each tour limited to 14 people. Reserve for this living history program by calling the Visitor Center, 415-447-5000, between 9:30AM-4:30PM.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located at the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, in San Francisco. The park includes a magnificent fleet of historic ships, visitor center, maritime museum and library. For more information about the park, or its public programs, please call 415-447-5000 or visit the park’s website. To contact Hyde Street Living History directly, please email David Hirzel at sfmaritime1901@sbcglobal.net.”
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The Sea Shellabration
A Ritual Theater Performance in Honor of Olokun, the Owner of the Deep
Saturday, December 14, 7:00PM
Sofia University, 1069 E. Meadow Circle, Palo Alto
$14

“This event celebrates the mystery and the history of the great ocean that surrounds our planet and informs of dreams.  All are invited to enter the Castle of Olokun, where you will become liquid bodies dancing with mermaids to the rhythms of the tides.  The songs of the sirens will lull you to sleep, to dream through winter, under the light of the moon.

The rituals that are part of this great event are a blend of scientific fact and wild stories told with music, myth, song and dance from the cultures of Africa, Brazil, Cuba, and the Americas.  The event is being co-marketed with the Ocean Conservation organization.  7% of all the proceeds will be going to this organization.

This is a multi-cultural, multi-media event that is produced with audience participation.  The event is suitable for women, men, and children of all ages.  

Encourage all to come dressed as a creature from the sea, and bring small instruments to make celebratory noises.”
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Winter Concert with Margaret and Kristoph of Broceliande
Saturday, December 14, 7:30PM
Chanticleers Theatre, Castro Valley Community Theatre, 3683 Quail Avenue, Castro Valley
Adults $10, Children 12 and Under $5
Make reservations now - this event will sell out!

“When the days grow short and the nights grow cold, friends and families are drawn together to reminisce about old times and celebrate in traditional ways the holidays and the turning of the year.

In honor of this custom, Castro Valley's Chanticleers Theatre will present Margaret and Kristoph, an evening of Celtic music from the British Isles and the Medieval and Renaissance melodies of the European courts, castles, and countrysides.

Featuring tight vocal and instrumental harmonies, their entrancing sound is built on the interweaving of soaring vocals with the lyrical music of the Celtic harp, octave mandolin, 6- and 12-string guitars, flute, and recorders.

Margaret Davis and Kristoph Klover have delighted audiences since 1993 - sharing the magic of other times and places with fans of traditional music the world over.

Dressed in beautiful period costumes, they have performed throughout the San Francisco Bay Area at concert halls and festivals as well as in Britain and Germany. They can be heard on dozens of recordings of the duo and with their bands, Avalon Rising and Broceliande, and in 2008 they performed in the Disney movie Bedtime Stories.”
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Laura Inserra Solo Concert plus Musical Instruments Sale
presented by Samavesha Productions
Saturday, December 14, 7:30-9:30PM
Rose Labyrinth, 2138 Cedar Street, Berkeley
$12-$25

“This is Laura Inserra. We are presenting a Solo Concert of mine but this time I am going to sell some of the local and worldwide musical instruments I will play that night. Why? Because I have too many musical instruments and they are made to be played.

Most of them are simple to play and other ones a little more complex. The list is long and the description even more, that's why I think you should come and spend the evening with us. It is a great occasion also to buy a special present for your beloved ones.”
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Solstice Flame Trance Dance Activation
with Axis Mundi TranceFusion
Saturday, December 14, 8:00PM-Midnight
Bhakti Mandir (House of Devotional Ecstasy), 6225 Doremus Avenue, Richmond
$15 at the Door

“As we approach the Winter Solstice and the Longest Night, it is time for us to honor the transformational power of the Darkness, and the Flame of Regeneration that burns at its
core.  Now is perfect moment to join us as we nurture this Flame and set forth our Intentions for creating the World we want.

Hosted Savory Edibles Served - veggie and omnivore
BYO Libations and Contributions of Savory or Sweet Snacks Welcomed!

Wear your EXOTIC and FESTIVE FINERY and have a warm layer to enjoy Full Moon Gazing from the beautiful 3 level outdoor deck!”
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KPFA Crafts Fair
Saturday-Sunday, December 14-15, 10:00AM-6:00PM
SF Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th Street, San Francisco

“the KPFA Crafts Fair is the largest weekend holiday crafts fair of its kind in Northern California, featuring professional exhibitors from throughout the western states who support themselves through their creativity. All this presented in a warm and sprited ambience reflecting the Bay Area’s great diversity.”
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Magic Toy Box Tea
Saturday and Sunday, December 14-15, 12:00PM and 3:00PM seatings available
Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Avenue, San Rafael, 415-485-3328
$25 Adults, $22 Children, $45 for one Adult and one Child together

“The second weekend in December is a magical holiday tour de force at our elegant Queen Anne Victorian. Music, magical toys which come to life and high tea- Victorian style. Homemade tea sandwiches, sweets, hot chocolate, tea and so much more. Bring your favorite bear or special toy and join the fun.

This event is hosted by the Cultural Affairs Service League and takes place inside the house with antique tea settings, live music and fun activities. Bring your camera and dress up for fun for an elegant child-friendly afternoon. Activities often include life-sized Toys, a fun raffle and opportunities for photos with your bears and friends (bring your camera!). Get your reservations early as space is limited. Two seatings on Saturday and two seatings on Sunday - 12:00PM and 3:00PM each day.”
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Crucible Gifty Holiday Sale
Saturday-Sunday, December 14-15,
Saturday 12:00-6:00PM, Sunday 12:00-5:00PM
The Crucible, 1260 7th Street, Oakland
Free admission

"Shopping at the mall was never like this!

Get your last minute shopping done at the Bay Area’s most unique holiday bazaar while supporting local artists and community arts education for youth and adults. Check out exciting live demonstrations including welding, glass working, metal casting, blacksmithing and much much more. Catch amazing fiery performances and wander through a maze of vendors with handmade crafts, perfect for last minute gifts.”
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The Great Dickens Christmas Fair!
Saturday-Sunday, December 14-15, 10:00AM-7:00PM
and every weekend through December 22
Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City
see website for ticket details
Parking fees are $10 per car charged by the Cow Palace
Free shuttle available from Glen Park BART Station

"The bustling streets of London, immortalized for all time by the mighty pen of Charles Dickens, form the living backdrop of your excursion into Christmas Past. You are a living part of a Victorian Christmas card come to life!

A Bay Area tradition since 1970, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair returns to the San Francisco Cow Palace Exhibition Halls for five weekends in 2013, including the Friday after Thanksgiving, from Saturday, November 23 through Sunday, December 22, from 10:00AM 'til 7:00PM.

Created by Ron and Phyllis Patterson, the fair is now produced by Kevin and Leslie Patterson and Red Barn Productions, who continue the family tradition of theatrical excellence through authenticity, participation, and playfulness.

Come wander the lanes of Victorian London, as the glow of twilight settles upon the city, with the scent of pine boughs and freshly baked scones floating in the air and the sound of carolers and holiday merrymakers accompanying your stroll.”

This is one of my favourite Yuletide traditions, and, really, one of my favourite things in the whole wide world.  And don't be fooled into thinking it's not extremely Pagan-friendly just because it's a "Christmas" event. Christmas not Pagan, you say?!  It is too! Especially in a simulated Victorian London reconstructed by Bay Area Faire Geeks.  It's lousy with Pagans, I'm tellin' ya!  Next time you're at PantheaCon, picture the people around you in corsets and/or top hats, and you'll realize they're the same people you saw at Dickens, just dressed more diaphonously...

There is soooo much to do and see (and eat and buy, if you want to spend money...), I heartily recommend going as many times as you possibly can!  With characters from the works of Charles Dickens roaming the streets, as well as historical figures of the Victorian Age (and a few non-Dickensian fictional ones), it's wall-to-wall entertainment.  You can dance and play parlour games at Fezziwig's Warehouse, you can watch various variety acts at the Victoria and Albert Music Hall, you can sing sea shanties with the sailors of Paddy West’s School of Seamanship, you can hobnob with authors, explorers, and inventors at the Adventurer's Club, you can take child-like glee in meeting Father Christmas, riding a hand-spun carousel, and seeing a Punch and Judy show, you can take adult-like glee in reveling in the naughtiness at Mad Sal's, the wondrous mechanical models of the Dark Garden display windows, and even the extra naughtiness of Saucy French Post Cards.  Delight in watching Scrooge turn from nasty to nice over the course of the day!  Hear Mr. Dickens himself read aloud from A Christmas Carol - spellbinding!

If you drive, plan to carpool, because the Cow Palace charges for parking.  But you don't have to drive, because you can take the free shuttle from BART.  The free shuttle will be operating between Glen Park BART station and the Cow Palace from 10:15AM-7:00PM each day of the Fair.  

The Dickens Fair is the place to bring your donations for Toys for Tots!  
Get $3 off regular admission with your Toys for Tots donation.

If you love anything about the month of December, you will adore The Great Dickens Christmas Fair!  If you wish you could attend a Renaissance Faire in the dead of winter, this is the place for you!  If watching A Christmas Carol on the stage or screen is not participatory enough for you, come and live it in glorious 3D, with full colour, rich surround-sound, the ultimate Christmas-y smell that wafts from the yummy cinnamon crunch almonds, the warm, cozy flavour of hot buttered rum or chocolate egg nog*, possibly even the realistic feeling of one of Sal's gals in your lap...  It just doesn't get any better than this!

*Yes.  You read that right.  Chocolate.  Egg nog.  Chocolate egg nog.
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African Dance, Song and Drumming
with Cheza Nami
Sunday, December 15, 11:00-11:30AM - final week
Mothership HackerMoms, 3288 Adeline Street, Berkeley
$12 per class, $60 for whole six-class series

“It’s back! Simply the most enjoyable music class for both kids AND parents this side of the Indian Ocean. Instructor Catherine Ndungu-Case of the Kikuyu tribe started her non-profit Cheza Nami to teach her twins the songs and dances of her native Kenya. You and your kids will enjoy 30 intense minutes of songs, games, music, drum circles and African-themed stories in a highly energetic and rhythm-centric class at HackerMoms. It’s also a dance workout for parents, so wear comfortable clothes. For kids 0-5 and their caregivers. Note: Only kids require tickets but caregivers do not.”
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Hour of Code for Kids
Sunday, December 15, 12:00-1:00PM
Mothership HackerMoms, 3288 Adeline Street, Berkeley
$5

“HackerMoms will host an Hour of Code, an open-learning program put on by Computer Science Education Week, whose goal is to introduce kids to programming. To prep for it, each parent will need to bring a laptop, review the tutorials that are age-appropriate for their child and guide them through it during this session. We'll work on individual projects as a group to support each other, let kids teach kids, and look over (and pat) each other's shoulders. Recommended for kids 4+ with a parent who can provide guidance. Note that this is not a workshop and there won't be a traditional teacher. HackerMoms provides the community space to facilitate learning. We hope you and your kids will join us as we take the first baby step towards programming!”
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Lake Temescal Natural History and Species Identification
with Ron Felzer
Sunday, December 15, 12:00-2:00PM
Lake Temescal, 6502 Broadway Terrace, Oakland
Free, please RSVP to info@WildOakland.org

“Our guide will be Ron Felzer, who has been teaching Biology and Environmental Studies at Merritt College since 1970.

We’ll learn about the ecology and natural history of Lake Temescal, and also how to identify plants and the many migrating birds that will be around this time of year!

If we ask nicely, he’ll probably even tell us about Hayward Fault geology.

We’ll meet at the South entrance parking area off Broadway Terrace.

This walk will be conducted rain or shine!”
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A Winter Wonderland
with The Academy of Classical Ballet
Sunday, December 15, 2:00PM and 5:30PM
Campbell Heritage Theatre, 1 W Campbell Avenue, Campbell
$15 show only, $20 show and Snowman Soiree

“A Winter Wonderland takes place deep in woods, on the cusp of Fall turning into a glorious Winter.  Watch as the Winter Fairy, along with the help of her Ice Sprites, turn the land into ice and snow, while bringing to life many of the characters that make every holiday story so great.  We don’t want to give too much away, but some of those characters include: Penguins, Wolves, Elves, Candy-Canes, (a few surprises!) and much, much more.  Be amazed as the season unfolds before your eyes and brings all of the smiles and fun that comes with it.  You’ve never seen a Winter quite like this!

Meet the cast in costume at our Snowman Soiree following the show.”
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Intro to Indigo
with Kathryn Davey
Sunday, December 15, 3:00-6:00PM
Handcraft Studio School, 5885 Doyle Street, Emeryville, 510-332-6101
$90, limit 10 students

“Come join us for an afternoon of Indigo Fun where we will explore the basics of Indigo Dyeing. You will learn about preparing your fabric, starting a vat and creating patterns. Each student with take home a set of 4 beautiful Indigo Linen Napkins. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you won’t mind getting indigoed!

Kathryn Davey’s main inspiration comes from nature and all the wonderful materials that come from the earth. She loves the gentleness of nature and how the less processed something is, the easier it returns to the earth. She is inspired by the craftsmanship of yester-year, antique linens and handwoven textiles, and of the quality and importance that was put into everyday items that lasted a lifetime. Kathryn believes in the importance of using consciously-sourced sustainable and non-toxic materials which are far less damaging to the environment and our children. In making her products she selects and uses only the highest quality, natural, sustainable and antique fibers.

Kathryn lives in the North Bay with her three beautiful daughters (who re-opened her eyes to the magic of creativity).”
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Wintersongs
with Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble
Sunday, December 15, 4:00PM
St. Bede's Church, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park
$30

“Few things evoke the magic of the winter holidays as the transcendent splendor of the human voice. Kitka has researched and discovered a treasure-trove of seasonal music from a wide variety of Eastern European ethnic and spiritual traditions. Wintersongs showcases material ranging from rousing Slavic folk carols to lush, meditative Eastern Orthodox sacred choral works... from pre-Christian incantations for the longest nights of the year to Medieval Sephardic Chanukah songs to original new pieces inspired by the beauty and mystery of wintertime.”
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A Cup of Tea with Spirit
with OwlSnake
Sunday, December 15, 4:00-5:00PM, and the third Sunday of every month
Julie’s Coffee and Tea Garden, 1223 Park Street, Alameda, 510-865-2385
suggested donation $5-$10

“Esoterica Shamanic Center invites you to join OwlSnake (Medicine Woman/Shaman Lineage) for...

A Cup of Tea with Spirit
We will sip tea,  and eat tasty treats as we connect and receive messages from Spirit and the Ancestors to guide us in our daily lives. We will Journey, Chant and Listen within, and be Inspired. A relaxing afternoon gift to yourself and others.

Who is OwlSnake?
Born into a long lineage of Medicine Men/Women, Spiritual Healers, Seers, and Shamans, on both her maternal and paternal ancestral lines, she was first called to this sacred path at the age of 4 years old from her Great Aunt. She was chosen to continue the family tradition of Spiritual Medicine work, some would call Shamanism. Through the years she would experience many of life's challenges and growth opportunities that have allowed her to learn and experience firsthand some of the greatest issues that plague this world today. From those experiences, along with her direct connection with Great Spirit, Guides, Angels, and Ancestors, OwlSnake has awakened into being a compassionate healer that is willing to be used as a ‘Hollow Bone’ for Spirit to assist all those that seek healing and inspiration on their journey.”
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The Winter: East Meets West
with Emily Bogle
Sunday, December 15, 5:00-6:00PM
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
$10

“This class will teach about how the Chinese philosophy views the season winter, how to boost your immune system, how to experience the benefit of the year’s darkest, coldest season, and I will introduce Tai Chi and Chi Gung movements throughout the class.”
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Holiday Open House at the Ainsley House
Saturday, December 15, 5:30-8:00PM
Ainsley House, 51 N Central Avenue, Campbell
$15

“This December, the historic Ainsley House in Downtown Campbell will be transformed into a magical holiday wonderland! Please join us for one of two special nighttime open houses (December 15 and December 19), where the lights and the decorations can be fully enjoyed in all their splendor. Visitors will take a self-guided tour through the decorated Ainsley House and be treated to refreshments in the Carriage House.

In the beautiful, historic Ainsley House in Downtown Campbell, all of its 15 rooms will be transformed into a warm, enchanting celebration of Christmas.  The house will be decorated by local interior designers, house decorators, florists, and volunteers and feature a special holiday boutique, full of unique delights for holiday shoppers.”
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Dreeing Our Weird
with Caroline Casey
Monday, December 16, 7:00PM
Open Secret, 923 C Street, San Rafael
$25 in advance, $30 at the door

“Dreeing Our Weird: Trickster dives into the dark to dissolve dementors of doom domination!

We gather in Council to align with the potential of this moment.  Uranus the Trickster stations over-head as the Full Moon waxes. Trickster has voice and cultural influence, and abundant potent metaphors proffered for animation. We gather in metaphoric back-stage.

Together we shall draw our bow-string back, arrows tipped with compassion, tyranny as its target… and myriad more metaphors... Metaphors Be With You!”
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Seventh Annual Project For Awesome
Tuesday, December 17
wherever you have access to the internet

“The Project for Awesome is an annual event on YouTube in which thousands of video creators make videos supporting their favorite charity. Anybody is allowed to participate - simply make a video about a charity you support and post it on YouTube on December 17th. Then tune into the livestream and join in the commenting and donating fun. DFTBA!*”

*Don’t Forget To Be Awesome!
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Solstice Gathering at Anubhuti
Tuesday, December 17, 7:00-9:00PM
Anubhuti Meditation and Retreat Center, 820 Bel Marin Keys Boulevard, Novato, 415-884-2314
donations accepted
Please RSVP to 415-884-231 or anubhuti@bkwsu.org

“Join us in celebrating the shortest night of the year in meditation and by igniting our inner lights. We will have a candle lighting ceremony to symbolize the longer days and our enlightened spirits.”
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Caroline Casey Diving Into The Dark Winter Solstice Tour
Tuesday, December 17, 7:00-10:00PM
Earth Rise Retreat Center, 101 San Antonio Road, Petaluma
$25

“Trickster Bounds onto the World Stage: Re-trieving Redemptive Reverent Renaissance Rising from the Rubble.
Uranus stationing direct this day - providing forward momentum, serendipitous synchronicity abounds for those with dedicated hearts. Internal dedication (more potent in a gathering) magnetizes outward opportunity.

A mythological unfurling of Compassionate Trickster choreography strategy for 2014… bringing flashlights and good walking shoes encouraged!”
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The Terracotta Prince
Wednesday-Sunday, December 18-22,
Wednesday-Friday 7:30PM, Saturday 1:30PM and 7:30PM, Sunday 1:30PM and 6:00PM
Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino, 408-864-8816
see website for ticket details

“The most magical Nutcracker experience this holiday season!

Don't miss the North American Premiere of this New Holiday Season Favorite featuring the award-winning Dalian Acrobatic Troupe (Yulan) and the music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. With Classical Ballet, Acrobats and Magic, the Terracotta Prince will wow your whole family and give a whole new look to the most endearing holiday tradition. Presented by Dennis Nahat and Theatre Ventures International. A Dublin-San Jose Sister City Event.”
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A Winter Gift: Legends of the Celtic Harp
with Patrick Ball, Lisa Lynn and Aryeh Frankfurter
Thursday, December 19, 8:00PM
Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse, 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley, 510-644-2020
$22.50 in advance, $24.50 at the door

“Legends of the Celtic Harp is an ensemble of three of the most celebrated celtic harp players in the world. Their concerts takes their audiences on a joyous, dramatic musical journey deep into the myths, legends and history of the Celtic Harp.

In A Winter’s Gift, Patrick Ball, Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter step into a magical world of Irish and English literature, Celtic legend and traditional folk beliefs and draw out tales such as A Child's Christmas in Wales, chapters from The Wind in the Willows, and passages from Shakespeare, William Butler Yeats, and Thomas Hardy, and mingle them with beloved pieces of seasonal music. All of the music and all of the stories touch on the central message of the Christmas/Winter season. Hope. Hope for something wondrous. Hope for a light in the darkness.”
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A Christmas Carol staged reading
by Charles Dickens, adapted for B8 by Maureen-Theresa Williams
Thursday-Friday, December 19-20, 8:00PM
Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax Street, Concord
$25

“A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens
adapted for the stage by Maureen-Theresa Williams
directed by John Butterfield

Dickens’ novella, arguably the best-know secular tale of Christmas, comes to life as Butterfield 8’s sold-out production returns for a second year.

This abridged reading of the story (created specifically for B8) tells the tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and the three spirits who change his life as few productions do - using only the author’s own words. This year B8 incorporates puppets as the spirits to expand the storytelling experience.”
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May Your Week Be a Tea Party or a Dance Party, Whatever Suits Your Fancy!

Molly Blue Dawn

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