Growing Green Awards Celebration, Network for a New Culture Gathering, Serpent’s Kiss Full Moon Ritual, Kitchen Mastery: Wielding the Knife, Moon Ceremony, Celebrate Lunar Beltane and Cordelia, The Queer Pentacle, Temple of Aphrodite, Tribal Fest 14: From Root to Fruit, Give OUT Day, Berkeley Objector Day Peace Flag Raising, The Blind Tiger Speakeasy Gala, Balancing the Human Cycle with the Life of Soul and Spirit, Wiccan/Pagan Study Group, Pearls Over Shanghai, SFWA’s Nebula Awards Weekend, The Fifth String: Ziryab's Passage to Cordoba, Mutt: Let’s All Talk About Race!, The Crazed, Food Revolution Day, Design and Innovation, MMTB Writers Challenge a Director/Producer Vision and Networking Exchange, Wavy Gravy’s Birthday Celebration, Jan Ogren's Winter Solstice 2012 in Honduras, 101 Things To Do With A Deck of Tarot Cards, Magical Transformation and Group Energy Healing, Pagan Movie Night - Sorceress, Mother Mary’s Healing Heart, Gadung Kasturi Balinese Dance and Music, The Bad Aunties, Downtown Benicia Ghost Walk, Oakland Greek Festival, Shamanic Healing with Siberian Shaman Ladamira, Northern California Women's Herbal Symposium, International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, Martinez Peddlers Faire, Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering, Earth Energy Walks, The Dream As a Koan, Sleep Savvy Workshop, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Everyday Nut Milks and Cheeses, Mama-to-be Healing Gathering, Printers’ Fair and Wayzgoose, Kristi Yamaguchi's Reading Adventures, Remembering and Living Your Personal Destiny, Santa Cruz Rejuvenation Festival, Paper Dahlia Headpiece, Lake Merritt Pagans, Teaching In India - Visiting Tribes: Two Film Festivals And A White Tiger, CAYA Coven’s Loving Moon, On Holy Ground: Commitment and Devotion to Sacred Land, First Nations Americana, Puppetland: Confidential IV, Bay Area Storytelling Festival, Himalayan Fair, Boogie on the Bayou, Maker Faire, Herbal Allies, NOMAD: The Blue Road, Raised Bed and Container Gardening: Edibles, Gardens Galore: Alameda Garden Tour, Pacific Rim Exploration, Homo Healers 2014, Fermentation: The Works!, The Sea of Invisible Riches: Asian Americans and the Alaska Salmon Grounds, Open Shamanic Journey Circle, Not Your Mother's Garden Party, Modern Conjure: Candles Lamps and Lights, A Cup of Tea with Spirit, The Inquisitive Dentist, Warriors of the Wasteland, HulaHoopla Hoop Curious Workshop, Earth Oven Workshop, Cheese Making 101: Yogurt Fresh Cheeses and Feta, What Lurks at the Centers of Galaxies, Goddess Clothing Exchange
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Growing Green Awards Celebration 2014
presented by Natural Resources Defense Council and Berkeley Food Institute
Wednesday, May 14, 6:00-9:00PM
The Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley
$30 includes wine and hors d’oeuvres
“The Growing Green Awards will once again shine the spotlight on four of our nation’s most influential leaders in sustainable food and agriculture. The evening begins with an exciting multimedia awards program with master of ceremony Anna Lappe, author and founder of the Small Planet Institute. Following the award ceremony, attendees will be able to meet and talk with the Growing Green winners and other sustainable food experts and scientists at an open reception. In addition to the award winners, participating experts will include scientists from UC Berkeley, California State University, Washington State University, Organic Valley, the Berkeley Food Institute and, of course, NRDC.”
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Network for a New Culture Gathering
Wednesday, May 14, 6:00-10:00PM
LoveJourney Temple, Sebastopol, exact address given upon RSVP
$10, please bring a potluck item
Please RSVP to John Horrell at 707-304-6359 or seajohnkayak@yahoo.com
“Our community is deeply enjoying hosting the Network for a New Culture evenings here for the North Bay. Please come to our next gathering Wednesday, May 14, 6:00-10:00PM at LoveJourney in Sebastopol. Directions will be sent to you once you reply that you're coming. We request a $10 voluntary donation at the event to cover costs of the space.
Network for a New Culture (NFNC) is part of the larger global movement to create local communities where transparency, self-awareness, love, trust, and compassionate honesty are the new cultural norms. We believe that it takes a village to raise a consciousness. We, of course, intend that our work and play together will be transformative not only for small communities, but for the community of the world as well.
We will start with a delicious potluck dinner - please bring something fun and nutritious to share. We then gather for some bonding exercises, dance and joy. Then, as promised, we will learn about the ZEGG forum (see below for description) in a learning exercise then share our findings. We will share ourselves and express with the group. Feel free to stay after to dance, hot tub, schmooze, and snuggle.
Forum is a facilitated awareness and communication training for groups of 12 to 50. It was designed in the Zegg community in Germany so the community has a way to communicate with itself. It provides an artistic way of personal sharing where an individual moves in the center of the circle and shares whatever is alive in them. Our true motivations, our deep feelings, longings, ideas, and emotions become revealed. This focus on transparency, sharing, and clarifying unsolved situations makes it an invaluable catalyst for growth. Forum is a personal process in a social context. We discover how our personal issues resonate with everyone, and learn how each theme is part of a common human experience.”
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Serpent’s Kiss Full Moon Ritual
Wednesday, May 14, 7:00-8:30PM
Serpent's Kiss, 2015 N Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 831-423-5477
Free
“We will be participating in a magickal working based on the current Astrological alignment with emphasis on the Full Moon. This is a free event (donations always welcome).”
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Kitchen Mastery: Wielding the Knife
with Seth Peterson
presented by The Institute of Urban Homesteading
Wednesday, May 14, 7:00-9:30PM
Berkeley, address given upon registration
Sliding scale $35-$65 plus $5 supply fee to bring on day of class
“Ever watch with fascination as a professional cook whips through a pile of vegetables with style, fast, precise, consistent? Knife skills are amongst the most essential, yet least taught in the home. In this class we’ll cover all the basics with plenty of hands-on practice. We’ll learn what to look for when purchasing a knife, different kinds of knives, basic care for and maintenance (our in-depth knife sharpening course later this summer is a perfect companion to this class). Then we’ll learn how to hold both the knife and the item to be cut for best control. We'll chop a small hill of veggies to practice many different types of cuts and to start building up your muscle memory. This is a comprehensive intro to a skill that will last you a lifetime.”
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Moon Ceremony
with Iya Mahea of The Sacred Forest
Wednesday, May 14, 7:30PM
The Magdalen Chapel, Sagrada Sacred Arts, 4926 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland
Free, but registration is required.
For more information or to register, please e-mail iyamahea@thesacredforest.org
“A ritual of renewal honoring the moon and the water spirits.
There is no charge for attendance, but kindly register before coming as space is limited.”
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Celebrate Lunar Beltane and Cordelia, Celtic Goddess of the Summer Flowers
Wednesday, May 14, 7:30PM
Concord location, directions given upon RSVP
$15 newcomer discount, $35 one time exchange
This ritual is for cisgendered women.
Please RSVP to 925-787-9247 or Leilani@DaughtersoftheGoddess.com
“Beltane is one of our High Holy Days celebrating the fertility of the Earth, Sacred Fire and the juiciness of life. This is the time that marks that Winter is finally over and we are dancing into Summer time. This is a time of warmth, growth, birth and lustfulness of the Earth. For thousands of years in Celtic and British culture, there have been great dances at this time of year; dancing up the Sun as it rises at Dawn, dancing to honor the fairies, and dancing around huge bonfires to celebrate the fertility of Mother Earth.
Cordelia is the Queen of the month of May and the Fairies. She is the Goddess of blessings, love, strength, prayer, beauty, and wishes, who offers abundant flowers to the world. She does not appear until May, when the Earth is warm enough to sustain Her and nature is full and lush. Cordelia appears as a young Maiden with a crown of flowers in Her hair. Her symbols are flowers and water. She is a nature Goddess and is part of every Spring and Summer flower that blossoms. One of the ways that Cordelia has traditionally been celebrated is through the dressing of fresh water wells with garlands of flowers. After the flowers are offered, wishes are made. Surely this is the forerunner to the wishing well stories that we have heard throughout our lives!
All blossoming flowers are sacred to Cordelia. She is also associated with many plants such as Thyme, Primrose, the leaves of Oak and Ash, and the berries of Hawthorne. Carnelian stones and river rocks are also Sacred to Her.
Cordelia brings beauty, growth and transformation to our lives and the world. How are you growing as a Goddess Worshiper? How do you tend fires that will brings passion and life to the Goddess Movement? What lights your fires and sustains you? What are you creating and growing during this time of great fertility?
For the altar please bring an offering of flowers and a red, orange, or yellow colored candle. Bring symbols of Cordelia, Fairies and Beltane!
If you are interested in participating in a ritual or celebration, please help out by doing the following:
Please bring a snack to share (if possible, food of the culture we are celebrating), washable eating utensils (bowl, cup, plate, utensils, etc. In honor of Mother Earth, we do not provide disposable items), a candle (for safety reasons, we highly recommend a candle in a glass container, often called a novena), and pillow or chair to sit on to all rituals. For more information about our rituals please visit our FAQ page.
Please see our current series schedule and check the web page for the specific ritual to see what items to bring and how to prepare yourself. Please take the time to read this, especially if you are a newcomer. New information is added from time to time so even if you feel you have already seen this, it is important to check back in every now and then.”
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The Queer Pentacle: Grace, Initiation, Desire, Beauty, Self-Knowledge
A Reclaiming Five-Class Series
with Ian and Urania
Wednesday, May 14, 7:30-10:00PM
and four more Wednesdays through June 18
San Rafael, RSVP for address
$90-$240 sliding scale
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Ian at ianwaisler@gmail.com
“In this class we will explore the Queer Pentacle as an aid to cultivate our truest self, access our life force, and free our evolutionary nature.
We will employ ritual tools including chant, trance, divination and creative projects as we work Magic and explore our Wild Hearts.
We welcome all genders and orientations; it is not necessary to identify as queer to join us in this work.
Prerequisite: Elements of Magic OR equivalent magical experience.”
Thanks to Jaina Bee for letting me know about this event!
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Temple of Aphrodite
Wednesday, May 14, 8:00-9:00PM (Please arrive a few minutes before 8:00PM)
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Donations gratefully accepted
“The Temple of Aphrodite in Oakland was founded in 2010 at The Sacred Well, where Priest/esses maintain a monthly liturgy and support space for those who wish to experience the mysteries of the goddess in Her many forms.
Our monthly liturgy is an exploration and celebration of the many ways love, beauty, desire and pleasure shape our decisions, choices, actions, and lives.
We research and study historical aspects of Aphrodite, such as praise hymns, epithets, and classical symbolism. We also recognize Aphrodite in the world around us today, in Her contemporary guises with modern sensibilities.
Date for 2014:
June 12
July 13
August 10
September 7
October 8
November 5
December 6”
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Tribal Fest 14: From Root to Fruit
Belly Dancing Festival
Wednesday-Sunday, May 14-18
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol
see website for schedule and registration details
“Welcome One and All, from Near and Far, to none other than the One, the Only, the Original
Tribal Fest 14: From Root to Fruit!
Proudly presented by BlackSheep BellyDance
The location is our beloved Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, its Youth Annex and surrounding grounds, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol, California, 95473, USA. Please remember that we are next to a Protected Wetlands Wildlife Reserve that has miles of hiking and biking trails to get away on for a few minutes.”
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Give OUT Day
Thursday, May 15
“Welcome to Give Out Day 2014
On May 15th, we invite you to be part of history and participate in the 2nd annual national Give OUT Day! Give OUT Day is a national initiative that will engage hundreds of organizations and mobilize thousands of people on a single day across the country to give in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.
It’s a chance for LGBTQ groups large and small, to work across the wide range of issues and activities that matter to the LGBTQ community from sports to policy change, families to the arts.
It’s a chance for members of the LGBTQ community and our many allies to stand up and show support on one day. It’s a chance to make history. We hope you’ll join us!”
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Berkeley Objector Day Peace Flag Raising
Thursday, May 15, 11:30AM
Berkeley Civic Center, 2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley
Free
“On International Conscientious Objectors’ Day, celebrate the 8th annual Berkeley C.O. and War Resisters’ Day with us!
Peace Flag raising ceremony, first at Civic Center flagpole at 2180 Milvia Street, corner of Allston Way and then at the flagpole at MLK, Jr. Civic Center Park, 2151 MLK, Jr. Way (between Center Street and Allston Way, across from Old City Hall), Berkeley. With Conscientious Objectors and War Resisters from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Sponsored by City of Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission. Endorsed by War Resisters League-West and Courage to Resist.
Toby Blome, Code Pink Activist, speaking on Conscientious Objection to Drone Wars
Emma Cape, speaking on the campaign to support heroic WikiLeaks whistle-blower Chelsea Manning
Bob Meola, Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission, War Resisters League, Courage to Resist
Sing along Ain’t Fest: I Ain't Marching Anymore, Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around, Down By the Riverside (Ain’t Gonna Study War No More) with Max Ventura, Nancy Schimmel, and Vic Sadot.”
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The Blind Tiger Speakeasy Gala
Thursday, May 15, 5:30-9:00PM (VIP reception 4:30PM)
Fat's Catering and Banquet House, 1015 Front Street, Old Sacramento
21+
$75, $125 VIP
“The rip-roaring 1920s will soon be back in style in Old Sacramento! The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is proud to present a glamorous underground speakeasy gala titled The Blind Tiger.
To help recreate the look and feel of the 1920s Prohibition era, guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite apparel of the times that included short and sassy flapper dresses or those adorned with beads, rhinestones and fringe for women or suits with cuffed trousers, fedoras or newsboy hats for men. The special event will include 1920s era cars parked in front for photo opportunities (courtesy of the California Automobile Museum), blacked out restaurant windows (with a peep hole to let ‘members’ in), a fun cocktail party with bountiful appetizers, lively games of chance, entertaining music, dancing, a silent auction and even a special VIP ‘back room’. There are even rumors the police or ‘coppers’ might surprise the crowd and conduct a (mock) raid as well.
This spirited and festive fundraising event is held in honor of Tom Hammer, an involved and dedicated community member who is an enthusiastic advocate of local history and preservation. In fact, Tom’s devotion to Sacramento history has resulted in the completion of many historic projects including the preservation of several buildings in Old Sacramento and the very creation of the Sacramento History Museum.”
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Balancing the Human Cycle with the Life of Soul and Spirit
Vortex Journeys May Meditation Evening
Thursday, March 15, 6:30-8:30PM
The Crossroads, private land in Santa Rosa, RSVP for address
Free, donations welcome
RSVP to 707-542-4928 or beyondbeliefs@vortexjourneys.com
“There are two national holidays in May, Mother's Day and Memorial Day. The first honors birth, and the second death. Each evokes a range of memories and emotions, and both are inevitably linked.
When we accept human form as temporary, we live more fully, without clinging to what was or what we think we want. May's meditation is a reminder to value the limited cycle of being in body with a conscious and balanced connection to the eternal wisdom and oneness of our limitless soul and spirit.
We meditate in Mother Earth's ever changing and expanding vibrant vortex energies.
With Love, Light and Blessings, Jan and Marystella”
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Wiccan/Pagan Study Group
Organized by Ardys De Lu
Thursday, May 15, 7:00PM
Berkeley, locations will vary, RSVP for address
Free
For more information and to RSVP, please contact Ardys De Lu at 510-388-5460
“Will have presentations/speakers from various traditions, two Thursdays monthly.
What to bring:
Paper, notebook, laptop, whatever you use for taking notes.
Finger food, drinks, or paper cups/plates to share.”
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Pearls Over Shanghai
presented by the Thrillpeddlers
Thursday-Saturday, May 15-17, 8:00PM
The Hypnodrome, 575 10th Street, San Francisco
held over - playing through June 28
held over - playing through June 28
$30-$35
“Our award-winning production of Pearls Over Shanghai, San Francisco’s longest-running Cockettes musical hit, is back on The Hypnodrome stage for a Fifth Anniversary Revival Production.
Pearls Over Shanghai is a comic mock-operetta about white slavery, opium dens, and miscegenation set in the colorful world of 1937 Shanghai. The story is set at the crossroads of good and evil; an exotic ‘old sin town’ filled with singing sailors, humorous whores, foolish immortals, handmaidens and henchmen, all taking their places in streets teeming with a mix of foreign aristocrats, opium addicts, and gangland slave-trade czars.
With a cast of over 20, costumes a-plenty, and a score of 24 original songs, this production is the most eye-popping and toe-tapping in the Hypnodrome’s history, with the scent of intoxicating perfume, poisonous flowers, opium, and sex oozing from every scene.
Three original Cockettes, Scrumbly Koldewyn, ‘Sweet Pam’ Tent, and Rumi Missabu, who were in the original production of Pearls Over Shanghai, will perform in this production, bringing to life the whimsy and the madness that were the ‘all singing, all dancing, all cardboard’ Cockettes.
Our original production of Pearls Over Shanghai ran for nearly two years and received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. It’s a phenomenon that keeps on growing! Get your tickets soon for this sure-to-sell-out musical event of the season.”
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SFWA’s Nebula Awards Weekend
Thursday-Sunday, May 15-18
San Jose Marriott, 301 S Market Street, San Jose, 408-280-1300
see website for schedule and registration details
“The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America’s 49th Annual Nebula Awards Weekend will be held at May 15-18, 2014 at the San Jose Marriott. We are delighted to announce that Samuel R. Delany will become SFWA’s newest Grand Master. We’re also pleased that Frank M. Robinson will be a Special Guest and that Ellen Klages is our Toastmaster.”
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The Fifth String: Ziryab's Passage to Cordoba
A World Premiere of production presented by Golden Thread and Brava Theater Center
Commissioned by the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California
Thursday-Sunday, May 15-18
Thursday-Saturday, 8:00PM, Sunday, 3:00PM
Brava Theater, 2781 24th Street, San Francisco
$20 in advance, $22 at the door
“Golden Thread Productions presents The Fifth String: Ziryab’s Passage to Cordoba, the second play to come out of its innovative ‘Islam 101’ initiative, which is dedicated to creating dynamic plays inspired by Islamic art and philosophy.
Written and directed by Torange Yeghiazarian with original music by Faraz Minooei and production design by Mokhtar Paki, The Fifth String is a multifaceted performance created collaboratively with an ensemble of actors, clowns, and musicians.
Meet Ziryab, the 9th-century musician and cultural icon, in this family-friendly new play with live music: a musical genius, a star of the Baghdad court, and a fashion innovator.
The Fifth String playfully tells the story of his beginnings in Iraq, his life as an immigrant to Cordoba, and his lasting contributions in music, fashion, and culture that continue to reverberate today. Widely credited with adding a fifth string to the oud and with introducing Persian and Arabic influences to Spanish music, his life becomes an inspiration for this modern retelling as a story-within-a-story in the tradition of 1001 Nights. Original music for the The Fifth String world premiere is composed by Faraz Minooei who toured with Yo Yo Ma and Kayhan Kalhour in 2009. Live music will be performed by Gary Haggerty on oud and Ali Bazyar on percussion. The ensemble features actors, clowns, singers, and musicians: Munaf Alsafi, Camila Betancourt Ascencio, Jamie Corventry, Deborah Eliezer, Majd Murad, Maruf Noyoft, and Naima Shalhoub.
Golden Thread is the first American theatre company devoted to Middle Eastern voices and experiences. Founded in 1996 by Torange Yeghiazarian, Golden Thread’s mission, to develop and produce plays from and about the Middle East is made more urgent and vital in light of current US-Middle East relations and the changes sweeping through the region. The company has presented work in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., New York, and Cairo, Egypt. Golden Thread receives play submissions from around the globe and is frequently host to visiting artists from the Middle East through the US State Department and the Kennedy Center’s exchange programs. An active contributor to Theatre Communications Group’s international efforts and Theatre Without Borders, Golden Thread’s year-round schedule consist of the ReOrient Festival of short plays; development and production of full-length plays, Youth Outreach activities; plus commissions, tours, and partnerships with esteemed co-presenters.”
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Mutt: Let’s All Talk About Race!
Thursday-Sunday, May 15-18,
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 7:00PM
playing through June 8
Impact Theatre at La Val's Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Avenue, Berkeley, 510-224-5744
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
“A world premiere by Christopher Chen
Directed by Evren Odcikin
A co-production with Ferocious Lotus Theatre Company
The Republican Party finally - finally! - realizes it has a problem with race. So it decides its best chance for success in the 2016 presidential election is to back a candidate who's hapa - of mixed Asian descent. They think they've found their man in Nick, a promising Congressmember. But when Nick doesn't conform to their expectations of who he should be, they turn to Len, a multiracial war hero who can check off every single box - and maybe a couple more boxes no one knows about. A blisteringly funny satire that skewers not only the elephants in the room but the donkeys too, Mutt burns down the entire house of racial cards.
Christopher Chen, a playwright of immense talent on the rise, was the visionary behind the Glickman Award-winning cosmic explosion The Hundred Flowers Project at Crowded Fire last season. Mutt is a co-production between Impact and Ferocious Lotus, a new company devoted to promoting Asian-American theatre artists led by co-artistic directors Lily Tung Crystal and Leon Goertzen.
Featuring Patricia Austin, Michael Uy Kelly, Matthew Lai, Marilet Martinez, Lawrence Radecker, and Michelle Talgarow.”
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The Crazed
A world premiere from the Central Works Writers Workshop
Thursday-Sunday, May 15-18,
Thursday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 5:00PM
playing through June 22
The Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Street, Berkeley
Thursdays pay what you can, regular performances sliding scale $15-$28
“The Crazed
Written by Sally Dawidoff
Based on the acclaimed novel by Ha Jin
Directed by Gary Graves
A world premiere from the Central Works Writers Workshop
A new play by Sally Dawidoff based on the acclaimed novel by National Book Award winner Ha Jin, about a young scholar coming of age in Communist China on the eve of the Tiananmen Square massacre.
When the venerable Professor Yang suffers a stroke, his student Jian Wan is assigned to care for him. But when the professor begins to rave like a madman, the student is thrown into a quandary: are these the outpourings of a crazed mind, or is Yang speaking the truth - about his past, about art, about how to live a meaningful life?
This spring marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. The Crazed joins commemorations around the globe.”
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Food Revolution Day
Friday, May 16
“Calling all kids, families and grown-ups - join our global day of action on Friday 16 May. Get cooking, share your love of food and inspire others to get excited too.”
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Design and Innovation
a Third Friday event at Museum of Art and History
Friday, May 16, 4:00-8:00PM, and the third Friday of each month
Museum of Art and History, 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, 831-429-1964
$5
“Bring your bright ideas to a buzzing think and making tank of eclectic design and innovation. Explore, test, make, and invent projects with engineers, entrepreneurs, artists, and other out-of-the-box-thinkers.
Get lost in an interactive Nomadic Labyrinth by Bay Area Artist Paz de la Calzada. The Nomadic Labyrinth consists of large pieces of precisely cut carpet. Inspired in an Arabic floral pattern, the recycled carpets used in this design create an intricate and meditative environment that explores the integration of drawing and architecture. People are invited to walk, play, and meditate in this urban walkable path and experience art as a transformational tool.
Ever wondered what your brainwaves look and sound like? Check out artists Andrew Meave and Blair Crissman’s interactive installation Ravel on the 3rd floor, which will pick up your brainwaves and translate them into light displays and soundscapes. Make games out of everyday materials with local UCSC artist John Mawhorter in a Play Design Workshop, design your dream home with shoebox dioramas, and see if you can build the tallest toothpick tower of the night with 25 toothpicks and marshmallows. Interested in graphic design and What does the face of Santa Cruz look like? Renowned and local graphic designer Ted Holladay will be taking photos of visitor’s faces, and digitally layering them on a 50″ screen to see how the images evolve through overlapping. Folks will be able to see and learn more about the process.
Come have fun and interact with robots, build and design with LEGOs, help make a stop-motion clay animated movie, connect technology with digital art, and design an amusement park with folks from Learn to Discover, a non-profit that pushes us to ask how things work and why things work the way they do. Engineer projects in wind power, foam coasters, and jigabots with students and faculty from the Cabrillo College Engineering Department. And want to shake things up? Try building a structure that can withstand an earthquake… Galileo, and Innovation Camp for Kids, challenges you to build a structure sturdy enough to withstand an earthquake and test your structure’s strength in different soil types, such as sand, bedrock, and gravel.
Don’t miss Kid Happy Hour, with art activities just for kids from 4:00-5:00PM in the classroom. Come build a robot, experiment with redesigning rocks, or design your very own mail box! Join the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery as they share a Gear Wall for visitors to tinker with.”
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MMTB Writers Challenge a Director/Producer Vision and Networking Exchange
presented by MMTB - Movie Making Throughout the Bay
Friday, May 16, 4:00-10:30PM
MMTB Production Office, 3607 Clayton Road, Concord
See website below for registration details
“Directors pitch their Ideas to Be Made Into a Movie. If your pitch is selected by a writer/s, it will be written on the spot, then competed for, and possibly selected of 3 to be made into a movie. If you don't win, to get a movie made, you may still have a complete story by the end of this event and filmmakers approaching you to get the story made! Everyone wins in this event.
After all the pitches are made, writers have the chance to pick the short story/stories they want to try to write within the 4 hour timeframe - They can try to write as many or as little stories as they can accomplish within the timeframe. Once complete, they will read the story/stories, or if longer, part of the story back to the crowd and their stories will compete against other writers, the top 3 stories written will get made, screened and win awards!! If your story doesn't win, there will still be tons of filmmakers there to possibly take your story on for production. Everyone wins!”
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Wavy Gravy’s Birthday Celebration
Celebrate with Cake and his Movie, Saint Misbehavin’!
Friday, May 16, 6:30PM
Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Avenue, Sebastopol
$10-$99
“Come celebrate Wavy’s 78th birthday with his movie and some birthday cake.
The Wavy Gravy Movie: Saint Misbehavin’ takes us on an unforgettable trip through the amazing life and times of poet, clown, activist and FUNdraiser Wavy Gravy.
Through candid interviews with Wavy’s family and friends, including Jackson Browne, Odetta, and Bonnie Raitt, and close encounters with Wavy himself, Saint Misbehavin’ paints a moving portrait of a surprisingly complex crusader for peace, justice and understanding. This riveting film shows how one individual can make a difference and have fun doing it! Revealing the man behind the countercultural icon, Saint Misbehavin’ showcases the enormous humanity and intelligence of this Holy Fool and his commitment to basic human needs.
From poetry readings in Greenwich Village to an epic bus trip from England to Nepal by way of Afghanistan, from keeping the peace at Woodstock to his present-day mission raising funds for sight-saving operations in developing countries and co-directing a circus and performing arts camp, this entertaining and captivating film shines a fresh light on many of the seminal events of our time and reveals the deep determination of a truly one-of-a-kind individual.
A testament to the sheer joy of living a life of service to humankind and our planet, The Wavy Gravy Movie: Saint Misbehavin’ will entertain, enrich and inspire.
Wavy, his wife Jahanara and the filmmaker Michelle Esrick will be there to answer your questions and frolick like they do so well.
Birthday cake will be served too!”
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Jan Ogren's Winter Solstice 2012 in Honduras
presented by Sonoma County Pagan Network
Friday, May 16, 7:00PM
Luther Burbank Art and Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa
$3-$5 donation requested, no one turned away for lack of funds
“Jan will speak about her experience spending Winter Solstice 2012 (the end of the Mayan Calendar) in Honduras.
Potluck Feast
Since our gathering is at the dinner hour, we ask that you bring a potluck dish and/or non-alcoholic brew to share that serves 4-6 people. Let’s treat ourselves to a good meal. Please bring your own place setting. There will be hot water available for tea.
We ask non-members to make a donation of $5-$3 to help us cover operating costs. No one turned away for lack of funds.”
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101 Things To Do With A Deck of Tarot Cards: Tips, Techniques, and How-Tos
with Thalassa Therese
Friday, May 16, 7:00-8:30PM
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
$35
“Tarot offer us a toolbox full of wisdom and information. A variety of techniques for using the Tarot (including magick, meditation, life planning) using the many aspects of the deck will be explored. All levels of interest and enthusiasm welcome.
With more than 45 years experience working with the Tarot as a reader, teacher and facilitator, Thalassa has a unique and experienced perspective on Tarot as a tool for self-development, problem solving and wisdom.”
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Magical Transformation and Group Energy Healing
with Dragonfly and Justin K. Prim
Friday, May 16, 7:30-9:30 PM
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$20
Please register in advance to reserve your spot for this event
“The Beings of Light in the Healing Realms of Illumined Truth have now pierced through the veil to meet us halfway. The focus for this group healing is a Ceremony and Meditation to connect and attune with your Spirit Guide.
We will be going deep with this healing session to help heal and strengthen the bridge between you and your High Level Healing Guide. This will be a fun and magical journey, and you will learning to connect with your guide or higher guidance. Working with your guide may help point you in the right direction and can help you to discover more choices in your life.
We will be sharing also our stories and the energy we felt after the first meeting with your Guide. Connecting to your guide can be very exciting and intense. With a little focus and relaxation, you too can be aware of your guide being fully present in your daily life.
Justin and Dragonfly will be using the their energy medicine and guides to help bring in the highest good and assist in spiritual enfoldment. Please bring your journal or something to write on to record to journey to meet your healing guide. Also, bring a Clear Quartz Crystal with you to this healing circle to be a crystal ally in this work.
Justin K. Prim is an energy healer, a shamanic practitioner, and a spiritually focused artist. He recently became a teacher in the Magical Awakening lineage and is excited to share these spiritual gifts with the world!
Dragonfly is a VortexHealing Divine Energy Healing practitioner Class Organizer for Gailynn Carroll in Berkeley CA, a Reiki Master teacher and body energy practitioner for 18 years, and owner of ArunaBliss Body Energy Center in Oakland.”
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Pagan Movie Night - Sorceress
presented by Community Seed
and SubRosa Cafe
Friday, May 16, 7:30PM
SubRosa Cafe, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
Free
“Pagan Movie Night! How much fun is that??
A co-production of Community Seed and SubRosa Cafe, the Pagan Film Series is a great way to build stronger relationships between Santa Cruz’s various radical/witchy communities, kickstart broader conversation on Pagan history and practices for those unfamiliar with it, and encourage exploration of and discourse on Pagan spirituality.
Also, a helluva lotta fun.
This monthly series of features will be preceded by a few bizarre and entertaining short subjects and will be followed by a lively Q and A with David Espinoza and our own Alisa.
Drinks and snacks are available from the Subrosa Cafe for nominal donations.
Doors at 7:30PM, Showtime 8:00PM.”
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Mother Mary’s Healing Heart
Guided Meditation Followed by Optional Individual Healing
with Sheila Kelly
Friday, May 16, 7:30PM
Church of the Incarnation, 550 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa
Donations Appreciated
Saturday, May 17, 7:30PM
Sebastopol Center of the Arts, 282 S. High Street, Sebastopol
Donations Appreciated
“Sheila’s communion with Mother Mary brings an Expansive Heart-Centered Experience. Through the intimate prayer of Mother Mary, her love and divinity embraces the heart of each person, bringing souls to the ultimate expression of the sacred; often moving people to tears.
Recently Sheila returned from an 11 city tour in Brazil and her host and translator Maria Soares said, “Often several hundred people attended the meditations and entered deep states of meditation often later citing profound personal and physical healings.”
The purest substance of Divinity resides in the heart of each person. Mother Mary, having fully expressed the Divinity of Her heart, seeks to heal and open the hearts of all. Through a guided meditation Mother Mary’s love and divinity embraces the heart of each soul, bringing us to the ultimate expression of the Sacred; often moving us to tears. Optional healing prayers offered.
In 2004 Mother Mary appeared to Sheila in a vision and asked her for her life. She foretold that Sheila’s prayer would become healing and many saints would work through her.
Sheila travels throughout the USA and around the world to offer The Heart of Mary Meditation and Healing Prayer.”
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Gadung Kasturi Balinese Dance and Music
Friday, May 16, 8:00PM, doors 7:30PM
Subterranean Arthouse, 2179 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
$10-$15 sliding scale
“Gadung Kasturi Balinese Dance and Music was conceived by Kompiang Metri Davies in 1998. In the early days, Kompiang most often performed solo pieces, in cultural festivals and seasonal celebrations. Dreaming since she was a little girl of having her own ensemble, Kompiang brought the dream to fruition with the help of her friend, Joyce Lu. In 2007 Joyce helped Kompiang tackle the legal and logistical matters in order to formalize the group by making it a California 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. The group has grown, and today there is a full gamelan ensemble, consisting of 20 musicians playing on traditional instruments, as well as dancers that perform in private and public events (with or without live music), and classes for children and adults. These programs culminate in public demonstrations and concerts, such as the annual Lunar New Year celebration at the Oakland Museum, U.C. Berkeley’s Spring Festival, Indonesian Independence Day, the SF Ethnic dance festival and many others. Gadung Kasturi literally means ‘the fragrance of the Gadung flower.’ Kompiang chose the name because the gadung, found in the Balinese jungle, has fragrance which is incomparable. As this rare flower has almost disappeared in Bali, the name is symbolic of the preservation of Balinese traditional culture, which is also like a rare and beautiful flower.
The Mission of Gadung Kasturi Balinese Dance and Music is to promote the appreciation of the traditional performing arts and culture of the island of Bali, Indonesia. Towards that goal, the organization strives on a volunteer basis to practice and present performances of Balinese dance and music, using traditional instruments and costumes, and to teach classes in these arts to children and adults, in the San Francisco Bay Area, and wherever else the opportunity may arise. Gadung Kasturi Balines Dance and Music is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, based in Richmond, California.”
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The Bad Aunties: Diane Amos, Debi Durst, and Judy Nihei
with Aundre the Wonderwoman!
Friday, May 16, 8:00PM
Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, 415-383-9600
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
”With a combined improv experience numbering many decades, these women have been involved in almost every improvisation group in San Francisco, starting with The Committee. They are the best there is at what they do.”
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Downtown Benicia Ghost Walk
Friday, May 16, 8:00PM, and the first and third Friday of each month
meet at 90 First Street, Benicia
$25, reservations required.
Ages 10-16 must be accompanied by adult.
For more information, please call 707-745-9791
“Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia are revealed on this exciting, interactive and fun Ghost Walk led by paranormal investigator Devin Sisk. Each tour is limited to 20 people and lasts approximately 2 hours, depending on what entity you encounter along the way! Walking shoes and flashlight recommended. No children under ten years of age permitted on tours. Ages 10-16 must be accompanied by adult. $25 per person. Prepaid reservations required by calling 707-745-9791.”
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Oakland Greek Festival
Friday-Sunday, May 16-18
Friday-Saturday 10:00AM-11:00PM, Sunday 11:00AM-9:00PM
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland
Adults $6, Children 12 and under are free
“It is that time of year again when the wonderful aromas of Souklavia and Loukoumades waft through the air and the sounds of traditional Greek music and shouts of OPA! resonate in the hills of Oakland. The Oakland Greek Festival 2014 is now in full preparation and we are in need of our most important ingredient...YOU! What would Oakland’s Greek Festival be without the many people from our community who come to enjoy all the treats for the ears, and eyes and stomach? It is with great joy and excitement that we invite you to experience our Greek culture. The Festival’s founding committee put together an event in the hopes of keeping the Traditions and their Religion alive and strong in the hearts of their children. Little did they know that over 40 years later this festival would be a stage to share our vibrant culture, savory food, and trusted religion with our greater Bay Area community. With this Festival, we are bringing Greece to YOU!
Some say that the Greeks are more hospitable than can be imagined. We rarely let you leave our homes without third or even fourth helpings. It is this giving spirit that makes our Festival come alive! What makes our festival the Real Greek Experience is the sight of our young and old working side by side, our children filled with joy to dance for you, and our experienced yiayias (grandmothers) offering you a taste of traditional spanakopita (spinach pie) and their favorite pastry recipes from their homeland.
Food is an important part of the Greek Culture. We eat when we are happy, we eat when we are sad, and we eat just because… but the most important thing is that we eat together.With all of the food we offer, you will simply have to eat your way from one end to another. We have put our heart, soul and favorite Greek seasonings into our many delicious foods for you. From gyros and lamb sandwiches to wine and Frappe beverages, we want you to taste Greece!
Music drives the Greeks in every aspect of our lives. From the upbeat, toe-tapping sounds of the Bouzouki, to the soothing yet powerful Hymns of the Church, you will find each sound intoxicating. Greece will be evident throughout the Festival with our live music that will enchant you and bring out the inner Greek dancer, or you may choose to watch one of our many Greek dancing groups perform traditional village dances.”
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Shamanic Healing with Siberian Shaman Ladamira
Friday-Sunday, May 16-18,
Friday 7:00-9:00PM, Saturday-Sunday all day
Center for Sacred Studies, 13550 Church Street, Guerneville
Friday evening $25, Saturday or Sunday $90, both days $150
“Open your talents by balancing four elements:
Fire: Successful Business
Air: Love and Creativity
Water: Beauty and Relationship
Earth: Stability
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Northern California Women's Herbal Symposium
Session 1: Friday-Monday, May 16-19
Session 2: Friday-Monday, May 23-26
Session 3: Friday-Monday, August 29-September 1
Black Oak Ranch, 50350 Highway 101, Laytonville
see website for detailed schedule and registration details
“PlantWomen gather! The Tribe comes together!
Now, three times a year women from many backgrounds of life gather together in great celebration for four full days of inspiring Herbal and Sustainability classes, gourmet vegetarian meals, talented campfire capers, amazing handcrafted marketplace items, Rites-of-Passage Ceremonies, powerful campfire drumming and dancing, refreshing swimming hole dips, and conversations with remarkable and inspiring women!
We meet together under the ancient oaks, douglas firs, and bay trees of Northern California. Our main gathering area is encircled by sixteen tipis with a large firepit in the center. All classes are held sitting on the ground under these majestic trees, or under shade tarps that we have set-up. At night we camp together, either in the tipis or in tents that we each bring.
During the days we are a gathering of women and children studying, teaching, learning, networking, and talking about plants, healing, and healthy lifestyles. When the sun goes down we become a playful and celebratory group, chatting, chanting, singing, showing off our talents, drumming and dancing into the night around the campfire.
We are a group of 350-400 women and children and we gather to learn from each other, to nurture and nourish each other, to take a break from our daily lives, to regenerate, refresh, dance, frolic, talk plants, and most of all, to have a REALLY GOOD THYME together!
Each session is a separate event. Do join us for one, two, or all sessions!”
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International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
Saturday, May 17
“IDAHOT was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally.
Since then the Day has grown in both scope and depth. In 2013, actions around the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia took place in almost 120 countries. In the United Kingdom alone in 2013, almost 200 events took place around the Day, whilst in Brazil just under 120 events were registered one month before May 17.
In short, in under a decade, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia has established itself the single most important date for LGBTI communities to mobilise on a worldwide scale.
The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is not one centralised campaign; rather it is a moment that everyone can take advantage of to take action.
The date of May 17 was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
The International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia has received official recognition from several States and such international institutions as the European Parliament, and by countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the Day with specific events.
LGBTI organizations, governments, cities, human rights organizations, corporations and celebrities have all taken action on May 17th to:
Draw media attention to the issue of homophobia and transphobia
Organise events which mobilize public opinion
Demand attention from policymakers and engage in lobbying activities
Network with like-minded organizations and develop new partnerships, at home or beyond
Mobilize existing constituencies and address new audiences.”
Thanks to Jaina Bee for letting me know about this event!
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Martinez Peddlers Faire
Saturday, May 17, 8:00AM-4:00PM
Downtown Martinez, Alhambra Avenue at Marina Vista, Martinez
free admission
“Join us for the 2014 Peddlers’ Faires
Voted East Bay's Best Source for Old Treasures!
Featuring Vintage, Antiques, Collectibles and Arts and Crafts
in Downtown Martinez, The Antique and Collectible Capital of Contra Costa County!
One of the largest outdoor antique and collectible shows in northern California. Held on the streets of historic downtown Martinez on Saturday, May 17 and Saturday, August 2, from 8:00AM-4:00PM. Get here early to get the first pick of that special item to add to your collection.
You will find plenty to choose from as dealers will be showing a huge variety of antiques and collectibles including glassware, porcelain, pottery, furniture, old advertising, toys, Native American wares, paper items and much more.
While at the Faire, be sure to visit the 12 downtown Martinez Antique and Collectible stores. The 50-plus dealers in the stores will be bringing in new inventory for the Faire in preparation for the thousands of visitors on Faire day. In addition to the antiques and collectibles, there are over 50 arts and crafts vendors so there will be something for everyone at the show.
John Humphries, radio and TV collectibles talk show host, and the author of several books on collectibles, will again be on hand during the day to give evaluations of one carry-in item for a $5 donation to the Martinez Historic Society. John will be located at the information booth on Ferry Street near Main Street from 8:00AM-4:00PM. John is always a popular feature at the Faire so be sure to get in line early and get a number. Bring in that old piece of pottery, glass, toy or other collectible but remember, no furniture, carry-in items only please.
Parking and admission are free. See you at the Faire!”
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Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering
Saturday, May 17, 9:00AM-4:00PM
Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse, 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley, 510-644-2020
$75 until May 10, $85 after May 10
“Quality music education on the dulcimer in the Heart of Berkeley!
The Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering is for anyone interested in playing the mountain dulcimer. This American folk instrument is enjoyed by beginner and master alike, easily accessible to new players and adaptable to all genres of music. Young and old can play a tune right away!
At the Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering you choose three out of ten classes taught by teachers with more than a century of experience combined. The day is planned for maximum time in community with up to 75 mountain dulcimer aficionados. Some dulcimers will be available for loaners and to purchase, too!
In its second year, the gathering is expanding! We’ll show Hearts of the Dulcimer, an indie film made by members of the northern California dulcimer community on Friday night, May 16, to kick-off the gathering. A faculty concert will be on Saturday night, May 17. Evening events are open to the public and will be held at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists.”
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Earth Energy Walks
with Community Seed
Saturday, May 17, 9:45AM-12:00PM (and third Saturday of every month)
Moore Creek Preserve, Highway 1 at Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz
see link below for directions to meeting place
“Earth Energy Walks
Join us on our monthly walks, and feel the power of the Earth.
Walks are on the THIRD Saturday of each month. Just save each 3rd Saturday as ‘Get Out In Nature’ day!
Gather at 9:45AM
Departure: 10:00AM
Return: around 12:00PM
2014 Walk Locations:
July 19th, Twin Lakes Beach (Picnic and Clean Up)
August 16th, Twin Lakes Beach (Picnic and Clean Up)
September 20th, Nisene Marks Crossroads
October 18th, Fall Creek
November 15th, Natural Bridges Beach
December 20th, Henry Cowell Park (Main Entrance)
Our walk is usually about 2-3 hours round trip with a stop for meditation halfway in. We will walk rain or shine, however if the forecast is very stormy, call ahead to verify, 831-469-0336.
Before beginning our walk together, we will take a moment to center our minds and bodies. Once we are all fully present, we will begin our journey, walking in silence, all the while tuning in, listening, and absorbing the energies of the elements, plants, and animals. Halfway into our walk we will sit for meditation, a guided visualization, and to share food.
FOR ALL LOCATIONS Please bring:
Drinking water
A small snack
Hiking Shoes
Comfortable Clothes
Money for Parking (Several parks)”
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The Dream As a Koan
with Meredith Sabini, Ph.D.
Saturday, May 17, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Dream Institute of Northern California, 1672 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-845-1767
$25
“A presentation and experiential workshop
A koan is a term from Zen Buddhist tradition that refers to a question or statement a teacher gives a student as the focus of meditation. There is no exact equivalent in English, but the words puzzle, paradox, conundrum, and enigma come close. A koan cannot be understood or discussed rationally or solved logically; its paradoxical nature is meant to frustrate and exhaust the conscious will so that other functions of mind and spirit come forth.
Dreams, at times, seem like puzzles, paradoxes, enigmas - koans. Though we often can translate dream themes, actions, and images into metaphors that relate to our lives, past or present, there are other dreams that do not lend themselves to the usual kind of psychological dreamwork; they remain puzzles we must contemplate. This is especially true of big dreams that contain little in the way of personal material. This workshop is an opportunity to learn a new template by which dreams can be explored.
Participants are welcome to bring in dreams that have not lent themselves to psychological unpacking; there will be a brief meditation period as we begin the process of contemplating the dream’s contents and narrative sequence. Examples of dreams that invite such meditative treatment will also be offered.”
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Sleep Savvy Workshop (Newborn-3 Years)
with Moorea
Saturday, May 17, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Mothership HackerMoms, 3288 Adeline Street, Berkeley
$45
Affordable childcare available for kids 8 months-5 years. Older kids can join the workshop.
“Not sleeping much? Want to avoid sleep training and cry-it-out? Want to teach your child to sleep with gradually less help from you? Curious about night-weaning, getting rid of bottles, pacifiers? Wonder about bed-sharing versus crib versus toddler bed and when to transition? How will they ever learn to put themselves to sleep without your help? We will learn about biological sleep and infant/child sleep cycles, dispelling the myths and learning valuable tools. We will discuss the available literature and Moorea will share some amazing tips she has come to utilize as a mom, postpartum doula and Parent Coach. In the last part of class, we will workshop your current sleep challenge. The best part is community and support! You are not crazy. You are not doing it all wrong. You are not alone! This workshop will support all sorts of parents including those who co-sleep and those who breastfeed or extended-breastfeed as well as formula/cow milk and crib-sleeping. We also welcome expecting parents.
Your workshop leader, Moorea, has 18 years of experience helping children and babies sleep as a nanny and postpartum doula and preschool teacher. She is also the mother of a child who had long un-diagnosed sleep disorder. She had to learn everything there was about infant sleep and then find every tip to ease the sleep deprivation and teach a sleepless child to sleep. Moorea now helps families create totally customized sleep plans that fit each family’s needs.”
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Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
part of the Popcorn Palace series at the Balboa Theatre
Saturday, May 17, 10:00AM
The Balboa Theatre, 3630 Balboa Street, San Francisco
$10 includes popcorn and a drink
“Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a 2005 British clay-mation animated comedy film. The film was produced by Aardman Animations in partnership with DreamWorks Animation, and was the last Aardman Animations film to be distributed by DreamWorks Pictures. It was directed by Nick Park and Steve Box as the second feature-length film by Aardman after Chicken Run.
The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is based on the Wallace and Gromit short film series, created by Park. The film follows eccentric inventor Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) and his silent and intelligent dog, Gromit, as they come to the rescue of the residents of a village which is being plagued by a mutant rabbit before an annual vegetable competition.
The film introduces a number of new characters, and features a voice cast including Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes. It was a critical and commercial success, and won a number of film awards including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, making it the second film from DreamWorks Animation to win (after Shrek), as well as the second non-American animated film to have received this achievement (after Spirited Away). It is also the first stop-motion film to win the award.”
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Everyday Nut Milks and Cheeses
with K.Ruby Blume
presented by The Institute of Urban Homesteading
Saturday, May 17, 10:00AM-12:30PM
North Oakland, address given upon registration
Sliding scale $40-$70 plus $10 supply fee to bring on day of class
“Learn to make your own nut milks and cheeses! Nuts milks and cheeses are delicious, nutritious, and are the perfect alternative for those wishing to avoid gluten, dairy and soy. Unlike what you buy in the store, these milks and cheeses are also free of preservatives, stabilizers, artificial ingredients or additives of any kind. And they are totally fun to make! In this class we will learn to prepare non-dairy, raw, nut milks, creams, yogurts, and cheeses. We'll learn about options for culturing nut-based cheeses, including how to make your own rejuvelac, and we'll be making an amazing feast to share using our delicious creations. Your will leave with a recipe packet and resource list.”
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Mama-to-be Healing Gathering
with Nourished: Urban Retreats
Saturday, May 17, 10:00AM-1:00PM
Terra's Temple, 3051 Adeline Street, Berkeley
suggested donation $25-$100
“Mama-to-Be’s, join us for a day of connection and retreat. This deeply nourishing and enriching retreat is designed especially to delight and pamper you! We’ll indulge you with mindful-engagement, relaxing massage, and sensational bites paired with nourishing drinks, all while connecting in community.
Mamas enjoy:
free prenatal mini massages
delicious, nourishing food
film screening of What Babies Want
connecting with other mamas-to-be
raffle prizes
Tickets by sliding-scale donation (suggested donation of $25-$100).
Proceeds go to The Big Push for Midwives, a campaign to bring access to out-of-hospital birth options to all women.”
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Printers’ Fair and Wayzgoose
presented by San Jose Printers Guild
Saturday, May 17, 10:00AM-3:00PM
History Park, 635 Phelan Avenue, San Jose
Free
“The 2014 Bay Area Printers’ Fair and Wayzgoose is coming to San Jose’s History Park on May 17. Sponsored by the San Jose Printers’ Guild, this free event celebrates letterpress printing and allied arts.
The 2014 Printers’ Fair and Wayzgoose continues the tradition of the Marin Small Press Fair and, later, the San Francisco Book Arts and Printers’ Fair. Print enthusiasts, students, educators, graphic designers, typophiles, artists, and printers new or old will enjoy the demonstrations, tours, and array of vendors and exhibitors. All ages are welcome!”
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Kristi Yamaguchi's Reading Adventures
at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Saturday, May 17, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, 1300 Senter Road, San Jose
included with park admission, $12.95
“Bring the entire family out to a fun filled day of reading adventures!
Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi will be joined by athletes and authors reading their favorite stories. There will be a live performance by Disney Jr.'s Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve!
All activities are included with regular Happy Hollow Park and Zoo admission.”
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Remembering and Living Your Personal Destiny
with Daniel Foor of Ancestral Medicine
Saturday, May 17, 10:00AM-5:30PM
San Bruno Mountain State Park, 555 Guadalupe Canyon Parkway, Brisbane
$100, registration required
“Indigenous and earth-honoring cultures tend to appreciate that each of us come to the world with unique gifts, talents, and shine. Based on this starting assumption that we are each unique, even young children may be raised differently depending on their particular soul needs. At first glance, the notion that we each have our own particular needs and gifts to bring the world is not especially radical, yet many people in modern, Western cultures haven’t experienced this teaching at depth.
If your caregivers helped you from a young age to bring out, enhance, and live from your unique gifts, consider yourself fortunate. If you’re not clear about your soul level gifts and path, why not ask the tough questions: ‘What are my unique gifts? What kinds of things did I come to Earth to learn or contribute?’ These questions often overlap with income or career in the world, but they also run deeper.
Participants will learn a kind and life-affirming framework for appreciating personal your gifts/medicines as well as sacred difference and the unique beauty of others. You’ll be invited to explore assumptions about your own path and sense of purpose and to dig a little deeper toward being a clear conduit for your soul shine here on Earth.
Spaces are limited. Cost for the day is $100, some flexibility if needed. Be in contact directly with questions or to register (ancestralmedicine@gmail.com). We’ll meet on San Bruno Mountain just south of San Francisco and enjoy a shared lunch together on the land. Expect up to a mile of gentle hiking throughout the day. Hope you can join us!”
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Santa Cruz Rejuvenation Festival
Saturday, May 17, 10:00AM-7:00PM
San Lorenzo Park, 137 Dakota Street, Santa Cruz
Free
“The idea is simple but profound, bring the high vibration and intentionality of other conscious music/art festivals and gatherings right to downtown parks across California and beyond, and offer free admission, every time. Each event will feature Inspiring World Class Music, Eco-fair, free yoga classes, organic food, sustainable living workshops and info, alternative healing by donation, and so much more. We see this as the perfect opportunity to promote peace, healthy living, non-dogmatic and open minded spirituality, and sustainable green living to the mainstream consciousness AND have a lot of fun while we are at it.
The next ‘Refest’ planned is The 4th Annual Santa Cruz Rejuvenation festival, May 17th in San Lorenzo Park, downtown, Santa Cruz.
These high vibration, free festivals are put on by OmMamaOm, a Santa Cruz based non-profit headed by members of Love Eternal.”
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Paper Dahlia Headpiece
with Tiffanie Turner
Saturday, May 17, 10:30AM-1:00PM
Handcraft Studio School, 5885 Doyle Street, Emeryville, 510-332-6101
$60, limit 10 students
“Learn how to make an impressive, large paper dahlia headpiece, perfect for spring and summer celebrations. Tiffanie will teach you how to cut, stretch and assemble an oversized dahlia head from gorgeous floral crepe paper. You will create a durable show-stopper of a headpiece that is sure to impress. There will be a wide variety of paper colors to choose from, but if you have a certain color in mind, let us know ahead of time so she is sure to bring it.
All levels welcome. This is a glue gun project, so be comfortable working with hot glue.
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, at Makeshift Society and Workshop in San Francisco, Handcraft Studio School in Emeryville, and online for creativeLIVE. Her work is sold through One Kings Lane and her papel SF Etsy shop, and a solo show of her work entitled Heads opened May 9, 2014 at Rare Device in San Francisco.”
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Lake Merritt Pagans
Saturday, May 17, 3:30PM
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, 510-444-9355
Free
“A group for Pagans of all stripes who live near Lake Merritt to socialize and touch base about life on the lake in all its aspects, practical and spiritual.
Activities may include: full moon lake walks, altar building, volunteering at the city's regular lake clean-ups, and other good ideas you bring!
This month we will make an expedition to the Lake Merritt Boating Center for free boating day!”
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Teaching In India, Visiting Tribes, Two Film Festivals And A White Tiger
a presentation by Karen Folger Jacobs, a Fulbright scholar
Saturday, May 17, 5:00-7:00PM
Silk Road House, 1944 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-981-0700
“In 2013, Dr. Folger Jacobs taught a seminar about Native American films to honor college students in Mumbai (Bombay). Her presentation will feature still images of her travels in southern India as well as her students discussing what they learned.
After teaching the seminar, she spent a quality time in various capacities serving on the jury of the Bangalore International Film Festival, being a guest of the International Film Festival of Kerala, lecturing in Pondicherry, visiting a rural community of Indian tribes, traveling in south India that included not only beach and markets, but also the French Institute and Christmas in Pondicherry.
Karen Folger Jacobs, Ph.D., taught film at San Francisco State University and at UC Berkeley. She has made films and worked as dancer, coordinator or assistant director on major Mexican and Italian feature films. She has written four books on health and sports and articles for The Hollywood Reporter, Insieme and Cinema Zero. She served on the jury of the film festivals of San Francisco, Naples and Oman as well as jury president of Cinema Africano in Milan. The Fulbright awarded provided an opportunity for her to teach film abroad; she chose to teach in Bombay (Bollywood) India.
Silk Road House, 1944 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705 (between Milvia and Martin Luther King; enter by side door in passageway under black Zabu Zabu awning); e-mail: silkroadhouse@yahoo.com, 510-981-0700.
Silk Road House events are sponsored by the Silkroad Foundation.”
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CAYA Coven’s Loving Moon
presented by Queens of Heaven
a shared Full Moon Circle for All Genders
Saturday, May 17, 7:00PM
The Home of Truth Spiritual Center, in the Sanctuary, 1300 Grand Street, Alameda
$10 donation requested
“Come As You Are Coven welcomes all people to...
The Loving Moon - A Full Moon Circle for All Genders
CAYA Coven's Queen of Heaven devotional group invites one and all to join us in celebration of the Loving Moon!
Just as the stars above, the eternal combustion of love burns within us all, leading us onward. The gifts of love are many and varied, they come into our lives and pass again in our every breath.
On this night beneath the beauty of Moon and Star, we honor she who is love incarnate, whose many names and faces have evolved throughout the eons and followed us from the very birth of the universe... Venus. We will gather to give praise to this most glorious of goddesses as we honor her in her guise as the Morning Star, the rise of love and the Evening Star, the love that fades.
With joyful, open hearts we accept her blessings and, through honoring love, we find within ourselves her shining face! Sharing the blessing of our love and divinity with all around us, for we are worthy and loved. All are worthy of love!
Please feel free to bring small items to charge on the altar. This ritual welcomes people of all genders. We are very excited to create magic together!”
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On Holy Ground: Commitment and Devotion to Sacred Land
Book Reading with Luisah Teish and Leilani Birely
Saturday, May 17, 7:30-9:00PM
Milk and Honey, 123 N. Main Street, Sebastopol
For more information, please e-mail Leilani@DaughtersoftheGoddess.com
or call 925-787-9247
“On Holy Ground is a self-published, quality paperback. It contains our personal stories, cultural myths and folktales, prayers, chants, rituals and exercises to help you define your relationship to Mother Earth and Her Children. It also contains photographs from our travels to several sacred sites and our original artwork. This book will be useful to those wishing to travel as kindred spirits, to address ecological and environmental issues, and to experience the joys of rituals in nature.”
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First Nations Americana
with Marca Cassity and Brianna Lea Pruett
Saturday, May 17, 8:00PM, doors 7:30PM
Subterranean Arthouse, 2179 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
$12-$15 sliding scale
“Brianna Lea Pruett
Songwriter, singer, painter and poet from Gold Country, California, Brianna Lea Pruett’s musical expressions travel widely, much like herself. Born in the mountains of Northern California and a singer from her earliest days, she plays California folk, country, and the musical style of her Appalachian and Southeastern Woodlands heritage with equal passion as compositions that show a love for jazz, blues, and soul music. With a musical education that came mostly from other people’s vinyl collections - a mix of classical and choir, Jimi Hendrix, Roberta Flack, Janis Joplin, Leo Kottke, Leonard Cohen, John Denver, Carole King, and Doc Watson, she started writing seriously as a teenager, performing jazz standards with a band and folk music in a style modern yet threaded with Americana’s history. She has worked with diverse artists in many genres, and carries that personal tradition forward. Pruett has shared stages with Jonah Matranga of Far and Gratitude, Jacob Golden, Mark Kozelek of Sun Kil Moon and Red House Painters, Two Sheds, Nick Jaina, Coal Beautiere, Karl Blau, Lady Lazarus, Good Shield Aguilar, and others. One continued influence she cites is her philosophy of art making. ‘Being a performer, an artist, a writer, a commentator or contributor has responsibilities of being authentic to one’s important things in life’ Love, family, home, and heritage consistently show up in the music. Pruett has a new LP recording available on CD, vinyl and through all major online retailers, Gypsy Bells, out on Canyon Records October 1, 2013. The record has received outstanding reviews and was featured in PASTE Magazine’s Best of What’s Next.
Marca Cassity
Bay Area resident Marca Cassity delivers inspired folk rock spirit songs. Called a ‘soulful songstress,’ by the L.A. Weekly, Marca was raised in rural Oklahoma. The product of her Osage Indian ancestry and blue-collar sweat, hard work is no mystery to Marca, and it shows in her art and her expression. Music was a gift and a path. At three, Marca was singing Johnny Cash songs to her family and by elementary school was entering piano competitions. Then, in her teens, her cousin Eddie taught her to play bluegrass guitar and she found herself drawn to the music of such powerful rock-roots artists as Neil Young and Melissa Etheridge. At 21, having outgrown her small town, Marca set out on her life’s journey, eventually studying with spiritual teachers and musicians from around world. Along the way, she was accompanied by the wisdom of Pema Chodron, Ram Dass, and Rumi, and she found solace in transcendental music. Ultimately, the grace and grit of these roots, combined with the circular energy of mantra, took Marca back home. While songwriting and touring in 2001, Marca found herself in the Bay Area and has been writing music, singing, and performing there since. In April 2014, Marca will release Songs From The Well, an 11-song, tribally-funded album produced by Julie Wolf, who has collaborated with such musical acts as Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco. The album speaks to overcoming hardship through resilience, connection to nature, humor, love, spirituality, and heritage. On stage, Marca embraces her audiences with music, wit, ease, and wisdom. Marca’s music career has spanned twenty years, and many small venues across America and Canada, including major events such as The Blue Door, Oklahoma City, Fox Theater, Boulder, Harmony Festival, Santa Rosa, Earth Day, San Francisco, Mystic Garden Party Festival, Maui, and many more. Marca was the opening act in a national tour for Sheila Nicholls in 2000.”
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Puppetland: Confidential IV
with Nick Knave
Saturday, May 17, 10:45PM
The Hypnodrome, 575 10th Street, San Francisco
included free with performance of Pearls Over Shanghai
included free with performance of Pearls Over Shanghai
$10
“Come experience the Bay's premiere, beatnik, adult themed puppet and object art party on this Saturday, May 17, at The Hypnodrome (doors at 10:45PM after Pearls). New Thrillpeddler Nick Knave hosts the multi-puppeteer bill along with Roxanne RedMeat, Bri Crabtree, and Shadow Circus Creature Theater. Tickets are on sale in advance or $10 cash at the door.
Mr. Knave is currently developing Isabel's Zombie Holocaust with Thrillpeddlers for Shocktoberfest 15. Inspired by the self-reliant heroine of the Ogden Nash poem Adventures of Isabel, which has long been in Knave's busking repertoire, Isabel's Zombie Holocaust is the first installment in a multi-play puppet bill he's creating dubbed Puppetsploitation.
Isabel met an enormous bear,
Isabel, Isabel, didn't care;
The bear was hungry, the bear was ravenous,
The bear's big mouth was cruel and cavernous.
The bear said, Isabel, glad to meet you,
How do, Isabel, now I'll eat you!
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry.
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She washed her hands and she straightened her hair up,
Then Isabel quietly ate the bear up.
And so it goes as Isabel dispatches every potential terror that comes her way.”
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Bay Area Storytelling Festival
Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18
Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
“Oral storytelling is an art for all ages, from the cutest kids and the hippest adults through the wisest grandparents. Every year, the festival offers a school study trip and a professional storytelling workshop on Friday. Saturday and Sunday we offer several performances for adults, a family program and more workshops.
We are pleased to announce the featured tellers for the 2014 Bay Area Storytelling Festival! Reverend Robert B. Jones, Sr. shows us how much traditional American songs and stories can teach us about ourselves. Storytelling humorist Ed Stivender has been called ‘the Robin Williams of storytelling.’ Award-winning storyteller Motoko captivates audiences as she exquisitely blends ancient Japanese lore and original tales with traditional music and eloquent physical characterization.
The Bay Area Storytelling Festival promotes the timeless, contemporary art of storytelling by presenting todays finest talents. The festival showcases the power of stories to bridge generations, celebrate diverse cultures, and build and connect communities.”
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Himalayan Fair
Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18, Saturday 10:00AM-7:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM- 5:30PM
Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley
$5 donation includes raffle ticket
“Under the towering oaks and redwood trees in the midst of a quaint Berkeley neighborhood, Live Oak Park becomes a vast marketplace with over 100 privately owned shops, free live music and several food vendors including Momos freshly made by the Tibetan Community, Nepalese and Indian foods. We do not accept any commercial vendors or commercial support at the fair so to keep the experience authentic and specifically Himalayan in nature. The Himalayan Fair offers a rare occasion to experience a unique Himalayan festival without leaving the Bay Area.”
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Boogie on the Bayou
Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18, Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM- 5:00PM
Downtown Campbell, E. Campbell Avenue and Central Avenue, Campbell
Free
“Boogie on the Bayou, held every year on the third weekend in May, is a premier festival attracting between 50,000 - 60,000 people to Downtown Campbell for two sunny days of arts, crafts, entertainment, shopping, food, and community.
Boogie on the Bayou Features:
200 Arts and Crafts Booths
Live Entertainment
International Cuisine featuring Cajun and New Orleans style food
Beer, Wine and Soda
Kiddie Korner
All American Food
Free Admission and Free Parking”
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Maker Faire
Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18, Saturday 10:00AM-8:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-6:00PM
San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo
see website for ticket information
“A two-day, family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement.”
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Herbal Allies
with Atava Garcia Swiecicki of Ancestral Apothecary
Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18, 10:00AM-4:00PM
and two more weekends, May 31-June 1 and June 13-15
Medical Center, 3798 Grand Avenue, Oakland
$550
$100 deposit required to reserve space.
“This class will focus on building our relationship with our herbal allies. Each class will focus in-depth on one or more herbal medicines and we will learn how they work both physically and energetically . We will learn recipes and other ways to incorporate the plants into our lives.
In the springtime herbal allies class, we'll spend a lot of time outdoors learning about local plants. The final weekend is a camping trip.
This class is geared towards beginner to intermediate level herbalists, but advanced level practitioners are welcomed!”
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NOMAD: The Blue Road
A Ritual Dance Following the Path of Strawberry Creek
Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18, 11:00AM
starting on the UCB Campus, 2119 Oxford Street, Berkeley
Free
“NOMAD is an outdoor ritual performance that follows the (now mostly underground) path of Strawberry Creek in Berkeley. The guided walk begins at the base of UC Berkeley campus, passes through Center Street and ends at Strawberry Creek Park with live interdisciplinary performances along the way.
In response to the California drought and current water crisis around the world, NOMAD invites the audience to walk in remembrance of our (often forgotten) vital relationship to water. The ritual performance brings The work is inspired by sites along Strawberry Creek as well as ancestral memories in relationship to place, ancient legends and water deities.
The event is held in conjunction with the current international movement to ‘daylight’ (remove the concrete from over) creeks in urban places.”
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Raised Bed and Container Gardening: Edibles
with Kitty Sharkey
presented by The Institute of Urban Homesteading
Sunday, May 18, 10:00AM-1:00PM
East Oakland, address given upon registration
Sliding scale $35-$70
“Growing edible plants in containers has many advantages for the urban gardener. Whether you have limited space, poor soil, or problems with gophers and other pests, container gardening may be an alternative solution to planting directly in the ground. In this class we will explore different types of planting containers including ones you can make yourself, growing vertically, soils and amendments, what types of plants to grow including annual and perennial fruits and vegetables, and caring for container plants. Seeds or starts will be available for you to take home and try in your own garden.”
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Gardens Galore: Alameda Garden Tour
sponsored by the St. Joseph Garden Club
Sunday, May 18, 11:00AM-5:00PM
Garden Boutique 10:00AM-3:00PM
Tour starts at St Joseph High School, 1011 Chestnut Street, Alameda
$25, Box Lunches Available For $10
“This self-guided tour consists of six Alameda gardens and will begin at 11:00AM until 5:00PM.
There will also be a boutique with a large selection of handcrafted items from local bay area vendors. Boutique hours are 10:00AM-3:00PM.”
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Pacific Rim Exploration
part of History San Jose’s Friends and Family Series
sponsored by Chinese Historical and Cultural Project
Sunday, May 18, 12:00AM-4:00PM
History Park, 635 Phelan Avenue, San Jose
$5
“Did you know that over 50 countries make up the Pacific Rim? Celebrate Asian American Heritage Month at History Park and join us for an exciting and educational festival all about the countries the border the Ring of Fire. Activities will include carp kite-making and junior archaeology, and performances. The Chinese American Historical Museum at the Ng Shing Gung, and the Museum of the Boat People and Republic of Vietnam at Greenwalt House, located inside History Park, will be open.
12:45PM: Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble
2:30PM: Lotus Pre-School: singing, dancing, and storytelling
3:00PM: Orchard School Lion and Fan Dancers
3:30PM: Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble
In addition, the trolley and handcar will be available for a rides around the park. Visit the Fruit Barn, Umbarger House, and One Room School House, and make sure to take in our new exhibit at the McKay Gallery, Shirlie Montgomery: Picturing San Jose Since 1938.
Stanford Archaeology Center students will also be at History Park conducting a mock excavation. The whole family can participate in screening, artifact identification, and artifact reconstruction. This family educational program will allow individuals to collect stickers for each activity to place in Archaeology Passports and become ‘certified’ as a Junior Archaeologist.”
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Homo Healers 2014
hoste by Gaylesta
Sunday, May 18, 1:00-4:00PM
Dante's Table, 544 Castro Street, San Francisco
$10
“Come join us for our second Homo Healers event, where we mix and mingle with other healers in the LGBTQ community. All Gaylesta members are welcome, as are acupuncturists, medical doctors, massage therapists, and basically anyone in the healing professions. Feel free to invite anyone you feel would be a good match.
Gaylesta, The LGBT Psychotherapy Association, was founded in 1987, established as an unincorporated association in 1988, and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1997. Since this beginning, Gaylesta has grown to include over 250 mental health professionals. To our knowledge, we are the oldest and largest collection of individuals focused on LGBTQ mental health. Our membership collectively offers a range of services, experience, specializations, and expertise.”
Thanks to Jaina Bee for letting me know about this event!
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Fermentation: The Works!
Sauerkraut, Pickles and All the Beverages
with K.Ruby Blume
presented by The Institute of Urban Homesteading
Sunday, May 18, 1:00-5:00PM
North Oakland, address given upon registration
Sliding scale $45-$85 plus $15 supply fee to bring on day of class
“Everything you ever wanted to know about fermented vegetables and drinks! Come explore the transformative process of micro-organisms in the kitchen! In this class we will learn to harness the microscopic world to enhance flavour, nutrition and digestability, turning raw organic ingredients into foods and condiments which far surpass their commercially available counterparts. We'll learn about sauerkraut, kim chi, dill pickles, pickled beet and fermented fruits. Then we'll move on to explore all the drinks: we will learn how to ‘catch’ a wild ginger beer bug, whey sodas, the difference between kombucha and vinegar and how to make them all. You will taste a variety of finished products and take home a wealth of concepts to experiment with.”
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The Sea of Invisible Riches: Asian Americans and the Alaska Salmon Grounds, 1880-1929
Sunday, May 18, 2:15-3:00PM
Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25, 2:15-3:00PM
Aboard the Balclutha, Hyde Street Pier, 499 Jefferson Street, San Francisco
Ships boarding fees apply: Adults, $5, Ages 15 and under Free
“Join us for an exploration of the role Asian Americans played in the struggle for immigration rights in the decades bordering 1900. This struggle took place on the vast arctic coast and ocean of Alaska and the Northeast Pacific. Along the way, discover how Asian Americans captured the invisible riches of a sea whose ecology and environment Europeans were still in the process of understanding.”
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Open Shamanic Journey Circle
with Anne Hatfield and Stuart Dole
Sunday, May 18, 3:00-5:00PM, and the third Sunday of each month
The Volunteer Center, 153 Stony Circle, Santa Rosa
$20
“We are going to be meeting in circle again this Sunday - though this will be something of an experiment. Anne recently had a fall and broke her hip, and it's ‘iffy’ whether she will be able to join us this time - though she would definitely like to, and if she's feeling good enough she'll be there. In any case, we're going ahead with the circle.
Come join us! I think our theme will be something about healing...
Come join us in creating the magic! Experience the joy of travelling through the portals into the other worlds! Feel the power and healing of drumming in community!
We will create sacred space, drum together, then journey together. There will be time to share journey experiences for those who wish to do so.
The shamanic journey is a way to explore the non-ordinary realms, interact directly with personal power animals and spirit guides, and access divine information.
This is a journey circle - it's best if you already have had some experience with shamanic journeying. If not, or if you want a review, come at 2:30PM for introductory information and mentoring.
Bring a drum or rattle if you have them, an eye covering for journeying, and a notebook to record your experiences.
We plan to offer this every third Sunday afternoon.
We're asking a $20 donation to help with the site rental. Details will be sent to those that are coming.”
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Not Your Mother's Garden Party
Sunday, May 18, 3:00-6:00PM
Ploughshares Nursery, 2701 Main Street, Alameda
$30
“Join us for an afternoon of inspiration, entertainment and good company in the lush gardens of Ploughshares Nursery - all in support of Alameda Point Collaborative's unique supportive housing community.
Farm-To-Table Tasting Menu produce by APC's own Farm2Market program
Custom Cocktails by St. George Spirits
Live Indie Pop by The Hot Toddies
Alameda Point Collaborative Community Awards
We are proud to honor the contributions and dedication of these individuals and institutions that have helped to make a difference in our community and in the lives of our residents.”
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Modern Conjure: Candles, Lamps, and Lights
with Chas Bogan and Storm Faerywolf
Sunday, May 18, 3:00-6:00PM
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
$40
“Conjure, rootwork, and hoodoo are some of the more notable terms used to describe this particular style of cross-cultural American folk magic. Join the rootworkers behind ‘Modern Conjure’ for a year-long journey, or just one step on the path, as each month they present another installment of this practical form of traditional spell casting.
The use of candles and flame in magic has a long history. This month we learn the power of the flame and how it shines the power of our prayers into the world, as well as how to dress and ‘fix’ a candle for magical use, as well as how to read the results of a completed candle spell.”
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A Cup of Tea with Spirit
with OwlSnake
Sunday, May 18, 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 Inquisitive Dentist
with Jessica Prentice
Part 1 of the Traditional Diets Lecture Series
Sunday, May 18, 4:30-6:30PM
Three Stone Hearth Kitchen, 1581 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-981-1334
$15 per class includes borth bar, please register at the website below.
for more information, e-mail info@threestonehearth.com
“Jessica Prentice's Introduction to Traditional Diets (formerly an 8-week series) has been condensed and refined to be presented in three two-hour sessions on Sunday evenings starting on May 18. This is a great overview for people who are new to a nutrient-dense approach to food, but will also be full of new perspectives for those who have been working with these principles for a while. The three lectures combined will cover all Eleven Characteristics of Traditional Diets in some depth.
Part 1: Sunday, May 18
The Inquisitive Dentist: An Introduction to the work of Weston A. Price;
Dairy Products in Traditional Diets
Part 2: May 25
The Bubbling Crock: Fermented Foods and Beverages;
Grains in Traditional Diets
Part 3: Sunday, June 1
Lavish Love and The Beauty of Broth: Fats, and the use of Bones and Braises in Traditional cooking
Tickets: Each class is $15 and includes the Broth Bar. You may purchase tickets at the door or pre-pay online.
Broth Bar: Please enjoy our broth and condiment bar prior to the speaker. Doors will open 20 minutes prior to the event.”
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Warriors of the Wasteland
presented by Impact’s Splatter Cinema
Monday, May 19, 8:00PM, doors 7:30PM
La Val's Subterranean, 1834 Euclid, Berkeley
$7 at the door only, cash only
“Join us for Impact's unique and wild cult film night! We'll have delicious homemade baked goods available. Plus you can bring in pizza and beer from La Val's upstairs. 70s attire encouraged. Mike and Miyaka will be your kooky hosts for this wild night that's part 70s variety show and part late-night cult classic tv.
This month: We've got a doozy for you, loyal splatterites. Part post-apocalyptic Mad Max ripoff, part spaghetti western, this action-packed juggernaut of a film stars former Oakland Raider Fred ‘The Hammer’ Williamson. We could speak volumes about this atrocious gem but the original tag lines say enough:
It's the end of the earth as we know it!
Can mankind survive without humanity?
Hell On Earth 2019 A.D.
Dealers in death... exterminators of the 21st century...
Come out May 19th to see bad ass futuristic armor, bad dubbing, golf carts outfitted with automatic weapons, and so much gore!”
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HulaHoopla Hoop Curious Workshop
Monday, May 19, 8:15-9:15PM
Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda
$25 for this spintastic class! Cash is appreciated.
“Hoop curious? Looking for inspiration? Or perhaps I can help you finally get that hoop to stay on your chest or at your knees!!
This is a 60-minute beginning intensive class. If you don't know how to hoop, you will learn! If you already hoop, you will be challenged and learn new moves!
Special Offer!
HulaHoopla practice hoops will be available for sale in class for $30 each. If you prepay with PayPal (button on HulaHoopla website) for both the class and the hoop, get both for $50!!”
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Earth Oven Workshop
with Coenraad Rogmans
Monday-Thursday, May 19-22
Bishop’s Ranch, 5297 Westside Road, Healdsburg
$450.00 per person, meals included, accommodations include a private bathroom
“Build a wood-fired pizza oven using natural building materials and techniques that have served human communities for thousands of years. During this workshop, we will build an earthen pizza/bread oven from start to finish. Participating in this process will give participants the confidence to make one in their own back yard or community.
Learning how to build an oven will introduce students to some of the basic natural building techniques:
Cob, used for structural walls, garden walls, ovens and fireplaces, sculpture
Earthen plasters, used for finishes on cob, bales and for natural renovations
Light-straw-clay, for infill insulation in timber- and stud-frame construction
The workshop is very hands-on; expect to get your hands in the mud and work with these materials for most of the day. In the evenings we will offer slide-presentations on natural building, showcasing some previous projects as well as addressing various topics such as natural and passive solar design, straw bale construction, natural renovations and more. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask and get answers for your specific questions on natural building and design.
This workshop is led by Coenraad Rogmans, founder of House Alive, one of the most experienced and knowledgeable organizations in North America for teaching natural building, earthen construction and appropriate technology.”
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Cheese Making 101: Yogurt, Fresh Cheeses, and Feta
with K.Ruby Blume
presented by The Institute of Urban Homesteading
Wednesday, May 21, 6:30-9:30PM
North Oakland, address given upon registration
Sliding scale $40-$70 plus $12 supply fee to bring on the day of class
“This class will introduce you to concepts and techniques of milk transformation and preservation. We will learn about equipment, ingredients and cultures used and get hands-on practice making yogurt, a fresh cheese and a feta cheese. We talk about the hard cheese process, uses for whey and the history of cheese making. We will be working with cow's milk, however all processes will work with other fresh (not ultra-pasteurized) milks. If you have access to fresh (not ultra-pasteurized or homogenzed) goat or sheep milk, please let us know!”
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What Lurks at the Centers of Galaxies
with Chung-Pei Ma
part of the 14th annual Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series
Wednesday, May 21, 7:00PM
Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills
Admission Free, Parking $3
“As part of the 14th annual Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series, astronomer professor Chung-Pei Ma, Ph.D., of the University of California, Berkeley, will discuss Monster Black Holes: What Lurks at the Centers of Galaxies, an illustrated, non-technical lecture Wednesday, May 21, at 7:00PM, in the Smithwick Theatre at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. Admission is free and the public is invited. Seating is first come, first served. Arrive early to locate parking.
Black holes are among the most fascinating objects in the cosmos and have long entranced the public as well as astronomers. Today we understand that black holes can grow to monstrous size, swallowing the mass of millions or billions of suns. New telescopes and techniques in the past decade have expanded and improved our ability to weigh such supermassive black holes. Dr. Ma will describe recent discoveries of record-breaking black holes, each with a mass of 10 billion times the mass of the Sun. New evidence shows that these objects could be the dormant remnants of powerful quasars that existed in the young universe.
A cosmologist and astrophysicist, Dr. Ma's research interests include the origin and large-scale structure of the universe, the formation and development of galaxies, and the growth of giant black holes. She is also an avid violin player, and pursued parallel studies in physics and music at MIT and the New England Conservatory of Music.
The free lecture series is sponsored by the Foothill College Astronomy Program, NASA Ames Research Center, SETI Institute, and Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Past lectures from the series are available online at www.astrosociety.org/education/podcast/index.html.
A number of past Silicon Valley Astronomy Lectures are now available free on YouTube on the series' own channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/SVAstronomyLectures/.
Parking lots 1, 7 and 8 provide stair and no-stair access to the theatre. Visitors must purchase a parking permit for $3 from dispensers in any student parking lot. Dispensers accept one-dollar bills and quarters; bring exact change. Foothill College is located off I-280 on El Monte Road in Los Altos Hills.”
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Goddess Clothing Exchange
Saturday, May 31, 1:30-5:30PM
LoveJourney Temple, Sebastopol - address given upon RSVP
Free
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Penny Sheren at polypenny@gmail.com
or 707 292-8170
“Please sort through your wonderful stuff and bring only your best items - those you think your fellow Goddesses will love!
We expect a big turn-out, so all the help we can get is much appreciated. If you can commit even an hour or two as volunteer, it will help us sooooo much. It will be a fun atmosphere of women trying on all kinds of new things and taking home special treasures.
For those new to an exchange, here's the basics:
Sort through your clothes to create a give-away pile. Bring the best of those to share: Clothes that either no longer fit or just aren't your style and are in good repair.
Come try on stuff, hang out with your sisters, enjoy the hot tubs, and go home with great new clothes, purses, shoes, jewelry, books, etc.
Take only what calls to you of what others bring, and only for yourself or your children.
We are inviting clothing of all sizes, plus sizes especially welcome.
A FEW REQUESTS TO MAKE IT RUN SMOOTHLY:
Bring clothes and shoes in good condition, items that others might be excited to receive
Bring clothes on hangers, if possible
Goddess music, jewelry, shoes, purses, and other finery welcome
Make sure garments are freshly laundered and shoes are clean
Let us know ahead if you have clothing racks we can borrow
As always, carpool if at all possible, and bring your ‘sisters’
Start looking through your closets now and getting excited! It will be here soon! We'll all play dress up and have the joy of watching other women's faces light up when they find some great new outfit, perhaps one you brought.
This event is for women only please. We love to have girl time!
SEE YOU THERE!
(if you CAN'T attend and want to bring stuff before the event, you can put it in the garage at the temple any time after Wednesday, May 28)
We NEED volunteers to help with set up or clean up.”
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Have a Week of Celebration, Transformation, and Innovation!
Molly Blue Dawn
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