What do you wish for?

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

Thursday, October 30, 2014

CAYA Events for November 2014

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CAYA Coven’s Festival of Death and Wisdom
presented by CAYA’s Wildflower Initiates and Advanced Wildflowers
Saturday, November 1, 7:00PM
The Home of Truth, 1300 Grand Street, Alameda
$10-$20 donation requested


CAYA Coven invites you to the Festival of Death and Wisdom


This year, our Death and Wisdom altar will be focused around a large black mirror that is being charged as a portal for the Ancestors in a 24-hour continuous chanting working that leads up to our main ceremony.


All are invited to bring an Ancestor photo or item for our altar, to join us in a ritual and spiral dance honoring our beloved dead, and in hearing the wisdom of the underworld gods and goddesses that will be joining us. There will be singing, dancing, and meditative spaces in the ritual itself, with socializing afterward.
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Graveyard Moon
presented by Crossroads of Hekate
a shared Full Moon Circle for All Genders
Saturday, November 8, 7:00PM
The Home of Truth Spiritual Center, in the Main Hall, 1300 Grand Street, Alameda
$10 donation requested


CAYA’s Full Moon Circles will now be meeting at The Home of Truth, where we started holding our Sabbat rituals in 2013.  For 2014, some of our Full Moon Circles will be divided, with men and women meeting separately, and some will be shared, with all genders celebrating together.  Each ritual will be created by a group of CAYA Clergy who share dedications to a particular deity or set of deities.  We are delighted to share our ongoing evolution with you!
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Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for November 2014 and beyond - Mark Your Calendars!

Events are now also being posted on the Pantheon Foundation website’s calendar:



Mark your calendars for:


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Movember
throughout the month of November
between your nose and your mouth


“During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.


Once registered at www.movember.com, men start Movember 1st clean shaven. For the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.


Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through their actions and words they raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.


At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember.”  


You don’t have to grow one - you can make one!


How to really impress your friends even if you can’t get hair to grow on your face:


Wax poetic:


Choose a moustache that really makes a statement:


How to cope with having a moustache whilst under the influence of Earth’s gravitational field: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT2aVoUkSDg


How to part with your fuzzy friend come December:
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Barry and Maya Spector's Day of the Dead Ritual
Saturday, November 1, 9:00AM-6:00PM
Hillside Church, 1422 Navellier Street, El Cerrito
$30 if paid in advance, $50 if paid at the door.
Pre-registration required. No one refused.  Work scholarships available.
Contact Barry Spector at 650-329-1415 or shmoover@comcast.net for more information


"Whether or not we have recently lost loved ones, we all carry a heavy load of grief and stress simply by living in these times. When we can’t find ways to drop the weight of this emotional burden, we can become hopeless, bitter or numb. Letting it go makes room for a new kind of imagination to enter. The release of these emotions requires a safe space and a caring community.


We will take a full day to help each other remember our ancestors and our personal and collective losses. In some traditions, this is the time of year when the veil between our world and the unseen world is thin; it is an opportune time to complete any unfinished business that prevents us from fully participating in life.  This will be a day of mourning and remembrance, but also of great beauty and celebration. There will be poetry, storytelling, drumming, altar-building and chanting from African, Celtic, Mexican and other traditions."
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Matriz Sagrada: Your Sacred Womb
a two week class with Laura Perez and Francine Madrid
Friday, November 7, 10:00AM-2:30PM,
and one more Friday, November 14
Ancestral Apothecary, 3798 Grand Avenue, Oakland
$125, space is limited


“Modern science is just catching on to what our ancestors have always known, we have a ‘brain’ - a powerful, sensitive and intuitive area in our belly. If we learn to care for this area, we can positively affect the health of our whole body and spirit.


In this class, you will be introduced to ancient techniques that will help you connect to and heal your matriz/womb/belly brain.


We will explore herbal allies, meditation, and hands on self-massage therapies that are specific to this area in the context of personal ceremony.


This will be a safe and sacred space for any womb carrier.


This class meets for two Fridays: November 7 and November 14, from 10:00AM-2:30PM.


Co-taught by midwife Laura Perez and apprentice midwife Francine Madrid.


$125


Space is limited in this class, so sign up now!


To register: Send payment in full to:
Ancestral Apothecary
3798 Grand Ave
Oakland, CA 94610


Or contact us to receive a Paypal invoice (2.9% finance fee).”
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Sonoma Festival Of Ukrainian Culture
to support Kaniv, Sonoma's Sister City in Ukraine
Friday-Saturday, November 7-8,
Friday 6:00-11:00PM, Saturday 1:30-11:00PM
Sonoma Moose Lodge, 20580 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-996-3877
see website for ticket information


“Interactive concert with Ukrainian singers, dancers, musicians. Ukrainian craft and activity workshop: try an instrument, make a headdress, a doll, a model of a Cossack submarine, jewelry, paint a Ukrainian Easter egg, try on traditional costumes, learn a Ukrainian song or dance, play an exotic instrument, make and buy beautiful gifts. (Small materials fee for some projects.) Refreshments will be available. Door prizes!


Friday, November 7, 6:00-11:00PM
6:00PM: Art Opening and wine tasting: modern Ukrainian paintings
7:30PM: Concert of Ukrainian Songs by Kelly Atkins, Corinne Sykes, Janet Kutulas, and Caitlin Tabancay Austin from Kitka and Julivanna Duet
9:00PM: Dance Party with Cabaret Seating with Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble


Saturday, November 8, 1:30-4:30PM
Family Fiesta of Song, Dance, and Crafts
Interactive concert with Mexican and Ukrainian musicians and dancers
Refreshments will be available. Door prizes!


We invite you to donate a sweater or jacket, blanket or sleeping bag. Winters are cold in Ukraine!


Saturday, November 8, 6:30-11:00PM
Ukrainian Dinner Concert Banquet, Auction and Dance”
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Samhain Celebration at Annwfn
Friday-Sunday, November 7-9,
see website for detailed schedule
Annwfn Pagan Sanctuary, Mendocino, directions given upon registration
suggested donation $25-$35


“Come be a part of the spectacle that is transformation! John Barleycorn MUST die!


Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.


Care and Bright Blessings!


Come celebrate the turning of the Wheel! Be part of the ritual of the transformation of the land. The King and Queen welcome you to partake of a Dumb Supper with our beloved departed and those recently so. Ritual will begin on the Friday of November 7 due to the alignment of the Moon, so take the Friday off and come early to witness the ritual, which we promise will ROCK! It is a potluck, so bring your most perfect Autumn dish.


This weekend will be a sight to behold of magick, mystery, and marvel of the passing of the King into the Underworld.


Remember to bring clothing and equipment for a two night camp-out as well as a personal supply of water for drinking and use. Dress appropriately for the weather then, which will be announced the week of.


Fraternally,
King Theo
Queen Linda”
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San Francisco Transgender Film Festival
Friday-Sunday, November 7-9,
see website for detailed schedule
The Roxie, 3117 16th Street, San Francisco, 415-863-1087
$12-$15 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds


“The San Francisco Transgender Film Festival (SFTFF) screens films that promote the visibility of transgender and gender variant people and challenge the mainstream media's negative stereotypes of our communities. We provide opportunities for transgender and gender variant media artists, build community through our film and performance events, and engage our audiences in cross-community dialogue.


Founded in 1997 and originally named Tranny Fest, SFTFF was North America's first transgender film festival. We organized our first festival for the same reason so many other marginalized communities have organized film festivals: the absence of authentic representations of our lives and experiences in the mainstream commercial media. Originally a biennial event, SFTFF screened films and videos by transgender and gender variant media artists whose work challenged stereotypes. We primarily served filmmakers with extremely limited access to venues. After five biennual festivals, overwhelming audience demand led our organizers to begin staging the Festival as an annual event in 1997.


Join us for three days and nights of award-winning transgender cinema, dynamic programs of local, national and international films by transgender and gender variant artists from around the world.”
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Goddess Harvest Festival
Friday-Sunday, November 7-9,
see website for detailed schedule
herchurch, 678 Portola Drive, San Francisco
Free


“The Annual Goddess Harvest Festival  features live music, workshops and shopping/browsing.


The free workshops include SoulCollage, kundalini yoga, drumming, creative writing and painting.


More than 25 artisans  offer sacred wares, jewelry, fine art, aromatherapy, herbs, healing arts, gems, life coaching consultations.


Silent Auction and much more!”
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Collegium Occidentalis
Saturday, November 8, 8:00AM-5:00PM
Sierra Arden United Church of Christ, 890 Morse Avenue, Sacramento
Free admission, donations accepted
see website for details about classes with fees


“This is the annual fall educational event for the West Kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). It's a day full of hands-on workshops, panel discussions, lectures, demonstrations, and all types of classes on medieval and renaissance history.


Collegium Occidentalis is a full day of classes, workshops, lectures, discussions, and demonstrations that is open to the public (with reduced admission fees for SCA members). The mission of this event is to further the understanding and appreciation of pre-17th-century history, especially in Western Europe.


Collegium is one of two, large, educational events held each year by the West Kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism. The other is the Arts and Science Tourney, which takes place in June. The two events differ in that Collegium is held indoors, in a classroom setting, while the Tourney is held outdoors, in a camping setting. This allows for a wide variety of courses and topics to be covered by each event.”


“The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-seventeenth century Europe. The SCA Known World consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members in countries around the world. Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance attend events which feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, educational classes and workshops, and much more.”
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Animals of the Garden
Saturday, November 8, 10:00-11:30AM
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
$15, pre-registration required


“Come join the Garden on this special journey to discover the many wonderful creatures living in the Garden. On our animal hunt, we will learn about newts, birds, butterflies, frogs, lizards, foxes, snakes and more! Hone your skills of observation and learn how plants and animals live together. Program includes a light breakfast and a copy of the Illustrated Guide to the Common Animals of the East Bay Hills (one per family).”
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Farm to Fork Fall Feast
presented by Sonoma Farm Trails
Saturday, November 8, 5:00-10:00PM
Atwood Ranch and Vineyard, 12099 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen
$150


“Celebrity Chef Duskie Estes of Zazu Restaurant and Farm will prepare a fabulous meal from organic ingredients grown in Sonoma County and sourced from Farm Trails members.
We have an extraordinary evening in store for you:


4:00-5:00PM: VIP* Reception (limited availability)
Enjoy this very special performance by internationally acclaimed composer and cellist Zoe Keating.  Visit with local artisan cheese makers and craft cider makers, and taste their amazing creations.


5:00-6:00PM: Sonoma County Libations and  Meet-Your-Farmer Crostini Bar
We'll be serving world class wines, ciders, and brews. Hors d'oeuvre bars will feature local farmers and their delectable offerings.


6:00PM: Dinner and Live Auction (See menu below)


8:00PM: Music by The Easy Leaves Duo
Dance to melodic, lyric-driven (catchy-as-all-hell) compositions pinned with the syncopated rhythm of two acoustic instruments, guitar and upright bass.


Menu
Pumpkin and Coconut Soup, Pepita Duqqa
Lacinato Kale Salad with Persimmons, Puffed Black Rice, Sesame Vinaigrette
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Black Pig Bacon
Red Wine Braised Beef Shank
Chicken with Asian Pear Agrodolce
Gourmet Mushroom Farrotto
Garlic Chip Gremolata
Apple Crisp in a Jar with Ice Cream


Tickets
Dinner: $150
VIP Ticket: $225
VIP Table for 8: $2000


Get your tickets now at Brown Paper Tickets.


Proceeds benefit Sonoma County Farm Trails and our scholarship fund for young farmers.


* VIP Ticket includes 4:00PM cellist performance and cheesemaker reception. VIP tables for 8 also include reserve wines, premium seating and valet parking.”
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Marsh Medicinals
Sunday, November 9, 10:00AM-2:00PM
David Yearsley Heritage Center, Steamer Landing Park, 6 Copeland Street, Petaluma
Adults $45, Youth $20
to register, please call 707-763-7756 or e-mail stephanie@friendsofthepetalumariver.org


“Join us for a day of herbal medicine-making with local plants from our very own Petaluma Marsh. We will cover plant identification and proper harvesting/preservation techniques, medicinal qualities of plants in the Petaluma Watershed as well as prepare medicinal salve and poultice for your herbal first aid kit. Build your home apothecary through hands-on experience making herbal remedies. Children 8 and up are welcome.


Friends is offering several unique workshops for individuals and families to connect with the nature and wildlife of the Petaluma Watershed. Sign up for one of our upcoming workshops and learn how track animals, make your own salves, build a fire or identify local plants. You will spend your day outside, experiencing the marsh first hand by boat and on foot. Our workshops our open to all ages and encourage you to spend time together as a family learning new skills and connecting to nature.”
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Puppet Up: Uncensored
The OTHER side of The Jim Henson Company
Thursday-Sunday, November 13-16 and 20-23,
Thursday-Friday 8:00PM, Saturday 6:00PM and 9:00PM, Sunday 7:00PM
Marines’ Memorial Theater, 609 Sutter Street, San Francisco, 415-673-6672
see website for ticket details
18+


“What happens when Henson puppeteers are unleashed? You get a new breed of intelligent nonsense that is Puppet Up: Uncensored - a live, outrageous, comedy, variety show for adults only. Enjoy an unpredictable evening when six talented, hilarious, expert puppeteers will improvise songs and sketches based on your suggestions! With a motley group of characters brought to life by the world-renowned puppeteers of The Jim Henson Company, this is not your average night at the improv and it is definitely not for children. But all others are welcome to enjoy the uninhibited anarchy of live puppet performance as never seen before.


Puppet Up: Uncensored is a silly, daring and exciting challenge that has evolved from a small class where our puppeteers could work on their improvising skills. Traditionally, going back to the earliest appearances my dad did on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show and many others, our company’s style of puppetry has always involved improvisation. It was quite often true that our funniest moments on set happened after the director yelled cut. Improvising brings a certain energy that is exciting, irreverent and unique and I wanted to strengthen that comedic voice in our work.


So back in 2005 we invited some performers, fed them pizza, and hoped for the best. The class was funny and we thought other people might think it was funny too. So we had a little private show and a festival scout was there. The next thing we knew we were no longer a class but a world-traveling troupe of skilled puppeteers who improvise - or skilled improvisers who puppeteer, whichever you choose.


Perhaps what has been the most rewarding for us has been how much our audiences have embraced the rebellious anarchic energy that gets unleashed with this show. It can be a little disturbing to see unrequited love between a goat and a fish, but we find it delicious and surprising and it has been wonderful to have audiences around the world agree with us.


Performing in Puppet Up: Uncensored requires us to improvise freely and to let loose our emotional selves. We ask that of the audience too. So when we need suggestions, open your mind, release your inhibitions and feel free to shout out the first ridiculous thing that pops in your head. Chances are it is exactly what we’re looking for.


I guess for a show that is labeled ‘adults only’, we’re actually quite juvenile. And we’re truly excited to have you come play with us.


  • Brian Henson”
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San Francisco Green Festival
Friday-Sunday, November 14-16,
Friday 12:00-6:00PM, Saturday and Sunday 10:00AM-6:00PM
Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco
see website for registration details


“At Green Festival, there is something for everyone interested in living a more sustainable and healthier life. Experience the widest selection of products and services to work green, play green and live green - from food, fashion and health, to energy, construction and design. Enjoy vegan and vegetarian cooking demos, educational activities for kids and families, panels featuring inspirational speakers, and live music and entertainment. Shop in our unique marketplace of more than 250 eco-friendly businesses - everything from all-natural body care products and organic clothing to Fair Trade gifts, beautiful home renovations made from renewable resources, plus vegan and vegetarian offerings based on organic, non-GMO or local, artisanal foods.


For the past 13 years, Green Festival has been committed to helping people in America find solutions to make our families and communities healthier - socially, economically and environmentally. Join us at the largest and longest-running sustainability event in the country and celebrate the best in green living.”
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Writing Wild to Change your Life
A Weekend Workshop with Ellen Bass and Roger Housden
Friday-Sunday, November 14-16
EarthRise at IONS, 101 San Antonio Road, Petaluma
see website for registration information
“Join us in the freedom of doing what we can’t do! This will be a weekend of writing wild, of taking the risk of writing without knowing in advance what we are going to say or what we might discover. With poetry as our inspiration, we will use writing exercises to explore our deepest stories and make meaning of our most compelling experiences.


Our time together will be oriented toward paying attention. Anne Sexton advised: ‘Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard.’ When we do this, we are inevitably changed.


Roger and Ellen will share some of their favorite poems and talk about them from the perspective of both self-exploration and poetic craft. We’ll all have the opportunity to read these poems aloud to each other and to share our responses. We'll also take time to write ourselves throughout the weekend - either poetry or prose. And there’ll be an opportunity to share what we’ve written and to hear what our writing touches in others.


Both beginning and seasoned writers will find this a fertile environment to deepen your relationship with yourself and listen more intimately to your original voice.


Ellen Bass has a new poetry book Like a Beggar, just out from Copper Canyon Press this year. Her previous books are The Human Line, which was named a Notable Book by the San Francisco Chronicle, and Mules of Love, which won the Lambda Literary Award. She co-edited (with Florence Howe) the groundbreaking No More Masks! An Anthology of Poems by Women. Her work has been published in The New Yorker, The American Poetry Review, The New Republic, The Progressive, The Kenyon Review, Ploughshares, The Sun and many other journals. Among her awards for poetry are a Pushcart Prize, the Elliston Book Award, the Pablo Neruda Prize from Nimrod/Hardman, the Larry Levis Prize from Missouri Review, and the New Letters Prize. She is core faculty of the MFA writing program at Pacific University.


Roger Housden has published twenty books, including three travel books, a novella, and the best-selling Ten Poems series, which began in 2001 with Ten Poems to Change Your Life and ended with the publication in 2012 of Ten Poems to Say Goodbye. His most recent work, Keeping the Faith Without a Religion, was published by Sounds True in March 2014. Roger also runs writing workshops in the Bay Area, with an emphasis on self enquiry. His work has been featured many times in The Oprah Magazine, in The New York Times, and in the Los Angeles Times.”
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Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show
Friday-Sunday, November 14-16,
Friday and Saturday, 10:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-5:00PM
Expo Hall, San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo
Adults $9, 62+ $7, 13-17 $4, Children under 12 free, Ticket is good for all 3 days


“Get ready for a weekend of non-stop holiday shopping, entertainment and family fun as the largest indoor arts and crafts shows on the West Coast return to the Peninsula. Throughout the day enjoy live stage entertainment with the return of festival favorite Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Scotty and Trink, and strolling performers who wander the aisles to entertain as you shop.


Harvest Festival welcomes Chef Ray
Culinary artist Chef Ray L. Duey, CEC, is nothing short of amazing when it comes to food sculpting, and now everyone can be spellbound by his unique talent. Chef Ray travels around the country teaching the culinary art of fruit and vegetable carving, and will be leading a series of special demonstrations each day. He is known for taking any fruit or vegetable and turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. According to Chef Ray, any type of produce can be carved into astonishing decorations or arrangements.”
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Northern California Bats: Demystifying and Discovering these Amazing Animals
with Corky Quirk of NorCal Bats
Saturday, November 15, 10:00AM-12:00PM
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
Adults $15, Youth $5, pre-registration required


“Come learn about the local bats with Director of NorCal Bats, Corky Quirk. In her presentation you will learn about bats and discuss the harmful myths that surround these animals. You'll also learn the importance of bats in our environment. Live bats will be presented for viewing and discussion.”
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Fibershed Wool and Fine Fiber Symposium
Enhancing Diversity - The Ecology of Wool
Saturday, November 15, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes Station
$40


“Please join us for the Third Annual Fibershed Wool and Fine Fiber Symposium, November 15, from 10:00AM-4:00PM (and until 6:00PM in the Marketplace), at the Dance Palace at 503 B Street in Point Reyes Station, CA.


There will be informative presentations on breeding practices that build heirloom garments, plus predator- and pollinator-friendly practices that harmonize and blur the line between wild and domestic spaces, all bringing beauty and function to our fields and wardrobes.


Experts will be offering hands-on demonstrations (sheep shearing, skirting fleece, wool grading, angora rabbit shearing, cashmere fiber processing, felting, natural dyes).


And a host of amazing artisans and farmers will be selling their freshly farmed, locally grown and made creations and fibers. The Marketplace in the Church building will be open to the public at no charge.


There will also be displays of fibers from around the region and pollinator-friendly plants for enhancing diversity.”
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Sci Fi/Fantasy Day: An Afternoon of Aliens, Dragons, Magic, and Other Worlds
Saturday, November 15, 1:00-5:30PM
Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650-324-4321
$10


“1:00PM: Other Worlds
Andy Weir (The Martian) in conversation with Matthew Jobin (The Nethergrim).
2:15PM: A Class in Dothraki with David Peterson
Are you a fan of Game of Thrones (and aren’t we all)? Dream of joining Daenerys in her march toward King’s Landing to claim the Iron Throne? Then join us in a class to master Dothraki with David Peterson, author of Living Language Dothraki and language consultant for the HBO series.
3:30PM: Face-off: Sci Fi Versus Fantasy. (What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?)
Writers Marie Brennan, Chaz Brenchley, Ellen Klages, and Pat Murphy will debate the differences between science fiction and fantasy - and which is better. And yes, you’ll get to vote!
5:00PM: Steven Erikson in conversation with Tad Williams
Meet the man behind the Malazan Book of the Fallen series talking to the man behind the Otherland series.
All the authors will be around talking about writing and their books. They probably can even be convinced to sign a copy of one of their brilliant novels for you!”
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Winterblast
Saturday, November 15, 5:00-9:00PM
SOFA Arts District, South A Street and Sebastopol Avenue, Santa Rosa
Free


“Winterblast is a delightful parade of decorated sofas, artistic bicycles, costumed performers and a marching band. Live music on three stages, plus street performers. Illuminated sculptures, lanterns, and fire dancers. Food, beverages, beer, and wine available at locations throughout the festival. Come experience the magic of Winterblast!


SOFA, the Santa Rosa arts district, is at the junction of South A Street and Sebastopol Avenue in Santa Rosa, down the block from Julliard Park.”
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The Great Gatsby Gala
presented by Rotary Club of Sebastopol
Saturday, November 15, 5:00-10:30PM
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol, 707-823-1511
For ticket information, please contact rotarygreatgatsbygala@gmail.com


“A glamorous evening with Dinner, Dancing, and Auctions


Tickets and Sponsorship is Limited.
Attire: Roaring 20s”
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A Two Day Qigong and Tutorial Seminar  
with Adam Atman
Saturday-Sunday, November 15-16, 8:30AM-5:30PM
Los Gatos Acupuncture and Qigong Center, 761 University Avenue, Suite A, Los Gatos
$188
For more information, please call 408-476-9799 or e-mail adamatman@gmail.com


“In this seminar we will examine the following Five Element zones in the body and their relevance to acupuncture, acupressure, and medical qigong treatment:


The Five Element horizontal zones of the arms and legs:  how and where they intersect the regular vertical channels, how they potentiate effects in zones across multiple channels, and how they form zones of trigger point activity.
The Five Element process expressed in the sacrum and the lumbar vertebrae, and their corresponding Back Shu points.
The Six Phase process expressed of the 12 thoracic vertebrae, their elements, and their corresponding Back Shu points.
The Motility ordering of Six elements expressed in the structure of the chest and the 12 ribs.
The element ordering of the points of the Ren Mai on the belly and the element zones of the belly.
Seven Elements / Chakras in the cervical spine and the Nei Jing seven-step spiraling of Window of Heaven points up the neck


Who would Benefit from this Seminar?
Anyone passionate about the ancient paradigm of the Five Elements and how it expresses in the human energetic matrix.


This seminar has practical and hands-on applications for acupuncturists, acupressure and  massage practitioners, energy-work and Medical Qigong practitioners.


Because we will be practicing Qigong, doing sensing exercises, point locating and identifying trigger points, this seminar will be quite healing.
Structure of the Seminar
We will start each day at 8:30AM with a specific series of Qigong exercises to potentiate the healing power of the Five Elements.


Saturday morning:  Element zones of the limbs
Saturday afternoon: Spinal Element zones
Sunday Morning: Element zones of the chest  
Sunday afternoon: Element zones of the Belly


First we will practice Qigong to feel and activate the energetic qualities of the specific zone.
I will attempt to explain the energetic process of the Elements expressed in the specific zone.
With each subject that we cover you will get charts to follow along.
We will work in partner exercises to find the physical terrain of the element zones.
We will experience the energetics of the element zones in partner exercises.
We will identify relevant trigger points in partner exercises.


Adam Atman L.Ac. MMQ has been studying and practicing Qigong and  Chinese medicine for 36 years. He has taught acupuncture and medical Qigong at four acupuncture colleges. About 10 years ago he started to perceive the nature of the acupuncture and energy systems of the body. He is a student of Ba Gua, Tai Ji and Qigong with Ba Gua and acupuncture Shifu Jia Shusen and Amazonian shamanism with Madrinha Luzia Krull.


Adam teaches at his center, the Los Gatos Acupuncture and Qigong Center, which hosts Qigong, Tai Chi, Ba Gua, meditation, breathwork, sacred dance, tantra, drum, voice and chant circles and sacred indigenous ceremonies with various instructors.”
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Goat Hill Antique Fair
Saturday-Sunday, November 15-16,
Saturday 10:00AM-4:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-3:00PM
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E Lake Avenue, Watsonville
$5


“Unique Antiques And Artisan Fair


This fall, Goat Hill boasts of 50 dealers on the scenic grounds of the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds. Our fabulous vendors represent all things we love… vintage treasures, antiques, clever up-cycled junk, artisan food, all in a beautiful venue.  Guests will find exceptional and unique vintage treasures. The dazzling displays of items and collectibles by the vendors that love to sell them, will make a fun and memorable outing!
Come and see us at Goat Hill and find your perfect treasures.”
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Pine Needle Basketry
with Judith Thomas
Sunday, November 16, 10:00AM-3:00PM
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
$85


“Judith Thomas, weaver and Waldorf handwork teacher, will instruct students how to source materials and craft a pine needle basket. Learn how to work with pine needles to create a small coiled basket, using a needle and waxed linen to bind the bundles of needles together. A perfect activity for the fall. Pack a lunch to enjoy in the beautiful Garden setting during the break! All levels welcome.”
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Sustainable Economies Law Center Fall Celebration
Tuesday, November 18, 6:30-9:00PM
Impact HUB Oakland, 2323 Broadway, Oakland
$55, please RSVP at the website below


“Join us in celebrating the creation of just and resilient local economies!


At SELC, Fall is the time of year where we harvest the fruits of all the great work our volunteers and staff have been cultivating. Won’t you come and join us to help raise the necessary funding to support our efforts for another year?


Wine, beer, and kombucha


Delicious dinner served up by a Bay Area worker-owned catering cooperative, Local Flavor Catering


Silent Auction showcasing local Cottage Food delights, concert tickets, and much, much more!


Lively presentations


Meet some of the Bay Area’s finest sharing economy change makers and social justice advocates!”
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Transgender Day of Remembrance
Thursday, November 20
Please see website for local events; some may be on different days.


“The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the Remembering Our Dead web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder - like most anti-transgender murder cases - has yet to be solved.


Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender - that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant - each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people.


We live in times more sensitive than ever to hatred based violence, especially since the events of September 11th. Yet even now, the deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. This trend shows no sign of abating.


The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.”
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Harmony of Dissonance
with members of Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble
part of Mountain Yoga’s Inspiration Series
Friday, November 21, 8:30PM
Mountain Yoga, 2071 Antioch Court, Suite 100, Oakland, 510-339-6421
$20


“Kitka has earned international recognition for their unique and haunting sound. Inspired by the extended vocal techniques, close harmonies, and surprising rhythms of Eastern European folk song, Kitka explores a vast palette of ancient yet contemporary-sounding effects. The ensemble’s earthy to ethereal resonances evoke an astonishing range of subtle to extreme inner states, emotions, and instincts. Kitka’s commitment to presenting traditional song as a living and evolving expressive art form has led to adventuresome collaborations with some of the world’s most exciting indigenous musicians and contemporary composers, ranging from Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares to Meredith Monk.


Join Kitka's Executive/Artistic Director Shira Cion and Kitka vocalists Kelly Atkins, Janet Kutulas, and Corinne Sykes for a discussion of the group’s colorful 35-year history, and a demonstration and participatory exploration of ‘open-voice’ vocal techniques through oral transmission of simple, yet thrilling to sing, traditional polyphonic tunes.”
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The Pantheon Foundation Pagan Activism Conference Online
Saturday-Sunday, November 22-23,
online, see website for schedule and registration details


“The Pantheon Foundation is happy to announce the upcoming Pagan Activism Conference Online (PACO). The Conference will take place on November 22-23, 2014, and will be conducted entirely online using an easy-to-learn video conferencing platform called Zoom. There will be seven sessions over the course of the weekend. Each will be a 90 minute panel featuring four-five guests offering brief, TED talk-length presentations about tools and valuable information from the heart of their particular areas of experience/expertise, followed by moderated Q and A sessions. There will also be a Keynote address.


Current panelists and moderators include Shauna Aura Knight, John Beckett, Christine Hoff Kraemer, Carolina Amor-Boggs, John Medellin, Rion Roberts, and Amy/Ankhira Swordplow Himes.


The Conference Programming Committee currently consists of Yeshe Rabbit Matthews, Xochiquetzal Duti Odinsdottir, and Dwan McCarthy.


A special keynote address, along with the following topics, are already planned:
Pagans and Infrastructure: Serving Your Cause Effectively
Care and Feeding of Activists
Queer-and-Gender Activism
Online/Media Activism
Activism Among Pagans of Color
Consenting Adults: Sexual Ethics in the Pagan Community
Know Your Pagan Religious Rights


Single sessions are $20 per ticket, and the entire Conference ticket for all eight sessions is $100.”
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Happy Birthday San Jose!
Sunday, November 23, 1:00-4:00PM
Peralta Adobe-Fallon House Historic Site, 175 West Saint John Street, San Jose
Free Admission,  
Tour Tickets: Adults $8, Children 4-9 $5,
Activity Tickets: $1 each or 6 tickets for $5


“Celebrate San Jose’s 237th Birthday at the Peralta Adobe Historic Site! San Jose, or El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadelupe, the first Pueblo of California, was founded November 29, 1777. Come have a slice of birthday cake and help celebrate! Meet members of Founding Families, participate in hands-on activities, and visit the historic Peralta Adobe.


We will offer both adult tours of the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House, as well as special children’s tours of the Peralta Adobe.”
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Indigenous People's Sunrise Gathering
Thursday, November 27, 4:45AM
Alcatraz - boat leaves from Pier 33, San Francisco
$14


“Ohlone welcome; presenters on current and past Indigenous Peoples’ struggles to defend human rights, sovereignty, Treaties, sacred sites and traditional lands; Drummers, Aztec and Pomo dancers.


Please note that there are no regular Alcatraz tours offered on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2014. All participants in the Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering must return to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing on the last boat, which will depart Alcatraz Island at approximately 8:45AM.


This is a one day event. The ticket booth opens at 4:15AM on Thursday, November 27, 2014 and boats will depart Pier 33 every approximately 15 minutes from 4:45-6:00AM. The Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering is a commemoration of the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz by the Indians of All Tribes.


Purchase and print tickets on the web. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 415-981-7625 or from the Ticket Booth at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. Tickets are $14 per person. Children under 5 years of age are free.


There is absolutely no sale of merchandise of any kind allowed on Alcatraz Island, at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, or on the sidewalk outside of Alcatraz Landing.”
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Celebration of Craftswomen
Friday-Sunday, November 28-30, 10:00AM-6:00PM
Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason, Buchanan Avenue and Marina Boulevard, San Francisco
$9 adults, $7 students and seniors, children under 12 free
http://www.celebrationofcraftswomen.org (site plays video automatically)


“This event has become one of San Francisco’s top holiday attractions. But it has also remained true to its primary mission: addressing the lack of visibility and opportunities for women artists. To that end, along with judging for quality, the juries aim to provide opportunities to the emerging artists as well as women of color, older women, lesbian and bisexual women, and immigrant women.


Since its inception, the Celebrations of Craftswomen has been a benefit for The Women’s Building, a multi-cultural community center where women and girls achieve self-sufficiency and pursue their dreams. Funds raised through the raffle, admission fees, and booth fees go to the organizations many programs, including free bilingual Spanish/English information and referral service, educational support for low-income adults, financial counseling, and community events that promote arts, culture, and discussion. The Women’s Building also houses ten diverse community groups and have helped launch more than 160 women’s programs and initiatives in San Francisco. The Women's Building is the first women-owned community center in the U.S.”
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World AIDS Day
Monday, December 1
check the website below to find local events


“World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.


World AIDS Day is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action. If you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today - you can use this knowledge to take care of your own health and the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding.  


You can also show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness.


World AIDS Day is also a great opportunity to raise money and show your support for people living with HIV.”
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Take Your Child To A Bookstore Day
Saturday, December 6,
see website for events at local bookstores


“Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day began when my children were little and I was going to story time at bookstores nearly every week. Did all children know the pleasure of spending time in a bookstore? I wondered. Of being drawn into a magic world for a while, then being left to choose treasures on the shelf? I wanted to begin a holiday that would expose as many kids as possible to this joy.


But Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day quickly became bigger than one mother and her children. Bloggers and book lovers took it viral across the web, carried posters into bookstores, and welcomed me and my family to local bookstores when we traveled cross country last summer.


Now we are busily adding stores, helping support celebrations on the Day, and leading people to the wonderful places we have found. In the future, Take Your Child to a Bookstore may offer grants for children who can't visit a bookstore on their own, or perhaps there will be internships for kids who want one day to own a bookstore. Because the sky is the limit when there is a book!”
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The Red Ball
a benefit gala for the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
Saturday, December 6, 6:00-10:00PM
Museum of Art and History, 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, 831-429-1964
$150


“The Red Ball is a giant sculpture on the corner of Cooper and Front Street. It's the core of the MAH logo. And it's the new name for our annual gala, too.


Join us to celebrate an incredible year at the MAH. The Red Ball is a night of festivities featuring cocktails, dining, and dancing. Lend your support to our future at our annual live and silent auction.


6:00-10:00PM: Enjoy the night’s festivities starting with cocktails, dining, and a silent auction, followed by reserved table seating in the Solari Gallery for the incomparable live auction.


9:00-11:00PM: The Red Ball Afterparty


Stay late and dance the night away with the many diverse collaborators and organizations who have participated in making MAH’s events and programs happen throughout the year, as we celebrate together.


Your support will go directly to making the MAH happen. That means fueling quality exhibitions and innovative educational programs. Dynamic outreach into the Latino community of Santa Cruz County. Building a new town square for everyone in our community to enjoy. Save the date - we'll see you soon.”
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Fungus Fair: A Celebration of Wild Mushrooms
Saturday-Sunday, December 6-7, 10:00AM-5:00PM
San Francisco Fair Building, Golden Gate Park, 1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco
see website for ticket information


“When the first rains tease up the chanterelles and porcini... fungus lovers, foodies, and those curious about the natural world head to the Fungus Fair: A Celebration of Wild Mushrooms.


There will be children's activities, lectures, cooking demos, cultivation workshops, and a selection of fabulous soups for sale.


In addition to the above activities, on Sunday, there will be:
Many educational tables on varied subjects such as medicinal mushrooms, mycoremediation, cultivation, ecology, lichens, psychedelic, dyes from fungi, toxicology, edible mushrooms and more...
Microscopes and spore prints
Naturalistic display of more than 200 species of locally collected fungi
Identification table - bring your specimens to find out the species!
Many mushroom related items for sale: fresh mushrooms, artwork, crafts, books and collecting gear, T-shirts


The Fair provides information on the uses and abuses of fungi, with displays and exhibits on ecology, toxicology, and cultivation. Campsite gourmands learn how to serve up the safe and scrumptious species through identification tutorials, cooking demonstrations, and sales of recipe books, soups, snacks, and fresh edibles. Watch renowned Bay Area chefs prepare dishes like matsutakes and roasted cauliflower in coriander cream or sauteed caramel candy cap pears and dentelles.”
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West Coast Craft Fair
Saturday-Sunday, December 6-7, 10:00AM-6:00PM
Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco
Free


“West Coast Craft is a craft and design show featuring carefully selected designers, artists, and craftspeople living and working on the West Coast. Using a variety of mediums, including wood, metal, leather and paper, these designers create singular items that exemplify the mood and aesthetics of their West Coast lifestyle.


Cool but sunny, laid back yet innovative, they represent the best of West Coast Craft.”
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The Emerald Cup
Saturday-Sunday, December 13-14, 11:00AM-7:30PM
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa
see website for admission details


“The Emerald Cup is the longest running outdoor organic cannabis cup in the world.


Contests include: Medicinal Cannabis, Solvent-less Concentrates, Edibles, Topicals, and a Photo Contest.


The Emerald Cup is a community celebration honoring the year's finest sun grown medical cannabis harvest. Last year we solidified our reputation as the biggest, best, and most inspiring outdoor, medicinal organic cannabis competition in the world. From our small beginnings in Laytonville a decade ago, this event has proven itself to be the prominent celebration in the California outdoor cannabis scene. This will be our second year hosting the event at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. and we have expanded to include more organic food, over 100 great vendors, contests, speaker panels, hands on workshops, tons of great music, PLUS some major laughs from cannabis comedians, the highly anticipated awards ceremony as well as many more attractions . At The Emerald Cup there's something for every cannabis enthusiast.”
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Crones In Training 2015
a 9 month training course
with Jan and Marystella of Vortex Journeys
one Saturday per month, January-September 2015,
Orientation Evening in November or December 2014 - date TBA
The Crossroads, private land in Santa Rosa, RSVP for address


“Our Feminine Wisdom is needed NOW to Co-Create the New Paradigm.


We gather for 9 months, January through September 2015, 10:00AM-4:00PM on the fourth Saturday except in May (Memorial Day), we gather on the third Saturday.


10 Women Maximum, 55 Years or More
$70 per Circle includes Materials


Crones in Training is an interactive exploration through ritual, dialogue, guided meditation and more in Earth Vortex Energies for Women who are seriously ready to walk their path with Clarity and Creativity.


Crones in Training is an intimate circle of courageous women who remove their masks and grow into Crones in Action.


Crones in Training is a spiritual and therapeutic journey to Be the Change you yearn to see, to witness and be witnessed as you claim your Power and Wisdom.


Are you ready to:
Release Your Old Story
Reclaim and Embrace Your True Story
Gather Your Wisdom and Power
and Grow into a Crone in Action?


Crones in Training is, in the sacred sense, a pilgrimage into living your purpose. The final circle is your rite of passage, witnessed by family and friends.
Required Crones in Training Orientation Evening in November or early December.  No fee.
This is your opportunity to meet other Crones who seek community and growth, to have questions answered and discuss commitments to be made.   


Or, if you are not certain this is the right time to embark on this wise and inspiring journey, the orientation will assist you in reaching clarity.


To assure depth and intimacy, there will be a maximum of ten women in the Crones Circle. If you are seriously interested in participating, let us know right away. Your contact info will be added to our list and you will receive ample notice of the Orientation's date and time. Blessed Be!


RSVP to 707-542-4928 or beyondbeliefs@vortexjourneys.com

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