Permission to Appreciate Things As They Are

On Thursday evening, I went down to Sunnyvale to join in the CAYA South Bay Midsummer Social Event.  Sir Shaper James and some other CAYA South Bay folk met at Full Circle Farm http://www.fullcirclesunnyvale.org to watch an outdoor performance of a new adaptation of Alice In Wonderland by the Festival Theatre Ensemble http://www.festivaltheatreensemble.org/sunnyvale .

Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass are both among my favourite stories.  I love the way they follow their own childlike dream logic without needing to conform to any conventional sort of logic.  I love the way words and ideas come to life in both stories.  What I sometimes do not love is the way that adaptations of the stories tend to lump them together into one story without distinguishing one from the other - sometimes they seem to have been created by a committee who wanted to include everything that might be appealing to the audience, but without love or respect for the originals.  

However, I did love this version, which felt like the personal vision of someone who loves both stories very much.  Elements of both blended together in a way that had a logic of its own, as if someone had dreamed both dreamlike narratives into one.  I think that it was also written with this company’s adaptable travelling outdoor set and specific cast members in mind, so that the casting and staging worked beautifully.  This was the first production I have seen by this company, and the first time I had visited this sustainable, volunteer-run, educational farm, and I am eager to experience more of both!  

The Festival Theatre Ensemble has been performing all over California since 1994, and Full Circle Farm has been around since 2007, and although I have an interest in exactly this kind of theatre and exactly this kind of farm, I had been unaware of the existence of either one until just a few days ago, when I saw the announcement for this event on the CAYA South Bay mailing list.  I am constantly amazed at how many wonderful things, exactly the kind of things I love, may exist in the world without me having found them yet.  Every time I discover a new one, I realize that there may be many, many more yet to be discovered!

It is easy to be in the habit of noticing problems that need to be addressed, things that bother me, things I want to change.  It is even easier to be in the habit of not really noticing things at all, just taking for granted that things are the way I already think they are.  But it is much more fun to be shaken out of my habits by the discovery of wonderful things which I have been failing to notice, of things which are better in reality than I had imagined them to be!  

As much fun as the world of pure imagination is (and if you don’t know how much fun that is, you might want to watch or re-watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Wonka_%26_the_Chocolate_Factory ), cold, hard reality often proves to be even more amazing than I would have dared to imagine.  Of course, it is also full problems that need to be addressed, things that bother me, and things I want to change.  In order to play my part in re-shaping and co-creating the world, I must be able to imagine a better world, but I must also maintain my awareness of the world as it is, and when I manage to do that, I can see the potential solutions as well as the problems.  I can see that many people are also working and playing and dreaming the new world into being!

So now, I will take a break, just for a moment, from giving everyone Permission to Dream, Permission to Imagine, and Permission to Re-Shape the World According to Our Heart’s Truest Desires, and instead I will give us all Permission to Appreciate Things As They Are.  I give you permission to notice something you have never noticed before, something you would not have expected or even dared to imagine, something which will delight you and comfort you and inspire you and reassure you that the seeds of a better world are already growing, tended by wise and loving hands.  I give you permission to meet the people who are already working on the solutions to the problems you most want to see solved.  I give you permission to spend some time in the company of friends being entertained, and to learn from the youngest members of the audience how to really appreciate this moment’s entertainment.

Let’s keep renewing our shared mission of co-creating a better world by remembering to pay attention to the world as it is, and to remember what we really Love about this world.  Just as parents and teachers must love the children who are growing under their care and guidance, and farmers and gardeners must love the plants which are growing with their care and stewardship, it is by loving this world deeply and delightedly that we will find the way to help it grow and develop and evolve into the wondrous place we know it can become!

Here’s one more Delightful thing in the world that you may not yet have noticed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7q1bHK8te0

Wishbringer Molly Blue Dawn, High Priestess of Serendipity

CAYA Events for July 2012

I’m including some late June events on the list for July.
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CAYA South Bay's Midsummer Social Event
Festival Theatre Ensemble’s
Alice in Wonderland
Thursday, June 28, 6:45PM
Full Circle Farms, 1055 Dunford Way, Sunnyvale
(Park in the school parking lot at 1095 Dunford Way)
Adults $10, Children $3
http://www.festivaltheatreensemble.org/sunnyvale
http://www.fullcirclesunnyvale.org
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Grove of Hekate Women's Full Moon Circle - Tantric Goddesses: Song
Saturday, June 30
8:00PM (no one admitted after circle is cast)
409 E. Campbell Avenue, Suite 220 (upstairs from Moonfyre Metaphysical)
Downtown Campbell
$10 donation requested
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Grove of Artemis Women's Full Moon Circle - Confucian Virtues: Wisdom
Saturday, June 30
Doors open at 7:45PM, doors locked at 8:15PM when circle is cast
2121 Bonar Street, Berkeley, Studio C
$10 donation requested
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Brotherhood of the Moon Men's Full Moon Circle - Center/Herald
Saturday, June 30
Doors open at 7:45PM, doors locked at 8:15PM when circle is cast
1250 Addison Street, Berkeley, Studio 209
$10 donation requested
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CAYA Fun for Everyone!
Water Slides (which ones to be determined)
Sunday, July 8
follow the link to the CAYA Facebook page for more details
http://cayacoven.org

Cross Sidhe says:
“Maia Mermaidian and I are still deciding which water park to go too.  All we know it will be local.  So spend the time in the Sun and Water with all of your CAYA friends.  If you don't really have any CAYA friends yet then now is your chance!!!!

If you are interested in the CFE Water Slides on Sunday July 8th please let us know.  Also, please privately message me your admission affordability (This will help us determine where we are going).”
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CAYA East Bay Lammas
Saturday, July 28
8:00PM  
outdoor location in Berkeley to be announced
$10 donation requested
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CAYA Sprouts Lammas
Sunday, July 29
3:00PM
Berkeley - exact location given upon RSVP
Please RSVP to  hvnwalker@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/CAYA-Sprouts/95151727852?sk=wall

“Sprouts offers Sabbat rituals and social events that are specifically designed for children up to age ten.  However, all self-identified families are welcome to attend.
Come and celebrate the Wheel of the Year with us!”
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Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for the Week starting Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Monthly Dinner at the Dream Institute, Group Vortex Healing, Emotional Creature, Art of Tarot with Rabbit, Concert in the Redwood Grove, CAYA South Bay's Midsummer Social Event, The Magic of Crystals, The Amethyst Pentacle: Witchcraft and Queer Divinity, Lunar Mansions and Fixed Stars, Downtown Martinez Ghost Walk, Everything Old Is New Again, Born to Drum, Litha Faire, East Bay Laughter Day, Alan's Summertime Soiree, Meditation for Everyone, Mimino, San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, Goddess Awakening, Poetry Reading and Art Opening, Drum Circle with Albert and Rabbit, Delphic Oracles with Diana Paxson, South Bay Pagan Salon, Independence Day Celebration at Ardenwood, Alameda Independence Day Parade and Festival, Directory of Independence Day Events
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Monthly Dinner at the Dream Institute
Wednesday, June 27, 6:00-8:00PM
The Dream Institute of Northern California, 1672 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-845-1767
Two levels:
$15 for those on limited budgets
$40 for those who can make a donation to help support The Dream Institute
http://dream-institute.org

“The dinners we hosted last fall were a great success, so we will have them regularly now. Meet upcoming presenters and enjoy conversation with kindred folks. It's a great way to visit The Dream Institute and learn more about what we do.

Our monthly dinners began last fall and were occasions for spontaneous, informal, soulful conversation among those attending. We will host these regularly throughout the coming year, on the third or fourth Wednesday of the month.
Delicious food is provided by Poulet http://www.pouletdeli.com with vegetarian and vegan options. We can seat comfortably only about 15, so reserve your place early; you can also call a few days before and listen to our outgoing message about space availability.

Upcoming Monthly Dinner dates:
July 25

The Dream Institute is an experimental cultural center founded in 2003. It has come into being during this time known as the shift or the great turning. Our offerings include weekend workshops, daylong seminars, evening salons, film series, professional training, art exhibits, retreats, and dream-based performances. We are also the West Coast center for Culture Dreaming. Programs and events are open to the public; continuing education seminars are for professionals in the healing arts. We do not advocate any single philosophical, psychological, spiritual, or religious viewpoint toward dreams or personal growth.

Dreams are a natural resource, democratically available to all, yet vastly underutilized today. Most cultures throughout history have called upon dreams for information and guidance. Dreams are more relevant than ever at this time of upheaval and transition. Our mission is to offer program participants a soulful experience and to restore dreams, as an ancient wisdom source, to a place of respect in contemporary society.”
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Group Vortex Healing
with Dragonfly
Wednesday, January 18, 7:00PM
Body Energy Center, 2939 Summit Street, Suite 301, Oakland, 510-467-8841
$20 donation or pay what you can
Please RSVP to Dragonfly at 510-467-8841 or Exlibrys13@yahoo.com
http://www.arunabliss.com
http://www.vortexhealing.com

Dragonfly says:
“Beloved,
Yey! It is another beautiful week in the Bay Area and I just had nine powerful days with Gailynn Carroll my VotexHealing teacher. I would love to share some more of this excitement I have for this divine healing art with you this Wednesday at 7:00PM.
In is group healing we will be releasing a clear intention of what you would like to transform or manifest in your life and with gratitude stay with that intention throughout the healing.

Angelic Heart through VortexHealing is a divine healing art that works directly through consciousness and energetics to help release the deepest issues we hold as humans beings.”
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Emotional Creature
a new play by Eve Ensler
Wednesday, June 27, 7:00PM, playing through July 15
see website for detailed schedule and ticket prices
http://www.berkeleyrep.org/season/1112/5846.asp
http://www.eveensler.org

“Berkeley Rep is proud to present the world premiere of a powerful new play from Tony Award-winner Eve Ensler. Staged by Obie Award-winning director Jo Bonney and performed by a talented ensemble of young women, Emotional Creature is made up of original monologues - and irresistible songs - about and for girls. Placing their stories squarely center stage, it gives full expression to their secret voices and innermost thoughts, highlighting the diversity and commonality of the issues they face. Emotional Creature is a call, a reckoning, an education, an act of empowerment for girls, and an illumination for parents and for us all. And it’s receiving its world premiere here at Berkeley Rep.

Eve Ensler is a Tony Award-winning playwright, performer and activist. She is the author of The Vagina Monologues, which has been translated into 48 languages and performed in over 140 countries, including sold-out runs off Broadway and on London’s West End. Her experience performing that show inspired her to create V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. Her other work includes plays such as The Good Body and Here, the memoir Insecure at Last and the novel I Am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls Around the World, which became a New York Times bestseller in 2010.”
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Art of Tarot with Rabbit
Wednesday, June 27, 7:30-9:30PM,
and two more Wednesdays, July 11 and 18
(skipping July 4th for a Store Holiday)
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$35 per class  
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events

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

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

Rabbit's unique method will have you able to offer accurate readings after your very first class, as long as you are willing to dare to believe yourself and trust your inner voice. Practical exercises and demonstration readings take place in each class, so you have the opportunity to give and receive practice readings, trouble-shoot areas of insecurity, and begin to build your internal reference library of tarot symbolism.

This class fills up quickly, and space is limited, so please call 510-4449355 to reserve your spot today.”
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Concert in the Redwood Grove
featuring Shake Your Peace! and LoCura
Thursday, June 28, 5:30-7:30PM (and every Thursday through August 30)
“Doors” open at 5:00PM.  
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
Adults $15, Youth $5, under 5 Free
Please register online at the website below
for more information, e-mail garden@berkeley.edu
http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/whatsnew/redwoodGroveConcerts/index.shtml
http://www.myspace.com/shakeyourpeace
http://www.locuramusica.com

“Join us this summer for a series of concerts in our beautiful Redwood Grove!

Exuberant, multicultural, dance!

Shake Your Peace!
Shake Your Peace! is a San Francisco-based band known for their ebullient live performances, ecological and social justice politics, and bicycle-based music tours. Their music, dubbed ‘Whup’ by lead singer Gabe Dominguez, is a unique combination of Afro-Latin rhythm, bluegrass fiddle, gospel choir-style: harmony, call and response, and spirit invocation, and Dominguez’ own take on the American folk and pop/rock music traditions.

LoCura
Direct from San Francisco’s fertile music scene, LoCura taps into the diverse sounds that have a rich history in the Bay Area, weaving them together in an uncanny way to reveal their common roots.  Mixing Flamenco with Reggae and Cumbia with Ska through contagious rhythms and multiple languages, their music takes you on a ride through a day in the emerging globalized experience where the movement of people and ideas are in constant flux.  Reflecting lead vocalist Kata’s own experience of growing up Spanish American in Spain, Italy, and the US, LoCura’s music rides the borders of identity and migration piecing together a mosaic of our myriad cultures and experience.

Ticket includes admission to the Garden before 5:00PM. BYO picnic and drinks welcome.”

Thanks to Pixie for letting me know about this event!
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CAYA South Bay's Midsummer Social Event
Festival Theatre Ensemble’s
Alice in Wonderland
Thursday, June 28, 6:45PM
Full Circle Farms, 1055 Dunford Way, Sunnyvale
(Park in the school parking lot at 1095 Dunford Way)
http://www.festivaltheatreensemble.org/sunnyvale
http://www.fullcirclesunnyvale.org

“Look for Sir Shaper James in his long black trench coat.

Come join us for Festival Theatre Ensemble's outdoor showing of Alice in Wonderland!!

We welcome you all for an outdoor adventure down the rabbit hole. It is a good opportunity to share an amazing story as a community and support the local theatre. The Theatre's recommended donation is $10 for adults and $3 for children.
The show starts at 7:30PM and doors open 30 minutes prior. There is a concession for hot drinks and sweet treats and feel free to bring a picnic if you choose, but they ask that if you include alcohol, to picnic at the park across the street.

See you there, Blessed be!”
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The Magic of Crystals
with Rabbit
Thursday, June 28, 7:00-9:00PM - final class in the series
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$35 per class  
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events

“Join Rabbit as she opens up her personal stories and practices of working with crystals for protection, healing, intuitive development, prosperity, and personal development. As co-owner of The Sacred Well, her passion for crystals and ‘magic rocks’ started with childhood.

In each class she will teach different uses and practices for working with crystals, according to their own methods and personal experiences. Also, expect drop-in guest teachings from Sacred Well co-owner Barry!

June 28: Blast off: Stones for intuition, transcendence, enlightenment, and otherworldly experiences
Moldavite, fulgurite, azeztulite, danburite, nuumite, nebula stone, star hollandite    

We expect that these classes will fill up fast, and space is limited!
Don't miss out - call 510-444-9355 or stop in to reserve your space today!”
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The Amethyst Pentacle: Witchcraft and Queer Divinity
with Storm Faerywolf
Friday, June 29, 7:00-8:30PM
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
$20
http://www.themysticdream.com
http://www.faerywolf.com

“Meditation is a powerful tool that we can use to gain awareness and to live our lives more fully, but many of the tools and models employed by the main-stream religions are heterosexist, if not blatantly homophobic. The Amethyst Pentacle was created with this in mind, providing a symbolic map of some common experiences of the queer practitioner - regardless of sexual identity.

The Amethyst Pentacle seeks to illumine certain experiences and to show them as a healthy part of a larger whole. Each point on the pentacle embodies these concepts in such a way so that we may then approach them from a place of balance and clarity, seeing our experiences as necessary catalysts for transformation. We will journey in trance to each of the points on the pentacle so that we may cleanse our relationships to them and reclaim our birthright as queer spiritual beings.

Storm Faerywolf is a practicing warlock and priest in the Feri tradition of witchcraft where he holds the Black Wand. He has studied various forms of magic and spiritual practice for almost 30 years and has taught classes for more than 20.”
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Lunar Mansions and Fixed Stars
with Glenn Turner
Friday, June 29, 7:30-9:30PM
Ancient Ways, 4075 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, 510-653-3244
$5-$10 sliding scale
http://ancientways.com/Newsletter/CALSpring612.pdf

“Learn about Lunar calendars and the 28 Mansions of the moon along with their fixed stars (as distinguished from the wandering planets). We can also look at the meanings and sigils of the most famous 15 Behenian fixed stars.”
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Downtown Martinez Ghost Walk
Friday, June 29, 8:00PM, and the fourth and fifth Friday of every month
tour starts at Main Street Martinez, 649 Main Street,  Suite 106, Martinez
$25
http://www.mainstreetmartinez.org/php/GhostWalk.php
http://www.cvparanormal.com

“Take the 90 minute guided walking tour through Historic Downtown Martinez to discover the hidden past, little known facts and tales of days-gone-by.

Tours conducted by Central Valley Paranormal.

Tours are limited to 25 people. Advanced ticket purchase recommended. No children under 12 years allowed. Teens 12-17 years must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a flashlight, wear comfortable shoes. Bring jacket and wear comfortable clothing”
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Everything Old Is New Again
an evening of dinner theatre
Friday-Saturday, June 29-30, Dinner at 6:30PM, show at 7:30PM
plays through July 14
The Belrose Theater, 1415 5th Avenue, San Rafael
$35 for dinner and show, $25 show only
Please call 415-454-6422 to make reservations 24 hours in advance
http://www.thebelrose.com/Shows___Auditions.html

“The Belrose proudly presents: Everything Old Is New Again

Come to The Belrose Theater and enjoy your night with a 3 course dinner and a show of 20 different and unique acts.

Don't let this theatrical experience pass you by; call 415-454-6422 today to make your reservation, groups are easily accommodated.

Dinner Includes:
A wonderful Caesar Salad
Vegetarian (Artichoke) Lasagna
And we finish dinner off with a Delightful Strawberry and Cream Dessert.
Beer and Wine Bar, coffee, tea, and soft drinks available.

The Belrose is a non-profit California Corporation, and has been in its current location, a historical landmark, since 1962.

The Dinner Theater is Marin County’s original.  A vast assortment of quality productions have been produced over the years including: Oliver, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, The Lion in Winter, just to name a few.  Many original productions have been presented over the years as well.  It was also voted Best Live Theater by The Pacific Sun.”
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Born to Drum
Women’s Drum Camp
Friday-Monday, June 29-July 1
Walker Creek Ranch, 1700 Marshall-Petaluma Road, Petaluma
see website for registration information
http://www.womendrummers.dreamhosters.com/?p=120
http://www.walkercreekranch.org

“The Born to Drum Women’s Drum Camp is a 4-day camp for women and girls 15 and older. Born To Drum takes place June 29-July 1 at Walker Creek Ranch, on 1700 acres in the beautiful rolling hills of Northern California, about an hour’s drive from San Francisco or Oakland.

The 7th annual Born To Drum Camp features an international faculty of over 20 women drummers and dancers, workshops, concerts, dance, healing circle, fireside drumming, and cultural exchange in a beautiful setting. There will be a marketplace, organic food great accommodations, inspiration and FUN!

Whether you are brand new to drumming or have been playing for years, you will find classes that will challenge you. We welcome women new to drumming and have scheduled basic skills classes to help you build a strong foundation. Other classes range from beginning to advanced intermediate, with many all-levels classes. Class descriptions and the schedule (available closer to camp) will indicate the level of the class.

Accommodations: There is something for everyone in the choice of accommodations - camping, dormitory style housing, and semi-private or private rooms in small lodges with lounge and kitchen areas. The food is delicious, with fresh organic vegetables from the Ranch garden supplemented by offerings from local farms.

Classes and Activities: During the day, you can choose from a variety classes featuring drum, dance, and song from many cultural traditions as well as drum jams and practice sessions. We will also enjoy outdoor activities with swimming at Turtle Pond, a naturalist led hike, special workshops, and time to enjoy our beautiful environment. Evenings are devoted to making music, with drum jams and programs featuring faculty and attendees.”
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Litha Faire
Saturday, June 30, 11:00AM-6:00PM
Quaker Meeting House, 225 Rooney Street, Santa Cruz
$7, children under 12 free
http://www.lithafaire.com

“Litha Faire 2012 Midsummer Magic Psychic and Craft Faire

Welcome to Litha Faire!
A Summer Solstice Celebration to Honor the Enchantment of Midsummer

Greetings Litha Faire Participants and Guests!
Litha Faire is committed to the service of humanity and giving back to those who serve our community. We are pleased to announce that the Community Bridges Meals on Wheels program will be receiving all the proceeds from this year's raffle. Wonderful prizes have been donated!

The Litha Faire Group is a coalition of local artisans, psychics, healers, performers, and people who care about healing the planet.
The Litha Faire project was borne out of a need to unite people of like mind in a positive way. The economic downturn in our country has had negative repercussions for all of us. Many of us are feeling downtrodden due to the recent cycle of events.
Our group has chosen to approach these challenging times from a positive perspective and view it as an opportunity for a spiritual renaissance!
Although it feels as if Pandora’s box has been opened and unleashed in the world once again, Litha Faire is here to remind all of us of the one thing left in the box after all the calamity had passed… and that was…
HOPE

We may not be able to change the world instantaneously, but we can change the way we live in it.

Come celebrate the enchanted life with us this summer solstice.”
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East Bay Laughter Day
Saturday, June 30, 12:00-2:00PM
by Lake Merritt, Lakeshore Avenue and Boden Way, Oakland
Free
http://www.meetup.com/oaklandlaughterclub/events/66212682/?a=ea1_grp&rv=ea1
http://www.lifefire.com/workshopsevents.html
http://www.laughteryoga.org

Annie Goglia, leader of the Lifefire Laughter Club of Oakland, says:
“Hello Laughter lovers -
Woo hoo! We're celebrating East Bay Laughter Day with a FREE edition of the Oakland Lifefire Laughter Club in the beautiful outdoors.
Join us to light up Oakland with laughter!
WHO: Laughter Leaders and Laughter Lovers from the East Bay and beyond!
WHEN: Saturday, June 30th
Shop at the farmers' market and then laugh with us from noon to 1:00PM
Then hang out and eat! Potluck picnic to follow from.1:00-2:00PM
WHERE: Join us in the sunshine at the beautiful grassy park area by Lake Merritt.
Look for us across the street from Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 2808 Lakeshore Avenue. It's near the colonnade close to MacArthur Boulevard and Lakeshore Avenue.
Try Annie’s cell: 510-282-1279 or Amos’s cell: 510-282-4746, if needed.
COST: FREE   (Donations gratefully accepted)
Be a laughter star! We’ll be taking some flip videos and photos as we laugh.
Feel free to invite family and friends. Open to adults and older teens.
Questions? Contact Annie through Meetup email, or call her at 510-655-1433  or cell 510-282-1279 to RSVP.
In love and laughter,
Annie, your Laughter Diva”
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Alan's Summertime Soiree
Dance Party and Potluck
Hosted by Alan Kline, with special guest Bob Galloway
Saturday, June 30, 6:30-11:30PM
Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond
$7
https://sites.google.com/site/alansdances/home

“Summer is almost here and that means it's time for sun, fun and dancing. To celebrate we're having another dance party and potluck.

Bring your favorite picnic food as we'll be taking advantage of the longer days to set up our food tables outside (weather permitting). Meanwhile, summer is a great time to try something new. To oblige, we're teaching two beginning dance lessons inside simultaneously. Bob Galloway will keep people bouncing with the polka and Alan Kline takes on country two-step for the cowboys and everyone else. Afterwards Alan and Bob will pull out their favorite dance tunes and summertime hits for hours of dancing, frivolity and smiles. Come join us for friends, food and summer night dancing!

6:30-8:30 Potluck (keep it kosher -see website for details)
7:00-8:00 Dance Lesson with Bob Galloway and Alan Kline
8:00-11:30 Open Dancing with DJs Alan and Bob

$7 for dance
Dance lessons are free!

Dress is officially casual, though you’re certainly welcome to snazz yourself up in any way you wish.

If you would like to be added to the email list for updates or have any questions please contact Alan at:
Alan dot R dot Kline at gmail (punctuation omitted for spam purposes)

Feel free to invite your friends. Hope to see you there!

By popular request, our next party ‘Shall we Dance?: The Showtune Shindig’ will be on Saturday, July 28. Mark your calendars and visit this website in July for further details.”
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Meditation for Everyone
with Devin Hunter
Saturday, June 30, 4:00-6:00PM
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
$15
http://www.themysticdream.com
http://modernwitch.podbean.com
http://modernwitchmag.com

“Meditation is a powerful tool for personal insight that can also positively impact our physical and emotional health by relieving stress and unlocking our deeper hidden potential. We will discuss and experience different types of meditation in order to find which works best for you. Together we will experience a guided meditation from Storm Faerywolf's CD Grounding: Becoming the Tree of Life and participants will have an opportunity to purchase it at 20% off, while supplies last.

Whether you are brand new to meditation, or a seasoned meditator, this class will provide you tools for creating your own meditation practice in a way that works for your particular lifestyle.

Devin Hunter is an experienced meditator.”
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Mimino
film screening
Saturday, June 30, 5:00-7:00PM
Silk Road House, 1944 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-981-0700
http://www.silkroadhouse.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimino

“Mimino is a 1977 comedy film by director Georgiy Daneliya produced by Mosfilm and Gruziya-film, starring two brilliant actors, Vakhtang Kikabidze (a Georgian) and Frunzik Mkrtchyan (an Armenian). Anatoliy Petritskiy served as director of photography. Wonderful music composed by famous Gia Kancheli. 1977 - Golden Prize at the 10th Moscow International Film Festival, 1978 - Golden Lacheno Award at the 19th IFF in Avellino (Italy), 1978 - Best Comedy Film Award at the 11th All-Union Film Festival in Yerevan. The DVD released in 2005.

Georgian bush pilot Mimino (a nickname means in Georgian ‘sparrow hawk’ - quite fitting for a pilot) works at small local airlines, flying helicopters between villages. But he dreams of piloting large international airlines aircraft, so he decides to go to Moscow. There in a hotel he meets Armenian truck driver Roobik Khachikyan who is given a place in that hotel by mistake instead of another Khachikyan (Professor), and they have a lot of adventures.
Always amicable and open to people, Mimino does not feel at home in the big city. Nevertheless, he becomes a pilot of a supersonic jet liner, Tu-144, flying all over the world. But feeling homesick, he finally comes back to his native town of Telavi in Georgia, to family and friends.
Filled with charming local color, warm and humorous characters, melodious music, and brilliant acting, this offbeat gem is bound to tickle your funny bone!

The screening will be introduced and commented on by Alma Kunanbaeva.

Silk Road House events are sponsored by the Silkroad Foundation.”
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San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival
Saturdays-Sundays, June 30-July 1 - final weekend!
see website for detailed schedule
http://www.worldartswest.org/main/edf_index.asp

“For the 34th Annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, The World United Through Dance, Festival Artistic Directors Carlos Carvajal and CK Ladzekpo have curated a thrilling line-up featuring 30 veteran Bay Area dance companies performing both ancient and contemporary dances, including ground breaking cross-cultural collaborations and encore performances of some favorite dance pieces from past seasons. The Festival, taking place June 2 through July 1, continues to bring dance to an ever widening audience throughout San Francisco as it opens at Fort Mason Center, moves to prominent San Francisco museums, and once again returns to Yerba Buena’s Novellus Theater for three exhilarating weekends.”
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Goddess Awakening - Temple services for She of 10,000 Names
with Rabbit, Iris, and guest Priestesses
Sunday, July 1, 11:00AM-12:00PM, (and the first Sunday of every month)
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Donations gratefully accepted
Women only
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events

"Women! Join Rabbit and Iris as they share myths that explore and validate the many different experiences of womanhood, from the precious to the painful and back. We all find a Mother, Healer, and Queen in the Goddess, and She can help us honor the lessons of our
own experiences.”
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Poetry Reading and Art Opening
at the Dream Institute
Sunday, July 1, Poetry Reading 3:00PM, Art Opening 4:00PM
The Dream Institute of Northern California, 1672 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-845-1767
http://dream-institute.org

“The Art Opening features mixed media assemblages by Elizabeth Filmer, prints and drawings by Ruth Gendler, and drawings and ceramics by Rue Whittaker.

The Poetry Reading is with Susan Kolodny reading from After the Firestorm.

Susan Kolodny’s poems appear in numerous journals and anthologies. She is Member and Faculty, San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis, a Personal Analyst for PINC, and the author of The Captive Muse: On Creativity and Its Inhibition (PsychoSocial Press, 2000). After the Firestorm, published in November 2011, is her first poetry collection. She will do a workshop here on August 19th.”
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Drum Circle with Albert and Rabbit
Tuesday, July 3, 6:00-8:00PM, and every month, typically first Tuesdays
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Donations gratefully accepted
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events

“Join Albert and Rabbit for a drum circle at The Sacred Well. Bring your drums, rattles, bells, etc. From month to month we'll be exploring different rhythms, practicing techniques such as drumming and singing at the same time, developing our own drum language, and doing shamanic journey together.”
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Delphic Oracles with Diana Paxson
Presented by The Fellowship of the Spiral Path’s Gateway Circle
Tuesday, July 3, 7:30-9:00PM (and the first Tuesday of every month)
BFUU Main Hall, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
Donations gratefully accepted
http://www.thespiralpath.org/calendar/view_entry.php?id=284&date=20120703

“The Delphic Oracle is a manifestation of the God Apollo.
You are instructed to ask the God for answers to your questions.

The ritual will start as close to 7:30 PM as possible. Please be prompt.

All are welcome to this open public outreach circle sponsored by the Fellowship of the Spiral Path.”
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South Bay Pagan Salon
Tuesday, July 3, 7:30PM (and the first and third Tuesday of every month)
Cafe at Books Inc, 301 Castro Street, Mountain View
for more information, contact Jason Mankey at panmankey@gmail.com

Jason says:
“We'd like to formally invite you to join us the first and third Tuesdays of every month for the South Bay Pagan Salon. The SBPS is a discussion and networking group, dedicated to talking about "Pagan Things" and networking in the Bay Area. Generally we'll start each meeting with a specific topic to get the discussion rolling along, but after we get started it'll be rather open ended with the participants dictating where the discussion will go.

We hope you'll join us.

No donations required, heck, if you show up I just might buy you a cup of coffee.

If you've got questions, I might have answers. Email me (Jason) at panmankey@gmail.com”
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Independence Day Celebration
at Ardenwood
Wednesday, July 4, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, Fremont
check price $8 adults, $5 children 4-17, children under 3 free
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
http://www.ebparks.org/Assets/_Nav_Categories/Activities/Naturalist+Information/NNB+Ardenwood+-+July-2012.pdf

“Join us for a fun-filled community festival, 1900-style! Celebrate America‟s 236th birthday with rousing patriotic music from a brass band on the lawn and fiddle music in the farmyard. There will be games, contests and races for everyone all day long. Test your skill at nail-driving, egg toss and watermelon seed spitting or join a bucket brigade and tug-of-war contest. Bring a picnic and spend the day the old -fashioned way!”
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Alameda Independence Day Parade and Festival
Wednesday, July 4

Parade
10:00AM
see website for route
http://alamedaparade.com

Jumpin’ and Jivin’ Jubilee
12:00-4:00PM
Rittler Park, corner of Otis Drive and Grand Street, Alameda
admission free, see website for details about cost of games and other  activities
http://alamedaparade.com/events

CAYA will be a presence at both of these events.  Come on out and join us, or have fun in your local community!
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Here’s a directory of Independence Day events all over the Bay Area:
(this one is from last year - some of the information will be different for this year)
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/06/27/bay-area-celebrates-july-4-with-events-fireworks/

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-to-watch-4th-of-july-fireworks-in-san-francisco/
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Have an Emotionally Independent Week of Celebrating the Old and the New!

Molly Blue Dawn