more arugula? yes!

Dear Community,
The summer flurry is starting early. Are you ready? Sunscreen? Flip-flops? REALLY BIG hats? I learned early on (like when I was 22) that if you’re in the sunshine smiling a lot, your wrinkles turn white! Awesome!

EVERY MONDAY – Sufi Meditation Circle – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln, Ft Collins – by donation

EVERY THURSDAY – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – 346 E Mountain, Ft Collins – $10 suggested donation

Tomorrow! – Saturday, April 28th – Dance Leadership Workshop – 10 AM to 5 PM (breaking for lunch in the middle) – 449 Clover Ln, Fort Collins – There is room for a couple more of you, if you’re on the fence – Sliding scale $20 to $120

Sunday, April 29th – Sufi Women’s Gathering – in Aurora – 12 to 3 PM – RSVP for location – potluck and Sufi practices, co-created.

Tuesday, May 1st – Beltane Mama Sing – 10 AM – Avogadro’s Number (625 S Mason, Ft Collins) – suggested donation $7

Wednesday, May 2nd – Beltane celebration at the Denver Dance – Timothy and I will be leading the evening including dancing around the maypole… OUTSIDE (barring copious rainstorms) – 7:30 PM – Clayton Learning Center (northwest corner MLK Jr Blvd and Colorado) – $10

Friday (10 AM) May 4th to Sunday (5 PM) May 6th – Chant Retreat – Camp Santa Maria (just west of Bailey) – you can still sign up! – Call or e-mail me a.s.a.p. – $100 covers food and lodging. Yay!

Tuesday, May 8th – Women’s Circle in Denver (technically Lakewood) – 6:30 to 9:30 PM – RSVP for more information – this is a lovely, sweet, heartful, comfortable group of women… always open for new participants! – and I think this evening will be potluck and LOTS of chanting! – Suggested donation $10

At Beltania – I will be leading a workshop on Friday afternoon, May 11th – singing, drumming, moving, and shaking! – I am also leading the HUGE Maypole dance Saturday, May 12th – Would love to have all of you there! More info at beltania.org

Saturday, May 19th – Boulder Community Zikr – I’ll be there leading with Habib, as usual – 7:30 PM – Studio Be (2077 30th St) – suggested donation $5 and dessert potluck (the word “dessert” is spelled with TWO “s’s” because dessert is “Sweet” (starting with an “s”) and we always want more than one… well, I do!)

Sunday, May 20th – Chant – 135 Circle Dr, Ft Collins – 7 PM – $7 suggested donation – Thank you Halima and Lyle, for hosting chants! You’re nice!

Tuesday, May 22nd – Women’s Dance in Denver – 7 PM – St Barnabas Church 1280 Vine St – $8 suggested donation

Tuesday, May 22nd – My Mama’s Birthday! – Call her and tell her you love her! If you need her number, call me.

This week I learned a trick. Pick out your clothes and THEN go get a pedicure so you can choose nail polish that matches your outfit. You’ve got to accessorize, dontcha know.
Also… my super smart children informed me that our ears are in alignment with our nipples. I actually don’t believe this to be true… but that’s what teenagers believe… so… I guess I’m dumb.
Plus… I learned at least… oh… maybe… 8 new songs from Sharon and Mary Ellen (the chant retreat co-facilitators). It’s gonna be SO awesome!
And… moreover… I learned that while Darth Vader is on the Death Star supposedly contemplating evil and destruction, he’s actually just watching baseball. Who knew? I bet Yoda’s doing the same. You think he’s meditating on that swampy log, but really he’s fixated on the boob-tube.

RSVP for women’s shindigs by calling or e-mailing me. You could try calling or e-mailing each other… but things get convoluted, confused and misconstrued so easily.

If you need suggestions for how to celebrate Beltane (a.k.a. May Day):
1. grow flowers
2. braid ribbons into your hair (or beard, if you’re lucky enough to have one)
3. take your super-sexy lover out into the garden and…. you know…

Happy Beltane!
Sara

(970)227-5275
rain@trigoddess.org

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13

Hi All,
Just getting home from my east coast travels.
I don’t quite have everything for April’s schedule together… but here are some things I know:

1. Mama Sing – TOMORROW – Tuesday, April 3rd – 10 AM – Avogadro’s Number (625 S Mason, Ft Collins) – $7 suggested donation

2. Dance of Universal Peace in honor of Deborah Ogden’s 60th Birthday!!! – Thursday, April 5th – 7:30 PM – Art and Science (346 E Mountain, Ft Collins) – $10 suggested donation – Or whatever you like… Deborah does not want gifts, but would LOVE to celebrate her birthday with all of you!

3. Every Monday Morning – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln – by donation – hey, guess what! We’re starting all over again! Today we were back to “Bismillah” – next week will be “Allah” and then we get back into the 99 Beautiful Names of God starting with numero uno! Cool, eh!

4. Every Thursday Evening – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science in Ft Collins – $10 suggested

5. EASTER CHANT!!! – This Sunday – April 8th – 7 PM – 135 Circle Drive, Ft Collins – $7 suggested donation

6. Denver Women’s Circle – Tuesday, April 10th – 6:30 to 9:30 PM – Lakewood – RSVP and I’ll give you the address – $10 suggested donation

7. Non-Easter Chant!!! – Sunday, April 22nd – 7 PM – 135 Circle Dr – $7 suggested donation

8. Denver Women’s Dance – Tuesday, April 24th – 7 PM – St Barnabas Church (1280 Vine St, Denver) – $8 suggested donation

9. Sufi Women’s Gathering – Sunday, April 29th – 12 PM to 3 PM – who would like to host it this time? – And please do let me know if you’re planning to attend.

10. CHANT RETREAT – May 4, 5 and 6 – Camp Santa Maria (just west of Bailey, CO) – $100 (plus facilitator donation, as you wish!) – Sign up now: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

11. MeadowFest – June 21 to 24 – I’m trying to get the flyer onto my website… oh, my poor aching cyber-challenged brain! BLECH!!! Never mind. Please e-mail me for the flyer and I’ll send you the PDF. This listserve won’t let me attach it here… sorry.

12. Also… I know… beyond the tiniest shadow of a doubt… that I was not born to be a technologically savvy human being.

13. Plus… I know that hot baths are better than cold ones, baking soda draws out bee venom, fabric softeners clean really stubborn pans, and chamomile homeopathic teething tablets are fun and delicious for babies and grown-ups alike.

14. I am relatively certain that my phone number and e-mail address are the best, most functionally effective ways to RSVP for circles and generally communicate your likes and dislikes about community events. (970)227-5275 rain@trigoddess.org

15. I have been sitting on a hard wooden kitchen chair looking at this darn fangled machine for too long and it’s time to take a nap.

See you for Mama Sing tomorrow, or Dance on Thursday!
Love, good Spring-time cheer, twitterpation and/or perfectly contented blessings in every moment!
Sara

Car Wash

Honestly, did the subject line make you think “70’s”?
Rose Royce.
Can someone please explain to me why the foamy, soapy things in the car wash are colored techno-blue, hot pink, etc.?

So… it’s not that there are too many events to list… it’s just that the list starts looking intimidating, so I’ve condensed it down a bit.
Weekly events only get one listing. I hope that works for you. Why didn’t I think of it before?
Here you go:

Friday February 24 to Sunday February 26 – Sufi Meditation Retreat – Last chance if you want to join us… let me know… now!

EVERY MONDAY MORNING – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln, Fort Collins – by donation
(Jodie will facilitate in my absence March 26th and April 2nd)

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science 346 E Mountain Ave, Ft Collins – $10 suggested donation
(Basira will facilitate in my absence March 22nd and 29th)

Tuesday, February 28th – Women’s Dance – 7 PM – St Barnabas Church (1280 Vine St, Denver) – $8 suggested donation

Sunday, March 4th – Sufi Women’s Gathering – 12 to 3 PM – Jamila’s home in Fort Collins – RSVP for address and to let me know if you’d like to lead something – potluck and 2 hours of Sufi prayer practices

Sunday, March 4th – Chant in Denver – 7 PM – 11080 E 17th Ave, Aurora (Thank you, Deb Inanna for hosting!) – $7 suggested donation

Tuesday, March 6th – Mama Sing – 10 AM – Avogadro’s Number 625 S Mason, Ft Collins – by donation

Saturday, March 10th – Fort Collins Women’s Circle – 6:30 to 9:30 PM – potluck and facilitated circle – RSVP to me – $10 suggested donation

Saturday, March 17th – Zikr in Boulder – 7:30 PM – Studio Be, 2077 30th St – Habib and I lead the evening – $5 suggested donation and dessert potluck

Sunday, March 18th – Chant – 7 PM – 135 Circle Drive, Ft Collins – $7 suggested donation – bring something to sit on.

HAPPY EQUINOX!!!

Tuesday, March 20th – Denver Women’s Circle – Equinox celebration – 6:30 to 9:30 PM – potluck and facilitated circle – $10 suggested donation – RSVP for address

Tuesday, March 27th – Mary Ellen leads the Women’s Dance of Universal Peace – 7 PM – St Barnabas Church, Denver – $8 suggested donation

Tuesday, April 10th – Mama Sing – 10 AM – Avo’s – by donation

In SILVER SPRING MARYLAND – March 24th – Mentoring Workshop for Dance of Universal Peace Leaders – 1 to 5 PM –

In SILVER SPRING MARYLAND – March 24th – Zikr – 7 PM

In OAKTON VIRGINIA – March 25th – 3 to 6 PM – Women’s Spirituality Workshop

In OAKTON VIRGINIA – March 25th – 7 PM – Charge of the Goddess

In WASHINGTON DC AREA – March 27th – Co-ed Dance of Universal Peace evening

In WASHINGTON DC AREA – March 28th – Co-ed Dance of Universal Peace evening

SAVE THE DATE!!! – Thursday, April 5th – Deborah Ogden turns 60!!! – Here’s what she has to say about it:
“I have been contemplating what type of celebration I would like. I realized that what I most want is a Dance of Universal Peace with my friends at Sara’s dance on Thursday, April 5th 7:30 – 9:30, Art and Science Center (346 E Mountain Ave., Fort Collins). Donations to the dance, as always, are appreciated. Please, no gifts, just your presence and your blessings.”

SIGN UP NOW!!! – Chant Retreat – May 4, 5, and 6 – Camp Santa Maria – facilitated by me, Mary Ellen and Sharon – $100 – online registration and more information here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

Let me level with you. If all you Pagans want me to coordinate community celebrations for the Sabbats, you have to let me know. I’ve been dropping them due to your lack of responsiveness…
Beltane is around the corner and if I don’t hear from a good number of you (I define “good” as any multi-digit prime that has a 9 in it), I won’t schedule it.
I’ve been thinking about getting my real estate license and giving up on all this spiritual stuff anyway.
Actually, a job in the car wash sounds alright.
Or I’ll go into the Air Force so I can be a fighter pilot.
Or maybe I’ll start sheep-wrangling or bull-fighting.
Are there bullfights around here?
Hey, how does one go about becoming a Russian astronaut? I hear Russia is now the world leader in space exploration. Not enough vodka on earth, apparently.

To RSVP for women’s circles, to RSVP for Beltane, or to offer a Hollandaise cooking class,
call or e-mail me: (970)227-5275 or rain@trigoddess.org

Happy Springing!
Sara

honey bee

Dear Men, Women, and Children of the Goddess,
What a joy it is to be in this great circle of Spirit with you!
Along with all the usual offerings this month, see all the “save the date” bits near the end. Such delicious community activities to share!
Try shaking them up with chocolate, a splash of orange and a sprinkling of ginger… mmm-hmmm….

Thursday, January 26th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science (346 E Mountain, F.C.) – $10 suggested donation

Sunday, January 29th – Chant – 7 PM – 5000 Boardwalk #13, F.C. – $7 suggested

Monday, January 30th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln, F.C. – by donation

Thursday, February 2nd – Imbolc Dance – 7:30 PM – Art and Science, F.C. – We’ll include some ritual and lots of Imbolc intentions… along with plenty of music and dance – $10 suggested

Sunday, February 5th – Fort Collins Women’s Circle – 6:30 to 9:30 PM – RSVP – potluck and circle – $10 suggested donation

Monday, February 6th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover – by donation

Tuesday, February 7th – Mama Sing – 10 AM – Avogadro’s Number – 625 S Mason, F.C. – by donation

Tuesday, February 7th – Denver Women’s Circle – Hey, Ladies… want to start a spiritual community of sisterhood? Let’s! – 6:30 to 9:30 PM – Jen Foster has super-graciously offered to host this newly forming circle – located in Lakewood… starting this full moon evening and then monthly – Our time will include 1 hour for social potluck and 2 hours of a facilitated circle: ceremony, singing, conversation, crafting, etc. – Please let me know if you’re interested and I’ll give you all the details. – Suggested donation $10

Wednesday, February 8th – I lead Denver Dance – 7:30 PM – Clayton Learning Center (northeast corner MLK and Colorado Blvds) – $10

Thursday, February 9th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science – $10 suggested – Basira leading!

Saturday, February 11th – Chant – 7 PM – 5000 Boardwalk #13 – $7 suggested

Monday, February 13th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover – by donation

Tuesday, February 14th – LOVE EVERYONE!!!!

Thursday, February 16th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science – $10 suggested

Saturday, February 18th – Boulder Community Zikr – 7:30 PM – Studio Be – with Habib and me – $5 suggested

Sunday, February 19th – Chant – 7 PM – 230 N Sunset, F.C. (Kiri and Mark’s) – $7 suggested

Monday, February 20th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover – by donation

Thursday, February 23rd – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science – $10 suggested

Friday, February 24 to Sunday, February 26 – SUFI MEDITATION RETREAT – Sunrise Ranch – If you are planning to attend this, but have not yet registered, please let me know as soon as you can. My preparations and communications with Sunrise Ranch depend upon it. For more information and/or to register on-line:

Special Events

Monday, February 27th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover – by donation

Tuesday, February 28th – Women’s Dance – 7 PM – St Barnabas – $8 suggested

HURRAY for LEAP YEAR!!!! I love February 29th.

Sunday, March 4th – Sufi Women’s Gathering – not sure location yet – 12 to 3 PM – potluck and Sufi practices – RSVP to me and do let me know if you’re interested in hosting!

Sunday, March 4th – Chant in Denver (well… Aurora, to be precise) – 7 to 9 PM – $7 suggested – more details coming….

 

Sara hits the road – Know folks on the east coast? – I’ll be leading the following events in the D.C. area in March – more details for locations and prices forthcoming:
*Saturday, March 24 – mentoring dance leaders – afternoon workshop
*Saturday, March 24 – Zikr evening
*Sunday, March 25 – Women’s Circle – afternoon workshop
*Sunday, March 25 – Charge of the Goddess – evening dance cycle
*Tuesday, March 27 – Dance of Universal Peace – evening circle
*Wednesday, March 28 – Dance of Universal Peace – evening circle

SAVE the DATE – Chant Weekend – Camp Santa Maria (about 40 minutes west of Denver) – May 4, 5 and 6 – Men and women welcome! More details on the way…

SAVE another DATE – Meadowfest Campout – Jack’s Gulch (about 45 minutes northwest of Fort Collins) – June 21 to 24 – more details on the way… later…

SAVE yet another DATE – Women’s Retreat (third time’s another charm) – Camp Santa Maria – September 14 to 17 – more details… eventually…

For more information about any of these listed events, or to RSVP for any of the women’s circles, call or e-mail me: (970)227-5275 rain@trigoddess.org
To find out more about the community outreach programs of the Southern Baptist Church nearest you, see this website: http://www.sbc.net/
To start up a local chapter of Girlscouts: http://www.girlscouts.org/help/contact_us.asp (I hear they are publicly supportive of the GLBT population. That, along with the scrumptious cookies, makes me a fan!).
If you’re aching for a dose of spring, check this out: https://www.google.com/search?q=yellow+tulips&hl=en&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS447US447&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=rqMfT63UIqLo2AWb2NWiDw&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CC4Q_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=675
Or, for a sound treat, try this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfJAh6hrCzw&feature=related

All right… enough of this. Clearly I’ve been on the computer too long.
Sending love and warm thoughts to all of your fingers, toeses and the tips of your noses… hold on a few more weeks and we’ll be in full-blown spring with nothing but light, heat and happiness to look forward to.
Love!
Sara

a gecko in a yarmulke

Hey Sweethearts,
I want you to know that Mini Coopers are absolutely, far and away, the best, cutest, most fun, adorably awesome cars on the road. Just saying.
I’m going to start selling joy ride tickets… like a roller coaster ride, but better because it doesn’t flip upside down on fast corners.
Here’s the smorgasbord of remaining December circles and all of January… 2012, here we come!!!

Saturday, December 24th – New Moon Christmas Eve Super Chant-a-thon! – 7 PM to 12 AM – 230 N Sunset St, Fort Collins (Kiri and Mark’s lovely home) – bring potluck snacks/desserts/drinks to share… we’ll take a couple breaks – suggested donation $10 to $40

Monday, December 26th – Sufi Meditation Circle – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln, Fort Collins – by donation – in case you’re curious… we’re focusing on “Al-Muqsit” “The Equitable”

Tuesday, December 27th – Women’s Dance  – 7 PM – St Barnabas Church, 1280 Vine, Denver – $7 suggested donation

Thursday, December 29th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science Studio, 346 E Mountain Ave, Fort Collins – $10 suggested donation

Sunday, January 1st – Women’s Sufi Gathering in Fort Collins – 12 noon to 3 PM – Co-created Sufi practice time, including a potluck social hour and 2 hours of Sufi prayer, meditation and exploration – RSVP to me

Monday, January 2nd – Sufi Meditation Circle – 9:30 AM – Clover Ln – by donation – focusing on “Al-Jami” “The Gatherer”

Tuesday, January 3rd – Mama Sing – 10 AM – Avogadro’s Number, 625 S Mason, Ft Collins – by donation

Thursday, January 5th – Dance – 7:30 PM – Art and Science – $10 suggested

Sunday, January 8th – WOMEN’S CIRCLE – 6:30 to 9:30 PM – FORT COLLINS – full moon potluck/social hour, and 2 hour facilitated time – we just started this new circle and I’m super excited about it – open community of women – great juju! – I will be leading this for the next 5 months then we’ll discuss possibilities for facilitation – RSVP to me – $10 suggested donation

Monday, January 9th – Sufi Meditation Circle – 9:30 AM – Clover Ln – by donation – focusing on “Al-Ghani” “The Independent”

Thursday, January 12th – Dance – 7:30 PM – Art and Science – $10 suggested

Friday, January 13th – Chant – 7 PM – 5000 Boardwalk #13 – $7 suggested

Saturday, January 14 to Monday, January 16 – California Quarterly – I’ll be on staff for this dance camp near Santa Barbara –http://californiaquarterly.org/wq12.shtml

Monday, January 16th – Sufi Meditation Circle – 9:30 AM – Clover Ln – by donation – Yes, the circle will continue in my absence… focusing on “Al-Mughni” “The Enricher”

Thursday, January 19th – Dance – 7:30 PM – Art and Science – $10 suggested

Saturday, January 21st – Zikr – 7:30 PM – Studio Be, 2077 30th St, Boulder – I’ll be leading in Habib’s absence – $5 donation and dessert potluck

NEWLY FORMING – DENVER WOMEN;S CIRCLE – SUNDAY the 22nd – closest to new moon – this will be structured similarly to the Fort Collins version – let’s discuss a good location for interested women – Please let me know if you’re interested in participating and any suggestions you have a for a good location…

Monday, January 23rd – Sufi Meditation Circle – 9:30 AM – Clover Ln – by donation – focusing on “Al-Mani” “The Defender”

Tuesday, January 24th – Women’s Dance – 7 PM – St Barnabas, Denver – $7 suggested donation

Thursday, January 26th – Dance – 7:30 PM – Art and Science – $10 suggested

Sunday, January 29th – Chant – 7 PM – 5000 Boardwalk #13 – $7 suggested

Monday, January 30th – Sufi Meditation Circle – 9:30 AM – Clover Ln – by donation – focusing on “Ad-Darr” “The Afflictor” (This one should be fun!)

Thursday, February 2nd – Imbolc – QUESTION: do y’all want a dance or a ritual? Let me know and I’ll make it happen. Voting day is TODAY – get your ballots in ASAP so I can make necessary arrangements.

SUFI MEDITATION RETREAT – February 24 to 26 – Registration info and Paypal options: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

NEW SPIRITUAL MENTORING CIRCLE STARTING JANUARY 2012 – The new year seems a nice opportunity to get another circle rolling… interested in participating in a Spiritual Mentoring community? Please let me know and we’ll discuss workable timing for y’all.

Hey, how many of you know how to knit socks? I’ve always marveled at that sort of thing… and then I see hand-knitted socks looking all adorable for sale at festivals and stuff and they cost like $30, and I’m all like “really? $30 for a pair of socks? why?”… And then I think… some crazy lady probably spent like a week of full-time dedication and a lifetime of patience on that pair of socks… that’s a really cheap pair of socks… but I never buy them because… really? $30 for a pair of socks? I don’t care how cute they are and how much loving insanity went into them. Oh well… when I’m old and tired and have nothing fun to do with my time, maybe I’ll take up knitting. Either that or sky-diving.

To RSVP for Women’s Sufi gathering, Fort Collins Women’s Circle, Denver Women’s Circle, or a new Spiritual Mentoring Group, send me a facebook message… just kidding… better to e-mail me directly… or call: (970)227-5275… Oh, or, even better, write your note with frosting on top of a REALLY large cookie and deliver it to my house… because I don’t have NEARLY enough cookies and candies and brownies and sweet breads in my house.

Cozy happy holiday blessings all around,
Sara

P.S. About the subject line… you know, they do generally have some kind of association with something in my life… even if I don’t bother telling you about it… but this one… Matara (my delightful daughter) just showed me an actual photograph of a real gecko wearing a yarmulke (which I didn’t know how to spell until right now). I thought you might be curious.

shoelaces

Well… let me just say, THANK GOD we’re almost done with 2011! I know it’s been kind of fun being able to write dates like 11/11/11 and stuff, but other than that… I’ll be glad to see 2012.

Tonight – Women’s Dance – 7 PM – St Barnabas Church (1280 Vine, southeast corner 13th and Vine, Denver) – $7 suggested donation

Tomorrow – Wednesday, November 23rd – I lead the weekly dance in Timothy’s absence – 7:30 PM – Clayton Learning Center (northwest corner Colorado and MLK Jr Blvd, Denver) – $10 at the door

Thursday – Eat a turkey for Jesus

Friday, November 25th – Chant – 7 PM – 230 N Sunset (Mark and Kiri’s Home, Fort Collins) – $7 suggested donation

Monday, November 28th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln, Ft Collins – by donation

Thursday, December 1st – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science Studio (346 E Mountain Ave, Ft Collins) – $10 suggested donation

Monday, December 5th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover – by donation

Tuesday, December 6th – Mama Sing – 10 AM – Avogadro’s Number (605 S Mason, Ft Collins) – by donation

Thursday, December 8th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science – $10 suggested

Saturday, December 10th – WOMEN’S CIRCLE – Now forming in Fort Collins… 6:30 to 9:30 PM – Here’s the general idea: I’d like to facilitate a new, open to all women, circle – recurring monthly – the nearest weekend day to a full moon – includes an hour for social potluck and two hours to do ritual, have facilitated conversation, sing, etc. – it will be inter-faith inclusive with Pagan tendencies – Please let me know if you’re interested and I’ll send you more information.

Sunday, December 11th – Chant – 7 PM – 50000 Boardwalk #13 – $7 suggested donation

Monday, December 12th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover – by donation

Thursday, December 15th – Dance – 7:30 PM – Art and Science – $10 suggested

Saturday, December 17th – Zikr – 7:30 PM – Studio Be, Boulder – $5 suggested – plus, bring a dessert to share – Habib and I will lead until I have to dig out to get to the Mercury in Denver…

Saturday, December 17th – Yule at the Mercury (2199 California, Denver) – 8 PM-ish to midnight-ish – Tuatha music and dancing to start and end the evening – I lead ritual somewhere in the middle, maybe around 9:30 or 10 PM – a great way to welcome back the light.

Saturday, December 18th – I lead dances at Mile Hi Church immediately following their Yule service – Service at 5:30, dances at 6:30 – it’s always great to have seasoned dancers in the mix… come on out… twill be brillig!

Monday, December 19th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln – by donation

Thursday, December 22nd – YULE Celebration in Fort Collins – 7:30 PM – at the Empire Grange 2306 W Mulberry – $10/adult suggested donation – Bring: drums, a gift for the exchange, food/drink to share…

Saturday, December 24th – Chant – 7 PM to midnight – 230 N Sunset St, Ft Collins – bring snacks/desserts/drinks to share – $10 to $40 suggested

Sunday, December 25th – don’t bother trying to go anywhere or do anything – God has ordained that the world must shut down for Jesus… oh, except for movie theaters. You can still go to movies because they are obviously the work of the devil and they only employ Lucifer’s minions to work the concession stand. Anyone up for a movie?

Monday, December 26th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln – by donation

Tuesday, December 27th – Women’s Dance – 7 PM – St Barnabas Church, Denver – $7 suggested

Thursday, December 29th – Dance – 7:30 PM – Art and Science – $10 suggested

Sunday, January 1st – Women’s Sufi Gathering in Fort Collins – 12 to 3 PM – 5000 Boardwalk #13 – Ladies, if you’re interested in exploring more Sufism and women’s community, RSVP to me – our time includes an hour of social potluck and 2 hours of Sufi prayers and practices.

SUFI MEDITATION RETREAT – Coming right up: February 24 to 26 – Sunrise Ranch, Loveland – three days of silent meditation and Sufi practices, Friday and Saturday evening Zikrs – yoga and movement with Mark Williams – Spiritual Mentoring with me – registration is now open – here’s the link for flyer and registration – http://trigoddess.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Sufi-Retreat-Flyer-2012.pdf

and to pay for the retreat online with paypal, go here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

Three other announcements, not the norm:

Young Adult Dance Leader training in Colombia – April 1 to 8, 2012 – an awesome opportunity for young adult mentored leaders in the dances to explore, deepen, adventure, and tribe together – international efforts to support the young’uns are being made. Specifically, we are all being asked to donate frequent flyer miles to help get participants to Colombia – here’s a link for the event and to find out how we can all support this good work: www.ridingthewave2012.wordpress.com

Also in April, 2012 – Jamiat Ahm in Colorado – a gathering of Sufi students and seekers – open to everyone – Shabda Kahn, Leilah Be, and Taj Inayat will be the guest teachers for this three day event at the Frog Belly Farm – I’ll have a flyer to distribute very soon, but in the meantime, mark your calendars and set aside $195 for registration: April 12 to 15.

Along the same themes – I would love to offer a Young Adult Leader training in Colorado – I could really use some help in finding a good, affordable location and getting a logistical framework in place – I’m looking at the last weekend in August, 2012 (the 23rd to the 26th) – Interested in helping? Let me know!

Please let me know if you’re planning to attend: Yule, Sufi Women, or the new Women’s Circle. (970)227-5275 or rain@trigoddess.org

And please do take advantage of the New Year opportunity to make the world a better place. Here are my resolution suggestions:
*I resolve to be a good driver, use my turn signal, pay attention when the light turns green, and to never text again.
*I resolve to eat and drink something delicious first thing every morning (after peeing, of course) so that I will be pleasant to everyone all day.
*I resolve not to wear perfume in public because it is an assault to my fellow human beings.
*I resolve to keep my public conversations appropriate and to NOT talk about colonoscopies and other disgusting procedures at the table. Ever.
*I resolve not to use motorized yard equipment and tools before 8 AM on weekdays or 11 AM on weekends.
*When I’m not going to be nice to people, I resolve to stay in bed.
*I resolve to be utterly lovable all the time.

Yes, I think that’s a lovely start.
Y’all have my blessing to take valium to help you get through the holidays.
Love and Joy!
Sara

Dear Baby Jesus, Thank you for my mom.

Dear Community,
It is so perfectly delightful to be home and re-connecting with all of you after traveling and having perfectly delightful adventures abroad.
Thank you to Basira for holding dance and meditation circles in my absence! It is such a comfort to know that the community events are in such good hands while I’m away.
I’m back for all of November and excited to share lots of yummy spiritual, musical, delectable circles with you! Starting with…

Friday, October 28th – Kalliope performs at the Witches Ball – Mercury Cafe – Denver – 8 PM – We’ll start the evening with a couple Samhain chants and then dive into an hour of stage time before Primal Groove pulses dance rhythms into the wee morning hours…

Sunday, October 30th – Chant – 5000 Boardwalk #13, Fort Collins – 7 PM – $7 suggested donation

Monday, October 31st – Sufi Meditation – 449 Clover Ln – 9:30 AM – by donation

Monday, October 31st – Women’s Samhain Ritual – 10 PM – 449 Clover Ln – Wear Black… all black… nothing but black… and then more black… bring an item for the altar for the dead … be prepared for an evening of shadow work and ritual – RSVP – RSVP – RSVP – to me – RSVP – Women only – $10 to $20 suggested donation

LET’S WAIT A WEEK FOR MAMA SING – Please and thank you…

Tuesday, November 1st – Zikr at the Starhouse – Boulder – 7:15 PM – I will be leading along with Habib – $10 to $15

Thursday, November 3rd – Dance of Universal Peace – Art and Science, 346 E Mountain Ave, Fort Collins – 7:30 PM – $10

Sunday, November 6th – Women’s Sufi Gathering – 12 noon – Boulder – RSVP for more details

Monday, November 7th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln – by donation

Tuesday, November 8th – Mama Sing – 10 AM – Avogadro’s Number, 625 S Mason, Ft Collins – by donation

Thursday, November 10th – Full Moon Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science, Fort Collins – $10

Saturday, November 12th – Chant – 5000 Boardwalk #13 – 7 PM – $7 suggested donation

Monday, November 14th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln – by donation

Thursday, November 17th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science, Fort Collins – $10

Monday, November 21st – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln – by donation

Tuesday, November 22nd – Women’s Dance of Universal Peace – 7 PM – St Barnabas Church, 1280 Vine St, Denver – $8

Thursday, November 24th – Give thanks for vacations! – NO DANCE in FORT COLLINS

Friday, November 25th – Chant – at Mark and Kiri’s home 230 N Sunset, Fort Collins – 7 PM – $7 suggested donation

Monday, November 28th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln – by donation

If you haven’t already completed your holiday shopping, I suggest canceling the holidays this year. It’s not worth the stress and mess. Traffic is a disaster already, shopping sucks in general, parties are over-rated, and I really do think Scrooge just got a bad rap. This far north of the equator, mammals are supposed to hibernate. I’m ready to start right now… well, after Zikr.
If you’re a woman and interested in the Samhain ritual and/or the Sufi gathering, please let me know as soon as you can, so I can get on with my planning.
If you’re a man and want to volunteer to chauffeur the women around, wash dishes, do laundry, or watch children during the Samhain ritual or Sufi gathering… I love you! You’re hired! Let me know how to get in touch with you so I can start coordinating your selfless service!
Just kidding… sorry gentlemen. I hope you’ll be very happy with the co-ed offerings this month and I promise to be more inclusive in the very near future.

Happy Jack-o-Pumpkin Blessings!
Sara

(970)227-5275
rain@trigoddess.org

P.S. Please do NOT give the trick-or-treaters pencils, toothbrushes, vitamin-C packets, condoms or any other responsible items. They really just want the really good junk food like Peanut M&Ms, Cracker Jacks (the kind that come with drivers’ licenses), Snickers (full size bars, not those lousy little “fun size” piddly-winks), Bubblicious, and 12-oz cans of Coca-Cola Classic. Trust me on this.

sunglasses at night

Dear Ones,

As the days shrink and night is upon us earlier, we miss out on so much opportunity to wear shades… sad, I know.
Like I said, there is now a brand spanking new Thursday evening dance in Fort Collins, every single week (we might take a break for Thanksgiving… but it’s a couple months away yet).
I’m psyched and jazzed and excited and geared up for this shiny possibility to expand the Fort Collins dancing community.
I do hope we’ll have a good, solid group to get it going and make it sustainable.
Plan B, if after a couple months it doesn’t seem to be working out, I’ll start a drinking club at the Crown Pub. Just so you know the options.
Here’s the event line-up:

Thursday, August 25th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science studio 346 E Mountain Ave, Fort Collins – $10 (or what you can afford)

Friday, August 26th – Chant – 7 PM – 5000 Boardwalk #13, Fort Collins – $7 suggested donation – by the way, starting in September, I’m moving chants away from Fridays so as not to bunch it up with the dance… consider yourselves warned!)

Monday, August 29th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln, Fort Collins – by donation

Wednesday, August 31st – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Clayton Learning Center, northwest corner MLK Jr Blvd and Colorado, Denver – I’m leading in Timothy’s absence – $10

Thursday, September 1st – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science, 346 E Mountain – $10

Sunday, September 4th – Chant – 7 PM – 5000 Boardwalk #13 – $7 suggested donation

Monday, September 5th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover – by donation

Tuesday, September 6th – Mama Sing – 10 AM – Avogadro’s Number 605 S Mason, Ft Collins – by donation

Wednesday, September 7th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Clayton Learning Center, Denver – I’m leading again – $10

Thursday, September 8th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Fort Collins – $10

Friday, September 9 to Monday, September 12 – Dancing with the Goddess – Women’s Retreat – Camp Santa Maria – I’m still letting ladies sign up until our fabulous cook, Mary Link, says she can’t accommodate any more. Let me know if you’re planning to come!

NO SUFI CIRCLE SEPTEMBER 12th!!! – All the ladies will be up the hill retreating… Allah will have to wait until next week.

Thursday, September 15th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Art and Science, Ft Collins – $10

Saturday, September 17th – Peace in the Park – Civic Park, Loveland, at the Foote Lagoon – 12 PM to 6 PM – I’ll be doing some inter-faith blessing thing to kick off the festival around noon.

Saturday, September 17th – Community Zikr in Boulder – 7:30 PM – Studio Be (on 30th St) – the monthly shin-dig – toward the one and all that -Habib leads most of the evening but lets me jump in the mix for part of it – $5 suggested donation

Sunday, September 18th – Kalliope at the Sustainable Living Fair – Sharon and I are cooking up some fun tunes to share with all the Earth lovers – 1 PM to 2 PM – Legacy Park, Fort Collins

Monday, September 19th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln – by donation

Thursday, September 22nd – Dance in Fort Collins – 7:30 PM – $10

Saturday, September 24th – MABON CHANT MARATHON!!!! – 7 PM to 12 midnight – 5000 Boardwalk #13 – this was so awesome when we did it in June, let’s try again, shall we? -Suggested donation $10 to $40 – of course, please bring veg-head snacks/drinks to share – we’ll have a couple breaks during our uber-chant… woo-hoo! (Happy Equinox, by the way)

Monday, September 26th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover – by donation

Tuesday, September 27th – New Moon Women’s Dance of Universal Peace – 7 PM – St Barnabas Church (1280 Vine St, Denver) – Hey ladies, this dance is in danger of disappearing… if you like it and want to keep it, come dance with us, and bring a friend – suggested donation $7

Thursday, September 29th – Dance in Fort Collins – 7:30 PM – $10

Friday, September 30th – Happy Birthday to Rumi!!!

My fingers are sore and swollen from typing. So this month you get nothing but a little story about pickles and jam.
Once upon a time, the autumn berries were gathered in and asked, “darling, would you prefer to be pie, jam, or just gobbled up raw and juicy fresh?” The blackberries hemmed and hawed and said “oh me, oh my, what a pickle!” while the raspberries guffawed and said “oh my, oh me, what a jam!” The end.
I really don’t know where this stuff comes from.
But I love you, and I’m tickled and pleased to be offering events this month with some juicy enthusiasm for the unfolding.
Happy harvesting!
Sára

P.S. If you missed my attunement about sacred doughnuts at the last chant, remind me to repeat it sometime soon. It’s a treat!

grimble bar (a.k.a. fig newton)

Dear Darling Sweethearts,
Sorry I'm so slow this month. I've been traveling.
Thanks to the ladies who showed up for Mama Sing this morning
even though I never e-mailed the announcement. You girls are awesome!
Change is in the air. Today is Lughnasadh, first harvest,
letting go into Autumn, believe it or not, like it or not.
Here's what I'm cooking up in my very hot kitchen:

PENDING - Thursday evening Dance of Universal Peace in Fort Collins -
I'm working on setting up a happy home for a new weekly dance.
Of course, I'll let you know the exact details, but the idea is:
every Thursday, 7:30 to 9:30, hopefully near Old Town,
each evening will be an inter-faith DUP experience with 30 minutes
or so of Zikr somewhere in there. Start clearing out your Thursday
evenings. It may start as early as the 11th of August.

Wednesday, August 3rd - I will be leading the Denver Dance of Universal
Peace - 7:30 PM - Clayton Learning Center (MLK Jr Blvd and Colorado) -
$10 at the door

Wednesday to Sunday, August 3 to 7 - Dragonfest - Iannin and I are heading
up a chant and drum workshop Friday 1-3 - and a whole slew of us are leading
Main Ritual Saturday 7 PM-ish

Monday, August 8th - 9:30 AM - Sufi Meditation Circle - 449 Clover Ln -
by donation

Friday, August 12th - Chant - 7 PM - 5000 Boardwalk #13 -
$7 suggested donation

Monday, August 15th - Sufi Meditation - 9:30 AM - 449 Clover Ln - by donation

AUGUST 20th - DEADLINE FOR REGISTERING FOR THE GODDESS RETREAT -
September 9 to 12 - Near Bailey - lots of wonderful women leaders -
flyer/registration here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

Monday, August 22nd - Sufi Meditation - 9:30 AM - 449 Clover Ln - by donation

Tuesday, August 23rd - Women's Dance of Universal Peace - 7 PM -
St Barnabas Church (1280 Vine St, Denver) - $7 suggested donation

Wednesday, August 24th - I may be leading Dance in Denver -
Shall I let you know?

Friday, August 26th - Chant - 7 PM - 5000 Boardwalk #13 -
$7 suggested donation

Monday, August 29th - Sufi Meditation - 9:30 AM - 449 Clover Ln - by donation

Wednesday, August 31st - I may be leading Dance in Denver - want the 411?

Friday, September 2nd - Chant - 7 PM - 5000 Boardwalk #13 -
$7 suggested donation

Kind of a skinny month, eh? I'm sure you'll find lots of BBQ parties to
fill up your spare time. And if you just don't know what to do with yourself,
try fly fishing. You can take the hook off the end so fish just enjoy chasing
around the lure, fling around pretty flies, get some good wrist exercise and
enjoy freezing your knees, legs, ankles and feet off. Woo-hoo! If you still
don't know what to do with yourself, I'd love to get my house re-painted.
Want to come help?
Feel free to contact me about pretty much any old thing.
If I don't want to help you out, I won't return your call: (970)227-5275.
Cheerio!
Cap'n Crunch!
Cornflakes!
Raisin Bran!
Cocoa Puffs!
Froot Loops!
Granola!
Sára!

(970)227-5275
rain@trigoddess.org

P.S. Why are dried plums called prunes, dried grapes called raisins,
but dried figs are figs, and dried dates are dates?
Matara and I have re-named them. Dried figs are now "grimbles" and
dried dates are now "draves." Pass it on.

crawdads are aliens

Dear Sun-Scorched Community,
I, for one, am delighted that summer finally showed up in all her radiant, sun-shining glory! Lemonade, watermelon, mosquitoes, long days, cool evening, mm-hmmm….
Let’s circle!

Tuesday, June 28th – Women’s Dance – 7 PM – St Barnabas Church 1280 Vine, Denver – $7 suggested donation

Thursday, June 30th – New Moon Ritual – 7 PM – in Fort Collins – RSVP for more information – Adults only – contemplative focus – $10 suggested donation

Friday, July 1st – New Moon Super Chant Marathon – 7 PM to 12 AM – 449 Clover Ln, Ft Collins – please bring a snack and/or drink to share, we’ll intersperse chant sessions with refreshments and keep the music going until midnight, because we’re such singing rebels! – Suggested donation $10 to $40

Monday, July 4th – Sufi Meditation (yes, we will carry on with our Sufi plans, regardless of the patriotic hullabaloo) – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln – focus on “Al-Hayy” “The Ever-Living” – by donation

Tuesday, July 5th – Mama Sing – 10 AM – Avogadro’s Number (605 S Mason, Ft Collins) – by donation

Saturday, July 9th – Mini-Sufi-Retreat – 1 PM to 5 PM – 5000 Boardwalk #13 – Four sweet hours of meditation, breath focus and Zikr – Please RSVP to me, so I can brace (er, I mean, “prepare”) myself for your arrival and participation – $10 to $40 suggested donation

Monday, July 11th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover Ln – focus on “Al-Qayyum” “The Subsisting” – by donation

Tuesday, July 12th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7 PM – Sunrise Ranch (100 Sunrise Ranch Rd, Loveland) – $5 suggested donation

Friday, July 15th – Full Moon Chant – 7 PM – 230 N Sunset St, Ft Collins (Kiri and Mark’s home) – Hey, does anyone want to volunteer to head over there early and build a fire so we can chant around sparkly flames? Let me know – $7 suggested donation

Monday, July 18th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover – focus on “Al-Wajid” “The Perceiver” – by donation

Sunday, July 24th to Sunday, July 30th – Wilderness Dance Camp – Flathead Lake, Montana – I’ll be on staff… looking forward to a new dance adventure! It’s not too late to join the caravan: http://www.onenessproject.com/events/wdc/wilderness.info.htm

Monday, July 25th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – 449 Clover – Basira will facilitate in my absence (thank you, Basira!) – focus on “Al-Majid” “The Magnificent” – by donation

Tuesday, July 26th – Women’s Dance of Universal Peace – 7 PM – St Barnabas Church (1280 Vine, Denver) – facilitated by Mary Ellen and Basira (Thank you, Ladies!) – $7 suggested donation

HURRY, HURRY, HURRY!!! You only have 3 more days to register for Dragonfest! Registrations must be postmarked BEFORE July 1st: http://dragonfest.org/retreat/registration/

And, with not so much of a hurry, registration for Dancing with the Goddess women’s retreat is now open. Retreat is September 9th to 12th. http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

And, with no hurry whatsoever, I send all of you heartfelt blessings for a relaxing summer rhythm: late morning and mid-afternoon naps in hammocks, sweet and refreshing drinks to tickle your tastebuds and rejuvenate every cell, just enough UV to make your heart glow, harmonious leisure time with family and friends or all by yourself, lush gardens with fat and juicy delectables, bike rides and hikes to inspire and strengthen your body and spirit…

Please do Reply So Very Promptly for new moon ritual and Sufi-mini-retreat.
See you in circle!
Sára

(970)227-5275
rain@trigoddess.org

P.S. Smiling will get you much prettier wrinkles than frowning. Just saying.