Healing Ceremony Opens Hearts

June 8, 2010 was a beautiful healing day for our growing community of individuals eager to take part and be a part of a change in the way we do things.

In an outreach from Chief Arvol Looking Horse of the Sioux Tribe, we gathered in Atlantic Beach in a ceremony of healing -- healing mother ocean and mother earth.  Nurturing and tending to the wound of the oil spill catastrophe. 

Our friends, beach onlookers, and local community interest individuals shared vials of water from their homes and ceremoniously combined the waters in a wooden bowl and carried enmass to the ocean's edge.

With all bodies, hands, and minds touching we offered pure and clean water to Mother Ocean on World Ocean Day.  She accepted the water and gathered it quickly so to wash the wound of the oil.

It was beautiful and sad at the same time, but peace was brought to us on that special day.

Lynn Curtin played the guitar and sang her new song ' White Buffalo' as the group drummed, Gerald Behler played the flute, and received the energy from the didgeridoo from Constance Frankenberg.

The gathering consisted of business owners, retirees, children, biologists, musicians, drummers, writers, etc.
such as Sharon Elliott, Kathleen Boudreau, Lauren and Nada, Joan Niegler, Lelia, Deb Goin, Bette Bucci, Kate Cordell of Ocean Yoga, and many more. 

The next day, Joan shared with us a poem she wrote while still glowing from the day before:

A SAD TALE

I live in a time,
When there is water and earth
Air and fire
They are constant
But I had forgotten
How sharply their powers
Conflict with the power of man
I’m back in my spirit
No longer ignoring
The reality of things
Not seen or heard
Only felt and imagined
Accept
Embrace
Sadness that surrounds us
Will balance
With happiness
That waits for a solution
Look for it
Hope for it
Find it
Or
Someday, children will be taught
How flowers bloomed
In every color of the rainbow
Oh yes,
Rainbows were prisms of color the sky
The sky was blue
Clouds were white
Forests were thick with the tallest trees
Oceans were constantly in motion
With waves rippling to the sandy shore
All of this took place
In an ancient world
Called Earth.

DARE YOUR DIVINITY - A WOMAN'S GATHERING

CONNOR SAUER ..... COMING SOON..... AUTHOR, KEYNOTE, WILD WOMAN.......VISITS JACKSONVILLE TO FILL OUR CUP WITH RADIANCE......

Women…….Dare Your Divinity....By Connor SauerWhen Women Gather...They Find Joy and Creative Flow!!!



A one-day retreat for divine women of wisdom!

Saturday, May 22, 2010



Noon-9PM

Ocean Yoga Center


Atlantic Beach, FL


A day to gather and explore our.. . .

..Genuine Presence
Practice a deeper sense of “genuine presence”

..Collaborative & Celebratory Natures
Replace competition with generosity and collaboration

..Gifts of Genius
Creating abundance, joy, fun, and ease through unfolding our gifts and genius.

..Ways of Seeing and Being
Be witnessed and celebrated…..See and be in new ways through perceptual shifts

..Interdependence
Experience mutual cooperation, support, and sharing through understanding interdependence

..Uniqueness and Wonderful Selves
Discover, recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and what can be created through a collaborative experience, just being our wonderful selves

..Deepest Law of Living
Consider what life could be, living in alignment with the Deepest Law.

..‘Holding of the Bowl’ for others
Know what “Holding the Bowl” for others means.

..Living as a Side-by
Know what making room for others’ genius means, and living as a Side-by.

..Inner Expert and Innate Wisdom
Bring your own “inner expert and wisdom” and be part of seeding something special for the land where you live.

…Partnerships
Consider dynamic partnerships with deeper, more meaningful context

…What’s Next
Open to building “what’s next” for us all with greater transparency

Come!

Using wisdom, metaphors, storytelling, inquiry, collective creation points, interactive exchange, drumming, dancing, song, creative expression, and contemplation, we will create abundance, joy, and fun!

And, Meet Connor!!!!


Space is Limited.  Call soon to save your space.

904-334-5290

mawilson1@comcast.net

sponsored by Marilyn Wilson and Lynn Curtin

Bollywood Comes to The Beaches ......November 22

No Shoes Required! Barefeet a Treat!

Dance like they do in Bollywood on November 22!

Thanks Ocean Yoga and danceWorks from Florida State College for hosting.

This is going to be so much fun.

 

Come on down!!!

 

 

 

 

 

The Atlantic Meets Art

Another wonderful evening at the Thursday night Art Walk in Atlantic and Neptune Beach.





We arrived almost too late to really get a parking place and have time to see all the artist's displays, so we headed to the Adele Grage building on 7th for the art exhibited in that location.






Ok, I had an ulterior motive -- my friend and artist, Sharon Westbrook, was displaying her artwork at Adele Grage, and I hadn't seen her work in almost a month as she has been traveling the east coast art festivals. Check this one out!!!!



I grabbed a glass of wine and my new (Reclaim Samsung) camera phone to try out the picture-taking capability (not bad) this artsy evening.



Here we are feeling very small next to Sharon's passionate artwork.



You just gotta love her!

You can check Sharon out at http://www.sharonwestbrook.com/

I need more walls for more of her paintings.....

Enjoy..

When Women Gather!

The First Women's Drum Circle (WDC) formed last night in Jacksonville Beach on the front lawn of the Renaissance Healing Center (RHC) -- the perfect location for the WDC!


Thirty-five women gathered - some out of curiosity, others seeking strength in the connection with women, many experienced drummers and belly dancers seeking another venue to drum, a few in support of my new and exciting adventure, and all attracted to the age old tradition and universal connection of women and drumming.


The beautiful sky and ocean breeze were our friendly companions throughout the night as we watched the evening and the sun set to the rhythm of our drums.

Bridging our east coast beach communities of St. Augustine to Atlantic Beach and over the intracoastal to the west beaches, was the beacon of the drum.



Recognizing the need to share our energy and be the creative beings that women are and continue to be ,was my motivation for forming this Women's Drum Circle and to provide a place that women could gather and join in the drumming community.

Thanks so much to the Renaissance's location - rain or shine - we will have many more enjoyable evenings.



A few of the women gathered were Jane Chadwick, president of the sawgrass women's club and Joan Tobey of sawgrass; Debbie Young, local acupuncturist and full-moon drummer; Carolyn Drazien of Funky Shui Divas Home Staging and Decorating; Kate Cordell of Ocean Yoga; Irene Farwell of New York Life; Jane Wade and 2 friends from St. A; Lacy Norman-Belly Dancer and Pilates Instructor at RHC; Heather Hixon - RHC massage therapist and yoga instructor; and, of course my drum circle collaborator, Lynn Curtin - 'The Voice.'





That is just a few of the women 35 women sharing the glorious evening with me and the beginning of a new gathering for women.


I always knew 'THE RHYTHM METHOD' would take on new meaning to me at some point in my life!!!!!


And, we all redefined it last night as we played our drums.


We enjoyed the Lacy's bellydancing and found that it is harder than it looks.


Practice Practice Practice in the drum circles in the future.



We hope more will be joining us in the fun.











For more detail you can contact me at 904-334-5290 or marilynsonthemove@yahoo.com

http://www.debbieyoungap.com/
Carolyn Drazien (carolyndiva1@yahoo.com)
http://www.oceanyoga.biz/


http://www.renaissancehealingcenter.com/
nifarwell@ft.newyorklife.com
http://www.journeyofthedrum.com/



We're just keeping the Beat!

She's Ba - a - a -ck!

Our Leader - Our Guru - Our Mentor - Our Coach ------

The All Write Now group of women is glad to have Sharon Elliott back in town.

Yes, our one and only Sharon is back from Vermont and staying put (we hope) here for a good while!

Ok. It wasn't complete desertion ...... even though we did feel a great loss when she moved to Vermont with her husband.

Sharon kept smiles on our faces and pens in our hands as she trekked back and forth from the Vermont snow to the Florida sun on a monthly basis just to keep her growing group of women writers happy. (I think she missed the beach too)

Now that she is back, a new series of classes are beginning and we are all thrilled to be a part of these new and exciting sessions. Pick one or more - they all inspire the soul.

All Write Now - Writing with the 4 Elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water)
Artistic Living - Inspiring Creativity in Writing and in Life
Inventing the Rest of Our Lives - Feminine Creativity After 50
The Artist's Way - Creativity Workshop

Sharon can be reached at milletday@yahoo.com; or see http://sharonelliott.wordpress.com/

My first class started yesterday -- (Inventing the Rest of our Lives) Surprised? :)

With this powerful group of women I am off to a great start and our creative energy is surging. Let me share a picture of my group and a couple of the writings from yesterday.


Sherry, Joan, Christine, Sharon, Abby, me (on the floor) ---

See the power and the creative energy?? I bet you do!





Now, let me share two of the writings from our first class!

“The Way Back” by Joan Neigler

As I make my way back
I falter. I stop.
Stunned and in shock

As I make my way back
Think of what was where
Wonder what is there

As I make my way back
Memories slipping
Melancholy gripping

As I make my way back
Happy yet frightened
Far from enlightened

As I make my way back
What’s happening now
Shifting and misty
Is a feeling of WOW!

As I make my way back
With hope and some doubt
Reality slights me
Within and without

As I make my way back
And I want to, so badly
I’ll wait ‘til I’m ready
But start the trek sadly

As I make my way back
I was there and am here
Nearness is where?

As I make my way back
Spirits are sinking
I’m finally thinking

As I make my way back
Nothing has changed
And everything’s different

As I make my way back
I stop in my tracks
And now know, so clearly

I am the way back
Here in the moment
The future is mine
A living experiment

And once I’ve experienced
What life has in store
I’ll think of the past
Likely wish for more

The circles
The cycles
The seasons
The years

We’re all on a journey
With smiles and tears

As I make my way back

************************

Writing by Marilyn Ashe Wilson

Good Morning. I don't see you.
Good Day. Not a passing glance.
Good Evening. I think I've missed it.
All because I was not Writing.

When I'm not writing,
I'm not thinking, beyond
the given moment.

The chatter filling my clogged brain,
Isn't stilled or observed
Unless I'm writing.

I pay little attention to the daily grind,
And the loss of all my precious time,
Unless I'm writing.

Events actually pass, in an obscure
and fleeting way
Without notation or emphasis,
Unless I'm writing.

I may even age a bit
or gain a pound or two,
But I always miss the reflection
Unless I'm writing.

You say, I love you, and I say
Me, too.
Yet the feelings escape me
Unless I'm writing.

With all that said,
It seems obvious to me,
I simply need to be writing.

So, I'm here again to take it up
And to remember that my life
Is worth the writing.

I'll remember the days
The hours gone by, and shall taste them later.
Because I'm writing.

Today, I am able to say...

Good Morning,

Good Day, and
Good Evening..
Because I see you now, I hear you now, I taste you now

I am Writing!

***********************************

Thanks and Bye for now.

Earthdance 2009

If you don't already know...................Global Peace Day is arriving --

SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

Earthdance is a Global Festival for Peace uniting over 350 locations in 50 countries with m usic and dance in celebration of Peace for our Mother Earth.

Earthdance is supported here in Jax by an open community drum experience where all people can share & contribute to a unified experience through ecstatic and spontaneous drum, dance & many forms of performance art.

Drum and Dance for Peace.

This year the Location is ---- Atlantic/Neptune Beach (just behind the Sea Horse Inn)

Raindate: 9/27/09

Participants wanted for San Mandala Creation at 5PM.

Drummers and Dancers gather around 6PM; Drumcircle 6:30P-10P

Donations Accepted.

For more information, contact Steve Alvarado at drumjamm@yahoo.com or http://www.earthdance.org/

and The Beat Goes On.........

Your imagination, please!

Now, using your colorful imagination (because i didn't get too many pictures) --

See a Circle of 22 adventurous souls sitting around a candlelit center of a beautiful room with wooden floors and stone fireplace.......each person, rhythmically drumming on their personally selected drum or percussion instrument......each, tuning in to the different sounds around them, hearing themselves in connection with the others and the difference each one makes tonight and in life, while they slowly, rhythmically connect to the musical expressions of the collective group.

The beat starts quietly and methodically and then raises to a crescendo of blended sounds filling the room with a beat of its own. Dynamic, exciting, spiritual, meditative, and thrilling.

That was last night, that was our group of adventurers and passionate drummers who came together at the beautiful Palm Valley Gardens location to explore this interesting medium of connectivity in the community - Drum Circles.

They were not disappointed. They are ready for more.

These 22 adventurers and explorers must be mentioned -- they included area professionals such as: Dean Allan, our evening's workshops facilitator, drummer, and music teacher from St. Augustine; Steve Alvarado, experienced drummer and a part of the downtown drum circle; Debbie Young, Qigong instructor and Full Moon Drum Circle facilitator at the Jax Beach location; Mims Cushing, local writer/author and drummer; Michele Andrews, partner/owner of Palm Valley Gardens; Barbara Lutes, NIA instructor; and Andrew Carey, massage therapist and drummer/chanter.

All of these individuals offered so much to the evening; and their enthusiasm and love for drumming poured out to all of the rest of the many other supportive friends from uptown, downtown, around town, and intown that joined us last night.

These friends and new community are....Barbara King-Hall, Donna Christensen, Bobbi York, Francine Smith, Ida Doherty, June Land, Lena Gallion, Lyn, Mary Howell, Michael, Rick Drazien, Charlie and Colette Sellars, Odiya Slickis, and, of course, me and my adorable hunk of a husband, Frankie-Baby.

Now that's a powerful group!

We all left with a sensation of continuity and community -- with a feather in our caps and a decorated river rock marking our time together......

....................as the river flows, so does our life!

Keep marching to the beat of YOUR own drum!

Hey yanga, ho yanga, hey yan yan!

View Dean's Blog: omrose.blogspot.com

Community Connections - Artistree

Just happened to be at Artistree in Atlantic Beach today for reasons that will reveal themselves in the future!

However, the point really is -- Artistree is leading the way in connecting our community by providing a variety of events appealing to everyone and anyone. All you have to do is just step right out and come enjoy the fun.

The next happening event is:

For more information:
The Artistree Inc.
725-5 Atlantic Blvd.
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233

http://www.theartistree.com

904-241-0426

As we support our community of artists, our community of artists will support us! Come on out. It is just the beginning.

Great fun, great people, great art - and who knows what else! Explore.

See what everyone is talking about.

New Computer Class...

Richard Cordell is starting a few computer classes for those of you who want more information on Social Media Networking -- Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.

Here is the info:

Overview - Saturday, July 18; 1P-3P; Ocean Yoga in Atlantic Beach
Intensive Facebook Workshop - 3:30P-5P; same place

Contact Richard for more information at www.richardcordell.com
or 742-4581.

GET CONNECTED!

Three Day Weekends Are The Best!

A nice twist to the 4th of July. Friday kicking off the weekend. It was perfect!

4 nights and 3 days of fun and sun!

Thursday night kicked off a night of music at Sawgrass; then; a night of good food, good friends, some family, and good eats; add another night of friends, parades, and fireworks; and a final night of 'drumming and the full moon.'

At the foot of our street - we watched the Golf Cart Parade! What a hoot! Beads, candy, and coins were thrown to the loyal neighbors sitting along side the main road around Sawgrass. Fun way to start the morning.

A great evening of fireworks with the "Kuhns" group!

Then -- the 4th of 6 swimming lessons for Frank's grandchildren -- Alex and Savannah. The little mermaid and the shark -- 2 more lessons and they'll be experts and ready for the swim team.

Then a wonderful finale in Jax Beach -- drumming with Debbie Young's group and enjoying the full moon and new friends.

Perfect! Even the expression on Frank's face was Perfect! :)

I would say that was almost a perfect weekend. The only things missing were all my kids and grandkids -- all enjoying the weekend in different spaces and different places. Such is life this year!

No Excuses -- Yoga is Everywhere

No excuses anymore -- No matter where you are on the beach -- You can find a Yoga Class.

Kate Cordell, of Ocean Yoga, in Atlantic Beach is staying open this entire holiday weekend - JUST FOR YOU!

Come on in - out of the heat - and heat up your healthy bodies with yoga and friendships. You can also bring your visiting family and friends -- If they haven't tried it - they will thank you forever.

NEW SIX-WEEK SERIES STARTING
with Kate Cordell, ERYT 500, LMT

Beginning Yoga-Part 2
Thursday, July 16
7pm-8 pm
Cost: $60.00 for 6-week series

Pre-register by call 742-4582 or yogakate@bellsouth.net
http://www.oceanyoga.biz/

Will I see you there?

My Kind of Yoga!

OHMMMMMMMM............

Who could turn down an opportunity to relax in the park in Atlantic Beach?

These wonderfully relaxed people (and kitty) are experiencing the benefits of their Yoga Class during the Savasana (relaxation) portion of this outdoor yoga session.

Savasana is when your body takes in all the benefits and healing energy derived from the different poses performed. Complete relaxation and joy.

My friend, Lucy Lynch, teaches this lovely class and here are the details:

Every Sunday

9:30AM - 11 AM

Johanson Park, Atlantic Beach

Seminole Road just past Selva Marina Entrance

Under the Trees

Donation or Investment in Self - $5-$10 only per class

For more information email Lucy at mailto:yogarise@gmail.com or call Lucy at 716-6884.

The Gangs All Here!

There are typical ways to celebrate local establishment's anniversaries; then there are the celebratory ways of RAGTIME TAVERN in Atlantic Beach and their 'gang' of LOYAL FOLLOWERS!



In this day and time, celebrating a 26th anniversary is pretty special; and RAGTIME knew it!



SO.......Last night, June 30, 2009, the local beaches community turned out to help RAGTIME celebrate their 26th anniverary.

With a cake the size of a table top AND the 'best' band - Cloud 9 - the crowd was very happy and

feeling young!


Frank and I are just a few of the loyal followers of Ragtime and Cloud 9 along with almost everyone else we know, like Paula and Brenda - including fans from the Westside of Jacksonville, like Cheryl, and Rickie (with Diana), who came all this way to enjoy the evening too.




When the Old Gang turns out, we know there are a mix of memories that each one shares personally -- some have been coming to Ragtime since it opened and have their special seat by the door; some are just hanging out enjoying the scene; and others feel like it's just another day in Paradise!



Either way, it was good to see everyone, like Larry, Chuck, Diana, and Chris and get updated on the latest -- even a beautiful engagement ring was displayed this evening -- congrats Steve and Cathy!



Cloud 9 kept the dance floor busy, as usual and even saluted Michael Jackson with a Moon Walk performance and playing his songs. Fun times!


Thanks RAGTIME for sticking around and doing it right!

HAPPY 26TH ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!

Local Fun!

The best evenings are still the evenings we spend right here in our beaches community.


Frank and I headed out to dinner last night with no real destination. Out of the blue - Frank decided he wanted to try Tama's in Neptune Beach (904-241-0099). A nice change, good food, and right in the heart of what's happening.
I had the Teriyaki Chicken and Frank had a shrimp dish. Presentation was perfect and we were happy.


Off we went for a stroll. To the bar at One Ocean and a little rest on their back patio overlooking the dunes and the ocean. Wonderful sea breeze night!

Heading back, we ended up at Shelby's Outdoor Courtyard where we listened to a great duo, ran into a friend from Newcomer's (Lindsey and Doug) -- then off to Ragtime to hear a more different sound from the Boogie Freaks. Before my ears burst - we did an about face and stopped by Mezza Luna for delicious desserts - mixed fruit cobbler and vanilla ice cream and New York Cheese Cake.


All of that we did within just a few blocks of each other. No doubt about it -- Atlantic and Neptune Beach have it going on!


Trick is to get there early - secure your parking space - and enjoy all that they have to offer. The shops even stay open for our wanderings! Love it.

(http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Shelbys.Coffee.Shoppe.904-249-2922)
www.oneoceanresort.com
www.ragtimetavern.com
www.mezzalunaneptunebeach.com
www.boogiefreaks.com/band

SISTERS.......Are Made Right Here on Earth, oh yea!

Just when I thought sisters were made in heaven, I found out, they are also made right here on earth!

I must officially and publicly thank 2 of my very good friends for being more than that to me.....being the sisters I did not get in heaven, but the sisters I've made right here on earth.

Today, I received a gift from 2 women -- Bette Bucci and Carolyn Drazien -- gifts from the heart and gifts from the soul. Gifts that only a sister, a soul sister could give!

Bette thought of me when she saw this adorable painting in an art gallery in St. Augustine. She brought it home for me. I am touched and grateful. Thank you Bette.

The inscription says (but you can't see it) -- BE WHO YOU ARE! Thank you for loving me the way that I am and encouraging me to continue being true to myself. Wonderful reminder.


Then, I arrived home to find that my friend, Carolyn (Funky Shui Divas) had 'played' at my house when I had an appointment and she was hanging around waiting for her next appointment.

There she was -- playing and accessorizing as she went --- so when I came home, my house was staged and rearranged in a delightful combination of hearth and home.

I love Carolyn for that special knack she has of pulling things together and making them special while remembering my individual personality and likes.

Thank you Carolyn. What a treat to come home to that re-decor instead of my back hurting from my own antics and trials at recreating uses for home accessories. You're it from now on!
Sisters are made right here on earth!

I'm convinced......

Hugs.

www.funkyshuidivas@clearwire.net

Summer Sundays at the Beach

“SUMMER SUNDAYS AT THE BEACH”
...Last minute Runaway can be Fun!

The Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant is a convenient location for a 1-night Sunday Runaway.

This historic oceanfront hotel offers more than just a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. Planning a quick spontaneous ‘refresher’ runaway is easy to plan.

The Casa invites guests for a 1-night ‘package’ runaway any Sunday (excluding holidays).

Relax and enjoy a fabulous Sunday Brunch for 2, the expansive beach, invitation to the Penthouse for Cocktails for 2 and Continental Breakfast for 2 before checkout.

Located directly on the ocean where guests rise early to watch the radiant morning beach sunrise, guests also end the day upstairs in the Penthouse to savor the last glorious colors of an evening sunset. Cocktails in the Penthouse - a glorious way to enjoy a Sunday.

Summer Sundays at the Beach: ($139)

Check in Sunday (Ocean view Room)
Sunday Brunch for 2 – Casa Marina’s Famous Brunch
Enjoy a Day at the Beach
Sunday afternoon or evening – Welcome Cocktails for 2 in the Penthouse
Monday morning Continental Breakfast for 2

Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant
691 N. 1st Street
Jacksonville Beach, Florida
904-270-0025
http://www.casamarinahotel.com/

Create It and They Will Come!

To begin a dream, one must imagine it.

To live the dream, one must create it!

So they did!




Sharon Qualls had a dream.....a dream to fulfill her life purpose in a 'space of her own.'

As a Life Coach, Sharon connects at the most spiritual and passionate levels to guide you along your path to self-actualization and self-worth. When you join Sharon in her 'Tree House" studio office in Atlantic Beach, you will feel the freedom and safety of the environment created.

With Carolyn Drazien, of Funky Shui Divas Decorating, the 'once-upon-a-time' extra bedroom was recently converted to this magnificent studio office.

Sharon and her clients will experience magical moments of reflection, journey, and personal Aha's during their time together in this tree-top studio.

Carolyn and her team pulled up carpet, replacing with awesome wood floors, painted walls, built office work areas and wet bars, and filled the new studio with an eclectic mix of furniture and accessories.

Carolyn's eye for the warm and edgy along with her ability to listen, learn, and utilize the client's own mix of creations and artifacts, enables her to be the 'one we call' for staging, recreating, or new beginnings when decorating.

Carolyn creates 'spaces to live for.'

Last night, we joined Sharon and Carolyn in the 'blessing' of the new space.

We enjoyed a few activities, such as using the beautiful wood bowl, to drop in 'our cares and woes' and watch them turn to ashes as we all set forth on new horizons.




Sharon Elliot, our writing coach and guide, led the blessing and offered her special gift of words to the occasion.

Bette Bucci and Julie Trednick also brought their special energy and support to the studio as we all shared a few stories, laughs, and flutes of champagne.

A wonderful evening of souls uniting and supporting Sharon in her dream!

You may contact Sharon and Carolyn for information or appointments. Sharon Qualls at alasfire@aol.com; Carolyn at 904-718-1867.

More pix at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/MarilynsOnTheMove/FunkyShuinSharon?feat=directlink