Dare Your Divinity - A Success!

With Mystery and Delight, women gathered to dare their divinity when Connor Sauer facilitated a one-day retreat/workshop in Atlantic Beach, Florida on May 22. ‘Dare Your Divinity’ was hosted by Marilyn Wilson and Lynn Curtin of Heart2Heart Circles (two new entrepreneurs in the drumming circuit) and was held at Ocean Yoga Center. Connor weaved her wisdom and spirituality throughout a day filled with drumming, visualization, dancing, singing, and storytelling bringing over 30 women together in a fantastic voyage of freedom. The women, from different areas of the community, found their oneness in this new community of women willing to walk together as side-bys and show up for each other in the “Woman’s Way.”

Look What Santa Brought to the Beaches

And to our surprise.............not 10 tiny reindeer, but 1 buoy washed ashore.

From a distance we couldn't quite tell what it was aloft on the shore in Ponte Vedra Beach.  The closer we got, we couldn't believe that a buoy this size had washed up on the beach.  It was fresh with barnacles and salt water still dripping from the bottom.

Quite a sight!

Christmas Travels

Ok - so we enjoyed our Florida home for the holidays, but that doesn't mean we didn't have a great time.

Just a quick glance at the days leading up to Christmas..........

First, Lynn (my drum partner) and I enjoyed our last drum circle at the senior center for 2009 with a little jingle bell jingle to the beat of the drum by June Lands ....................

Then, Lynn and I enjoyed the TPC Clubhouse for our pre-holiday luncheon.  What a beautiful place that is just across the street from us.  A very merry christmas.

We'll see you with more fun in 2010. Stay tuned.

Drum Circle Varieties

Who said we all can't play together????  Here is one type of drum circle......

And another -- my favorite -- the true natural rhythm....

Then a beautiful night outside with nature adding it's rhythm.....

Harmony!

Here It Is!

Here it is, folks. The reason I live at the beach.

Just less than a 15 minute walk away -- climbing the steps of the Pavillion -- this scene opens up in front of me.

The creative flow from this moment was miraculous and I penned a really special song!


Heart 2 Heart

Heart 2 Heart we gather
in circles so divine.

We stretch our arms out boldly,
sharing stories of our lives.

We breathe each others energy,
infuse our hearts with love.

Sway to the calming music
In a rhythm from above.

We may leave the circles comfort
to walk our paths each day.

But we’ll take with us a sister,
To guide us on our way.

We’ll keep our hearts together
In strength like none before

Because Heart 2 Heart we gather
in safety and support.

We walk together proudly,
we are heart 2 heart.


by Marilyn Ashe Wilson
'Riley De'Ashe'
the firestorm of divine energy

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!

Heard of Deepak Chopra?

I know it sounds like I'm on a 'Drum Roll' lately!

I AM! :)

The universal energy rose to meet me as I explored this new land of drumming. So far, it has been quite an experience.

I must tell you about last night!!!!!!

My husband, Frank, never heard of Deepak Chopra -- so, he wasn't at all impressed by my inclusion in the event last night. I was, however.

And, I'm sure you are too, right? :)

Yes, Deepak Chopra's Annual Event held at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club is taking place right now here in our little community, and I was there!!!!!

They have entertainment hour each night for the participants of the seminar. Last night it was a Drum Circle.

Lucky me had been in contact with Jana of Drum Magic out of Tampa.

Wouldn't you know, DrumMagic was the chosen entertainment for last night. Jana uses local 'talent/drummers' for her travel events and asked me if I would help her out. That answer required no thought at all......................'YES!'

Jana was accompanied by Christian, a wonderful drummer and performer locally; Amber, who assisted her in the center circle. Jim, another local drummer, was the photographer for the evening, and I was the Greeter/Drummer/Participant in the most fantastic drum circle ever.

Held in the Ballroom at PVIC -- over 100 people experienced a DrumMagic drum circle.

Before the 1 hour event was complete -- they were all drumming and dancing. Jana's ability to teach quickly and get everyone involved immediately worked fabulously. We all sang, danced, and enjoyed sharing the rhythm of the drum.

'A uniting experience,' as one of the participants shared.

I can't wait to be a 'helper' again. Thanks Jana.

www.drummagic.com - Jana Broder at Drum Magic

janabroder@drummagic.net

Christian Sun's email: cacodd@hotmail.com

Amber Hall's email: pamelahall21@gmail.com

Jim's email: boris601203@yahoo.com

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.

We've Got Music..... We've Got Rhythm.....

We gathered, we heard, and we drummed!

Nine women joined together Monday night to become acquainted with the drumming Rhythms of the World.

In preparation for the Women's Drum Circle beginning Sunday, October 11, 2009 in Jax Beach and held on the lawn of the Renaissance Healing Center, (http://www.renaissancehealingcenter.com/) I held a Basic Drum Lesson Session for those women who expressed an interest in learning a bit about drumming prior to the start of the Circle.


We had a great time using Christine Stevens, Healing Drum Kit CDs exploring the Rhythms of Life, Spirit, and the World. (www.ubdrumcircles.com)


The energy and music emanating and swirling about our circle, lifted us up, up, and away. Away from the pressures of daily life, away from individual stresses, away from health issues, and into a world of rhythm, movement, and spiritual connectedness.

This night we experienced The Rhythms of Life - Walking, Skipping, Heartbeat, Laughing, Resting, etc. AND The Rhythms of the World -- We traveled from Japan to India, From Africa to Cuba and we danced in the parades playing many world rhythms including the Samba and the Rumba. Oh, what a night!


As the drum beats slowed and the rhythm became softer and the evening came to a close, we all knew we wanted to gather again, drum even more, and share in this wonderful experience.



My dear husband, Frank, returned to a house with the walls expanding with music and beaming with the energy of this group of women -- I believe he is proud of all of us and secretly wished it was open to men :) ! He snapped a few of these pictures so we could capture the moment visually. Thanks Babe! We are all marching to our own drum beat! Join us!



Our group consisted of Barbara King-Hall, Donna Christensen, Rudell Kopp, Mary Howell, Francine Smith, Lynn Curtain, Bonita Sheffield, Abby Vega, and little ole me!


Be sure to join us (no experience necessary) at the first 10/11/09 Women's Drum Circle. See right column of blog for more information or just give me a call 904-334-5290.

Remember, we all have rhythm. The Mother of All Rhythms - the heartbeat.

If you have a heartbeat, you have rhythm. Keep it going.

Have an 'upbeat' day everyone!

http://www.renaissancehealtingcenter..com/

http://www.marilynsonthemove.blogspot.com/

http://www.ubdrumcircles.com/

http://www.remo.com/

Doum Tek-a Doum Tek-a Doum

I must take you back to my drumming class at The Players Championship Community Center in Ponte Vedra.

The last time I shared with you, we were just starting a drum group/class. As of today, we have been drumming for 5 months + and have come a long way.

The Center just donated a beautiful drum from remo.org to the class and we were all blessing it and welcoming it into the circle.

It is so beautiful and colorful. We thank Vicki for the special purchase.

Hear and see what we are up to now.

You are always welcome to join in the fun. 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 10AM at the Community Center on Hwy 210!

904-280-3233 - The Players Community Center

Dean Slickis - our instructor - dean.slickis@gmail.com

What's Bill Up To?

Bill was napping most of the morning, but woke up in a very bad mood this afternoon!!!!!









The surfers were grabbing one last wave before fleeing the beach about 3PM today as the black cloud loomed heavily and moved swiftly surround the county.






The swells were large, but the waves didn't seem to be slapping the shore yet.




I wonder what is next?

'BILL" is such a BULLY!!!

I should have known by the heavy clouds!!!!!!

I received a sampling of the ocean's fury yesterday as the stormy weather being kicked up by "BILL," our latest tropical storm, reminded me to respect Mother Ocean.

What started off to be a refreshing dip in the ocean, turned out to be a major rumble. 'BILL" is such a 'bully.'

Yea, really!

As I was enjoying a day at the beach with my visiting grandson, I would venture to the shoreline to cool off and watch him swim and surf. The waves were coming in regularly, but manageable. Hardly enough for the surfers to enjoy.

Then, as I was bobbing along, I turned to look behind me when I saw that the waves had increased in size and speed. Before I could scramble to my feet, the current pulled me out and the wave crushed in -- all at the same time. It was fierce -- off went my visor, off went my sunglasses, scratch went the sand over my skin as I tumbled within the breaking wave.

Fearful and panicked, I recovered from the tumble, but I didn't need another lesson!

Able to grab my glasses and leaving my visor to avoid returning to the deeper water, I ran to shore...... shamed.

BILL is on his way, folks. Get Ready. He is Pushing and Knocking and assures his reputation precedes his arrival.

No doubt about it, the rest of the afternoon, I stayed hidden under the umbrella - hot, but safe, stretched out on the chaise lounge with little interest in returning to the water.

My grandson was none-the-wiser. His able body allowed the turbulence and he enjoyed the increasing surf and then the relaxing in the warm sun afterwards.

The age difference is apparent not only in physical appearance, but in physical durability too. Ok, I get it! Grandma's need to stay on the shore and watch out over the children!!!!!! I realized very quickly that I don't have the balance and fortitude required to spar with Mother Ocean!

Tomorrow should prove even more interesting. I will be way back on the sand taking pictures for you. I will have 'O' reports on the actually pull of the ocean. :)

Look out for "BILL." - Surf's UP!

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

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!

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

Finally, the rain has stopped and Michael Iames Cleaning Service came to my rescue!

Between my overflowing gutters to my salt sprayed windows, I felt trapped by the debris of the seasons!

I've always been able to turn to Michael for all my household maintenance.

Plus, Michael at Michael Iames Cleaning Service has always been right there if I needed a donation for fundraisers such as Beaches Women's Partnership. He is 'community.'


He is local, he is an entrepreneur, he worked with my son and then purchased the business from my son, he works hard, he gets here early, he picks up after himself, and best of all, HE DOES IT ALL --- WINDOWS, GUTTERS, PRESSURE WASHING, HOUSE CLEANING, OFFICE CLEANING.

Michael Iames Cleaning Company prides themselves on a growing reputation for quality service and a desire to customize their services to better serve you - their friends and their community.

We believe in him and trust him to do our home and Frank's office.

Purely Perfect Pressure Washing

Glorious Gutter Cleaning

Radiant Roof Cleaning

Immaculate Window Washing

Sheer Screen Enclosure Cleaning

Seamless Screen Repair

Comprehensive Commercial Office Cleaning

Rub-A-Dub Residential House Cleaning

Michael is offering "specials" to the Blog Followers. So, if you mention you saw it on MarilynsOnTheMove blog - you get a 'discount'. Just call him to work out the details.

See Mike Work! Call him soon at (904) 304-8343

History Lessons!

Once upon a time, I undertook the project of writing the History of Sawgrass.

That project, when complete, was turned over to the Sawgrass Association to compile with their other work on this area.

I have yet to see anything come of it and am truly disappointed!

With that said, I was so pleased to see 'real follow-through' from Maurice Robinson, when I attended Guest Speaker Day at the PV Senior Center.

Maurice shared highlights of his recent book, The History of Ponte Vedra.

The book covers a timeframe from 1514 to current.

With his slide presentation, he tweaked just enough of our curiosity to encourage a more indepth look of our history here in PV.

Barbara Marshall purchased Maurice's book for her husband who loves historical literature and lives in Ponte Vedra. They may just uncover a mystery in the property where they live. :)

When Maurice said, 'How could a place so beautiful, not have been written about?', I, too, was perplexed!

So, he undertook the exciting task of uncovering a very interesting history. He unveils an interesting history of our beautiful community and a plethora of influential names we still hear today throughout our community. We now better understand how the people and the land interface to make The History of Ponte Vedra.

Here are a few highlights Maurice shared from The History of Ponte Vedra:

• From 1514 when Ponce de Leon landed 3 vessels;

• The Guana Watershed;


• The Palm Valley Bridge History;


• Peyton's influence;


• Where the name Diego Plains came from during 1600-1906;


• How and why our subdivision on 210 was named Sawmill Lakes;


• Moonshine Days and Mineral City

Most amazing to me was the large area of land Florida covered in those days. It spread up through the Louisiana tip over to Chesapeake Bay. Very shocking! No wonder people say we are South Georgia.

Of course, Jean McCormick's name was inevitable along with the Beaman's, Fletcher's, and not to leave our our first church in Ponte Vedra Beach - Christ Episcopal.

Maurice also said the lakes around this area are often due to the chemical digs when cleaning up after the Mineral City Days.

He reminded us when a round of golf at the Ponte Vedra Club was a mere $1.50 per day and a stay at the inn was $8.00. Where have those days gone?

All in all, the audience completely enjoyed their history lesson. The books are available throughout our community bookstores.