Women Gather - Dare Your Divinity - It's Happening Now!!!!!!

CONNOR SAUER is coming to Jacksonville!  Get your reservations now so you are apart of this exciting event for women.

(Check her out:  http://www.moxywomen.com/article.php?id=28)


Connor is an author, keynote, original wild woman who lived on the south rim of the grand canyon and is bringing her-story and her experience to fill our cups with radiance and empowerment.

Women…….Dare Your Divinity.... Where Women Will Gather...They Will Find and Experience Joy and Renewed Creative Flow!!!

Connor is facilitating a one-day retreat for divine women of wisdom!  This is our chance to learn, to share, and to experience wholeness as women and full feminine energy.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Noon-9PM

Hosted by: Ocean Yoga Center

51 Pine Street

Atlantic Beach, FL
$79 prepay; $99 after 5/1

Sponsored by Marilyn Wilson and Lynn Curtin of Heart2Heeart Circles

Come......Explore your...

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

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

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

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

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

..Uniqueness and Wonderful Selves as you 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 and Consider what life could be, living in alignment with the Deepest Law.


..‘Holding of the Bowl’ for others and learn and understand what “Holding the Bowl” for others really means.

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


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

…Partnerships are special when you consider dynamic partnerships with deeper, more meaningful context


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

Come!

 Using wisdom........ metaphors.............. storytelling......... inquiry........collective creation points................. interactive exchange...... lite drumming...............optional 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

Valentine's Day - Feelin' the Love

An awesome group of women gathered for Valentine's Day at the Renaissance Center for our Monthly Women's Drum Circle.  

Women know the heart, women feel the heartbeat.  When women gather - the heartbeat is strong!

Six new drummers that evening, and the divine energy filled the room. 

With Lynn leading a new rhythm - IBO - as part of Drumming Up Hope for Haiti - we were all soon entrained and feeling the beat together. 

We know our energy was lifted up and will inspire all of us to remember our neighbors, suffering still from the devastating earthquake, and do what we can for the cause.

Rudell shared a poem she wrote and we drummed as she recited it over and over again until it radiated beyond us and entered the universe's frequency.

Even though Lynn had to leave a little early for her Valentine evening with hubby, we all stayed and continued with Call and Response, Drumming our own solo rhythms, and remembering to 'relax and get to know the drum' with the help of Michelle Van Etten. 

A wonderful group - awesome drumming -- and a perfect evening.

Thank you all.

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

Special Holiday Open House Coming Soon!

‘Special Holiday Open House’

November 14-15 and November 21-22, 2009; Noon-6 p.m.

‘Two Homes – Two Charities – Two Weekends – Two Treats’

In support of two local charities, Melissa Nelson, listing agent for Watson Realty, will hold a “Special Open House’ for two current listings at two premier Jacksonville neighborhoods - Eagle Harbor Preserve and Pablo Bay.

These luxury homes and Christmas trees are magnificently decorated for the holidays by Carolyn Drazien of Funky Shui Divas. The two Christmas trees will be raffled and the proceeds will be donated to Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) and J. P. Hall Children’s Charity.

At 2 p.m. on alternating days on both weekends, two wise women, Sharon Elliott (author, ‘A Child’s Way: Slowing Down for Goodness Sake’) and Carolyn Drazien (‘Discover the Sanctuary in Your Home’ – women’s digest 09) will be sharing their wisdom for enjoying the season and decorating for the holidays. Refreshments will be served.

These homes are located at Pablo Bay (off of J. Turner Butler Blvd. at San Pablo) 3725 Cross Water Blvd., Jacksonville and Eagle Harbors Preserve, 1585 Sandy Springs Dr., Orange Park. No charge – raffle tickets sold at each location. For more information, please call 904-607-2794 or 904-718-1867.

***

Ain't He Sweet?

I wanna guy, just like the guy, that married dear ole mom!!!!!!!! (sing it)


and I got him!!! :)





Here is what my great hunk of a husband brought me home the other night - just for nothing -- really - nothing!

Okay, I'm not a great flower arranger - but these were so beautiful and matched my kitchen nicely.








Then he took me out to dinner on the ocean, but I didn't get a pix of the water that night. Darn. BUT, I can share with you this cute purse I carried ;) !


Have a nice Labor Day Weekend.

RAM

RAM - Riverside Arts Market............


Finally made it there today after months of saying we would -- why today?


Purpose: To see Steve Alvarado and his band - WhirledJam (could that also stand for worldjam :) ? i think so).


Reaction: The best! ..... Steve, the band, and the marketplace. Protected from the sun and any bad weather...it is the perfect place to start a Saturday morning.


We were impressed with the selection of food, baked items, jewelry, creative oddities, music (especially WhirledJam), community action booths, and nice people (like these 2 adorable people here -- jenna and my hunk of a husband ;))

After trying the Greek Salad and still feeling like I needed a little more -- who could resist these guys?..............................:)

A few trinkets later .... we were full of food, fun, and goodies for my

daughter and for me. We'll defnitely be back.

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

Beaches Women's Partnership Seaside Shindig

Remember - This Friday, July 17, 2009 - Casa Marina Resort Hotel in Jax Beach

Beaches Women's Partnership Seaside Shindig
Fundraiser Event

TIP: ONE OF THE AUCTION ITEMS IS 'LUNCH WITH PEGINE ECHEVARRIA'
our 'Pearl of the Beaches' first year recipient.

For More Information and to reserve your spot:

Kimberly Billingsley
kbillingsley@womenspartnership.org
(904)249-1450
\
See you there!

A Busy Month!

Just when I thought there wasn't anything happening to write about --- along came 'Dual-ing Birthday.'

Our friends, Rick and Carolyn Drazien, both celebrated their birthdays last night at Maggiano's at Town Center.

(TIP: make reservations.......get your own drinks at the bar while waiting for your table....!)

With the recommendation of our waiter, Billy, we went with the 'Classic' selection from the menu! Yikes - 2 of everything from appetizers to dessserts.

For those of you who have been there, you already know this, but we didn't------That Was One Heck of A Lot of Food.

We did our best and brought the rest home for lunch today. M-m-m-m good!

To top the evening off, we headed to the best place in town to watch the full moon playing peek-a-boo through the clouds -- Casa Marina Martini Bar Deck -- Wow! is all I can say.

A perfect evening with a wonderful couple -- laughter and celebration was the evening focus.

Happy Birthday to Carolyn and Rick -- Cheers!

UP TO MY EARS!

Oh my goodness am I busy trying to get ready for my Women's Retreat at Kripalu Yoga Center this weekend.

I'll be out of pocket til June 9, but will be loaded with information and posts then.

Come back and visit next week!

BWP Party Prep

Beaches Women's Partnership is gathering their forces again for the Beach Party Annual Fundraiser!

Taking advantage of our beautiful weather and beaches, Cindy Stoddart gathered all the committee members for a photo op at the Casa Marina Beach Walk. (ok, so we got a little sunburned and a little sandy -- it's all for the cause!) Dany -it'll be ok.....


Pegine Echevarria continues to support the cause and is a part of the BWP community. I told Pegine that she looked just like the Angel from Girls Night: The Musical that I had seen the night before. All in white, looking like a mixture of glorious and a lot rock and roll.

This year's event is already off to a great start! More pix may follow.......(Cindy, where are they :))

Mark your calendars for July 17 - Seaside Shindig at the Casa Marina. The Johnston Duo will be playing!

BOA's.....

The perfect night to dig through our closets and pull out our colorful Boa's.(feathered Boa's, that is!) If you don't bring your own -- you could buy one that night!

All in keeping with the mood of the evening - boa's, women, and lots of powerful estrogen filled the concert hall of FCCJ's Wilson Center for Girls Night - The Musical.


My daughter, Jenna, and I were completely thrilled by the performance.

Starting with Act I thru the finale, we laughed, danced, felt the emotion of life stages, sang some of the greatest songs such as: Man, I feel like a Woman, We are Family, Lady Marmalade, and I Will Survive, and clapped, and clapped, and clapped.

The awesome cast blew us away with their personalities, voices, and antics. Oh, how we can relate to their stories!

Many good 'one-liners' that I hope to remember.

What a Story -- What a Night!
Lots of Fun and A Don't Miss for Sure!

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.

The Booths Were Back!

Rain or Shine! Nothing stops 'The Booths.'

Our community turned out again for the Annual Ponte Vedra Art Festival. The booths filled up the parking lot behind Publix in Sawgrass Village this last weekend -- and we were there!

This year, Frank and I, arrived first thing in the morning. Parked in the best spot and walked around talking to the artists before it became hot and jam-packed.

I ALWAYS find treasures at this art festival! The quality of the art and artists is always top-shelf. This year there were several favorites. First, wood puzzle boxes for the grandchildren; then, little house-warming gifts for friends; and also, not leaving out the many business cards, fliers and brochures that I pocketed for future orders.

The wood boxes are adorable and made in the form of little animals and disney characters. They are all handmade, along with intricate sailboats and motorboat models, by Timothy Banh. I'm taking them to Atlanta this weekend to surprise the little grands!

When we walked by this booth, all we could say was, "WOW!" Rasa Saldaitis' artwork is big, bold, and beautiful depictions of our tropical environment. I need another wall in my house for Rasa!

We couldn't resist Margaret Radford's booth with the KingFish ! I'm always drawn to the odd and edgy, and Margaret's artwork fits that description, along with being superb! Margaret's on facebook and can also be reached at 904-249-9535. Her husband is a wonderful photographer too - and they make a great local artisitic pair.

Also endearing and creative -- Robert and Kathleen Brown. They are just so doggone clever. They mix calligraphy, acrylics, and artistic signs to come up with some of the cutest artwork for anybody who loves the beach or tropical places. The Brown's can be found on etsy.com or you can email them too.

One more favorite was artifunks.com -- Laura Lin Williams. I'm going on line to order a treat for my family.

Those were just a few of my favorites this year. Next time, you'll just have to see for yourselves!

browngraphicsfl@gmail.com
artifunks@hotmail.com
http://www.kevinradforweddings.com/

Cinco de BWP

Community Outreach is alive and well in Ponte Vedra Beach.


The beaches location of Underwood's jewlery store joined with the Beaches Women's Partnership in another fundraising and 'fun-raising' event to raise awareness and money for this beaches non-profit organization making Cinco de Mayo take on a different flair Tuesday night.


We all turned out to show our commitment and support of BWP and found the evening to be fun and rewarding.
It's so nice to see our friends and neighbors participating and enjoying the creative and supportive events in our area of the beaches.

I shared a few fun moments with my neighbor, Lyn Atkinson, as everyone mulled around the showcases filling out their 'wish lists.'


Tasha White, President of BWP, seems certain that Scott McGehee (board member) found 'the perfect' bracelet. Underwood's salesman Bill Floyd, agrees!

This evening's event was centered around the Roberto Coin Collection and Trunk Show, but we also delighted in marguerita's and munchies catered by the neighboring Urban Flats Restaurant; purchased raffle tickets for a donated awesome diamond and gold palm tree necklace; and drooled over the Roberto Coin collection and other sparkling jewelry items on display that evening.

Sharing in the fun -- Underwood's General Manager, John Rutkowski, Alan (Urban Flats Manager) and Clayton and Christy Bromberg. Causing even more of a stir, was PGA Tour golfer, Dustin Johnson and his girlfriend.

Remember, BWP provides information and referral services to beaches women and their families during life's challenging moments. Additionally, BWP offers grief support groups, women to women mentoring, transition workshops, and sexual support workshops - all in an effort to supply women with the knowledge, strength, and confidence to build strong lives for themselves and their families.

And, remember too, that Underwood's is not just another pretty face -- it has substance -- real community substance. Make Underwood's your jeweler of choice.

Now, to relax!

Blondes Do Have More Fun!!!!

As if there wasn't enough excitement on Friday night -- to put a 'cap' on our evening, we dropped by the Sawgrass Country Club to kick up our heels just a little bit more!Murray had the members and the TPC guests on the dance floor for a late night of dancing and more fun.

While the Sawgrass Mafia kept check of the surroundings; 'their Mafiette's' kept check on the dance floor.

The Four Darlings, Crickett, Michele, Leigh, and (of course) me, kept their interest and their attention.

Oh, what a night!

Face It! You're So Vain!

Mother's Day Weekend Kick-off!

Starting this morning with a foot massage, hand massage, head massage, and facial wins the prize for favorite things to do for Mother's Day!

My friend, Leigh Cort, promised me that if I was 'good,' I could join her this morning in a little Mother's Day surprise. And, because I'm good, very good-actually, I sped to her home this morning to join her as Loretta Lynn Leda introduced us to her new Mobile Spa Service business.

Using gentle and aromatic products Loretta soothed our feet, annointed our hands, and smoothed our faces for the utmost in at-home enjoyment. The results were terrific and we swore we would never wear makeup again on our revived faces and are sure we look 25 years younger.

The Green Tea Face Masque that heated up as it was applied was my favorite! ........Sold!

We humbly showed you our BEFORE; now, we also modestly show you our AFTER!

For more information on Loretta's products and to set up your own home spa day, visit http://www.floridaspagirls.net/.

I FELT LIKE A LOCAL!

In the 15 years I've attended the Fernandina Shrimp Festival -- Never had I been to Opening Night! Never will I miss it again!


I felt just like a local, Friday night, as I became a part of the excitement and the sea of people negotiating their way down Centre Street.

We could hear the KGB Band in the distance beckoning us onward while the Pirates handed out beads and directions.

We followed the crowds often on our tip-toes and stretching our necks to see where and what was happening and how we could get there quickly. Managing to stay together -- we took our final position in anticipation of the firework display and were not disappointed.

The oooh's and aaah's poured from the mixed crowd as our eyes remained glued skyward until the spectacular grand finale!

The night was cool and perfect for our first opening night. We shall come again!

Boo to Karibo!

Cafe Karibo (pronounced care-a-boo) is a very eclectic restaurant located just one block from Front and Centre in Fernandina Beach. The rockin' sounds of the TWO TONES drew us to their location as we wandered down Centre Street on the opening night of the Shrimp Festival.

Karibo is a seat yourself spot, so we did. Everything was going along just fine -- we could see and hear the band from our table next to the open patio and were very understanding when our waiter said it would be about 30 minutes for our food due to a busy night and kitchen.

Ok, we could adjust. We sat back and relaxed listening to the music and enjoying our evening.....until......after 50 minutes and the rest of the patrons being served, we were told our order had been lost (:0). But, no worry, as it had been bumped forward and would be here soon. (bumped forward???? not moved to the front????)

'Would we like something to nibble on or drink in the meantime?' 'Sure,' I said, 'I'll take a glass of wine and maybe some chips while we wait.' The wine came, no chips, but very soon our dinner arrived --- and that is where the story really begins!

Now, I'm not complaining about the food. No way! It was delish! I had Blackened Tilapia and my hunk of a man, Frank, had Shrimp and Grits (after all it was a 'shrimp' festival). Yes, we were hungry at that point and delighted to have any food at all -- but our selections were truly mouth-watering along with a very nice presentation.

Full to the brim and ready for the firework display and a little dockside music from the KGB Band -- we asked for the bill!

Are you ready for this? One would think they would have at least comp'ed the wine or a 10% discount on the meal for their admitted error and our 90 minute wait, but one would be incorrect in that assumption.

The bill came -- Full Price, No Discount, No Comp, No Nothing.

I say 'Boo!....to Karibo. Need I say more?

OK - I will. I give it high marks for quality, music, and friendliness of staff, and I hope I am correct in assuming that this doesn't happen too frequently.

What more can I say?