Spring Retreat 2019
Geri Schrab, author and artist, returns! Speaking of her artwork of rock art (petroglyphs and pictographs), she says:
The painting gives me balance, it gives me voice. This is how they weave together, my court reporting and painting rock art. A karmic pattern of my soul, I am a record-keeper.
My passion is deep and strong. The Native American lives that were disregarded, lost in the creation of this country, were real. Their tears were as salty and wet as yours and mine. They loved their children and the land; many lost both, their loved ones and the land beneath their feet.
My perspective is not only of an artist, but also that of a woman. When I enter a cave or sacred site that has been vandalized, my discomfort is primal and visceral. There is a reason ancient people venerated places where the outer landscape enters the inner realms of Mother Earth. To see these sacred places vandalized echoes disrespect for the feminine in her many forms.
Spring retreat will be May 31 - June 2, 2019 at Pilgrim Park in Princeton IL
Fall Retreat 2018
Story is Medicine
Listening for stories, voices of nature, and 16th century women shamans from the Philippines. Author Mary Grace (“M.G.”) Bertulfo shares her writing practice and asks, “What stories serve to heal the world? How can stories focus your fire within?”
Mary Grace Bertulfo has written for children’s education, television, and conservation magazines in venues such as Pearson Education Asia, CBS, and Sierra. Her fiction and essays are published in various anthologies and her poem “Bridges” launched Story Studio’s Voices Amplified series. Mary Grace works from Calypso Moon Studio in the Oak Park Arts District and teaches creative writing to children through her program, Taleblazers. She is currently at work on a novel.
A sampling of her works:
Seeking Refuge by Mary Grace Bertulfo
Love at the 7-11 By Mary Grace Bertulfo
Globe-trekking. Internationally, she and her family have hiked, snorkled, and sailed in the Philippines, Greece, Japan, Mexico, England, and the Galapagos Islands. Locally, Ms. M.G. was founder and organizer of “Talk Story,” an Oak Park children’s reading series produced by Families and Friends of Asian American Students (FAASt) and sponsored by the Oak Park Library and the D97 Multicultural Resource Center. She is the founder of Banyan, Asian American Writers Collective.
In her spare time, she climbs trees, plays guitar, dances, plants vegetables in the moonlight, snuggles with books, and snoozes.
Workshops
SESSION 1 - 1:30-3:00 pm
Introduction to Tarot Workshop – Kathy Riley
Interested in Tarot Cards, but don't know where to start? This workshop will cover a brief history of Tarot and review the standard cards modeled after the Rider-Waite format. You will learn Minor and Major Arcana meanings as well as meanings for Suit cards. Basic layouts will be covered and we will practice reading and interpreting the cards. Oracle cards will also be covered. If you have a deck, please bring it!
Keynote followup workshop
SESSION 2 - 3:30-5:00 pm
Making a Grimoire, Magick Book – Deb Czarnopys-White
A grimoire is a book of useful tools, pictures, and mementos to help you on your path of positive spells or actions. It can be a scrapbook, a notebook or anything that would be of a useful and practical size to you. It can be a book of spells, a journal, a pocket reference, a book of dreams, a writing of your tarot guidance or anything you choose. You may bring written thoughts to begin your grimoire or just bring special items or artwork. The class will NOT furnish your grimoire as you must bring your own uniqueness to it’s creation. We’ll provide items for personalizing it. Come and create together.
Singing for Justice – Patricia Hyams
In the midst of the difficult times in which we find ourselves, I want to do something positive that will make a difference, but often am at a loss. Singing with other women for a common cause can be a healing balm for our broken hearts and a link with a larger community. Join me to learn songs for justice, songs for right action, and songs for ourselves. We are a part of the whole.
BONUS! Evening Drumming – Kathy Salzano
Women have been drumming for thousands of years. Just look at those cave drawings! Drumming is empowering. Join the ancient lineage of women drummers. Kathy will teach the basics of drumming.
Registration costs:
No lodging, no meals $75
No lodging, lunch Saturday $105
No lodging, lunch and dinner Saturday $115
No lodging, Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner $125
With lodging, Single occupancy $285
With lodging, Double occupancy $265
Minimum deposit is $75