At the end of August, I was intending to host an in-person retreat which I’ve described in previous entries. I had a template for what I imagined, I made a reservation, and I shared the information with folks who I thought might be interested, but I didn’t find anyone who wanted to come. So I canceled the reservation and went back to the drawing board.

Now, I am planning a different kind of retreat at the end of September. Rather than renting a 12-bedroom retreat center for $800 a night, I am going to use my home. I have planned 4 main events, and my friends can choose to attend 0-4 of these offerings. Here’s the overview:

Friday Night: House Concert with Brenda. 7-10pm. Brenda is a professional pianist and music director for innovative musical theater projects in LA. She has original songs to share, and is willing to accompany/collaborate with any singer who brings sheet music. More details on FB:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1280419055974828

Saturday Afternoon: Friendly Touch Party co-hosted with Freeman. 3-6pm. For friends who have been to cuddle parties and who are familiar with the dynamics of navigating consensual touch in platonic container. 

Saturday Evening: Mind-Body Connection Workshop, 7-9pm. This is an offshoot of the mind-body skills groups that I have led using the training from the Center for Mind-Body Medicine. As a stand-alone workshop, we will work with our visions and complete a set of drawings about community life. I will share a bit with the group about my own vision for my house, The Music Box. Message me for invite to FB event because the settings are private.

If anyone from the afternoon wants to stay for the evening session, they are welcome to do so. I’m not planning a dinner, but individuals can bring food for themselves, or make a dinner run between 6 and 7pm. The house doesn’t have to be silent for the workshop, but if anyone is still in the house who is not participating in the workshop, I will ask that they be quiet and respectful for the workshop that is taking place.

Sunday Funday: This will be the 3rd “24th party”. In July, there was a campaign event for the Kennedy campaign on the 24th, and there was a group of about 10 who came for a backyard party. In August I hosted an evening potluck and bonfire that had about 15-20 guests. My intention is to host a party the is open to “the public” through word of mouth and social media that includes a variety of community building activities. This one is on a Sunday, so I am imagining outdoor sports, music, food and fun. More details on FB:

https://www.facebook.com/events/665810365606630

So, if you are reading this, you are invited to all of the above. If you would like to camp over, please be in touch and we can explore that option.

Much love,

Leaf Waterbird