tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89578627159699665232024-03-13T14:55:41.215+00:00The Red Thread Mothers CircleKeeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-85344316945048423742013-08-22T10:08:00.002+01:002013-08-22T10:08:27.014+01:00Summer 2013<span style="font-size: large;">It has been a wonderful Summer for The Red Thread ~ amid the usual schizophrenic summer weather of this fair Island; stifling heat, beautiful blue skies and summer showers; our vibrant community have come together every two weeks as we always do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Joining friends who have been here since the beginning, we have welcomed many new faces and beautiful young families into the weave and it is a happy, chatty, busy yet relaxed atmosphere on Red Thread mornings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week two of our number celebrated their first journey around the sun with cake (of course) and giggles ~ what better?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2DSc4zxXjLD7qMO4k0q65SuXJvLzAkGarPgdwsNiKd5Fp2_eMpkqLCfNksGiid3UnA5MrJe1bkYYarmKro8a2RxVsWLr5gtJ2SVdq53qY53tjlSs6KPTyBUgebFuapLSEd9s0mt6L-M/s1600/rt+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2DSc4zxXjLD7qMO4k0q65SuXJvLzAkGarPgdwsNiKd5Fp2_eMpkqLCfNksGiid3UnA5MrJe1bkYYarmKro8a2RxVsWLr5gtJ2SVdq53qY53tjlSs6KPTyBUgebFuapLSEd9s0mt6L-M/s320/rt+cake.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23d2jJ_Ps9urYt3eSfpRRE4W-Z542rm1LQIoivZdouOwK4DK6msWdU82DKMV0c1cPcKkuV4_sUZLkPWPBz_B9QCNEyx4Jckn7V3lH9dQJ7an83Er5gilXrW44UaIKkf8W-SrgP0amIGQ/s1600/rt+susan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23d2jJ_Ps9urYt3eSfpRRE4W-Z542rm1LQIoivZdouOwK4DK6msWdU82DKMV0c1cPcKkuV4_sUZLkPWPBz_B9QCNEyx4Jckn7V3lH9dQJ7an83Er5gilXrW44UaIKkf8W-SrgP0amIGQ/s200/rt+susan.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Yes we are a happy bunch ~ lovingly supporting and witnessing each other in our lives and our mothering. We strive for no judgment, just open hearts and open minds here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know that particularly this year I have needed the holding and love of this community more than ever, and just knowing that they are there is making the day to day a better place to be for me and my children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And THAT ~ well that's what friends are for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Blessed Be x</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> ...and make a wish x</span><br />
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<br />Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-41558144836836386002013-02-24T13:18:00.002+00:002013-02-24T13:18:24.528+00:00Heartwood Small School Project<span style="font-size: large;">For the past few years it has been my very great pleasure to be involved (albeit from the periphery) with a wonderful educational project, Heartwood Small School Project.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They began in 2010 to create a small, family-centred learning community based near Petersfield, in West Sussex and have grown over the intervening couple of years to offer a truly inspiring and stimulating environment for children between 11 and 16. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My son came out of the state school system after suffering bullying. His confidence crumbled and our bright, happy child was wilting before our eyes. We had decided that home education was the answer although it didn't quite feel like an ideal fit for him. Through a chance remark from my acupuncturist I heard about this exciting new project and within 2 minutes of visiting, we were in love...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7klQJPQdNsJRfuUntp0ik6oo5-oV5WHCg1ANWz6WzNqakxSWTtxiB4DVz2U2aVoSEg4hi1tyWVhmESz1Xo0BlDSO2u7Fu6EZaXHCEoAFkZDjqMbrQiHo6JILEQ3ZDKDtvDSB7w7bC3g/s1600/dramacirclesmalljpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7klQJPQdNsJRfuUntp0ik6oo5-oV5WHCg1ANWz6WzNqakxSWTtxiB4DVz2U2aVoSEg4hi1tyWVhmESz1Xo0BlDSO2u7Fu6EZaXHCEoAFkZDjqMbrQiHo6JILEQ3ZDKDtvDSB7w7bC3g/s320/dramacirclesmalljpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The love and dedication of the team behind Heartwood is evident from the level of care that goes into every detail. With aspirations of sustainability, mindfulness, and a gentle, community centred learning environment for our children I can't think of a better place for my emerging teen to spend his days. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EoD0wTVkTXSFyesA96qfp7ebRc4w_ObCmqqCgNMmT8I0nvy4vZSyQaYdJaMBSG-Un0ex8pnGPjOK27jxHlxY2ASuse3f_els65HBdMD7P6eIa2fDl3gXTemUn1DArVF1TrS-6Td3uKQ/s1600/Mathssmalljpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EoD0wTVkTXSFyesA96qfp7ebRc4w_ObCmqqCgNMmT8I0nvy4vZSyQaYdJaMBSG-Un0ex8pnGPjOK27jxHlxY2ASuse3f_els65HBdMD7P6eIa2fDl3gXTemUn1DArVF1TrS-6Td3uKQ/s320/Mathssmalljpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">They study GCSE classes in the core subjects aswell as People and Places, Bushcraft, Philosophy and Ethics, Photography, Art and wonderful weekly drama classes. They spend as much time as possible outside and enjoy termly camping expeditions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The proof is in him though. He is happy, thriving and sparkling once more. When he had a cold earlier this year he almost begged to be allowed to go to school & in his own words, Heartwood is like a second family to him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What more could we as parents, ask for?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_TVnAuVTax-n10WU6TPwLBpVyhcc8jdJNYIzTZ4uvowjXY41jOaMVK49QxT5l5Eq65DoZZoS8gkwn00zCo27mC5ZWMUHfMXi8VYBb2mWYk08TXSLbFo6_L1MngIhIebaCcSrVL61Pq0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-24+at+12.22.31.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_TVnAuVTax-n10WU6TPwLBpVyhcc8jdJNYIzTZ4uvowjXY41jOaMVK49QxT5l5Eq65DoZZoS8gkwn00zCo27mC5ZWMUHfMXi8VYBb2mWYk08TXSLbFo6_L1MngIhIebaCcSrVL61Pq0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-24+at+12.22.31.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are inspired by Heartwood or you think that your child could benefit from their inspirational approach to learning then please get in touch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sharing the news about this exciting project today because places are now available for new students and families to join our learning community.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Heartwood Open Day is on Friday the 15th March 2013, please come along and see for yourself...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.heartwoodproject.org.uk/">www.heartwoodproject.org.uk</a> 01730 826665 or 07767 321271</span><br />
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Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-7646284073420677802013-01-25T08:00:00.000+00:002013-01-25T16:03:22.364+00:00Wholehearted Return<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year I decided to resume work as an Holistic Birthing Companion, a Doula. I decided to rejoin Doula UK after a break of 4 years, one way of letting the universe know that I am serious about returning to the world of Birth work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even though I've officially been a "resting" Doula since the birth of my youngest 4 years ago, I attended 5 incredible births last year and have conducted many Mother Blessing ceremonies over the intervening time, also within the Red Thread we have welcomed many new souls earthside, and so I have never really been far from birth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When it came to writing my "Doulaography" however, I found myself sitting and staring for a prolonged time at an empty screen. I realised that being a Doula had become so much a part of Who I Am, that I hadn't really thought about it in a linear fashion for a long time!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I started to think about how my attitude to Birthwork has changed and developed over the years and so I spent some time reflecting on this (while washing up, making lunch, hoovering… no such thing as quiet reflection in this house!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So much has happened in the 4 years since I decided to take a break. I have changed; I have grown, I have been burnt but emerged strengthened from the glowing embers, I have learnt wonderful new things and made some beautiful connections & soul friends and so, I suppose has my practice of Being with birth, evolved too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of my experiences have informed who and how I am in my life and in my work, I realised in one startling moment of clarity how absolutely grateful I am for every single moment of my experience, even the moments that have felt dark and difficult. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In spite of all that change, the essence of who I am and what I do as a Doula has stayed the same. My commitment to the work and my intention remain clear, untarnished and only stronger for the time that has passed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do this work to support and to care for women in Birth. I do this work because I Love it ~ I love Birth, I love babies, I love to bear witness to such beauty & to glimpse the mystery. I do this work because it is one of the things that I am meant to do in this lifetime ~ along with Mothering my children and Celebrancy and other things I am yet to discover but can feel just around the corner… I do this work because it is a part of Who I am. </span></div>
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Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-44731924602773631752012-08-23T21:50:00.001+01:002012-08-23T21:50:59.071+01:00Creating Ceremony, Creating memories<span style="font-size: large;">One of my very favourite things, is creating Ceremony.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Regardless of our spiritual or religious direction, I believe it is an integral and deep rooted part of our soul and our community that we nourish, when we come together to celebrate and mark our passage through life with meaningful Ceremony. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTFC8ig28h8qVZbDEifuqeAvfDDs4r7goVsBhm1qZn7CBTmCae2C-MlIulAuCunS8fa87XjCbzRUe1dTcmT2HslfSJI945eqBkD8cs3FSXXpNfDHqPvsScYPpUop7nCppru1Pc8hHpuY/s1600/IMG_3484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTFC8ig28h8qVZbDEifuqeAvfDDs4r7goVsBhm1qZn7CBTmCae2C-MlIulAuCunS8fa87XjCbzRUe1dTcmT2HslfSJI945eqBkD8cs3FSXXpNfDHqPvsScYPpUop7nCppru1Pc8hHpuY/s320/IMG_3484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our society is ritual poor and it shows; in tired, consumer driven "Baby showers" full of gifts but lacking in substance; in women approaching birth in fear and isolation; in our young men and women coming to adulthood unmet and unacknowledged in their teen thunder; in both grief and joy equally muted by pale traditions and conventional stereotypes...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong, I know that not all traditional ceremonies are like this but I have borne witness to my fair share and it has angered, saddened and deeply distressed me at times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And so I love to Create Ceremonies. Just writing this sentence makes me smile. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tOHNpd-mwTy5vkjHioHFlHQRsBJSaH0rwkpKqoj66bBoFG1lzIPrFtrOqhPOmHb-Z7m9q8f4fOvAEAFHPMRcUbKqC9xXu4QhBggQ2oqAwWluFoWAlYTW5Q_Eg1kS1bUJDcyxTwojefY/s1600/554005_458221294202362_1579713614_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tOHNpd-mwTy5vkjHioHFlHQRsBJSaH0rwkpKqoj66bBoFG1lzIPrFtrOqhPOmHb-Z7m9q8f4fOvAEAFHPMRcUbKqC9xXu4QhBggQ2oqAwWluFoWAlYTW5Q_Eg1kS1bUJDcyxTwojefY/s320/554005_458221294202362_1579713614_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In joy, the height of our happiness is declared as we introduce a new baby to our clan, to the elements and to the earth our home. Rhapsodic, we declare our commitment and love for one another in a Handfasting or Wedding Blessing. We can recognize and embrace the changing shape of our families as we welcome in adopted children or blend existing families together into a whole new loving entity.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ahljgn20lt6ondxY1l71qhdaxhlB20nimsuyN6kn8z7aWPAbH9-AAKWhxrAKhqKqtKWrgp6XNQIRX473QZy9YGYPqhBvE0dq-4j8Yz8C3QZ26PkzRBrWnizGLfZD49r9CGQ9NIXYGZ4/s1600/circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ahljgn20lt6ondxY1l71qhdaxhlB20nimsuyN6kn8z7aWPAbH9-AAKWhxrAKhqKqtKWrgp6XNQIRX473QZy9YGYPqhBvE0dq-4j8Yz8C3QZ26PkzRBrWnizGLfZD49r9CGQ9NIXYGZ4/s1600/circle.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">There are so many happy moments in life when we are moved to celebrate and there are also painful and sorrowful times that it feels just as imperative to mark, such as divorce, a passing or the anniversary of a death. At such times, heartfelt, personal ceremony helps us to mark time, to remember and to process our feelings. It is a way of saying, 'you are not here but you are always with us' to those that have gone on ~ and how beautiful to sing our loved ones on their path into the next world lovingly and uniquely, in celebration of who they are and have been in this lifetime. Importantly, it is within these moments that we honour and draw comfort from the fact that life goes on, and the wheel goes ever round.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJhb4VRt_f6yweOpuAGwmH6a9qdbD-_MOkhY560-iN6QfBf0I0E1-xFQMRBuIBMjtjAXrv2y6nKvt7FVMoiuU6JmNqWTQfVk3d-1m2WtDfAnEkKf8J4-IOH_cYtJgO2pAaXD6zLPhhuc/s1600/426809_458226600868498_1215335226_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJhb4VRt_f6yweOpuAGwmH6a9qdbD-_MOkhY560-iN6QfBf0I0E1-xFQMRBuIBMjtjAXrv2y6nKvt7FVMoiuU6JmNqWTQfVk3d-1m2WtDfAnEkKf8J4-IOH_cYtJgO2pAaXD6zLPhhuc/s320/426809_458226600868498_1215335226_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ceremony is a chance for us to give thanks for what we have, what we have let go of and for what we will have in the future. Through rituals such as the Phoenix Ceremony, we can choose to let go of what no longer serves us, in gratitude for the lessons that we have learnt. In doing so we are allowing the possibility of new growth from the flames of our past. This is the place where we can nurture and create intention, our vision for the future, and strike out towards it with purpose and clarity. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6AofiGo1jAE6lOn9jNHh-19b89nOSGZk_p6GvPkpRXERkfzcOULJiV_XiKdCp5pEXCwyquP6l0QNMsXH3jwKuX-rNZKpcLP-M1uvz0Ti7fLLdYclNROmipOCHf1eSJZ3F98VHRA42EM/s1600/531218_458628744161617_1550944907_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6AofiGo1jAE6lOn9jNHh-19b89nOSGZk_p6GvPkpRXERkfzcOULJiV_XiKdCp5pEXCwyquP6l0QNMsXH3jwKuX-rNZKpcLP-M1uvz0Ti7fLLdYclNROmipOCHf1eSJZ3F98VHRA42EM/s320/531218_458628744161617_1550944907_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We honour each other and the very essence of life in our festivity and so it feels right to me that each and every Ceremony should be unique and tailored to those celebrating. We should chant, drum and dance; raise our voices and our hearts in prose and song; we should laugh, cry and smile with eyes and hearts full. Every emotion is accepted here as living, breathing, heart thumping, messy proof that we are indeed, here on this human journey. Acknowledging and celebrating our path, we are creating Ceremony and weaving a rich blanket memories to keep us warm for always.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please get in touch if I can help you to create a Ceremony however large or small ~ keeley@motherscircle.co.uk </span></div>
Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-86595493095748574052012-04-09T12:33:00.000+01:002012-04-09T12:34:14.442+01:00a new home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Times and tides change and so must all things adapt. Much as sometimes we might like things to stay the same, especially when life is good, change is an inevitable part of life, forward movement and growth. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXet5Xn9Tgeg9ScsACAy0OGtmNZlW0h5VQ08EHGCW5-tJ1h6-rSsVBdL45lWX73sSx6aNKcXZyqnFub45dqZc8wINx2UOGWTt8-naTLqFSc8dq6EpmxvjubtJhfOv6PFBLjX_ssAdMFk/s1600/IMG_2680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXet5Xn9Tgeg9ScsACAy0OGtmNZlW0h5VQ08EHGCW5-tJ1h6-rSsVBdL45lWX73sSx6aNKcXZyqnFub45dqZc8wINx2UOGWTt8-naTLqFSc8dq6EpmxvjubtJhfOv6PFBLjX_ssAdMFk/s320/IMG_2680.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and what better time for a new adventure for the Red Thread than in the surging green energy of the blossoming Spring.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have had 3 very happy years at the pavillion in Fernhurst and so I am sorry to say Goodbye to it but we have found a peaceful and very beautiful new home for our meetings in Surrey.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKULFpshwapXCxbq3aeoMQdHOuJskU0HD-H7D_xsWINkY8qKryzM8VNIo2b9GdRxkrhbshlMI6gV4NdCJGhUNbp3D_9EMaFztbPgBFkJic44mtOFeu_JOudDvX10hpYT4DgDdJisqyTI/s1600/IMG_0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKULFpshwapXCxbq3aeoMQdHOuJskU0HD-H7D_xsWINkY8qKryzM8VNIo2b9GdRxkrhbshlMI6gV4NdCJGhUNbp3D_9EMaFztbPgBFkJic44mtOFeu_JOudDvX10hpYT4DgDdJisqyTI/s320/IMG_0254.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nuQ07mStXlnHqFXRNegcFFbQvZb8-02qV1V13PvBWI8mKo1pnGT4IX0xxuMF6XmbgBKcCa8T2vITJXkXVlBizi8ZRtS0JUuVlGKAKzApqKbXnulRHTVEfgDj1uiX84Wj6ancbfQcZgk/s1600/IMG_0247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nuQ07mStXlnHqFXRNegcFFbQvZb8-02qV1V13PvBWI8mKo1pnGT4IX0xxuMF6XmbgBKcCa8T2vITJXkXVlBizi8ZRtS0JUuVlGKAKzApqKbXnulRHTVEfgDj1uiX84Wj6ancbfQcZgk/s320/IMG_0247.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The new space is a converted barn set within an orchard just south of Guildford, much more accessible for everyone that comes along. This was the main aim of the move, to be a bit closer for everyone, as our community has changed and moved over time and most of our families, old and new, are now coming from that direction. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, best of all the outside space at the barn is absolutely amazing, a wonderful and safe place for the children (and grown ups) to skip, run and play freely. It helps that since we relocated the weather has been glorious but I feel that this place is quite magical with or without sunshine! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On one of our first visits we were treated to an auspicious sighting of a hare at the bottom of the orchard. I can't really think of a better sign of the energy of the land.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been so happy to witness Red Thread becoming a real community effort in the first half of this year. The group has pulled together to make sure that our meetings will continue to provide a fortnightly space in which to relax, unwind and connect with like minded families.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feeling positive, supported & blessed in our new start</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blessings from my family to yours this Spring, </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keeley x</span>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-54932988077203299232011-12-21T23:12:00.000+00:002012-03-07T21:59:32.035+00:00Fire and Midwinter Wishes<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In celebration and remembrance of another year rolling by, my children and I lit the solstice fire tonight with friends. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At bedtime tonight we gathered by the indoor fire and talked about what we would like to take with us into the new year when the sun rises on the Winter Solstice tomorrow. I love opportunities like these in life ~ here on the longest night we are given pause, a moment to stand on the threshold of the new and look back on what has been. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It is at these moments that we can truly create our reality by paying attention to what seeds we are allowing to take root in the dark fertile soil of our interior. Its a chance to leave behind that which we do not wish to take with us and to choose better things for our journey; things that make us smile, lift our spirits, make our hearts swell with gladness and love. Of course the shadow side of life is there always and there is little point in pretending that it isn't, but as long as we can learn from, accept and be grateful for our experiences, whatever they may be, we are free to move on from them and to soar into the next phase.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For the Red Thread it has been a wonderful year, there have been trying moments of course, but for me the absolutely glorious ones are the ones that I am choosing to take into 2012 with me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We had the brilliance and excitement of Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth, a day that I will never forget; the supportive, comforting familiarity of our regular meetings; the joy of witnessing each others children grow and the warmth of the deepening bonds of community and love that we are forging here together. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We have seen much loved members of our circle leave to continue their journeys elsewhere and their faces, energy and contribution to our lives I will never forget. In turn we have been blessed by new Mama's and their little ones joining our group, new babies to hold, stories to hear, new friends to make.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There have been blessingways, bumps and brand new babies to welcome, what joy! As always there is playing, learning, crying (not always just the children) & chatting ; sparkly play dough to play with and lots of tea to be drunk. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We are sharing the journey of motherhood in all its colours, and supporting & witnessing each other as we expand and blossom into the women and Mothers that we aspire to be. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yes, it has been a good year for The Red Thread and I am proud of what we are creating here and excited to see what will grow next year from the seeds of this one…</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Blessings of light and darkness to you this Solstice.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Love Keeley x</span></div>
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<br /></div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-47332347971986283182011-08-06T12:48:00.000+01:002011-08-06T12:53:24.281+01:00In the Summer time...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpNHx-gAyGcZJmvl2hlRC05tabksjVl9vINwcqio2y4sTUDUPG2SyosFbyz9x3YgA3HrNf1I2Mje4UWFDXMvYPqeFVyP0GkrAWxy_DtmqZC5kLw4pqeX_CjN5KPkds-lbIRSzvv2TD3k/s1600/IMG_2885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpNHx-gAyGcZJmvl2hlRC05tabksjVl9vINwcqio2y4sTUDUPG2SyosFbyz9x3YgA3HrNf1I2Mje4UWFDXMvYPqeFVyP0GkrAWxy_DtmqZC5kLw4pqeX_CjN5KPkds-lbIRSzvv2TD3k/s320/IMG_2885.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For our last meeting in July, one of our Red Thread Mama's, Kate, came along to give us a talk on Herbs for Mothers and Children. It was a lovely meeting and Kate gave very generously of her time to answer questions and share her extensive knowledge with us all. Thank You Kate!</span></span><br />
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<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wherever you are reading this blog, I hope these Summer weeks have been warm, nourishing & fun for you and your family. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My family joined many others at The Mother magazine's annual family camp in North Yorkshire. It was a lovely break for us all, amid the beautiful surroundings and many lovely families, all coming together to share time; prepare & cook meals together; play, tie dye and knit; witness a handfasting; attend free workshops; dream & chat at the camp fire long into the night</span>. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Community Damper bread making</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once again, Veronika & Paul of The Mother magazine put heart and soul into providing and holding this space for us all. They should be proud of all they achieved this year with another lovely camp that was loved and enjoyed by so many families.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Veronika & paul at the camp fire for the launch of <a href="http://www.themothermagazine.co.uk/bookshop/">The Mystic Cookfire</a></span></td></tr>
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</span> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We certainly came back happy & with a heart full of lovely memories to keep us warm & inspired.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back home again, with Lammas just behind us, my thoughts turn toward Autumn. Even though we are still surrounded by the abundance of Summer, the seeds of next year can be seen in the crops, plants and flowers all around us, and harvest is on the way. The children have picked (and instantly eaten, naturally!) the first blackberries and our apples & plums are almost ready on the trees.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a time of year when I can really feel the wheel turning, light into dark, flower into seed, the glowing potential of pregnancy into the beauty & raw power of birth, Maiden into Mother; early into late Summer and then on into Autumn. Long and hopefully warm days still to come allow us all to spend more time outside, making the most of the late Summer, as the seasons dance on...</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></span></div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-47750397926056712212011-06-08T00:13:00.000+01:002011-06-08T00:13:00.874+01:00An Ecstatic Birth...<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">For the beautiful vibe, the wonderful tribe that gathered in the sunny museum garden and the inspirational talks, Nurtured family Nurtured Earth 2011 far exceeded my expectations. Dear friends old and new gathered, & people travelled from all over the country to be here & to support our vision. Father sun shone and Mother Earth was warmed.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
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<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Kids activities in the beautiful garden were started off with a session of childrens yoga with Relax Kids coach Katherine Bowdidge, and then a mad musical hour with the lovely Len tyler, who soon had the children marching round the garden whilst he led, playing the euphonium. Next up were Alfie & Paul with their ever popular ventriloquist show and then Lynne, telling her Mongolian story complete with exquisite hand made puppets, in the yurt. The afternoons activities were rounded of with Jo Davis from Etudeo getting the kids all painting banners with hands & feet (and knees, legs, tummies…you get the picture). There was also much playing and mooching done by kids of all ages, one particularly resourceful small person found the outside tap and so we had an impromptu splash pool for a while there too! There were also seeds to plant and take home and some wonderful Nature Weaving provided by Sally.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_cy99Gb25MCR4gXzXXq9q_uySGOdxrG0YI3s2FA2pw6HkURty1K-zE6tfx2ovpepb8ka5jpZi7eaFMfieRkYRAu3g-v5o9asL2zzQoqSgdyooj3v1FN89RT3IO2IsKSjv7PuHFOzBmc/s1600/veronikapic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_cy99Gb25MCR4gXzXXq9q_uySGOdxrG0YI3s2FA2pw6HkURty1K-zE6tfx2ovpepb8ka5jpZi7eaFMfieRkYRAu3g-v5o9asL2zzQoqSgdyooj3v1FN89RT3IO2IsKSjv7PuHFOzBmc/s320/veronikapic.jpg" width="320" /></a>The talks were amazing, informative and inspirational ~ Anna Watson bravely started off first thing to an almost full lecture hall, engaging all with her talk on Vaccination, closely followed by Maggie Curry who spoke eloquently on Nurturing the Whole Child in Education. The afternoon saw the dynamic Patrick Houser's talk entitled, " Parents Architects of the Future" which is also the title of his upcoming book, and then Veronika Robinson shared with us the 10 threads of Nurturing, that we can all include in our lives for ourselves and our families. A booklet of Veronika's talk is now available from <a href="http://www.themothermagazine.co.uk/bookshop/">here</a> for those of you who missed it or would like a very useful memento!</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Elsewhere, the market room buzzed with information, books, slings, networking and our fabulous Raffle that we called at the end of the day. The Red Thread kitchen, very capably run by Karen and a team of volunteers, was busy all day selling drinks, home made cakes, popcorn and fresh fruit. Our table, organised by Tanya and (wo)manned by various volunteers (mostly breastfeeding ones ~ thats what you get for sitting down!) was a hive of activity, selling raffle tickets and some lovely hand made items donated by the ladies of The Red Thread. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Out in the garden there was Tai Chi with Dean Dalrymple, a fabulous Herb Walk with Tim Carpenter and a full schedule of talks and workshops in the tipi provided by the therapists of The Indigo Touch. To round the day off, Drumheads arrived in style and provided a truly memorable and dynamic community drumming circle. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuJOpyOqczXq7qrIGFiJYD4K3pJLz5QNMYZBY_4vsvNsBC8JKccDVw4xKeAx3O5q5qzqQnARMkxqaZFtsRLn4_gJocDCGvAi_-R_UDYCVjNW1a7SRqJL9vLih87_kiL3wD8Tve3_HM5w/s1600/taichi+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuJOpyOqczXq7qrIGFiJYD4K3pJLz5QNMYZBY_4vsvNsBC8JKccDVw4xKeAx3O5q5qzqQnARMkxqaZFtsRLn4_gJocDCGvAi_-R_UDYCVjNW1a7SRqJL9vLih87_kiL3wD8Tve3_HM5w/s320/taichi+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Wow, I'm exhausted but also ecstatic all over again just writing about it!</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As a whole experience for me personally, the journey of Doula'ing this event has been awe inspiring. Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth was a co-creation, hatched on the dream plane between my good friend Starr and I, and nourished & nurtured over many months, first by the loving support of Veronika Robinson, and then by all of the other fantastic people who came together and blended their energy to make it happen. Somewhere very early on in this process, our baby took on a life of its own and started to gather some wonderful momentum, drawing in magic as it grew, until the end result on Saturday felt somehow effortless; flowing beautifully as we had dreamed it would. An ecstatic birth for our dream.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">On the other side of it all now, no longer brainstorming, list making or planning, I have been thinking these past few days about the gifts that Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth bought for me. As I sit here typing I can see out of the window, my son climbing the oak tree in the front garden as his sisters watch rapt, from the ground. It reminds me that everything I do is driven by my children, everything is for them and for their continued wholeness in mind, body and spirit. Consciousness raising, which is ultimately what Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth is, is for all of our children and the generations to come. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UE-u94cU5300bHLYfRbGdBpv2HgfzdwnpbM-mBYchbhMKLy29ju-7NPHb3PvirgMJoKM1C1QQUUJGZpnHCyHn-5gh6RfBaNQUWHYEa0-DZCyjqJLOE2zT4CV424Ij2L6gRnosctAoEw/s1600/painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UE-u94cU5300bHLYfRbGdBpv2HgfzdwnpbM-mBYchbhMKLy29ju-7NPHb3PvirgMJoKM1C1QQUUJGZpnHCyHn-5gh6RfBaNQUWHYEa0-DZCyjqJLOE2zT4CV424Ij2L6gRnosctAoEw/s320/painting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I truly believe that we are all separately, vibrant drops in the still pool of the universe. Living an authentic life with our family creates rainbow ripples that resonate far and wide. You can't underestimate the value of what we can achieve by living our truth in our day to day lives, but when we come together our strength is palpable. Coming together amplifies this energy that we each cultivate in our own unique ways within the heart of our own families. It can really be felt flowing through our connections, with each other, as a community, as a tribe, when we celebrate what it is that makes us all unique. It was to harness and encourage this amazing force for change that Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth was created.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> A friend emailed me in the last few days and said </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"the day was ENJOYED thoroughly by everyone, young and old. Families uninformed left informed and nurtured. The energy was vibrant, excited, safe, supportive, peaceful and conscious….Liked minded souls connecting and learning from each other. "</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">If we had written a mission statement for Nurtured Family, then I think this would have been it. So you see, looking back on our amazing day I can truly say that I feel it is Mission Accomplished!</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Reflecting on the gifts of Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth, for me the greatest gift is surely the reminder, that every time we nurture our selves and our families with consciousness and open hearts, we are also nurturing the Earth, for our children and the generations yet to come.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Let us all surf the wave of fantastic energy from Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth 2011 and trust that it will carry us as far as we need and want to go… Same time next year anyone??!</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyDrtK2JbAHHcAkInkdqqIKFarSU_t-qrohNsm1G6MyYrqZdmD7pK-OVFW1oub-aR2eKUKOixkTSrz5s6i-Mg1BHitow2-v8hiqmn3HIXAl6BHErkyi9OC7z21xucr8k-GbPvZaeDPZM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyDrtK2JbAHHcAkInkdqqIKFarSU_t-qrohNsm1G6MyYrqZdmD7pK-OVFW1oub-aR2eKUKOixkTSrz5s6i-Mg1BHitow2-v8hiqmn3HIXAl6BHErkyi9OC7z21xucr8k-GbPvZaeDPZM/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-81346074169769310472011-05-30T20:19:00.000+01:002011-05-30T20:19:30.677+01:00Raffle!<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330033; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsR_jyBArd7D84EMIdOo_7veoYU4VikVADoibonQdi97ud0FFS0m6whcWChwEOJLFPf_r-03cxuUXe2s83v0qmfPpe7bYeCb-cTkj2R4KIWoosoygMfm-7wfRDdFS0O9Kjq-ymVvq2Qcg/s1600/Photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsR_jyBArd7D84EMIdOo_7veoYU4VikVADoibonQdi97ud0FFS0m6whcWChwEOJLFPf_r-03cxuUXe2s83v0qmfPpe7bYeCb-cTkj2R4KIWoosoygMfm-7wfRDdFS0O9Kjq-ymVvq2Qcg/s200/Photo1.jpg" width="148" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As promised here is the list of fantastic prizes for Saturdays raffle</span>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thank you so much to everyone who has been so generous in contributing these wonderful prizes. </span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth" (pictured left) an original watercolour painting in a beech frame by Jaine Rose </span><a href="http://www.jainerose.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.jainerose.co.uk</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Set of 4 cd's ~ Drum Songs from the Heathen Hills, Weathered Edge & Old Silverhead by Carolyn Hillyer and Dartmoor Roundhouse by Nigel Shaw from Seventh Wave Music </span><a href="http://www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A Mooncup from Feminine Wear </span><a href="http://www.femininewear.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.femininewear.co.uk</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 Gift Subscriptions to The Mother magazine </span><a href="http://www.themothermagazine.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.themothermagazine.co.uk</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Life Without School & Stretch Marks, by Veronika Sophia Robinson ~ kindly donated by </span><a href="http://www.thebarefootcrofter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jacqui Ferguson</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Drinks Are On Me, The Birthkeepers by </span><a href="http://www.themothermagazine.co.uk/bookshop/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Veronika Sophia Robinson</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">**NEW** The Mystic Cookfire by </span><a href="http://www.themothermagazine.co.uk/bookshop/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Veronika Sophia Robinson</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Set of cards from Sacred Celebrations </span><a href="http://www.sacredcelebrationcards.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.sacredcelebrationcards.com</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A Babasling baby Sling </span><a href="http://www.thebabasling.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.thebabasling.com</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Abundant Health" book donated by the United Chiropractic Association.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Method Home Detox Kit </span><a href="http://www.methodproducts.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.methodproducts.co.uk</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Earth Friendly Baby Gift Set </span><a href="http://www.healthqueststore.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.healthqueststore.com </span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A wooden toy from Past and Present gift shop, Haslemere</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Who They Really Are by </span><a href="http://parentingfromsource.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Christina Fletcher </span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Parent Mentoring session with Christina Fletcher</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 year subscription to Nexus magazine </span><a href="http://www.nexusmagazine.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.nexusmagazine.com</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 x 1 year subscriptions to Juno magazine </span><a href="http://www.junomagazine.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.junomagazine.com</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 x Large veg Box from </span><a href="http://www.riverford.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Riverford Organic home delivery</span></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 x voucher for a medium Fruit & Veg Box from Abel & Cole</span></div><div><br />
</div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-4494651769611020352011-05-29T13:18:00.000+01:002011-05-29T13:18:34.268+01:00Car Parks and getting here<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For all of you who are travelling to Haslemere for Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth, here is a link to a map showing the way from Weyhill, right next to Haslemere where there is more parking than in the town centre. It is a 15-20 minute walk in to the museum from there.... also on the map is the train station, so you can see the short route in to town from there too :-)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are 3 car parks in the main town which are a little closer ~ also on the map ~ but just wanted to give you a few options as it may well be busy.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=51.089049,-0.716686&spn=0.013397,0.038581&z=15&msid=213901394411498222339.0004a45d01b9d89041511">http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=51.089049,-0.716686&spn=0.013397,0.038581&z=15&msid=213901394411498222339.0004a45d01b9d89041511</a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Safe a peaceful journeys everyone.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking forward to seeing you all next weekend x </span>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-60278322401198529522011-05-19T20:45:00.000+01:002011-05-19T20:45:54.254+01:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMwV8-kdBhUj-giI1rYT6XL_Ij-na8x5vycrOqPNiMdxEXPIvKQNfBtfVvKEBx2kpviv2VDWF_Fr-KkzJNPiAiAh8-iAebsZ9vBm_txVE1wTTsMnWTSVmF0QrYEk4E6uwBOhxHyLTLl4/s1600/IMG_2709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMwV8-kdBhUj-giI1rYT6XL_Ij-na8x5vycrOqPNiMdxEXPIvKQNfBtfVvKEBx2kpviv2VDWF_Fr-KkzJNPiAiAh8-iAebsZ9vBm_txVE1wTTsMnWTSVmF0QrYEk4E6uwBOhxHyLTLl4/s320/IMG_2709.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div><br />
</div>To all of you who have registered for Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth, a huge Thank You!<br />
<br />
I have sent out an email with a few important details to you all ~ here are some of the main points, just in case for some reason you haven't received it;<br />
<br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>Please bring a picnic lunch</b> and come hang out in the garden with us. We are running a small kitchen on site with drinks, fruit and home made light snacks & refreshments for sale but we are not selling lunches this year, so please come prepared. There is a supermarket just minutes from the museum though if you don't manage to grab your lunch before you leave!<br />
<br />
We hope you will find plenty to amuse yourself with; there are many Children's Activities, a Healing Tipi, Tai Chi and a Herb Walk running alongside the main talks all day, culminating with a Community Drumming Circle (please bring along a djembe or percussion instrument if you wish) to end the day at 4 pm which we hope you will all enjoy. Please have a look through <a href="http://theredthreadmotherscircle.blogspot.com/2011/05/nurtured-family-nurtured-earth.html">the schedule</a> to make sure that you know whats happening & when.<br />
<br />
<b>Please buy a raffle ticket (or 10!) on the day</b> ~ The raffle is looking amazing, with more donated gifts coming in all the time, I will update the blog soon with a complete up to date list. There will be many opportunities to purchase tickets for the raffle so please take them up. Particular highlights are a Beautiful Original Watercolour by the inspirational artist Jaine Rose & copies of Veronika Robinsons books, The Drinks are On Me, The Birthkeepers, Life Without School and (hopefully!) her newest offering The Mystic Cookfire.<br />
<br />
<b>Please do have a great time! and sign our guest book</b>, which will be on The Red Thread's table in the market room. Let us know what you have liked and what you would like different next time :- )<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a link to directions to the museum<br />
<br />
http://www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk/visit.htm<br />
<br />
<b>Please be aware that there is no parking at the museum</b> ~ there are a few car parks in town, but we recommend coming by train into Haslemere as there is a good service on the Waterloo/ Portsmouth line. It is just a 15 minute walk from the station to the museum or a very quick taxi ride, thus avoiding having to park in town.<br />
<br />
We have a programme of activities running for your children to join in with if they wish.<br />
<b>It is really important for everyones happiness and safety, that children should be accompanied by an adult at all times</b>. Our numbers do not allow for Creche facilities and so there must be a responsible adult with your children at all times whilst on the museum grounds.<br />
<br />
So looking forward to spending time with you all in 2 weeks!<br />
<br />
blessings x</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div></span></span></span></div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-89481947026313129012011-05-14T10:05:00.000+01:002011-05-14T14:17:11.215+01:00Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVd0EHbJJHpzWgek4L74vGzpRZj84oE6ZpMhTSmwQ3OHJgid6w0YeLKgALV4nC6ZLZs7ypEEYqVyvdzFbpDX46GTClg7beFoX4cJ27sTMxNNtZLQCv6Ud-WXTiCIIyHVhW7tWuSo8aPc/s1600/banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVd0EHbJJHpzWgek4L74vGzpRZj84oE6ZpMhTSmwQ3OHJgid6w0YeLKgALV4nC6ZLZs7ypEEYqVyvdzFbpDX46GTClg7beFoX4cJ27sTMxNNtZLQCv6Ud-WXTiCIIyHVhW7tWuSo8aPc/s320/banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, so far it has been an eventful year around here, but it is about to get a lot more interesting and exciting, as we are now able to publish a working schedule of events at Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth. The day is now just 3 weeks away, and continues to draw in magic, surprises and amazing Raffle Prizes as it grows! I will blog shortly about all of the fantastic donations we have had for our raffle, for now though, I am very happy to bring you the schedule below. </span></b></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you once again to everyone who is working so hard to bring this day into being; for us it is much like a community labour and birth (only with more emails...!) and I am so so grateful to all of you who are working so hard for us, mopping brows and getting ready to catch, and most importantly to ENJOY, Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth as it unfolds into being on June 4th. </span></b></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait to see you all on the day. Blessings x</span></b></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talks in The Haslemere Room</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10.30</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Doors Open</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10.45 - 11.45</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">D</span></b><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">iscussing Vaccination and Natural Immunity</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.arnica.org.uk/">Anna Watson</a> of Arnica Parents</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12.00 - 13.00</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Nurturing The Whole Child In Education”</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://heartwoodschool.org.uk/">Maggie Curry</a> of Heartwood Small School project</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13.30 - 14.30</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Parents, Architects of The Future”</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with <a href="http://fatherstobe.org/">Patrick Houser</a> of Fathers To Be International. Which came first the parent or the child? When does parenting, and for that matter childhood, actually begin? What real choices do we have as parents regarding the future wellbeing of our children?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14.45 - 16.00</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The Nurtured Family”</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with <a href="http://themothermagazine.co.uk/">Veronika Sophia Robinson</a>, Editor of The Mother magazine. Veronika will share ten threads of nurturing to weave into family life. She'll offer ideas which are easy and practical, and can be implemented by any parent seeking to bring more consciousness to their daily life.<br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Childrenʼs Activities in the garden </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(children must be accompanied by an adult at all times)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10.30</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Doors Open</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11- 11.45</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Relax Kids session in the yurt, with <a href="http://www.relaxkids.com/katharinebowdidge">Katharine Bowdidge</a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">Come along for a fun adventure in your imagination~ includes some movement and games, stretching (gentle yoga poses) breathing, affirmations and visualisations, a calming story to help mind and body relax.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 11px;"></span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12- 13.00</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Music for parents and children with Len of the <a href="http://www.lentylermusicschool.co.uk/">Len Tyler Music School</a>, meet under the shelter in the garden</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13.15 - 13.45</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Meet Alfie! with Paul Robinson ~ a ventriloquist show for kids of all ages in the yurt.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14.00 - 14.30</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “A Mongolian Story” Story telling with Lynne Fornieles and Willow of Heartwood Small School Project, in the yurt.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14.30- 16.00</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Kids Activities with Etudeo in the yurt.<br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Garden Schedule</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All Day</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Tʼai Chi in the Bell Tent with Dean Dalrymple, running 40 minute sessions of Tʼai Chi through the day, suitable for all abilities.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13.30 - 14.30</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Herb Walk: Come rain or shine the wild stuff will thrive. Whether you call them wild plants, herbs or weeds, they can probably help you improve your health. Learn the identity of some of Britainʼs wild flowers and trees and how they work with your body to heal various ailments. Led by <a href="http://www.timcarpenterherbalist.co.uk/">Medical Herbalist Tim Carpenter</a>. Meet at the foot of the steps to the annexe in the garden at 13.30 to join this fantastic walk.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16.00 - 17.00</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Please join us for a Community Drumming Circle, led by <a href="http://www.drumheadslive.com/index.html">Drumheads & the Guildford Drum Circle</a> in the garden for a dynamic end to your day.<br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Healing Tipi</span></b></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The therapists of <a href="http://www.indigotouch.org.uk/">The Indigo Touch</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> will have a table in the market room and be running a healing area all day in the Tipi in the Garden, please check out the schedule and drop in.</span></i></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10.30 - 11.15</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Dee French ~ offering Nutritional Advice, please drop in</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11.15 - 12.00</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Emma McGuire ~ introduction to Homeopathy and First Aid Remedies</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12.00 - 12.45</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Tamara Kircher ~ Chinese Massage (Tui Na) for children</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12.45 - 13.30</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Jacky Milner Walker ~ Baby Massage Demonstration</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13.30 - 14.15</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Carina Petter ~ Talk on Cranial Osteopathy</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15.00- 15.45</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Alex Sams ~ Bach Flower Remedies</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></div><div id="lws_0" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><div class="linkwithin_outer" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="linkwithin_inner" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 358px;"></div></div></div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-15618243602139864892011-03-08T22:36:00.000+00:002011-03-08T22:36:37.013+00:00Introducing ~ The Tai Chi Tent at Nurtured Family, Nurtured Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L3WYDM9bGBLqXRvfRWyouH-cr3jddmVQvzcdvYHelOEorEVFOb6B9t_DDCT_VdWD3vqwNr8CNriV8FCn8YJ5tyU5Xx7PdRT63hOOtmjjM7fmskIYHS-z6DjIxA6L3cptB8uMIOVeEWk/s1600/canvas-bell-tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L3WYDM9bGBLqXRvfRWyouH-cr3jddmVQvzcdvYHelOEorEVFOb6B9t_DDCT_VdWD3vqwNr8CNriV8FCn8YJ5tyU5Xx7PdRT63hOOtmjjM7fmskIYHS-z6DjIxA6L3cptB8uMIOVeEWk/s200/canvas-bell-tent.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">I am very excited to let you all know, that Dean Dalrymple is very generously coming along to run Tai Chi sessions throughout the day, in the museum garden.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">Dean has been practising and teaching tai chi and chi gong for 18 years. His training has taken him to Malaysia and Thailand and he has taught in a variety of teaching environments including Adult Education and Tai Chi festivals. Although he has practised tai chi as a martial art along with Malay and Philipino systems, it is as a moving meditation that Dean finds tai chi has its greatest benefit. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">During Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth, Dean will be leading 40 minute sessions of gentle Chi Gong (slow mindful movements) and meditations. He'll be holding the sessions in 'The Bell Tent' which will be pitched in the museum's grounds- simply sign up for a time slot on the board outside the tent. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The sessions are an invitation to you to simply let go of tensions rather than a challenge to 'learn' what is being shown. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Sounds amazing, well, you'll know where to find me if I am suddenly missing ... x</div><div><br />
</div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-21121787558901737962011-02-22T10:33:00.000+00:002011-02-22T10:36:40.682+00:00The Warp and Weft<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;">Over the time since I first started The Red Thread, I have been contacted by many women from all over the country who have set up similar groups for themselves where they live, as a response to reading about ours.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvCCfRjxGNfB8Wwp2ZJUE04nC_J8MTYTLJmdAFEtiztfFeVI1CS6mg0VYRyLAaQtev8YakyshiUrC2QsxZsPedAcuAsFO7euzzlqy65EYoGUlpsNdovNryN-Mm_CVYgKZyynl6SkI-6M/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvCCfRjxGNfB8Wwp2ZJUE04nC_J8MTYTLJmdAFEtiztfFeVI1CS6mg0VYRyLAaQtev8YakyshiUrC2QsxZsPedAcuAsFO7euzzlqy65EYoGUlpsNdovNryN-Mm_CVYgKZyynl6SkI-6M/s320/DSC_0029.JPG" width="212" /></a>I am more pleased and moved than I could ever express that The Red Thread calls to so many of us because, for me, that is so much of what this work is about ~ encouraging and inspiring each other. As women, if we come together in loving support of one another, we can move mountains. There are few more important or courageous jobs than the one that we do ~ fearlessly raising and nurturing the next generation ~ and in order that we do it to the very best of our ability, it is essential that we create community and support systems for ourselves. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;">It is too easy in todays society to inhabit a world of separation. We have almost all been brought up within this paradigm and it is essential that we learn to feel and see beyond it. To choose solitude is one thing and I do choose it often for many reasons, not least because I like my own company, but equally, I sometimes need to reach a little way beyond myself and feel a welcoming hand to steady me when I wobble; to hear a loving voice on the end of the phone; to be among other women who reflect the best of me right back at me; to be among friends. I have been blessed in this lifetime to know some truly remarkable women and to have some wonderful friends who shine like stars in the firmament, guiding and inspiring me every day. It is soothing to the soul to be among like minds, kindred spirits, and this is what the Red Thread is aiming to provide ~ a space for us all to come together in.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;">It is only with the ongoing love and support of my friends that I have been able to reach out and reawaken the spark of The Red Thread within so many others. Please get in touch and let me know about your Mothers/ Womens circle and lets share our stories and continue to weave the Red Thread for the good of us all.</div><div><br />
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</div></div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-81072680251437371452011-01-27T12:33:00.000+00:002011-01-27T12:52:42.995+00:00Roll Up Roll Up....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqjR_RGleWmGPYzhS8DPohyphenhyphenhgp1jGO66Jh_Rnb7cQvJW2pIDR2KOYrasgprdNH7f1aSdiYAnwXnNnwlbwOUhuspRhiBKcLABBl2XDLZUIRzq57LQisvdoIqWnq6KgqKoMb4cGurAEF98/s1600/banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqjR_RGleWmGPYzhS8DPohyphenhyphenhgp1jGO66Jh_Rnb7cQvJW2pIDR2KOYrasgprdNH7f1aSdiYAnwXnNnwlbwOUhuspRhiBKcLABBl2XDLZUIRzq57LQisvdoIqWnq6KgqKoMb4cGurAEF98/s320/banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tickets are now available to Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth here<br />
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<a href="http://nurturedfamilynurturedearth.eventbrite.com/">http://nurturedfamilynurturedearth.eventbrite.com/</a><br />
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Entry is free but please consider donating to support us if you are able to, via the button on the right.<br />
We are starting from a budget of zero and it is only due to the love and generosity of our inspiring speakers;<br />
<a href="http://www.themothermagazine.co.uk/">Veronika Robinson</a> of The Mother magazine, <a href="http://www.fatherstobe.org/">Patrick Houser</a> of Fathers to Be International, <a href="http://www.arnica.org.uk/">Anna Watson</a> of Arnica Parents and <a href="http://heartwoodschool.org.uk/">Maggie Curry</a> of The Heartwood small school project;<br />
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in donating their time and abundant energy for free, that <a href="http://gentlemothering.blogspot.com/">Starr </a>and I, along with the women and families of The Red Thread, can realise our dream and create this wonderful event. Every little bit donated will help to support us in this adventure!<br />
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Tickets are actually going at an almost alarming rate, so if you are planning on joining us then do please go along and register your interest soon.<br />
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So looking forward to connecting up with you all in June!<br />
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Keeley xKeeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-86411422772980916162011-01-18T22:28:00.000+00:002011-01-18T22:43:13.845+00:00Herb Walk at Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rGU6Sp4ZX6R2YJs2g3OZw0JNia-Xlj70P4EFFrhk4up1_IOX_qfAfTmeUSiz5si1XyDUZE_qJzEZ8pATXyxKTgWZArsHZkKKkntk3I_-bHIlgA_idivWa5woorPJLHQFyIXsdlibJxM/s1600/IMG_3662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rGU6Sp4ZX6R2YJs2g3OZw0JNia-Xlj70P4EFFrhk4up1_IOX_qfAfTmeUSiz5si1XyDUZE_qJzEZ8pATXyxKTgWZArsHZkKKkntk3I_-bHIlgA_idivWa5woorPJLHQFyIXsdlibJxM/s320/IMG_3662.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm really pleased to confirm that Medical Herbalist Tim Carpenter will be leading a Herb walk in and around the beautiful gardens of Haslemere Museum, at Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth this June 4th. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went on a herb walk with Tim last year with our local home ed group and it was wonderful ~ lively, interesting and informative, and led by a man with clear passion and commitment to his work. This is what Tim has to say about the walk ~</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Come rain or shine the wild stuff will thrive. Whether you call them wild plants, herbs or weeds, they can probably help you improve your health. Learn the identity of some of Britains wild flowers and trees and how they work with your body to heal various ailments."</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.timcarpenterherbalist.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.timcarpenterherbalist.co.uk/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and what I love about herbs and wild plants is that they are a shining example of how much <i>the Earth nurtures us </i>when we are willing to open our eyes, minds and hearts to her. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Herbal medicine is a huge part of the magic of this Earth-Walk that inspires and moves me. I hope that you will find something to uplift and inspire you too, when you join us at Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth this June. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look forward to seeing you there!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">x</span>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-6559995736839413022010-12-17T00:04:00.000+00:002010-12-17T00:15:21.120+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1n5bLV8SVpHPxm8Vnif1hXvHsJye4Ul9UE2rv18JU8XH-PUZGLCEam99VNLY7bdUgfidIz5IKGFOJFt8ONq_ocZPtRdl82yk_xOBKHCn-wwFr78GV09YP5LvLRBh_c4TulBtoK3uUFI/s1600/IMG_9260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1n5bLV8SVpHPxm8Vnif1hXvHsJye4Ul9UE2rv18JU8XH-PUZGLCEam99VNLY7bdUgfidIz5IKGFOJFt8ONq_ocZPtRdl82yk_xOBKHCn-wwFr78GV09YP5LvLRBh_c4TulBtoK3uUFI/s400/IMG_9260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At The Red Thread we came together last week for our last meeting of 2010. Amy came to see us and gave a talk on Bach flower remedies specifically for children which was really interesting and will definitely prove helpful over the ensuing season!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span>For the rest of the morning, there was playing, pom pom making and a delicious shared lunch of soup, breads, salad and raw apple pie to be enjoyed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGfsQtGBQJvqHqu2SLwlQ_wd-z1goihVngRZy-lSXVTLDRdKWRJvmz3-fAmVyVTa32OP40cjVDCDmUrvozAi9mC7zNjYcovH0CxQ84wXS9i7cnXzf7e53bL-e4TVddQ_5r7RmmuTupNg/s1600/IMG_9276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGfsQtGBQJvqHqu2SLwlQ_wd-z1goihVngRZy-lSXVTLDRdKWRJvmz3-fAmVyVTa32OP40cjVDCDmUrvozAi9mC7zNjYcovH0CxQ84wXS9i7cnXzf7e53bL-e4TVddQ_5r7RmmuTupNg/s200/IMG_9276.JPG" width="103" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In all, a lovely way to mark the end of a year that we have been blessed to share as a group. 2010 has seen comings and goings; some of our original members left for pastures new and we miss them still and many new mama's have come to join our circle; we have celebrated Blessingways & Births; and started our "Mothers Only" Saturday circles, a really special, sacred space and a haven for us all to take time out in occasionally.</span><br />
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In the new year as the light begins to return, there is so much to look forward to, not least Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth and all of the love, preparation and work that we can't wait to pour into it. In the meantime though we will look forward to meeting up again in January. Knowing that we have the ongoing love and support of a group of wonderful Mamas like the Red Thread is an incredibly empowering way to meet the new year and I can't wait to see what other delights 2011 has in store!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed Be.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjBunuz32BNAT12k3PPl2JG8gt_wo13RvOJAOSARVyrJBjLXpP-t6MT20Hy8gA6l1Jo3AB3q-2wkk3DejTY1_R4IQfIl78_neK9OEKnzX6G8xC4SykHygAvNDtuWk79n9JbybjYn_ZRU/s1600/tansy+and+lucas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjBunuz32BNAT12k3PPl2JG8gt_wo13RvOJAOSARVyrJBjLXpP-t6MT20Hy8gA6l1Jo3AB3q-2wkk3DejTY1_R4IQfIl78_neK9OEKnzX6G8xC4SykHygAvNDtuWk79n9JbybjYn_ZRU/s200/tansy+and+lucas.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzEdI3YhgEC-F1_VCv6xtvylYcNmFxueSLH8W0oHidGpTyE3GE1hiLPbVPgzFWKZKNDTxOUwkF_Gfbhmf_ZNQ3hnIkUpwsiPoB9xzFxVI2MkEB5sMgx75vjlOVlJomZY-QnW_nDGf67k/s1600/IMG_9271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzEdI3YhgEC-F1_VCv6xtvylYcNmFxueSLH8W0oHidGpTyE3GE1hiLPbVPgzFWKZKNDTxOUwkF_Gfbhmf_ZNQ3hnIkUpwsiPoB9xzFxVI2MkEB5sMgx75vjlOVlJomZY-QnW_nDGf67k/s200/IMG_9271.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-64016522463260613612010-12-16T23:20:00.000+00:002010-12-17T00:16:41.872+00:00Gifts of the Solstice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvf2438yA7IPL-Y-x289Tk2OthQcY81X-GhlNr-bL7dmxyhI6DCPFFLj2uW8o9HtemJrNxjCFDISONz8FekHraJRU6Z5NFECBnacAy5pMqC-HAAQKW3UjJfEV5IslW6UO9J33BljtCKY/s1600/IMG_2053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvf2438yA7IPL-Y-x289Tk2OthQcY81X-GhlNr-bL7dmxyhI6DCPFFLj2uW8o9HtemJrNxjCFDISONz8FekHraJRU6Z5NFECBnacAy5pMqC-HAAQKW3UjJfEV5IslW6UO9J33BljtCKY/s320/IMG_2053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Amid falling picture book snow and sub zero temperatures, the Winter Solstice approaches once again. With all the snow we've had it truly does feel like time to hibernate and dream ~ I just sometimes wish someone could tell my children that! </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The fire burning, candles flickering and the solstice tree brought into the house all mark the approach of the longest night for us. We are lucky to live rurally, but still the air of slight panic pervades even here, as people dash around shop-shop-shopping, giant santa claus' loom at us from buildings and there's not a parking space to be found in town when you need one! Every year I find myself feeling more and more uncomfortable with the consumerist nightmare that IS christmas for many people. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">It feels very counter intuitive for me, all this bustle and bluster at a time when the energy all around is calling for us to retreat and nest. Even the trees have sent their energy down into the roots, letting their leaves fall, and everything looks bare and stripped back. As a society we are so far from nature that we no longer take our cues from the land, but for those of us that try to live in harmony with the earth, a deep discomfort can arise. The discord between the wisdom and depth of the Solstice and the superficial tack and glitter of the average Christmas is painful on many levels.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The beauty and truth of this season is there for us all if we can find some peace and stillness in which to observe it. Light a candle and take a moment to connect with whats happening on the land and whats happening in your inner landscape too. Feed the birds, get out in the garden, feel the earth under your feet, settle and breathe into her. Grounding is a great antidote to the frenzy of the season if you find yourself losing your centre, which is easy to do. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Be true to yourself and the heart of your family ~ celebrate in whatever way is personally meaningful to you and enjoy.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I wish for all of us, the blessings and promise of the Solstice Energy, and the time to savour it and snuggle with our loved ones. </div><div><br />
</div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-79979371009377795582010-11-23T13:19:00.000+00:002010-11-28T14:19:47.809+00:00Nurtured Family, Nurtured Earth 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqrKtBshyO9bdqZAA_1p6a2nPSqxVpDvUyZ-lPga7RK1x8DHAcGh8V3gXm54-IGG-VST86NX5qwgL2jzilPMNrF4s3XK43TtmN3EGvG9amOhqSxp7KrL5bfsH503SEmxA8bHYuTcDo6I/s1600/banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqrKtBshyO9bdqZAA_1p6a2nPSqxVpDvUyZ-lPga7RK1x8DHAcGh8V3gXm54-IGG-VST86NX5qwgL2jzilPMNrF4s3XK43TtmN3EGvG9amOhqSxp7KrL5bfsH503SEmxA8bHYuTcDo6I/s400/banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At The Red Thread Mothers Circle we have been busy planting seeds and incubating plans for next year. We are very excited about the results of this dreaming and planting; plans for a day event next year here in Surrey, dedicated to Holistic family life, called Nurtured Family, Nurtured Earth. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Our vision is that Nurtured family, Nurtured earth will be a day to Inform, Inspire and Celebrate Holistic Family life. A day of bringing together our individual lights, to shine into the areas of our lives that may need it; maybe we need to remind ourselves why we do what we do, to affirm our choices; or maybe we need something to lift and encourage us, and to help us to strike out boldly upon the path that awaits us. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lets come together to support, educate and encourage each other... </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love the attitude that it is a great honour to be incarnated now, with so much change going on and such great opportunities to make a difference, and this is the energy I'd like to bring to the day. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let it be a reminder that in fully and wholeheartedly nurturing the next generation, we are doing the same for our great Mother, the Earth; not just because of how lightly we tread (although that is also vital), but through the loving and whole adults of tomorrow that we are caring for today."</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are still in the early stages of planning Nurtured Family Nurtured Earth but it has taken on a life all of its own and is coming together beautifully. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As guests speakers already confirmed we have</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Veronika Robinson, Editor of The Mother Magazine</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Anna Watson, founder of Arnica Parents and Patrick Houser of Fathers To Be International.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Activities planned include Childrens Story Telling, Healing Spaces, Music, Cafe and a market room. We also have a beautiful outside space in which to play and explore.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">~ More will be confirmed as the day takes shape ~</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you think you might like to contribute in some way then please take a look at the dedicated page above, and do get in touch.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and please save the date ~ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Saturday 4th June 2011</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">~ and lets all take this opportunity to come together and celebrate our parenting journeys.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-77865583391299502582010-09-26T12:37:00.000+01:002010-11-19T12:38:54.988+00:00Harvest Moon<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: url(http://www.tumblr.com/images/input_bg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l9chs34pb71qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l9chs34pb71qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />
Can you feel the change in the air? A chilly edge to the wind, the taste of rain on the horizon, the smell of wet earth and damp woodlands. The rose hips bob in the hedgerows, almost ready, and the elderberries glisten, apples fall~ Autumn comes.<br />
I am somehow taken unaware this year. Even though I knew that Autumn was here, the equinox energy is strong and flowing suddenly, like a river in flood, jolting me from my late summer reverie. "Change", she whispers on the strengthening breeze, "honour and let go….move with me, dance with me, trust in me"<br />
With hearts open, there is wisdom and deep learning to be gained in the balancing of our inner and outer worlds. Equinox energy moves us to clear out our cobwebs, open the windows and let her blow through our hearts and minds one last time before we retreat, to dream the dark of the year.<br />
Mabon heralds a natural pause; a time to ground and reorient ourselves upon the path. A time for gathering your achievements to you and honouring how far you have come.<br />
A time to reflect; What have you grown this year? Where have you reaped your harvest? What are you most proud of?<br />
Take this moment and celebrate every sacred part of yourself; growing and changing as you are, spiralling with the seasons.<br />
Give Thanks; Take your morning tea out into the garden. With a prayer, raise your cup up to the windswept blue sky and the sunshine, in gratitude and acknowledgement, then pour out a libation upon the Earth to honour her part in all that you do. Bring that Earth and Sky blessed cup to your lips and drink a toast to yourself and your achievements.<br />
The day and night are of equal length and beauty, and the full moon this week has blessed us with her magical light that bathes all areas of our lives. Her gifts of abundant creativity flow, and her light illuminates the paths of our lives to give us clear sight, far sight, both forwards and back. An opportunity to gain new insight and perspective. Meditate, pray, dream and Give Thanks in her presence.<br />
Get out in the wet silver grass of the full moon garden and sing to her, tell her your stories of journeys made and mountains climbed, of joy and sorrow interwoven, of rainbows and muddy puddles, sticky fingers, dirty faces, new friends and days full of simple pleasures.<br />
Ask for her blessings on the many adventures to come, that you may journey well, with Her good grace and a light heart.<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l9chvdRxLz1qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l9chvdRxLz1qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-82884646301074085232010-08-02T12:36:00.000+01:002010-11-19T12:37:44.691+00:00Happy Birthday<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: url(http://www.tumblr.com/images/input_bg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">One balmy Sunday afternoon at the end of July, the women of The Red Thread came together in celebration of our merry band.<br />
We brought our children, our partners and lunch to share and spent the afternoon in the summer garden. There was much playing, exploring and bouncing on the trampoline (and that was just the Dads!)<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6jpoikk7Q1qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6jpoikk7Q1qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /> <br />
walks by the pond, piano playing, duck watching, lots of picnic rug chatter,<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6jpnpjOht1qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6jpnpjOht1qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />
really delicious food shared and not a few waspy friends joining in too... It was a truly lovely, peaceful afternoon spent in wonderful company.<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6jo3trnJx1qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6jo3trnJx1qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />
I am ever grateful and in awe of the gifts that The Red Thread has brought in to my life and without doubt, the best of these is the gift of some wonderful friendships. Thank you all you lovely Mamas, for nurturing with me this dream of the Mothers Circle, and may it, like all our children, flourish and grow in our Love and care.<br />
with bright blessings, Keeley x</div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-62773435838289155142010-07-10T12:35:00.000+01:002010-11-19T12:36:42.630+00:00<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: url(http://www.tumblr.com/images/input_bg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l5cu5etMiI1qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l5cu5etMiI1qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />
"Only when we stop reaching off balance for the light, and equally welcome the darkness of our souls, will we find the exquisite inspiration that comes from being rooted, nourished and blessed by nature. Open to the sanctity of nature's currents, can we then experience the vibrant flood of energy that is offered us as<em> life, </em>finding the deep resources of wisdom and fuel within our nature, and exploring the freedom of perfect self expression."<br />
Emma Restall Orr, Kissing the Hag.<br />
photo~ Pascal's Oak Heart, June 2010</div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-13425143107810225952010-04-22T12:34:00.000+01:002010-11-19T12:35:37.040+00:00<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: url(http://www.tumblr.com/images/input_bg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l1a1xuFTF61qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l1a1xuFTF61qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />
I am the sea<br />
I am the mountains<br />
I am the light<br />
I am eternal<br />
This confusion is fog<span><br />
</span>There is light beyond<span><br />
</span>I sense it and feel its warmth<span><br />
</span>I move toward it<span><br />
</span>but not headlong<span><br />
</span>I fear to stumble,<span><br />
</span>to fall with pain.<br />
There are women everywhere with fragments<span><br />
</span>When we learn to come together we are whole<span><br />
</span>When we learn to recognize the enemy <span><br />
</span>we will come to recognize what we need to know<span><br />
</span>to learn how to come together<br />
I know the many smiling faces of my enemy<span><br />
</span>I know the pretence that is the weapon used.<span><br />
</span>I have been the enemy<span><br />
</span>and learned to know myself well.<br />
The ones who talk only from the throat <span><br />
</span>see only with two eyes<span><br />
</span>hear only with ears<span><br />
</span>but pretend to do more<span><br />
</span>are the enemy<br />
I walked amidst shards<span><br />
</span>and fear laceration<span><br />
</span>I must dare to bleed<span><br />
</span>I must dare to cut myself<span><br />
</span>To amputate<span><br />
</span>the festering pain.<br />
I will learn to mix medicine bags for those with faith<span><br />
</span>I will learn to chant the power chant<span><br />
</span>I will learn to mix<span><br />
</span>medicine bags for those with faith<span><br />
</span>I will learn to chant the power chant <span><br />
</span>and play the healing drum.<span><br />
</span>I will not fear moss voices<span><br />
</span>water songs<span><br />
</span> Small furry things with sharp teeth<span><br />
</span> or my own hesitancy.<br />
I am falling<span><br />
</span>I am falling<br />
Past star<span><br />
</span>Past time<span><br />
</span> through space<span><br />
</span> and my own fragments<br />
oh sisters the pain<br />
I am scattered<span><br />
</span>I am scattered<br />
gather fragments<span><br />
</span>weave and mend<br />
<span><br />
</span>scattered fragments<span><br />
</span>weave and mend<br />
In golden light<span><br />
</span>I recognize the enemy faces<span><br />
</span>fear of our bodies<span><br />
</span>fear of our visions<span><br />
</span>fear of our healing <span><br />
</span>fear of our love<span><br />
</span>fear of sister kind<span><br />
</span>fear of brother kind<span><br />
</span>fear of fear<br />
Love is healing<span><br />
</span>healing is love<br />
There are women everywhere with fragments<span><br />
</span><br />
gather fragments<span><br />
</span>weave and mend<br />
<span><br />
</span>When we learn to come together we are whole<span><br />
</span>When we learn to recognize the enemy<span><br />
</span>we will know what we need to know<span><br />
</span>to learn how to come together<span><br />
</span>to learn how to weave and mend.<br />
Old Woman is watching <span><br />
</span>watching over you<span><br />
</span>In the darkness of the storm<span><br />
</span>she is watching<span><br />
</span>watching over you<span><br />
</span>weave and mend<span><br />
</span>weave and mend<br />
<span><br />
</span>Old woman is watching<span><br />
</span>watching over you<span><br />
</span>with her bones become a loom<span><br />
</span>she is weaving<span><br />
</span>watching over us<span><br />
</span>weave and mend<span><br />
</span>golden circle<span><br />
</span>weave and mend<span><br />
</span>sacred sisters<span><br />
</span>weave and mend<br />
I have been searching <span><br />
</span>lost<span><br />
</span>alone<span><br />
</span>I have been searching<span><br />
</span>for so many years<br />
I have been searching <span><br />
</span>Old Woman<br />
and I find her<span><br />
</span>in<span><br />
</span>mySelf<br />
from Daughters of the Copperwoman by Anne Cameron</div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-77502142425225716862010-03-20T11:32:00.000+00:002010-11-19T12:34:14.516+00:00Blessing the way to far far away...<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: url(http://www.tumblr.com/images/input_bg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlngnCM0B1qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlngnCM0B1qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />
This Thursday at The Red Thread, we held a Blessingway ceremony for Tracey, who is not only journeying to birth for the 3rd time, but is also travelling back to her native New Zealand to live.<br />
This was a moving occasion for us~ our first Blessingway as a group for one of our beautiful Mamas and a fond farewell too. Tracey has been an inspiring and important part of our circle for a while now and we will miss her tremendously!<br />
The Blessingway was a beautiful, heartfelt offering from us all; Marianne had crafted an amazing crown of greenery for Tracey to wear; Mel and Starr played an enchanting flute and keyboard duet; Lizzie sang a spellbinding birthing song which stopped everyone in their tracks, even the toddlers;<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlof2bx5h1qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlof2bx5h1qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />
we each brought a bead for a birthing necklace and spoke a blessing for Tracey and her birth; we all held hands and wished her well.<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlocsOv7m1qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlocsOv7m1qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />
As a part of the ceremony we bound our wrists with red yarn, symbolic of our connection to each other and to Tracey. We know that the bonds of friendship formed here will stretch as far as they need to, and that we all remain a circle in our hearts, if not in everyday-ness.<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlnheqkSh1qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlnheqkSh1qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /> <img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlnhoSLPy1qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlnhoSLPy1qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />
Over the years I have been blessed to have some truly wonderful wombyn touch my life, and until now, almost none of them have been close enough for regular cups of tea and hugs. So I know just how far our heartstrings can stretch ~ and it is forever.<br />
Go Well Tracey. Go in Peace and Love on your path to birth and other shores, and know that we are cheering you on from chilly old England.<br />
<img _mce_src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlnlnLVAP1qzlz30.jpg" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzlnlnLVAP1qzlz30.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />
I would like to say a huge Thank You to all the awesome women who jointly create The Red Thread Mothers Circle, because without you and your open hearts, it would just be a 'lovely idea' rather than the vibrant and loving space that it is. I was honoured to share the Blessingway with you all.<br />
In Circle Blessed x</div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957862715969966523.post-23065542076798552442010-01-25T12:32:00.000+00:002010-11-19T12:32:26.894+00:00<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: url(http://www.tumblr.com/images/input_bg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
<br />
The hyacinths emerging remind me that the land is stirring under the snow and grey skies, and that the days of winter are drawing to a close. The scent of hyacinth is said to ease grief and depression, and the sight of them shooting skyward in January always lifts my spirits and heralds the march towards spring...<br />
This week the Red Thread came together again after a long break for the end of the year and then a snow imposed break at the start of 2010. Rather wonderfully, the sun came out to welcome us all back as it so often does on Red Thread days! Magical. Hyacinths sat on the central table of the circle as the children played all around and we reconnected over herbal teas and delicious home made snacks. Recently a dear friend bade me "Keep good company" and I am happy to say that within the weave of the Red Thread the company is indeed soothing and sweet ~ A breathe of fresh air to gently bear us into 2010.<br />
Everyone brought something delicious to add to the shared snack and I thought it would be nice to share some recipes here. Thank you Mel and Marianne for contributing these recipes along with your glowing smiles, full cake tins and continuous support of the mothers circle.<br />
<b>Flapjacks</b><br />
150g oat flakes<br />
150g whole wheat flour<br />
150g mixed dried fruit chopped small<br />
30g desiccated coconut<br />
30g chopped nuts (I used pecans but could be hazelnuts etc)<br />
30g sunflower seeds<br />
100g vegetable fat spread<br />
300ml apple juice (I also added a bit of agave and apple juice concentrate)<br />
Mix all the above together, except for apple juice / liquid. Add juice and mix well. Grease non stick oven tray and cover with mixture pressing well down. Bake at 200 degrees until brown (approx 30mins).<br />
<b>Peanut butter cookies</b><br />
1 cup plain flour (I use wholemeal or spelt, if using spelt use an extra ¼ cup)<br />
1tsp baking powder<br />
½ tsp bicarb<br />
2tbs sugar (I missed this out)<br />
¼ tsp salt<br />
1/3 cup peanut butter<br />
½ cup maple syrup<br />
1tsp vanilla extract<br />
3 tbs canola oil (I’ve never found this so have used rice bran oil instead) (Mel's note- I've used sunflower oil too which has worked)<br />
Preheat oven 175 degrees. Combine first 5 ingredients and stir. In separate bowl mix peanut butter with maple syrup, oil and vanilla. Add wet to dry and stir. Pinch into balls and press down on tray with the back of a fork. Bake for 11 mins, until just golden.<br />
<b>Banana muffins</b><br />
30g veg spread (I think Pure sunflower spread is the best for baking)<br />
2 heaped tablespoons honey (or maple syrup or agave or concentrated apple juice)<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
2 large ripe bananas<br />
150g spelt flour<br />
1 heaped teaspoon baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
Preheat oven 180 degrees<br />
Melt veg spread and honey together with vanilla, then mash bananas into wet mix. Mix dry ingredients together then combine with the wet mix. Spoon into 10-12 muffin cases and bake for 25 mins.</div>Keeleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409515537304409277noreply@blogger.com0