The blessings of the coming spring to you!
In 2019, we made new friendships, enjoyed each others fellowship, and found deep spiritual connection in the natural world, while hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and camping.
As we roll out the events on our spring 2020 schedule, we invite you to join us!
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Carrying the Work of Peace Forward
Moine Michelle
Last fall, Stewards Jay and Mason discovered that many of the trees along the creek at Byron Avenue Park (where we often hold Twilight Walks) had been vandalized. Tree after tree is spray painted with our current president's name. One of our sacred sites is in need of much love, forgiveness, and healing.
At our Wassailing event in January, many of us saw the damage for the first time ourselves--an in-your-face reminder that some people believe intimidation and lawlessness serves their interests. How are we to carry the work of peace forward when faced with such ugliness?
But we did walk in peace that day, wassailing the pawpaws with joyous gusto. As we took our leave of the wood, we discussed the need for a clean up in the small park where we’ve walked so many times.
The next day, Ryan Franks posted on MeetUp: “I did some research last night on removing graffiti from trees safely,” he wrote. “I found some interesting information from Purdue University's master gardeners that I might go try to apply if anyone else is interested in some Arboreal Rehab. Shoot me a text and let me know if you are interested in helping.” Ryan arranged to meet another sF member and they tested the clean up method--using citrus cleanser and a scrub brush. They found that the paint can be removed from trees without harming the bark.
With deepest gratitude to Ryan for modeling right action, we’ve scheduled a clean-up day at Byron Avenue Park. Please meet us at noon on March 22nd to scrub trees, pick up trash, and carry the work of peace forward. We invite you all to join us for this day of healing and cleansing.
Details and to sign up: https://www.meetup.com/san-Fhasach-In-the-Wilderness/events/268127189/
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Seeking a FB group moderator
The Stewards are seeking a Facebook group moderator! This volunteer will help begin conversations and post information about local activities of interest in our FB group, keeping the space active, lively, and welcoming for all members. Please send Moine a private message, if interested.
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_Upcoming Events_
Here are some of the events we are excited to highlight in this coming season.
Please see MeetUp for more details and to sign up. (Some events require pre-registration.)
Wednesday, March 18th, 11:30am—”Dining with Druids” at La Madeline French Bakery, Alexandria (Every third Wednesday)Saturday, March 21, 2:00pm—Ostara Celebration, Ritual and Potluck (w/ our friends from Firefly), Lake Accotink ParkSunday, March 22nd, 12pm, Accotink Creek and Byron Avenue Park CleanupSaturday, March 28, 9:00 AM—Morning Hike at Cedarville State ParkSunday, April 26, 12:00pm—Cross-Community Event: DC Pagan PrideThursday, May 14th to Sunday May 17th, Cross-Community Event: Blueridge Mountain Beltane (A 25 year history of celebrating Beltane!)Thursday, June 18 to Sunday June 21st, san Fhasach Summer Solstice Campout and Celebration, Susquehanna State Park
Keep your eye out for more hikes and seasonal celebrations as summer rolls out.
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The Beauty of Simple Foods
Mason
It has been many years now that I’ve had a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription in some form or fashion. There are many reasons why I love getting much of my food from a farm cooperative, but the primary reason is the inherent beauty of simple foods.
Trying to shop a conventional grocery store now feels nearly overwhelming to me. There are too many choices. Getting a box of vegetables that I don’t choose every week forces me to be creative. Sourcing food locally usually means that you’re going to end up with a lot of similar things, especially in the winter when root vegetables and hothouse grown leafy greens rule. How many different things can you do with turnips?
Falling back on standards helps me remember the beauty of the land that surrounds us. Cabbage soups with a hunk of bread, sheppards pies (with lentils instead of meat in my case) - peasant dishes, largely - all remind me to be grateful that the simplest of roots and leaves can sustain us.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a lavish meal, but there is something magical about chopping fresh onions, garlic, and mushrooms to let simmer and carmelize. Smear some goats cheese on toast, put the mushrooms on top, and it is a homey meal. When I feed it to a friend, as simple and quick as it is, I feel like I am giving them a part of myself and my wishes for them. For comfort, and joy, laughter, and good conversation. Kitchen witchery at its most literal.
No matter where you shop or how you cook or eat, where is the magic you find in your meals? Is it from the foods, the preparation, the people you share them with? Feel free to share your thoughts or your favorite simple recipes with us!
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Many blessings to you all,
__The sF Stewards__
Moine, Mason, Jay, Michael, Sally, and Nikki
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