Hello beautiful people, amazing how the time can blip by, stream by, whisk by and amazing how the last post was 10 months ago. Needless to say I have been other places, than here.
I spend my time balancing the life of a creative working as a sustainability consultant who works as a mother who works as a human balancing the dance of the in between-s. It is that space that is the real gem, the true sauce on the yum factor of goodness for a life well enjoyed, I am learning to be one, who well enjoys the beauty of the moments strung into other moments.
There are times within, when epiphany pierces my momentum, an eternal truth bursts into being and while that is my existence, it is absolute heaven and delight. That is when the field reveals the pathways to limitless expansion, spaciousness of you’s that are so amazing, purely for the life that flows through you, yes it is within those moments, I have been residing, as a wintering seed gestating .
I am still here, within the wintering time, soaking up the minerals, preparing my new self to emerge come spring. Then as my new little shoots break ground, then my friends, I will share my blooming self again.
Intuitive Drum Song will be coming back in March at the Mendocino Art Center. Reach out let me know if you are interested in joining, reconnecting or continuing to learn this Drum Song practice with me. If so, you let me know have the interest I will start doing live
If you do want to catch a glimpse, Shiloh was able to inspire me to come and play this weekend in Sonoma for Moonifest.
Come Join us for an Evening Concert, a Wellness Retreat, and learn about Magical Morocco.
Growth feels exponential, I am so glad I have so many wonderful friends who can support my health and all of these big changes life brings. Earth Day is coming and I want to share a wonderful collaboration for sound health and gratitude for this life.
Concert ~ Wellness Retreat ~ Upcoming Morocco Tour
Mugical Tour of Moracco
Dror Sinai is one of my drum teachers, mentors, and an all-around wonderful person who is coming to the coast on Earth Day. We are forming a Group to travel to Morocco (https://mugical-morocco.com). Come to hear details and ask questions either on Saturday or Sunday. We will elevate you into the mystical realms of rhythm and song with a concert at Spirit House Center For Attitudinal Healing. You have three options to join us.
Earth Day ~ APRIL 22, 2023
1. Noyo Food Forest ~ First Concert (Short and sweet to open the event)
Time: 12-12:45 pm (Earth Day Celebration til 5pm)
Location: At The Learning Garden at 300A Dana Street, Fort Bragg, CA, United States, California.
Cost: Free
Participate: Want to get in the mood and join me? Wear white and Flowers and sit up front. We will be singing together in gratitude for our Mother Earth.
We will elevate you into the mystical realms of rhythm and song with a concert at Spirit House Center Saturday evening.
FeaturingDror Sinai, a true force of nature, whose unique blend of Musical and Healing expertise, combined with his passion for Travel and Personal Growth, has inspired and uplifted people from all walks of life. He is a true visionary and pioneer in the world of percussion, World Peace, Chi Gong, Healing, and Personal Development, and his contributions to these fields are felt by many.
WithLavender Grace, A creator, Singing Woman, Mother, and Cultural Ecology Advocate in partnership with Indigenous knowledge keepers and Regenerative Community leaders. She supports sound health and the pollination of art and culture to dream into a beautiful abundant future.
“Rhythm is all around us, in everything we see, we touch, we breathe… With rhythm, we shall achieve better communication and understanding among ourselves and all people: all people as one.”
This will begin with Chi Gong, move into an introduction to the Hand Drum, and then you will be enticed with details for an upcoming Mugical (magical musical) tour to Morocco we are planning in December 2023
Sunday Wellness Retreat.
10-11 am Chi Gong
11-12:15 Intro to Hand Drum
12:15-1 Mugical Morrocco Tour
Dror loves to share his joy of music with all people. His expertise and his warm, joyful approach will help put music lovers of every experience level at ease, inspiring a path to musical expression…
This spring I have entered into a new writing practice. I am also committed to sharing more of my creations. You will get to witness my public learning of my crafts with the drum, song, and dance as I grow into the middle times of my life. My child has just reached the teens. Now I share my re-entry into my art.
If you want to join me in the exploration of Frame Drumming Women, check out the new spring session of Intuitive Drum Song begins Thursday, April 13th, 2023.
No experience is necessary, we create a safe encouraging environment.
Hello Lovely Ones, our weekly circle of celebration as women frame drummers is coming this Thursday. We gather to witness, share, learn and grow. We sing ourselves alive!. Together we sync our beating hearts in rhythm of connection.
INTUITIVE DRUM SONG
1st Winter Session – Gift of Hope, Elemental Earth
Time: Thursdays 5:00 pm-6:30 pm
Date: January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16
Location: Mendocino Art Center ~ Rogen Gathering Space
I’m back, it has been forever since I have reached out. I have missed you and want to share what is up, this new inspiration and accumulation of truth that has guided me into myself, with a lot of powerful guidance and help:) Whooow, what a time! I am accelerating, crystalizing, and co-creating like crazy. In this newness of time, ways of being and more truth are revealing themselves and I can’t hold back any longer.
This new emergent self was really activated several months ago when I learned what it means to not “Diminish Myself”. This glorious sensation came during the “Dance of the Magda” facilitated by Lady Graell at the GFest in Shasta, CA. This was the kind of transformational experience I felt on a cellular level. Lady Graell created a container that connected me to my soul memory. It was an experience that revitalized my being and strengthened my core. So much so, that I want to share it in my community.
When we began to share our stories I learned about her youth in NY, her adventures traveling the World as a Priestess, and how she started her College. The more we talked, the more our laughter came tumbling out like a new spring flowing with joy. Her presence filled me instantly with truth and love, overflowing with inspiration and gratitude for the wisdom she lives. Soon, I learned that she and her husband love Mendocino and we started to plan. So here we are combining our visions and co-creating an event for November.
New Offerings
I have two inspirations to share with you today, both are potent and full of sweet honey goodness.
The Oracle Drum Song is a wonderful adventure into the bio-spiritual ecology of your soul. It is an intuitive journey tool to open the door to your sacred realm to discern the needed wisdom of this unique moment and time. Calling upon the Art of Pollination we will seek the mystic nectar of our inner life and sing into the blossom in our being.
The Oracle session will include:
• Guided breath and grounding practice to set the intention for the reading
• Meditative rhythm journey with the frame drum
• Intuitive song to access your multidimensional self and recall what is most needed at this time.
• Digital Recording of the session
*I will offera free session for the first 3 lucky ones who sign up:)
The second offering is a co-creation with Lady Graell and myself. Creating sacred space together to help woman dance their Living Earth Temples Alive with the combination of the Intuitive Drum Song and the Dance of the Magda.
This is the beginning of a series that activates the drum, song, and dance of the divine feminine arts. The session will begin with creating a sacred sound space through Frame Drum Rhythms and Tones of Intuitive Drum Song Meditation. This guided meditation in sound health will infuse you with vibration, and frequencies sourced to calm, alleviate tension, heighten your awareness, and aid in achieving the Alpha state of consciousness. From honored teachers linked to ancestral knowledge, I will traverse the lineage of Celtic, Mediterranean, and Nordic heritages, as a drum and song holder for over two decades. I am honored to co-create this space with Lady Graell as she guides us in the Dance of the Magda.
Dance of the Madga
Navigated by your temple Womb, this empowering and raw somatic practice of sacred movement taps you into the expressions of your yoni’s voice.
We will share a deep group transmission, and the witnessing will activate our ancient memories of the Red Tent Sisterhood and the Lineage of the Magda.
Priestess Graell
Lady Graell
A Life Coach of the Sacred she has held a Goddess Temple since 2001. Presently the Founder and Director of the Goddess Temple of Ashland and its Priestess College, She is a Midwife of the Veils serving Childbirth, First Blood, Sex, Marriage, Parenting, Divorce, Sovereignty, Death, and Rebirth.
With over two decades teaching various trainings in the Priestess Arts, Dance, and Devotional Yoga, Lady Graell is guided by the depth of her connection betwixt her heart and womb. Her profound and personal communion with nature fuels her passion for sharing practical skills on walking the Path of Sacred Living.
This special and intimate experience will be held in a beautiful dome within the forest of Albion on the farm (Location will be given upon registration). We are inviting 13 women to this gathering.
Preregistration ends November 4th, 2022
* If it is a clear night, Mister Valendar, Graell’s husband, will be holding space as sacred male fire tenders. (Inquire if you would like to join the Men’s Circle.)
Pay what you can to cover the cost of the event and travel for Lady Graell. We are abundant in our gifts and open to sharing what we can. I invite you to offer your sacred reciprocity as you are able. Inquire about payment options.
This will be an extraordinary gathering to ignite our path forward with unique soul nourishment. The space we create together will help you tend your inner garden and shake awake your being through the amplified connection and entrainment of this vibrant circle full of Earth tenders and Daughters of the Divine. I so look forward to the opportunity to share this with you.
The Honey Hive Ensemble will be offering music for the 4th annual World Bee Day Celebration on May 16th, 2021 from 12-2 pm.
This is a day to acknowledge the Bees for all the essential work they do for our biodiversity and local food security.
Collectively with the Rotary Park of Mendocino, we have been working to create the opening of the Bee Bold Alliance’s first Pollinator Sanctuary in Mendocino, CA. This is the first of many to come as part of my work with the Thanksgiving Coffee Company’s World Renewal projects.
If you are concerned about the loss of our Biodiversity and crumbling Food System, I invite you to join our Pollinator Protector Pledge and visit their B2B Alliance page to learn what you can do in your own community.
The event will begin with an honoring of the Ancestral Lands of the Northern Pomo and will close with a water ceremony to give respect to the Big River Water Shed.
* Please bring a Watering Can to participate. We will water the newly planted pollinator plants together:)
Together we are creating a “Honey Heart Habitat” for pollinator protection at Mendocino’s New Rotary Park in partnership with the Bee Bold Alliance.
I have not told you I love you enough. I have not shared with you my struggle, my joys, my cycles of regret, how I struggle to forgive and renew my hope. This post is an attempt to express how much I love you, this life, and these creations that come from me are the imperfect representation of my love and devotion to understand=ing this journey.
Today I will be seen and share what I see – a beautiful world in Metamorphosis – evolving into it’s beautiful self. A clearing out of the stuck, congested and density making space for expansion of real growth. I feel you, I see you too in those sparkling eyes, and in the fear of the unknown.
I am here dancing by your side in gratitude that we are part of this amazing creation. Thank you for sharing with me this time and this amazing revolution of our existence.
December:
This month I am participating in Art as Medicine Festival hosted by Alexis Cohen. As part of this festival I am offering a Free Intuitive Drum Song Reading. Please contact to redeem your reading.
When we come together to share our practice with others, a bigger collective vision opens up. When we come together and we create art, something new – something completely new – opens up.
We are on the threshold of creative expansion and transformation. If you feel the call of Art Medicine in your Soul, I invite you to connect with the community at the Art Medicine Festival and activate the powerful next steps on your journey.
Just watched this, felt this, and wept at the depth of their offering to the world from DAM – my new favorite band:)
Palestinian Hip Pop – Laying It Down and Crushing It! (the old paradigm that is)
Thank you Amel Tafsout for sharing their music. She is an amazing source of Ancient Maghreb Tradition from Algeria.
Inspiration #2
I am re-reading, actually re-listening on Audible to Earth Magic by Starhawk. This is my third listen and still, there is so much contained in her gentle and knowledgable work that will continue to offer wisdom with each new listening. This book is a celebration of us humans, as part of nature and how to deepen that connection. This has been very powerful for me as I delve deeper into my cultural roots. Starhawk speaks from the Earth-based spirituality of Central Europe and the Fertile Cresent.
3rd Inspiration
An offering – “I Will be the One” a song given while sitting outside of the Bee Hive – Elder Bark. The song came as a dialogue between the Bees and Nature, and Earth and Life itself. It is imperfect, still growing and developing. This is where it is, as I learn how to share what I experience with you.
Please contact Lavender Grace to get your link and password.
In honor of the home shelter now in place, Intuitive Drum Song will offer extensive scholarships for all in need. Just contact us.
It is time for an all-new Intuitive Drum Song Course for 2020. We have taken time off for a deepening, allowing the growth rings to stretch out, our hearts to continue their beat of life, now we are ready to share.
For any of returning students, I can’t wait to continue our journey together. Please let me know you are coming back. Below you will find all the information you need to register.
All new students will find more descriptions of the Intuitive Drum Song work we do. This course will identify the basic elements of the frame drum and the intuitive nature of voice. The students will actively learn how to listen and play with rhythmic vocabulary and how to attune to heart songs from the inner world.
The objective of this course is to develop the student’s confidence with rhythm, how to play with others, how to listen & how to access one’s own heart song
The Basic Training is on Thursdays 5 pm-6 pm The course runs for 8 weeks from March 12 – April 30, 2020, the cost is $150 presale / $180 After March 12th. There are Scholarships available, see the registration form for details.
*We will meet online for Zoom Sessions. To get your free Zoom app – go to https://zoom.us/
I am your instructor, the facilitator of this experience: Lavender Grace. You can reach me here at 707.357.1419 or on the contact form with any further questions.
NEW THIS YEAR ~ Intensives In the Field:
Intensive Course Description: This course will apply the practice of sonic collaboration with the Plant Devas, the Elementals & the Nature Spirits.
This is a pilot project to develop sonic communication within our local ecology to gain a deeper understanding of sound health. The intention is to give gratitude and gain guidance on how to live in harmony with our natural world.
Here are the times for our meetings. You will need your drum, dress in layers, and bring water and a snack.
Date & Time: March 21st – 9:00am -12pm – Big River Beach – East River Side
April 18th – 9:00am -12pm – Russian Gulch – Road 409 Trail Head
If you are a new student, I recommend the list below to help you understand the scope of this work and how it has been inspired.
First: This was instrumental in opening my world to the importance of the Fram Drum in the Ancient world and what an amazing tool it is for us in our modern times.
“When the Drummers were Women” A Spiritual History of Rhythm. By Layne Redmond copyright 1997. Published by Three Rivers Press, New York
Second: Jacqueline Freeman was able to completely changed my perspective on the importance of Bees on such a deeper level.
“Song of Increase” Listening to the Wisdom of Honeybees for Kinder Beekeeping and a Better World By Jacqueline Freeman copyright 2016. Published by Sounds True, Inc. Boulder CO
Third: Yuval Ron has written a wonderful book full of reflections and stories compiled over the past 30 years from his travels. The Yuval Ron Ensemble tours the world for Peace. You can learn about his work here. yuvalronmusic.com
“Divine Attunement” Music as a Path to Wisdom by Yuval Ron copyright 2014. Published by Oracle Institute, Virginia
Four: This selection is written by a very special and dear human, John O’Donohue. He has written many books, this one, in particular, has reached my heart. I especially appreciate how he speaks to the Human in relation to the natural spirit of our inner landscape.
“Eternal Echoes” Celtic Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong By John O’Donohue copyright 1999 Published by Harper Collins – Reprinted by Perennial 2002 https://www.johnodonohue.com/
Fifth: I bought this book from Silvia Nakkach after attending one of her workshops. This is a great resource full of vocal exercises and a wide-open perspective on what the voice is capable of.
“Free Your Voice” Awaken to Life Through Singing By Silvia Nakkach & Valerie Carpenter copyright 2012 Published by Sounds True, Inc. Boulder CO voxmundiproject.com
Links to Instructors
I also recommend looking into these Instructors and seeing their great work.
Marla Leigh Goldstein is a Grammy-nominated Percussionist, Flautist, Composer, and Educator. ~ marlaleigh.com
Rowan Storm: With more than 25 years of experience with cultures and drumming of the Middle East and the Mediterranean, Rowan is recognized internationally as a performer and educator.~ rowanstorm.com
Miriam Peretz: an internationally celebrated dancer devoted to creating transformational experiences for her students and audiences worldwide. Miriam has devoted her life to empowering and healing women through the art of dance and ritual. ~ miriamdance.com
10:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ Lavender Grace Presents at 12 noon.
Lavender Grace will be presenting – “Bees ~ Sound Health, Sound Ecology” and offering handmade local Lavender Bee products.
Come and bask in the glory of our local herbalists and their crafts. This event will surely be full of deliciousness and deep beautiful fragrances of flowers and herbs of healing and substance.
Over the past several years I have had the great honor of learning from International scientists on Bee Health, amazing Sufi Poets, awesome mystical Musicians and ancient keepers of Earth fertility dances.
The presentation I will give is on my connection with Bees, sacred ecology and sound health. This is a synthesis of my interest and study into the cross-section of sacred art and sacred ecology. I will offer my hand made Lavender Bee Crafts for gifts as well.
It has been an incredible quickening of growth and expansion that I am deeply grateful for and really look forward to connecting and sharing with the Caspar Community on Sunday 8th, 2019. Come for the whole day, or catch my presentation at noon.
With sincerity, gratitude, and love,
Lavender Grace
If you want to learn more about our future offerings & opportunities to learn through our work, you can do so here.
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There has been a lot of talk about pollinators in recent years, and how the declining populations of honeybees will affect food production. But have you ever wondered how it all started? When I began to write this, I had a rather broad understanding of pollination. However, the more I learned, the more questions I had. How did pollination come into being? Why is it so important to us now? Let’s take a deep dive into ancient history to learn a little more about the origins of pollination.
Pollination is believed to have begun around 130-150 million years ago. Basically, pollination is plant sex: the way plants spread and combine their genetic material to create new generations of plants. It is also essential to the production of fruit and seed crops that form the basis of our current food system. In the earliest forms of pollination, plants would scatter their pollen (male seed) to the wind and hope that a portion would land in the right spot on a female flower (stamen) and voila, there would be “chemistry”! However, this is an extremely unreliable way to reproduce. Although many plants still use this method, most have evolved into a primary relationship to collaborate with insects.
As early insects were flying around in search of food, they discovered how nutritious pollen was. Then several specialists decided to make pollen their main source and feed solely upon this nourishing golden dust of microspores. As the plants grew and thrived as a result of these relationships, they began to “sweeten the deal” by creating nectar for the services rendered. Flowers began to evolve bright colors to stand out and attract insects, distinguishing themselves from the green leaves and foliage that offered no sweet reward for the hard-working pollinators.
Millions of years have passed since the first flowers developed their pollination practice into the stunning displays we see today. This mutualistic relationship has changed the entire appearance of the earth, into the bright and colorful flowers and the vast variety of fruits and vegetables we all enjoy.
Magnolia is believed t be the first flower
Learning the evolution of pollination from its ancient origins to the intricate and collaborative relationship that now occurs has been an inspiration to me. I hope the next time you receive a bouquet of flowers or taste the sweet juices of your favorite fruit, you think of the 130 million year journey it took to reach you.
