NEWS FROM THE NOTCH - Autumn 2011
Zuni Mountain Sanctuary
Who is Zuni Mountain Sanctuary? What is Zuni Mountain Sanctuary? How is Zuni Mountain Sanctuary?
These are questions we have been asking all summer, as we strive toward the balancing of energies called to this ancient valley. Renaissance. Rebirth. Recovery. Renewal. Revival. Recall. Reclaiming. Reset. Refreshing. These are words we’re listening to as visitors, neighbors, residents, steward candidates, and board members return to witness the life force exuding from the gates of ZMS. Heart space and growth - that is what ZMS provided today, on the Autumnal Equinox. Our day, start to finish, has been in heart space and growth. Steward candidates met in the morning to review daily work and mutual support space, followed by our weekly house meeting for visitors to check in and work with us to operate in a fashion that supports everyone’s intentions, followed by an afternoon in our gardens, where we continue to learn from the native plants; we circled with our individual and collective visions to work in concert with the flora that surrounds us, that gifts us so liberally with beauty and medicines for self-care. Piano and ukulele played in the Common House after our dinner meal. It was a joyful day. As we begin preparations for fall planting at harvest time, we bear witness to the seeds that continue to grow in our hearts when we look at the faerie beauty created here for the past 15 years. We are humbled to hold this space; we are nourished on so many levels; we are harmonizing artistically, spiritually, physically, socially and structurally.
Summer brought a steady stream of visitors to ZMS, and a steadier focus to strengthening our core. Some priorities shifted surrounding the infrastructural work that needed to be accomplished (Juniper House moved to the front burner – residents moved out, and we removed old, toxic insulation; we are making good progress on the renovations, yet are still fundraising to get the most efficient, effective and safest insulation, as we shore up her foundation and re-frame the south facing glass-paned wall). We had begun the season with a Tea Rooms facelift (re-mudding the exterior, a fresh coat of paint on the Tower, the back room opened up for living space – affectionately named the Viper Room in honor of River Phoenix and Johnny Depp), and from there shifted into equalizing and cross-training others on solar battery and well maintenance; digging a new outhouse; creating safer indoor space for folks with special needs; developing work-share programs; cleaning and maintaining our tool shed; focusing on winter wood gathering; improving our communications to balance with good, sustainable gatekeeping; work has begun on the new sweat lodge, with talk swirling around the call of this valley – that of providing a monthly lodge surrounding issues of addiction and recovery; working with our beloved neighbors in El Morro Valley, Candy Kitchen, Pine Meadows, El Morro Ranch, Ramah, Grants and Gallup.
Faeries were in full force this summer as we danced, laughed and celebrated our colors, shapes, and diversity alongside our Navajo sister-brothers and brother-sisters at Gallup Pride in July. We shook, rattled and drummed out some fierce Gaga and Rhianna beats on the Plaza while getting to know our queer siblings, and building those bridges that will continue to erase gender and cultural barricades. Our Super Shamanating Faerie Ambassador Nova S. Dara, visiting from Short Mountain Sanctuary, turned out some fierce faerie food offerings (had folks frothing), at the request of Carrie House, curator of the Queer Women of Color Film Collective, for a reception that fed a lot of the folks who turned out for Gallup Pride; Thad, Birdy, Shiva and Nova all held court with our Phoenix, AZ Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Sisters Navi Ho and Marie Elle E'Phant!
ZMS also hosted (and will continue to host) Collective Visioning Forums with our surrounding neighbors to gain fresh insights into defining what “sanctuary” means to those of us who live here, those who seek out ZMS, and those who live alongside a faerie sanctuary. Some wonderful opportunities are arising from these conversations, with emphasis on just what “healing space” means, what it allows, how we sustain ourselves, and how we might provide tools for those seeking self-sustenance. We are making some wonderful progress in sharpening our focus on what ZMS has to offer, and what tools we can pick up to forge new alliances and create new spectra of ways in which we sustain the visions we have now, as well as the visions people are seeking . One thing that all seem to agree upon is the unique crossroads at which ZMS finds herself: identifying who she is, what she offers, and how we support her will determine how she is held through her next 15 years. We are caretaking a young, teenage girl. Our beloved Faerie elder Be, who visited for three weeks, visioned alongside our neighbors in this, his first visit to New Mexico; Be described the unique beauty of ZMS in that she rests “in perfect balance with earth and sky.” Toward the end of her visit, Be honored us with a sneak preview of the one-man-show (a story-and-song delight, in development with Cory Thorell), entitled “Be Live!” ZMS Cabaret Mystique was packed, and dressed to the nines!
Our deepest gratitude goes out to all who have come through the gates this season. Our 11th Annual Queer Shaman’s Gathering was an enchanting time; it was wonderfully heartfelt, it was family, it was abundant, and (thankfully!) it was damp! Among the many highlights was one of the most exquisite, magical evenings that Camp Hill has ever hosted – the Amy Winehouse Memorial Dance and Cabaret spoke to every heart and spirit on the land. She is beaming. The gathering punctuates the privilege and the honor bestowed upon the caretakers here at ZMS in her maintainence and nourishment; this land is also for the magicians, the artisans, the craftspeople, the healers, the energy workers, the muses and the teachers who bring their essence to the beauty of this landscape.
Other shifts in the concepts of caretaking this season occurred in the realms of people. At our annual Board of Trustees Meeting in August, we saw some new faces step forward in commitment to ZMS. Stuart Norman (aka Cyrwyn) and Amber Harris renewed their positions on our Board, while Munk Hitirus, Joe Birdsong (aka Birdy) and our neighbor Kirk Shoemaker (who also serves on the Board of El Morro Area Arts Council and works with the Board of the Buyers Alliance for our local Food Co-Op) were approved to serve on the 2011/2012 Board; ZMS resident Brandon Jarvis joined the Board in September with unanimous support to bring his focus to grant writing and fundraising. Current Steward candidates on the land include Munk, Birdy, Clay and Randy, with a fifth candidate in the queue.
The lesson we continue to learn is that the integrity and structure of who comprises this “organism” that is ZMS need be open, compassionate, community-focused, respectful and willing to work outside of comfort levels (at times) to get to the root of who we are and the responsibility we have for what we are calling to the land. Once we know how (and sometimes if) we can support the needs of those seeking sanctuary, we can engage in a mutually beneficial relationship. Any and all who arrive to this land are caretakers. Caring for one another is a good teacher in self-care. ZMS teaches us that we will thrive and dance and sing and drum around the fire if that is what we seek. Yes, we provide space for those seeking healing from the disappointment and devastation that is recklessly wielded in this world, and in this time; we allow for growth and for self-learning; we allow for time, space and energy. This goes to the heart of the concept of “self-sustaining.” We must want it if we are asking for it. And if we want healing that sanctuary allows, then perhaps we must open ourselves to learning how to do that work; how does a community determine the difference between enabling and healing? These are important questions we are asking; some of us are only just alighting that path, and are hearing the call. Perhaps “sanctuary” is a vehicle by which we face the sometimes tough issues so we can work through what blocks us – only then can we reap that deep, deep meaningful bounty that lies within all of us. And with that bounty one never need go into hiding. Perhaps that is the faerie magic.
Autumn is already a very industrious time here in the high desert as we prepare for the oncoming frost. In addition to the permacultural and infrastructural work, we are continuing with weekly heart circles each Monday (open to all in the greater community), and community-focused weekly potluck meals. October 1st marks the Ancient Way Arts Trail and Harvest Festival, at which we are looking to bring much-needed support to our local Ramah Farmer’s Market. November will see the premier of NOISES OFF – A Comedy by Michael Frayn at Old School Gallery. Directed by Sophia Tripodi and Joe Birdsong, this slapstick exercise in sardines and doors highlights the play-within-a-play concept, taking it to a new level of timing, schtick and high comic community effort. Munk Hitiris and Marc Arendt (aka Mercy, formerly known as Flood) star in the hi-jinks, as do former ZMS residents Eden Gloria, Red Wulf Dancing Bare and Standing Feather, among many others. Tickets are available at Old School Gallery or by contacting Birdy at ZMS. Opening night is 11-11-11!
Please note that we will honor Samhain on October 31st, when the veils have thinned, as well as our annual day of Thanksgiving feast on Thursday, November 24. Please contact ZMS as we get closer to these events for details, or tune into our Facebook page.
While this issue of NEWS FROM THE NOTCH may have diverged from previous formats, we stand before you, dear readers, at a time that is unique in the legend that continues to unfold here at ZMS. Future issues will see the return of ASK LUPE, and other columns. At this precipice, we are ascending with you all. As we continue onward and upward, we also are learning ways to operate outside of old paradigms that no longer serve. In the meantime, we have a house that is in need of repair, and is needed quickly. That is our reality. Without Juniper House to safely warm and house more caretakers, the winter will be ever more challenging to the few who shall remain, and who need to be healthy to work on the other housing structures after the winter melts. If you can find it to share, please know that any donations toward this housing goal will more than double the capacity of caretakers here this winter, and place ZMS in a healthy space to bring new gardens forth in the springtime.
This is who we are. This is what we are. This is how we are.
Blessed Be. May we all delight in in this bountiful harvest.
Financial donations can be made online via Paypal at http://zms.org/joinsupport.html or may be mailed to ZMS, P.O. Box 636, Ramah, NM 87321
Packages can be shipped to Zuni Mountain Sanctuary, 96 Zuni Mountain Sanctuary Road, Pinehill, NM 87357
Please contact us with any questions, comments, teachings, insights at zun...@wildblue.net or by phone at 505-783-4002.
Wish List Items:
Coffee Beans~Spices and Shakers~Dried Goods~Paints, Glues, Scissors and other Art Supplies~Big, all-terrain wagons for hauling~Chocolate~Sponges~Sage and Tobacco~Fierce drag~Air pumps for tires and other inflatables~SDHC Cards and Thumb Drives~Speaker Wire~Chainsaws~Latex and Latex-Free Condoms~Dried Fruits & Berries~Unused Makeup~Bio-Friendly Detergents, Soaps and Shampoos~Razors and Other Shaving Items~Unscented Candles~Gift Certificates~Books and Music
If you would like to donate items, please attach a receipt for our treasurer.
BIG THANKS! Cary Cahill, Gentle, Juicy Fruit, Moon, Munk, Birdy, Cory Thorell, Eddie, Randy, Be, Nova, Mercy, Ray, Elijjah, Gordon, Howard B, Melody, Thad, Raven, Pasha, Jessie Wagner, Brandon Jarvis, Mike Pettit, Juicy Fruit, Carrie House, Thorn, Vanguard Balance, Standing Feather, Red Wulf Dancing Bare, Tony and Eden, Owl and Sunshine and Whoville, Everyone at Ancient Way Cafe and Old School Gallery, joeL, Stuart Norman, Maxwell Von Colletti, Susan Fischer, Kirk Shoemaker, El Morro Food Co-Op, Shiva, Chiron, Sophia, James Looney, Kristine, Genevieve Humanay and Old School Gallery, Mike Francis, Deer Roberts, Dr. David Kessler, Arthur Evans, Xenia Starchild, Bruce Bush, Grey Dove and Cowboy Jeff, David Balsam, Bria, Storm, Rio, Jon Bush, Lovely Day, Dana Letts, Jill Acheson, Lady Sparklez, King Atlas, La La, Clay, Lucy Fur, P-Raw, Pi, Wren, Orion, Clayton and Gandalf, Rory Cecil and Cactusflower, Ramon, Hoppy, Spinner, Cinnity, Christian, Juilo, Douglas, Greg, Drum, Mo Sis, Raindancer, Web, Juniper Mariposa, Jasper Mockingbird, Crystal Cobra, Theorna, Sage, Andre, Ramah Farmer’s Market, Camphor and Kumo, Max Rada Dada, Darkside Mechanics, Michael Hely, Hecate Hexagonal, Angie, Vincent, Ricky, bEaT of the darkriver, Justin Time, Mohabee, Phoenix, Lichen, River, Roran Littleseed, Guava Soleil, Matthew, J. P. Hartsong, Sigh Moon, Garrick and paul, Robin Samadhi, Billy Estes, Kristi Davis, Ganesha, Appollo, Onyx, Blaise, Bunny, Bob North, Carlos, David, Banzai, Vishnu, Aljandro, Cami, Jaricko, Mimosa, Katie and so many, many more!
Zuni Mountain Sanctuary is a consensus-run, inclusive, intentional, and earth-friendly Radical Faerie Sanctuary dedicated to the sustenance and well-being of faeries and like-minded folk. It is our Mission to be dedicated to the healing process. Through healing programs and an intentional living experience focused on nurture, ZMS offers to create a safe, accepting & respectful environment that fosters deepening growth within its members, visitors, and the greater community.
Zu
Zuni Mountain Sanctuary exists through the infinite generosity, hard work, and moral support from Stewards and other supporting members. Our goal is to be self-sufficient, but not insular. This Email allows us to maintain contact with you, the wider community of members and supporters. Please help support your sanctuary's efforts by making a contribution this year, financial or otherwise. We are a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, tax exempt organization under religious auspices chartered in the state of New Mexico.