Spring/Summer 2011 ZMS Newsletter
Zuni Mountain Sanctuary
Family brings us back to center from the edges to where fear pushes us.
One of our former residents, Standing Feather, brought his children home to ZMS this Spring. Standing Feather arrived here some years ago estranged from his children. The healing that has occurred, and the tranifestation of that work is one of the most beautiful moments we have witnessed in Faerie space. They walked the Labrynth together, singing and praying - the sacred place where Standing Feather repeatedly asked Spirit for harmony and reunion. More and more we are receiving families here at Zuni Mountain Sanctuary and are reminded that all families - blood families, chosen families, work and school families, Spirit families, neighbor families - all bring us back to center.
At this turn of the Solstice marking Summer, we ask for prayers of recovery that we all awaken to the possibilities Spirit presents us each morning and with the start of each new evening; we pray that folks look past "body parts" and see Spirit in each of us; we cry out in our heart space for "recovery" from all of those fear-driven decisions, words, actions and behaviors. We pray for space - all of our space. We are in concert in our work with fire, earth, air and water.
Water is in our work, prayers, performances, poems (this is one of the driest seasons of the past decade); the winds of March are still blowing mightily each day; we are working the mud as we restore the strength and vitality of our buildings. As fires burn in our neighboring state of Arizona (resulting in two weeks of smoke lingering over the valley here - come home soon Tiny Bear!), we are sensitive around the transformative power shown us through elemental healing of a precarious ecosystem, rippling and wafting its way out to each of you.
So much movement of energies at this time, dear reader. Scores of faeries will descend upon ZMS around the second week of July with the singular intention of constructing the Bath House! Erection of this temple has been in our hearts for a long time, and to work in concert with our family to manifest this is miraculous and healing. This affects the spirits of those living here year ‘round; all visitors who stop in to join and support the health, the arts and the wellness occurring here; the water trannels for surrounding gardens. Life abounds when we rally around a vision together, exercise our unconditional love for one another, honor and respect all of those in the circle who have played a part or held space for this milestone.
Happy 15th Birthday Zuni Mountain Sanctuary! We thank you from the depths of our being.
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LETTERS!
I want to thank you for the wonderful time I had celebrating my birthday and Beltane at the Sanctuary. The stewards took such excellent care of our group that I wanted to write and say what a great experience we had and extend my gratitude.
I was at Zuni years ago, and for my 40th birthday I chose to go to Zuni with a group of friends to celebrate. Our group drove down from Denver, Colorado. On our venture into New Mexico we had trouble finding the place but we got to see great scenery throughout New Mexico as we looked for it and eventually, of course we did find it!
Our group enjoyed every minute. I had my beautiful tent set up near the commons building and we all pitched in on everything from setting up to cooking. Everyone made it happen! We also camped near the pond in the back. The view of the Zuni Mountain range was spectacular, and the surrounding landscape was breath taking. I am a professional gardener and I enjoyed the early spring plantings.
At night we heard coyotes howling, it was really great hearing them howl at night and feeling close to nature as we slept outdoors. The common area was beautiful and clean and I was very happy to celebrate Beltane there with close friends.
On my birthday the stewards surprised me with a cake that they had made from scratch; I definitely was surprised and didn’t see it coming! Everyone was really wonderful. I chatted with Munk who was very inspiring; it had been 7 years since we last talked when I was at Zuni. I also enjoyed meeting Birdsong who was very helpful and a great person.
In short, we spent four wonderful days and plan to come back soon. I appreciate the spirit in which your stewards host and make each individual feel at home and taken care of. We definitely were appreciative of the hospitality of each of them and the positive energy each one of them offered on a daily basis.
Namaste!
Tyrone Pearson
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ASK LUPE! She fields the Tough questions.
Dear Lupe,
Why the funny math?
Tolerantly,
Fee Fi Fae Fum
Dearest Fee Fi Fae Fum,
I do understand the urge to sheepishly buy what one is sold. It’s why I shop locally. Howevs, just remember this simple formula and a courageous heart will recall the openness with which one can cipher. You see, many believe 1 + 1 = 2; while not untrue, that statement is, in fact, not complete. 1 energy, when added to 1 energy, indeed forms a convergence of those 2; symbiotically, they have merged to create a 3rd energy in and of itself. For example, “Brangelina” is a complete organism in and of itself. Brad + Angelina = Brangelina! Hence, 1 + 1 = 3! Tail-wags through the veil to Buckminster Fuller, inventor of the geodesic dome, for the inspiration.
Sincerely,
Guadalupe [yawning]
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GERTIE’S PET PEE
Our resident feline doyenne, Gertie (aka Gertrude), would like a moment of your time, dear reader.
“A gazillion Thank You’s go out to all of those who visit us here! Love the strokes. Special kudos to all of those who respect and honor our request concerning other four-legged friends (i.e., make other arrangements before visiting ZMS space). An imbalance surrounding this scenario occurred this past year, and honey, my nerves are a bit shot. I’ve been involuntarily spraying indoors because of it. So, please, unless some special circumstance (i.e., service animal for those with disabilities) arises, my bladder and those who live with me would very much appreciate the mindfulness that other visitors uphold when it comes to caring for your pet. It’s much nicer when a pet shows up to a space where V/he/she is welcomed. Blessed V.”
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DEAR AUTUMN
We welcome yet another voice from the newest member of our four-legged steward squad! Autumn (who was rescued by Amber on the Fall Equinox last year), makes her debut in this issue. Also known as our resident Bone Collector, Autumn pulls no punches when telling it like it is! She may not always be a paragon of grace, but she delivers the message. Like mother, like daughter. Welcome home, Autumn!
Dear Autumn,
When I came to visit Zuni Mountain Sanctuary in the fall of 1998, Spirit moved me to leave a pink plastic hairpin on the North Altar. Now, I’ve returned and that sacred hair pin is gone! Why can’t kweens just take care of these altars?
Sincerely,
Hysterimoania
Dear Hysterimoania,
Get over your attachment, beeyotch! Things move around. Gurl, ain’t no such thang as an inanimate object!
Happy New Now!
Autumn (aka The Bone Collector)
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Amberosiahh - Succulent Divinities from one resident Walks-Between
“Bikers Beware! The first cattle guard on the road coming in to ZMS is a doozy. Very serious dip in the road, so take care when crossing. And remember we are STILL on a total outdoor fire ban here in New Mexico! Visualize rain!”
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SOCIAL CIRCLES
This season a greater, stronger tapestry was woven amongst ZMS, El Morro Area Arts Council, Gallup Pride, Navajo AIDS Network and a little play called SORDID LIVES. Directed by Eden Gloria after a rousing success at Old School Gallery last fall, cast and crew set their sights on Gallup, NM to turn heads and roll ‘em down the aisles. Board members RisingBuffalo Maybee and Ayaqua gave moving performances, while Maqui and Standing Feather layered mirror upon mirror as Brother Boy and Dr. Eve Bollinger, respectively. Rose Von Raven, Red Wulf Dancing Bare, Kate Brown and others dazzled audiences. This two-night, hysterically heartfelt affair at the El Morro Theater shines as a beacon of our community as we reach out to neighbors who enrich our cultural, artistic and spiritual identifiers. Munk Hitirus and Randy Greysage raised energy with monthly sound- and sightscaping salons at Old School Gallery. Season Three of Rattlesnake Lounge has attracted more and more devotees in the dirt of Vangaurd Balance’s holyculture within the Raven’s Wing, challenging us to dig ever deeper and offer those findings as gifts to those who witness the process.
RadicalFaerie Christian and SuperWonderFaerie made pilgramages to our brother/sister Carrie House in the Navajo Nation, where SuperWonderFaerie remained to tend sheep for the Spring.; Amber and Birdy built bridges to Gallup Pride (to be held July 30th in Gallup, NM); RisingBuffalo Maybee and Ayaqua hosted Wolfstock! along Skinwalker Trail; Granite Trudeaux re-visited us with history and new teachings in designing/building with mud, cob and slip straw techniques; Stuart facilitates a Magical Sex Workshop Weekend July 15 - 17 here at ZMS; Juilo Marvavilla Mago Jaguar will present at Old School Gallery just following our 11th Annual Shaman’s Gathering (fewer workshops, more playshops).
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VISITATIONS, SUPPORTERS & RESUSCITATERS
Thank You to Howard Blue Eagle Thompson, Thad, Jesse, Jessie Wagner, Adam Clark, Ben & Frank, Pasha, Cary Cahill, Granite, Tyrone and Matthew and the Denver Crew, A.J. Goodrich and Mark from UCLA documentary walk across America, Brandon and Mike Pettit, Juicy Fruit, Sunny Meadows and Caitlin, Renaldo Chapman from Gallup Pride, Carrie House, Thorn and Vanguard Balance, Standing Feather and Red Wulf Dancing Bare, Tony and Eden, Owl and Sunshine and Whoville, Aubrey, Everyone at Ancient Way Cafe and Old School Gallery, joeL, Stuart Norman, RisingBuffalo Maybee and Ayaqua, Rose Von Raven, Max Von Raven, Susan Fisher, Buck & Greg, Kirk Shoemaker, El Morro Food Co-Op, JR Rios, Shiva, James and his son Jacob, Genevieve Humanay and Old School Gallery, Mike Francis, Deer Roberts, Dr. David Kessler, Moon, Xenia Starchild, Bruce Bush, Stuart Sanders, Hattie Hathaway, Grey Dove and Cowboy Jeff, and so many more!
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BATH HOUSE COUTURE
Yooooooooooooo-Hooooooooooo! Yes, honey, werque is happening up in here! In addition to the mudding and structural maintenance that is happening for Juniper House, Tea Rooms, our Common House, our Studio and Tool Shed, we have a Bath House to build! Faes and friends from the five directions are fluttering home in the coming weeks! There is much work to be done here on the ground, prior to the builders arriving. Organizing tools and building materials, clearing and readying “staging areas”, mudding workshops for earthen walls, maintaining showers and clean-up, ordering food....heck, we need to dig a new outhouse! Any and all are welcome. Please call us at 505-783-4002 or e-mail us at zun...@wildblue.net in advance if you need a pick-up. Getting yourself to Grants or Gallup is ALWAYS the best way for a driver to come pick you up, if needed. Currently, cost of gas for trips to those towns are in the $40 range. Trips to Albuquerque are running at minimum $80. Just sayin’!
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VISIONS - WE HAVE VISIONS - Pragmatic, Pretty and Preferably All-Terrain
Coffee Beans~Spices and Shakers~Paints, Glues, Scissors and other Art Supplies~Energy-efficient Office Computer (i.e., Apple iMac) and related software.~Big, all-terrain wagons for hauling~Chocolate~Porn - variety is the spice~Lube (cocunut butter is fab)~Sponges~Sage and Tobacco~Fierce drag~Air pumps for tires and other inflatables~SDHC Cards and Thumb Drives~Speaker Wire~Latex and Latex-Free Condoms~Dried Fruits & Berries~Scanner/Printer~Unused Makeup~Bio-Friendly Detergents, Soaps and Shampoos~Unscented Candles~Gift Certificates~Books and Music
If you would like to donate items, please attach a receipt for our treasurer. Zuni Mountain Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Funds can be mailed to: ZMS, P.O. Box 636, Ramah, NM 87321 or on-line via our website via PayPal at http://zms.org/joinsupport.html
Packages can also be delivered via Fed Ex or UPS to: Zuni Mountain Sanctuary, 96 Zuni Mountain Sanctuary Road, Pinehill, NM 87357.
See Ya in the Swirl! Please join us for our 11th Annual Queer Shaman's Gathering, August 12 - 21. Blessed Be.
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.