There is an amazing person in Chicago who offers fascinating workshops that I thought might be interesting to some of you. Her name is Nancy Klehm, and I attended one of her urban foraging walks a few months ago. I cannot recommend her work highly enough. She's highly knowledgeable and skilled, she communicates well in a way that helps information stick in your mind; she's funny, kind and very open minded.

While my show schedule will most likely prohibit my attending any of these events, I'm passing them along. If you attend one - I'd love to have coffee at some point to hear about what you leaned (I wanna learn how to make my own feta!!!)

Enjoy!



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living kitchen/URBANFORAGE workshops

Sunday, November 2, 2-4pm: URBANFORAGE - medicinal and edible forage walk
Wednesday, November 12 6-10pm: RAW MILK CHEESE 2 - learn how to make mozzarella and feta
Wednesday, November 19 6-9pm: WILD SOURDOUGH & CRACKERS - learn how to make starters for bread and crackers

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12th NOV, wednesday 6-10pm - $100 ($40 mailed deposit due nov 8th)
RAW MILK CHEESE 2 – mozzarella & feta
renneted cheeses are a whole different ball of milk! we are using local raw milk and to be sire, you will be taking home some of both cheeses.


19th NOV, wednesday 6-9pm - $60 ($20 mailed deposit due by nov 15th)
WILD SOURDOUGH & CRACKERS
wild starters, bread and cracker making basics
learn different methods of attracting wild yeast and walk home with a loaf of bread and a bag of crackers.


** price includes all materials, tastings, light meal and take homes **


all classes are for 6-10 participants, and are held at 2446 south sawyer, chicago. 60623 (If more than 10 register, we will move to another location.)

more info: nettlesting@yahoo.com 773.762.0277

My dear friend H emailed me last week to offer me a free ticket to see Dar Williams. H is generous like that (last time she she did this I was introduced to The Sparrow Quartet, with whom I fell in love). Between my passion for live music and my enjoyment of H's company, there was no way I was going to pass the opportunity by.

I didn't/don't know a lot of Dar's stuff (I know...please don't throw things at me all you devoted fans) but I liked what I knew - and happen to be friends with at least 10 people who worship her.

So shedding a hectic Friday as best we could, H and I made our way to the Park West. It was a nice venue, if you don't mind arctic temperatures and crowded aisles which have the wait staff kicking you in the ankles all night (not their fault...it's too crowded for them to do their job). I much prefer Old Town. Still, it was clean and laid back (a sit down, watch and have a drink sort of place) with decent sound and sight lines.

I was glad to experience Dar's music more thoroughly. For most of the set, she played with a pianist and a hand drummer - and I wasn't blown away by that combination. When she played by herself though, she captured me and I enjoy her innovative quirkiness.

My favorite tune of the night was The Babysitter's Here which was so beautifully performed by Dar. It was more than a song - it was a bit of theatre and storytelling as well, and so endearing one could tear up. I've embedded a clip of it here, and while the visual quality is not great - the sound quality allows you to hear some of the nuances, as well as the grace with which she shares this number.

Hello All ~

I'll be working with The Very Small Quartet on Sunday, October 5th. They're a lovely ensemble (electric guitar, cello and percussion) who've invited me to weave some of my poetry and improvisational singing into their mix.

If you're interested - feel free to come out. Contact me if you want more info.

Thanks!

Many of you have likely seen this, but just in case you missed it and are in the area, I am posting it here. Thank you gayshaman for putting this together!

Sadly, I will be in rehearsal, but if for some reason I am let out early I'd only be a block and half away. I am hoping to catch those of you that make it.

Love and pie ~ J

Cora Memorial International Feri Pie Day: Pie in the Chi



You are all invited to an open Feri gathering to get together, to eat pie in honor of Cora, and talk about things Feri or whatever happens to come up. Students and initiates are all welcome.


Where? At Mankind Project in Chicago, 1900 W. Fulton St, Chicago IL


When? On Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 12:30pm until 2:30pm.


What an odd time, why is that? The Brotherhood of the Phoenix has graciously allowed us to use their space for a couple hours before their open Mabon ritual, which that tradition calls, "Ecstasis." All Feri guests are welcome to attend their ritual following the gathering. http://temple.brotherhoodofthephoenix.org/chicago/events


What to bring? A pie and "green dishes." As a service to the Earth, I propose that we all bring our own reusable dishes and flatware. There are facilities to wash our dishes afterward.


If you have any questions or if you know that you are coming and would like to help me coordinate this event, please let me know.

Gratitude is such an interesting thing; the more I make space for it, the more my life is graced with gifts. I've noticed that this cycle feeds itself, growing and expanding as long as I stay present with it. This past weekend was particularly graced and was so full of beauty that I cannot help but share.

On Friday my roommate and I went to Millennium Park for a free concert. The Chicago Sinfonietta had joined with The Adler Planetarium to present what they dubbed a "multimedia spectacular". Held in the striking Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the concert featured a fascinating celestial video suite (created by Astronomer and visual artist Dr. José Francisco Salgado) set against the orchestral dance of The Planets by Gustav Holst.
	The setting for this offering could not have been more perfect. The Pritzker Pavilion features a very striking proscenium which frames any production dramatically (though to my eyes it looks rather like a tin can that has exploded). It responds well to lighting and can change tone and mood quickly. My favorite part of the pavilion however is the web or net that runs above the lawn and supports the sound system. Not only does this structure disseminate sound well, but it creates a lovely visual as though the star goddess herself were wearing fishnet stockings. It was joyous to lie on the grass on a sultry summer night, peeking up at the stars through a lattice of silver; to be moved by such emotive strains with the wind on my skin and the smell of green things in my nose.
So that our other senses did not feel left out, we enriched the evening with a picnic: salads, fruit, cheese-n-crackers, mojitos and of course...chocolate. I picked up a new bar that neither of us had tried before by Choclatea. It was a white chocolate, rosemary bar (which, due to the tea was a lovely pink-lilac color). I'm not a big fan of white chocolate, and this was not fair-trade but the tea (used for flavoring) was organic and it was a flavor adventure I wanted to try. At first the taste was odd, but exotic melted into enjoyable and the consistency was perfect.
	Tipsy on art (and mojitos) we were not ready to go home after the concert so we strolled around the park, visiting the Crown Fountain. Designed by Jaume Plensa, the fountain contains two glass towers which project light and images of the faces of local Chicagoans.
A modern twist to spitting dolphins, gargoyles and urinating cherubs - these faces purse their lips periodically to send a friendly spray to the folks below. This makes the Crown fountain a popular spot in the summer and it is always filled with splashing children.
	I was surprised to see how many kids were there at 10:00 at night but it seemed that we were all soaking up those last hours of summer, dragging its coat tails and dreading autumn's responsibilities of school, jackets and closed-in shoes. It was hilarious to watch the actions of the young ones. They would clump beneath the fountain's "mouths", waiting for the next shower. Their anticipation and exuberance was contageous.
And of course, like the blessings that respond to our gratitude...the showers always came. My ears fell in love with these orchestral movements as well; these being of giggles and elated shrieks.
	From there we wandered through massive sculptures by Mark di Suvero. My favorite was this one called Shag. I commented that swinging on it felt like riding the testicles of the Iron Pentacle...
...and then we moved on to the Wrigley Square and Millennium Monument, whose grace and form held us there chatting for hours. I had fun playing photographer, lying on the ground and contorting in other odd ways to get the shots I desired.
	Truly it was an ideal evening and I felt seduced by the city. After months of change and sadness, I felt light and in love with life again. I was so energized that I was up much to late - and up early on Saturday. My sleep deprivation was greatly ameliorated however by a meal at my favorite brunch-spot in town, Tweet.
In delightful continuation of the city's attempts to romance us, we were placed at a perfect table on the back patio. We sat in a quiet corner beside a fountain decked with colorful flowers and bright, chartreuse sweet potato vines. The service was exquisite and they did everything short of rub our feet and fan us with palm fronds. If you have not been to Tweet, I highly recommend it. Besides having the best french toast in town, they use mostly organic (and some local) food. They are also the sister of Big Chicks, offering gay friendly events and an intense collection of diverse and expansive art.

Believe it or not I managed to shove even more joy into this weekend by taking an urban foraging walk on Sunday...but that is another post in and of itself. I hope your weekend was equally blessed and that you too are courting and being courted by gratitude.

I survived last weekend but am quite tired today. I'm not sure how folks who work Ren Faires do it. Two days in the sun, in costume, in character was plenty for me (particularly since I was really there as a glorified baby sitter).

There was fun to be had though, I must admit. The weather was lovely (albeit warm in the garb), most of the kids were adorable and it was nice to get to hone my accent skills. I heard a lot of interesting live music and enjoyed good company. I learned some cat's cradle moves, which I feel sure will astound my friends and family. With the Teacup, Eiffel Tower AND the Witch's Broom, I'm bound to be a smash at at any party...watch out! ;>) I was also adopted by the gypsies, which is something I highly recommend. They're quite an entertaining lot.

Since some of you asked, I've hidden some pics ( behind the cut )

Folks have been asking for details so I thought I'd let you know that I'm working a fest in the burbs this weekend if you'd like to come out. It is The World of Faeries and I will be playing Little Red Riding Hood.

I know, I know...it's bad casting (what can I say, it's a favor for a friend with a generous heart).

I know, I know! I'm 5' 11' and am certainly no longer prepubescent.

You've got to suspend your disbelief.

Besides...I'm cute in braids.

I'll be singing and groovin' at Duke's Bar this weekend if you'd like to come out. Trey Maclin (a talented singer/songwriter) will be performing for a few hours on Sunday and has gathered artists to augment his set, including myself and folks from his current show Woody Guthrie's American Song.

It should be a fun evening of casual music and good company with no cover charge and relatively cheap drinks. I'll be floating between the stage and the audience and would love time to hang out on a sweet summer evening. If you're interested, I hope to see you there.

WHEN:	Sunday, July 6th
TIME:	8:30-ish (though I may not get there until 9 PM or so)
WHERE:	Duke's Bar ~ 6920 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, 60626 ~(773)764-2826

*Duke's is convenient to the train (CTA, Morse Red Line stop) and is near the lake, making it a lovely spot for commuting/walking/bike riding, etc. However there is also free parking behind the bar if you feel called to drive.

This is an event I'm co-creating that really means a lot to me. It should be great fun and will have lasting impact on a green/wild place where kind and generous people nurture the land, as well as countless dogs and humans. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I so hope to see you there...



Chicago Mysteries presents:

In Service to the Sacred: A Fundraiser to Save the Land at Diana's Grove

Presented as an Earth Spiritualists of Chicago Main Event
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

July 19th, 2008, 6pm-midnight
2032 W. Fulton, Chicago, IL 60612

Do you value the environment?
What if the choices you made could save sacred land?
You can make a difference.

( Click here for details )

Many of you may be aware of the efforts to preserve the land around Diana's Grove from clear cutting. If you're not familiar with Diana's Grove please contact me so I can tell you more about this amazing sustainable sanctuary and dog rescue program.



In support of this land I love so well, I am working with a group of dedicated folks to create a festive gathering in the hopes of generating help, funds and magic. I will post more details soon, but if you're interested in great conversation with aware folks, food, singing, dancing, and general merriment...please save the evening of July 19th and join us for an night of revelry that can really make a difference in the world.

I don't know if it sweetens the deal for ya, but there may even be a kissing booth, in which case I will be puckering for the cause... ;>)