CATALYST Weekly ReaderDecember 19- December 26



Moon Phases

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In This Newsletter:
EVENT PICKS THIS WEEK:
Drum Making Workshop Benefit for Mabiba Baenge
Winter Market
Winter Solstice Celebration
Winter Solstice Workshop
Scandinavian Dances
BLOG UPDATES
The Aquarium Age
Dear Friends and Family,

What provokes  the "holiday spirit" in one person may provoke annoyance in the next. But whatever the season or impetus, and however we label it, you know the good feeling when it hits.

I have a habit of thinking all happiness is preceded by a clean house. In truth, most of my best "holiday spirit" times have occurred in the midst of utter chaos. Usually involved is semi- spontaneity, close friends, quiet surroundings (which is not to say we won't be loud), sometimes a shared focus or an outdoor excursion, and lots of good food. There's an air of "happiness no matter what," which flies in the face of whatever's going on in the wider world. Trusting my intuition.

It's happening to me a lot, lately. Friends showing up at odd hours, most bearing food. We've watched movies, cooked meals, gone on walks ~ all the holiday things. There have been craft projects. We've even spent hours in companionable silence, reading or working or listening to music. And they seem to know when to leave ~ just a bit too soon, which makes it perfect.

I've been looking for a dog. At each shelter, I found a creature I could care for. How to decide? I made a mental chart of pros and cons. I considered getting them all. Then, earlier this week, I remembered to ask. (I'm starting to think of my intuition as a sort of Cosmic Google.)  "Which dog is mine?" Within the hour I met the little black dog I've come to call Tesla. It was an instant knowing. Love. And he fit all my criteria. Imagine that.

Of course, we have to get to know each other. Over time, we will reveal our idiosyncrasies. Right now, there is joy.  I am filled with the holiday spirit.

Wishing you the same,
~ Greta Belanger deJong 
editor & publisher

P.S. Here's a taste of what's in the December CATALYST: 
Of course you're concerned about our air quality. Read what our civil servants and elected officials are tasked with doing, who the corporate culprits are, and how to get involved. Visit with the owners of Himalayan Kitchen. Check out  Valhalla ~ a ski film that breaks new trails. Toast with low-carbon-footprint spirits. Explore radical enactivism: the notion that people can think-in-motion instead of being all-in-their-heads. Look at two moving books ~ Kenvin: An Artist's Kitchen and The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined. And see how you can still participate in Great Salt Lake Audubon's 114th annual Christmas Bird Count.
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Now, on to this week's events.



Event picks for
 December 19 - December 26   
                   
  


Dec. 21 & 22, 10:30a-5p.
 Kazdrums, 3512 S West Temple. 

Ashiko Drum: $349, Ngoma Drum: $549.   

 

Kazdrums is hosting a sacred drum-making workshop in honor of their teacher and friend, Mabiba Baenge, who has contributed much to Salt Lake's African dance community over the past 20 years. Choose which type of drum you would like to make; 25% of total cost will be donated to Mabiba as she recovers from breast cancer.  

  

                     

Sat. Dec. 21, 10a-2p. 

Rio Grande Depot, 300 S Rio Grande St (400 W).      

 

On the mezzanine indoors, and along the west side, outdoors. Yes, there are heaters, so you will not freeze yer butt off. Shop from 50 vendors providing locally grown fresh produce, grass-fed meats, eggs, dairy, baked goods, artisan gift products and more ~ including many people you've read about in CATALYST over the past few years!

   

 

 

  

Sat. Dec. 21, 10a-1p.

Red Butte Garden, 300 Wakara Way. Regular Garden admission.

       

Winter Solstice has been celebrated all over the world since ancient times because it heralds the gradual return of the sunlight after the shortest and darkest days of the year.
 
Bring your kids and celebrate the Solstice in the Children's Garden. Create head-wreaths and winter candles, sip hot chocolate, and make a New Year wish at the Yule-log.

 


Saturday Dec. 21, 2-4p. 

Centered City Yoga, 926 E 900 S. $25/$20 adv.    

Prepare to shake off your winter blues. This workshop will be using 3 powerful medicines to elevate higher and brighter: yoga, dance and raw chocolate. 

All levels welcome. Taught by Trisha McBride. 

 

To reserve your spot call 801.521.9642  

 


Mon. Dec. 23, 

7:30-9:30p.

Performing Dance Center, 2019 E 3300 S. (west end of mall). $5 suggested. 

 

  

Dance Nordic dances from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. No experience necessary, children are welcome. There are usually 2-4 dance instructors present at each evening's dance. 

  

Blog Updates 

The stars and planets are as busy as Santa's elves this week, and the hustle and bustle of daily life here on Earth mirrors the hubbub in the sky. For those that thrive on being busy, rejoice! Your moment is now, as schedules, appointments, meetings, and deadlines drive intensity-just be prepared for plenty of changes in plans and projects. Also be aware: A deeply emotional component underlies all the action, and on certain days, feelings effortlessly override reason and/or common sense, which could result in melodramas-and these meltdowns aren't limited to over-stimulated or disappointed children...(read more).