Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Seeking Volunteers and Co-Creators!

Sweet Friends! 
What is it like to be immersed in a world of conscious evolution, creativity, nature, community, and presence? Want to find out?
We need help with organizing events and volunteers for our fundraisers and community activities. Red tents, moon circles, film festivals, sustainability projects, art project and more! Want to get involved? Email Amber Jade at luminariasanctuary@gmail.com! We can't wait to create fun with you!
 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

11.11.11 ~ 11.13.11 ~ Cosmic Rebirth Intensive @ Luminaria Sanctuary



11.11.11 ~ 11.13.11 ~ Cosmic Rebirth Intensive @ Luminaria Sanctuary

Cosmic Rebirth Intensive



Tap into your Multi-dimensional Awareness
Embody  yourself fully in the NOW moment and Thrive in the New Earth!




Friday 11.11.11, 5:30pm ~ Sunday 11.13.11, 4pm



Held at the Luminaria Sanctuary,
A Private Sanctuary 45 minutes east of Portland, Oregon on a Private Mountainside surrounded by National Forest overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.


Remember the Art of Sacred Living

Blessings Beautiful Souls!!! This weekend is absolutely bursting with magnificent juiciness and opportunities to expand, grow together and share our essence and our soul’s true nature and purpose with each other and ourselves!!!

We are incredibly excited to welcome you into the nature of Ascension in this ever-expanding shift of consciousness that we are experiencing together!!! YAY!!!

Tune in deeply about your personal participation and feel into the resonance of this gathering and how you can offer your essence in this magnificent opportunity of unified oneness, healing and activation of our Divine Essence here on Gaia.  As you are ready to activate on a deeper level, this will most likely resonate deeply with you.  There is an Intensive Flow throughout this event, and so we request that you prepare mentally & emotionally  for this, as we all hold ourselves personally responsible for our own experience as sovereign beings. This is a self-sustaining event where personal sovereignty is at it’s highest expression, as we work collectively for the highest benefit of all beings everywhere.  As we do this, we respect an alcohol and drug free & smoke free (in)vironment throughout the event.  Alcohol and Drugs are not permitted on this property.
We are being given the opportunity on these Sacred Calendar days, the 11th through the 13th of November, to tune in with each other and create an enlightening and powerful experience of coming into deep resonance with ourselves and each other and setting the intention of the New Earth, as well as harnessing our energies in a collective manner to create Divine Substance flowing through our human conduits in grace and light!!!  YAY!!!!
Personal event participation is voluntary and is not required for each activity.  It is in your highest awareness where personal participation will be revealed.  This is an event to explore deeper the inner aspects of your consciousness and awareness and We invite you to fully create this experience with us.

Below you will find the Loose Integrative Flow of the Weekend and the details for each featured Retreat Facilitator!!! Deep Gratitude to all the beautiful beings involved in coalescing our energies to bring this beautiful weekend experience into existence!!!!

Friday~

5:00pm ~ 6:30pm           Set up Personal Sacred Space (Camping or Sanctuary)
(Drive in to drop off personal items, park on Berge Road, then walk back to the Sanctuary)
7pm ~ 10pm                     Meet & Tune In with the Collective & Sacred Fyre Ceremony ~
Gathering around the Sacred Fyre and tuning in with each other and clearing all constructs that do not serve the highest aspects of our collective and personal experience, i.e. shadow, negative thought forms, etc.  We will participate in Releasing Attachments, Facing our Fears and Facing Death within this ceremony.  We will give our offerings to the Sacred Fyre and to Gaia and clear our personal and collective space together as One.

Saturday~

8am ~ 9:30am                Breakfast & Personal Movement  and/or Meditation & Stillness
10am ~ 12pm                  Creating the Sacred Circle (Medicine Wheel)
12pm ~ 1pm                    Lunch
1pm ~ 3pm                      Soul Integration Playshop ~
Archangelic Initiation
Draw your Spirit Self
Receive your Sacred Name/Soul Tone
4pm ~ 6pm                    Cosmic Fire Initiation Ceremony
6pm ~ 7:30pm              Dinner
7:30pm ~ 10pm            Ascension & New Earth Activation Ceremony (wear white)

Sunday~

8am ~ 10am                  Breakfast & Movement, Morning Meditation & Stillness
10am ~ 12pm                Navigational Tools for Ascension
1pm ~ 2pm                    Personal Integration (walk in nature, journaling, etc.)
2:30pm ~ 4pm             Pack Up Tents & Personal Space, Clean-Up of Sanctuary and Land

4pm ~ 7:30pm             Bonneville Hot Springs Field Trip & Closing Circle

Cosmic Rebirth Intensive Facilitators ~

Rev Dr Saralise Azrael, DVM

When Saralise was a young child, at the age of 4 years old, she was visited by Higher Celestial Councils of Light and given visions and messages about the Magnificent World to Come.  Saralise has owned & operated several Highly Successful Companies: The Spirit of Zen, Inc., a Professional Organization, Feng Shui, Vastu and Interior Design Company; Krystal Mermaid Jewelry Collection; Urban Garden, a Loft Gallery in downtown Los Angeles; Nitting Frenzi, a high-end Speciality Knitwear Design Company & The Zen Den, a Healing Center located in West Hollywood.
Her passion for Peace and the expansion of her own Spiritual growth has evolved into Legion of Light Global Ministries, designing and co-creating Sacred Cities of Light on Mother Gaia.  The reward for Saralise comes when she sees the internal shift that takes place within individuals and the collective, and can really see the difference she has made in their lives and energetically in the world. Above all, Saralise’s main focus has always been to be of service utilizing her unique talents, helping people grow and expand their consciousness.

A Note from Saralise ~

I chose to incarnate on this occasion to be of absolute service to humanity. I have often been referred to as a Catalyst & a Spiritual Broadcast Station, spreading love and joy wherever I go. I am not afraid to go deep within Spirit. Let’s work together to Activate & Create the New Earth!!!!
I AM ~
Sacred Shamangelic High Priestess of Light
Doctor of Vibrational Medicine
Crystal Healing Practitioner
Evolutionary Pioneer & Global Visionary Leader
Ascension Retreat Facilitator &
Divine Channel for Lady Nada Lineage of the Divine Sacred Feminine


Contact Information for Saralise ~

Rev Dr Saralise Azrael, DVM
Creator of The Sacred Village Project
Founder of the Legion of Light Global Ministries
404 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd., Ste. 9
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
310.447.5237
sacredvillageproject@gmail.com
www.sacredvillageproject.org


Shelley Sage Heart

I read the contours of the Earth, and discover maps to our Soul, these maps when Followed ~ are always leading us HOME!
Artist, Visionary, Planetary Priestess ushering in “a sweet and flowering earth”, Shelley’s greatest desire is to serve Gaia and all life as sacred.
A passionate voice of love for Mother Earth, Shelley’s work is focused on sharing Art, Ritual and the Creative process as a vehicle for Healing, Evolution and Celebration.
“I LOVE holding sacred space for each of us to awaken with in our own unique emerging “Sacred New Earth Vision”! Rediscovering again and again our innate connection with the Earth Mother and the Divine Feminine Wisdom within.”

Contact Information for Shelley ~
Shelley Sage Heart
Sunlight Circle Productions
http://www.sunlightcircle.com
skype: shelleysageheart
530-918-4026


What to Bring for this Weekend~

This is a collective sustainable experience that requires our conscious awareness around sustainability and personal sovereignty within this communal sanctuary and land, so we ask for awareness around not leaving an imprint on the space that we are inhabiting.  We exercise a “Leave No Trace” Policy with our Retreats.  We would like to leave the space better than we found it.  We will be camping on the Luminaria Sanctuary Grounds, so holding the deepest respect for the space & land is clearly evident.
Please Note that food will be contributed by YOU, the participants & shared for this event, this is a communal experience, potluck style, so we will be contributing together to create community meals.
~Firewood to Contribute (purchase local near Luminaria if possible)
~Personal Tent & Rainguard (2 person if you have it) or Personal Sleeping Space

~NOTE:  We will possibly be sharing our personal tents for space accommodations
~Sleeping Bag & Sleeping Pad (if you have it), Air Mattress, etc.
~Pillow(s) & Stuffed Animals ;)
~Yoga Mat, Blanket & Sheepskin (if you have it)
~Journal(s) & Writing Implement(s)
~Personal Toiletries (including sunscreen if needed)
~Personal Dishes & Utensils
~Water Bottle
~Bathing Suit & Towel for Bonneville Hot Springs (for personal comfort level)
~Hiking Shoes
~Sacred Clothing & Garb for Ceremonies (we request White clothing specifically for Ascension Ceremony)
~Personal Ceremonial Effects and Altar Pieces such as Crystals, Drums, Rattles, etc to offer to the Sacred Circle & Altars during the retreat.
Potluck Style Community Food Offerings~
The Luminaria Sanctuary Facilities offer a yummy large kitchen with the capacity to prepare tons of raw and vegetarian food  & yummy treats.  If you would like to bring prepared cooked food to share, we offer that you prepare it at home and bring it with you.
We ask that if you have special dietary requirements, that you bring your own personal food needs and take care of this aspect for yourself. This is a Vegetarian event.
Foods to Contribute & Share ~
We request that ingredients be organic or from your personal or community garden if possible!

~Quinoa & Grains
~High-Vibe &/or Gluten Free Sprouted Breads
~Fresh Greens, Sprouts, Veggies & Fresh Fruits
~Elixirs, Tea, Raw Chocolate & Superfoods
~Raw Desserts & Goodies etc.

Registration Options~

Please Register by clicking on the buttons below ~

NOTE:  Please add your name & phone number in the comment box on Paypal

After registering You will be redirected to a page on Luminaria Sanctuary’s website with driving directions to the event.

$275 Early Bird Discount, thru midnight, 11/7
Full Participation ~ Camping (regular price $333)


$375 Early Bird Discount, thru midnight, 11/7Full Participation ~ Inside Shared Accommodations ~
only 6 spots available (regular price $444)


Additional investment ~ strongly recommended for Retreat Integration

$25-$35 per person ~ Bonneville Hot Springs (on Sunday)


We are sooooo looking forward to coalescing our essences together in this magnificent collective!!!


Many Blessings Beloveds~

In Deep Gratitude of Oneness,


Saralise Azrael & Shelley Sage Heart

& Amber Jade of Luminaria Sanctuary

Latest News

Friday, October 28, 2011

Energy Saving Tips for the Kitchen


Here are a few everyday things we do to help conserve energy and make cooking faster and easier!
Energy Saving Tip - Making Tea and Coffee
You don't need to boil water for tea or coffee. In fact, boiling water loses oxygen, has less flavor-carrying capacity and can scorch green teas and herbs. Stop heating water before it boils and you will conserve energy and have better flavored hot drinks for the winter months!
Energy Saving Tip - Steaming Veggies is Better Than Boiling
Steam cooks food much faster than boiling and retains more nutrients, color and texture. Use very little water in the bottom of a pot for steaming veggies including potatoes, beets, carrots, etc., and cover it to increase the BTUs inside the pot. The thinner you slice veggies, the faster they will cook. Make sure to stack your veggies so that the steam can get through. Always consume the yummy veggie water from the bottom of the pan or you'll lose many of the nutrients.
Energy Saving Tip - Keep Your Lid On!
We do our best to make the most of the resources we have. Keeping a lid on fry pans, pots, cups, and carafes holds the heat in and increases the BTUs where the food is, instead of letting it escape out into the room. It also helps to cook food faster, so it is a win-win all the way around! When frying, we put a lid on for the first "cooking" portion of stove time, and then take the lid off to allow the moisture to escape towards the end of cook time, in order to achieve that crispy, delightful texture we all love! Try this on potatoes and hash browns, and they will cook in 1/4 of the time!
Energy Saving Tip - Cut for Speed!
Veggies all cook at slightly different rates. Beets, potatoes, cauliflower, and carrots all take longer than onions, broccoli, and cabbage. Greens and herbs have the shortest cook time. In order to make your veggies a delightful and quick meal, start off by cutting your hard and root veggies (your longest cook-times) first. DO NOT cube your root veggies unless you specifically need that shape for your recipe. It takes a long time and a lot of energy to cook cubed roots. The thinner you cut roots across the grain, the shorter their cook time will be. Try cutting them about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. Put them in your pan and use the time they are cooking to cut your medium cook time veggies, like broccoli, green beans, cabbage, etc. Toss them in second, and while they are cooking, finish prepping your greens and herbs. Toss them in just before you turn off the heat, and cover with a lid to let the ambient heat steam and cook your greens without scorching them. This saves energy, and keeps you from accidentally burning them. Using this method, you can cut your meal-making time in 1/4, and your energy use can be less than 1/4 of average cooking energy. Think of what that can save on your bills!
 
Good Cooking! 
From the Community at Luminaria Sanctuary
www.luminariasanctuary.com
 
 
 

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Luminaria's Chocolate Fondue Extravaganza by Amy Levinger of Mind Body Fuel


Chocolate Fondue at Luminaria Sanctuary!

This weekend was a blast! Our Creation Meditation Celebration was a wonderful success! We built a raised garden bed out of recycled materials from the Leaning Tower of Luminaria, loved and protected the land through wildland fire control, watched a screening of the new Tron, ate waaay too much, played and talked and hung out and had a mini-bonfire and sleepover.

www.luminariasanctuary.com

HOLY COW Highlight!  Chocolate extravaganza!

Amazing sinfully delicious Chocolate Fondue was catered for our amazing community members and volunteers by the talented and beautiful Amy Levinger of Mind Body Fuel. She also rocked our world with her own special version of death-defying macaroni and cheese, and more on Saturday night. After a day of working in the sun, it was perfect. Total indulgence heaven!


Chocolate fondue is sooo easy to make, and sooo much fun!
It can be made gluten-free and vegan if you get the right kind of chocolate chips, and substitute coconut or other vegan milk for the cream in the recipe. This is the perfect food to play with! Get creative and experiment with different bits to dip in the chocolate: try drizzling it over pastries; over ice-cream popsicles and freezing them; or just dunk your favorite fruits!

 Here's how to make Chocolate Fondue for your next gathering:

The short version:

Basically, you will want to take some creamy-type substance (like cream, milk, coconut milk, etc.) and heat it. Then you will add chocolate chips and stir over low heat until milk and chips are blended, melted and smooth. You can add a little oil (like coconut oil or olive oil) to help the consistency if desired. There is no set-in-stone ratio; just give it a shot. While it is still warm, dip your favorite treats in the chocolate and NOSH IT UP! Yum!

Amy used fresh strawberries, candied pears, candied ginger, vanilla cookie wafers, dried mango, and banana for dipping into the chocolate. We quickly abandoned the keep-your-paws-clean skewers she thoughtfully provided and just went head over heels into chocolate heaven!

DOUBLE BOILER:
You'll need a double-boiler to melt the chocolate. If you don't have one, don't panic! They are easy to make. A double boiler allows eggs and other heat-sensitive sauce ingredients (like chocolate) to heat slowly and evenly, eliminating the possibility of scorching or overcooking. Chocolate must almost always be melted in a double boiler, because direct heat will cause the temperature to rise too quickly and the consistency to be ruined.

A double boiler is a "specialized" piece of kitchen equipment consisting of two fitted saucepans. The larger bottom saucepan is partially filled with water brought to a simmer or boil. The inner/top saucepan uses this indirect steam/hot water heat to melt chocolate, cook custards and sauces, or even melt wax for candlemaking. A double boiler can also be improvised with a large saucepan and a bowl, or two saucepans separated by a trivet or other heat-resistant spacer. A metal or glass bowl inside a saucepan works well.

The long version:

For an in-depth recipe, try http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chocolate_fondue/

 

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces of dark chocolate (chips or roughly chopped if from a block)
  • 8 ounces of heavy cream
  • A pinch of salt
  • Dippables such as strawberries, banana pieces cut into 1-inch chunks, dried appricots, candied ginger, apple pieces

 

Method

1 Warm the cream over moderate heat until tiny bubbles show and begins to lightly and slowly boil. Add the chocolate and whisk until smooth and full incorporated.
2 Immediately transfer to a fondue pot heated at low or with a low flame, or serve straight from the pot.
3 Arrange the dippables on a platter or plates around the chocolate pot. Use a fondue fork, bamboo skewer, seafood fork, or salad fork to dip the fruit pieces and other dippables into the hot melted cream chocolate mixture. Eat immediately.
If the fondue begins to feel a little stiff, add a tablespoon of heavy cream and stir. It will help it go a little longer. Eventually, it will cook down though and you may need to start a new pot.

Variations
Add a tablespoon or two of Bailey's Irish Cream to the chocolate. Other liquors such as Grand Marnier, Amaretto, or Kirsch are equally yummy.
Add a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and ancho chili pepper for a nice Mexican Chocolate.
The contents of a vanilla pod or some vanilla extract are always a decadent touch to chocolate.
A good pinch of espresso powder can do wonders!
Orange zest or grapefruit zest is nice way to create a slightly fruity chocolate.
A few tablespoons of Torani flavoring syrups (the kind used for coffee or Italian sodas) can add a nice dimension of flavor as well.
White chocolate is always a nice change, and spiked with a little liquor or citrus zest becomes heavenly.
Steeping the cream for an hour beforehand and while heating it can add a nice subtle flavor, lemongrass for white chocolate or a bag of Earl Grey tea for dark chocolate are particularly stylish and contemporary.

Happy Chocoholic-ing!




Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Luminaria's $4.25 Awesome Acorn Squash Soup Recipe!

Luminaria Sanctuary's
$4.25 Awesome Acorn Squash Soup!

From our heart to yours!

We just invented this soup after a cold, wet hike back from the hot springs. It is totally easy, cheap, and really, really comforting and yummy! All measurements are approximate and to taste, so get creative. You really can't wreck this one!  Have fun!










We suggest all ingredients be organic and local/homegrown where possible.









1-2 large acorn squash
1 can/8 oz coconut, almond, or rice milk
1/3 cup almond butter
4 Tablespoons butter/earth balance
1+ cup water
1/4+ tsp cinnamon
>1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
>1/4 cup raw sugar or maple syrup (Optional)

STEPS:
Wash your squash. Cut into chunks and remove seeds. Set seeds aside to rinse and dry for replanting next year and you'll have FREE squash in the future!





























Place chunks upright in steamer pot with skin facing up (cooks faster). Steam with a tight-fitting lid until squash is thoroughly soft, about 20 min.

Sustainable tip: Water NEVER gets hotter than boiling! It simply evaporates and gets cooler! Turn your heat down to just barely boiling. As long as there is a little steam, it will cook your food just as quickly, without wasting resources. In fact, you can turn the heat OFF 5 min before food is done cooking. The ambient heat in the pot will finish cooking your food. Just keep the lid closed!







Open steamer and allow squash to cool long enough to be able to handle it without getting burned. Take out the steamed squash and use a spoon to scoop the flesh from the skin, placing the flesh in a bowl. Discard skin in compost.













Pour remaining water from steamer pot and place squash from bowl back into the steamer pot. Place on low heat. Add the coconut (or equivalent) milk, cinnamon and nutmeg, butter, salt, and almond butter. Add sweetener if desired. Use a whisk to blend well, adding water as necessary to achieve the consistency you like for your soup. You can also use a blender or hand blender if you want really smooth soup.
















Warm over low heat and blend until the desired temperature and texture for serving. Garnish with mint leaf, raw chocolate shavings, or a sweet cream drizzle. Perfectly accompanied by a steamed veggie side, fresh bread and butter, or whatever you like! Serves 4-6 people. OMG sooo yummy! Enjoy!














www.luminariasanctuary.com

Friday, October 7, 2011

Change is up to YOU

We just wanted to share an excerpt from

Beyond nudge: it's time to call forth people's internal willingness to change

From The Guardian
Read the whole article here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/consumer-behaviour-sustainable-change?CMP=twt_gu

...Philosopher and scientist Ervin Laszlo suggests that "only by redesigning our thinking and acting, not the world around us," can we solve our problems. Whether through regulation, processes, incentives, policies or structures, mainstream approaches to behaviour change are focusing on external influences with limited effects. Recycling paper at work because the recycling bin is closest doesn't necessarily transfer to recycling paper at home. People need to be engaged in a way that creates a change of heart so that their choices come from their deepest values and become integral to their lives. What is missing is that we are not yet calling forth people's internal willingness to change. We are not yet uprooting the deeply entrenched personal and corporate attitudes that impede our ability to act with speed, purpose and rigour.
Behaviour at work is often prescribed, incentivised and systemised. For example: service staff have to follow scripts when talking to customers; bonuses are awarded for hitting sales targets; company values are pinned to office walls to encourage people to live them; competencies are defined, then performance managed. These interventions go so far, but rarely far enough in creating lasting change. Reading scripts leads to boredom, resentment and cold conversations that alienate customers. Bonuses motivate, but also generate self-interest that neglects real customer needs. Millions are spent marketing grand service promises, which are then diluted or broken by the negative attitudes of low-paid, low-morale front-line employees who aren't interested in company values.

A change of attitude

The notion that external forces determine human behaviour is one of the great myths driving our society. Sure, we are all influenced by what goes on around us. But the real cause of behaviour is attitude. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control what we think about what happens. This is not news. Viktor Frankl, psychologist and Holocaust survivor, said, "Everything can be taken from man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." Einstein, Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Gandhi and other great leaders, scientists and psychologists have all shared this understanding. The tragedy is that how to alter attitudes has been reserved by a few instead of taught to the masses as a fundamental part of education.
K Bradford Brown was a clinical psychologist whose mission was to teach ordinary people to change their behaviour and improve their quality of life by transforming their attitudes. Over 40 years he developed a powerful set of skills that could be used by anyone in any situation. Last year, we ran a workshop to test AQ (attitudinal intelligence)with a group of individuals who wanted to change and maintain their behaviour for more sustainable living. We focused on changing limiting attitudes (such as "it's inconvenient", "it's too time consuming", "the problem is too big" and "why should I when others don't?") into attitudes aligned with people's higher purposes (such as wanting to "use only my fair share of resources", "preserve the natural habitats of this planet" and "create a more equitable world"). The results were significant, with participants maintaining new behaviours, such as walking or cycling instead of driving, and buying local produce, over 70% of the time compared with a control group who managed it 43% of the time. Workshop participants also made significant changes in behaviours they had not even targeted.

Invest in education

The absence of the ability to change attitudes in the fabric of society leaves us nudging our way towards sustainable behaviours and increases the need for fiscal incentives, prohibitive legislation and social marketing. Improving people's attitudinal intelligence requires educational interventions, but these can be made in many organisational contexts, including schools and universities. Every business with a triple bottom line and stewardship agenda could invest in creating a major attitudinal shift. It would make a big difference. Moreover, the ability to teach these skills can be transferred to those who work for these organisations, enabling them to sustain results without needing experts and consultants such as us.
There can be no sustainable living without enabling people to make these changes for themselves and for future generations. There are few behavioural problems in society that cannot be traced to limiting attitudes. Transforming these attitudes calls for vision, boldness, compassion and an educational revolution that makes attitudinal intelligence as accessible, practical and mainstream as maths, English and technology. While it is widely accepted that the world around us needs to change to ensure our sustainability as a species, it is we who need to change it. From the inside out. And for good.
Vania Phtidis and Sophie Sabbage work at Interaction UK, a consultancy specialising in culture and behaviour change in organisations. Sophie built Interaction to support an inheritable world by transforming the quality of corporate life through Attitudinal Intelligence. Vania has recently completed the Msc in Education for Sustainability and is dedicated to addressing the attitudinal blocks to living sustainably.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Creation Meditation Celebration Event October 7-9 2011




Luminaria Sanctuary Creation Meditation Celebration!

 



ALL WEEKEND LONG EVENT!!! 
Friday October 7 2011 @ 5pm 
thru 
Sunday October 9 2011 @5pm

 PLEASE CONTACT 509-427-4277 or luminariasanctuary@gmail.com FOR DIRECTIONS!

We are hosting a celebratory gathering at Luminaria Sanctuary in the Columbia Gorge to build community, have fun, get creative, connect with each other and the earth, and get our hands on real projects that might help inspire creative reuse and recycling of materials in sustainable ways. We are not waiting around for things to change; we're being the change now!

Location is private, please email luminariasanctuary@gmail.com or call 509-427-4277 for directions if you are planning on coming! Thank you for understanding! Plan 50 min driving from PDX/Vancouver, 20 min from Hood River.

FOR INFO ON THIS EVENT: http://www.luminariasanctuary.com/cmc2.html

We will experiment with building a greenhouse out of entirely recycled and reused materials (oh boy!), building raised garden beds, creating some recycled art projects and possibly furniture, helping reduce fire hazards on the land, making brooms for Halloween out of scotch broom, enjoying a potluck, movie, music and maybe even dancing, drumming and a bonfire if weather and vibe/flow permit. Open to anyone who wants to get in on community "being" sustainable now. Bring your ideas, toys, music-making instruments, yummy foodstuffs, dreams, stories, tools, and joy! Overnight stays are welcome - Camping is available and retreat rooms at the sanctuary are available at a major discount. Rideshares from Portland encouraged.


Luminaria Sanctuary is a private retreat home focused on whole-istic sustainability, nestled on 10 acres of wildlife sanctuary overlooking the Columbia, surrounded by national forest. It is the dream child of community members who contribute their love, inspiration, support and skills in honor of creating a more conscious, more sustainable, more satisfying life. It is non-denominational and welcoming. Luminaria Sanctuary is in the process of becoming a non-profit. Check out www.luminariasanctuary.com to learn more.

PLEASE NOTE -  Out of respect for the land, wildlife and the residents: NO SMOKING, NO DRUGS, NO SCENTS, NO PETS, PACK IN-PACK OUT (no trash)

Luminaria Saves The Portland Sustainability & Green Living Group

Luminaria Sanctuary stepped forward this September 2011 to save The Portland Sustainability & Green Living Group. The 450+ member group went without an organizer this summer and was 6 days away from disappearing. It is now assured to go on creating a community of sustainability.
The Portland Sustainability & Green Living Group

If you are in the Portland, OR area, please help us to support the sustainable revolution! Join us at:

http://www.meetup.com/PDXSustainability/

We're also seeking businesses to offer perks and sponsorships to help us spread the word and co-create abundance!

This group is open to all those interested in voluntary sustainability/frugal living, sustainable development, green building, alternative and renewable energy sources, waste reduction and recycling, carbon-friendly commuting, composting, air and water pollution issues, organic living, office efficiency, and reducing toxins from your home (such as greener cleaners).

The intent of the group is to provide a grassroots approach to living green. We’re here to act as a catalyst giving you the tools you need to live simpler and more sustainable. Whether you’re new and not sure what steps you want to take, or a seasoned pro, anyone and everyone is welcome to join. This is a forum to meet other like-minded individuals in the Northwest. You’ll have the opportunity to attend informative lectures, seminars, workshops and presentations, book discussions, documentaries, explore some of the area’s local and organic cuisine, and participate in environmental community service activities.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Leaning Tower of Luminaria Toppled!


It is ancient.
It is monolithic.
It is decrepit.
It is rusted and weather-beaten and hanging with a tangle of blackberries, hornets, and leggy lightning-colored spiders the size of your palm. It is an apartment complex for outstanding bugs of all sizes and a place where the laws of gravity and centrifugal force are waived.

It is... the Leaning Tower of Luminaria. And today, it finally collapsed.

The monolith of the Luminaria field, a 2-story hand-built barn which stood through an onslaught of weather throughout the years, began succumbing to a series of injuries from snow, ice, and rain after the roof caved in 2 years ago. Over the subsequent months, it began inching into a nearly impossible gravity-defying yoga pose, like a 3 dimensional trapezoid caught mid-dance with a hole punched through the top. While curious and beautiful in its own splintery way, it came up a little short on the "useable space" list, and was dead last on the "child-proof" list. Sadly, something had to be done. We spent the morning harvesting the last of the blackberries from the surrounding vines, assessing the project and the salvageable materials, and checking for critters.

Now, it hunches like a half-beaten hulk giving up its skeleton to the recycling-addicted hands of the Luminarians, who are heading to bed tonight with dreams of chicken coops, raised garden beds, rustic furniture and weathered-wood art dancing in their heads.

Matt (a professional recycling guru), James and Dan volunteered for the demolition and salvage operation, and have already retained 30+ beautiful usable cedar planks, many 2x4s, and hundreds of shakes that will be reborn in new projects.


Not exactly giving up the ghost lightly, Matt and James, according to the Rule of Testosterone, actually brought out a rifle and SHOT the roof off before dragging the second story down with a rope and some serious horsepower this afternoon (this was done for "safety", of course).

With a crash and a long sigh of dust and insects, the old cedar-wood barn is taking the first step in the rest of its life: morphing into a collection of new identities, as every piece of siding, shingle and strut will be reused in creative ways. Look for the spirit of the Leaning Tower of Luminaria to radiate forth in art pieces and garden structures in the coming months.

Throughout the day, we were treated to visits from the flora and fauna of the field. Yellow jackets and praying mantis patrolled the scene. They seemed to be supportive of getting an upgrade in their apartment complex.

Arrivederci, sweet barn. May you rest in pieces.

Photos by the talented Matt Maher and Amber Jade.


Thursday, September 8, 2011

SEND US A SIGN Contest!!! ART and SUSTAINABILITY in ACTION

SEND US A SIGN Contest!!!  ART and SUSTAINABILITY in ACTION

Win a 2 NIGHT STAY and 30min Healing Touch Session for 2 at Luminaria Sanctuary!

We want a natural, lovely large welcome sign for our entry drive that reflects the creativity of our local communitarians, like YOU!  It can be painted wood, sculpture, made out of forest findings or recycled materials, vertical or horizontal. YOU be the designer and builder and let nature, spirit and sustainability be the inspiration! Just send us your sketch up or description of a design you have in mind. We'll pick our favorite winning design and we'll provide a workspace for you to make it (and assistance on finding materials if necessary). Then you'll get a FREE 2 Night STAY and 30 min Healing Touch Session for 2  at Luminaria Sanctuary as our Thank You! Of course, we'll also feature you on our sites and honor your ingenuity and talent for years to come!

Design Guidelines

  • Sustainable or recycled/re-used materials
  • Don't spend any money! Get creative!
  • Large, think 4' or 5'
  • Maintains the spirit of our logo (above)
  • SUBMIT TO luminariasanctuary@gmail.com