Tag Archives: Community
2015 – Year of the Yin Wood Sheep
By Karen Abler-Carrasco
Finally! Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year. The galloping horse comes home to rest and transform into a quiet sheep, grazing within the comfortable bounds of her beloved flock. Is anyone a little saddle sore? Longing for a warm, scented bath, a home-cooked meal and some quiet time in a soft bed? Good news, everyone, the gentle, generous Sheep Year is here to provide that!
The speeding Yang Wood Horse Year of 2014 brought both invigorating new growth and disturbing upheaval to the terrain of our lives. Many outdated structures and beliefs got trampled, while fresh alternatives and daring choices beckoned on the horizon. Most of us endured some uprooting of old routines or even radical shifts in the direction we thought we were headed prior to riding that wild horse. Some of us spontaneously jumped into new work and play, some of us coped with unexpected or uncomfortable lifestyle shifts, and some of us just sat by the continuous stream of change to wait for calmer waters.
That slower pace is with us this year. On February 18th, 2015, we begin the Yin Wood Sheep Year. This year, the exuberant upward and outward propulsion of Yang Wood will reverse itself and turn downward and inward in its Yin form, allowing us to catch our breath, find our footing and take the time we need to adjust to the budding new life being offered. This year, Yin Wood will offer deep roots into our innermost selves, where the essential nourishment of personal comfort and security reside.
The qualities of Yin Wood perfectly complement the characteristics of the sheep. The sheep is a generous, patient, peaceful creature, who seeks to live in continuous harmony among family, friends and beauty. In the wheel of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, the sheep is considered to be the most feminine sign. The sheep seeks her own quiet pastures and flock, where all are safe, familiar and settled in mutual support. The sheep year is the time for healing and mending, nurturing and tending. Whatever has been disturbed, wounded, left unfinished or out of place can be more easily brought back into harmony this year, and the very process of doing so will bring fulfillment and grace.
The sheep’s power lies in knowing herself clearly and deeply, and accepting and forgiving all perceived flaws in self and others. With her open-hearted dedication to the goodness of life, the sheep character, with kind and patient persuasion rather than strident demands, always gets what she desires. For us, this means the year’s power lies in nurturing our ties within our friendship circles, our local economies, and our inner psyches. This year, the I Ching would counsel us to practice “Modesty,” and get our tender egos out of the way. When we do so, without becoming subservient, we become the ultimate Yin, or “Receptive,” and the entire universe can align for everyone’s highest good. Trust that it will… and it will.
This year’s most vibrant chi is accessed by calmly focusing on the finer details of one’s immediate environment. It is a perfect year for feng shui! Raise your energy by eliminating those things that are less than excellent, be it a chipped mug, faded artwork or uncomfortable furniture. Practice the art of graceful living. Find the most economical and efficient ways to accomplish your daily tasks and give them your full attention. There is a refined elegance, and more leisure, in living simply. This year, the little things in life are really going to support the big things.
The sheep is more of a follower than a leader. She relies on her friends to protect her interests. As such, the sheep year’s financial energies are rather fluid, with a tendency to be overly charitable for philanthropic causes. Set some wise, but not miserly, boundaries on expenditures, then trust that you will be provided all that is needed for you. Be gracious and compassionate with both money and energy this year.
It is also an important year to transform and refine your language, which is one of the main constructors of reality. Keep it kind, sincere, tolerant, and positive. The sheep is all about constant, precise and insightful communication with those around her, as everyone’s best survival depends upon it. Raise your lifestyle’s tonality as well, to vibrate in a more refined and elegant way, perhaps through giving music, art and Nature more opportunity to influence your inner and outer environments.
Above all, relax. When we match the year’s energies with our actions — taking time for the small pleasures of life, turning within, becoming soft, paying attention to the people around us and offering them simple kindness — we will be supplied with the energy we need. By aligning our behaviors with the year’s chi, we create space to welcome it in and amplify it, to make it real.
This is a year of gentle persuasions, frivolous delights (within the budget) and the subtle sensuality of all things feminine. Open your heart to the delight of receiving more love from everywhere and everyone. Let the glow of this love, for self and others gently grow and radiate outward, supported on all sides with the safety of a loving community, the comfort of a healthy home, and the lush beauty that springs from being grounded in Mother Nature and the great feminine principles. The Yin Wood Sheep year humbly offers us this guidance: create blissful peace in your home and your Self and you will light the way for others to follow.
Alley Art Festival
The city of Vista is hosting a compilation of unique and avant-garde art expressions. showing us a their open-mindedness towards gritty innovative urban culture.
The event runs all day and into the night on Saturday September 13th in downtown Vista
The inaugural Alley Art Festival
will be an interactive art and culture experience,
featuring: slam poetry, graffiti,
urban art, steampunk, cosplay contest,
“Alley Art Man” sculpture installation, “hands on” art,
and the chance for everyone to contribute
to a live alley art mural painting.
This is a free event for guests of all ages.
http://www.alleyartfestival.com
Fashion show at 3:00 and cosplay contest
Come support the arts in Vista
Whales, Dolphins, Music
Southern Californians, How much do you love our beaches? the beautiful pacific? Our beloved dolphins and whales ? How can you and I support and protect what we love and enjoy so much? Well, a viewing of a documentary “The Transparentsea Voyage” has a final showing in San Diego August 23rd & 24th will definitely guide you in the right direction.
Following the marine mammals that traverse our seas and communicate through sound & song, The Transparentsea Voyage takes the viewer on a sensory journey behind the making of 23 songs in 23 days all while exploring by sea and land, one of the most populated coastlines in the world, Southern California…
http://transparentseamovie.com/
The Transparentsea Voyage highlights the efforts of a group of athletes, musicians, celebrities and artists on a campaign aimed at focusing attention on coastal environmental issues. Witness the trip unfold through the creation of song as this “behind the music” look at focused activism offers an insight into how a deeper connection to our planet changed and educated the participants involved as well as those that followed the journey from around the world.
Experience the voyage from start to finish as the crew traced the southern migration of the California Grey & Blue Whale from Santa Barbara to the US Border in six tandem kayaks.
Directed: By Justin Krumb
Starring: Dave Rastovich, Shannon Sol Carroll, OJ Newcomb, Chris Del Moro, Isabel Lucas, Angus Stone, Will Conner, Howie Cooke
An opportunity to spread awareness about coastal issues through art, music and film
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-transparentsea-voyage
Music Band of frequencies members: Shannon Sol Carroll, OJ ‘The Juice’ Newcomb, Mark Henman & Andrew Szumowski https://www.facebook.com/bandoffrequencies
This weekend showing at:
Birds Surf Shed
1091 W Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92110
7:00pm, 9:00pm
S4C Benefit Screening
With special guests Chris Del Moro, Howie Cooke and Band of Frequencies
Raffle
Silent Auction
Live performance BOF’s and friends
Q and A with Director and Cast following the film
Together we can make a difference
SUMMERFEST 2014
Looking for something to do this Saturday night?
Vista Optimist Foundation presents it’s annual SummerFest fundraiser to support local youth
A lovely evening of Food, Wine, Beer, Music & Art Show
The Vista Optimist Club’s SummerFest 2014 taking place on August 9, 2014 from 5:30-10:30 pm at the Club’s 600 Optimist Way facility will add a new dimension to its popular fundraiser : an Art Show coordinated by ArtBeat on Main Street. ArtBeat owner Kait Matthews says the partnership meshes well with her co-op gallery’s intent to give back to the community. The Optimist Club of Vista brings community, culture and art together, for a great cause, so this event is a perfect fit.
Check out the wineries, breweries and plenty of delicious tastings offered this year
SummerFest Featured Wineries
Cougar Vineyard and Winery, Rosatello Constellation Brands, Roadrunner Ridge Winery, Woof ‘n Rose Winery, Schlossadler International Wines, Fre-Be, Wiens Family Cellars, Monte De Oro Winery, Revel Wine
SummerFest Featured Vodka St. Petersburg, Svedka
Featured Breweries
Iron Fist, Belching Beaver, Ballast Point, Sierra Nevada, Indian Joe’s Brewery, Mother Earth, Firestone Brewery, Beer Brewing Company, Karl Strauss, Back Street Brewery, Booze Brothers, Stone Brewery, Latitude 33
SummerFest Featured Tequila, Tequila Fortaleza
SummerFest for Foodies Green Dragon Tavern, Ignite Bistro and Wine Bar, Dewberry’s Catering Service, Surf Brothers Teriyaki, Famous Daves, Feliccia’s Italian Restaurant and Deli, Mrs. Taco, Mama n Papa’s Pizza Grotto, Chili Coast Burgers, Souplantation, Lush Coffee and Tea, Slater’s 50/50, Pei King Wok, Niko’s Steak Burgers and Greek Food, Chef DK, Rossi’s Pizza, Vista Way Café, Sushi Café, Elephant Bar, Jersey Mike’s Subs
A big thank you to the SummerFest Sponsors
Exagen Diagnostics Avise Test Opus Bank
Industrial Strength Regents Bank San Luis Rey Towing
Modern Builders Supply Edco Pickering Insurance Services
Vista Entertainment Center Tri Staff Group
Optimist Club of Vista
always a good time, see you there
Info on the Vista Optimists and Summerfest 2014
is at www.vistaoptimist.org/summerfest.html.
Fifty Barrels Winery
Wine lovers rejoice
Fifty Barrels Winery comes to downtown Vista
Fifty Barrels is a grassroots, urban winery in downtown Vista, featuring handmade, artisan wines from California’s finest grapes. Brian Vitek & Brent Wells have been making wine since 1999 and have answered the demands of the labels followers and decided to increase production of their popular brand. This required moving from their prior coastal location, to the new larger space on Main Street and immersing themselves in the community of Vista. General manager Denise Wells says ”the move was the right choice and our daily encounters with fellow business owners, new clientele and residents have made us feel especially welcome.”
dog friendly, resident Trixie can attest
The tasting room is open 6 days a week and features bar and lounge seating.
Fifty barrels is a fully functioning production facility, handling everything on site.The bulk of their red grapes come from Paso Robles and white grapes are sourced from all over California. They welcome guests to come and watch or help any time during production activities.
Fifty Barrels encourages local artists to create art on the barrel heads, paint one and you receive a gift of a bottle of wine.
Meeting new people, making new friends and enjoying good wine is what it’s all about. Come and join the Grand opening celebration of Fifty Barrels Winery
For more information check out their website
Special thanks to,
Kevin Ham, Director of Economic Development for Vista who was intrical in helping Fifty barrels find the perfect location for this endeavor.
Vista’s Big Give
I am so proud of my community!
when people come together amazing things happen…
Make a wish
ARTBEAT ON MAIN STREET
The Lovely Kait Matthews and Kris Peterson have brought new life to our beloved downtown of Vista, California with their cooperative gallery of diverse fine art, workshops, classes and boutique…. Artbeat on Main Street.
A community partner.
A place of creativity and inspiration.
A cultural destination.
Welcome to ArtBeat on Main Street, the friendliest gallery in town! Kait & Kris are leading the revitalization of the heart of Vista by offering an ever-changing panorama of artworks, learning opportunities, receptions, wine tastings and more.
Talk with artists as they create their works in gallery studios.
Unleash your own creativity at group workshops.
Perfect your art skills in an array of classes
taught by acclaimed professionals.
Find the perfect gift – from the decorative to the functional – for someone else or yourself in the unique boutique.
Stop in on the third Saturday of each month, from 5-7:30 pm for live music, great food, fascinating spirits and spirited conversations with friendly artists and art aficionados.
Originality Lives Here, Join them in celebrating the arts of life.
Visit ArtBeat on Main Street and discover for yourself Vista’s creative new vibe
Aubudon Birdhouse Entry & Auction
The Buena Vista Audubon Society is soliciting donations of signature birdhouses, bat-houses and birdfeeders for our 4th Annual Birdhouse Auction to be held 2/22/2014 from 5-8:00pm. Last year’s event was a blast. We had over 100 unique and beautiful birdhouses up for auction, and every one of them sold. This year we will feature live music, great food and drink and both silent and live auctions. This year’s live auction will once again be led by guest auctioneer, Martha Barnette of KPBS’s “A Way With Words.”
Entries may be decorative or functional and can be submitted by teams or individuals. Prizes will be awarded for the top three vote getters. A limited number of undecorated birdhouses are available for $8.00 to help you get started. The use of sustainable, recycled and re-purposed materials is encouraged. All proceeds benefit the Buena Vista Audubon Society, an all volunteer, non-profit 501(3)(c) corporation dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the plants and animals of our community. Last year volunteers at the BVAS Nature Center hosted classes about nature and the environment for over 4,000 local schoolchildren. Applications can be found online at http://www.bvaudubon.org/