Passing

Gazing outward, unaccompanied I
pace this earth-station's platform,
each slow step sinking my heart
deeper into release of that
which is free in me, toward
my next stop, a lighter
freedom-finding being.

Swiftly falling away in total
silence, the earth-horizon's
curve bends to an arc becoming
a shrinking turquoise sphere that
disappears to nothing and I am
centered in a hollow black orb
dotted with pin-prick lights.

Immobilized, I cannot say
I am stopped. Enclosed,
I do not feel contained.
Without reference, I am
newly stationed alone in
my transient presence.

Who approaches?

Rojan Zét

Raven's Covenant

When we know what raven knows
we will sing the secret name
of mist and cave

Raven sees her self
in every blade of grass
she enters the heart of stone
and shines with the brilliance of diamonds

The saraband of light on waves
the sacristy of worms
infuse her like the fragrance of lilies

Raven is the throat of the forest
the jubilation of cedar to ocean
her flight a plume of smoke from the molten
core

When we know what raven knows
we will honour the bright centre
and our bones will be wings of prayer


Yvonne Mackenzie

preserving sanity in a broken world

"preserving sanity in a broken world", digital collage by Ron Greenaway. Inspiration from Rojan Zét.

Metal in Motion by Brad Allen

A Youtube video about Brad Allen, Cowichan Valley metal artist.

Turn up your speakers and click "Play".



Visit Brad Allen's website at members.shaw.ca/meddleart

Yvonne MacKenzie

The Cowichan Valley Arts Cafe welcomes Yvonne MacKenzie who wrote:

"... I like to think my poetry reminds people that as well as service on the front lines of change, the land needs activism of the soul in order to create a sustainable existence. For me, that's rooted in gratitude for the beauty of nature...."


Below are links to her inspired poetry posted in the Cowichan Valley Arts Cafe:

• Floating in Roe Lake
• Fools Rush In
• Jupiter Islet
  
• Magic Lake Heron
  
• New Beginnings
• Raven's Covenant
• SEO AN T’AITE MU DHEIREADH The ultimate place (Gaelic)
  
• The Karma of Stones
  

Thank you Yvonne!

MoonDance Dynamic Arts School

Profile of an Arts Group

At any given day at MoonDance Dynamic Arts School, you may find yourself moving to the live upbeat percussion rhythms of West Africa or joyfully learning the art and technique of the West African Djembe. You might be inspired to join lively Bhangra dancing or embrace the spirit of Modern dance. A world of creative passion is yours to engage at MoonDance.

MoonDance Dynamic Arts School is a vibrant cultural and creative hub located based on Vancouver Island for over 11 years. Known for celebrating diversity and cultural understanding through the dance, music and the arts, MoonDance offers a wide range of classes and workshops for all to enjoy.

Artistic Director Lynn Weaver has been dancing all of her life and loves sharing her passion for dance with the community. She has studied extensively across a range of disciplines and believes that each person who participates in learning dance from another culture contributes to the preservation of multiculturalism on this planet. To this end MoonDance employs a varied range of instructors from the local community as well as Africa and around the world who embrace dance, movement and music as a celebration of life.

Classes and workshops are varied and include West African Dance (classes for all ages), West African Drumming (Djembe), Baby and Me West African, Kids Creative Dance, Yoga, Adult Ballet, Asana Dance, Modern, Contact Improvisation, Hip Hop, Pilates, Composition and Performance Art for Kids and fitness classes, among others.

MoonDance believes in the power of community and participates in a number of community building initiatives including a partnership with the nonprofit society Matoto. Matoto is a grassroots organization that uses the arts to channel the natural desire to connect in meaningful ways. They are currently building a much needed school in Guinea Africa. www.matoto.org

Starting in January 2011, MoonDance has a new home at the beautiful Art House in Shawnigan Lake Village, 1756 Wilmot Avenue. MoonDance welcomes the public to enjoy the Art House with an open house on Sunday January 9th from 2:00 - 5:00pm. The day features free workshops, demonstrations and performances for all ages. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information please visit our web site: www.moondancearts.ca or you can call 250.743.5846 or email moondancearts@yahoo.ca

Midnight Year End

you have no idea what this mojo can do and neither do i
are these words too snappy for you too fast
i can slow things down if you like and bring it to you stop frame
until i'm getting it right on the pulse our whole
bodies patterning together in convulsions one piercing
the other pierced and all words carefully parsed

parse this mojo marketer mark it if you have to
that that is is that that is not is not that that is

Rojan Zét

Susan Miller

photo by Susan Miller, hauntress Rathtrevor Beach Parksville

"Common" island birds?

N-E-V-E-R!!

I can never get enough stills of these perfect posing cuties.

Susan Miller Parksville

My name is Susan Miller and I love to take seagull photos and beach art photos.

Beach art photos are when the stars and planets are aligned I very often come across shell sculptures,inukshuks etc left by little leperachauns who ask for nothing but to be admired by visitors like myself.

Calling on all bunnies and leprechauns to show thyselves...

Walking the beach the other morning I noticed the handiwork of a tricky leprechaun and sidekick.

Susan Miller, hauntress Rathtrevor Beach Parksville