Solstice Gratitude

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Stories and photos...

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Winter Solstice.
The longest night, the shortest day of the year. For us, it's time to take stock of where we are on the Earth, and in our lives. This brings us into the present moment, full of gratitude for all the blessings we have experienced in 2016 and all the connections that have just begun. Solstice is a time to appreciate the beauty, the stillness, the wisdom of the Earth. So today we share with you a couple stories that mean a lot to us, and photos of the beauty we feel in our world these days. Oh, and about our first event early in the new year! Thanks for your attention and support, and Happy Solstice and Merry Holidays to you!

Welcome to our new Greenhouse Apprentice! Janus Hererra (main photo) demonstrated massive intelligence, dedication, and skill during our fall volunteer session when she lived at Ampersand for two weeks. Now she joins us as an apprentice, working and learning with us once a week with a focus on greenhouse production, maintenance, design and construction. She is pitching in with getting our new hoop house in order, and will help start seeds and produce potted seedlings for our Spring Fundraiser. Thank You Janus! Take note local gardeners, you will be able to get your veggie starts from us in April! Let us know if there is any particular plant you want us to grow.

Pomegranates growing in our attached solar greenhouse

Thanks to Grace McWilliams for this touching piece about her 6 weeks at Ampersand!

This Fall, through a series of synchronous events, I was made aware of Ampersand, a Sustainable Living Learning Center in Cerrillos, New Mexico run by Amanda and Andy Bramble. Through responding to a Craigslist ad for free lathe material, I met a woman who was studying permaculture and after telling her about my interest in living off the grid, she suggested I make Ampersand my first stop. I’m a Yoga Teacher by trade and at that time, I was following my doctor’s orders to heal my system from mold toxicity by living in a tent in the Santa Fe Forest. The night temperatures were dropping to 40 degrees and I knew that I would soon have to head to a warmer location, but I decided to reach out to Amanda before heading South.

After a brief conversation, I applied for a residential work-trade position at Ampersand where I would be learning new skills and assisting in an earthen building project. My application was accepted and within two weeks, I packed up my tent and took my healing journey to Cerrillos. When I arrived at Ampersand, I was immediately calmed. (read more...)

January 21st, Saturday
Water is Life: a Workshop and Fundraiser for Water Protectors Legal Counsel
When we work on the land to make arid environments flourish, we plant the water first. This creates a fertile environment from which life can grow.

Living water flows within us. A good relationship with elemental water, and tapping into fluid patterns within our lives, helps our investments of energy flourish.

How do we create fertile environments within our lives to support the seeds we plant? The answer will be particular to each of us. In this workshop sacred water will guide us there.

The day will include:

self reflection exercise
observing design that recognizes the sacredness of water
small group dialogue
gentle and intentional work on the land

.Our winter workshop space is limited, so please RSVP to reserve your spot. Suggested donation $30 to $60 or more.

The lemons are finally ripening!

Happy Winter Solstice!

ampersandproject.org