DECEMBER NEWSLETTER 🎄
Greetings, friends!
I (pleasantly) surprised myself by not judging or scolding myself for being tardy with this month's Newsletter. I found myself needing to nurture my body for a week or so, moving through some chest and ear congestion, which was a good chance for my immune system to kick in and show me how it works. As well, I am REALLY leaning into allowing more SPACE....between EVERYTHING!
November was a busy month, with holiday craft sales and gatherings (see attached for a few more suggestions I highly recommend!) As well, I hosted the very successful Renewal workshop for 3 of my practitioner friends. Our Hungry Dissidents dinner meeting was well attended, and it was great to see the whole gang together again. I even supported some of my local artisans and small shops to pick up some gifts.
And so I have left December open for spontaneous gatherings, as well as some collaborative meetings to see what we can create as a community in 2025. I've enjoyed decorating our home with handcrafted ornaments and decor (some over 35 years old!) My family has been enjoying my Christmas baking, too. But even with the baking, I have reminded myself that we don't need to be eating Christmas cookies in February, and I am only making as many as we can enjoy with friends and family. I love making our family favourites (Spitzbuben, Chocolate Pecan Bars and Hazelnut cookies), and I always love trying out one new recipe. Gone are the days of 8 or 10 different types of cookies!!
Looking back, I made a list today of all of the gatherings I have hosted and attended this year. Wow! 21 drumming circles, 11 workshops,etc. a three day festival and several dinner parties. Putting everything down on paper made me realize how blessed I've been, to have so many opportunities to collaborate and celebrated with our beautiful community.
Ralph and I look forward to continuing to offer our home and property to friends and not-yet-friends, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas, with good health and good fortune for 2025.
With much love and gratitude,
Julie
NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER
As I write this Newsletter, here in southern Ontario we’ve been gifted with some gloriously warm temperatures, sunny skies, and the last of the fall colours. The pond is cold again, which means pond plunges are brisk (which is how I like it!!) Looking back, October was certainly an event-packed month for us, with TWO Thanksgiving family gatherings, an amazing House Concert with Josh Taerk (preceeded by our chat on IG), and our Friday night drumming circles. We did have a lot to be thankful for.
Moving forward, this Saturday, we have our Renew Immersion event, which got fully booked. To those who didn’t make it in time to register, or who couldn’t make it at this time, I’ve heard there may be plans for another event in the future (nudge, nudge, wink, wink).
Also this Saturday is the amazing Bhadra Fest at Ascent Studio in Conestogo. (I wish I could go….) Three individual members of the Bhadra Collective will be offering one hour mini-sessions of their creative specialties, culminating in live music for dancing by the Bhadra Collective. (Did I mention I’m somewhat sad I’ll be missing this? If you’re going, promise you’ll dance extra exuberantly for me !!) Tickets are available for the day $50, the night $40 or for the whole shebang $80. You can reserve your spot by contacting garydiggins@icloud.com It’s a Bhadra “full meal deal” !!
As we approach the holiday season, I’d like to suggest two wonderful options for supporting your local artisans. My dear friend, Nicole Lalonde, will be hosting the 5th annual Emma Street Holiday Open House, on Saturday, Nov.23 from 12 noon to 4 pm at her home in Guelph. I’ve attended the last 2 or 3 years and always find some delightful gifts. (see attached poster)
The following weekend, on Saturday, Nov. 30, I will once again be hosting a Celebration of Gifts for the 4th year, with artisans, creators and practitioners. We have lots of new faces this year, with door prizes, light refreshments and a wonderful opportunity to visit with our community. Everything from artisan soaps, body products, herbal teas, upcycled clothes, one-of-a-kind pottery, buttertarts, honey, original art, PLUS some incredible practitioners offering Bowen Therapy, Osteopathy, insights about German New Medicine, and some card readings. There is a Facebook Event page that will showcase our vendors and practitioners, updated as quickly as I get details and photos. I’ll be sharing on IG as well. ( www.facebook.com/events/1741841949903243 )
And finally…
What’s in store for 2025?
I have had a few people reach out to me, concerned about the future of Coming Home Festival. Rest assured, all is well! Christine LaRock, the founder of CHF, has been connecting and collaborating with a powerful group of women and discussing beautiful ways to bring healing to our community. As someone who has been joining in on these calls, I can say that there is a beautiful vision being manifested.
What will it look like? Will it be on our land here at Cedar Woods on Station? When will we hear about it? Patience, friends. We are not there yet, and are taking time to explore and sit with all the possibilities. (Details will be released in the coming months via our newsletters, and at www.cominghometoheal.com )
What I CAN tell you is that in 2025, Ralph and I will continue to offer community gatherings, workshops and opportunities to learn, to celebrate, to network, and to support each other. We are blessed to live on this healing land, aptly named Cedar Woods on Station, for almost 40 years. We have had hundreds of visitors and participants in gatherings over the past 3 years, many of whom feel like family to us now.
As the outside world continues to shift, we are here to provide a solid foundation of love, hope and positivity, and of community! Plans ARE in the works for some wonderful gatherings. We are so excited by some fresh opportunities of co-creating with others! Stay tuned…
Thank you for your continued support and interest in staying up to date with offerings and events. And remember, “sharing is caring” ;)
With much love and gratitude,
Julie
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 🎃
Well, September sure went by fast! Wow! Even if you don't have kids going off to school, it seems to be such a pivotal season as we enter fall, doesn't it? Changes everywhere.... Just remember, as with the trees, you get to choose to which vibes or actions you don't need to be taking with you this month. 🍂🍂
Building community, guiding others and keeping life simple is how I'm choosing to fill my October. The busy harvest and canning season has tapered off, so I have more time to offer some awesome events!
To start off this week, drumming circles with Tom Wolf 🪘 are back in regular swing, with Friday night lessons on Oct.4 and on Oct.18 at our home. 7 - 9 pm, with potluck to follow. Door is open at 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome, please bring your own djembe or inquire if there may be a spare for you.
Next fun thing is going to be my first "Cedar Woods Chats" featuring Josh Taerk, in preparation for his House Concert with us on Saturday, October 26. Josh and I have gotten to know each other a bit since his appearance on stage at the Coming Home Festival, and I thought it would be great to do an "improv" Q&A interview, with each of us learning about the other. Any guesses which Human Design type he is? 😁 Listen in on IG @julie_baumlisberger Thursday, Oct.10 at 12:30pm and find out! For the House Concert, we have limited seating, so if you're interested, RSVP at your earliest convenience to this email address. I will have more details about this by-donation event to email out to responders, very shortly. You can find Josh's music on Spotify . My current fave is called "I'm Here" , listen to it here https://open.spotify.com/track/15CHmrMRsAhjJ9evumUIBr?si=2fda569b667d4e71
If you caught my Facebook Live on Monday, you heard about a super amazing workshop that will be held here at Cedar Woods on Saturday, November 2. Ariel Benavidez, Jana Bennett and Terry Redmond will be using their unique modalities to immerse you in peace, achieve clarity and to release tension. Early Bird tickets are available for a limited time, first-come, first-served is how the spots will be filled. You won't want to miss out on this! Snacks and light refreshments will be included. Reserve your spot early with the special price of $125 via etransfer to juliebaumlisberger@posteo.net or a full cash payment to any one of the practitioners BEFORE the event. I know all three of these beautiful people, and you're in for a real treat 🙏 More information about each segment of this workshop are coming soon.
I have also decided to extend my Human Design-themed Astro Roots Discovery offering until the end of October. I can help you understand that you came to be here with a unique set of skills and amazingness, that you yourself may or may not see. Through looking at your birth chart information, I will put together a report that tells you how you operate (ie. are you someone who creates the spark, or the one who shows how to make it better?) As well, you will discover your unique traits that need to shine for the rest of us, because they are your gifts. We need them, now more than ever. We'll figure out if you are "stuck" for any reason, and I can offer you discounted services as part of this package (Reiki energy healing or aromatherapy). When we truly understand and know who we are, it's easier to not get engaged in things that may hinder us, or be a waste of our time and energy. Again, we are here to shine!
Cold water enthusiasts please stay tuned for an announcement about our first cold plunge of the season! I'm still trying to find a date that works for all of us, and it may not be until Novembrrrr.
Thanks for your support and interest, everyone. Remember, if you wish to stop receiving these monthly updates, just send me an email and let me know.
With much love and gratitude,
Julie
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER 🍂🍁
Hello friends! Well here we are, starting the season of cool mornings, morphing into sunny summer-like days that transform to chilly nights needing warmer clothing. It's a season of transformation as we start to wrap things up outdoors, harvesting and gleaning summer's bounty.
Farming had its challenges this year, weather wise, but we are grateful that the hay is now stored, with just some grain to come off yet. I have been hard at work in the kitchen canning, jamming and stocking our pantry. Lots of work, but the benefits are worth it!
Since my last newsletter, we've hosted another successful Coming Home Festival, with a record number of attendees. New friendships were forged, opportunities for healing and celebrating were abundant, and we all enjoyed 3 days of magic, with workshops and phenomenal performers and artisans. As always, we are so grateful that we got to welcome new visitors and old friends. So many hugs, laughing, connecting, dancing, and healing. Be sure to check our social media pages to relive the experience!
In addition, Ralph and I had the opportunity to spend 2 days at the Soulshine Festival. There aren't words to describe the sense of community and love we experienced. Congratulations to the organizers, the long crew, and everyone there, for creating something so beautiful! Much love and gratitude and we look forward to seeing how this evolves in the future.
Aside from hosting our Drum Circle with Tom Wolf on Sunday, September 8 (4-6 pm), you'll have to wait until October for some fantastic gatherings and workshops hosted here at Cedar Woods on Station. I am waiting for final details on an incredible workshop led by two beautiful friends. (Hint: breath work, fascia maneuvers, meditation) I'll let you know as soon as I know!
As well, mark your calendars for Saturday, October 26 as we host our next indoor House Concert, starring a musician from our Coming Home Festival. Any guesses? He was new to our festival this year, but held us all captive with his 12 string guitar.... (I may have just given it away, lol. Details will be coming soon, but save the date as space will be limited.)
But in the meantime, I do hope you'll join us at Gary Diggins' BIG BEAT with the Bhadra Collective, in Guelph, on Sunday, September 22, 2pm start. We dance, we drum, we dream! We do this four times a year, to usher in a new equinox or solstice . So much fun!! Bring your djembes, if you have them, a yoga mat and blanket. More details in the attached poster.
With much love and gratitude, Julie
JULY NEWSLETTER
Okay, so what happened to June??? If you're like me, in between the rain showers, the gardens exploding with colour and all the extra yard work, we had some amazing events last month....but it's now July! At least the good thing is that here in the Northern Hemisphere, we still have at least two glorious months to enjoy summer!
As many of you know, our daughter was married at our home on June 22. Despite some light showers (after the ceremony and photos, fortunately), we had a magical day, with delicious food and drink, some dancing and even a bonfire. We couldn't have done it without help from the bridal party, family members and a few other good friends who helped pitch in before and during the special day. We were all truly blessed and wish the newlyweds and little Beau many years of love, prosperity and good health!
We've been busy haying at the farm, again trying to work in between the rains, and although we said we were going to just chill out and relax before Coming Home Festival in August, we do have a few fun things to share with you.
A quick last-minute shindig popped up for this coming Saturday, with our friend, Tom Wolf, and the Every Other Friday band playing at our place. They are incredible musicians, entertaining performers, and have been friends since their high school days. The "real" boys of summer! Feel free to arrive at 4:30 for a bit of a social, bring potluck offerings for 5:30, and the music will start at 7:30 (approximately). Lots of songs you'll know and will be singing along to! Bring your own lawn chair or blanket, food offerings and bevvies, plus plates and cutlery. There will be a donation box for the boys if you want to contribute, but no tickets. Maybe just email me here to RSVP so we know how many to expect. And if the weather looks a bit wet, we'll set up one of our big event tents so it's on, rain or shine!
We have two drum circles this month, on July 12 and July 26. Arrive any time after 6:30, we start the lesson with Tom at 7 pm, and the potluck follows right afterwards. Bring food and bevvies, cutlery and plates are provided. Each month we get better and better...and it's always fun, whether you're a novice or have been drumming for years. Please bring your own drum, if possible, or message me if you need to borrow one or are looking for where to buy one.
On Saturday, July 20, we are hosting our third Cedar Woods Speakers Series set of workshops.... and we think it may be the best one yet! Peter Turrell will be presenting on the energy of cymatics and radionics, Barbara Dametto from Breathe True Yoga in Guelph will be guiding us with Mantra Chanting Through the 7 Chakras, and we finish up with an incredible sound bath from Justine Sanderson and Jay Robinson from Collingwood (aka Lotus Sound) Again, it's a free event, with a donation box, and we just ask that you RSVP with how many will be in your party (to this address). It's going to be outside, again rain or shine. Plus, afterwards we'll have an extra special potluck for Ralph's birthday, which is on the 23rd! A fun day, to be sure! Details are all in the poster, plus watch my social medias for information on our presenters over the next week or so.
A reminder of the very special benefit for our friend, Michael Dragoman, on Sunday, July 28. Please see the poster for details. And that's a wrap for July.
August is all about the Coming Home Festival, August 9, 10 & 11. Tickets are going fast, so make sure you get yours at https://cominghomefestival.com/2024-tickets Hope to see you some time soon! With much gratitude and love, Julie
JUNE NEWSLETTER
June will always be the most beautiful month in the gardens, in my opinion, a time of lush growth and blooming, of everything finally being fully awake and thriving...the penultimate month for a wedding! And in the last 40 years, I've learned that it is also "first cut hay" season, lol.
The event of the year is fast approaching, as our family prepares to celebrate a very special wedding at our home for our daughter, Natalie, and her fiance, Chad. We've been busy organizing and putting in all the finishing touches to help create a magical, beautiful day for the young couple.
But before we get there, let's take a last look at May. We hosted another successful Cedar Woods event. (All our participants will be receiving an email this week with the links and pdfs from our speakers.) As well, that same evening, we enjoyed a new take on a Buck and Doe celebration with Farmer OIympics. Oh my, how we laughed!! And Ralph and I closed off the month by watching some of our dear musician friends performing with the Boomerang Band at the gorgeous High Country Church events barn. (Visit the website to catch some of their upcoming performances, including one in Shelburne. Great soul, R&B, you'll be singing along and getting up to dance! https://www.boomerangband.ca/gigs-events )
Now, onto June...
Experience a Soulshiney day at Cedar Woods on Station in Amaranth, filled with captivating workshops, enriching music, and home-cooked delights courtesy of the Soulshine Kitchen crew. The Vibe team is creating a grand adventure for families to play throughout the property for the afternoon. The Elixir Bar and Foraging teams are gathering ingredients to make hot and cold nourishing drinks for our enjoyment. And Ralph and I have been very busy planting and tending our gardens to enhance the beauty of the space. It's been a delight to work with the organizers. Everyone is coming together for an unforgettable day designed to nourish your mind, body and soul. Passes available at soulshinefestival.ca/social4. Camping is an option, so grab your pass today! Tickets will be $10 more at the gate.
The Summer Big Beat with Gary Diggins and the Bhadra Collective will be on Saturday, June 22, and the University of Guelph. See the poster for more details. It's an incredible experience, and so much fun with community.
We're having one drumming circle this month, on Friday, June 28. (Of course, if you come to the Soulshine Social, you'll have the opportunity to play with Tom Wolf as he leads a drum circle at the end of the night)
July is still a month away, but as we all know, summer gets busy fast, as we try to make the most of the long days and plentiful opportunities to celebrate with friends and family. Please mark your calendars for 2 special events. Our next Cedar Woods Speaker Event on July 20 (this will be outdoors and all about sound and frequency...so music will be included! More details later)
As well, our community is pulling together to support a dear friend, Michael Dragoman, through his journey of healing through a rare form of leukemia. This will be a powerful, loving gathering, with music, a silent auction, holistic practitioners and more. The date is July 28, from 2-6 pm, at the Puslinch Community Centre. More details are on the poster.
I hope we'll get to see you at some of these wonderful gatherings!
With much love and gratitude,
Julie
MAY NEWSLETTER 🌷
I am hoping that April showers are starting to bring you some May flowers 😊🪺🌱 Rain notwithstanding, I bring you a beautiful "bouquet" of great news and events! 💐 Let's dive in!
Last month was pretty intense for many people, with lots of colds and bugs going around, the Great Eclipse, and of course, the daily heartbreak coming from global events and wars. I am grateful that many of us were able to gather together during this time. When we share our problems, they seem to diminish, and when we share our joy and happiness, everything seems brighter, no? We had a very successful inaugural Cedar Woods Speakers event, and are ready to announce our next one! (Thank you to everyone who came out, and especially to our two presenters.)
May promises to be a lighter month, according to the astrologists, and I hope you will enjoy some of the fun offerings I am including here. We start with our drumming circle this Friday, May 3, and another two weeks later, on May 17. Always something to learn, always fun, and always delicious. Bring your drum, a $20 donation for Tom and a potluck offering!
Next up, I want to share that there will be an amazing Bhadra Beat on Sunday, at 3 pm in Conestogo. If you've never been, it's an incredible experience of dancing, drumming and dreaming.
Our next Cedar Woods Speakers Event on May 25 is "The Future of Health". We are now officially in the Age of Aquarius, with technology and innovation bringing us new ways to look at healing. We are so excited to have Dr.Jen Hewson coming to share her own profound healing journey, and to tell us about quantum healing. This is going to be fascinating! Of course, we can't talk about the new way without honouring the old ways. People are becoming disenchanted with the pharma-focused health care model, and are looking for remedies that won't have detrimental effects, or cost a fortune. Even better, many remedies can be found in our homes or in our gardens. My dear friend, Nicole Lalonde, and I will each be presenting. We'll have some handouts, but bring your notebooks, too! We anticipate a larger group to join us, and will have a large tent set up outside (if needed). Bring a lawn chair, if you can. Potluck is an option for those who want to continue their conversations over food and drink. (Please bring your own plates and cutlery). There may even be a bonfire.... ;) As with our first event, there will be a box for donations to support the presenters, and refreshments.
(Because summer is a busy time for many, you can mark Saturday, July 20 down as the NEXT Speakers event, with a super vibe theme. Stay tuned!)
For those who love the groovy Gary Diggins, the fabulous Fyl Bennett and the terrific Tom Wolf...you can catch them in a night of music with the other members of Boomerang, in Mono. The vintage R&B music will have you out of your chairs and dancing! We'll see you there!
Next month, we are hosting a social from our Soulshine Family on Saturday, June 8. Tickets are Early Bird priced until May 8, and there is SO much to pack in one day! Three workshops, face painting, a scavenger hunt, clothing swap, and more... PLUS there will be a Bhadra Beat for another opportunity to dance, drum and dream! Please go to the website for more information and to purchase your tickets. https://soulshinefestival.ca/
And although our Coming Home Festival is not until August 9-11th, you have the opportunity to meet and get to know our performers through our Music Monday Series on Instagram, with Christine LaRock. Be sure to follow us on IG and catch the chats at 12 noon. You'll even get to hear a song or two, live! Of course, a limited number of tickets are already on sale on the website at https://cominghomefestival.com/ so clear that August weekend and come home to all the beautiful music, healing and
Are you excited for May and summer, now? If you have any questions, or would like to RSVP for our Speakers Event or Drumming night, please send an email to juliebaumlisberger@posteo.net and I'll be happy to help you out.
With much love and gratitude, Julie