Anique’s Blog · Winter 2004
Embracing the Goddess: news from Serenity
This is the first e-newsletter "EMBRACING THE GODDESS" coming to you from the SERENITY GODDESS RETREAT AND CULTURAL CENTRE. I will publish this journal as often as I feel the desire to, and let you know by email that it is on line. Please feel free to use any of the material you find here, as long as proper credit is applied to anything you publish.
I can hardly believe that the last time I wrote the "NEWS" page on my old web site was over a year ago. At that stage, our new home "SERENITY" had not been completed and I was planning my Croning Ceremony. So much has happened/been completed/moved on/created/planned and still the dreaming continues.
Serenity
SERENITY is such an appropriate name for this gorgeous property. 55 acres of bushland with tall forest and rolling hills, a creek which runs across the property where the Temple will be built. A large deep dam and just 2 acres of cleared land where our house sits. Already, native gardens grace one side of the house and 4 large vegetable beds are full of seedlings for our winter crops. Apple, peach, apricot, nectarine, lemon, orange, grapefruit, tangelo trees are sprouting tiny leaves and 4 passionfruit vines sprouted from seed by a neighbour, are ready to be planted. I spend time each day in the garden and feel blessed.
The studio
The studio (which is really a big shed!) is coming along too. Serenity Ceramics, is the name I have chosen for the products I will be making. I also intend to run some classes for locals. I was lucky enough to hear about a ceramic studio which had closed down in Wagga, and was able to buy moulds for a very reasonable price. So now I have several moulds for dinner sets, teapots, oil burners and large bowls and platters. I bought a second hand kiln from a potter down the road and a mixer to mix the liquid clay. I am all ready to go!!
Embracing the Goddess
The only things stopping me are the preparations for the recording of my next CD - "EMBRACING THE GODDESS". I am very excited by this. The songs on this CD are sublime. I have no doubt that this CD will be very popular. I will be in Adelaide to record it from 12–26 June.
World tour
In July, I will begin a world tour, creating ceremonies and singing for women in San Francisco, New York, London, Glastonbury, France, Greece, Singapore and Taipei. The Goddess is sending me all over this planet to link with like minded women and to share my Goddess given gift of sacred singing. I feel truly grateful and humbled by the opportunities sent my way. As I near 60 years of living on our Mother, I come to realise that as much as I might have wanted these opportunities to come earlier in my life, it is so appropriate that they come now.
Challenges
Earlier in my life, I was in such a rush, and sometimes "near enough was good enough". I made many mistakes, and often gave my services where they were not appreciated. I did not understand the meaning of "enjoying the process as much as the destination", nor did I take the time to listen fully before responding or reacting. Now, I feel totally centred and grounded. I know that everything happens in exactly the right time/way/place and I feel calm and grateful. I also know how to use my limitless passion, how to focus it and hone it to be the wind beneath my wings for all the diverse projects I undertake in my life. I am appreciative of the challenges as well as the gifts, and work hard to understand the lessons contained within the challenges.
Without apology
The compassion I feel for my sisters, still living in a patriarchal environment, having to endure the loneliness and alienation from other women such an existence brings, is the fuel for the political work I do. I will not rest until all women and children on this planet are safe from violence and abuse. And though I may not see it in my lifetime, I dream it with each breath I take - passionately, deeply and without apology.
So now dear sisters and brothers, enjoy EMBRACING THE GODDESS. I do this for you with love and joy in my heart. All I ask is that you pass on my web link to all the people you know who love life. Yes, love life, only do things which affirm life, shun those who promote death and destruction, and listen for the resonance of truth. It has a special ring to it. Lastly, sing, sing, sing, any time you can and as often as you can! It will add years to your life!! In the name of She who created us all, I send you love.
Anique Radiant Heart
