Looking for an earth-friendly place to hold a special event or wedding in the Tucson area? Consider Agua Linda Farm in Amado, just south of Tucson. Here are a few reasons why I believe it is such a lovely venue:

• Stunning beauty: Vistas from the outdoor event spaces look toward the lush Santa Cruz River corridor and the scenic Santa Rita Mountains. The rustic elegance of the 1940’s Joesler ranch home is exquisite.
• Natural: The farm is entirely organic. You and your guests may enjoy delectable ‘field to table‘ produce and meat at your reception or celebration.
• Relaxed feel: The owners, Laurel and Stewart Loew, are so down-to-earth, approachable and kind you will feel right at home within seconds.
• Cool shade: Big luxurious groves of mesquites and cottonwoods naturally cool the event spaces.

Outdoor dining at Agua Linda Farm

I especially love how Laurel and Stewart recognize that every event – a birthday, anniversary, wedding or simple family gathering – is totally unique and personal. They encourage creative personal expressions. (Much the way I view ceremonies for my clients at Sweetgrass!)

Plus, you can rent the facility at a reasonable cost, for the entire day. You can take your sweet time and enjoy the day, rather than rushing around to fit the time demands of a venue booked with back-to-back events.

You can read Laurel and Stewart’s website for more fun reasons to consider visiting and booking Agua Linda for an upcoming event. One reason I love: having sunflower or hollyhock seeds from the farm as favors for your guests!

Meanwhile, I am finishing my fresh salad of spring greens from the farm, with a squeeze of lime juice and drizzled olive oil. Thank you, Laurel and Stewart!

Kristine

My daily yoga and pranayama practice nourishes me like a good hike or a really delicious meal! Through my practice, I came to realize my calling as a weaver of ceremonies. And so I was delighted to find an article about what we do as Celebrants in February’s Yoga Journal.  It is a publication that I’ve been reading for quite a few years and really enjoy.

Highlighted in the article, is my colleague Donna Belk. She is a yoga teacher and Life Cycle Celebrant living in Austin, Texas. She inspires me with her approach to living and dying. I love how she explains:

“When I create a ceremony, I am in a state of relaxed focus. It’s the same as when I teach a yoga class: I am creating a container where people feel safe and can open up to their feelings.”

I completely agree with Donna about how we create a sacred container as Celebrants – whether for ceremonies of new life, love or loss. The article also gives a nice concise background about Celebrancy as a movement:

Founded in Australia 30 years ago and now an emerging trend in the United States, celebrancy offers people, particularly those who are not connected with a religious tradition, meaningful options for observing life’s milestones. Guy Walton, owner of Johnson-Walton Funeral Home in Milford, New Jersey, says, “I direct my clients who have no ties to a church or clergy to a funeral celebrant, because I know their loved one will be memorialized in a significant way.”

Enjoy the article and any other inspiring tidbits you find in Yoga Journal while you are there!

Kristine

We have a great opportunity to learn about family-led home funerals and natural burial from Beth Knox, founder of Crossings: Caring for Our Own at Death. She will be coming to Arizona for a workshop in Prescott, focusing upon:

• How a home vigil can bring meaning, dignity, and healing at the time of a loved one’s passing
• Legal rights and responsibilities at the time of death
• How to wash, prepare, and “lay out” the body for up to a 3-day vigil at home
• How to work with a funeral director to get only the services you need
• How to transport the body to a gravesite or crematorium
• “Green” burial options
• Integrating home funeral care with your religious or spiritual beliefs

Here is a short video that introduces you to Beth and tells one couple’s story about a home funeral experience:

Home Funeral Story with Beth Knox

You can download the workshop registration form from the Crossings site and send your information to the coordinator as listed.

Let me know if you are interested as I will be attending and would like to organize a carpool. Thanks!

Kristine

My heartfelt congratulations goes to the founder and board of directors for launching this organization. I hope their inspiring work brings MANY rays of light into countless couples’ lives across the U.S.! Wish Upon a Wedding grants wedding or civil union ceremony wishes for people who face terminal illness. Here is a little thumbnail about the when and where of it:

“Officially launched in January of 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding currently has five chapters to serve Wish Applicants. Beginning February 14, couples residing in or wishing to get married within 300 miles of the following cities are eligible to apply for weddings: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York and Chicago.”

I just submitted my application to be a Wish Granter and officiate ceremonies in Arizona – so I may help WUW accomplish their mission across the southwest, too! As a hospice volunteer in Tucson – and a Life Cycle Celebrant who has a passion for acknowledging milestones during our lives from birth to death – this kind of work feels like  a very comfortable fit!

I am looking forward to staying tuned in, hearing uplifting stories and hopefully serving as a wish granter when an opportunity presents itself.

Much Love,

Kristine