Dog Days Drumming!

Ever wonder why we call them the "dog days" of summer? Sure, it's hot and sultry and you feel like a lazy dog, but that's not the reason. The brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius, which also happens to be the brightest star in the night sky this time of year. In fact, it is so bright that the ancient Romans thought that the earth received heat from it. During late July Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, "dog days" after the dog star.

Funny the things you learn from this drum circle, hmmmm?

Anyhow, it is time to drum again! Nettie has offered to host us again (thank you thank you) and that means pool fun as well. Bring your drums, your suit, your towel, and a dish to share!

Announcing the August gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!

WHEN: Saturday, August 16th
TIME: 4:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Nettie's House in Shorewood - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle

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Couple of HOUSE RULES:

1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....

2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.

3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.

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July Drumming

"You know the drum was the first instrument besides the human voice. " ~ Billy Higgins

There is something about the drum that creates a connection. In a circle, we fall into rhythms together. In ourselves, we echo our heartbeat. In a grand sense, we remember our roots and our commonalities, no matter the differences. Connect with us this month!

Announcing the July gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!

WHEN: Saturday, July 19th
TIME: 4:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Nettie's House in Shorewood - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle

An extra bonus feature to this drum circle...Nettie has a pool! Bring your suit and a towel and take a dip to cool off.

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Couple of HOUSE RULES:

1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....

2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.

3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.

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Solstice Drumming

"Just as certain selections of music will nourish your physical body and your emotional layer, so other musical works will bring greater health to your mind. " ~ Hal A. Lingerman

Which selection of music is drumming for you? For me, it is a combination of creativity, relaxation, high energy, good food, and wonderful people. I'm so glad you found us and I hope you will join our circle!

Announcing the June gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!

WHEN: Saturday, June 21st
TIME: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: The Melton House in Aurora - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle

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Couple of HOUSE RULES:

1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....

2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.

3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.

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Special thank you!

Dear Drummers,

On April 26th, we deviated from our normal routine to gather at Campton Hills Park to celebrate Earth Day with the St. Charles Park District. We got some coverage from the local papers, and a few days ago, Pam, the organizer for the event, wrote me...

"Hi Lissa and the Fox Valley Drum Circle—

I set out to send you a proper, hand-written thank-you note but, guess what? Throughout all our cyber-conversations, I neglected to ask for your street address! I hope you'll find this note of e-thanks sufficient because, gosh, we sure appreciate all you did to make our Earth Day event a big success. Many people commented on how much they enjoyed the drum circle, both listening to and participating in it. Please pass our gratitude along to the other members of the circle; you all made for a fine afternoon of wonderful entertainment!

I know 2009 is a long way away, but we'd be flattered if you'd consider participating in the event next year, in whatever form it may take. In the mean time, take care. I hope our paths cross again soon—

Pam Otto
St. Charles Park District"

Ultimately, it is up to you...Would people be interested in next year's activities? I don't think Pam will need a firm answer until December/January, but it is something I'd like to discuss at an upcoming gathering. Please consider it and share your thoughts, especially if you participated in the Earth Day drumming.

Drums and Pox!

So I got enough outcry at the cancellation threat to reconsider...we WILL be drumming on Saturday! Woo-hoo! er.... Duh-da-da-dahm!

But I do want to warn you, Tyler had another chicken pox exposure and will potentially be contagious. I don't know for sure that he has it, but the pox is most spreadable the 2 days before spots break out. I just wanted to give fair warning. If you've had it or have been vaccinated, please come....I am looking at being house-bound AND without Sam for a while and would appreciate the company!

*hugs*
Lissa

The details:

WHEN: Saturday, May 5th
TIME: 4:00 - 9:00 PM
WHERE: The Melton House in Aurora (ask for the address/map if you need it)...if it's nice, we may be in the yard and have a fire in the fire pit!
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle


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Couple of HOUSE RULES:

1) RSVPs are appreciated. It's also helpful to know what sort of potluck contribution you think you might bring.

2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.

3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.

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Camping invitation

This invitation has been extended by Gill and Friends....

How would you like to share a campsite with other Kind Vegan Campers in DuPage County on a nice June weekend? group bonfires, singalongs, communal Vegan and RAW meals, hiking, etc.... We are looking at the weekends of June 20-22 or June 27-29. It will be kid and pet friendly, too.

And it only costs $15 per night (if you are a DuPage resident so someone else would have to reserve the sites since we live in Kendall Co) for a site of two tents/8 people...

Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Owned by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Blackwell has 60 campsites (available May through mid October, Friday and Saturday nights only), canoe access to the West Branch of the DuPage River, eight miles of multipurpose trails, access to the Illinois
Prairie Path, and fishing and boating on Silver Lake. Boat rentals are available. Camping fees are $10-$15 per night.

For detailed information on camping reservations, call (630) 933-7200 or visit "Camping in DuPage County Forest Preserves."

May Drumming

"Different drum sounds have different uses in music. For example, a jazz drummer may want drums that sound crisp, clean, and a little on the soft side, whereas a rock and roll drummer may prefer drums that sound loud and deep. Because these drummers want different sounds, their drums will be constructed differently."
~ Wikipedia

Perhaps that is the most interesting part about our drum circles...while each of us comes to drum, we all approach the drum differently. The drums we prefer, the rhythms, the voices...and yet, we can occasionally rise above simple cacophony and discover the truest meaning of harmony.

It is something that should be practiced often, and not just in drum circles!

Announcing the May gathering of the Fox Valley Drum Circle!

WHEN: Saturday, May 17th
TIME: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
WHERE: The Melton House in Aurora - ask for the address/map if you need it
WHAT: potluck supper and drum circle

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Couple of HOUSE RULES:

1) RSVPs are strongly encouraged!!!! We've canclled due to lack of interest, only to find out people ARE interested....

2) Guests are welcome as long as they want to drum.

3) Please limit the alcohol you bring to what you want to consume, and please take the leftovers home with you.

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Hope you can join us!