Snow has already fallen here on the San Francisco Peaks and we are getting ready to wind down our activities for 2010. We want to say "thank you" to all who helped make the Bone Dance a great success. Here is what your support helped us to accomplish:

• There were 10 healing retreats offered at Wayne's House including special programs for our Tender Loving Care (TLC) Clients.


• Bridging the Gap trainings were held for fourteen volunteers and family care givers.


• Further Shore practitioners offered over 1200 hours of patient advocacy, volunteerism and therapy services to TLC clients


• Naturally Caring-TLC for Care Givers provided valuable self-care training to over 60 care givers. With help from the Flagstaff Community Foundation, Flagstaff Medical Center,Forest Highlands Foundation and YOU, we were able to offer these workshops FREE to attendees. In November these same foundations awarded a grant to repeat the series in 2011!


• We participated in numerous health education forums, and calculate our outreach includes over 500 seniors, disabled adults and caregivers

You Can Still Help!

• We are preparing to mail a Pledge Request for 2011 and we hope you will want to help us to continue our good work. Your donations are tax deductible. You can donate any amount securely on line at http://www.furthershore.org/Donate


• Our cookbook, Recipes from the Food Doctor and Friends is in its second printing and highlights gluten free options for vegans. It makes for a thoughtful holiday gift. You can purchase it on line at http://www.furthershore.org/Cookbook
  


• Bridging the Gap is our signature program. This training is required for our volunteers and helpful for anyone wanting to support a loved one in transition, through serious illness and at end of life. Please consider taking the training in 2011. Dates from April - November will be announced in February.


• When holiday shopping on line, please consider visiting our website http://www.furthershore.org/ before you click to shop at Amazon.com ~ We receive an Amazon donation when you do!

In Loving Memory

• At this time of the year Further Shore remembers with deep gratitude Dr. Edward and Cornelia Speth who made a bequeath to Wayne's House in July. The evergreen on the north side of the home is now dedicated to them, living on in our memories always.


• We also remember a special community friend, Mr. Raymond Lynch, recently passed on. Ray brought a smile and a positive word to everyone he met. He offered himself tirelessly to seniors and care givers in Flagstaff. He lived out loud and will be dearly missed.


• Our deep condolences go out to Eileen & Dan in loving memory of Nyla (their feline companion of many years)


• Also to Teresa, Cliff, Grace, Jim and Mary on the loss of their canine friend, Maggie. When our companion animals pass over, it is just like loosing a child. May our friends find comfort in the quieting winter's rest and in happy memories of these loving beings.

Invoking "Grace"

As winter comes sweeping in and we begin to deeply rest and reflect on the years' gifts and challenges, I want to remind everyone our mission is about assisting people who face grave medical challenges. We meet these courageous beings where they are along their journey and hold a space of loving compassion; a witnessing space. Whether working one on one, in the classroom or at Wayne's House, our goal is to leave our judgments at the door; because at the heart of Further Shore's work is the idea that death is not a failure, people who are ill have not done anything wrong or bad, and that grace is something that can experienced, learned, practiced and shared even in the most troubling of times. This poem was our dedication at the Bone Dance, I hope you will enjoy its depth and I hope your holiday season is warmly blessed in grace.

In Peace, Aleia

My Song - by Johnny Hathcock

I do not think my song will end

While flowers, grass and trees

Abound with birds and butterflies

For I am one with these.

And I believe my voice will sound

Upon the whispering wind

So long as even one remains

Among those I call "friend."

I shall remain in hearts and minds

Of loved ones that I knew,

And in the rocks and hills and streams

Because I love those, too.

So long as love and hope and dreams

Abide in earth and sky,

Weep not for me, though I be gone.

I shall not really die.

Late Summer News

It is time again for "That's Life - A Bone Dance" our 5th Annual Fund Raiser featuring a delicious Mexican buffet, memorial altar, dinner music by Clarence Clearwater and Friends and "dancing the night away" music by Jimmy DeBlois and SPOKES!!! You will not want to miss it so mark your calendar for October 23, 2010 from 6-11 p.m. at the Woodlands Radisson in Flagstaff. Advance tickets required. Singles $55, Two or more, $50 each. Purchase securely on line via PayPal or contact us at 928-525-2910. Our Silent Auction is amazing this year (see below for a list of those who have contributed).

Calendar Notes
Thursday, September 16 "Naturally Caring TLC for Care Giver's Workshop #6 "Healing Sensations" offered by Barb White, LMT from 2-4 p.m. at Abrio Family Services - FREE to the public

Friday, September 17 "Navigating the Journey, Positive Choices Along the Care Continuum" offered by Marlene Letvin of Hospice Compassus from 9-11 a.m. at the Thorp Senior Center - FREE to the public

Thursday, October 14 "Naturally Caring TLC for Care Giver's Workshop #7 "Tune into Healing Vibrations" offered by Jennifer Williams, Sound Healer - FREE to the public

Gratitude
We give great thanks to all who have made contributions to Further Shore in the Summer months. Your donations make it possible for us to provide natural therapy services to persons with serious illness and end of life concerns. We also thank the vendors who have generously donated items for this year's Bone Dance Silent Auction. They are as follows:

About Hair & More, Arapas, Inc., Armadillo Wax Company, Aveda Red Salon, Bee Valvo, Beth Polito, Besty Brown, Bobby Andrews, Body Divine, Buster’s Restaurant, Café Ole, Campus Coffee Bean, Carolene Heart, Carlton Pottery, Carrie’s Day Spa, Clarence Clearwater, Crillo/Brix, Crystal Magic, Eliot Schipper, Gayle McGuinnes, George Averbeck, Grace Marks, Grand Canyon Railway, GRD Wellness, Higher Healing Therapy, Holistic Body Design, Inner Eye Gallery, Jennifer Star, Jennifer Williams, Karma Sushi, Lois Truffa, Lynn Richardson, Lytle’s Ladle, Michael Frankel, Mike Buchheit, Mind Heart Healing, Meg Leander, Monsoon’s on the Rim, Mountain Oasis, Nancy DeBlois, New Frontiers, Nikki Baldwin, Optimal Health & Aesthetics, Painted Desert Arts, Page Springs Cellars, Peaceful Touch, RJ’s Quilted Gifts, Rabbit Hill Crafts, Radisson Woodlands, Roof Dancers, Ruthanne Hassing, Sally J. Smith, Seasoned Kitchen, Seley’s Flagstaff Honda, Shonto Begay, Simply Delicious, Susana Acosta-Cavert, Teresa Peterson, The Blue Thong Society, The Candy Plant, Timothy Prow, VTara Ruscher and WalMart.

Personal Farewell

Fall is usually full of activity here on the mountain. The nights have grown suddenly very cold and there is a crisp feeling in the air that reflects the changing season; a season of quieting. On a very personal note, Robert and I are gently adjusting to one less heart beating in our home. Ms. Emerson Lee, age 12, passed into spirit on August 24th. With her usual grace and dignity, Emmy showed us every kindness and so much love as she traversed a short, valiant cancer journey. She 'told' us via our animal communicator that it was important for her to demonstrate "not suffering" and "joy and gratitude". She certainly did fulfill her wish.

Jake, Robert and I are attempting to demonstrate these same qualities now. It is harder for us humans. We miss her physical expressions of abiding affection that only a canine can offer. We miss her bouncing off the wall when we come home, tossing her toys up in the air and then pouncing on them, singing with Jake in the morning and a thousand other things about her. The love that she offered every day without waver and without demand helps to sustain us as does the outpouring of love we have received from family and friends. She will never be forgotten and she has made us better humans. May all beings be so blessed, with love, Aleia

Further Shore Late Spring News

Further Shore Late Spring News ~
Happiness is a calm, gentle breeze! The winds have been howling in Flagstaff and all across the USA as we made our way to upstate New York to celebrate my mom's 80th birthday. Lake Ontario has been making a big splash almost daily since we arrived. The beauty here is, as always, amazing. It is hard to believe we are half way through our visit already. We will be going off line again June 2nd and arriving back in Flagstaff on June 7th. I have been reflecting on the winds of change and hope that all your transitions are happening with ease and grace. Best, Aleia

In Memory ~

• Milorad (Misha) Vlahovich passed on April 10th at age 94. He is survived by his wife, step son and son. He is a WWII survivor, having fought against communism in Yugoslavia. He would inspire his son with this Serbian saying "Courageously forward, victory is ours."


• Dr. Edward Speth who passed into spirit on April 15th. Dr. and Mrs. Cornelia Speth were dear friends of Wayne's House. The large spruce tree on the north side of the yard are dedicated to their generosity and care.


• Francis Pembrook who passed on May 1st after a courageous battle with cancer. He will be dearly missed by wife, son, daughter in law, grand daughters and other family members.


• We also honor the passing of Casey (my mom's 16 year old dog) and Bobby (my sister's amazing kitty). . . both recently departed over the Rainbow Bridge and leave the hearts of those they loved with joyful, memories.

The Bridging the Gap retreat and training for June is full. If you are interested in this important work that will help you learn to care for yourself or others at end of life, please see our calendar for other dates this Summer.

The Llumination Marathon
Retreat and Training is scheduled for August 12-15. There is still room to register for this life-changing event. Learn to be a facilitator or attend as a Seeker.

Naturally Caring-TLC for Care Givers Session #2 will take place on Thursday, May 20th. Join Michele Lytle in learning how preparing and eating food with awareness can support your well being. The session will be held from 2-4 p.m. at Abrio Family Services and it is FREE to the public. The series is partially funded by the Flagstaff and Arizona Community Foundations, Forest Highlands Foundation and Flagstaff Medical Center.

Thank you to everyone who made a donation to Further Shore in response to our recent fund raising letter. We are also very grateful to Bob Andrews for his monthly Pay Pal donations that help us to help others all year long. You can sign up to make a monthly donation at http://www.furthershore.org/Donate/Default.aspx

We are supporting a new TLC client who is trying to support his cancer journey by juicing. He is in deep financial stress and has asked for our help. If you are interested in donating fresh, organic produce for juicing, please email me directly for details on how you can help.

Even though the Annual Fund Raiser, That's Life-A Bone Dance is not until October 23rd, preparation begins now! The Silent Auction Collections will open on June 1st and close on July 31st. If you would like to serve on the Collections Committee, please contact me by June 1st. Our goal is to have 50 wonderful items for the Silent Auction Tables and 15 Raffle Prizes.

Further Shore News Briefs

Wayne's House is finally thawed out and we are planning some wonderful sessions this summer. Aleia will be offering Bridging the Gap three times this Summer. This is a prehospice training for anyone supporting a loved one in illness or at end of life. She will also offer The Bucket List and Marathon Llumination Quest and Facilitator Training at Wayne's House. Dates and fees are set for a sliding scale; see the Calendar Section of our website for more info.

The Naturally Caring-TLC for Caregivers Series was a big success on April 15th~ ! Thanks to Abrio Family Services for hosting to FREE workshop which is funded in part by the Arizona and Flagstaff Community Foundations, Forest Highlands Foundation and Flagstaff Medical Center. Stay tuned for the next workshop on May 20th, featuring Michele Lytle of Lytle's Ladle. She will be cooking up some wonderful food and helping participants to recognize the value of true nourishment.

Aleia & Robert will be on travel and off line from April 25 through May 2. Aleia will be keeping in touch from the Lake House in Rochester, NY. and will continue to guide our excellent practitioners service to our Flagstaff and Phoenix TLC clients. Watch for the Late Spring Newsletter in Mid-May.

Further Shore Spring News

"Yea, the sun is out!" That is what people are saying up here on Sacred Mountain. At least it looks like Spring on the sunny side of the street. On the north side of Wayne's House there is still a 15 foot blanket of snow, but things are starting look a little less frozen over all. Elk Meadow in Kachina Village is melting fast and looks like a small lake; the Pumphouse is gurgling and there are springs bubbling up from under the earth along the trail. It is truly beautiful to behold this much water in the high desert.

Spring is the time to renew yourself to conscious living. Take advantage of the warmer weather to get outside for a brisk or leisurely walk, enjoy bird watching or bud blooming! Spring cleaning can also be very rewarding. Take some time to dig into that pantry or closet to see if you REALLY need what is hiding in there. If you don't need it or use it, pay it forward; you will enjoy the sense of spaciousness. Now is also a time to add more fresh greens to your diet or get into vegetable juice. Stretch, breathe, let your body wake up to a new season. During this blossoming season, please also think about conscious transitions. Recently at the Compassion & Choices conference in Sedona participants were reminded about a wonderful booklet called Aging with Dignity - Five Wishes. This simple booklet helps you to express in your words how you would want to be treated if you were unable to speak for yourself to due to illness or injury. Read more at http://www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes.php

Robert and I will be traveling to upstate New York from April 27-June 5 to honor my mom's 80th birthday. Further Shore's work will continue here in Flagstaff under the care of our wonderful TLC practitioners. While we are away, there will be some repairs happening at Wayne's House, but we plan to be ready for retreats again in June.

Wishing you the warmth of a joyous Spring season, may you plant wisely! All the Best, Aleia

Web update

Please check out our website and especially note in the "About" section the addition of "Llumination Quest" "Who Are We?" and "Practitioners" In the "Event's" section - we have added a calendar that will be updated as events are planned. If you have a friend who might enjoy this newsletter, have them visit www.furthershore.org to subscribe.

I am also excited to announce that my blog was born on February 12th. While I have not had time to post again due to travel, I do plan to engage in some lively discussion about end of life issues at http://blog.dyingtofly.com

Donations

As a small 501C3 nonprofit, we are very grateful for our donor support. Many of those we serve are financially challenged and have serious medical conditions or end of life concerns. You can help us to provide services to our TLC Clients, sponsor a retreat participant or support educational programs by purchasing a cookbook or making a donation on line. http://www.furthershore.org/Donate/Default.aspx

Local News

Victim Witness Services and Theatrikos are proud sponsors of "Vagina Monologues 2010" Tickets available at the Orpheum Theater for this one night only performance that raises awareness and funds for these nonprofits. Show will be held on April 9th. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8:00 p.m. http://orpheumpresents.inticketing.com/events/81514/The-Vagina-Monologues-a-performance-to-benefit-Victim-Wit-

Flagstaff welcomes the ASIS - Arizona School of Integrative Studies (massage education)! Classes begin on March 25th. Visit http://asismassage.com/ for more information.

Check out the Connect2Help Circle whose goal is to help individuals and families in need to connect to those who can meet needs! http://www.swiftresource.com/c2hCircle.aspx

Further Shore wishes to offer sympathy to the human parents of Swirls the kitty. Michele and John will be missing this dear one. He passed peacefully into spirit in his sleep on February 28th.

Calendar Events for Spring 2010

March 20 - Compassion & Choices Arizona offers its annual conference on end of life planning. "The Most Important Day of Your Life" was held in Sedona. For information about this important work: http://asismassage.com/

April 15th - Naturally Caring-TLC for Care Givers workshop #1 "Spring Cleaning to Clear Compassion Fatigue" with Aleia O'Reilly and Michelle Dubian **

May 7th - Celebrating Your Unique Spirit - Further Shore is a proud member of the Northern Arizona Gerontology Association and Care Giver's Coalition of Flagstaff. The 26th Annual Conference on Aging will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Federated Church in Flagstaff. $20 fee includes a lunch by Simply Delicious! Contact Meg Leander for more information 221-1600

May 20th - Naturally Caring - TLC for Care Givers workshop #2 "True Nourishment, Feeding Your Body and Soul" presented by Michele Lytle of Lytle's Ladle

May 26th - Senior Health & Fitness Event at the Flagstaff Aquaplex features information for over the 55 crowd booths, displays, mini workshops, activities and lunch. Hosted by the City of Flagstaff.

June 17th - Naturally Caring - TLC for Care Givers workshop #3 "Increasing Your Peace" presented by Shannon Arnett

June 18-19 Bridging the Gap Retreat*

** The Naturally Caring Series is made possible from the grant support of the Flagstaff and Arizona Community Foundations, The Forest Highlands Foundation and Flagstaff Medical Center. Workshops are from 2-4 p.m. at Abrio Family Services and are FREE to the public.



*Bridging the Gap - This program will provide guidance and tools to family or friends who find themselves in caregiving roles for persons with serious illness. Bridging the Gap is required for Further Shore volunteers, and will prove useful for anyone who plans to be present or supportive for their parents, siblings, partners or other loved ones during health and life transitions. Facilitated by Aleia N. O'Reilly.

Further Shore Late Winter News

Greetings
from the most snowy Flagstaff! We have received many feet of the white stuff since winter set in here on sacred mountain in early December. Wayne's House wants to thank neighbors, Tom and Sue for giving us a shout out on Sunday. While the south side of the very steep A-Frame receives enough sun to keep the snow off, the extra foot of snow received over the weekend put the north side into avalanche mode! Robert and I braved the storm to go clear the roof and after about two hours and tons of shoveling, saved the chimney from toppling. Yikes - Just one of the many fun things about winter at 7,000 feet! As we witness the days lengthening ever so slightly, we are grateful for the returning light. Speaking of light (sunshine) Dr. Andrew Weil and other leading naturopaths are re-examining our need for Vitamin D. Take a look at http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02812/vitamin-d

Remember that February is national Heart Disease Awareness Month. Take care of your heart with proper exercise, diet and sharing the LOVE. We are sharing our healing hearts with 6 TLC clients at this time. Your kind donations help us to keep this work going. Visit us on line at www.furthershore.org to make a donation.

Don't forget that this February is extra special and if you have a television, you can join the world in celebrating the Winter Olympics. The Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics are always beautiful and moving. Tune into NBC Friday, February 12th at 6:30 p.m. Have a blessed Heart Month Everyone!

Best, Aleia

In Memory

This season has seen many goodbyes. Our sympathy and love go out to the family of Joe Sanchez who passed on December 21st. Joe was a bright light in our community and as the inn keeper for the Aspen Inn Bed and Breakfast always extended a warm welcome to guests from all over the world. As a member of the Flagstaff Communicators, Joe helped to forge many special relationships. He loved his work, his family, friends and community. His memorial service was held at the Nativity Church; his teen aged children and wife spoke of their love and abiding knowledge that he is not really gone from their hearts. He will be deeply missed.

We wish to also extend our heartfelt love and sympathy to the human parents of Motor the amazing cat and Leo the wonder dog. Both recently passed into spirit and leave behind a legacy of unconditional love and friendship. During this passage time I spoke with both parents of the large "space" that our companion animals fill in the home; how much they fill our lives. A friend, in New York, offered this wise advice: "When the space feels empty, take a moment for a deep breath and a fond memory. Don't give away their toys too quickly, pack them into a bag and put them away for awhile until the sting of loss passes. Maybe that special toy, leash or bed is something that you really want for another companion or to share with a friend when the fog clears. The Bach flower essence of Walnut is useful for changes." Thank you, Sally for this wisdom. Motor and Leo, you will be forever held in our hearts with love.

Web update

Winter's deep quiet has provided a wonderful opportunity for me to overhaul the Further Shore website. Watch for announcements to include an annual calendar, new photos and descriptions of our retreats and other programs, details about our amazing professionals and more. If you have a friend who might enjoy this newsletter, have them visit www.furthershore.org to subscribe

Local News

Congratulations and many thanks to Nikki Baldwin for starting up a FREE Reiki program at the Cancer Center in Flagstaff. Volunteers are offering Reiki to patients and care givers every third Tuesday and Wednesday. You can learn more by contacting her at Nikki@WomanKindLLC.com


Flagstaff Holistic Wellness Faire will be held on March 6 & 7 at the High Country Conference Center; Admission is $5 for the day. http://www.azholisticevents.com/flagstaff

Goddesses of the Cinder Moon present: a Bone Lodge on Friday, February 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the Temple of the Divine Mother (above Sacred Rites on San Francisco Street in Flagstaff). Crones sharing are Aleia O'Reilly on seasons and cycles and Terez Strom on finding truth in the sacred realm. Women, men, children all welcome. Donation appreciated.

Check out the Connect2Help Circle whose goal is to help individuals and families in need to connect to those who can meet needs! http://www.azholisticevents.com/flagstaff

Calendar Events for 2010

April 9-10 Bridging the Gap Retreat*
April 15th - Naturally Caring-TLC for Care Givers workshop #1**
May 20th - Naturally Caring - TLC for Care Givers workshop #2
June 17th - Naturally Caring - TLC for Care Givers workshop #3
June 18-19 Bridging the Gap Retreat
July 15 - Naturally Caring - TLC for Care Givers workshop #4
July 16-17 Bridging the Gap Retreat
July 29-August 1 The Bucket List Retreat
August 12-15 Llumination Quest Training and Marathon Seeker's Weekend
August 19th - Naturally Caring - TLC for Care Givers workshop #5
September 2-5 The Bucket List Retreat
September 10-11 Bridging the Gap Retreat
September 16th - Naturally Caring - TLC for Care Givers workshop #6
October 14th - Naturally Caring - TLC for Care Givers workshop #7
October 23 That's Life - a Bone Dance
November 18rh - Naturally Caring - TLC for Care Givers workshop #8

*Bridging the Gap - This
program will provide guidance and tools to family or friends who find themselves in caregiving roles for persons with serious illness. Bridging the Gap is required for Further Shore volunteers, and will prove useful for anyone who plans to be present or supportive for their parents, siblings, partners or other loved ones during health and life transitions. Facilitated by Aleia N. O'Reilly.

** The Naturally Caring Series is made possible from the grant support of the Flagstaff and Arizona Community Foundations, The Forest Highlands Foundation and Flagstaff Medical Center. Workshops are from 2-4 p.m. at Abrio Family Services and are FREE to the public. Watch for details about topics and presenters.