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November 14, 2006 Hello Everyone, I’m Gordy Degear, one of the Casa de Santa Maria directors, and I’d like to tell you about my visit with Susan and Milt at the end of October. I flew into Colorado Springs on a Friday, just missing a snowstorm that left 18 inches of snow on the city where the Air Force Academy and Pike’s Peak are located. From there I made the relaxing and beautiful drive south to San Luis. I wasn't terribly impressed with the area when I first visited in 2005. It’s funny though, that whenever I now leave Colorado for my home in California, I find that I can’t wait to return. I always feel drawn back to the beauty, peacefulness, and energy of the land. On Saturday the three of us drove up to the mesa located south of town. I impulsively bought land up there last year, as the view of the mountains is spectacular, and it’s so quiet that one can whisper to someone standing several feet away. While we were there, Susan made a snowman that resembled Wilson, Tom Hanks’ bouncy best friend in the movie Castaway.
We then made the short trip to the valley west of San Luis where the Casa property is located. Next year is going to be a very busy time for Casa activities. We discussed the location of Mary’s Garden, the best well-drilling site, the placement of parking spaces and access roads, etc. We’ll also begin building construction next year, and we’re especially excited about having the totem of Mary being completed and erected in the center of the Garden. After a wonderful lunch at the Café Rosa Mystica in San Luis, Susan, Milt and I walked up the narrow switchback pathway to the Stations of the Cross Shrine, a beautiful little church located on top of the mesa overlooking San Luis. Catholics from all over Colorado and elsewhere journey there, many of whom make a walking pilgrimage to the site. I’ve never been remotely Catholic, but I greatly enjoy the simple, calming energy that I feel in the little chapel.
The town of San Luis itself is very interesting. It has the feel of a place that has been long neglected, but is now coming back to life. As the oldest town in Colorado, it has received grants that provided all new curbs and sidewalks, and the small, stately county courthouse is being completely renovated. Susan and Milt introduced me to several people in town, including the police chief, the postmaster, and many others. Everyone was wonderfully open and friendly, and I find that I long to live in a warm little community such as San Luis seems to be. I didn’t really fall in love with the area until I took a long walk around “The Vega,” a vast, protected grassland next to our house on 200 Vega Street. Walking along its dirt roads, I found The Vega to be wonderfully open, quiet, and pristine. There were cows and horses grazing peacefully, and a little bridge that crosses a stream was a perfect place to meditate. I would love to take walks there each day, even in the snow. I hope that someday you too can visit San Luis and the Casa site. Whether you can or not, I am very grateful that you’re a part of what we’re doing there. The dream we are living is one of establishing a place of peace and healing on a land that reverberates with calming energy of the divine feminine. To me it feels like being home. God Bless,
As we made plans to assemble our Casa administrative team, Susan and I felt so blest that our dear friend Gordy Degear accepted our call to become a member of the board of directors. His vast and varied work expertise, coupled with his deep desire to serve, and his genuine love of people, will serve the Casa well during this all important growth process. In our next Casa-Gram we will introduce our fourth Casa de Santa Maria board member. For our Casa Board Member's bio's, please visit www.casadesantamaria.org
A Tail of Two KittiesWhen last we shared the saga of Molly and Tucker, uncertainty existed as to whether they could work together in a bipartisan way, to form a more perfect and peaceful union — Tucker, the existing leader of the house, and Molly the stray newcomer, seeking a first-term as Casa Healing Cat. Would the incumbent, Tucker, jealously and forcefully guard his turf, or, would his patriotic upbringing bring unity to both parties? Well folks, the State of the Union is just fine, thank you very much! A house united! See for yourself.
Stay tuned for more adventures!
You May RecallSoon after we received our marching orders to help build the Casa de Santa Maria, Mother Mary made two requests. First, “Locate a Native-American totem carver to make a statue of me that will stand 10-feet high. That is to be the first item placed on the Casa grounds.” (In the center of Mary's Garden.) What a magnificent idea, we thought. That statue, once in place, will speak to the masses. It will say, “I am here for you on this sacred ground. That is my promise to all who seek me — I am here!" That totem statue will also speak volumes to the non-denominational, ecumenical composition of the Casa de Santa Maria. Within a month we were led to the chief of the Haida Tribe in Alaska, Guugwaangs, (Lee Wallace), who just happened to be a master totem carver. Being a deeply spiritual person, upon hearing of our plans for the Casa, Lee felt a close kinship to the effort. So much so, he offered the Casa a generous discount to do the totem statue. s This week we received word from Lee that, after a lengthy search, he finally located the perfect western red cedar tree for Mother Mary's totem statue. Work is underway and we plan to have the raising ceremony in April or May of 2007. Lee is having photos taken of the various stages of the carving, and we'll soon be sharing those pictures with you. When we researched the totem carving costs by master carvers, we learned the going rate was $1,500 per foot. Lee is charging the Casa $1,000 per foot for the carving, a 33% discount. We appreciate Lee's generosity. The Casa has already made the down payment of $3,500 for the work to begin. Another payment is due at the halfway point, and the balance is due upon completion. By the time the statue is crated, shipped and raised, we estimate the total cost will be $15,000. Perhaps you will be led to be a part of this exciting effort with your financial support. Just check out our web site and click the following link: www.casadesantamaria.org
As the holidays approach, here is a thought to help you cope with what are often emotionally difficult times. Your Moment of Zen Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield!
Details soon about our first retreat here in San Luis, currently planned for Early May of 2007. A retreat like no other we've ever facilitated!!! Here's one hint. Visiting the oldest continuous inhabited home in the country, the King returns where the buffalo roam, and spirits are set free! Details in our next Casa Gram. Please know we remember you all in our prayers. We feel your love, your caring and your support. May your Thanksgiving be filled with giving thanks. Till next time... Susan & Milt Sanderford PLEASE, if you would prefer not to receive our periodic CASA-GRAMS, just email us below. We know how it feels to receive unwanted emails. |
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The Casa de Santa Maria is a not-for-profit organization and currently exempt under Casa de Santa Maria • P.O. Box 64 • San Luis, CO 81152 |
