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Saratoga Sampler Trees continue in the news as druid gives talkBY MARY ANN COOK
DRUID SPEAKS: A practicing druid spoke at the Foothill Club's speakers series last week. Since it was a warm day, druid Margaret More may have been a harbinger of spring. Born in England, she was raised in a convent school. But later in life she embraced druidism.
She defines druidism as "the wisdom of the intellect married to the wildness within each of us." The wildness part may have been submerged during her convent schooling. Druid philosophy is highly eclectic, drawing on many cultures, but the Celts in Ireland and Wales are its main repositories.
It was an oral culture that embraced magic. Today the doors that can open people up to that magic are through dancing, singing, storytelling and "the sweet territory of silence." When was the last time you went through any of those doors?" More asked her audience.
"It's a soul loss when these things are neglected. Poetic insight is more important than ever," in this high-tech world, she assured. "I alone am responsible for my spiritual journey."
More is also a weaver of wool, as well as of words, and she interspersed her storytelling with stints at the spinning wheel. She teaches stress management workshops and has taught liturgical dance at Santa Clara University.
A fascination with the highly competitive and highly rigorous discipline of Scottish highland dancing helped stimulate her interest in the druids. Her husband, who is of Chinese ancestry, also gets into the act by playing the drums with a Scottish band, replete with kilt.
She mentioned three recent books that have revved up an interest in druids--The Bardic Source Book and The Druid Source Work by John Matthews and Drinking from the Well.
Lee Ann Welch, a member of the country group Sidesaddle, played the violin to accompany More. Winston Churchill and William Blake were both druids, More said. The name comes from old English for "tree," and trees form a large core of the philosophy.
When people say, "knock on wood," they are repeating a druid practice, calling forth the wood spirits for good luck, Betty Peck reminded. With Saratoga trees so often in the news it would be amazing to me if Saratoga wasn't absolutely rife with druids.
ENGLISH TEA: The AAUW Los Gatos-Saratoga branch will hold its 11th annual English Tea and Silent Auction March 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Geary Hall, 13724 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga. The event is a benefit for homeless women and children.
In Achord, a quartet that's an offshoot of the Showcase Chorus Sweet Adelines Barbershop group (shouldn't that be a beautyshop quartet?) will provide the entertainment for "Swinging through the Years," the event's theme. Donation is $20, and the numbers for reservations are 867-4383 or 867-6237.
Though several local women are part of the award-winning Bay Area Showcase Chorus, none of them is a member of In Achord. Showcase Chorus members are Pat Le Bezer, director; Judy Hendrickson, Bonnie Klett, Brenda McLean and Marisa Riparbelli, all of Saratoga. Los Gatans include Gina Laws, Janice Maurry and Linda Morgan. The silent auction leads off at 1 p.m., and the tea and entertainment follow at 2 p.m.
PASTEL TECHNIQUE: Local artist Claire Verbiest will demonstrate her pastel technique when the Saratoga Contemporary Artists meet at 7 p.m. March 4 at the Saratoga library. Verbiest, a native of Belgium, has taught art locally and served as a juror for art shows. Florals and portraits are specialties, and her work is characterized by intense color, dramatic light and strong design.
HATS AS ART: The National League of American Pen Women, Santa Clara County chapter, will host local hat decorator, Dale Lee, who will give a presentation March 6 at 1 p.m. on hats as an art form. Lee creates vintage hats, period hats, glamorous hats, and modern hats.
Examples of each will probably top some heads. The program will be at the home of Felicia Pollock, and guests are welcome, but Pollock needs some warning at 867-4089.
In other Pen Women news, the program given by Opera San Jose at the most recent meeting charmed the assembled. Felicia Pollock reports that the singers, who rendered selections from various operas, received a standing ovation. She also used the word "swoon." Shades of Frank Sinatra.
RUMMAGE SALE: Los Gatos History Club's annual rummage sale is on March 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on March 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clothing, cooking utensils, TV sets, bookcases, exercise equipment, furniture are all included. For information call Joan Brown at 269-0787 or Betty Ulrich, 265-0932.
KIDS ART: A reception for the fourth Annual Kids' Art Event at the Tait Museum will be held March 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. The art work is from students of well-known artist Ruth Tunstall Grant, who has a studio in Los Gatos and teaches at the Children's Center for abused children in San Jose.
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Saratoga, California Since 1975
