Celebrating Living Peace Projects and International Day of Peace

On Sunday, September 23rd we hosted two wonderful events! Our latest Living Peace Projects with Roots and Shoots was in the morning followed by our International Day of Peace celebration in the afternoon. We are so thankful for all who joined us and made so much good happen! Check out some great photos from the exciting day.

The 2011 human peace sign! We will unveil the 2012 version soon…

Young peacemaker learning about native California animals with Inside the Outdoors.

A trio of our wonderful volunteers.

Spinning the prize wheel.

Enjoying story time in the library.

Exploring the Ecology Center’s Water Shed.

We are so thankful for the support of all who joined us on this wonderful day!  Keep an eye out for more pictures to be added to a Facebook album and future blog post!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Orange County Museum of Art: Junior Chef

Our latest Junior Chef class with the Orange County Museum of Art was a success! Junior chefs put together a healthy meal with fresh produce from the Irvine Farmer’s Market under the direction of Chef Jeff. They learned how to select the best fruits and vegetables and why it’s important to support local food.

Junior chefs at the Farmer’s Market

When they returned from their shopping trip, they began to prepare their food starting with some sour dough bread. Their menu also included cold fruit soup, salad, sourdough pancakes, sourdough banana bread, and sourdough pizza.

Chef Jeff demonstrates how to knead dough

The kids prepared their food, covering their hands in sticky dough, and mixing Chef Jeff’s super secret salad dressing. After a morning of cooking like gourmet chefs they sat down to enjoy their feast.

Junior chefs enjoying their meal

The next Junior Chef will take place August 8th from 10:00am to 12:00pm and is redeemable for our Build-Your-Own Summer Camp class package. The package allows you to mix and match classes from   our Smiling Monkey Yoga, Orange County Museum of Art, and The Ecology Center classes.

For more information, visit the event page on our website.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Center for Living Peace Turned 2!!!

Can you believe it’s been two years since we first opened our doors? We can’t! What an amazing two years it has been– here are some highlights from over the years…

Taiko drums at our grand opening in May of 2010!

Our peace tree from the grand opening… So strange seeing it so bare!

Chuck Jones Center for Creativity hold a workshop at our grand opening in 2010

Have you seen chalk mandala mural by artist Melanie Stimmell? It’s hard to believe it’s been 2 years since she created it for us.

Read for the Record in 2010

Buzz Lightyear visited us on Halloween in 2010!

Artful Eating with OCMA

Artful Eating with OCMA!

Team Kids Youth Council Servathon!

Good Happens Veggie Grill vegan carrot cake from our 1st birthday celebration!

Rocking out at New Earth Drumming to celebrate our 1st birthday!

Storytime with Cynthia Callard!

Human peace sign at 2011 International Day Peace!

Insights from Africa with Eugene Cooke!

Homemade Cleaning Products with The Ecology Center!

C-Jam with Anibue from UCI!

Peace in Motion Café movie nights!

Here are some highlights from our 2nd Birthday! So hard to believe that it’s been 2 years since we first opened our doors!

New Earth Drumming!

Sneaky Sea Snacks with Algalita!

Can you believe the things found in birds tummies? Thanks for sharing this with us, Algalita!

Abstract drawing with OCMA!

Smiling Monkey Yoga!

Smiling Monkey Yoga!

Kids made cards for a Card Quilt for people in need

Card Quilts!

Fun with the Chuck Jones Center

A visit from Teddy the tortoise, courtesy of Inside the Outdoors!

Buckwheat the Bunny, courtesy of Inside the Outdoors!

Seedlings with The Ecology Center!

Kids’ Qigong with Ryan Lee!

Fun in Kids’ Qigong!

Miniotics Dance Crew!

Kelly kickin’ it with Miniotics Dance Crew

Enjoying a birthday cupcake!

Look at our Peace Tree now!!! 2 years of wishes for peace!

A special thanks to our photographers, Ashley Strong & Megan Hartley. Thanks for celebrating with us! It’s been a wonderful 2 years!  Can’t wait to see what the future brings!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

Center for Living Peace Turns 1!

This past Saturday, May 14, we celebrated our one year anniversary! It is so hard to believe that a year has already gone by since we first opened our doors!

We had lots of delicious goodies for the big day! Our friend Kathleen made us some amazing brownies, Kelly and her daughter Kenzie made wonderful cupcakes

And our friends from the Veggie Grill generously donated a delicious vegan carrot cake!

Even our 4 pillars were in the birthday spirit!

We had a lot of amazing FREE classes in honor of our birthday.  Here are some great highlights from the classes that we held…

Lots of fun with Alejandro at our New Earth Drumming class!

Manuel Gomez was also kind enough to read us some amazing poetry…

We made some beautiful bracelets with Girl Socuts!

We made some beautiful mandalas and sand paintings…

Kids became monkeys in our Smiling Monkey Yoga classes…

We learned how to cultivate the possibility of compassion in our Possibility Thinking class…

And we had story time with Cynthia Callard…

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated our first birthday with us and made it a huge success. We are so grateful to all of our friends and affiliates who have supported us in our journey! You are making good happen, and we are so thankful that each of you have been brought into our lives!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

Families Forward & OCMA Making Good Happen!

For the past few months, we have been having mindful knitting classes with the Orange County Museum of Art.

In our knitting classes, we made this beautiful blanket:

And these beautiful bath kits:

which were knitted with love by class participants.

CLP and OCMA really wanted to donate these beautiful items to a good, local cause. We decided to donate to Families Forward! Families Forward is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income and homeless families in Orange County. They were founded in 1984 and provide transitional housing, food, career coaching and counseling. If there is anything else that a family needs, they will refer them to the proper resource so that they get what they need! When they first opened they only had five apartment units and one part-time counselor, but because of the need of the community they grew quickly. Now Families Forward has twenty-eight transitional housing units and a comprehensive array of services to prevent homelessness. Last year, Families Forward helped over 7,000 people in need. According to their website they helped:

- 172 families avoided homelessness through the homeless prevention program

- 33,834 bags of food were distributed through the food pantry

- 250 parents received career assistance

-1,032 children received school supplies

It is so great to see a local organization doing so much to make good happen in our community! Thank you to OCMA and all of our participants from our knitting class for making such beautiful items! And thank you to Families Forward for your commitment to people in need!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

The Center for Living Peace Presents: Celebrations of Africa and A Special Announcement!

Yesterday we gave you a little teaser of Africa Week! Today we are posting the rest of the amazing classes we have for Africa week, and a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 7:00pm to 10:00pm

REEL INSPIRATION FILM SERIES: INVICTUS (2009) PG-13

Image from here

Unity: Where the Impossible meets Possibility”

In keeping with the Center For Living Peace’s explorations of Africa, we examine a time in history when newly elected President Mandela initiates a movement to unite his country through the sport of rugby. This inspirational film shows how one voice with conviction and courage can change the hearts, minds and perspectives of a nation. Film discussion will include the topics of racial unity, universal themes in humanity, how the real story was translated to the screen, and of course, the usual odd and ends trivia that the Reel Inspiration class offers.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 3:30pm to 5:00pm

AFRICAN MASK MAKING WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS, PRESENTED BY THE CHUCK JONES CENTER FOR CREATIVITY (ALL AGES!)

The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity presents an earth friendly arts and crafts project inspired by African masks!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 6:00pm to 7:00pm

CONNECTING ACROSS DIFFERENCES

South Africans have made tremendous progress to develop understanding and cooperation across wide barriers of race and culture. Using tools of Compassionate Communication, we will work to bridge some differences that exist among different groups in Southern California. Bring your real-world situations for transformation!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 7:30pm to 9:00pm

SHAMBHALA MEDITATION NIGHT, SPECIAL TOPIC: A MEDITATION ON DIFFERENCE (ALL AGES WELCOME)

The Center for Living Peace, in partnership with the Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles, offers meditation instruction every week during our meditation evening. Please feel welcome to drop by for every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm, excluding public holidays.

We will sit in meditation for half an hour, which will be followed by a brief reading and then socializing for those who wish to stay.

Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 7:00pm to 8:00pm

NEW EARTH DRUMMING PRESENTS: AFRICAN DRUMMING (SPECIAL EVENT!)

This event is a great opportunity for a FUN family activity. This joyous and exciting evening will offer a rhythmic interplay between participants of all ages and levels. Drums will be provided or bring your own drum, rattle or instrument. No prior musical experience necessary! Open to all ages.

This special evening will be hosted by percussionist Alejandro Tovares. He will allow you to explore the rhythms, beats, and sounds of Western and South Africa.

We are also thrilled to announce that we are giving away eight tickets to see Charlize Theron speak about her work with the Africa Outreach Project on Saturday, December 4^th on our Facebook page! To enter, become a fan of The Center for Living Peace, and write “what living peace means to you” on our Facebook wall.  Winners will be announced on Thursday, December 2^nd!  We are SOOOOOO excited to read what LIVING PEACE means to all of our dear friends!

 

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!!!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

The Center for Living Peace Presents: Celebrations of Africa

In honor of Charlize Theron coming for our Living Peace Series on December 4^th, we are having an array of unique classes starting Saturday, November 27 to highlight the work of our first speaker!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11:30am to 2:30pm

THE ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS THE ART OF EATING FEATURING SOUTH AFRICAN FOODS

This class celebrates creativity and practices the art of good health. As a group, we will explore the Irvine farmers market and pick up nutritious and unique herbs, fruits and vegetables, then use these goodies as a source of inspiration for a class still life to draw from. After a break, we’ll prepare a selection of composed summer salads together and enjoy eating the results. Student drawings will be mounted with the cool summer recipes as a memento for you — and to recreate at home for the ones you love!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 1:30pm to 2:30pm

SMILING MONKEY YOGA PRESENTS: SAFARI ANIMAL YOGA FOR KIDS 3 TO 7

Your kids will learn yoga breathing techniques and learn to play yoga as well as build strength and flexibility. Let your kids enjoy the gift of yoga!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 2:30pm to 3:30pm

STORYTIME AND “GOAL!” AUTHOR SIGNING WITH MINA JAVAHERBIN: A GLIMPSE INTO LIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Join Author Mina Javaherbin for a special reading of her book “GOAL!” in our living peace library.

Learn more about Mina Javaherbin’s stories for children and watch the launch video for “GOAL!” here!

Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 11:30am to 1:00pm

TAPPING THE BODY’S WISDOM: SACRED SNAKES (FOR ALL AGES, ADULTS AND KIDS WELCOME!

Justine will be guiding participants in working with African Ball Pythons, Isis and Buku to explore African rituals and rhythms. Participants will also be learning traditional African movement with Northern California-based Hula and African dance teacher, Gina Rasmussan. This class is open to all ages, men, women, children, anyone with an interest in African ritual and movement or working with snakes!

Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 1:00pm to 3:00pm

THE ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS: AFRICAN EFFIGY POTTERY

From Mali to Zaire, African ceramics were made almost exclusively by the tribal women for everyday to ritual use. Since World War II, the tribal way of life has declined, but examples of these skilled women remain. The effigy figurative pot, made in the potter’s likeness or in that of a beloved relative, was placed in a sacred grove where sage bundles were placed in its mouth and burned as the woman spoke to her better self, asking for guidance through life’s travails.Learn to hand build a simple coiled figure and create your own 21st century ritual.

Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 1:30pm to 2:30pm

SMILING MONKEY YOGA PRESENTS: SAFARI ANIMAL YOGA FOR KIDS 6 TO 12

A class where your kids can forget about homework and just accept themselves for who they are from the inside out. Your kids will learn how to relax and breathe. They will learn to use yoga breathing as a valuable life skill. They will also gain self-confidence, strength and will increase their flexibility.

To find out more about these amazing classes, click here. More to come about our classes for Africa week tomorrow!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

Good Food Happens.

In his workshop, “Artful Eating,” Orange County Museum of Art‘s very own Jeff Venier, M.F.A. leads the group in a drawing exercise based on the techniques of the old masters.  This art class, though technical, is also designed to be a means of practicing mindfulness.  Appreciating the beauty of our food leads to a richer, and more mindful eating experience, and can give us time to think about where our food comes from, what form it takes.  Before sitting down to draw, Jeff leads the group in touring the Irvine Farmer’s Market to gather the ingredients for their still life (and their lunch!).

Jeff’s workshops always feature exciting new recipes, sure to broaden your knowledge of delicious ingredients.  Past recipes have included:  Black and Brown sweet rice salad with Eggplant and Tomatoes with Pecorino, and Beet and Carrot Asian remoulade.

The hands on cooking portion (utilizing elements from the still life) of the class has been a favorite aspect of the class for adults and children alike.  Jeff transforms cooking from being a chore to something fun and joyful.

The shared meal is the finale of the class.  Not only does the food taste amazing, but eating feels different after so much time spent studying, appreciating, arranging, and working with the food.  ”Artful Eating” seems to refer not only to the practice of combining drawing and cooking, but to a transformed way of nourishing our bodies and minds.

Wondering what to do now that your mouth is watering?  Start by making sure you don’t miss Cheff Jeff’s last Artful Eating workshop:

this Saturday

August 28th

(class starts promptly at 11:30, ends at 2:30)

Reserve your place now!

And, check out Jeff’s Food Blog to see photos and find recipes for more of his out-of-this-world (homemade) cuisine.

Good (and good food!) Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

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CLP @ OCMA’s Target 2nd Sunday

We had a great weekend visiting Orange County Museum of Art for their monthly free Target Family Sunday.  We met so many lovely families; it was wonderful to see so many families out together spending their weekend in such a positive way!  Way to live peace!

Below are some of the beautiful living peace activity sheets that children completed this past Sunday.

The Orange County Museum of Art offers weekly classes at the Center for Living Peace.  Every class accommodates all ages (families attending together receive a discount!) and has been developed specifically with the theme of ‘living peace’ in mind.  Check out upcoming classes here, and watch some clips of past classes here!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

Permalink: http://centerforlivingpeace.wordpress.com/2010/08/12/clp-ocmas-target-2nd-sunday

Bookmaking presented by OCMA

Tunnel books truly avoid being judged by the nature of their cover!  Inspired by theatre stage sets, the pages of tunnel books are generally images layered together to create a 3-D scene by way of an accordian-like binding.  Dating from the mid-18th century, tunnel books are regaining popularity for their unusual and creative means to express your thoughts, memories, and aspirations.  Children and adults find it easy to touch in to their own creative spirit when making these unique picture books.

Palm leaf journals, an even older book form (15th century BCE), offer us a chance to unplug from modern technology and connect with ourselves via pen and paper.  Built to contain writing, drawings, and mementos, these journals can be a means of incorporating ‘living peace’ into  your daily routine.

Join us for our second bookmaking workshop by the Orange County Museum of Art, this Sunday, July 25th at 1pm. Sign up!

Instructor Veronica Soto, M.F.A. uses recycled materials to create these book projects.

Boys and girls, children and adults, all enjoy Veronica’s workshop.

Photos above are from bookmaking on July 11th, 2010.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

Permalink: http://centerforlivingpeace.wordpress.com/2010/07/22/bookmaking-presented-by-ocma/