Open Circle
David Bryen presents “Inside Wood” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, January 17, 10:30 a.m. in the garden at Lake Chapala Society
What is it that shines through wood and smites the heart? The beauty inside wood stays obscured until human activity releases it. This presentation reflects Bryen’s fall into wonder with wood’s beauty. Not unlike with human life, it takes a wound to reveal the inner beauty of wood. A craftsman listens to the sawn tree as it sounds its message: “Stay awhile ... you too have come into the world to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.” (Mary Oliver) To open wood is to discover the beauty that feeds the soul and takes us back to the home inside ourselves.
A retired psychotherapist, writer, craftsman, builder, and long-term collector and admirer of exotic hardwoods, Bryen will explore the hidden marvels in wood and compare their extraction to the unfolding drama of the human soul.
In order to follow Jalisco safety precautions, attendance will be limited to 80 persons, use of a mask is mandatory and temperature checks will be made on entry.
Make your reservation and check the schedule at www.opencircleajijic.org.
Bring your own coffee or bottled water, and remove containers upon departure.
The Lakeside Freethinkers
At the next virtual meeting of the Lakeside Freethinkers, Wednesday, January 20, the group will watch a TED Talk by human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson. His engaging and personal talk, “We need to talk about an injustice,” will be followed by a discussion.
The Lakeside Freethinkers have been meeting virtually for the past few months. If you would like to join their meeting, or obtain additional information, email lakeside¬This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Lakeside Freethinkers define a “freethinker” as a person who is an atheist, agnostic, secular humanist, or skeptic. They believe that individuals should not accept ideas proposed as truth without recourse to knowledge and reason. They reject belief in the supernatural.
Lake Chapala Birders
The Lake Chapala Birders will meet Thursday, January 21, 8:15 a.m. at La Cristina on the west side of Ajijic. Expect to see some shore birds and some birds in the tall trees along the street.
The group will bird for about two hours. Wear face masks and practice social distancing. Reserve by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
How to get there: Drive about two miles (four km.) west from Calle Colon, look for signs for Hacienda La Cristina (near signs for Las Palmas, a bus stop and a vivero), turn down to the lake, and park close to the water.
For more information or to inform the group about sightings of birds or nests, call John Keeling at 376-766-1801 or visit chapalabirders.org.
Separated/Divorced Support Group
This confidential group run by a professional counselor has formed to assist in the process of reclaiming oneself. Meetings are the second and fourth Fridays of the month, 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 376-766-4522.
What we will miss
The Ajijic Kite Festival on the Malecon; Spay-Ghetti No Balls, a fundraiser for the Jocotepec spay and neuter clinic; the Military Ball sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Chapala and American Legion Post 9 Ajijic; the 43rd Chili Cookoff; Flamenco concerts at Cochera Cultural; concerts at the Auditorio de la Ribera; the Hole in Bowl golf tournament at the Chula Vista Country Club; live performances of the Jalisco Philharmonic at the Teatro Degollado; LCS bus trips; the Chapala Talent Show … and so much more. Stay safe.