My Nonprofit Reviews

Initially I was on the committee to locate the site of the Blue Deer Center. I selfishly wanted it to be in the Southeast, near my home. I was later gifted the funds to attend a class with Eliot Cowan . I flew to Albany, then shared a rental car with three other women. The car I had rented was much too small for four adults and their luggage for five days. Somehow we squeezed in and made the hour or so drive to Margaretville. Though fascinated and inspired by miles of rural landscape and villages, I arrived at the Blue Deer Center tired and cranky. I seem to remember someone helping me get my luggage up to my room. What I definitely remember is the warmth and concern of the BDC's dietician and chef. I have multiple food allergies, so workshop settings are often difficult for me around mealtime. Coral made every effort to see that I had enough food that was tastefully prepared, and reserved for me to pick up at the kitchen. Her kindness and generosity of spirit made a deep impact on me.

The workshop itself was held in a cozy yome, circular so everyone had equal access to the instructors. We learned to dream without sleeping, to meet our special guides, our Animal Totems. After private consultation and guidance with Eliot, we set to work carving our animal helpers, getting covered in bone or wood chips or stone dust.
It felt like community, like a community of ancient times as we sat outside under an awning while a mixture of snow, sleet, and rain fell. Justin Starting was ever at hand to offer advice or help with a particularly difficult part of the work. We shared tools, laughter, and hot tea to stay warm.

Though we tried our best, we inevitably tracked in stone dust and wood chips. We pitched in to help keep the hallway clean after a gentle reminder by the director. We also took turns on kitchen duty, re-learning that many hands make light work, and for me personally, learning another lesson in community living. I am a part of the BDC, not simply a guest to be waited on.

We also had free time to read, write in our journals, sit by the fire and play music or just chat. I spent some time down by the river. It gave me some healing, and I am drawn to go back there when the time is right.

I appreciated the simplicity of our living quarters, though the dining room was a bit crowded. I appreciate the new friends I made and still keep in contact with from time to time. One of these friends found the feather of one of my animal friends and gifted it to me.

To sum up, the Blue Deer Center is a place in Margaretville, NY, as well as a place in my heart. I have friends whom I delight in talking with on the phone, and even more when I get to see them in person. It is a place where a sacred river runs through, offering its own healing. It is a place of learning and growing in community. It is a place that I love.

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