Lesbians of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley Outings and Events
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Daybreak. There is a sweetness, an innocence in the newness of the day before the mind collects all the melodrama and emotions of all the previous days. Before I tell myself who I am, where I am, who I want to be, what I need to know. I am a flicker of awareness without identity. Time is pregnant with possibilities; all is magic. The brilliant 1st curve of the sun ignites the clouds on fire, and the lingering grey transmutes to light blue and then a darker blue. I love these hours with their quiet sense of newness, their sense of vulnerability, and their sense of freedom from all that lies in the past. I drift in the lightness before the hours.
The hours will bring the challenges of being human, the challenges of emotion. Something will trigger a memory, and I will stoop down to gather a package of resentment. Someone will praise someone else, and my mind will encourage me to gather a package of jealousy. Someone is invited to a party, and I am not; a bundle of hurt waits at my feet to be picked up. The streets filled with tourists driving in erratic ways offer up buckets of irritability. Can I shake my head and laugh at the unbidden thoughts shooting through my mind? Can I look at these bundles of negative energy littering the way and resist, knowing they bring misery? I must navigate the minefield of myself in the upcoming hours. Sometimes, I step where I shouldn't. Gather what should be left,
But for now, I cherish these moments when I swim naked without expectations and without the thoughts and burdens of the past. Moments of gratitude where being alive is enough and my mind has not yet become anxious for the future. Do the stories I tell myself define or trap me? We have many versions of ourselves; some stories, like skin, must be shed before we grow into the next version of ourselves.
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My book Travels Into Discomfort is available on Amazon.
It is a travel adventure in its prose and a journey to the heart in its poetry.
Travels Into Discomfort
I wish to share this story by author John Perricone:
Several years ago, as a teacher, I invited a Buddhist monk to speak to my Senior elective class, and quite interestingly, as he entered the room, he did not say a word (that caught everyone's attention). He just walked to the board and wrote this: "EVERYONE WANTS TO SAVE THE WORLD, BUT NO ONE WANTS TO HELP MOM DO THE DISHES." We all laughed. But then he went on to say this to my students:
"Statistically, it's highly unlikely that any of you will ever have the opportunity to run into a burning orphanage and rescue an infant. But, in the smallest gesture of kindness -- a warm smile, holding the door for the person behind you, shoveling the driveway of the elderly person next door -- you have committed an act of immeasurable profundity, because to each of us, our life is our universe."
This is my hope for you for the New Year -- that by your smallest acts of kindness, you will save another's world. (John Perricone)
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Barbara Carpenter Realtor
Shann Carr
Comedian, Event Producer, Realtor, A Lesbian Concierge In The Desert
Andrea Voras, Gerontologist Dementia Specialist Life Aging Life Care Manager
Corlyce Photography
Chris Ann Kallgren Realtor
Sunny Designs-Website & Graphic Design & Video
Rice Notary
Nancy Minger - Massage Therapist
Poochsitter
Motivation Changes — Life Coaching - Dr Ann Sarah Engel, MSW, PhD
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The Hollywood Times is looking for Palm Springs entertainment event writers/interns
Coachella Valley Invitational Soccer Competition with the National Women's Soccer League Feb 16th and Feb 22nd
Coachella Valley Invitational
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- Cork Women's Fun Weekend
- REI Women's Hiking
- AdventureWomen: organizes exceptional women’s only travel groups spots around the globe.
- Trafalgar: offers women-only guided vacations to various destinations, with local female guides and experts.
- Road Scholar: provides educational and cultural trips for women of all ages and interests.
- Adventures in Good Company: creates active and adventurous trips for women who love the outdoors.
- Intrepid Travel’s Women’s Expeditions: explores local cultures and traditions from a female perspective, with female leaders and hosts.
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Email me at gabriolakim@gmail.com if you want something posted on the bulletin board, or an event promoted. | |
Thank you.
Thank you to everyone who shares recommendations for a worthy figure in women's history, an article, a book, a movie, or a women-centric event for the newsletter.
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Women’s History
Women, We Should Know
Syria- Sabat M. Islambouli (1867–1941) was a Syrian-born physician, of Kurdish–Jewish heritage. She is the first known female physician from Syria. She has had variations of the spelling of her name, and is also known as Sabat Islambooly, Tabat Islambouly, Tabat Istanbuli, Thabat Islambooly, and more.
Kurdish woman among first female Physicians,... | Rudaw.net
Japan (pictured above)- Kei Okami (岡見 京, Okami Kei, 11 September 1859[1][2] – 2 September 1941[1]) was a Japanese physician. She was the first Japanese woman to obtain a degree in Western medicine from a Western university (Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, USA).
Remembering Keiko Okami: The Trailblazing Japanese Woman Who Became a Doctor in a Western World - Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute
India -Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi (31 March 1865 – 26 February 1887) was the first Indian female doctor of western medicine. She was the first woman from the erstwhile Bombay presidency of India to study and graduate with a two-year degree in western medicine in the United States.[1] She was also referred to as Anandibai Joshi and Anandi Gopal Joshi (where Gopal came from Gopalrao, her husband's first name).
Anandi Gopalrao Joshi: India’s First Female Doctor | by Researcher | Medium
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LGBT History Alive with Ronni & Kelly
Podcasts | Ronni Sanlo
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The Palm Springs International Film Festival
I wish I could trumpet the many lesbian films at the festival this year. I could only find 3
SALLY! | Palm Springs International Film Festival
Texas-born Sally Gearhart was a fiery, charismatic lesbian feminist, teacher, and fantasy writer. She fought alongside Harvey Milk, founded a radical, free-loving women’s commune in Northern California, and comes to vibrant life in this funny, revelatory celebration of her high-octane life.
JANIS IAN: BREAKING SILENCE | Palm Springs International Film Festival
The tumultuous journey of beloved singer-songwriter Janis Ian – who found fame as a teenager with her boundary-breaking song “Society’s Child” – unfolds in this saga of an artist who triumphed over homophobia, a misogynistic music industry, debilitating health issues, and a gun-toting lover.
THE SHAMELESS | Palm Springs International Film Festival
This provocative drama set in India explores the forbidden relationship between Renuka (2024 Cannes Un Certain Regard Best Actress winner Anasuya Sengupta), a tough-as-nails sex worker on the run, and Devika (Omara Shetty), a teenager destined for a similar future.
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Happening this season
Claire and Cindy's Outings
January 2nd - First Thursday Each Month Palm Springs Villagefest Meetup-- We will meet in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum ( 101 Museum Drive PS) at 5:30 and transverse the street fair starting Jan 2nd,
The 2nd Saturday of Each Month, meet at the College of the Desert Street Fair in the food court to enjoy treats and women (well, most women are a treat in themselves) at 9 a.m.
Street & Art Fair & Farmers Market - College of the Desert | Palm Desert (codaastreetfair.com)
Signup
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LEZ Party
Jan 12th 3-7PM
Low Desert Restaurant and Bar in Smoketree Plaza
$10 Cash Door
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Easy/Moderate/Difficult Hikes
Tuesday, Jan7th- The Ladders in Mecca
8:30 am at the Costco Palm Desert Monterey by the gas station or the truck stop 90496 66th Ave, Mecca at 9 am or Kim's house at 8 am
Length 5 miles
Type Loop
Elevation 900 ft
Time 3 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Meetup 90496 66th Ave, Mecca, CA 92254
Outside the Starbucks. Easy to get lost on the way in.
The closest city is Mecca. Google "Ladder Canyon Hike," and go to maps (Painted Canyon Trailhead Painted Canyon Rd, Mecca, CA 92254). The last road you take to the parking lot is a dirt road. It is roughly 3.5 miles long. There is a sign that says 4WD vehicles beyond this point when you turn onto the road, but I take my Honda Fit in; the road is washboard and dusty but not dangerous; just go slow, especially if you are not wearing a bra. This is a hiking favorite.
The trail is a loop that passes through a slot canyon with 5 to 7 ladders, climbs up to a ridge with some awesome views, and then returns along the bottom of Big Painted Canyon with wonderful rock formations. The ridge is exposed with no shade. I am squeamish about heights but do okay on this hike. We help each other clear the top of the ladders.
Bring at least 1 liter of water. New hikers must register and sign a waiver.
Saturday Jan 11th - 8:30 am
Snow Creek
Length 5 Miles or as much as you want to do. The fast hikers do more.
Type In and Out
Elevation 1000 feet
Time: 3 -4 hours
Meetup Kim's house at 8:30am
Features Hike up the PCT from Snow Creek to a vantage point of the San Gorgonio pass, Desert Hot Springs, and the windmills. The trail is all uphill, but the pace will be slow. The first part is on the road to the DWA facility; the trail climbs west and south.
Bring at least 1 liter of water. New hikers must register and sign a waiver.
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2024 Walks - Regular Friday walk at Butler Abrams - Rancho Mirage - Dogs Welcome
9AM
Length 2.5 miles
Type In 26thand Out
Elevation 45 ft
Time 1 Hr
Difficulty: Easy
Meetup is the parking lot at Michael S Wolfson Park
70001 Frank Sinatra Dr, Rancho Mirage, Ca 9227
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Movie Meetup
Wednesday - Mary Pickford Theater
No Movie this week. We will return in January after Film Festival
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Book and Movie Salon/Club -
2024 Schedule 2nd Mondays 5:30 pm
In the form of a question: the joys and rewards of a curious life by Amy
Schneider January 2025
An inspirational, witty and bold memoir from the most successful woman ever
to compete on Jeopardy. Amy shares what has fascinated her throughout her
life i.e., books, music, Tarot, astrology, popular culture, computers, sex and
relationships. These topics all share the same purpose: a lifetime spent asking
why?
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This Week's Recommendation
BFFs on Tubi - free
Watch BFFs (2014) - Free Movies | Tubi
Hidden Gem. It made me laugh at lot.
Best friends Kat and Samantha pretend to be lovers to take advantage of a free, couples only, weekend retreat. Instead of time spent lounging by the pool, they find themselves immersed in trust exercises and group therapy with well-meaning, quirky couples there to save their relationships. Forced to play along, Kat and Samantha take their roles so seriously they start to question the nature of their own relationship. Do they have feelings for each other, or has the retreat pulled a Jedi mind-trick on them?
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THRIVE: A PATH TO WELL-BEING
JANUARY 11, 2025
FREE EVENT BUT YOU MUST REGISTER.
Join us for our first annual THRIVE event for cis, trans, and queer identifying lesbians. A day of health!!
This is a collaborative effort with Eisenhower Health. Guest speakers, exhibitors, and breakout sessions - sound bath, yoga, stretching, self-defense, chair massage and more.
Continental breakfast and afternoon snacks.
THRIVE: A Path to Well-Being Tickets, Sat, Jan 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
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Live Special Taping on Friday, January 17th, 2025
5pm and 8pm
The Revolution Stage Company
Downtown Palm Springs near Revivals
Award winning comedian - Lez Out Loud's - Mina Hartong (Olivia Travel, Curve Magazine) has been performing & touring for over 20 years...and it's about time she filmed her Comedy Special.
Once filming begins, the doors will close. Please arrive before the showtime to ensure admittance.
We hope you can join us for this one-time event.
Purchase Tickets Here
Mina has been performing and touring for over 20 years; Provincetown, Fire Island, Montreal Fringe Festival, and dozens of clubs in New York and LA. She was a finalist for the National Ladies of Laughter Contest and Curve Magazine called her one of America’s Funniest Lesbians alongside lesbian icons such as Suzanne Westenhoffer, Marga Gomez and Karen Williams. Now back in New York, she can’t think of a better place to film her first Comedy Special than with the beautiful community that is Palm Springs and Revolution Stage Company.
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PALS’ no-cost educational seminars provide up-to-date information, resources and opportunities to engage in essential planning ahead conversations before a major health or life-altering event occurs. For info about upcoming PALS Seminars with in-person and zoom registration links click here.
9:30 to 11 am. 3rd Saturday
September thru June
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PALS Death Cafe is a group-led open conversation about mortality that’s not a counseling or bereavement group. There’s no specified topics or designated outcomes. Just bring your questions about any aspect of death and dying that interests you. RSVP for the next PALS Death Cafe here. | |
PALS Circle is an hour of enjoyable connection, support and friendship among LGBTQ+ seniors and allies. There's no agenda, no formal topic — just fun conversation and camaraderie each Monday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on ZOOM. Sign up to receive PALS Circle announcements here.
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Lesbians Embracing Aging
Lesbians Embracing Aging: An Introduction
The mission of LEA is to encourage and assist LBTQIA women with healthy aging by creating
support networks of socialization, information, and healthcare.
We are forming a hub of LBTQIA Women and allies willing to help one another navigate the
changes and challenges of aging and help make the myriad of available services more accessible.
Please join us for our next meeting as we make progress toward our goals.
If you would like more information, be on our email list or join us for our next meeting TBA Please send an email to
LEAofCoachellaValley@gmail.com
The LEA women:
Kelly Watson, Lauren Nile, Barbara Tyler, Rita Gonzales, Kate Ullman, Ronni Sanlo
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Evening Chat Group 5:30pm to 7 pm Every Wednesday
LIDS (Lesbians In The Desert) Wednesday evenings, 5:30 pm - 7ish — join us for a lively Zoom chat, catch up with friends, and make new ones! Open to Lesbians in and out of the Coachella Valley — California — all 50 States — and beyond. Please email NurseJaynes@yahoo.com to receive the invite with Zoom meeting ID & Passcode. Bring a friend! Hosted by Cindy T, Crickett, & Jayne
Hosted by Crickett and Cindy
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1st and 3rd Fridays are Wine Down Friday’s with the Coachella Valley Ladies of Justice and a Guest Speaker at theV-Lounge 5PM-6:30P. 600 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
Network, share info about your business/upcoming event or just drop-by to unwind and make new friends!
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Gay Country Western Dancing - Friday Nights
Join the Dance Ranch for a great night of country western dancing, including two-step, waltz, shadow, East and West Coast swing, and line dances.
It all happens at Step By Step, 316 N. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
Admission is $5.
Lesson is at 7 pm. Dancing from 7:30-9:30 pm.
Dance Ranch Palm Springs is a country western dance group serving the LGBTQ+ community and its friends. Country dancers of all levels are welcome!
Learn more about Dance Ranch and find out what they’re teaching at danceranchps.org.
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Our history will NOT be hidden!
Not with us two old lesbians and our awesome guests on guard! Our free podcast LGBTQ History Alive! with Ronni and Kelly begins
January 1, 2024.
Meet the Two Old Lesbians!
Ronni Sanlo, Ed.D. is a retired UCLA professor and LGBTQ Center director, founder of the award-winning Lavender Graduation, and editor of the four volume This Day in LGBTQ History. Kelly Watson, Ph.D, DDS, is a retired recovery center director and business professional, and still and always involved with 12 step recovery.
2024 Schedule - Check it Out!
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