Feng Shui

Part 3 of our celebration of the Year of the Horse takes us once again to one of our community favorites, Mark's Duck House in Falls Church. We will be ordering a la carte, which should allow more freedom to order things that we like or even go "family style" if that's what your table chooses. Here's the link if you wish to peruse their menu: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qGwAZxwFPalz7R0ZK6NTPlkFte38bw4F/view](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qGwAZxwFPalz7R0ZK6NTPlkFte38bw4F/view) We really want to try and fill out our tables with attendees, so we ask that you be diligent with managing your RSVPs. The RSVP mechanism will close 24 hours before the start of the event, so make your decisions by then so that we can give the restaurant an accurate head count! Disclaimer that we have to say even though we don't want to.........Just a heads up that we may have to give out "No Show" labels to those who don't follow our attendance protocol, but we know you don't want that Scarlet Letter, so don't let it be you! Also, please do not show up if you are not in the field of attendees! You will only anger the horse! As always, a bonus activity could follow if the mood is right! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

In the first 30 minutes of class, Qi Gong(5 organ and spirit enlivening)exercises are taught. In the last hour, the class is divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups and are taught Lao (old) Yang Tai Chi Chuan.

An adult scavenger hunt is a customizable, engaging activity using riddles, photos, or challenges in a specific location (home, city) for fun, bonding, or events like birthdays, featuring themes, local landmarks, and tasks that get people exploring, solving, and creating memories. Key elements involve choosing a theme/location, mixing physical/mental tasks, using diverse clues (puzzles, photos), and setting a clear start/finish for a memorable adventure. Let's have an indoor mall scavenger hunt! This is for adults over 50 only. This is a free event. You will not en spending sny money unless you wsnt too. Bring a team no more of 4 or find a team at the event. We will pair people up! We will use Montgomery all as the base for the hunt There will be no running in the mall for safety reasons. If your team is caught running in the mall you will be disqualified. Wear good walking shoes. I will give out my number at the event so that people can text me during the game and also send photos We will wait 10 minutes for people to arrive before the game starts. Good event for those who like to be active and having fun. Even if you are a slow walker this is an event you can do with your team. We will meet on the first floor in front of Macy's at the seating area. Teams will be made at the time start and then you will be given a list of things to find or take photos of etc. A prize will be given out for the first group to return to base and finish their hunt. After the game, we can go to Lucky Strike for drinks, etc. FREE Parking We need at least 10 people to be able to keep this event going. If the weather is bad for driving, I will reschedule this event. RSVP today! Let's go!

Join us for the Chef's Endless Table for a taste Yunnan cuisine at ***Yunnan by Potomac!*** **FROM THE RESTAURANT:** $49 / guest 2 hour limit Whole table participation required One Selection per section, per person, per round of ordering Takeaway containers for leftover food not provided Preventable food waste charged at a la carte pricing The province of Yunnan is a beautiful diverse region in southwest China, offering a variety of unique flavors and textures in its distinctive cuisine – not your typical Chinese food. The soul food of Yunnan is mixian - a slippery, light and almost fluffy rice noodle - which is prepared with braised meats, rich broths, pickled vegetables, and sweet, savory and spicy sauces. As mixian is the bedrock of Yunnan cuisine, at Yunnan By Potomac, mixian noodle bowls are at the core of our menu and are complimented by a variety of reimagined and seasonally inspired xiaochi small plates, bao buns, jiaozi dumplings, shaokao barbecue, tiandian sweets, and large format Family Feasts. ***From Washington Post:*** The restaurant is one of the precious few outlets serving Yunnan cuisine in the metro area and the first one I recall that doesn’t hedge its bets by also offering up orange chicken, beef and broccoli, and other staples of the Chinese-American cookbook. That fact, all by itself, makes Yunnan by Potomac something of a Shangri-La in the DMV. We tend to think of moderation as this sweet spot between excess and self-denial. But there are times when I think moderation is something more complicated, like an ability to moderate your expectations of others, including those serving a cuisine still relatively new to Washington. Yunnan by Potomac asks you to revel in a bowl of noodles, without burdening it with the expectations of something that it’s not. Yunnan cuisine is not Sichuan cuisine, and it’s not Dai cuisine — the latter with ties to the flamethrowing traditions of northern Thailand — even though Yunnan cooking may incorporate elements of both. At Yunnan by Potomac, mixian (roughly pronounced “me-she-yen”) is the slippery base for bowls, some dry and some swimming in house-made broths, all requiring a vigorous stir before you dig in. Until you learn the particular alchemy of Li’s kitchen — led, incidentally, by her daughter-in-law, Jia Cui — you might take one look at the colorful bowls and think they will explode on contact with the tongue. Several combinations, including the pork-forward Little Pot Mixian and the chicken-heavy Grandma Parou Mixian, find red chile oil floating on the surface, almost ready to burst into flames. But these bowls are built for comfort, not destruction. In fact, if there’s a trait common to the three broth-based mixians, it’s this: The soft noodles tend to be bashful. They frequently refuse to pick up the other ingredients, which mingle and concentrate at the base of the bowl. Your wooden spoon then becomes your friend. You’ll need it to suck down the bottom-dwelling broths, where the pickled mustard stems will really start to pop and the chile oil will finally ignite. The noodles in the drier preparations exhibit no such shyness, boldly flirting with every ingredient in sight. The Liang Mixian Salad is the single finest dish in the house, its black vinegar, chile oil and sweet Chinese soy illuminating the rest of the bowl-mates. The small-plates menu, including a separate one for seasonal bites, has a few dishes that will impress you with their simplicity. The clean, watery crunch of sliced cucumbers is offset with a savory swirl of sweet soybean paste cut with chile vinegar, the combination totally irresistible. A small plate of shredded Asian pear and pickled radish, both invigorated with lemon juice and zest, pops with tartness and sweetness in equal measures, a Chinese lemonade that you eat with chopsticks. Check out the Chef's Endless Table menu [here](https://www.yunnanbypotomac.com/chefs-endless-table) **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. To enhance the opportunity for great conversation, we would like to keep the group small. Please feel free to sign-up to meet us along with up to 2 friends. In the future, we will vary the days of the week, geography and the cost of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMMITTED TO GO WHEN YOU RSVP FOR THIS EVENT. In the event our group incurs a fee for no-shows / late cancellations, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding.Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will have their own tab to avoid any confusion. \*\* The small non-refundable registration fee helps us share the cost associated with Meetup platform ($360/year) and reduces the likelihood of no-shows, allowing us to better plan our events and accommodate attendees. Thank you in advance for your understanding!\*\* If you are unable to join us in February, we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to seeing you at Yunnan by Potomac!

Spiritual Protection Workshop for Empaths and Sensitive People. We are excited for the visit from our recognized elder in the Curanderismo Tradition Maestra Ixtoii Paloma Cervantes. She is traveling to the east coast and will be sharing this sacred tradition with us and will be teaching us how to protect our energy in multiple realities. Why is it so important to know about Spiritual Protection? As a group of practitioners who come together to share, practice, learn, teach, and enjoy spiritual practices, we sometimes find ourselves in the “too sensitive” setting. Or we may be learning how to “feel” energies and still don’t know when to be open and when to be closed, and we are getting too many headaches. Or it is absorbing so much energy that it is difficult to fall asleep at night. Or maybe the opposite, not knowing what we are doing and draining ourselves without control. All these issues are “fixable” with the proper technique. We are also going to learn how to know if an energetic portal is open and how to close it. INFORMATION: Type of event: Spiritual Workshop. Who can participate: This workshop is open to everyone. You don't need to know anything at all. You need only an open heart to learn something new. **About Ixtoii Paloma Cervantes: Maestra Ixtoii Paloma** is an elder, instructor, or “Maestra” of the Curanderismo Tradition and also a full-time Curandera and Shaman. She was born and raised in Mexico into the tradition. She started working full-time as a Curandera in the 1980’s. In the late 90’s she moved to the UK and then to California (USA) where she kept her practice and started to teach Mexican Shamanism and Curanderismo and other spiritual modalities. Now not only does she teach in California, but also in other states and countries. It is important to know that she is not an anthropologist or historian. Paloma learned from her teachers in the ancient way, “oral tradition”. \*IMPORTANT NOTE: Paloma is a Mexican Shaman who believes that "medicine plants" are helpful to some people only when used properly in ceremonies. The use of any conscious expanding plant or animal medicines should only be used with the strict and loving guidance of an experienced facilitator. She does not allow the use of any plants, brews, ceremonial tobacco, recreational drugs, alcohol, cannabis, etc. in her workshops or healing ceremonies. Please do not use these before or during her events and services. If you do so you will be asked to leave the event immediately and without a refund. For medicinal plant or animal medicine guidance, please arrange for a private consultation to discuss your particular needs and expectations. This is a two day intensive in person workshop. We will email a list of what to bring and how to prepare for this workshop as soon as you book. Workshop Details: Dates: Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1 Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Same start and finish at same time on both days) Tuition: $627 via cash or Zelle. Payment Plan: Non-refundable deposit of $327. Then 2 additional payments of $150 each. The full payment is due by February 27 How to book: Contact Curandera Jenny Perez at 703.531.7046

This is the sign you've been waiting for! Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

**✅ First class is FREE – only 10 spots available!** Learn real self-defense skills in a small-group setting. No experience needed, open to all adults. 📲 RSVP now and text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm—once spots are gone, they’re gone. ## **Free Intro Self-Defense Class – Maryland Systema** Want to learn how to protect yourself while also improving your health, focus, and confidence? Join us for a free first class at **Maryland Systema**, a unique approach to self-defense that blends both physical and mental training. *** ### **Why This Class is Different** Unlike most programs that only teach physical moves, Systema trains your body **and** your mind. You’ll explore: * **Structure** – staying balanced under pressure * **Breathing** – keeping calm and controlling fear * **Relaxation** – avoiding panic and wasted energy * **Movement** – adapting naturally to any situation You’ll also learn to read an attacker’s intentions and respond proportionately—aligned with Maryland’s self-defense laws. *** ### **What You’ll Gain** ✔ Practical skills you can use right away ✔ Better stress control and awareness ✔ Improved strength, mobility, and coordination ✔ Confidence in handling real-world situations *** ### **Class Info** 📍 **Location:** The Dance Exchange - Studio #3 - Takoma Park (free parking) 🕒 **Length:** 1.5 hours 👥 **Small Group:** Max 10 students for personalized guidance 👖 **What to Wear:** Comfortable long pants and clothes you can move in 💵 **Cost:** Free for first-time students *** ### **How to Join** RSVP here on Meetup to save your spot, then text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm. Spots are limited—once the group fills, we close registration. *** **Maryland Systema** Real-world self-defense training for adults—helping you stay ready, stay calm, and stay safe.

Hey Chapter Twoers, are you mood for some spicy Chinese food? If you are, we are returning to one of our more memorable 2025 restaurant destinations where we enjoyed spinning the Lazy Susan. See you there!

Based on the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 is the year of the **HORSE.** Whether you are a horse or any other zodiac sign, you are all welcome to join us for a delicious Chinese lunch to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Please only RSVP if you are sure to attend as space is limited. Also, to ensure a smooth checkout process, please **BRING CASH** to cover the cost of your meal **plus 30% for tax and tip.** Some discussion about the HORSE from Astrology.com: "It is said that Horse would have finished the race in sixth place, but Snake snuck a ride in the equine hoof, unbeknownst to the host. When Snake jumped ashore, she startled Horse. In typical Horse fashion, this majestic creature reared back, and Snake slithered across the finish line first. This story exemplifies how Horse may run with full speed, strength, and intent after goals, promises, and love interests, but can also scare easily. Strengths: virile, easygoing, witty, honest, and outspoken Weaknesses: impatient, impulsive, and self-centered Compatibility: Tiger, Goat, or Dog Mixmatch: Rat, Ox, or Rooster Element: Fire Yin or Yang: Yang Years: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Chinese mythology contains stories of flying horses, horses that are part dragon or deity, and a silkworm/mulberry origin story wherein a girl promises to marry a horse if he helps her find her father. When found, the father murders the horse to preclude the marriage, and the girl and horsehide transform into a silkworm on a mulberry tree – thus even today, you can see a horse’s face on the silkworm. Those born in the year of the Horse have inexhaustible energy (including potent sexuality), yet are easygoing, witty, honest, and outspoken. Horses are independent, adventurous, have a quick intuitive intelligence, and are good with money. They are decisive, generous, extremely popular, and can often be found in the middle of large social happenings." Mama Chang (Fairfax Circle) 3251 Blenheim Blvd. Fairfax, VA 22030 703-268-5556 www.mamachangva.com

Join us for our weekly riichi mahjong meetup! It is highly encouraged to make a purchase of food or drink at the Whole Foods while playing there. We play on the second floor of the Whole Foods in a bar area called The High Point, There is parking for $5 on the weekends at The Boro Garage B. Do not use the whole foods parking lot since it gets up to $25.

Sit back and relax as Tibetan & crystal bowls (and other instruments) help bring you back into alignment thru sacred sound therapy. This is a great way to clear yourself and recharge for the week ahead. For those interested, it can also assist in achieving deeper stages of meditation. Space is limited so a RSVP is required. Once you have joined us for an event, you are welcome to text to confirm your spot. FIRST TIMERS: All are welcome as long as you come with an open/positive mind and respectful heart. No prior experience necessary. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (5 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it's important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. COST: To help make this affordable to all, we have an offering range of $15-$25. If you would like to contribute in another way, please let us know. With Love and Gratitude

Class on Discovering, Recognizing and Celebrating Your Abundant Spirit - lead by Sue Bracey

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Join Sacred Sound Alchemy Columbus for a transformative Sound Bath experience that will take you on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Immerse yourself in the powerful vibrations of various sound instruments like crystal singing bowls and rain drums, carefully orchestrated to balance your chakras and uplift your spirit. The soothing sounds will help you release negative energy, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. This event is perfect for those seeking a moment of tranquility and a chance to connect with their inner selves. Whether you are new to sound healing or a seasoned practitioner, you will benefit from the harmonious frequencies that will resonate with your body and soul. Come and allow yourself to be enveloped in a wave of healing energy, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for life's next chapter. Please bring something comfortable to lay on like a yoga mat. Being a pillow for your head or for under your knees and a blanket to cover over yourou. The library can get cold. Bring some water to help flush your body for after the session.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec center in the auditorium, upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)