LAMP

**Step into the golden age of Chinese poetry with the London Chinese Poem & Art Appreciation Group!** This week we begin with the Tang dynasty — the most celebrated era of Chinese verse. Together we’ll explore two timeless poems, discovering their imagery, rhythm, and wisdom. No prior knowledge is needed: translations and guidance will be provided. Whether you’re curious about Chinese culture or already a lover of literature, this is your chance to experience the beauty of Tang poetry while meeting new friends in a welcoming space. 📜 **Theme**: Tang Poems — voices from China’s golden age ✨ **What to expect**: Learn, reflect, discuss, and connect over culture Join us for an inspiring evening of poetry, culture, and friendship in the heart of London!

[Follow 👉this link👈 for more info, no tickets required ](https://www.wallacecollection.org/whats-on/exhibitions-displays/caravaggios-cupid/) Join us to visit Hertford House and its collection of painting, sculpture, furniture, arms and armour, and porcelain. We will start with the free temporary exhibition around Caravaggio's Cupid. We will visit the permanent collection afterwards, including 'The Swing' by Fragonard. The visit can take up to two hours, when you finish meet us at the cafe until 17:00 for social. See comments below for updates. Can't come? Change RSVP, free up space. No-Shows will be waitlisted on future events.

Why is it that some people cope with difficulties so well while others don’t? As the saying goes: It’s not what happens, it’s how you handle it that matters. And the thing that makes all the difference is, resilience. Resilience is your personal toolkit that helps you to thrive in uncertainty and the ever changing world. This session explores how to: * not let adversity or setbacks overwhelm you * build your energy and resilience * thrive under pressure and challenges **This is a free 60-minute in-person seminar.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](http://%5Bhttps//www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/%5D(https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/) "\[https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/\](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/)") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

Flamenco Dance Classes for Beginners at Danceworks every Sunday! We will work on the placement of the body, the perception of the rhythm, clapping, footwork, movements of arms and head. Choreography depending on the level: Alegrías, Bulerías, Tangos, etc. We will learn or perfect the four Sevillanas. If you have dancing shoes and clothes, bring them. Otherwise, don't worry, just feel comfortable to dance! When? **Every Sunday** Time: **12:00 - 13:00** Where? **Danceworks** 16 Balderton St, London W1K 6TN Studio 4 Nearest Tube stations: **Bond St.** Marble Arch Cost? £12 per class. **Book here:** https://danceworks.com/london/classes/timetable/ Class bookings become available 7 days in advance. Online bookings close 15 minutes before the class starts but you can book in person up to the start time. **Waiting lists are available.** ***About Maika:*** Maika is a flamenco and Spanish dance teacher with more than 17 years of experience, teaching adults and children in Spain, the United States of America, Mexico, Canada and UK. She also led flamenco classes at Rey Juan Carlos University from 2013 to 2018. Born and raised in Madrid (Spain), she began studying ballet and Spanish dance from the tender age of nine. Maika studied at Karen Taft Dance Academy and Flamenco Centre “Amor de Dios”, majoring in Spanish Dance at Conservatory of Dance in Madrid. In 2003, she was awarded a certificate in Teaching Methodology Applied to Spanish Dance and then focused her career on dance education. Maika has continued her professional training alongside teachers including Antonio Canales, Alfonso Losa, La Lupi, Rojas and Rodriguez. Maika co-founded the company Spanish Flamenco Tour, based in Miami (USA), a business dedicated to promoting flamenco and Spanish culture, to a local audience. Adding more strings to her bow, Maika embarked on a Master´s Degree in Leadership and Management of Cultural Projects at Institute of Dance “Alicia Alonso”, Rey Juan Carlos University. Her final master’s project was based on the promotion of Spanish dance, receiving a First-Class Degree. Maika’s classes are designed to extract every student’s natural ability to dance and show them how wonderful and fun, this art form is.

Join us for a friendly and festive Christmas Lights Walk as we enjoy the holiday atmosphere and spark some interesting conversations along the way! We’ll be exploring how different personality types relax during the holidays, what kinds of gifts they enjoy, and how our unique quirks shape the way we experience the season. Expect warm, engaging conversations as we stroll through the lights together. 📸 For the “Just One More Photo” Crowd There will be many opportunities for photos, but as this is a walking event, we won’t remain at each spot for long. Please stay close to the group, especially in the busier sections, so everything runs smoothly and safely. Illuminate your mind, one step at a time.

To book: ww A gong bath under the moon is the ultimate relaxation. You are invited to lie down under the moon and relax while the sounds of the gongs and other instruments wash over you. This session provides ultimate relaxation and supports healing through full body vibration. These sounds act to stimulate the alpha and theta brain waves associated with meditative states of stillness; while releasing nitric oxide which supports the health of our hearts, lungs and bones, helping to regulating our nervous system, immune system, hormones and sleep cycles. As the mind and body relax, the heart rate and blood pressure decrease and our breathing become deeper. It is in this state that deep healing can occur. Thus, a sound bath not only reduces stress and anxiety by inducing a state of relaxation, but it also has physiological benefits.

Tonight we plan on hitting a few locations to capture the best of this time of year. Put on your walking shoes and learn some fun techniques to capture Christmas lights and great long exposure night photography. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * Camera settings for night photography * Capturing light trails * Blur and freeze movement * Techniques for creative night photography EXPERIENCE * Beginners/Refreshers EQUIPMENT * Tripod (essential) * Any camera * Any lens * 24-70, 24-120 or similar * 70-200 if you have one * A fun and experimental attitude! OTHER ESSENTIALS * Dress warmly and appropriately for the weather * A fun and experimental attitude TRAVEL * As usual check the TFL website for any issues that might disrupt your journey CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 UPCOMING EVENTS https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar Cover photos © London Photographic Ltd

**ECSTATIC DANCE LONDON presents: MEDICINA — Winter Solstice Edition** **An evening of mystical & uplifting medicine music, cacao ceremony & fruit social** **Tickets & more info:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1975274246444?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1975274246444?aff=oddtdtcreator) ◈7pm–9:45pm Ecstatic Dance & Cacao Ceremony with an infusion of Global Bass\| Ethno\-Fusion \| Folktronica \| Medicine Music \| Shamanic Soundscapes ◈ 9:45pm-10:15pm Optional fruit social to nourish you after the dance **This event is part of our all-day event, WINTER SOLSTICE GATHERING on December 20th.** **More information:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1974879916994?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1974879916994?aff=oddtdtcreator) **WHAT IS “MEDICINA”?** As the Winter Solstice draws us into the longest night of the year, **MEDICINA** invites you to step into the ancient rhythm, in your bones & cells, your ancestral power and beauty. This is a universal threshold in time, shared by cultures across the world: movement as medicine, drums as the heartbeat, rhythm as renewal, and dance as a way of remembering our inner light. This **Solstice Gathering** is designed as a dance-as-meditation journey, an opportunity to shake off the weight of the city, release tension, expand your heart, and rediscover the luminosity that sits quietly beneath the day-to-day rush. The musical vibes of the night weave **global bass, ethno-fusion, folktronica and shamanic soundscapes into an ecstatic wave** that invites dancers to uplift, release, soften, and awaken! You’ll also be welcomed into a ceremonial-grade cacao offering, with a guided meditation led by Seth, supporting you to land in your body, open the heart, and set a powerful positive intention for the season ahead. No experience is needed. Whether you’re new to Ecstatic Dance or you’re a seasoned mover, you’re welcome here.

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

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.

The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop is an intensive training course designed to quickly teach participants the fundamentals and intermediate skills needed to use Adobe Photoshop effectively. This workshop condenses the material covered in introductory and intermediate Photoshop courses into a shorter, information-packed weekend. Participants will learn to navigate the Photoshop workspace, use tools for retouching and color correction, and manipulate layers and adjustment layers. The workshop also emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with real-world image editing and compositing projects. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop will follow the outline below: I. Introduction to Photoshop * **A. Understanding the Photoshop Interface:** Exploring the workspace, panels, tools, and options bar. * **B. Basic Image Concepts:** Pixels, resolution, image sizing, cropping, and color models (RGB vs. CMYK). * **C. Non-Destructive Editing Principles:** Why it's important and how to maintain flexibility. II. Working with selections * **A. Selection Tools:** Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand, Quick Selection, and Pen tool. * **B. Refining Selections:** Using Select and Mask, feathering, and other techniques for precise edges. * **C. Creating and Managing Masks:** Layer masks for non-destructive selections and image blending. III. Layers and Adjustments * **A. Understanding and Managing Layers:** Creating, selecting, moving, grouping, and organizing layers. * **B. Blending Modes:** Exploring different ways layers interact and create visual effects. * **C. Adjustment Layers:** Non-destructive color and tonal adjustments (e.g., Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation). IV. Photo retouching and manipulation * **A. Healing Tools:** Spot Healing Brush, Healing Brush, and Patch Tool for removing blemishes and unwanted elements. * **B. Clone Stamp Tool:** Duplicating and removing areas within an image for seamless repairs. * **C. Content-Aware Tools:** Using features like Content-Aware Fill and Content-Aware Move for intelligent object removal and image manipulation. V. Advanced techniques * **A. Smart Objects:** Working with Smart Objects for non-destructive transformations and advanced compositions. * **B. Filters and Effects:** Exploring the Filter Gallery and applying various effects to images and layers. * **C. Combining Images:** Compositing and blending multiple images seamlessly using selections, masks, and adjustment layers. VI. Output and workflow * **A. Saving for Web and Print:** Understanding image resolution, file formats, and optimization for different output needs. * **B. Exporting and Sharing Images:** Various methods for exporting and sharing your Photoshop creations. * **C. Workflow Tips and Best Practices:** Efficient techniques and organizational strategies for working in Photoshop. VII. Wrap-up and Q&A * **A. Review of Key Concepts:** Brief recap of the main topics covered during the workshop. * **B. Open Discussion and Questions:** Answering participants' questions and providing further guidance. * **C. Next Steps and Resources:** Suggesting additional resources for continued learning and exploration. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop is a hands-on workshop, and example files and materials are made available to each participant. Each participant is required to have a computer available for use throughout the workshop. That computer must be adequately configured to run the latest version of Photoshop available in Adobe's Creative Cloud software suite (as of the time of this document, that version is Photoshop 2025 (Version 26.9.0)). Photoshop should be installed and operational before the commencement of the workshop. Please don't hesitate to contact me PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP to confirm that you are indeed prepared for doing the hands-on exercises during the workshop. GENERAL WORKSHOP NOTES: There is a fee of $400 per person associated with this workshop. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop comprises two sessions (Session 01, November 22nd, and Session 02, November 23rd). The $400 fee covers participation in both sessions. For scheduling purposes, on Meetup.com, the workshop is broken up into two (2) sessions. You only need to sign up for Session 01 (November 22nd), you will AUTOMATICALLY be signed up for Session 02 (November 23rd). The following registration/cancellation policy is in place for this workshop: * The workshop fee is due upon signing up for the event. You will be contacted shortly after you register to make arrangements for processing payment. * Participant cancellations before October 22nd are entitled to a FULL refund of the workshop fee. Participant cancellations after October 22nd, but before November 15th, are entitled to a 50% refund of the workshop fee. Participant who cancel **after November 15th** will not be entitled to a refund of their workshop fee. A continental breakfast is available each morning of the workshop (Session 01, November 22nd, Session 02, November 23rd) and includes coffee, tea, juice, and water. Lunch time (12:00 - 1:00 p.m.) features a catered lunch on each day of the workshop (Session 01, November 22nd, Session 02, November 23rd) and includes a selection of beverages such as coffee, iced tea, soda, and sports drinks.

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

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.