Off-Grid Living

'HOMEGOING' by Yaa Gyasi 'Two sisters with two very different destinies. One sold into slavery; one a slave trader's wife. The consequences of their fate reverberate through the generations that follow. Taking us from the Gold Coast of Africa to the cotton-picking plantations of Mississippi; from the missionary schools of Ghana to the dive bars of Harlem, spanning three continents and seven generations, Yaa Gyasi has written a miraculous novel - the intimate, gripping story of a brilliantly vivid cast of characters and through their lives the very story of America itself. Epic in its canvas and intimate in its portraits, Homegoing is a searing and profound debut from a masterly new writer.' ***Please read the book and join us for a lively discussion (in English) about the contents during our afternoon book club meeting.*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **PLEASE NOTE:** This is an IN-PERSON event in Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Please cancel your attendance in advance if you are unable to join, so that those on the waitlist can participate. Looking forward to seeing you all IN REAL LIFE then! Best regards, Sandra

Join me for a relaxed sketch walk through the beautiful estates and parks around Hilversum. 📍 Meeting: 11:45 inside Hilversum Station, near AH to go 🥾 Full walk: ~12 km 🚌 Short option: ~7 km with bus back to Hilversum Station after Proeflokaal Serre We’ll make several 20–30 min sketch stops along the way, with time to enjoy the scenery and draw at a relaxed pace. Expected return to Hilversum is around 17:00–18:00 for the full route. Highlights include: * Gooilust park & 17th-century mansion * possible visit to the Siertuin decorative garden (open 13:00–16:30) * horses and farm scenery * local farm shop with fresh dairy products * Jagtlust estate and pond * coffee/tea/food stop at Proeflokaal Serre ☕ Bring your sketchbook, drawing materials, comfortable walking shoes, and something to sit on during sketch stops. All skill levels welcome! In case of heavy rain, the event may be rescheduled.

Do you love books, or have you been wanting to get into reading more? Then this might just be the event for you! At this book swap everyone brings one or a few books they no longer need. We put them all out on the table and from there it's up to you, see if something catches your eye and take home whatever you'd like to read next. Any language is welcome, so bring whatever is sitting on your shelf! At the end of the meetup you can take back the books you brought that weren't picked up, or leave them with the organiser who will donate them to a local secondhand shop. ⚠️ If you're unsure whether you can make it, please free up your spot for someone else.

Ontdek meer over (ontwikkelings)trauma. Wat is trauma? Hoe kun je anders omgaan met trauma als je het niet probeert 'op te lossen'? Verbind met gelijkgestemden over dit thema en leer bij door een holistische kijk op trauma. Inschrijven via: https://heleenbecuwe.be/trauma-anders-bekeken-nederland/

Welcome, everyone! I'm excited to announce our first brunch :) Come meet the other women in this group on Saturday, June 6, 11:00 am. Please RSVP so we can let the restaurant know exactly how many people will come. Each attendee will pay her own bill. UPDATE: The location has been changed and will be announced via private chat to ensure everyone's safety. We've recently had a bunch of men joining this group, which is creepy to say the least 🙄 They have been banned and new members now have to be pre-approved. Apologies for the inconvenience! Hope to see you there :)

🇳🇱➡️🇧🇪 Brugge Day Tour from Amsterdam \| Discover the Venice of the North Join us for a magical day trip from Amsterdam to the fairy-tale city of Brugge, Belgium — famous for its medieval charm, canals, cobblestone streets, chocolate shops, and beautiful historic architecture. Explore Brugge at a relaxed pace with plenty of free time to wander through the picturesque old town, enjoy Belgian waffles and fries, shop for handmade chocolates and lace, or simply soak in the romantic atmosphere along the canals. ✨ Tour Highlights: • Comfortable round-trip transport from Amsterdam • Visit the UNESCO-listed historic center of Brugge • Scenic canals, medieval squares & charming streets • Free time for shopping, food & photography • Small-group experience with friendly atmosphere Perfect for travelers, expats, photographers, and anyone looking to experience one of Europe’s most beautiful cities in a day. Price: €129 pp incl. returned trip in a private Mercedes minivan, guided tour. 📍 Departure: Amsterdam (pick up in Utrecht is available for more than three participants) ⏰ Full-day tour 🎟 Come explore Belgium with us and make unforgettable memories in Brugge!

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Utrecht Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over Brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated brunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

* We **start at 11:10** in front of Hotel Restaurant de Loenermark: Eerbeekseweg 4, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/4W6e27ij3aqjQnFg6 * Length: \~16 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by bus:** * Bus stop: Loenen, Bruisbeek https://maps.app.goo.gl/863vGKfe8nqBvZfw7 **Getting there by Car:** * Free parking opposite of Groenendaalseweg 15, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/W6213M7LwEQv8PMg6 or Free parking in the streets, close to: Eerbeekseweg 4, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/awWbkpVZJVzxmX859 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=eSkpxZf7TymaoFsvJkBCKQ * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

**Modern and Authentic kintsugi workshop in Utrecht.** Choose from three options: * 1-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€60 * 2-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€96 * 4-Day Authentic Kintsugi workshop -€180 For all details, please visit my website. [https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/](https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/) Location: **CLAY TO PLATE** [Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht](https://www.claytoplate.com/) **Booking is essential**. Please contact me if you would like to participate in the workshop. Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

**When did you last do something just for fun** — with no goal, no productivity, no outcome? For many of us, play slowly disappears as life becomes more serious. Work, responsibilities, expectations… and somewhere along the way, “play” starts to feel unimportant — even a bit guilty. But what if play isn’t a luxury? In *Play*, Stuart Brown argues that play is not childish or trivial — it’s a **core part of being human**, as essential as sleep or rest. It shapes how we think, connect, create, and even how resilient we are in life. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4997659-play?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=fzFXhcGY46&rank=1 *** ## **What we’ll explore together** This will be a lighter, more energising session focused on curiosity and reflection: * What actually counts as “play” in adult life? * Why do we stop playing as we grow older? * What happens when life becomes too serious? * Different “types” of play (creative, physical, social, imaginative) * How play influences creativity, relationships, and well-being * How to reintroduce play without it feeling forced or childish *** ## **What to expect** * A relaxed, low-pressure conversation * Light reflection exercises (nothing heavy or personal unless you want to share) * A chance to reconnect with curiosity, fun, and spontaneity * A slightly more playful atmosphere than previous sessions 🙂 This is not a lecture or therapy session — just a group of people exploring what it means to feel a bit more alive and engaged. *** ## **Who is this for?** * Anyone who feels life has become a bit too serious * Anyone curious about creativity, joy, and balance * Anyone who wants a lighter, more uplifting discussion No need to have read the book. *** ## **Tone** Curious. Light. Relatable You can participate as much or as little as you like. *** ## **Closing** > “We don’t stop playing because we grow old — we grow old because we stop playing.”

Wil jij met mij op een culinaire reis door rouw? Ik nodig je van harte uit voor de Troost Tafel – Lunch Editie. Een intieme middag waar we samen aan tafel gaan om de smaken van rouw te verkennen. Wat is pittig in jouw rouw? Welke herinnering smaakt nog steeds zoet? In een klein gezelschap van maximaal 8 mensen nodig ik je uit om mee te gaan op mijn culinaire reis door rouw – een reis die ik ooit begon na het verlies van mijn moeder. Eerder organiseerde ik diners, maar deze keer kies ik bewust voor een lunch. Waarom? Omdat ik weet dat het soms spannend kan zijn om over rouw te praten. Met deze kortere, laagdrempelige editie wil ik juist ruimte creëren voor wie dat spannend vindt, maar toch nieuwsgierig is naar verbinding, troost en smaak. 🕰 Indeling van de middag 12.30 – 13.00 Inloop & ontvangst 13.00 – 13.15 Welkom & introductie 13.15 – 15.00 Aan tafel – 3-gangen lunch 15.00 – 15.15 Afronding 15.15 – 15.30 Tijd om rustig naar huis te gaan. 🌿 Wat is de Troost Tafel? De Troost Tafel is een plek waar verliezen, herinneringen en smaken samenkomen. Een culinaire reis door rouw – waarin we onderzoeken hoe emoties en herinneringen zich kunnen vertalen naar smaken. Wat is licht in jouw rouw? Wat voelt zwaar? Wat smaakt bitter of juist zoet? 🌟 Voor wie is de Troost Tafel? Voor iedereen die verlies heeft ervaren – groot of klein. Of je nu net een dierbare bent verloren, of al jaren een gemis met je meedraagt: alle vormen van verlies mogen er zijn. Bij de Troost Tafel leggen we de rouw op tafel, in plaats van hem eronder te schuiven. 🍽 Wat kun je verwachten? Een driegangenlunch, met ruimte voor stilte, gesprek en verbinding. Je zit aan tafel met een kleine groep mensen, ieder met hun eigen verhaal. Bij elke gang staan we stil bij een ander aspect van rouw en smaak – zodat we samen verdieping kunnen vinden in wat ons raakt en verbindt. 💛 Waarom ik de Troost Tafel organiseer? In het laatste jaar van mijn koksopleiding verloor ik mijn moeder aan longkanker. Het was mijn eerste diepe ervaring met rouw, en het bracht me op een intense spirituele reis. In die zoektocht vond ik uiteindelijk rust en acceptatie. Helaas verloor ik recent ook mijn stiefmoeder. Na een zeer kort ziekbed werd ik opnieuw geconfronteerd met het verlies. De Troost Tafel is ontstaan uit mijn verlangen om anderen ook een plek te bieden – een veilige, warme tafel waar verlies ruimte mag krijgen, en waar troost mag ontstaan. Schuif je aan? Als je vragen hebt mag je me ook altijd een bericht sturen.

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique. Techiniques are involved drawing pictures, patterns, and letters on the surface of lacquerware using lacquer, and then sprinkling and fixing metal powder, such as gold or silver, onto the surface. In our workshop, you have the opportunity to create maki-e designs using traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) or your own original designs. Then your canvas can be a glass cup or a glass picture frame. Join us for this unique Japanese art workshop in Utrecht. * Place: CLAY TO PLATE Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht * Price: three options you can choose from €56 pp(for a glass cup) €60 pp (for a glass picture frame) €76 pp (for a lacquerwares) Limited seats available. **Booking is essential for adequate preparations. If you've enrolled/registered on the Meetup app, we'll contact you through the app message. Kindly communicate with us accordingly, and refrain from showing up without prior contact. We appreciate your understanding** Website:[https://japanworkshopnet.com/ ](https://japanworkshopnet.com/) [MAKI-E workshop info](https://japanworkshopnet.com/maki-e-workshops/) Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

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

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

June 17, 2026: Worthington Library. Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac. Worthington, Ohio. 7 pm.

Garden to the Max Join the Inniswood Garden Society for their annual meeting and garden reception. Featured speaker, Teresa Woodard, will discuss maximalist gardening Having a maximalist garden is a bold aesthetic choice—yet it also brings vitality back to the earth, in an abundant expression of more. Garden to the Max celebrates gardens across the US that embrace maximalism through joy and wonder, nonstop blooms, and abundant layers 06/07/2026 Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Days: Sun Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S Hempstead Rd Westerville, OH, 43081 (614)508-8111 Location Map: Innis House.