Small and Compact Living

How much do we LOVE COLLECTIVE? So SO MUCH!!!! Come join us for a high energy Friday night on the rooftop in Tysons! The band starts at 6:30. We're going to try and get there early, but it's a work day... Collective returns for the 2026 rooftop season at Starr Hill Biergarten. Best of the 80s, 90s, 2000s and today across rock, pop, pop punk, alt and country music. Voted "Best Local Band" by readers of Arlington Magazine. Your assignment: bring friends - introduce them to our particular brand of fun, and let's get GO. We'll see you on the 11th floor!

\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm. Additionally, space is limited to the first 35 attendees. Your RSVP here does not guarantee you a spot and tickets are available first come, first served.\*\*\* Donations are appreciated, and the average donation is generally $20, but all are welcome regardless of means! A portion of all proceeds will help fund the Crystal Ashram non-profit project where the Human Activation School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. A unique musical experience called a "Sound Bath" Sound bath! What's that? According to sonic specialist Monte Hansen from Annapolis MD, "A sound bath is an immersion in sound frequency that cleans your soul." Leave your rubber ducky at home. Bring your blankey instead, for this super relaxing immersion! According to cutting-edge doctors from Harvard, some of the deepest most profound healing in the body are accomplished with sound frequency. That's old news though. A 2nd century stone relief in the Himalayan mountains shows us that Buddha and his entourage knew this before Christ walked the earth. The stone relief depicts the Buddha and his buddies playing ancient Tibetan singing bowls. A sound frequency specialist from the [Human Activation School](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=d6674b4603&e=465ba11f44), will be playing several of these rare Singing Bowls, some of which are over 200 years old. A magical alchemy of 7-12 different metals rings in the past, present, and future for our relaxing enchantment. Even modern doctors are using these old metal bowls for healing, and they are not practicing Buddhists! As a matter of fact, modern Buddhists no longer use the bowls in their practice. Come experience these gifts from the past in this NON-religious practice of our present. Come be rejuvenated or just captivated by this unique musical performance. Bring your pillows, blankeys, and yoga mats and snuggle into the comfort of the tranquil sounds. Feel free to sit, lay, or even stand! ***Did You Know?*** Singing bowls invite the mind and body into a tranquil state of being in which remarkable healing can occur, events that are unexplainable from a conventional biomedical perspective” *Music and the Meditative Mind: Toward the Science of the Ineffable*[Source](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=9222616fc4&e=465ba11f44) "The sound bath meditation provides a nurturing space to connect and grow spiritually. The group atmosphere is welcoming and fun, and the meditation work is soothing and enriching. Loved it!"**-Cara** 7:00 pm - Meditation Reception\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm.\*\*\* 7:15 - Doors Close & Meditation Begins 8:15 - Meditation Ends, Followed by Community Reflection \*Please be respectful of Sticks and Stones employees and their instructions upon entering and exiting the space for the meditation\* A portion of all proceeds will help fund the [Crystal Ashram](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=11664c3011&e=465ba11f44) non-profit project where the [Human Activation](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=41699e76d8&e=465ba11f44) School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. Community sharing and engagement following after the meditation Questions? Please email [robert@humanactivation.com](http://mailto:robert@humanactivation.com/) or visit [crystalashram.com](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=7d92f9b8f7&e=465ba11f44).

Hey everyone! We had some requests from a few people to try an online event for busy schedules. It's a great way to meet EVERYONE in the group rather than trying to coordinate schedules in smaller groups. Invite your friends, even if they're not in the area. Bring your wonderful faces, and let's have some laughs! Zoom meeting link: [https://zoom.us/j/96954872184?pwd=AbEhH2enGOGQIRanJXzHTuN6LPWnbl.1&from=addon](https://zoom.us/j/96954872184?pwd=AbEhH2enGOGQIRanJXzHTuN6LPWnbl.1&from=addon)

The Perry Valley Loop is a wonderful loop hike that includes Big Schloss, Tibbet Knob and Half-Moon Mountain in the George Washington National Forest. This is a full 3 days, beginning on Friday and concluding Sunday afternoon. * **Length:** 27.4 miles * **Duration:** 3 days & 2 nights * **Elevation Gain:** 5,133 feet * **Peak Elevation:** 2,964 feet * **Difficulty Level:** Strenuous * **Cost**: None! For a thorough overview, please consider reading "[Perry Valley Loop Backpacking Guide](https://intothebackcountryguides.com/trail-guides/perry-valley-loop?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2tOHD9PVCXZrhHyUuboaurGFe3CAkvoqcceheeIUHwWaFrexBgnrMPQdE_aem_gDp3jGVZLhqAopOivcmAvg)" from Into the Backcountry. For Backpacking Trips, all participants will be **waitlisted** until you have been vetted. Please answer all of the questions asked during the RSVP or you will remain on Waitlist until they are received. Detailed logistics, carpooling and other trip details will be EMAILED once we have finalized the participants. **Notes:** * The PATC requires each hiker to sign a liability waiver, which will be available at the trailhead. * Please check Meetup the night before. I will cancel a hike due to unsafe conditions. * Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. * Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Club volunteers maintain over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT (and the section we will hike!). For more information about PATC, please visit [https://www.patc.net/](https://www.patc.net/) **Backpacking Trip Essential Requirements & Expectations** *These items outline specific requirements and expectations for all participants on our backpacking trips. These are in addition to the PATC Liability Waiver and are crucial for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone, especially given the remote nature of these trips.* Please read carefully. By registering for a backpacking trip, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to adhere to these requirements. 1\. Self\-Sufficiency & Responsibility: \* This is a group trip, but we operate on a self-sufficient model. You are responsible for your own well-being and preparedness throughout the trip. \* You must carry all your essential equipment, including shelter, food, a first-aid kit, water, and water purification supplies. Sharing some items with a partner is acceptable. 2\. Navigation & Preparedness: \* You are expected to understand the trip's difficulty, including total mileage, elevation gains and declines, type of terrain, and daily splits. \* You must be in good physical shape and capable of completing the planned itinerary. \* You are required to have your own printed maps, as well as a compass and/or GPS, and know how to navigate. This is particularly important if you miss the group's morning departure. \* If you have a medical condition that could become relevant during the trip (e.g., carrying an EpiPen or inhalers), you must inform the hike leader in advance. 3\. Leave No Trace & Wildlife Safety: \* All participants must follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. \* You must have an established method for securing your food from bears at night. 4\. Group Dynamics & Punctuality: \* All participants must be 18 or older. \* Leave your dog at home for backpacking trips. \* If carpooling, please bring cash or use Venmo to offset the driver's gas expenses. \* Punctuality is essential. Be on time for carpool departures and be ready to leave campsites at the agreed-upon times. \* If you tend to move slowly in the mornings, please allow extra time to be ready for departure. \* Bring a great sense of humor – it's an essential piece of gear! 5\. Communication: \* We will be in a remote area that may be out of cell service. \* If you have any questions or concerns before or during the trip, please ask the hike leader. **Understanding the Risks:** Please be aware that backpacking in a remote area, potentially out of cell service, involves inherent dangers and risks. Your preparedness and adherence to these guidelines are vital for the safety of yourself and the entire group. **Questions:** David M (“Square Feet”) is the PATC Volunteer leading this event and is a PATC certified Hike & Backpacking Leader, member of Trail Patrol and the Backpacking Committee Chair. David is certified in Wilderness First Aid. PATC’s goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, so if you have any questions or need assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out!

**Saturday • May 16 • 2–5 PM • Ashburn, VA** Many people say they want to write a book someday — **this session helps you start.** Your life experiences already contain stories, lessons, and insights that could become books. The real challenge is **how to organize those experiences and actually turn them into writing.** In this interactive session, I’ll share the approach I’m using to build a **multi-book journey based on lived experience.** So far I have: 📚 **3 books published on Amazon** 📖 **1 more books releasing this year** (end of the year) 📝 **16 additional books planned** — and likely many more. This session is not about writing **just one book**. We’ll explore how your experiences can evolve into **multiple books over time**, and how to **use AI the right way to speed up your writing while keeping your voice authentic.** *** ### What We’ll Explore • Turning life experience into book ideas • How one journey can become multiple books • Simple ways to structure stories and lessons • Using **AI to organize ideas and speed up writing** • Practical strategies to actually finish a book **Everyone will leave with the outline of their first book idea.** **You don’t need writing experience — just curiosity about how your life experiences might turn into ideas worth sharing.** *** ### Event Details 💵 **$25 RSVP — includes coffee + snacks** 📍 **Ashburn, VA** (exact address shared after RSVP) 🕑 **2:00 PM – 5:00 PM** 👥 **Max 10 people** for a small, interactive conversation. Most attendees are professionals, entrepreneurs, and people navigating reinvention or new chapters in life. *** # Background — Writing & Reinvention Journey Writing has been one of the most powerful tools in my own reinvention journey. What began as reflections during a difficult life transition gradually evolved into published books and a growing body of work focused on reinvention, personal growth, and life transitions. My goal is not just to write books — but to help others realize that their experiences may also hold stories worth sharing. *** # 🔗 Midlife Reinvention Ecosystem 🌐 Website [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co) ▶ YouTube (400K+ views) [https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness](https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness) 💼 LinkedIn (4K+ followers) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/) 🤝 Meetup Community (300+ Members) [https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/](https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/) 📚 Amazon Author Page [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ](https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ)

High energy training session for competitive junior players focused on movement, reaction, and live point play. These tennis clinics are run by a former European junior competitive player with over 10 years of coaching experience. Sessions are designed to be high-energy and fast paced, focusing on repetition, movement, and live ball situations that help players improve quickly. This is a **paid clinic** and RSVP on Meetup does not guarantee a spot. Registration and confirmation from the host are required. Small group training to maximize hitting time and individual feedback.

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy nature! We meet Saturdays at 10am, by the bike racks and benches 150 feet in front of BUBBLES Hair Salon in Reston, leaving no later than 10:05. Every week we'll walk the Green Trail to Lake Anne Plaza (\~1 mile), pause there for 5-10 minutes (water, bio, and from April-Nov a Farmer's Market), then circle the lake (2 miles) before returning to our starting point. It's roughly 3.5 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to a local restaurant to refuel and relax before tackling the rest of the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels, and both friends and dogs are always welcome! We recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water bottle, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll always walk, rain or shine. By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.

Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions

1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

We will be meeting at Starbucks to learn together. Come with an online class you're already going through or an interest and we will try to connect you with a course where you can learn it. Already have a skill you want to contribute to a Kaggle Datascience competition? We will work on these too! Laptop required :)

Network with an average of 60+ business professionals, all attendees get an opportunity to give a 30 second elevator pitch, enjoy a light breakfast, 10 minute educational presentation on topics that change weekly, and enjoy networking before and after the meet up.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation** **What You Really Need to Know from an HR Professional** **Presented by Donna Giarratana** **Wednesday\, May 27 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a practical and insightful resource presentation designed to help small business owners navigate one of the most critical — and often overlooked — areas of growth: **Human Resources**. *** ## **About the Session** As your business grows, so do the complexities of managing people, processes, and compliance. Many entrepreneurs wait too long to think about HR — and by the time they do, they’re already reacting instead of planning. In this session, **Donna Giarratana** will break down what small business owners *really* need to know about HR — in a way that is clear, actionable, and relevant to your stage of growth. This conversation is designed to help you move from uncertainty to confidence when it comes to building and managing your team. *** ## **What You’ll Learn** * When it’s the right time to hire * How to set your business up for success before bringing on employees * Why HR matters — even for small businesses * Common pitfalls and how to avoid them * The foundational HR knowledge every business owner should have *** ## **Who Should Attend** * Entrepreneurs preparing to hire their first employee * Small business owners currently managing a team * Founders looking to strengthen operations and compliance * Anyone who wants to build a business with a strong, scalable foundation *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain clarity on one of the most important aspects of business growth * Learn how to avoid costly mistakes before they happen * Ask questions and get real-world insight from an HR professional * Walk away with practical knowledge you can apply immediately *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **May 27** for coffee, connection, and a conversation that will help you build your business the right way from the inside out. We look forward to seeing you there.

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee is authentic, spacious, has a helpful staff, and I like their espresso. If you try this place on your own, they’re open early and late. This spot has been recommended a couple times and I think it’ll make a great stop on our journey. Come out Saturday morning for a relaxed convo. (Please keep your RSVP updated if you know you won't be able to attend, so others who can join have the opportunity to. No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

🌳Join us for a Memorial day potluck on Monday May 25th, 2026 at Lake Fairfax Park! **📍Address:** 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190 Time: 2PM 🔗LINK to sign up for the potluck [https://freepotluck.com/sheet.php?s=Rdduk5hHFfflzWVuGyYyPA](https://freepotluck.com/sheet.php?s=Rdduk5hHFfflzWVuGyYyPA) 🍲Bring your favorite dishes—food, drinks, desserts, appetizers, or anything else you’d love to share. Let’s enjoy great food, good company, and great music in a beautiful setting! **🧺I’ve rented a picnic area for the day that includes a grill (to barbecue items) and a covered top next to the lake.** **To help the organizer cover the cost of the picnic table, we will be asking everyone to submit $5 via Venmo or Zelle. Please do not mark this as a sellers transaction as these platforms will charge a seller fee and the full amount will not be submitted.** **Please note: Do not RSVP unless you have submitted the payment as this helps track who has paid and who hasnt. Organizer will be removing people from the RSVP list who have not paid before RSVPING. Everyone must bring a dish to share. It can be stored bought or prepared at home.** 💲Venmo username; dina-hourani (last 4 digits of phone # if prompted is 7777). If you dont have Venmo, you can use Zelle (phone: 619-573-7777). 🅿️The Park has plenty of parking. Details of which picnic table is reserved will be indicated as we get closer to the date. Let’s make this a fantastic gathering! RSVP and feel free to invite friends. I can’t wait to see what everyone brings! See you there!

Meet & stroll over to the pavilion for free live music rock. Wear Yacht rock inspired attire. Bring lawn chair, if you can't stand 3 yrs. Music starts at 7:30 Saturdays May 16-Aug at RTC: Sip & Stroll alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants within the event footprint beginning at 6:00 PM. **Participating Sip & Stroll Restaurants:** Capital Burger CitySwing Fogo de Chao North Italia Sixty Vines Ted’s Bulletin True Food Kitchen Makers Union Uncle Julio’s

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 11am-11:15am: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 11:15am-12:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 12:45pm-1pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. We will be in Room C at Cascades Library. Can't wait to see you! :) Disclaimer: Shut Up & Write! is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Libraries or any other entity.