Twilight Imperium

We'll be celebrating our friend, Genise's birthday

Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Love and Monsters,”** on the inescapable bond between romance and horror, with Joshua Barton, scholar of horror and lecturer in English at Virginia Commonwealth University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters) .] Romance and horror might seem like opposite genres, but they share a deep emotional core, and the combination of them has captivated audiences across time and culture. Put even your worst Valentine’s Day in perspective by hearing this strange relationship discussed by Joshua Barton, who has earned a big following among Profs and Pints fans with his past talks on cryptids, American horror, and Christmas ghosts. He’ll explore the undeniable and unsettling intersection of romance and horror and examine how and why love and fear intensify each other and combined to create tension, drive narratives, and explore human vulnerability. We’ll look at works that have blended passion and terror, including Gothic literature like the vampire novella *Carmilla* and modern films like *Spring* and *Crimson Peak*. We’ll study the fine line between obsession and adoration running through Stephen King’s “I Know What You Need,” Adrian Lyne’s *Fatal Attraction*, and the timeless *The Phantom of the Opera.* We’ll discuss the seeds of monstrous love that were planted with *Beauty and the Beast* and *Creature from the Black Lagoon* and bloom ferociously in works like *Twilight* and *The Shape of Water*. Through it all, we’ll find the threads of otherness and the taboo that intertwine horror, love, and reflections on identity. Join us for a journey through storytelling that combines the grotesque and the scintillating as we uncover why romance and horror are a match made in the dark. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From the original 1954 advertising poster for *Creature from the Black Lagoon* (Artist: Reynold Brown / Public Domain).

NOTE: You MUST sign up and pay via our website to reserve your spot (https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events). Simply responding yes to attend via Meetup does not hold your spot. Thank you for your understanding! What’s the first rule of Bight Club? Grab your rope kit and join [Feral Binds](https://www.instagram.com/feral.binds/) for a monthly meetup to find out and gain some insights that may even have you feeling like a completely different person when you leave. Expect something new each month as we expand and explore patterns of connection, movement, and application in the ropes. This is a self tie led workshop but you are welcome to bring a partner to tie. All participants must sign up and pay to attend. Students should have their own rope kit and the ability to tie a non-collapsible single column tie. Hemp or Posh rope is highly recommended. Kits should include at least 80 feet of rope and safety shears. Any additional equipment needed will be announced prior to each meetup. **Cost of workshop:** $65 per person*—Register for three Bight Club workshops and get $15 in total savings—use promo code BIGHT15 at checkout!* Upcoming workshop dates: [March 15](https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#1763585059427-8a2eeecc-0838) and [April 19](https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#1767969320212-10ae50b6-222e) Sign up: [https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events](https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events)

Social Sips & Bites — DC Rockers Winter 2026 Showcase Social Sips & Bites friends, we’re heading to the DC Rockers Winter 2026 Showcase- an all-ages, afternoon-to-night celebration of Rock ’n’ Roll through the decades. Five bands. Five decades. One epic day. Each band performs a full 1-hour tribute set, so come early, stay late, or drop in anytime. Lineup & set times • 2:00 PM – Barco Loungers • 3:30 PM – The Redactions • 5:00 PM – The Wanderers • 6:30 PM – The Spirographs • 8:00 PM – Dad Bod **Event fee: $15** Questions or Tickets : Email: ericSeisler@yahoo.com Easy vibes, great music, and classic Social Sips & Bites energy. RSVP and let’s rock winter 2026 together. https://www.unionstagepresents.com/shows/dc-rockers-15-feb

NOTE: You MUST sign up and pay via our website to reserve your spot (https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events). Simply responding yes to attend via Meetup does not hold your spot. Thank you for your understanding! This is an entirely floor based workshop built to take your floorwork game up another notch! You’ll learn a fun, slinky choreo during the workshop and be able to take home elements of the Liquid Motion® methodology to add to your future flows on the ground and around the base of the pole. Perfect for students looking to build confidence on the floor, learn new floorwork choreography and tricks, and explore floorwork in heels. Knee pads are a must have, heels are optional, and long socks are always welcome! Cost of workshop: $55 Sign up: [https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events](https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events)

**DCR’s DECADES SHOWCASE 2024!** 5 bands, each paying tribute to a different decade of Rock n’ Roll, to perform a 1 hour set. This is an ALL AGES SHOW! Email ericSeisler@yahoo.com with questions **(2:00pm) Barco Loungers** **(3:30pm) The Redactions** **(5:00pm) The Wanderers** **(6:30pm) The Spirographs** **(8:00pm) Dad Bod** **Rules:** All musicians must be active DCR members, or must join DCR prior to the gig. Sets should maintain a PG-13 rating as this is an all-ages show. Availability subject to organizer’s discretion, otherwise on a first-come-first-served basis. Please list your choice of decades (multiple options will more likely result in a spot), preferred practice location, and preferred and secondary instrument/vocals.

Event Starts @ 1 pm $5 entry Prize support based on attendance

Casual Pokemon TCG play! Proxy friendly.

***We have now resumed in-person meetups!*** We are a group of tarot practitioners and enthusiasts who are looking to practice and expand our tarot skills through both collaborative discussion and hands-on practice. Everyone is welcome regardless of skill level, even if you've never picked up a deck in your life! Each month we'll have a topic to discuss together, and when that discussion wraps up the session is opened up to any questions people might have about tarot. We also often break up into smaller groups to practice giving readings to each other. (The giving and receiving of readings are both completely voluntary, so please don't feel pressured!) Having a tarot deck is not required. (If you're looking for recommendations for a first deck, we'll be more than happy to help!) Some have found it helpful to bring pen and paper for notes as well. No fee, however snacks, donations for the tea fund, and gifts of practical items for the shop (toilet paper, paper towels, etc) are always welcome. Use of workshop space agreement at Sticks and Stones: 1. Feel free to arrange and decorate the space before your event, and make sure before you go to leave it as you found it. 2. Hot water and tea are provided by the store and you are welcome to help yourselves. We accept donations in the form of money, tea, paper products (tissues, paper towels, toilet paper) dish soap, etc, to help pay for this free service. 3. You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks to your event (no alcohol.) It is suggested that you bring any utensils and plates if needed, however we might have some available from previous donations if you forget. 4. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, in all areas of the store. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian present to take any of the workshops/classes. 5. Sticks and Stones respects each and everyone’s spiritual path; we do not discriminate based on race, religion, sexuality, political views, etc. Please be kind and respectful with your discussions, as we have many people from all faiths entering our store during business hours.

A Starfinder Society Scenario designed for 1st- through 2nd-level characters, playable in 2-3 hours. A few weeks ago, a massive alien starship emerged from deep space and crashed into the planet Akiton. Within hours, the starship’s automated defenses activated, unleashing dangerous monsters and magical effects into the region. This starship was soon dubbed the Wreck of the Returned. Believing the Wreck of the Returned has a connection to the mysterious First Ones, an advanced civilization from antiquity, and is but the first step in a devastating invasion of the Pact Worlds, the Starfinder Society establishes a lodge in the surrounding Sloughscar Hills. The leader of the Starfinder Society, First Seeker Sarmak, needs brave Starfinders to help establish and defend this fledgling lodge, explore the Wreck of the Returned, and prevent the First Ones from invading the Pact Worlds. Welcome to Invasion’s Edge, the first season of Starfinder Society for Starfinder Second Edition! Written by Michael Bramnik.

NOTE: You MUST sign up and pay via our website to reserve your spot (https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events). Simply responding yes to attend via Meetup does not hold your spot. Thank you for your understanding! Join us for a 90-minute candlelight workshop where you’ll begin by writing a heartfelt love note to yourself, setting the tone for a self-love journey. In this session, your body becomes your date as you explore restorative poses in the hammock at a low setting, combined with the soothing warmth of hot stones. These gentle stones will be placed on key areas of your body to help release tension, deepen relaxation, and restore balance. Using different props and the support of the hammock, you’ll reconnect with your body, release stress, and leave feeling grounded and nurtured. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a sweatshirt in case you get cold. **Cost of workshop:** $65 with hammock rental, $55 without hammock rental **Sign up:** [https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events](https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events) **About your instructor:** Belinda has been a part of the Flying Buddha community for over eight years and is certified in Level 1, Level 2, and Restorative Aerial Yoga, as well as completing a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. A passionate outdoor enthusiast and solo traveler, she brings fun, connection, and the joy of movement to her classes, inspiring others to embrace the beauty of the outdoors.

Twilight Talkmasters Open House — Feb 19, 7:00 PM (Doors 6:30) Discover your voice at our IN PERSON Open House at Fairlington Community Center (3308 S Stafford St., Arlington, VA). Enjoy engaging speeches, a guest speaker, networking, and light snacks. Free entry; all welcome. Why attend: sharpen briefing skills; boost executive presence; practice in a supportive club. RSVP / Info: https://twilighttalkmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/ · Email: officers-8095@toastmastersclubs.org. Bring a colleague — see what Toastmasters can do for your career.

A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for 1st- through 4th-level characters. The Maze of the Open Road has mostly been stabilized, and yet agents are still ending up at the wrong destination. While no one has been hurt, Venture-Captain Sigvard Tornkvist fears that it might be a matter of time until injury or worse results. She tasks the PCs with investigating the cause of these mishaps, and dealing with it if possible. Little do the PCs know what they've gotten themselves into, but there's a nonzero chance they'll find themselves in a dance-off before their mission is complete. Written by Mikko Kallio **Scenario tags**: Repeatable

“Fasten your seat belts and get ready for an unforgettable rock and roll journey with 7 Bridges : The Ultimate EAGLES Experience! Buy tickets [Here](https://www.ticketweb.com/event/7-bridges-the-ultimate-eagles-tally-ho-theater-tickets/14590243?pl=tallyho) Coming from Nashville, Tennessee, this tribute to the music of the Eagles includes stunningly accurate renditions of timeless classics and fan favorites such as “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” “One of These Nights,” “Life In The Fast Lane” and “New Kid in Town”. 7 Bridges’ incredible concert experience transports the audience back to the country rock era in Southern California and features impeccable harmonies, masterful musicianship, and authentic 1970’s stage presence. The band’s dedication to recreating the iconic sound of The Eagles is evident in every note they play and sing. This makes their show a must-see event for any fan of classic rock.” I recently saw 7 Bridges in Pittsburgh, and I imagine many of you have seen them in northern VA. They are true to the description above. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I look forward to seeing them again.

Come out to the Reston Community Center and play some games! Party games? Strategy games? Tabletop role-playing games? This massive space can accommodate games for every interest. While the event starts at 5pm, feel free to roll in whenever you are able! If you have games to bring that you'd like to share or run, please do! Food and drink are not provided within the venue, but you are allowed to bring in anything you need from outside locations, just please be considerate of other people's games and the tables when doing so. Park anywhere in the parking lot. The Community Center building is located directly behind Ledo Pizza. Walk straight back to the main room once you enter the building. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to either David Gray or Bill Parker through Meetup, or you can email Bill at william.parker@fairfaxcounty.gov. Hope to see you all there!