Riding With Ms. Claus To Catherine Place

Yesterday was such a beautiful gift. I was allowed to be "wing-elf" for Ms. Santa Claus, otherwise known as local artist and good friend, Tweed Meyer. She had heard of a house in Tacoma called "Catherine Place," where women could meet spiritually for healing, and wanted to donate an absolutely beautiful piece of work to the house. Well of course I wanted to be in on an adventure like this! I grabbed my little notebook and camera and jumped into Tweed's funky little pickup. We both had big smiles and big stories so the ride from Home into downtown Tacoma seemed to take no time at all. We walked through the wrought-iron gate and through the doors to Catherine Place, into the loving arms of Sister Peg Murphy and Beth Maslow...and an afternoon that glowed.

Catherine Place is named after a feisty fourteenth-century feminist, Saint Catherine of Sienna, who stood up to the Vatican...and won! Now, you KNOW Lorraine likes a woman who speaks her truth. The vision for this house came about from three dreams Sister Joyce Roach had, of a place of healing for women. Through generous donations and a lot of hard work Sister Joyce's dream became a reality and a gift to Tacoma. I cannot believe they are working in their tenth year and I had never heard of it!

Their mission reads: "Catherine Place seeks to improve the quality of life for women by creating a gentle and sacred space to encourage each woman to claim her dignity and worth, by welcoming and honoring her and by providing opportunities for learning and spiritual growth."

Many alternate healing services, like Reiki, meditation, massage, etc. are offered here...for a donation! There are circles for poetry, music, rituals and sharing all available to us on their schedule for Fall and Winter. Classes for Reiki and Healing Touch are offered for exceptionally reasonable prices. The house is located in the South 8th. and I neighbourhood of the Hilltop. You can check them out by going to www.catherineplace.org or call (253) 572-3547. Confidential support and advocacy are also given here. What a wonderful resource for women in our community. Please consider, if you can, a donation in the name of women you have known, ill, frightened and seeking sanctuary.

But now...back to our story....

Sister Peg and Beth could not believe the beautiful gift coming through the door. As you can see, Tweed's painting is healing art in itself and perfect for this sweet retreat for women. Sister Peg stands on the left, Tweed in the middle, and Beth to the right. We had joyful and tearful discussions as we all reached for each other, as women do. Catherine Place called to Tweed, Tweed's generosity gathered us, and we all received connection on the first sparkling day of December. I know I will be going back and joining circles under my friend's painting and the phenomenal photographs taken by Sister Joyce Roach. I know I want to meet this woman of vision and heart. I know I felt comfortable in Catherine Place.

Tweed and I drove home. Her little grey pickup now felt like a silver cloud and our talk was quieter. I looked at the burning beautiful sunset to our left...and the softer reflection of light in the rise of a full moon to our right and smiled...as wide as I'm sure all the elves who help Ms. Claus do on their way home.