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We withdraw not only from the concerns
of the world and its preoccupations,
but from the incessant monologue
and concerns within ourselves,
in order for something else
to come into being.
- Deena Metzerin Writing for Your Life
Meet the Facilitators (listed n alphabetical order)
Rev. Billie Blair,founder and director of Tallgrass Spiritual Retreat Center, is a United Methodist pastor. She specializes in spiritual formation and has a passion for ministry to women. She teaches that we all have choices in life, that we need not "should" on ourselves, that it is important to feel the feelings we have, and that
life can be good. Billie's undergraduate work was in religion and Christian education at Kansas Wesleyan University. She has a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and is Certified in Spiritual Formation by the United Methodist Church. She has one daughter, Andi, who is married to a farmer-rancher, Kurt Dale. Living in Protection, KS (no, not the "Witness Protection Plan"), They have three daughters: red-headed 11-year old Allison Grace, lively 7-year old, Natalie Joy, and cute little 4-year old Anna Faith. Billie leads a variety of retreats at the center.
Tallgrass Spiritual Retreat Center:
Where Women Find Their Way
1780 Thurman Creek Road
Matfield Green, KS 66862
620.753.3465
Rev. Billie Blair, Director
Tallgrass Spiritual Retreat Center
Where Women Find Their Way
Barb Bade, a Choctaw/Cherokee Indian, was born in Grand Junction, CO and grew up in Albuquerque, NM. She has lived in KS for over 30 years. She is married with 3 grown children and 3 grandsons. She loves being close to the Earth and all of our Creator's creation. Any outdoor activity makes her heart sing. She wants forever to have her hands
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and feet in the dirt! Growing up with Indian friends, she was exposed to Navajo and Pueblo ways where Mothers, Aunties and Grandmothers all take part in guiding the girls and women. Every aspect of a woman's life and role in the tribe is taught by example, stories, hands on activities and laughter. Barb learned of the strength and beauty of all women. As an abuse survivor, she is dedicated to helping women heal and find their strength, to realize their gift of being female and to reclaim their power. Her Forgiveness Ceremony will touch the lives of all who experience it.
With over 40 years of living in and exploring the Great Plains, Jeff Hansen of Topeka, KS has gained much knowledge of its flora. As a gardener, botanist, and a naturalist, he has immersed himself in the plants of the
Great Plains. He has learned the many uses of our native flora - from more aesthetic uses such as
gardening and landscaping to more utilitarian uses such as foods, medicinals, cordage, and papermaking.
Jeff began making paper ten years ago by using recycled junk mail. Next he expanded the practice to using plant fiber. The first plant he used was iris leaves from his garden. Years later he was re- introduced to making paper from plants by artist Betsy Roe. He began experimenting with various plants. The results of his experimentation are some incredible plant fiber papers. See more about Jeff's work on his website.
Jeff will be facilitating Papermaking with Prairie Plants.
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About our Facilitators
Over the last ten years, a few of the Tallgrass Facilitators have been professional women. Many of them, though have been women who came here for their own retreat experience. In visiting with guests one-on-one, whenever I sense that "spark" that says a woman has something to share with other women, I invite her to think and pray about what that "something" is. It's always exciting for me to support and encourage women this way. It's simply beautiful to see a woman open up and share her passion with other women. Perhaps the newest Facilitator will be YOU! ~ Rev. Billie Blair
~ Rev. Billie BlairKarla Jo Grimmett (KJ) from Council Grove, KS, has a passion for assisting others in achieving an enjoyable and healthy lifestyle through coaching, playing and education. She has 30 years of experience in the health care, fitness, collegiate and wellness fields. KJ is the owner of Innovative Wellness, a consulting and service-based
business.. She is a trained Health Rhythms facilitator, Drums Alive trainer, Certified Wellness and Health coach, Certified Reiki I & II level Practitioner, and a Certified Physical Therapist Assistant. KJ will be facilitating Spiritual Transitions and Health Rhythms: Drum and Dance at Tallgrass!
A retreat is moving consciously and by my own choice into space where I can be with the Divine.
- Marion Woodman | ||||
Rev. Brenda Glanzer Lilliston, Wichita, KS, believes that every woman has a story worth telling. By providing a nurturing and safe place, it is her hope that women will unearth their own stories and reclaim their voices. Brenda is trained as a Celebrations of Life Legacy Facilitator called a LifeSAGEr. Brenda leads workshops on Legacy
Letters, Life Reflections and Making a Difference plans. She is also available for one-on-one consultations.
Brenda is a graduate of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and an ordained minister with Western District Conference, Mennonite Church USA. She is a board certified chaplain and has served in Level 1 trauma centers, a heart hospital and hospice. Brenda also offers storytelling and provides input for retreats, women’s and children’s events, and worship services. Brenda and her husband live in Wichita with their cat, Grady.
