Why a Tipi? A tipi is a wonderful eco-friendly, relaxing way to escape the pressures and gadgets of everyday modern life. But this is not just going to be any tipi. Set on a beautiful 40 acres surrounded by nature, meadows, ponds, streams, trees, and horses. It will be a classroom and meeting center for the disadvantaged, youth, organic, and holistic groups; a place to receive holistic healing for many; and a getaway for those in need.
Hi, I'm Melissa Bieber. I am raising money to build a tipi. I grew up on the prairies of a South Dakota horse and cattle ranch then graduated from NSU with a Bacherlors Degree in Sociology, Psychology and Criminal Justice before moving to MInnesota. I have operated a small horse ranch outside of Becker, Minnesota for the past 18 years with a focus on raising great horses, natural horse care and natural training methods. I developed an apprentice program, that over the years, has attracted troubled and disadvantaged local youth. All of my students have benefited in so many ways, finding a home away from home, building life skills, having fun outdoors, increased confidence, and physical and social skills. Many of them have even gone on to become professionals in the horse industry. In addition, I have dedicated the last several years of my life to the study and practice of holistic healing methods and tools for both people and animals. Holistic methods look for the root causes of the symptoms of each specific individual. The whole person or animal is treated, and the body's innate healing ability is strengthened, through the use of natural healing remedies, holistic modalities, safe tools, healthy foods and nutrition. I am asking for your help to bring the pieces together. I can no longer financially afford to continue my apprentice program or horse ranch as it once was. But I think that together, we can turn it into something much better. With your help we can build a beautiful serene getaway, gathering and educational place surrounded by nature and all its elements. Where else can people go to experience a closeness to the rhythms of nature combined with the wondrous experience of being surrounded by horses in their natural environment.
My vision is much larger than one tipi. I foresee larger scale youth programs, camps, retreats and more.
What We Need & What You Get
We need $3,000 for the tipi, $1,000 for tipi furnishings, $300 for painting and supplies, $500 for porta potty, $300 for fencing.
Any additional funds will be used for Event and Perk Costs, $500 for insurance, $500 for administration expenses, upgrade to a handicapped accessible porta potty $1,000, Website and Marketing $500, Solar powered sound system $300, ATV repairs or purchase $2,000. Money is also needed for other fencing repairs, horse feed (Hay cost is $100 a bale right now. It costs an average of $1,000 a year to feed one horse), equine equipment and learning tools for the students.
If we don't reach our entire goal, the funds will still go towards purchasing a lesser Tipi.
We are offering some amazing perks to all contributors. Everything from discounts on services, Original Artwork by local up and coming young Artists, to Getaway Retreats in the Tipi! Be sure to look at the perks on the right hand side of the page and scroll down for info on our 6 plus person retreats. Our location is an easy 45 minute drive from the heart of the twin cities. Pictures of some of the artwork will be available soon. Be sure to check out our photo gallery (tab is on the top of this page) for pictures of our horses and location. We can also customized retreats to meet your specific needs and goals. Drumming, Guided Shamanic Journeys, Meditations, Labyrinth, In Hand Equine Labyrinth Sessions, Personal Development Sessions, Energetic Alignment, Riding Lessons. Specialized Retreats and Classes (Ex. Reiki, QiGong, Art, Yoga, Photography, etc) tailored to your interests. Additional people for the retreat options are welcome with an extra fee. Children under 12 sleep for free. Discounts for children 12-17. Fees for services for children are additional. Our tipi can sleep 15 to 18 people and seat up to 38.
The Ranch is an easy 45 minute drive from the heart of the Twin Cities. Close by: Fishing and Canoeing on the Elk River & Mississippi Rivers; Buffalo Ranch, Sherburne Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, The Sand Dunes, Sherburne History Center, Oak Savanna Paker. (and since everyone asks - yes - Becker Furniture World.)
What is a Butterfly Technique Healing Session? It's one of those things that almost has to be experienced to be understood. Each session is both relaxing and profound. In this deep state of relaxation your mind, body and soul can recharge and rejuvinate. Together we create a balance in your energy system to manifests divine creative power and health. The Butterfly Technique, which was developed by me, is an ever evolving intuitive energetic alignment session designed uniquely just for you to manifest your specific goals dreams, and desires. Most sessions include: a Consultation, Hot Foot Bath, Alignment of your physical, spiritual, and emotional bodies, Raindrop, YL Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils, NAT, Color, Sound, Crystals, Tuning Forks, Accupressure, Reflexology, Light Massage, and Manifesting Intentions.
About the Artists
My project and vision is also to support local art, artists, and artistic endeavors. The Tipi painting designs and original art offered as perks are an artistic collaboration amongst the following local artists. We will be adding more as we go. I am also inviting photographers and other types of artists to be part of the process.
Beth Harmsen started with me as a riding student, then apprenticed with me and went on to teach riding lessons. Beth has a quiet gentle nature with both the horses and her students. A student at St. Cloud State University she started with an art major and is now completing her Degree in Wildlife Management. Beth's paintings combine the best of both worlds - her love of nature with artistic creation.
Angela Diamond started her apprenticeship with me as a 14 year old girl with little horse experience. Angela's background and home life was the kind of situation that has turned many youths into troubled teenagers. Angela not only learned new skills, but she found a connection, extended family, and new purpose for her life at the ranch. She dove right in and has excelled at both training and showing horses. Angela has used her extraordinary gift with horses to help others understand and connect with horses. Angela is now taking college courses while still in High School. A program that only a few exceptional students achieve. Angela enjoys art as a way to continue her connection with nature and animals even when her busy student schedule does not allow her to be with them. The detail of Angela's drawings rival those of many professionals that I have seen.
Ben Olthafer ...
The Impact
Making a difference on a wide scale begins with simple actions from individual people. When you add all those actions together then we will see start to see big changes for the better. I am on a quest to make the world a better place to live in and I am asking you to join me. I have successfully built several businesses and have created several programs from the ground up. The difference with this one is that I am asking for your help and am thinking about the larger picture. I feel that we can make a much bigger difference coming together through our joint efforts than through individual action alone. I welcome any questions and would love to have you attend one of our summer events.
Experiences with the Horses
HorseConscious therefore celebrates not only the joy of true relationship but the healing and inspiration that horses provide. Horses are unique role models. They are conscious beings who demonstrate wisdom and peace, how to be in the present, how to let go of attachment and accept life as it is. Horses manage life with ease and give-and-take, regardless of their environmental, physical, or emotional conditions. Through horses we can discover so much more about ourselves.
Walk With Horses: The labrynth is a symbol that holds ancient wisdom within its paths and is being rediscovered as a valuable tool in spiritual practices today. Meditative walking with horse in hand combines horse wisdom with the powerful experiences found in the paths of the Labyrinth. Horses provide an energetic mirror to their surroundings. Lessons from these pwerful teachers is an experience that can profoundly enhance the quality your life as you explore your journey.
Create and make your own finger labyrinth and horse-totem guide to remember your experience by.
Other Ways You Can Help
You can also help by telling everyone you know about our campaign and a show of support. Please use the Indiegogo share tools!
We need help from dedicated people to create and run youth programs and camps, retreats, non-profit organizations, grant writing and more.
If you or someone you know would like to donate your time or materials to spring cleanup, ranch repairs, organic gardening, landscaping, or teaching classes, please have them contact me. www.naturesdivine.net
I am also going to have to sell some of the horses. If you have been thinking about buying a horse contact me to see if you would be a good match for any of my available horses. www.bieberhorses.com
Thank You
A BIG Thank You to all that have contributed in any way.
Bless you and Thank you all so much !!!