From Across the Pond

Such a beautiful message was sent to me recently by my friends at Grays of Westminster in London (www.graysofwestminster.com) that I am compelled to share it with you. Penned by Gillian Greenwood, it's a brilliant, elegant and touching tribute to my favorite time of year. I feel a special kinship with Grays as I was once a neighbor, living just a few streets away. Walking to classes, I passed by their distinctive doorfront almost daily.

"October is almost at end, and in that brief period before the chilling white frosts of winter, the world is full of colour and motion; in the forests and parks, swathes of leaves spiral downwards, spinning in circles before finally falling to earth, ribbons of bright pigment - emerald green, pitted gold and bronze, beaten copper, crimson and scarlet.

The skies are filled with tumult and movement; here and there a soaring flock of starlings fills the skies with a swirling aerial display, almost as if orchestrated by a higher hand.

Autumn is the time of the artist with his palette, and the photographer with his lens."

Thank you, Gillian, for your inspiration and grace.

Circle of Friendship

Several years ago when I returned to live in my hometown, I met a beautiful soul named Jen at a yoga class. Our friendship has blossomed and grown over time and Jen is fulfilling her dream of owning her own business in the heart of town. From this little sanctuary named Belladonna's nestled between the local university and the downtown business district, Jen dispenses good cheer and spiritual tidbits on a daily basis.

Like the Celtic circles of my ancestors that symbolize unity and everlasting faith and love, our friendship continues to grow and evolve. Just like our lives.

Here's an invitation to celebrate this Saturday, October 25th, from 10 am - 4 pm with Jen and her circle of friends at Belladonna's Jubilee at the Unitarian Church on Heyward Street in Shandon.

"The whole earth is my altar." Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, mystic and scientist