We would like to thank the 100 or so of you who attended our holiday party last night. I believe it was nine hours between the first hello and the final farewell. For those of you who couldn't make it, there is nothing I can do to re-create for you the experience of the beautiful live presentation of Bella Gaia by Kenji Williams and Lâle Sayoko. I hope you will get to see it someday soon in a planetarium or stadium or outdoor festival. It is perhaps the closest thing to experiencing earth from outer space and from a world tour as well. This video contains edited excerpts of an interview (12/13/08 at CRS) of Kenji by documentary filmmaker Gustavo Curi, which should at least give you some idea of where Kenji is coming from. Kenji is an extraordinary artist, blessed with multiple talents, and his vision and passion have already led him to work with many other extraordinary people all over the world. So, we'd like to thank Kenji and his wife Lâle for sharing. We must also thank Gustavo, a very wise and sensitive interviewer, our guest speaker Dr. Jeffrey Gurian, and Satomi Kitahara and her team, along with chef Tetsuya Shinmoto, for preparing the bountiful and delicious food.

I hope that many of you got to meet artist Anne Barry at the party. Her lovely exhibition of textile art is on display in our lobby through January 31. She'll be here Thursdays from 3 – 7 pm Jan. 8 – 29 and we'll have a closing reception on Friday, January 30 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Please stop by and meet here. She's an amazing person who's lived an amazing life and an inspiration for all of us.

One of the great things about our parties is the diversity of people who come. So many different artists, successful businessmen and women, chefs, healers, producers, non-profit activists, etc. attend. It's a pleasure to be able to introduce so many people and enable new relationships and opportunities. If you didn't attend this one, I hope you'll join us next time. It's not only about having a good time, or seeing a good show, hearing an inspiring talk, enjoying great food with friends old and new, supporting CRS. It's all those things but it's also about you. It's about enjoying good company, spiritual and creative community, with each YOU out there. In the words of Keith and Mick, this place is empty without you. Together, and only together, can create a spiritual and artistic home worthy of our spiritual natures. To do so, we must value and honor it in thought and deed. It won't happen by itself. It will only happen with you. Amen. Happy holidays!