August has taken a quick turn to fall.
The summer, a tapestry of joy and sorrow, births and deaths of our animal friends and births and deaths of dreams, was a great teacher.
And as the wheel turns once more I am reminded of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, and the sweet and truthful line, "the wood of the lute that plays the most beautiful music, is hollowed by a knife."
As Echo Valley moves into her eighth year, I am honored by the people who call this place home – those who live here and those who visit. I am humbled by their integrity. And by, and for those, who have come before to teach, I am determined to continue.
In The Peace Warrior, I wrote, Echo Valley is an experiment in conscious living. I stand by that. Kindness, despite all odds, will win here. Love will be the victor here.
Echo Valley Hope, Inc. the nonprofit will continue. This year we will host two more events. On September 19, we will celebrate International Day of Peace (two days early). It will be a lovely day – rain or shine. We will feature the Words of Peace of Prem Rawat, and the concert will include Native American flute, bagpipe, and the soulful sounds of Fishtank Ensemble and Patchouli. There is no cost, but your support will ensure that Echo Valley Hope can continue in its heartfelt and simple way.
On October 24, we will have our Harvest Festival. Performances will include the stirring sounds of Moira Smiley & VOCO. Rain or shine, we will celebrate all the Good that has come – and all the Good yet to be.
If you haven't already, check out the slideshow of 2009's Widening the Circle, photos by Kasia Siemaszko.
