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New Day Herald

Thanksgiving Abundance at Prana

Article imageYou’ve heard of the loaves and fishes story? This is a loaves and turkeys story. To set the stage…for the first time, perhaps in Prana history, there was not a formal Thanksgiving meal planned. Residents and staff had invitations hither and yon. We had a turkey ordered just to have on hand in case something spontaneous came up. Little did we know that something spontaneous and wonderful would come up.

Thanksgiving Eve, a call came in to Prana on one of the staff phone lines. It was a familiar friend, asking, “Is there a Thanksgiving dinner at Prana this year?” “Well, gee, I don’t think there is anything formal planned” was the reply. “Gee,” the familiar friend answered, “That’s too bad, John-Roger wanted to come over!”

At 1:00 a.m. a Prana Administrator came home to a blinking message light on her phone. Checking it, she heard the story of this conversation. “Yikes!” she thought. “Wow!” she thought. “I don’t even know how to cook!” she thought. She fell into a deep sleep, dreaming of turkeys, Travelers and an endless Thanksgiving meal. When she awoke that Thanksgiving morning, still in pajamas, the action was clear and the call was placed; “Please tell J-R that if he still wants to come to Prana, we ARE having Thanksgiving, and he is invited!”

Lickety split, after a series of nonstop phone calls, transferred lines and walkie talkie communications, the stage was set — let it be proclaimed, Thanksgiving is happening at Prana, and it does appear that we will be entertaining a very special guest! “Wah-hoo” could be heard from the kitchen, as an all-house page went through all the rooms at Prana, inviting the participation of any and all who could come.

The centerpiece for the activity in the kitchen was none other than Prana resident Alicia Landa, (who had been planning on cooking the lone turkey for itinerant Prana nibblers), who stepped forward with all the poise, gusto, and determination of a cultured general. Beginning with what looked like a meal for 4, then 8, then 15, then… “Did you say 50??!!” Alicia kept her calm, stayed centered, and orchestrated a choreography of cooperative culinary action that has rarely been seen, remaining neutral even when most of the gravy was accidentally poured down the drain! Prana residents came together and many who were planning to go elsewhere suddenly changed plans in mid step, offering their assistance, complete and unrestricted. Parties of MSIA’ers across LA somehow got the call: “Thanksgiving at Prana and J-R’s coming!” And suddenly, we had the people and all their food as well!

Two o’clock approached and the kitchen was whirring, the dining room was sparkling, the halls were clean, the sign-out boards were hidden in the basement, flowers were on the tables, holiday music was playing in the entryway, the MSIA Presidency was in residence and the candles were lit. The dessert table was laden with pies, cookies, whipped cream and other tasty treats. The banquet table was resplendent with turkey, mashed potatoes, salad, beans, yams, cranberry sauce, and other delectables beautifully presented.

When J-R and friends walked into the dining room at 2:30 p.m., everything was ready. Paulina Haddad called in the Light, and the room was buzzing with the love of communion here at the Home of the Traveler. Without further adieu, folks got in line to fill plates with an abundant helping of a loving feast.

In less than half a day, what had been planned to be a casual “no host” Thanksgiving for four had been transformed into a plethora of loving abundance and prosperity, overflowing with generosity and good tidings. When the last person in line was served, there was still an abundance of food left, and around Prana, the energy of goodwill and generosity of Spirit still remains.

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