Photos by Doug Gibson, Peter Leighton, Nathaniel Sharratt
Thanksgiving Day dawned with a clean, crisp air and glow. The energy at Prana, MSIA’s headquarters, had been building for days. There was excitement and expectation of holiday treats, and gratitude for living in a loving community. The excitement and gratitude expanded with the news that John-Roger would be joining us for dinner.
From the beginning J-R’s loving presence guided the festivities. Circling the pool we held hands while J-R called in the Light for the residents & guests of the Traveler’s home, reminding us to keep our focus on life, love, and joy. It had all the feeling of a family party. Jesus Garcia took the microphone and “warmed up” the guests as the kitchen angels warmed up the food.
The dinner itself was everything a we could ask for — plenty of turkey with all the trimmings, and a gorgeous display of pumpkin, apple, and cherry pies, cranberry mousse, chocolate cakes, and delectable coconut sprinkled Queen’s cakes (an old Marjorie Eaton family recipe).
Once digestion set in, the entertainment began. A parade of joyful givers shared their Spirits in song and comedy — Nathaniel Sharratt, Elizabeth Loggins, Angel Gibson, Erik Albrecht, and Jsu Garcia delighted us with selections from Broadway shows like “Phantom of the Opera,” and Greg Vahanian brought the crowd to new levels of sweetness as he sang “Betcha By Golly Wow,” and then an explosion of laughter and joy with his comic rendition of “Love Is in the Air.”
Not to be outdone, Jsu and Paul Kaye kept the laughter rolling with a mock opera mixture that was partly Japanese, partly Afghani, partly Italian, and totally outrageous. And last but not least, our faithful pianist Barbara Wieland brought down the house with her “Reincarnation Rag.” It was so good that J-R asked for an instant replay!
J-R closed the evening with a prayer, noting that Spirit was present (links below to hear the prayer online). J-R acknowledged the spontaneity of everyone who got up and shared from their hearts, regardless of any standards of perfection. And, he asked everyone to pitch in with clean-up. Within an hour, the tables were cleared, the leftovers were packed up and put away, all the dishes were cleaned, and a group of folks retired to the large seminar room to watch a movie together, and keep the loving going.
Love truly did fill the air this Thanksgiving Day, as well as the energy of Prana as a place of peace and the Traveler’s love. As we prepare for Prana to become more open to the public, the loving and caring of these events are like seeds for all of those who will come to Prana and find their field of dreams — in the arms of the Traveler, sharing the teachings of the Spiritual Heart. Betcha by golly wow indeed!
To hear John-Roger’s closing prayer online choose from:
