Click here to view the photo slideshow from the Staff Holiday Party at Prana, 2005.
Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, also known as Prana and the former Guasti Mansion in central Los Angeles, IS a grand old dame, even if we do say so ourselves. Prana was host on December 19th to a Holiday Party for the staff of all of the organizations founded by John-Roger & John Morton.
Even on a hazy, relatively warm mid-winter afternoon, there were lights and garlands, and holiday trimmings everywhere. All through the original Dining Room, the Foyer, and the Grand Salon (Large Seminar Room), there were tables for four set up, covered in white table cloths with festive poinsettia centerpieces. A stage was also in place, with a backdrop of evergreen velvet, in hopes of entertainment to come.
The event began at noon with an hour of spiritual exercises, what a brilliant way to put God first and begin our Holiday Party! Staff members filled the property as each found their place to participate in this inner process of attunement with Spirit.
Arriving in time for the always-bountiful buffet, I was served at every turn by kind and knowledgeable volunteers. On the menu were salads, delicious vegetables, crab cakes, sliced roast beef, an omelets station, and the huge selection of delectable desserts (chocolate was prominently featured!). Staff members and their “significant others” numbered perhaps 150 or 200 strong. Many dined in the sunshine on the patio, and on the outdoor balcony of the dining room, taking advantage of southern California’s near-perfect weather.
At around 2:30 p.m., Paul Kaye, one of the three Presidents of MSIA, called everyone together and called us forward into the Light. We had the honor of having John-Roger present for afternoon, along with John Morton. Then the joy and laughter began. Tamsin Rothschild shared a very moving and dramatic original poem entitled, “If I Had Known Who You Were.” The MSIA Men’s Chorus and Precision Drill Team gave us opportunity to laugh out loud. The crew from Peace Theological Seminary offered a deliciously funny and appropriate rap song with Elissa Giges & Kevin McMillan leading. Kim Guisinger beautifully sang “Oh Come All Ye Faithful.” The French Contingent did an inspiring rendition of “Autumn Leaves,” in French of course. Nathaniel Sharratt played guitar and sang a fun original song about Christmas in LA. Jennifer Halet, up-and-coming stand-up comedienne, captured the essence of each and every one of the organizations, and had us doubled up with laughter. University of Santa Monica’s staff won honors for “Best Accessorized,” in their hilarious celebration of their 25th anniversary (and they can SING, too!). Deborah Martinez, accompanied with a lot of loving by the audience, shared the song “All You Need Is Love.” Jsu Garcia, accompanied by Phil Danza on guitar, did himself proud with a couple of songs, one by U2 and another of his own creation. Jan Shepherd and Kevin McMillan sang “Let There Be Peace On Earth.”
And then it was time for John Morton. He took the stage and just seemed to be delighting in celebrating with spiritual family this special time of the year. He spoke a bit, and then opened the time to questions. His answers were so gentle, loving, and he affirmed each individual’s personal right and responsibility to choose into the loving and the positive. It was very quiet in the house when he spoke, all hearts attuned to the message of the Spirit.
At the end of the afternoon, we gathered ourselves up, gave hugs and good wishes all around, and emerged into the dusk, looking forward to An MSIA Family Christmas Eve, December 24th, at 2101 Wilshire, which will be broadcast on the Internet from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time at www.msia.org/live.
