Once again, there were friendly skies, easy breezes, excellent talent, The Easter Bunny, and the Traveler present at MSIA’s annual Easter Sunday on the Beach in Santa Monica.

Early in the morning, NOW Productions and a crew of volunteers set up a “Sand Fort” full of video and audio technology, while others prepared tables full of flowers for Spring Tiaras, and tables with all manner of crafts for the youngsters.

Meanwhile, a few dedicated people were constructing an entire castle out of sand, and not just a simple round tower with a flag — no, this was more like a modern day palace, executed with windows and what appeared to be crenellated battlements. It was extraordinary, to say the least.

When the program got started, We were delighted to have Ariel Downs and David Whitaker, members of MSIA’s NextGen group, as our emcees. After calling in the Light, they introduced Annie Segal and Eric Lumiere, who gave us a sweet, light song. They were followed by a young man named Matt who sang and played his guitar beautifully (while his devoted dog, Achilles, stayed nearby). Nathaniel Sharratt also shared an original song on ukelele.

Soon John Morton, Spiritual director of MSIA, was introduced. He first performed three Baby Blessings, on Xander, Logan and Aiden Bearman. Following this, John Morton gave a beautiful seminar and blessing, and Leigh Taylor-Young Morton added her own Peace Blessing for all of us and for all of the world. The Easter Bunny made his annual appearance at that point, and invited all the children, big and small, to join in an Easter Egg Hunt and some pleasant games.

A buffet Brunch, provided by Urth Caffe, had already been laid out, and the weather encouraged us to mingle, meet, and chat while we enjoyed delicious bagels, salads, fruits, quiche, and of course, Urth’s famous coffee.

Rain, which had been predicted earlier in the week, was apparently re-located to my neighborhood, a few miles inland from Santa Monica Beach. I was happy to be of service.

A Blessed Day was had by all.