Clippings

Well, now I know how it feels to be a princess. The morning began with a champagne breakfast and then on to the task of ironing wrinkled formal wear. We were escorted from the five-star hotel in a limousine where we met the now famous Chuck Russo of Table to Table and his lovely Cuban bride, Maria. Sitting together in staggering disbelief at our good-fortune and shock at the falderall which just kept on a-comin’ ~ we were treated like royalty by our new friends at Markham Vineyards. They threw us a party which was nothing short of regal. First a formal interview with a top shelf production crew from the big city (included a makeup artist!) followed by a gourmet luncheon held in the twinkling wine cellar, including tours, toasting and tears. I only wish my own Mama and my late but beloved Gagy could have been there. And of course each and every student, gardener, teacher, appreciator of the beautiful Bartlett Arb who voted for our project ~ I wish each and everyone of you could have taken in this extraordinary event. I spoke about the flooding project for further Mark of Distinction promotion. But what most moved the crowd was the gratitude I couldn’t help but express for giving back to my small community something that had been lost long ago: HOPE. Kenny and I chose to perform a song (Acre of Land) for the distinguished group who had traveled from all parts of the earth…well, …New York, Chicago, Portland, specifically. We used borrowed guitars so I was forced to retrofit a homemade capo from a pencil and rubberband. Ah, God provides! As well as Markham’s events coordinator: Vickie Andreassi. Thank you Markham Vineyards…Bryan Del Bondio (President for your kind words) Kim Nicholls, the vineyard’s wine maker for the tour and conversation about how understanding our genetic code helps us know our true essence, to Pete & Meghan & Anna from Terlato International who first came up with the Mark of Distinction concept and the vision to see its far-reaching purpose and result, and the efficient and resourceful folks at Marina Maher Communications on Manhattan Island, specifically, Jessica, Amy and Kanchan.

In short, today was one of the greatest days of my life. Two in one year ~ as was April 19th ~ the day when Songs From the Garden was officially born. I turn 50 this year on Thanksgiving Day. I was also born on that holiday. Things happen in threes you know. Today my heart is so full of abundant gratitude. I will continue to exercise it and cause it to grow for I must make more room for abiding thankfulness before November 27.