Singing for our panettone

I’m taking the easy way out tonight and using what Ramesha already wrote for Facebook…


“We’re in Lugano, Switzerland visiting family for Christmas. The day after we arrived we were invited to sing a few songs during a small Christmas party* for a group of people who are a part of a special governmental probation program; they all did some time for small crimes, and they’re now being helped to transition back into society. We sang some Ananda songs, and they experienced the power this music has to uplift consciousness and open hearts. We were really grateful to be able to meet them and be part of this very important program!”


I have to add, however, that we were pretty exhausted and still quite jetlagged. To make things even more interesting, on the way to the party we missed a turn due to the rain and ended up on the autostrada, completely stopped in traffic due to an accident.

So, we arrived really late…but of course it was the perfect timing. And it was a total joy to share with these lovely and receptive souls.

* In Lugano this type of informal Christmas party with friends and colleagues is called a “panettonate,” because you eat — that’s right! — panettone.

Looking good at 90 and 91!

Here’s Dad, Uncle Rudy, and their Aunt Tommye at yesterday’s birthday party.

Buster Allen Brooks, Jr (the father of Gil and Rudy) was one of eleven children. Because Buster was born in 1912 and Tommye not until 1933, she and Rudy (Buster’s firstborn) entered the world only two months apart.

Now Dad has just turned ninety, while Rudy and Tommye are both ninety-one. So grateful they’re all still with us! 💖

So many blessings on Swami’s birthday

Beautiful morning meditation altar

I started the day by making it to the Temple of Light to meditate. I was a little behind schedule, but it was a beautiful meditation, so I’m not complaining!

Ramesha and I also meditated in the Moksha Mandir this afternoon. This is where Swamiji is buried; it has an amazingly powerful, beautiful, and expansive vibration.

Afternoon meditation in the Moksha Mandir

Then we gathered as a community in the lower gardens at Crystal Hermitage and celebrated Swamiji’s birthday with choir and a small group, a joyful sing-along, brief talks by Jyotish and Devi, birthday cake, and lots of love and laughter.

Choir singing during the birthday party (photo by Kent Williams)

It was an altogether lovely day!