The condor came by really close... this is not taken with a telephoto lens, just a simple point-and-shoot camera... it really was this close. For more photos of today's condor meeting see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/surharper/505027118/in/photostream/

Condors at close range! This is one of my sons in the background...

I thought I would post a reminder of the "Baths" at Esalen for all those that have enjoyed the healing warmth of the natrural hot springs that bubble up from deep in the earth. Historically known as "Slates Hot Springs" after Thomas Benton Slate, they have been and are a blessing to countless people that have journeyed inward and outward and are greeted and held by these waters. Gratitude for the gifts of the earth... long may they flow!

Richard Price co-founder with Michael Murphy of the Esalen Institute. This is a graphite on paper sketch by me of Dick from a Joyce Lyke photo. Dick loved to hike and explore the inner and outer reaches of wilderness. He was a gifted practitioner of what he called Gestalt Practice, a one-of-a-kind human being, and a great friend. When I did a recent search of the internet and found few images of him, I decided maybe it was time to change that... although I imagine that Dick would have been please to have no images of himself on the internet as he liked to keep a low profile. Seems appropriate to have one image of Dick on this site as he was the co-founder of Esalen.

Antonio's Mushroom: this is the mushroom that Antonio spontaneously carved from an oak stump before he left to Mexico...

There is a fundraiser for the family of Antonio, Saturday, Jan. 13th at the Spirit Gardens at Loma Vista in Big Sur from 11-5pm. They need gifts for an auction and raffle. They also need help on the day of the event. You can call Luiz Gutierrez 667-2575 or Toby Rowland-Jones 667-0241. Donations can be sent to a fund that Deetjen's Big Sur Inn is overseeing.

If you can't make the fundraiser at Spirit Gardens you can send donations to:
Checks written to:
Silvia Macias (Antonio's wife)
mailed to:
Silvia Macias
c/o Deetjen's Big Sur Inn
48865 Hwy 1
Big Sur, CA 93920

With heartfelt appreciation and gratitude we send our wishes of peace and happiness. May the coming year bring you the very best of your heart’s deepest desires. May we all know the dance of spirit in every breath.

with love,
Kes, Kai, Janna & Steven