SURPRISE !
SURPRISE!
On behalf of the iThou community…
On this very special day. The one in which you entered this world. All things seen and unseen conspired (breathed together) to welcome you into this being-ness saying, “yes.”
Yes, you belong, here… now…
On this day of your birth and re-birth may you receive these gifts of words, thoughts, intentions, deeds that are filled with heart and meaning. May you let yourself be held in the deep ground of love and care that so many (seen and unseen) hold for you.
You, the one that is known as Albert Wong:
May you dance the cosmic dance that no one else but you can dance. May you celebrate this living with every breath.
This is an all day world-wide SUR-prise virtual party for you… May the party of Posts begin!
Light a Candle for Albert: Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Albert!
... lit in Toronto for you, Albert! I so appreciate the artistry with which you animate our community. Your presence is always guiding and informing us, from the tech support to your thoughtful posts to your videos of you dancing or gifting... and may you continue to dance, grow and live fully. Happy Birthday, dear Albert!
I join Albert's virtual party on a flawless, sunny morning, perfect for celebrating!
I hope you have the most beautiful day ever.
I light a candle in Connecticut and join in the celebration of your birthday!
Love,
Anjela
It's that day that comes just once a year You made it one more time around the sun Have a happy birthday Albert, You are full of love and grace So have a happy birthday
We are happy that you are still here
If you think you're getting old
Well, honey, let the truth be told
You only have eternity to go
Now's the time to also have more fun*
Kick up your heels, enjoy the ride
And let your God alone just drive*
Now's the time when we all have to say
Celebrate and dance with all your might
Have a happy birthday
Laugh and sing
Celebrate your life
It pleases us to see your smiling face
To see you rise and be a star
We know that you'll go really far
This life is short and you have just begun
Celebrate and a dance with all your might
Have a happy birthday
Laugh and sing and celebrate
Laugh and sing and celebrate
Laugh and sing
William Butler Yeats
Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift
Virginia Woolf
Larry Lorenzoni
I drew this picture especially for you Albert as I am thinking of you and including the very best thoughts for you on your birthday and always!
Love,
Esther
"Happy Birthday, Albert!" Love, Tuaca
Big Birthday Wishes for our Bestest Mayor/Pastor Albert!! ...from henry
Your Birthday is a day to celebrate YOU!
May your day, and year, be filled with Love, Beauty, Happiness and Peace.
You are wonderful, Albert!
With Love,
--zen
Here are some beautiful scenes and music for you:
-- PEACE
Albert,
May your year be filled with many blessings. The love you bring to this community so effortlessly guides you to change the world in your own way, making this a better planet. I celebrate you today, Albert.
Much Love...
If not now, when?
-Hillel
Originally done for the Queen Mum, but they wanted to come to your party!
My best birthday wishes. I don't know how to post a picture here. For some reason I can only do it when I go to the gallery but I will send you a picture later. I am very grateful for this site and all you have done for us. Much love, Monika
Happy Birthday! Thanks for all you do.
Pamela RainBear Portugal Walatka
So it's your Birthday. ALBERT!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! In keeping with the quotes section of Alberts I-Thou Esalen:
http://www.geocities.com/ninthnebula10/graphiczine13.htm
Or as Yogananda might say: "You are one" (with Everything). Or your age is always one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wadoC4v-P_s
Thanks Albert for making a big contribution to me and many people's lives.
Hope you have a wonderful BirthYEAR. (Everyday is a new birth).
(I lied once at Esalen no one knows this...I made something up when I did not trust (several of the other participants; I was also hungry and tired which is my major excuse for reactivity; and stressed since I thought I had to be responsible for someone else who I took there).) No one knows this but me and now you. It was in a workshop (the last time I was there), we were sitting outside and I could not hear anyone else and I doubt if they could hear me. We were all talking and the place was so unusual and strange where we were at that moment. The leader was right to want to go inside and talk. But the air outside was really nice. I lied trying to help someone else open up too. I am sure I lie to myself all the time. How could one not? When only Spirit is Truth.
Always before I had acted with reverence for and at Esalen and all who I met (though fear was sometimes there often it was not!) and in my Memory I still do have reverence in my heart of hearts for Esalen the place.
Guys,
I am so moved
and touched by this all...
You are all too kind.
I have no words.
Only gratitude.
Thank you for thinking
that I may
have done
a little something
with my life
at least for now
at least for you.
With humble
abundant love
Albert
Albert,
You have brightened my life through this web site. Thank you.
And here is a little dancing prezzie for you. I hope you enjoy it. It takes a minute for the image part to come on, and you might need to double-click this to watch it.
Donna ;-)))) (that is a BIG GRIN)
d.
"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us
to an understanding about ourselves" - Carl Jung
"It is the enemy who can truly teach us to practic
(a right-turning conch shell for you!)
I just found this ...and then I found another.
And they each spiralled in a different direction.
I wanted you to have the right-spiralling (turning) one, but it was difficult to discern which one turned in which direction. (?)
I chose this one, finally, because I believe it is a right-turning conch.
(And I don't even live near the beach!) :-)
LOVE, HUGS,
-- zen
... thought I'd break out an excellent bottle of champagne and propose a toast: "To Albert, Happy Birthday! ... and to his wonderful friends who put on a great surprise party: Cheers!"
Warmly,
Michael
After our 'cheers', I thought of one more song, for your Birthday.
It's kind of cheesy, but sincere. I hope you dance ...
http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/174280209
... I hope we all dance.
Thank you for this site. Thank you for bringing this community together. Thank you for giving me (and others) a place to "be".
Sorry for the cheesy-yet-sincere song.
We all love you!
Happy Birthday!
Okay, g'nite. :)
-- PEACE
What a (virtual) party that was. Thanks to all who showed up. Anyone showing up "later" in the space time continuum feel free to post something now (in this universe or a parallel universe).
Meantime I've got to get back to cleaning up the Lodge and the cake at the Baths...
Oh yes, Happy Birthday to y'All... each and every one of yous
Sorry I missed the party!
I am really grateful to you for providing the love and structure that makes this place happen, and holds this community together.
Yes, indeed, you are a contributor of a great thing for our lives. Your efforts and care have provided me with a set of brothers and sisters whom I love and have really needed and appreciated--at this time in my life and moving forward.
The quiet role of the one-in-the-background-who-makes-it-possible is both difficult and wonderful. You carry the role with grace and skill.
Thank you Albert.
Albert,
Birthday Cheers!
Pardon, a bit late (I am hosting a friend from out of town, so this is the first chance I've had to get online).
I wish you a path ahead filled and embraced by wondrous delights + simple beauty + sacred blessings. Thank you, Albert, for the blessing you have been to the ithou community. You are a beautiful soul indeed.
Blessings to you.
embrace,
YogiGypsi
Michael what happened to the rest of the cake......Hmmm all those tell tale sprinkles across your face might be an indication Hmmmmmmm
I would love a piece of that.
Anjela,
It came that way: Baked and frosted to look like a big slice of cake. ;-) It's all there. Every delicious morsel. (You would really have liked it.)
Warmly,
Michael
Albert,
I found this in the refrigerator (I'm certain Anjela kindly saved it there for you) with three chocolate cake starved seminarians about to inhale it.
I wanted you to have some birthday cake for your birthday. This slice is for you.
Warmly,
Michael
And another candle...