It has been many months since I paid attention to this project. So many things have changed and evolved since May. the Diversity Link was invited to join The Mosswood Center for Spiritual Life. Pastor Jean Cooley from the Westminster Presbyterian Church invited me to lunch to discuss the Diversity Link project. She had read our mission an vision statement and felt we had similar goals. The Mosswood center has since co hosted it's first series. This was an Interfaith Dialaogue. Pastor Jean along with the Peace and Justice committee from Westminster brought together leaders from the Jewish, Muslem, Hindu and Christian communities for a four week series to learn about our similarities and differences. When we know each other on a personal level we are less likely to judge each other unfairly. The final evening was a forum and panel discussion. This was very well attended and left people wanting to plan furrther projects. We are currently in the midst of planning our next series. The focus this time will be Mind, Body and Spirit. This will be several weeks offering workshops on Yoga, Meditation, Music, Art, Qigong and possibly Sustainable Living. I will be leading a food meditation focusing on mindful eating in February. Kathy Connelly is organizing a youth group for the GLBT. She has done her research through contacts with Equality Florida and PFLAG a support group for parents of gay, lesbian and bisexual children. (I would like to see a day when support groups are not necessary!) In the mean time we are excited to see this project prosper and grow. I hope all of you who were involved with the meetings for the Diversity Link will consider being involved with the Mosswood Center. We need your creativity and passion.
On a personal note our family remains heathy and grateful for the abundace in our lives. December finds us busy once again with the Christmas craziness. Our favorite brother in-law Andrew is visiting from the UK. He is enjoying our warm Florida weather, although today is in the 30's. James will be traveling home this week from New York, Ian is in the Navada desert with his friend Jackie. He also hopes to be home by Christmas. Alison has a severe case of senioritis. She is looking forward to a break from school. She is working hard at our favorite Mexican resteraunt, Chicano's. Mom has been keeping very busy. She is recovering well from her shoulder surgery last summer. She attends yoga once a week, visits with friends and has joined a knitting group at the Presbyterian Home, knitting peace shawls to send to Afganistan. The past week we have been busy with the Christmas cookie extravaganza. We will be hosting a Christmas brunch on the 23rd for family neighbors and friends. Keith is busy with work and finds time to enjoy cycling, swimming and running to keep fit. I continue to train for my upcomming cross country bike ride with The Ride For World Health. The fundraising is going well due to generous support from family and friends. I am working on sponsorships for a local solidarity to happen in March. My good friends from our local cycling club PABA have been helping me with my training. The energetic group rides on Monday Wednesday and Friday lead by Barbara Kelly as well as the Saturday group rides have helped me clock up my miles( 2,436 since August). I have also done some serious hills in Lake Wales with the "fast boys" Rob DiPardo and Bill Abbatoy. The biggest accomplishment so far was riding 100 miles in one day with Jack Emerick. This is only a fraction of what Jack rides on a weekly basis.
I will bring this to a close with a promise to update monthly and wish everyone peace, good health and happiness in the new year. Your Friend in PEACE, Marianne
