No journey is truly as rich as it can be without the experiences we have with total strangers along the way.  Those “chance meetings”, paths crossing in surprising ways and angels disguised as the homeless man, the bartender, convenience store cashier or the lost dog needing your help, that makes you change course.  These strangers are part of my navigational system as I attempt to live in the flow and they have everything to do with how my river moves.  Every meeting carefully placed on my path by that which is so much bigger than anyone can fathom.  All we need to do is pay attention.

My journey thus far has been a remarkable confluence of meetings that has already changed the course of my plans and my designs of what this year is about.  So, as I can, I want to introduce you to some of the wonderful people who are becoming the “sign posts” along my way , pointing out the possibilities and already etching themselves into my heart.

My new outpost in Asheville fills the senses with the pungent smell of spice and jasmine, is littered with dimly lit nooks with small tables, harem cushions and blazing colors of orange silk and saffron.  Locals are in the shadows, all hiding low whispers of conversations over a pot of tea from the tea bible filled with a hundred teas from all over the globe. I spent hours  in joyful sharing at the Dobra Tea House here in Asheville with a remarkable artist and musician who is inspiring a deeper experience  of my own joyful expression.  Here is one of Richard Gannaway’s many videos from his album entitled “…And Love Rages On“.  Visit his website http://www.richardgannaway.com/rg/blog/wordpress/…be moved, be lite on fire.  As one of the lyrics says “I am another you, and you are another me”.  Oh so true.

And then there is Mary Long, who I do think is very aware of her angelic presence on this planet.  She is motivating me to create an internet presence that is long overdue and is part of a wonderful community here in Asheville that revolves around the Sacred Fire.   http://www.ivaluva.com/

Design from the heart. Designing differently in the world. Building relationship. Reaching out. Listening. It’s all about what you bring. It’s all about community. Honoring your gifts. Offering them to the world. {and a little bit of business therapy, too} Communicating in a new way. Connecting. With heart. Believe it.      About Community Fires Sacred Fire Community Fires are open to people from all walks of life and from all traditions. At their most essential, our Community Fires are a regular gathering of local community around Fire. Within the sacred space Fire provides, we share our lives and our gifts. Whether quiet and contemplative, emotional and challenging, or raucous and irreverent, each time around the Fire provides many opportunities for us to open to the transformation and wisdom of our hearts. Stories and music, laughter and jokes, connection and conflict are shared and transformed. Over time, the gifts of Fire unfold in our lives. A Note about our Fire Keepers: Each of our community Fires is hosted by a Fire Keeper trained and initiated in this practice. Each Fire Keeper has made a commitment to provide a sacred space for people to come together and experience the beauty and fellowship of the world we live in, to feel safe and at ease enough to be real, and to be reminded of the importance and value of community. Our Community Fires are numerous and growing in number, spanning North America, England and elsewhere around the world. Find your Fire!