Labor Day is in the rearview mirror and the worst of the heat has lifted its heavy hand off of South Texas' neck. Time to pack up my tropical shirts and linen shorts till next year.  Sure, it's still warm enough to wear them, but they no longer feel appropriate, because the social mood has clearly shifted, as folks move out of their lethargic "summer mode" and get back to work, back in school, back to creating, instead of just getting by...
 
I'm particularly excited about shifting gears at this time of year because of the wonderful lineup of Circle events coming up.  Our first concert of the season this Friday, September 11th is an evening of songs celebrating Universal Love, based on the poetry of Rumi, and performed by one of the Circle's all-time favorite singer/songwriters, Erika Luckett, along with singer, Lisa Ferraro.  They have been garnering rave reviews while touring the country with these works as "Ruby" (www.WorldofRuby.com).  I am delighted to be performing along with them, and really hope you can join us Friday night at 7:30 in the PeaceCENTER for this magical evening of "remembrance, transformation and beauty."   *(details listed below)
 
Then there's our sixth annual "Sacred Art of Altars" show currently hanging in the Gallery at the Bijou Theater in Crossroads Mall.  It's our best ever, in terms of the overall artistry, diversity and quality of the work.  As much as I enjoy the art itself, it's even more fun to watch (and eavesdrop...) the many unsuspecting theatergoers who've come to see a movie, but then unexpectedly find themselves immersed in this compelling tapestry of artworks. Bushwacked by the Sacred!!  Hee-hee...  Please consider seeing this yourself.  The Bijou welcomes gallery-goers, so you don't even have to buy a movie ticket in order to experience this great show. (However, should you choose to see a movie, too, I highly recommend the Sundance Film Festival award-winner, "Taking Woodstock" currently showing there.)  Feel free to go anytime during their normal business hours, 11AM to 10PM, seven days a week.  And remember our closing reception on Wednesday, September 30th, which will be another great, high-energy event.   
 
Which brings me to our newest Circle offering:  the Sunday Sundown Service, to be held again this Sunday from 6:30-7:30PM at the Quaker Meetinghouse, located at 7052 N. Vandiver (corner of Eisenhauer Rd. and Vandiver, two blocks off Austin Highway).  We'd originally intended to do this just one Sunday a month, but the first one in August was so well received that we're looking at the possibility of doing it more often. The elegant simplicity and serenity of the Quaker sanctuary adds a quiet, contemplative element to the acoustic music and spontaneous tone of this gathering.  It's like a delightful hybrid of our upbeat Sunday morning Circle and our Wednesday evening Meditation Circle.  Plus, it's perfectly timed to provide a peaceful end to your week - and an uplifting preparation for Monday morning, too.  
 
And finally, I'm deeply grateful for the 29 mail-in donations we've received totaling $4,500 thus far.  These were in response to our request last month for help with the $10,000 deficit in the Circles' Operating Fund this year. Whew! Here's a big THANK YOU to all who sent these gifts, as well as supportive notes and phone calls. I affirm that we'll continue to receive all the resources needed to sustain our Circle programs and personnel for a long time to come.  And so it is!
 
With blessings - and prayers for more rain,