New Year

Greetings Family and Friends,

To all my friends around the world from the palace in Baghdad (very cool pics by the way), Germany, El Salvador, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, across the US and to the four corners… I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy new year. I began this year with this quote:


"May I become at all times, both now and forever
A protector for those without protection
A guide for those who have lost their way
A ship for those with oceans to cross
A bridge for those with rivers to cross
A sanctuary for those in danger
A lamp for those without light
A place of refuge for those who lack shelter
And a servant to all in need."

I think it is a challenge that each of us must remember. I know that this year has been one of challenge for me. If I had to pick a theme for this year it would be change. For some it meant new love, for others change meant leaving, still some a new baby, a new job, etc. I would just like to take this moment to say thank you to all of you for being there. I know that the road has been long, the hills steep, but each of you have touched me in a very special way. I think back to the old friends, the new ones, to those that we said goodbye too for the last time. When I think of 2005 I have to ask myself at what cost did I get here today and hope that my purpose was clear. I look to 2006 with hope, knowing that I leave 2005 a changed person. I hope that it was for the best. Marie Ray said "We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand...
and melting like a snowflake. Let us use it before it is too late."

So with hope we look to the future, remembering the past and never forgetting those that walked this road before us. Never forgotten…Have a safe and happy new year.

We cannot change the direction of the wind but we can adjust our sails - unknown.